Space Shuttle Discovery: A Historic Journey and Legacy - Technology

Space Shuttle Discovery : A historic Journey

On August 30 , 1984 , Space Shuttle Discovery embark on its maid ocean_trip , marker a significant milestone in homo spaceflight history . The shuttlecock take off on the STS-41D mission , joining NASA 's fleet as the one-third space - qualify satellite . This mission was particularly luminary as it integrate new technology , devising Discovery significantly igniter than its predecessor . The six - person crew include five NASA astronaut and the first commercial warhead specialist , Charles D. Walker , who work for the aerospace company McDonnell Douglas.

 The astronaut record many of the activity exploitation a large format movie camera , the scene later integrate into a gesture picture for populace engagement.

Space Shuttle Discovery , name after several historical ship of exploration , was the one-third space - qualify satellite in NASA 's fleet . It was roll out of Rockwell International 's plant in Palmdale , California , and arrive at NASA 's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after a transcontinental ferry flight aboard a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft . The shuttlecock integrate fabrication lesson learn from its predecessor , devising it igniter and more advanced.

A historic Mission and Legacy

The STS-41D mission deploy a record three commercial satellite , test an experimental solar array , and run a commercial biotechnology experiment . The crew , light-emitting_diode by Commander Henry W. Hartsfield , successfully complete their aim , showcasing the capability of the Space Shuttle Discovery . The mission tag the beginning of Discovery 's celebrated career , with a sum of 39 trip to space , the most of any orbiter.

 Finally , on Aug. 30 , 1984 , Discovery roar off its launch pad on a pillar of fire and within 8 and a one-half minutes enter orbit around the Earth.

Discovery 's mission include deploy the Hubble Space Telescope and launching the Ulysses spacecraft that research the sun . The shuttlecock play a crucial function in assorted space enterprise , lend to significant scientific discovery and promotion in space exploration . Discovery 's final flight , STS-133 , take topographic_point on Feb. 24 , 2011 , transport astronaut into space for nearly 13 days before being decommission at the decision of the Space Shuttle Program.

A last bequest and populace Display

After its retirement , NASA donate Discovery to the National Air and Space Museum , where it is on display at the Steven F. Udvar - Hazy Center in Chantilly , Virginia . The shuttlecock 's incredible journey of 27 old_age , 149 million mile travel , 5,830 orbit of the Earth , and 365 days spend in space have left an indelible mark on the history of homo spaceflight . Discovery 's bequest continue to inspire future coevals of astronaut and space enthusiast alike.

 read remembrance of the STS-41D mission by Hartsfield , Coats , Mullane , Hawley , and Walker in their oral history with the JSC History Office.