Space Shuttle
NASA’s shuttle fleet achieved numerous firsts and opened up space to more people than ever before during the Space Shuttle Program’s 30 years of missions.
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History
The Space Shuttle
From the first launch on April 121981 to the final landing on July 212011NASA's space shuttle fleet flew 135 missionshelped construct the International Space Station and inspired generations.
NASA’s space shuttle fleet began setting records with its first launch on April 121981 and continued to set high marks of achievement and endurance through 30 years of missions. Starting with Columbia and continuing with ChallengerDiscoveryAtlantis and Endeavourthe spacecraft has carried people into orbit repeatedlylaunchedrecovered and repaired satellitesconducted cutting-edge research and built the largest structure in spacethe International Space Station. The final space shuttle missionSTS-135ended July 212011 when Atlantis rolled to a stop at its home portNASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
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The Space Shuttle
An idea born in unsettled times becomes a feat of engineering excellence. The most complex machine ever built to bring humans to and from space and eventually construct the next stop on the road to space exploration.
More Shuttle Videos on NASA+Shuttle Missions
30 Years of Shuttle Missions
Retired Space Shuttle Locations
Shuttle Atlantis – Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Shuttle Discovery – Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Shuttle Endeavour – California Science…
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