Discovery

By Hannah Mohr, 10th grade INSPIRE OLC

August 30, 1984, through February 24, 2011. For nearly 27 years, Discovery has been a part of NASA's Space Shuttle fleet. Discovery made 39 flights, including its current mission, and has spent more days in space than any other Space Shuttle.

Discovery made its first flight, mission STS-41D, on August 30, 1984. The objective of the mission was to launch three satellites. On this last mission, STS-133, Discovery's crew will install the Permanent Multipurpose Module, the Express Logistics Carrier 4, and provide critical spare components to the International Space Station.

While Discovery was preparing for its final flight, Michael Coats, pilot of the STS-41D mission and now director of Johnson Space Center, said “I wish the people around the world could have an understanding and appreciation of the amazing, highly motivated group of people that work in the space program.” For me there is little more inspiring than a space shuttle successfully taking off. Someday, I want to join the hard work that makes space exploration possible. The Space Shuttle Program is coming to an end, but NASA is not. “Space, the final frontier...”