Historical Events tagged with "shuttle"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Space Exploration

Endeavour Launches on STS-118 Mission

August 8th, 2007 17 years ago

NASA launched the Space Shuttle Endeavour on the STS-118 mission to the International Space Station. The mission aimed to deliver supplies and new components critical for the ISS, marking a significant step in the ongoing assembly and maintenance of the space station. During this launch, seven astronauts flew aboard Endeavour, contributing to a series of missions focused on expanding the ISS's capabilities and facilitating scientific research in low Earth orbit.

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Space Exploration

Atlantis Launches for ISS Assembly Mission

September 9th, 2006 18 years ago

Space Shuttle Atlantis was launched on STS-115 to continue the assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). This mission marked a significant return to ISS assembly operations after the Columbia disaster in 2003, which had halted shuttle flights for over two years. Atlantis carried a key piece of equipment, the P3/P4 truss, which was vital for the station's structure. The launch took place from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

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Space Exploration

NASA Grounds Space Shuttle for Investigation

July 27th, 2005 19 years ago

After foam insulation debris incidents during STS-114, NASA decided to suspend Space Shuttle launches. This decision was taken as a precautionary measure pending a thorough investigation into the ongoing issue of foam shedding from the external fuel tank, which had raised significant safety concerns. Engineers, faced with the dangerous potential for damage to orbiters, focused on rectifying the problem to ensure astronaut safety and mission integrity in future flights.

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Space Exploration

Discovery Launches for First Post-Columbia Mission

July 26th, 2005 19 years ago

Space Shuttle Discovery was launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of the STS-114 mission, marking NASA's first scheduled flight mission after the Columbia disaster. The mission aimed to test safety improvements and delivered supplies to the International Space Station. It featured a 12-day mission, with key tasks including the assembly and maintenance of the space station. The crew was led by Commander Eileen Collins, making her the first female commander of a Space Shuttle flight.

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Space Exploration

Space Shuttle Columbia Disintegration during Reentry

February 1st, 2003 22 years ago

During mission STS-107, Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts aboard. The crew was conducting scientific experiments, marking a significant milestone in NASA's efforts. The shuttle was tragically lost over Texas as it returned from its 28th mission. Investigations later revealed that damage suffered on launch contributed to the disaster.

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Space Exploration

Columbia Launches on Final Mission STS-107

January 16th, 2003 22 years ago

The Space Shuttle Columbia launched on its final mission, STS-107, from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission marked a significant undertaking for NASA, aiming to conduct over 80 experiments in various scientific fields. Columbia carried a seven-member crew, including mission commander Rick D. Husband and payload commander Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut. The launch was part of NASA's continued effort to expand human knowledge through space exploration and scientific research.

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Space Exploration

Space Shuttle Atlantis Launches STS-112 Mission

October 7th, 2002 22 years ago

The Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off for STS-112, tasked with delivering the Harmony module to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission aimed to enhance the station's capabilities and support the construction of the ISS. Liftoff occurred from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking a significant advancement in international space collaboration.

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Space Exploration

Columbia Launches for Hubble Service Mission

March 1st, 2002 23 years ago

Space Shuttle Columbia launched on mission STS-109 to service the Hubble Space Telescope, marking significant enhancements to the telescope's capabilities. The shuttle aimed to install important upgrades and repairs, including new instruments and a cooling system to extend the life of Hubble. The mission was notable not only for its technical achievements but also for the teamwork and collaboration of astronauts and ground crews.

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Space Exploration

Endeavour launches with Expedition 4 crew

December 5th, 2001 23 years ago

Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on STS-108 to transport the Expedition 4 crew, comprising Commander Yury Onufrienko, Flight Engineer Carl Walz, and Mission Specialist Daniel Tani, to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, critical to the ongoing assembly and operation of the ISS, aimed to further expand research capabilities in orbit.

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