Space Shuttle Program: Spanning 30 Years of Discovery

    Space shuttle Endeavour is towed inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 Image above: At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is towed inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 (OPF-2). Shuttle Endeavour will remain in OPF-2 so that the orbiter maneuvering system pods and forward reaction control system can be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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    NASA's space shuttle fleet began setting records with its first launch on April 12, 1981 and continued to set high marks of achievement and endurance through 30 years of missions. Starting with Columbia and continuing with Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour, the spacecraft has carried people into orbit repeatedly, launched, recovered and repaired satellites, conducted cutting-edge research and built the largest structure in space, the International Space Station. The final space shuttle mission, STS-135, ended July 21, 2011 when Atlantis rolled to a stop at its home port, NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

    As humanity's first reusable spacecraft, the space shuttle pushed the bounds of discovery ever farther, requiring not only advanced technologies but the tremendous effort of a vast workforce. Thousands of civil servants and contractors throughout NASA's field centers and across the nation have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mission success and the greater goal of space exploration.

    › Preparing the Shuttles for Retirement
    › Where the Shuttles are Going
    › What's Next for NASA?

Shuttle Features

Shuttle Fleet Left Mark in Space, Hearts

Atlantis approaches the International Space Station during STS-112 rendezvous and docking operations

The space shuttle accomplished tremendous technological goals during 30 years of flying and spanned societal boundaries along the way.

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Tribute Plaque Still Holds Meaning for Workers

The tribute plaque astronauts left on Atlantis.

A plastic plaque engraved with a tribute to the Space Shuttle work force highlights the effort that went into program for 30 years.

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Construction Begins on Atlantis' Permanent Home

Ground is broken for construction on new home for space shuttle Atlantis

A groundbreaking ceremony officially launched construction of space shuttle Atlantis' future home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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Transition & Retirement

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Mission Extras

  • The Space Shuttle Experience

    The Space Shuttle Experience

    Participate in a variety of interactive experiences to learn about the accomplishments of the space shuttle program and how it affects your daily life.

    › Experience site  →

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