When was the first Space Shuttle launched?

When was the first Space Shuttle launched?

Space Shuttle Historical Timeline January 5, 1972: Presidential Direction to Pursue Shuttle On January 5, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon announced that NASA would proceed with the development of a reusable low cost space shuttle system. NASA and its aerospace industry contractors continued engineering studies through January and February of 1972.

What was the purpose of the Shuttle Discovery mission?

Shuttle Discovery launched on July 26, 2005 on the first Return to Flight mission following the Columbia Accident, which took place February 1, 2003. Its main objective was to test and evaluate new space shuttle safety techniques, and to delivered supplies. and equipment to the International Space Station.

What is the highest altitude A Space Shuttle has reached?

Shuttle Discovery launched on April 24, 1990 on STS-31 to deploy the Hubble Space Telescope. To accomplish this task, Discovery climbed to an altitude of 600 kilometers (370 miles) – the highest shuttle orbit altitude ever at the time.

What is the size of the Space Shuttle external tank?

The new super lightweight external tank is the same size as the previous tank design but weighs about 7,500 pounds lighter. The largest single component of the Space Shuttle, the 154-foot-long external tank stands taller than a 15- story building and is as wide as a silo with a diameter of about 27 feet.

How long does it take to complete the Space Shuttle Countdown?

For the space shuttle countdown, built-in holds vary in length and always occur at the following times: T-27 hours, T-19 hours, T-11 hours, T-6 hours, T-3 hours, T-20 minutes, and T-9 minutes.

How long do the main engines of the Space Shuttle last?

The main engines continue to operate for 8.5 minutes after launch, the duration of the Shuttle’s powered flight. Image left: The Space Shuttle Main Engines provide part of the thrust that sends the Shuttle into orbit. Click image to play video of engines firing on launch (no audio). Photo credit: NASA

What is the final phase of the launch process for NASA?

NASA Test Director conducts final launch team briefings Complete inertial measurement unit preflight alignments Transition the orbiter’s onboard computers to launch configuration Transition backup flight system to launch configuration This is the final built-in hold, and varies in length depending on the mission.