Embedded Files
Discovery was the third Space Shuttle Orbiter vehicle to fly in space. It entered service in 1984 and retired from spaceflight as the oldest and most accomplished orbiter. Discovery flew on 39 Earth-orbital missions, spent a total of 365 days in space, and traveled almost 240 million kilometers (150 million miles)--more than the other orbiters. It shuttled 184 men and women into space and back, many of whom flew more than once, for a record-setting total crew count of 251. See the shuttle in VR.
Spacecraft location in the Museum
Spacecraft location in the Museum
Discovery is located in the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy National Air & Space Museum. More details about the shuttle are located on its label which is on the main floor in the Space Hangar. Find it for yourself in our Google Street View!
Additional information
Additional information
What is the purpose of the Discovery thermal tiles?
The thermal tiles are silica tiles that serve as reusable surface insulation. The tiles protect the orbiter from the fierce heat of reentry.
Only one of the engine nozzles on this spacecraft flew in space. What were the unflown engine nozzles previously used for?
The other two unflown engine nozzles were used for engineering tests.
Many “firsts” occurred on Discovery including the first African American spacecraft commander, first hispanic woman in space, and first woman spacecraft pilot. What were their names, respectively?
Col. Frederick D. Gregory, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, and Lt. Col. Eileen M. Collins, respectively.
Discovery’s Main Engines Nozzles
NASA retained Discovery’s reusable main engines and removed its orbital maneuvering system engines because they were contaminated by toxic propellants. Two of the engine nozzles above are unflown engineering test units, but the one on the lower right flew fourteen times.
Discovery's Thermal Tiles
Reusable surface insulation protected the orbiter from the fierce heat of reentry. The surface of Discovery is covered with silica tiles.
Discovery's Payload Bay
The payload bay held communication satellites, the Hubble Space Telescope, Spacelab, or International Space Station elements.
Page updated
Report abuse