Space Shuttle Discovery's Final Landing
March 9th, 2011
March 9th, 2011
How Long Ago?
14 years, 5 days ago
Location
Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
Category
Space Exploration
People
- Charles Bolden
- Steven Lindsey
- Eric Boe
- Douglas Hurley
- Rex Walheim
- Michael Barratt
Links & References
Tags
Space Shuttle Discovery's Final Landing
Space Shuttle Discovery completed its historic final landing at Kennedy Space Center, marking the end of a remarkable 30-year career. It was the shuttle's 39th mission, and it returned from a 13-day mission to the International Space Station. Discovery played a crucial role in building the ISS, launching the Hubble Space Telescope, and conducting numerous scientific experiments. The landing concluded with a touching farewell to the shuttle, which had become an iconic symbol of American space exploration.
Discovery flew 39 missions since its debut in 1984.
It traveled over 148 million miles in its lifetime.
This marked the end of the Space Shuttle Program.
Discovery contributed to the ISS and Hubble Telescope.
What Happened?
Space Shuttle Discovery, one of NASA's most famous spacecraft, made its final landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida after completing STS-133, the 39th mission of its illustrious career. This concluding flight lasted 13 days, during which the crew delivered and installed the Permanent Multipurpose Module to the International Space Station (ISS). Discovery's role spanned over three decades, conducting important missions that contributed significantly to various milestones in space exploration, including deploying the Hubble Space Telescope, serving as a platform for scientific research, and building the ISS. The shuttle's final descent was celebrated by thousands of spectators, including former astronauts, NASA officials, and supporters of space exploration.During its operational lifetime, Discovery flew a total of 148 million miles, completing a staggering 5,830 orbits around Earth. Throughout its missions, it carried out vital tasks, such as resupplying the ISS, deploying satellites, and aiding in scientific research that advanced our understanding of space. The shuttle had a mixed legacy, having faced challenges, including the tragic loss of the Challenger and Columbia, but it ultimately marked numerous successes in human spaceflight. The final landing of Discovery was not just a farewell to the shuttle itself but also symbolized the closing chapter of NASA's Space Shuttle Program, leading to discussions about the future of human space exploration.
Why Does it Matter?
Discovery's last mission signified the end of an era for NASA and American human spaceflight. It shed light on the progress made in space exploration and highlighted the transition to a new phase of space initiatives focused on commercial partnerships and deep space exploration. The shuttle program's legacy continues to influence future missions and objectives, inspiring a new generation of scientists and astronauts.
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