Nasa Space Shuttle Program

Nasa Space Shuttle Program : 

Nasa Space Shuttle Program From Enterprise to Endeavor By Regan White Senior Astronomy Whitesboro, TX

Overview : 

Overview Nasa’s Space Shuttle Fleet, officially known as the STS or Space Transportation System, is the latest in the United States Fleet of space craft. The STS vehicle is launched vertically, aided by two solid rocket booster engines (SRB) and is recovered as a glider, landing on a runway like any other high speed aircraft. The shuttles are designed to carry up to 7 crewmen comfortably but have carried as many as 8 based upon the needs of the mission. A shuttle can carry up to 50,000 pounds of cargo into low Earth orbit.

The Enterprise: Boldly Go Where No Man has Gone Before : 

The Enterprise: Boldly Go Where No Man has Gone Before

The Enterprise: First in Flight : 

The Enterprise: First in Flight The Space Shuttle Enterprise (OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle Orbiter. Construction was begun in 1974 and was complete in 1977. Several key components (re-entry engines and heat shields for example) were not included in the craft and so it was incapable of space flight. It was, however, extremely useful in landing tests being launched from a Boeing 747 at high altitude. It was originally to be named the Constitution but a write in election unanimously pushed through the name USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) of Star Trek fame. When the Enterprise was unveiled several characters from the original TV show were on hand.

Columbia: OV-102 : 

Columbia: OV-102

Columbia : 

Columbia The Space Shuttle Columbia (Ov-102) was the first mission capable space shuttle in NASA’s fleet. From its maiden flight on April 12, 1981 until its tragic destruction during re-entry on Feb. 1, 2003, the Columbia completed 28 missions. It deployed 8 satellites including one Hubble repair mission.

Challenger: Tragedy from the Start : 

Challenger: Tragedy from the Start

Challenger : 

Challenger Space Shuttle Challenger (OV-099) was destined for tragedy from the start. It first reached orbit in April of 1983. Challenger performed 10 missions, including carrying Sally Ride, the first American woman, into space, as well as hosting the first untethered space walk. On Jan. 28, 1986, just 73 seconds into the flight of STS-51, the rubber O-rings used to seal the solid rocket boosters failed due to low temperatures. The craft exploded just above the launch pad with a loss of all 7 crew members.

Discovery: A New Beginning : 

Discovery: A New Beginning

Discovery : 

Discovery Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103) is currently the oldest orbiter in the fleet. Shuttle Discovery’s main claim to fame was the launching of the Hubble Space Telescope. Its first flight was August 30, 1984. Discovery completed 38 missions. It docked once with Mir and eleven times with the International Space Station. Discovery landed for the last time April 20, 2010. It was scheduled for launch with mission STS-62A but this mission was canceled.

Atlantis : 

Atlantis

Atlantis : 

Atlantis Shuttle Atlantis (OV-104) was first launched on Oct. 3, 1985. Among other missions, it completed 7 trips to Mir and 11 dockings with the ISS. Atlantis flew 32 missions and deployed 14 satellites. Atlantis landed for the final time May 26, 2010.

Endeavor: The Last of its Kind : 

Endeavor: The Last of its Kind

Endeavor : 

Endeavor Shuttle Endeavor (OV-105) was the final addition to the shuttle fleet. Its first mission was May 1992. Endeavor was built to replace the lost Challenger. This choice was made instead of the original plan to refit Enterprise with engines and heat tiles. Endeavor flew 24 missions including deploying 3 satellites, 1 Mir docking, and 11 trips to the ISS. It is slated to fly the final shuttle mission in April of 2011 to deliver cargo to the ISS.

The Future : 

The Future The final mission for any shuttle will be a cargo run to the International Space Station in April of 2011. After this, the vehicles will be decommissioned and mothballed. It is probable that the vehicles will be sent to various aerospace museums around the country to be put on display. The shuttle Enterprise is currently on display at the newly built Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles International Airport, where it is the centerpiece of the space collection.