zoom_in Click to enlarge

Space Shuttle Discovery

▲ ▼

description Space Shuttle Discovery Overview

The Space Shuttle Discovery represents a pivotal era in American space exploration. This NASA orbiter undertook 39 missions between 1984 and 2011, most notably deploying the Hubble Space Telescope. It served as a vital component of the Space Shuttle program, facilitating scientific research and satellite deployment. The vehicle is now a museum exhibit primarily for engineers, scientists, and space enthusiasts interested in this historic flight program.

help Space Shuttle Discovery FAQ

How many total missions did Space Shuttle Discovery fly?

Space Shuttle Discovery flew a total of 39 missions over its operational lifetime. It was NASA's third operational orbiter, launching for the first time in 1984. Discovery ultimately retired in March 2011 after completing its final flight, STS-133.

Did Space Shuttle Discovery deploy the Hubble Space Telescope?

Yes, Discovery successfully deployed the Hubble Space Telescope into low Earth orbit in April 1990. This occurred during the STS-31 mission under the command of Loren Shriver. The shuttle also later launched the Ulysses solar probe and tracked the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite.

Where is Space Shuttle Discovery currently located?

Space Shuttle Discovery is currently on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. It was transferred to the museum in 2012, taking the place of the test shuttle Enterprise. Visitors can view the orbiter in the McDonnell Space Hangar.

Which NASA orbiters were part of the Space Shuttle program alongside Discovery?

Discovery was part of the original operational shuttle fleet alongside Columbia, Challenger, Atlantis, and Endeavour. Columbia and Challenger were tragically lost in accidents, leading to the construction of Endeavour as a replacement. Discovery is notably the oldest surviving orbiter from the fleet.

swap_horiz

Looking for Space Shuttle Discovery alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward