View source for Space Shuttle Discovery

{{Short description|Space Shuttle orbiter (1984–2011)}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Space Shuttle ''Discovery''}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{use American English|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox individual space vehicle
| name              = ''Discovery''
| image             = STS-133 Space Shuttle Discovery after undocking 3 (cropped).jpg
| image_alt         = Top view of a spaceplane in space.
| caption           = ''Discovery'' in orbit in 2011, during STS-133, the orbiter's final flight

| type              = [[Spaceplane]]
| class             = [[Space Shuttle orbiter]]
| serial            = OV-103
| eponym            = {{Ubl|[[Discovery (1602 ship)|''Discovery'' (1602)]]|{{HMS|Discovery|1774}}}}
| owner             = [[NASA]]
| manufacturer      = [[Rockwell International]]

| dimensions        = 
| dry_mass          = {{convert|78000|kg}}
| communciation     = 
| power             = 
| rocket            = [[Space Shuttle]]

| first_flight_date = {{Nowrap|August 30 – September 5, 1984}}
| first_flight      = [[STS-41-D]]
| last_flight_date  = February 24 – March 9, 2011
| last_flight       = [[STS-133]]
| flights           = 39
| time              = 8,783 hours
| travelled         = {{convert|238539663|km}} around [[Earth]]<ref name="NASAfacts">{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/488540main_DISCOVERY_factsheet_10_2010.pdf|title=NASAfacts Discovery (OV-103)|author=NASA|date=October 2010|access-date=October 21, 2010|archive-date=October 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101026125845/http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/488540main_DISCOVERY_factsheet_10_2010.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| orbits            = 5,830 around Earth
| fate              = [[Space Shuttle retirement|Retired]]
| location          = {{Ubl|[[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]]|[[Chantilly, Virginia|Chantilly]], Virginia}}
| previous          = ''[[Space Shuttle Challenger|Challenger]]''
| next              = ''[[Space Shuttle Atlantis|Atlantis]]''
}}
[[File:Space Shuttle Discovery at Udvar-Hazy Center.jpg|thumb|Space Shuttle ''Discovery'' at the [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]]]]
[[File:Discovery rollout ceremony.jpg|thumb|''Discovery'' rollout ceremony in October 1983]]
[[File:Space Shuttle Discovery and Carrier 747 at Vandenberg Air Force Base.png|thumb|Discovery and SCA 905 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, November 6, 1983]]

'''Space Shuttle ''Discovery''''' ([[Orbiter Vehicle Designation]]: '''OV-103''') is a retired American [[Space Shuttle orbiter]]. The [[spaceplane]] was one of the [[Space Shuttle orbiter|orbiters]] from [[NASA]]'s [[Space Shuttle program]] and the third of five fully operational orbiters to be built.<ref name="ov103">{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-info.html|title=Space Shuttle Overview: Discovery (OV-103)|access-date=November 6, 2007|publisher=[[NASA|National Aeronautics and Space Administration]]|year=2007|author=NASA|author-link=NASA|archive-date=November 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071107032526/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-info.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Its first mission, [[STS-41-D]], flew from August 30 to September 5, 1984. Over 27 years of service it launched and landed 39 times, aggregating more spaceflights than any other spacecraft {{as of|lc=yes|2024|12}}.<ref name="Guinness most spaceflights">{{cite web |title=Most re-used spacecraft |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/75333-most-re-used-spacecraft#:~:text=The%20most%20re-used%20spacecraft%20is%20the%20Space%20Shuttle,between%2030%20August%201984%20and%209%20March%202011. |website=Guinness World Records |access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> The Space Shuttle launch vehicle had three main components: the [[Space Shuttle orbiter]], a single-use central fuel tank, and two reusable [[solid rocket booster]]s. Nearly 25,000 [[Space Shuttle thermal protection system|heat-resistant tiles]] cover the orbiter to protect it from high temperatures on re-entry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.space.com/15327-space-shuttle-discovery-10-cool-facts.html |title=10 Cool Facts About NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery &#124; Space Shuttle Retirement |date=April 18, 2012 |publisher=Space.com |access-date=August 30, 2013 |archive-date=June 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622193311/http://www.space.com/15327-space-shuttle-discovery-10-cool-facts.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Discovery'' became the third operational orbiter to enter service, preceded by ''[[Space Shuttle Columbia|Columbia]]'' and ''[[Space Shuttle Challenger|Challenger]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scibuff.com/2011/02/24/discoverys-last-trip-to-space-begins/ |title=Discovery's last mission flight to space begun |date=February 24, 2011 |access-date=March 9, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716014726/http://www.scibuff.com/2011/02/24/discoverys-last-trip-to-space-begins/ |archive-date=July 16, 2011 }}</ref> After the Challenger and Columbia accidents, Discovery became the oldest surviving orbiter. It embarked on its final mission, [[STS-133]], on February 24, 2011, and touched down for the last time at [[Kennedy Space Center]] on March 9,<ref>{{cite web|title=Discovery's Final Touchdown A Success|url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/2009363/discoverys_final_touchdown_a_success/|publisher=redOrbit.com|access-date=March 9, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820190639/http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/2009363/discoverys_final_touchdown_a_success|archive-date=August 20, 2011}}</ref> having spent a cumulative total of nearly a full year in space. ''Discovery'' performed both research and [[International Space Station]] (ISS) assembly missions, and also carried the [[Hubble Space Telescope]] into orbit among other satellites. 
 
''Discovery'' was the first operational shuttle to be retired, followed by ''[[Space Shuttle Endeavour|Endeavour]]'' and then ''[[Space Shuttle Atlantis|Atlantis]]''. The shuttle is now on display at the [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]] of the [[Smithsonian Institution|Smithsonian]] [[National Air and Space Museum]].

==History==
The name ''Discovery'' was chosen to carry on a tradition based on ships of exploration,<ref name="ov103"/> primarily {{HMS|Discovery|1774|6}},<ref>{{cite web|title=Discovery (OV-103)|url=http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/resources/orbiters/discovery.html|website=science.ksc.nasa.gov|access-date=February 28, 2015|ref=Discovery, the third orbiter to become operational at Kennedy Space Center, was named after one of two ships that were used by the British explorer James Cook in the 1770s during voyages in the South Pacific that led to the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands. Another of his ships was the Endeavour, the namesake of NASA's newest orbiter.|archive-date=February 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209023128/https://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/resources/orbiters/discovery.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> one of the ships commanded by Captain [[James Cook]] during his third and final major voyage from 1776 to 1779, and [[Henry Hudson]]'s {{ship||Discovery|1602 ship|2}},<ref name="ov103"/> which was used in 1610–1611 to explore [[Hudson Bay]] and search for a [[Northwest Passage]]. Other ships bearing the name have included {{HMS|Discovery|1874|6}}<ref>{{cite web|title=How Did the Space Shuttle Discovery Get Its Name?|url=http://www.space.com/10908-space-shuttle-discovery-names-origin.html|website=Space.com|date=February 22, 2011|access-date=February 28, 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402180910/http://www.space.com/10908-space-shuttle-discovery-names-origin.html|url-status=live}}</ref> of the 1875–1876 [[British Arctic Expedition]] to the North Pole, and {{ship|RRS|Discovery}}, which carried the 1901–1904 [[Discovery Expedition|''Discovery'' Expedition]] to [[Antarctica]], led by [[Robert Falcon Scott|Captain Scott]].<ref name=pao/>

Space Shuttle ''Discovery'' launched the [[Hubble Space Telescope]] and conducted the [[STS-82|second]] and [[STS-103|third]] Hubble service missions. It also launched the [[Ulysses probe|''Ulysses'' probe]] and three [[Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System|TDRS]] satellites. Twice ''Discovery'' was chosen as the "Return To Flight" Orbiter, first in 1988 after the [[Space Shuttle Challenger disaster|loss of ''Challenger'']] in 1986, and then again for the twin "Return To Flight" missions in July 2005 and July 2006 after the [[Space Shuttle Columbia disaster|''Columbia'' disaster]] in 2003. [[Project Mercury]] astronaut [[John Glenn]], who was 77 at the time, flew with ''Discovery'' on [[STS-95]] in 1998, making him the oldest person to go into space at that time in history.<ref name=over/>

Had plans to launch [[United States Department of Defense]] payloads from [[Vandenberg Air Force Base]] gone ahead, ''Discovery'' would have become the dedicated [[US Air Force]] shuttle.<ref>{{cite web|title=Part II. Discovery (OV-103)|work=Space Transportation System Haer No. TX-116|url=http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/2.pdf|publisher=NASA.gov|access-date=February 28, 2015|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022151008/https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/2.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Its first West Coast mission, [[STS-62-A]], was scheduled for 1986, but [[Canceled Space Shuttle missions|canceled]] in the aftermath of the ''[[Challenger disaster]]''.

On May 27, 1999, ''Discovery'' was launched on [[STS-96]], the first shuttle mission to dock with the [[International Space Station]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-96.html | title=STS-96 - NASA }}</ref>

''Discovery'' was retired after completing its final mission, [[STS-133]] on March 9, 2011. The spacecraft is now on display in Virginia at the [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]], an annex of the [[Smithsonian Institution]]'s [[National Air and Space Museum]].<ref name=nasm>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/pressroom/releaseDetail.cfm?releaseID=256|title=Space Shuttle Discovery Joins the National Collection|date=April 12, 2011|access-date=July 31, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121120846/http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/pressroom/releaseDetail.cfm?releaseID=256|archive-date=January 21, 2012}}</ref>

In 2025, the Trump [[One Big Beautiful Bill]] had a rider from Texas federal lawmakers stating that a Shuttle was to be moved to Texas. The only federally owned shuttle remaining, ''Discovery'', would be the shuttle that would be dismantled and moved, at a cost of over $300 million. It would likely be moved to Houston, but cannot leave the Smithsonian and transported to Texas without being taken apart.<ref name=WaPo-20251024> {{cite news |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/2025/10/24/discovery-space-shuttle-smithsonian-houston/ |title= GOP lawmakers raise pressure on Smithsonian over space shuttle fight |date= 24 October 2025 |author= Kelsey Ables |newspaper= Washington Post }} </ref><ref name=SPACEcom-20251022> {{Cite news |url= https://www.space.com/space-exploration/the-smithsonian-might-have-to-cut-space-shuttle-discovery-into-pieces-to-get-it-to-texas |title= The Smithsonian might have to cut space shuttle Discovery into pieces to get it to Texas |author= Josh Dinner |date= 22 October 2025 |publisher= SPACE.com }} </ref><ref name=NVaMag-20250701> {{cite news |url= https://northernvirginiamag.com/news/2025/07/01/trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill-includes-provision-to-move-the-space-shuttle-discovery-to-texas/ |title= Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Includes Provision to Move the Space Shuttle Discovery to Texas |author= Maggie Roth |date= 1 July 2025 |publisher= Northern Virginia Magazine }} </ref>

==Construction milestones==

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
|-
! style="background:#efefef;" | Date
! style="background:#efefef;" | Milestone<ref name=pao>{{cite web|title=Discovery (OV-103)|url=http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/resources/orbiters/discovery.html|publisher=NASA/KSC|access-date=March 10, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610033909/http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/resources/orbiters/Discovery.html|archive-date=June 10, 2011}}</ref>
|-
| 1979 January 29
| Contract Award to [[Rockwell International]]'s Space Transportation Systems Division in [[Downey, California]]
|-
| 1979 August 27
| Start long lead fabrication of Crew Module
|-
| 1980 June 20
| Start fabrication lower [[fuselage]]
|-
| 1980 November 10
| Start structural assembly of aft-fuselage
|-
| 1980 December 8
| Start initial system installation aft fuselage
|-
| 1981 March 2
| Start fabrication/assembly of [[Payload (air and space craft)|payload]] bay doors
|-
| 1981 October 26
| Start initial system installation, crew module, Downey
|-
| 1982 January 4
| Start initial system installation upper forward fuselage
|-
| 1982 March 16
| Midfuselage on dock, [[Palmdale, California]]
|-
| 1982 March 30
| [[Elevon]]s on dock, Palmdale
|-
| 1982 April 30
| [[Wing]]s arrive at Palmdale from [[Grumman]]
|-
| 1982 April 30
| Lower forward fuselage on dock, Palmdale
|-
| 1982 July 16
| Upper forward fuselage on dock, Palmdale
|-
| 1982 August 5
| [[Vertical stabilizer]] on dock, Palmdale
|-
| 1982 September 3
| Start of Final Assembly
|-
| 1982 October 15
| Body flap on dock, Palmdale
|-
| 1983 January 11
| Aft fuselage on dock, Palmdale
|-
| 1983 February 25
| Complete final assembly and closeout installation, Palmdale
|-
| 1983 February 28
| Start initial subsystems test, power-on, Palmdale
|-
| 1983 May 13
| Complete initial subsystems testing
|-
| 1983 July 26
| Complete subsystems testing
|-
| 1983 August 12
| Completed Final Acceptance
|-
| 1983 October 16
| Rollout from Palmdale
|-
| 1983 November 5
| Overland transport from Palmdale to [[Edwards Air Force Base]]
|-
| 1983 November 9
| Delivery to [[Kennedy Space Center]]
|-
| 1984 June 2
| Flight Readiness Firing
|-
| 1984 August 30
| First Flight ([[STS-41-D]])
|}

== Features and upgrades ==
[[File:STS-41-D_Crew_Enjoying_Space_-_GPN-2004-00024.jpg|thumb|On the maiden voyage of ''Discovery'': [[Judith Resnik]], [[Henry Hartsfield]], [[Michael L. Coats]], [[Steven A. Hawley]], [[Charles D. Walker]], and [[Richard M. Mullane]]]]
[[File:SRBsepfromDiscovery07042006.png|thumb|''Discovery'' after booster separation on STS-121]]
[[File:STS-121 Discovery posing for inspection photos edit1.jpg|thumb|''Discovery'' approaching the [[International Space Station|ISS]] on [[STS-121]], its 'teardrop' feature clearly visible|alt=Discovery is approaching the International Space Station during STS-121. The payload in the shuttle's cargo compartment would be attached to the ISS later in the mission. The spaceship's unique 'teardrop' feature, consisting of several black tiles near the cockpit, is clearly visible.]]
[[File:Deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope (28248653761).jpg|thumb|''Discovery'' sends the [[Hubble Space Telescope]] into orbit on April 25, 1990]]
During its construction, ''Discovery'' was fitted with several black tiles near the middle starboard window where there should have been white tiles. It is unknown if this was the result of a harmless manufacturing mishap or done intentionally to give a distinctive look to the shuttle. This feature has been called 'teardrop' and allowed ''Discovery'' to be told apart from the rest of the fleet without looking at its name, although often unnoticed by the uninitiated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tire marks and teardrop tiles: Smithsonian curator on shuttle Discovery at 30 years {{!}} collectSPACE |url=http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-082914a-shuttle-discovery-30th-anniversary.html |access-date=August 4, 2022 |website=collectSPACE.com |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107194024/http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-082914a-shuttle-discovery-30th-anniversary.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The spacecraft weighed roughly {{cvt|6870|lb|kg}} less than ''Columbia'' when it was brought into service due to optimalizations determined during the construction and testing of ''Enterprise'', ''Columbia'' and ''Challenger''.<ref name="over">{{cite web|title=Space Shuttle Overview: Discovery (OV-103)|url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-info.html|publisher=NASA|access-date=March 10, 2011|archive-date=November 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071107032526/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-info.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Discovery'' weighs {{convert|6|lb}} heavier than ''[[Space Shuttle Atlantis|Atlantis]]'' and {{convert|363|lb}} heavier than ''[[Space Shuttle Endeavour|Endeavour]]'' after further weight-saving adjustments were made.<ref name="FT facts">{{cite news|title=Space Shuttle Discovery Facts|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110408/NEWS0208/110408015/Space-Shuttle-Discovery-facts|newspaper=Florida Today|date=April 10, 2011|access-date=May 1, 2011|archive-date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816221633/http://www.floridatoday.com/errors/404/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Part of the ''Discovery'' weight optimizations included the greater use of quilted [[Space Shuttle thermal protection system#Flexible Insulation Blankets/Advanced Flexible Reusable Insulation (FIB/AFRSI)|AFRSI]] blankets rather than the white [[Space Shuttle thermal protection system#Low-temperature reusable surface insulation (LRSI)|LRSI]] tiles on the fuselage, and the use of [[graphite epoxy]] instead of aluminum for the payload bay doors and some of the wing spars and beams.<ref>{{cite web|title=STS-41D Press Kit|url=http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/history/shuttle_pk/pk/Flight_012_STS-41D_Press_Kit.pdf|publisher=NASA|access-date=July 12, 2013|page=13|date=August 1984|quote=Graphite epoxy has replaced some internal aluminum spars and beams in the wings and in the payload bay doors.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315170409/http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/history/shuttle_pk/pk/Flight_012_STS-41D_Press_Kit.pdf|archive-date=March 15, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Upon its delivery to the Kennedy Space Center in 1983, ''Discovery'' was modified alongside ''Challenger'' to accommodate the liquid-fueled [[Centaur-G]] booster, which had been planned for use beginning in 1986 but was cancelled in the wake of the ''Challenger'' disaster.<ref>{{cite book|last=Lardas|first=Mark|title=Space Shuttle Launch System: 1972–2004|year=2012|publisher=Osprey Publishing|page=37}}</ref>

Beginning in late 1995, the orbiter underwent a nine-month Orbiter Maintenance Down Period (OMDP) in [[Palmdale, California]]. This included outfitting the vehicle with a fifth set of cryogenic tanks and an external airlock to support missions to the [[International Space Station]]. As with all the orbiters, it could be attached to the top of specialized aircraft and did so in June 1996 when it returned to the Kennedy Space Center, and later in April 2012 when sent to the Udvar-Hazy Center, riding [[piggy-back (transportation)|piggy-back]] on a [[Shuttle Carrier Aircraft|modified Boeing 747]].<ref name=over/>

After [[STS-105]], ''Discovery'' became the first of the orbiter fleet to undergo Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period at the Kennedy Space Center. Work began in September 2002 to prepare the vehicle for Return to Flight. The work included scheduled upgrades and additional safety modifications.<ref name=over/>

==Decommissioning==
{{Main|Space Shuttle retirement}}
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| width             = 200
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Discovery over Washington DC April 17 2012 National Mall last pass.jpg
| image2            = Space Shuttle Discovery landing at Dulles.jpg
| caption2          = [[Shuttle Carrier Aircraft|SCA N905NA]] carrying ''Discovery'' on the last flyover of the [[National Mall]] at around 10:15&nbsp;am EDT, during its 11:05&nbsp;am landing at [[Washington Dulles International Airport|Dulles]] airport on April 17, 2012<ref>{{cite journal|last=Pearlman|first=Robert Z.|title=Space Shuttle Discovery lands, for the last time, in Washington, D.C.|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2012/0417/Space-Shuttle-Discovery-lands-for-the-last-time-in-Washington-D.C|journal=The Christian Science Monitor|date=April 17, 2012|access-date=April 17, 2012|quote=The air- and spacecraft duo landed at Washington Dulles International Airport at 11:05&nbsp;am EDT (1505 GMT).|archive-date=May 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515014638/https://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2012/0417/Space-Shuttle-Discovery-lands-for-the-last-time-in-Washington-D.C|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

''Discovery'' was [[ship decommissioning|decommissioned]] on March 9, 2011.<ref name="manifest">{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/iss_manifest.html|title=Consolidated Launch Manifest|access-date=October 10, 2007|publisher=NASA|year=2007|archive-date=October 13, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013001414/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/iss_manifest.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CSCS1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2007/04/nasa-sets-new-launch-date-targets-through-to-sts-124/|title=NASA sets new launch date targets through to STS-124|access-date=October 15, 2007|publisher=NASASpaceflight.com|year=2006|first=Chris|last=Bergin|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182207/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2007/04/nasa-sets-new-launch-date-targets-through-to-sts-124/|url-status=live}}</ref> NASA offered ''Discovery'' to the [[Smithsonian Institution]]'s [[National Air and Space Museum]] for public display and preservation, after a month-long [[Contamination control|decontamination]] process,<ref>{{cite web|last=Chow|first=Denise|title=Space Shuttle Discovery Lands on Earth After Final Voyage|date=March 9, 2011|url=http://www.space.com/11080-space-shuttle-discovery-final-landing.html|publisher=SPACE.com|access-date=March 10, 2011|archive-date=March 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311054117/http://www.space.com/11080-space-shuttle-discovery-final-landing.html|url-status=live}}</ref> as part of the national collection.<ref name="smithsonian">{{cite web|url=http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-121708a.html|title=NASA seeks shuttle suitors: Museums may need to cover the costs for retired orbiters|access-date=December 17, 2008|publisher=collectspace.com|year=2008|first=Robert|last=Pearlman|archive-date=January 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126203934/http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-121708a.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="smithsonian-houston-chronical">{{cite press release |url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2008/dec/HQ_08-330_Shuttle_retirement.html |title=NASA Solicits Ideas for Displaying Retired Space Shuttles and Main Engines |publisher=NASA |date=December 17, 2009 |access-date=January 23, 2013 |archive-date=April 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406221514/http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2008/dec/HQ_08-330_Shuttle_retirement.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/6756689.html|title=Discovery is Smithsonian's|last=Berger|first=Eric|date=December 7, 2009|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=January 3, 2010|archive-date=January 3, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103091013/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/6756689.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Discovery'' replaced [[Space Shuttle Enterprise|''Enterprise'']], which was in the Smithsonian's display at the [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]] until 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pearlman|first=Robert Z.|title=NASA Primes Retired Test Shuttle Enterprise For One Last Flight|url=http://www.space.com/8049-nasa-primes-retired-test-shuttle-enterprise-flight.html|work=Space.com|access-date=March 14, 2011|date=March 17, 2010|archive-date=February 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227010913/http://www.space.com/8049-nasa-primes-retired-test-shuttle-enterprise-flight.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-031510a.html |title=news – "NASA readies retired test shuttle Enterprise for one last flight" |publisher=collectSPACE |date=March 15, 2010 |access-date=August 30, 2013 |archive-date=September 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913000946/http://collectspace.com/news/news-031510a.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=NYC, L.A., Kennedy Space Center, Smithsonian to get the 4 retired space shuttles|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/04/kennedy-space-center-air-and-space-museum-likely-to-get-2-of-the-4-retiring-shuttle-vehicles/1|work=USA Today|date=April 12, 2011|access-date=April 12, 2011|archive-date=May 26, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526065357/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/04/kennedy-space-center-air-and-space-museum-likely-to-get-2-of-the-4-retiring-shuttle-vehicles/1|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Discovery'' was transported to [[Washington Dulles International Airport]] on April 17, 2012, and was transferred to the Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where a welcome ceremony was held. Afterwards, at around 5:30&nbsp;pm, ''Discovery'' was rolled to its "final wheels stop" in the Udvar-Hazy Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/discovery.cfm|title=Welcome, Discovery!|publisher=Smithsonian Air and Space Museum|access-date=January 30, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202111956/http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/discovery.cfm|archive-date=February 2, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/the-scene/events/Space-Shuttle-Discovery-headed-to-the-Smithsonian-137975898.html|title=Udvar-Hazy Center Getting a 2nd Space Shuttle|author=Associated Press/NBC Washington|date=January 24, 2012|publisher=NBC Washington|access-date=January 30, 2012|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306202346/http://www.nbcwashington.com/the-scene/events/Space-Shuttle-Discovery-headed-to-the-Smithsonian-137975898.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Texas senators [[John Cornyn]] and [[Ted Cruz]] added a provision to the 2025 [[One Big Beautiful Bill Act]] to spend $85 million to relocate a space vehicle that has flown astronauts into space, presumably ''Discovery'' because of the sponsors of the provision and previous legislation attempts, from the Udvar-Hazy Center to the [[Space Center Houston]] Museum in Texas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pearlman |first=Robert |date=2025-07-11 |title="It's a heist": Senator calls out Texas for trying to steal shuttle from Smithsonian |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/07/its-a-heist-senator-calls-out-texas-for-trying-to-steal-shuttle-from-smithsonian/ |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=Ars Technica |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=119th Congress |title=H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text |website=congress.gov |date=July 4, 2025 |publisher=US Government |access-date=29 August 2025}}</ref> While the Smithsonian estimated that the total cost of the transfer would be approximately $325 million, they also countered that ownership of the shuttle had been transferred to the museum and was no longer federal property, and that Congress did not have the ability to force a transfer.<ref>{{cite web |author=Roth, Maggie |date=July 1, 2025 |title=Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' Includes Provision to Move the Space Shuttle Discovery to Texas |url=https://northernvirginiamag.com/news/2025/07/01/trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill-includes-provision-to-move-the-space-shuttle-discovery-to-texas/ |access-date=July 1, 2025 |publisher=Northern Virginia Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dinner |first1=Josh |title='The Smithsonian Institution owns the Discovery.' Museum resists Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' plan to move space shuttle to Houston |url=http://www.space.com/space-exploration/the-smithsonian-institution-owns-the-discovery-museum-resists-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-plan-to-move-space-shuttle-to-houston |access-date=17 August 2025 |work=Space.com |date=30 July 2025}}</ref>
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| width             = 200
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Enterprise and Discovery.jpg
| image2            = Space_Shuttle_Discovery_on_Display.jpg
| caption2          = ''Enterprise'' and ''Discovery'' exchanged and ''Discovery'' on display at the National Air and Space Museum, [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]]
}}

==Flights==
[[File:STS-48 UARS deployment.jpg|thumb|right|The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), one of the many satellites deployed from ''Discovery'' (photo from STS-48)]]
By its last mission, ''Discovery'' had flown {{convert|149|e6mi|e6km|abbr=unit}} in 39 missions, completed 5,830 orbits, and spent 365 days in orbit over 27 years.<ref name=slt>{{cite news|last=Dunn|first=Marcia|title=Space shuttle Discovery lands, ends flying career|url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/world/51395407-68/discovery-space-nasa-shuttle.html.csp|agency=Associated Press|work=Salt Lake Tribune|access-date=March 10, 2011|date=March 9, 2011|archive-date=March 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315204103/http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/world/51395407-68/discovery-space-nasa-shuttle.html.csp|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Discovery'' flew [[Space Shuttle Orbiter#Flight statistics|more flights]] than any other Orbiter Shuttle, including four in 1985 alone. ''Discovery'' flew both "return to flight" missions after the ''[[Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster|Challenger]]'' and ''[[Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster|Columbia]]'' disasters: [[STS-26]] in 1988, [[STS-114]] in 2005, and [[STS-121]] in 2006. ''Discovery'' flew the ante-penultimate mission of the Space Shuttle program, [[STS-133]], having launched on February 24, 2011. ''Endeavour'' flew [[STS-134]] and ''Atlantis'' performed [[STS-135]], NASA's last Space Shuttle mission. On February 24, 2011, Space Shuttle ''Discovery'' launched from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39-A to begin its final orbital flight.<ref name=ares6>{{cite news|last=Travis|first=Matthew|title=STS-133 space shuttle Discovery launches for the final time|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eovKxCccMc| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211110/2eovKxCccMc| archive-date=November 10, 2021 | url-status=live|agency=The Spacearium, SpaceflightNews.net via YouTube|access-date=June 23, 2011|date=February 24, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Flights listing===
<!-- Note: missions are ordered by the launch date rather than the mission number, please do not change this order -->
{{sticky header}}
{| class="wikitable sticky-header"
|-
! scope="col" style="width:15px; background:#efefef;"| #
! scope="col" style="width:16%; background:#efefef;"| Date
! scope="col" style="background:#efefef;" | Designation
! scope="col" style="background:#efefef;" | Notes
! scope="col" style="width:18%; background:#efefef;"| Length of journey
|-
| 1
| {{dts|1984-08-30}}
| [[STS-41-D]]
| First ''Discovery'' mission: [[Judith Resnik]] became second American woman in Space. Three [[communications satellite]]s were put into orbit, including [[Syncom|LEASAT F2]].
| 6 days, 00 hours,<br /> 56 minutes, 04 seconds
|-
| 2
| {{dts|1984-11-08}}
| [[STS-51-A]]
| Launched two and rescued two communications satellites including LEASAT F1.
| 7 days, 23 hours,<br /> 44 minutes, 56 seconds
|-
| 3
| {{dts|1985-01-24}}
| [[STS-51-C]]
| Launched [[United States Department of Defense|DOD]] [[Magnum (satellite)|Magnum]] [[ELINT]] satellite.
| 3 days, 01 hours,<br /> 33 minutes, 23 seconds-
|-
| 4
| {{dts|1985-04-12}}
| [[STS-51-D]]
| Launched two communications satellites including LEASAT F3. Carried first incumbent United States [[congressperson|member of Congress]] into space, [[United States Senator|Senator]] [[Jake Garn]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]]–[[Utah]])
| 6 days, 23 hours,<br /> 55 minutes, 23 seconds
|-
| 5
| {{dts|1985-06-17}}
| [[STS-51-G]]
| Launched two communications satellites, [[Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud|Sultan Salman al-Saud]] becomes first Saudi Arabian in space.
| 7 days, 01 hours,<br /> 38 minutes, 52 seconds
|-
| 6
| {{dts|1985-08-27}}
| [[STS-51-I]]
| Launched two communications satellites including LEASAT F4. Recovered, repaired, and redeployed LEASAT F3.
| 7 days, 02 hours,<br /> 17 minutes, 42 seconds
|-
| 7
| {{dts|1988-09-29}}
| [[STS-26]]
| Return to flight after [[Space Shuttle Challenger disaster|Space Shuttle ''Challenger'' disaster]], launched [[TDRS-3]].
| 4 days, 01 hours,<br /> 00 minutes, 11 seconds
|-
| 8
| {{dts|1989-03-13}}
| [[STS-29]]
| Launched [[TDRS-4]].
| 4 days, 23 hours,<br /> 38 minutes, 52 seconds
|-
| 9
| {{dts|1989-11-22}}
| [[STS-33]]
| Launched DOD Magnum ELINT satellite.
| 5 days, 00 hours,<br /> 06 minutes, 49 seconds
|-
| 10
| {{dts|1990-04-24}}
| [[STS-31]]
| Launch of [[Hubble Space Telescope]] (HST).
| 5 days, 01 hours,<br /> 16 minutes, 06 seconds
|-
| 11
| {{dts|1990-10-06}}
| [[STS-41]]
| Launch of ''[[Ulysses (spacecraft)|Ulysses]]''.
| 4 days, 02 hours,<br /> 10 minutes, 04 seconds
|-
| 12
| {{dts|1991-04-28}}
| [[STS-39]]
| Launched DOD Air Force Program-675 ([[AFP-675]]) satellite.
| 8 days, 07 hours,<br /> 22 minutes, 23 seconds
|-
| 13
| {{dts|1991-09-12}}
| [[STS-48]]
| [[Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite]] (UARS).
| 5 days, 08 hours,<br /> 27 minutes, 38 seconds
|-
| 14
| {{dts|1992-01-22}}
| [[STS-42]]
| International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1).
| 8 days, 01 hours,<br /> 14 minutes, 44 seconds
|-
| 15
| {{dts|1992-12-02}}
| [[STS-53]]
| Department of Defense payload.
| 7 days, 07 hours,<br /> 19 minutes, 47 seconds
|-
| 16
| {{dts|1993-04-08}}
| [[STS-56]]
| Atmospheric Laboratory (ATLAS-2).
| 9 days, 06 hours,<br /> 08 minutes, 24 seconds
|-
| 17
| {{dts|1993-09-12}}
| [[STS-51]]
| [[Advanced Communications Technology Satellite]] (ACTS).
| 9 days, 20 hours,<br /> 11 minutes, 11 seconds
|-
| 18
| {{dts|1994-02-03}}
| [[STS-60]]
| First Shuttle-Mir mission; Wake Shield Facility (WSF). First Russian launched in an American spacecraft ([[Sergei Krikalev]]).
| 8 days, 07 hours,<br /> 09 minutes, 22 seconds
|-
| 19
| {{dts|1994-09-09}}
| [[STS-64]]
| LIDAR In-Space Technology Experiment (LITE).
| 10 days, 22 hours,<br /> 49 minutes, 57 seconds
|-
| 20
| {{dts|1995-02-03}}
| [[STS-63]]
| Rendezvous with [[Mir]] space station. First female shuttle pilot [[Eileen Collins]].<ref name="FT facts" />
| 8 days, 06 hours,<br /> 29 minutes, 36 seconds
|-
| 21
| {{dts|1995-07-13}}
| [[STS-70]]
| Launched [[TDRS-7]].
| 8 days, 22 hours,<br /> 20 minutes, 05 seconds
|-
| 22
| {{dts|1997-02-11}}
| [[STS-82]]
| Servicing [[Hubble Space Telescope]] (HST) (HSM-2).
| 9 days, 23 hours,<br /> 38 minutes, 09 seconds
|-
| 23
| {{dts|1997-08-07}}
| [[STS-85]]
| Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes (CRISTA).
| 11 days, 20 hours,<br /> 28 minutes, 07 seconds
|-
| 24
| {{dts|1998-06-02}}
| [[STS-91]]
| Final Shuttle/Mir Docking Mission.
| 9 days, 19 hours,<br /> 55 minutes, 01 seconds
|-
| 25
| {{dts|1998-10-29}}
| [[STS-95]]
| [[SPACEHAB]], second flight of [[John Glenn]], who was 77 years of age at that time, the oldest man in space and third incumbent member of Congress to enter space. [[Pedro Duque]] became the first [[Spaniard]] in space.
| 8 days, 21 hours,<br /> 44 minutes, 56 seconds
|-
| 26
| {{dts|1999-05-27}}
| [[STS-96]]
| First Space Shuttle mission to dock with the International Space Station<ref name="FT facts" />
| 9 days, 19 hours,<br /> 13 minutes, 57 seconds
|-
| 27
| {{dts|1999-12-19}}
| [[STS-103]]
| Servicing [[Hubble Space Telescope]] (HST) (HSM-3A).
| 7 days, 23 hours,<br /> 11 minutes, 34 seconds
|-
| 28
| {{dts|2000-10-11}}
| [[STS-92]]
| International Space Station Assembly Flight (carried and assembled the [[ISS Truss|Z1 truss]]); 100th Shuttle mission.
| 12 days, 21 hours,<br /> 43 minutes, 47 seconds
|-
| 29
| {{dts|2001-03-08}}
| [[STS-102]]
| International Space Station crew rotation flight ([[Expedition 1]] and [[Expedition 2]])
| 12 days, 19 hours,<br /> 51 minutes, 57 seconds
|-
| 30
| {{dts|2001-08-10}}
| [[STS-105]]
| International Space Station crew and supplies delivery ([[Expedition 2]] and [[Expedition 3]])
| 11 days 21 hours,<br /> 13 minutes, 52 seconds
|-
| 31
| {{dts|2005-07-26}}
| [[STS-114]]
| First "Return To Flight" mission since [[Space Shuttle Columbia disaster|Space Shuttle ''Columbia'' disaster]]; [[International Space Station]] (ISS) supplies delivery, new safety procedures testing and evaluation, [[Multi-Purpose Logistics Module]] (MPLM) ''Raffaello''.
| 13 days, 21 hours,<br /> 33 minutes, 00 seconds
|-
| 32
| {{dts|2006-07-04}}
| [[STS-121]]
| Second "Return To Flight" mission since the [[Space Shuttle Columbia disaster|Space Shuttle ''Columbia'' disaster]], owing to concerns surrounding foam debris from the external tank during STS-114; [[International Space Station]] (ISS) supplies delivery, test new safety and repair techniques.
| 12 days, 18 hours,<br /> 37 minutes, 54 seconds
|-
| 33
| {{dts|2006-12-09}}
| [[STS-116]]
| ISS crew rotation and assembly (carries and assembles the [[ISS Truss|P5 truss]] segment); Last flight to launch on pad [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39|39-B]];<br />First night launch since Space Shuttle ''Columbia'' disaster.
| 12 days, 20 hours,<br /> 44 minutes, 16 seconds
|-
| 34
| {{dts|2007-10-23}}
| [[STS-120]]
| ISS crew rotation and assembly (carries and assembles the [[Node 2|Harmony]] module).
| 15 days, 02 hours,<br /> 23 minutes, 55 seconds
|-
| 35
| {{dts|2008-05-31}}
| [[STS-124]]
| ISS crew rotation and assembly (carries and assembles the [[Kibō (ISS module)|Kibō]] JEM PM module).
| 13 days, 18 hours,<br /> 13 minutes, 07 seconds
|-
| 36
| {{dts|2009-03-15}}
| [[STS-119]]
| International Space Station crew rotation and assembly of a fourth<br /> starboard truss segment (ITS S6) and a fourth set of [[solar array]]s and batteries. Also replaced a failed unit for a system that converts urine to drinking water.
| 12 days, 19 hours,<br /> 29 minutes, 33 seconds
|-
| 37
| {{dts|2009-08-28}}
| [[STS-128]]
| International Space Station crew rotation and ISS resupply using the [[Leonardo MPLM|Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module]]. Also carried the [[Treadmill with Vibration Isolation System|C.O.L.B.E.R.T]] treadmill named after [[Stephen Colbert]]
| 13 days 20 hours, 54 minutes, 40 seconds
|-
|38
| {{dts|2010-04-05}}
|[[STS-131]]
|ISS resupply using the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module. The mission also marked the first time that four women were in space and the first time that two Japanese astronauts were together on a space station.<ref>[http://aapress.com/ethnicity/japanese/four-women-two-japanese-in-space-at-same-time/ Four Women, Two Japanese in Space at Same Time] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725042721/http://aapress.com/ethnicity/japanese/four-women-two-japanese-in-space-at-same-time/ |date=July 25, 2011 }} ''Asian American Press'', April 8, 2010</ref> Longest mission for this Orbiter.
| 15 days 2 hours, 47 minutes 11 seconds‡
|-
|39
| {{dts|2011-02-24}}
|[[STS-133]]
| The mission launched at 4:53&nbsp;pm EST on February 24, was carrying the [[Permanent Multipurpose Module]] (PMM) Leonardo, the [[STS-133#ExPRESS Logistics Carrier 4|ELC-4]] and [[Robonaut 2]] to the ISS.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shuttle Discovery takes off on its final flight|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/24/nasa.shuttle/index.html?npt=NP1|publisher=CNN|access-date=March 10, 2011|date=February 24, 2011|archive-date=November 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110041847/http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/24/nasa.shuttle/index.html?npt=NP1|url-status=live}}</ref> Final flight of ''Discovery''.
| 12 days 19 hours,<br> 4 minutes, 50 seconds
|}
<small>‡ Longest shuttle mission for ''Discovery''</small><br />
<small> – shortest shuttle mission for ''Discovery''</small>

===Mission and tribute insignias===
<!-- Note: missions are ordered by john Cena rather than the mission number, please do not change this order -->
[[File:Space Shuttle Discovery Tribute.jpg|center|thumb|NASA Orbiter Tribute for Space Shuttle ''Discovery''|650x650px]]
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; width:100%"
|-
!colspan=8| Mission insignia for ''Discovery'' flights
|-
|[[Image:Sts-41-d-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-51-a-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-51-c-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-51-d-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-51-g-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-51-i-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-26-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-29-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|-
| [[STS-41-D]]
| [[STS-51-A]]
| [[STS-51-C]]
| [[STS-51-D]]
| [[STS-51-G]]
| [[STS-51-I]]
| [[STS-26]]
| [[STS-29]]
|-
|[[Image:Sts-33-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts31 flight insignia.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-41-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:STS-39 patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-48-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-42-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:STS-53 patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-56-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|-
| [[STS-33]]
| [[STS-31]]
| [[STS-41]]
| [[STS-39]]
| [[STS-48]]
| [[STS-42]]
| [[STS-53]]
| [[STS-56]]
|-
|[[Image:STS-51 patch.svg|center|110x110px]]
|[[Image:Sts-60-patch.png|center|110x110px]]
|[[Image:Sts-64-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-63-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-70-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-82-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-85-patch.png|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-91-patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|-
| [[STS-51]]
| [[STS-60]]
| [[STS-64]]
| [[STS-63]]
| [[STS-70]]
| [[STS-82]]
| [[STS-85]]
| [[STS-91]]
|-
|[[Image:STS-95 Patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-96-patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:STS-103 Patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-92-patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:STS-102 Patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-105-patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:STS-114 patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:STS-121 patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|-
| [[STS-95]]
| [[STS-96]]
| [[STS-103]]
| [[STS-92]]
| [[STS-102]]
| [[STS-105]]
| [[STS-114]]
| [[STS-121]]
|-
|[[Image:STS-116 emblem.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:Sts-120-patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:STS-124 patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:STS-119 Patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:STS-128 Patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:STS-131 patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|[[Image:STS-133 patch.svg|center|100x100px]]
|-
| [[STS-116]]
| [[STS-120]]
| [[STS-124]]
| [[STS-119]]
| [[STS-128]]
| [[STS-131]]
| [[STS-133]]
|}

==Flow directors==
The Flow Director was responsible for the overall preparation of the shuttle for launch and processing it after landing, and remained permanently assigned to head the spacecraft's ground crew while the astronaut flight crews changed for every mission. Each shuttle's Flow Director was supported by a Vehicle Manager for the same spacecraft. Space Shuttle ''Discovery'''s Flow Directors were:
* Until 01/1991: John J. "Tip" Talone Jr. (afterwards Flow Director for ''[[Space Shuttle Endeavour|Endeavour]]'')<ref name="science.ksc.nasa.gov">{{cite web|url=http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/status/r5-91.ksc|title=KSC Names Two Space Shuttle Flow Directors|id=KSC Release No. 5-91|date=January 8, 1991|last1=Malone|first1=Lisa|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101160554/http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/status/r5-91.ksc|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 01/1991 – 09/1992: John C. "Chris" Fairey<ref name="science.ksc.nasa.gov"/>
* 09/1992 – 10/1996: [[David A. King (engineer)|David A. King]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/releases/1992/65-92_prt.htm|title=NASA – KSC Names David King as Shuttle Discovery's Flow Director|website=www.nasa.gov|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=September 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927080743/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/releases/1992/65-92_prt.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 10/1996 – 05/2000: W. Scott Cilento<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/release/1996/120-96.htm |title=KSC Release No. 120-96 |access-date=September 8, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221130111/http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/release/1996/120-96.htm |archive-date=February 21, 2013 }}</ref>
* 12/2000 – 03/2011: Stephanie S. Stilson<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/stilson.html|title=Kennedy Biographies|first=Kay Grinter|last=KSC|work=NASA |date=June 6, 2013|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=January 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124013537/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/stilson.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Gallery==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
|[[Image:STS-41-D launch August 30, 1984.jpg|100px]]
|[[Image:07042007 SpaceShuttle Discovery.jpg|100px]]
|[[Image:Space Shuttle Discovery under a full moon, 03-11-09.jpg|100px]]
|[[Image:Discovery sits atop a Boeing 747 as it touched down.jpg|100px]]
|[[Image:Space Shuttle Discovery lands for the first time, completing STS-41-D.jpg|100px]]
|-
|<small>The launch of [[STS-41-D]], ''Discovery'''s first mission</small>
|<small>[[STS-121]] launched on July 4, 2006 – the only Shuttle to launch on [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]]</small>
|<small>[[STS-119]] on the night of March 11, 2009</small>
|<small>''Discovery'' sits atop a modified [[Boeing 747]] as it touches down at the Kennedy Space Center following [[STS-128]]</small>
|<small>''Discovery'' lands after its first flight, [[STS-41-D]]</small>
|-
|[[File:ISS-11 Discovery heat shield photograph.jpg|frameless|130x130px]]
|[[Image:Discovery mission completed q.jpg|100px]]
|[[Image:Modified Boeing 747 carrying Discovery.jpg|100px]]
|[[Image:Space Shuttle Discovery Landing after STS-124.jpg|100px]]
|[[Image:Concluding the STS-133 mission, Space Shuttle Discovery touches down at the Shuttle Landing Facility - cropped.jpg|100px]]
|-
|<small>''Discovery'' performing the [[Rendezvous pitch maneuver]] during [[STS-114]] prior to docking with the [[International Space Station]]</small>
|<small>The Space Shuttle ''Discovery'' soon after landing at the end of STS-114</small>
|<small>Modified Boeing 747 carrying ''Discovery'' after STS-128</small>
|<small>[[STS-124]] comes to a close as ''Discovery'' lands at the [[Kennedy Space Center]]</small>
|<small>''Discovery''{{'}}s final touchdown on Kennedy Space Center's runway, concluding the [[STS-133]] mission and ''Discovery''{{'}}s 27-year career</small>
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Spaceflight|Solar System}}
* [[List of human spaceflights]]
* [[List of Space Shuttle crews]]
* [[List of Space Shuttle missions]]
* [[Timeline of Space Shuttle missions]]

==References==
{{Include-NASA}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Space Shuttle Discovery}}
{{Space Shuttle Mission Link}}
*[http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight/ Return to Flight mission STS-114 and STS-121] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121103718/https://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight |date=January 21, 2019 }}
*[http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/resources/orbiters/discovery.html Shuttle Orbiter ''Discovery'' (OV-103)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209023128/https://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/resources/orbiters/discovery.html |date=February 9, 2021 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070510210756/http://www.maniacworld.com/space-shuttle-night-launch.htm Night Launch of the Space Shuttle ''Discovery'']
*[http://www.spacetelescope.org/about/history/servicing_mission_3a.html ''Discovery'' on Servicing Mission 3A at ESA/Hubble site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921213415/http://www.spacetelescope.org/about/history/servicing_mission_3a.html |date=September 21, 2008 }}
*[http://www.funnycoolstuff.com/2007/04/06/amazing-space-shuttle-pictures/ Pictures of preparations for a launch of ''Discovery''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213130945/http://funnycoolstuff.com/2007/04/06/amazing-space-shuttle-pictures/ |date=December 13, 2012 }}
*[http://www.life.com/image/first/in-gallery/48941/a-space-shuttles-final-rollout A Space Shuttle's Final Rollout] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100929204241/http://www.life.com/image/first/in-gallery/48941/a-space-shuttles-final-rollout |date=September 29, 2010 }} – slideshow by ''[[Life magazine|Life]]'' magazine
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002632/http://www.exploration-space.com/16-apr-2007-nasa.html April 16, 2007: Consolidated Launch Manifest: Space Shuttle Flights and ISS Assembly Sequence.]
*[https://archive.today/20130222100435/http://nasatech.net/ntTRDiscovery_PAGE.html Transition and Retirement: Hi-res spherical panoramas of the processing]
*{{HAER |survey=TX-116-A |id=tx1107 |title=Space Transportation System, Orbiter Discovery (OV-103), Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, Harris County, TX |photos=121 |dwgs=14 |cap=28}}

{{Space Shuttle Discovery}}
{{Space Shuttle}}
{{Space Shuttles}}
{{NASA space program}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Crewed spacecraft|Discovery]]
[[Category:Space Shuttle orbiters|Discovery]]
[[Category:Historic American Engineering Record in Texas]]
[[Category:Individual spacecraft in the Smithsonian Institution]]
[[Category:Individual rockets]]
[[Category:Individual aircraft]]