Space Shuttle Discovery

From Spacefaring




Space Shuttle Discovery is a retired American Space Shuttle orbiter. The spaceplane was one of the orbiters from NASA's Space Shuttle program and the third of five fully operational orbiters to be built. Its first mission, STS-41-D, flew from August 30 to September 5, 1984. Over 27 years of service it launched and landed 39 times, aggregating more spaceflights than any other spacecraft as of December 2024. The Space Shuttle launch vehicle had three main components: the Space Shuttle orbiter, a single-use central fuel tank, and two reusable solid rocket boosters. Nearly 25,000 heat-resistant tiles cover the orbiter to protect it from high temperatures on re-entry.

WikimediaWikidata
Discovery Space Shuttle; OV-103; OV103; Orbital Vehicle 103; Space Shuttle Discovery
Space Shuttle orbiter, exhibit, 

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Location: 38.9114, -77.4452, KML, Cluster Map, Maps,
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    US Space Shuttle at the National Air and Space MuseumUS Space Shuttle at the National Air and Space Museum
    Space Shuttle Discovery Nose (29553281)Space Shuttle Discovery Nose (29553281)
    STS-41 Commander Richards uses DTO 1206 portable computer onboard OV-103STS-41 Commander Richards uses DTO 1206 portable computer onboard OV-103
    Stennis Space Center Day at Jackson, Miss (95-110-16)Stennis Space Center Day at Jackson, Miss (95-110-16)
    Discovery Comes Home DVIDS854692Discovery Comes Home DVIDS854692
    STS131 Discovery rollover7STS131 Discovery rollover7
    STS-41 Pilot Cabana holds 16mm camera on OV-103`s middeckSTS-41 Pilot Cabana holds 16mm camera on OV-103's middeck
    Full moon partially obscured by atmosphereFull moon partially obscured by atmosphere
    After a two year break to pay tribute, investigate and fix issues with the vehicle, the Space Shuttle returns to the launch pad.After a two year break to pay tribute, investigate and fix issues with the vehicle, the Space Shuttle returns to the launch pad.
    Space Shuttle Discovery under a full moon, 03-11-09Space Shuttle Discovery under a full moon, 03-11-09