Launch Stack Assembly Turnaround Sequence | Discovery Space Shuttle | Blueprint Design | NASA Art Print

Discovery, the oldest operational orbiter from NASA's Space Shuttle Program, is renowned for its longevity and numerous missions. Launched on August 30, 1984, she completed 39 spaceflights, more than any other orbiter, and was the first to achieve 20 missions. Chosen as the Return to Flight vehicle post-Challenger and Columbia accidents, Discovery pioneered the use of redesigned SRBs and Phase II/Block I SSMEs. It carried the Hubble Space Telescope to orbit and performed two servicing missions. Discovery flew the first and last dedicated DoD missions and the first unclassified defense-related mission. Crucial to the ISS construction, it flew 13 missions to the station, being the first orbiter to dock and perform a resident crew exchange.