Ian
priscilla 1Space Shuttle Retirement
August 8th 2011 04:19
The Space Shuttle is a reusable launch system and orbital spacecraft operated by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for human spaceflight missions.
The system combines rocket launch, orbital spacecraft, and re-entry spaceplane with modular add-ons. The first of four orbital test flights occurred in 1981 leading to operational flights beginning in 1982, all launched from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The system is to be retired from service in 2011 after 135 missions; on July 8, 2011, Space Shuttle Atlantis performed that 135th launch - the last launch of the three-decade shuttle program.
Major missions have included launching numerous satellites and interplanetary probes, conducting space science experiments, and servicing and construction of space stations. Five space-worthy orbiters were built ( Atlantis, Challenger, Columbia, Discovery, Endeavour and Enterprise.)—two were destroyed in accidents. (Columbia and Challenger).
*This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article for Space Shuttle.
Father and Son: Pictured at the launch of both STS-1 and STS-135.
Amazing photo of the shuttle launch from an airplane.
Major missions have included launching numerous satellites and interplanetary probes, conducting space science experiments, and servicing and construction of space stations. Five space-worthy orbiters were built ( Atlantis, Challenger, Columbia, Discovery, Endeavour and Enterprise.)—two were destroyed in accidents. (Columbia and Challenger).
A very dear friend is retiring ..
*This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article for Space Shuttle.
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