DULLES, Virginia, United States — The Space Shuttle Discovery, a symbol of human space exploration, is prominently displayed at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. This orbiter, which flew 39 missions over 27 years, serves as a significant artifact of the US Space Shuttle program, encapsulating the history and advancements in space technology.
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Contributor:
David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
KRRAXGFile size:
90 MB (11 MB Compressed download)Releases:
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4583 x 6867 px | 38.8 x 58.1 cm | 15.3 x 22.9 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
29 October 2017Location:
Dulles, Fairfax County, Virginia, United StatesMore information:
The Space Shuttle Discovery, a cornerstone of human space exploration, is housed at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Dulles, Virginia. This center is part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, one of the most visited museum complexes globally, recognized for its vast collection of historic air and spacecraft. Space Shuttle Discovery is a retired orbiter from NASA's Space Shuttle program. It was operational from its maiden flight on August 30, 1984, until its final landing on March 9, 2011. Over its 27-year career, Discovery completed 39 missions, spent a total of 365 days in space, and traveled more than 148 million miles. It holds the record for the most flown spacecraft in the history of the Space Shuttle program. The shuttle is known for its significant missions, including deploying the Hubble Space Telescope in 1990 and carrying the first Russian cosmonaut to fly on a US spaceship in 1994. Discovery also completed both "Return to Flight" missions after the Challenger and Columbia disasters, proving the resilience and adaptability of the Space Shuttle program. At the Udvar-Hazy Center, Discovery is presented in its operational configuration, providing visitors an up-close look at the spacecraft. The shuttle's heat-shielding tiles, payload bay, and iconic black and white exterior are visible, offering visitors a unique understanding of the spacecraft's design and operation. The display of Space Shuttle Discovery at the Udvar-Hazy Center offers an educational and inspiring look into the history of human space exploration. It stands as a testament to the progress of space technology and the adventurous spirit of human discovery.