Description
As humanity's first reusable spacecraft, the space shuttle pushed the bounds of discovery ever farther, requiring not only advanced technologies but the tremendous effort of a vast workforce. Thousands of civil servants and contractors throughout NASA's field centers and across the nation have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mission success and the greater goal of space exploration.
Atlantis (NASA Vehicle Designation: OV-104) - It lifted off on its maiden voyage on Oct. 3, 1985, on mission (STS 51-J), the second dedicated Department of Defense flight.
Discovery (NASA Vehicle Designation: OV-103) - It was launched on its first mission, flight (41-D), on August 30, 1984. It carried aloft three communications satellites for deployment by its astronaut crew.
Endeavour (NASA Vehicle Designation: OV-105)- It lifted off on its maiden voyage on May 7, 1992 (STS-49), piggy-backed on top of NASA's new Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.
Enterprise (NASA Vehicle Designation: OV-101) - It lifted off on its first flight on January 31, 1977 attached to Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The Enterprise never flew in space but was crucial to the space shuttle program. It series of approach and landing tests proved that not only could it could fly in the atmosphere but that it also could land as a glider.