NASA - Space Shuttle Era

Space Shuttle Era

Between the first launch on April 12, 1981, and the final landing on July 21, 2011, NASA's space shuttle fleet -- Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour -- flew 135 missions, helped construct the International Space Station and inspired generations.
Space Shuttle Program Commemorative Patch

Space Shuttle Program Commemorative Patch

Image above: The Space Shuttle Program 30-year commemorative patch
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On this page, you'll find a collection of feature stories and videos documenting space shuttle operations. You'll also receive an insider's perspective of what it took to maintain and fly this technological marvel.

› Shuttle History Showcase Videos
› The Space Shuttle - Interactive
› Shuttle Launch Chart (1MB PDF)
› Shuttle Crew and Mission Posters
› Shuttle Spinoffs (312KB PDF)
› Space Shuttle Era Fact Sheet (236 KB PDF)
› Brian Basset Shuttle Tribute

Space Shuttle Era Features

Endeavour Powered Down 20 Years after First Launch

Technicians switched off Endeavour's displays and systems for the final time.

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Discovery Departs Kennedy Space Center

Secured atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, space shuttle Discovery started its final journey with a sunrise takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT.

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Shuttles to Arrive at Permanent Homes by Year's End

Shuttle Atlantis is towed into the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4

Recently, NASA's space shuttles were on the move as part of the transition and retirement activities at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

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Discovery and Atlantis Permanently Powered Down

The vehicle powered sign is turned off after the final power down of space shuttle Discovery

The "vehicle powered" light is turned off for the last time as two shuttle orbiters' flight decks go dark.

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NASA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft 911's Final Flight

NASA 911, one of two modified Boeing 747s that were modified for use as Shuttle Carrier Aircraft for the space shuttles, lands at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale Feb. 8 after its final flight

One of NASA's two space shuttle carrier aircraft to be retired after final hop from Edwards AFB to he Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility in Palmdale.