The Space Shuttle Discovery launches the first American component, the Unity module, to the ISS on STS-88.Įndeavour delivers the Zvezda Service Module to the ISS, an important Russian contribution, on STS-106. Space Shuttle Endeavour conducts the first shuttle mission to dock with the Russian space station Mir on STS-63. The Space Shuttle program helps to assemble the International Space Station (ISS) with the launch of the Unity module on STS-88. Space Shuttle Atlantis launches the Magellan spacecraft to Venus on STS-30.ĭiscovery deploys the Hubble Space Telescope on STS-31.Įndeavour, the fifth and final Space Shuttle orbiter, joins the fleet and conducts its first mission on STS-49. The Space Shuttle program returns to flight with the launch of Discovery on STS-26. Tragedy strikes as Challenger disintegrates 73 seconds after liftoff on STS-51-L, resulting in the loss of seven astronauts. Space Shuttle Discovery makes its first flight on STS-41-D.Ītlantis joins the Space Shuttle fleet, conducting its first mission on STS-51-J. Space Shuttle Challenger carries the first American female astronaut, Sally Ride, into space on STS-7. Space Shuttle Columbia becomes the first orbiter to go into space on STS-1, the program’s inaugural flight, with astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen.Ĭhallenger, the second operational Space Shuttle, makes its maiden flight on STS-6. The first Space Shuttle, Enterprise, conducts a series of atmospheric test flights without going into space. NASA announces plans for the Space Shuttle program.
This brief timeline highlights key events and missions within the Space Shuttle program, from its inception to its iconic missions, achievements, and its eventual retirement, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of space exploration.
Spanning over three decades, from 1981 to 2011, it featured a fleet of reusable orbiters that revolutionized our ability to access and work in space. The Space Shuttle program, operated by NASA, was a remarkable chapter in the history of human space exploration.