NASA’s Space Shuttle carried astronauts into orbit for 30 years between 1981 and 2011. During this time, the spacecraft fleet helped build the International Space Station (ISS) and the Hubble Space Telescope. Hailed a technological wonder of space transportation, the Space Shuttle made a total of 135 missions for NASA. But why did the shuttle programme end and what happened to NASA’s incredible spacecraft?
What was the Space Shuttle?
The Space Shuttle was NASA’s signature rocket and orbiter spacecraft that carried astronauts into space for three decades.
NASA said: “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.”
The spacecraft housed up to seven crew members at one time as well as cargo and scientific instruments.
NASA said: “During its history, the Space Shuttle flew many different types of missions.
“It launched satellites and served as an orbiting science laboratory.
“Its crews repaired and improved other spacecraft, such as the Hubble Space Telescope.”
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NASA Space Shuttle: The incredible NASA spacecraft carried astronauts for 30 years (Image: NASA)
NASA Space Shuttle: The spacecraft helped assemble the International Space Station (Image: NASA)
When was the final Space Shuttle launch?
The first shuttle launch took off on April 12, 1981, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Centre.
Thirty years later, the shuttle would take off one last time from the same historic launchpad on July 8, 2011.
The mission saw the rocket system carry a team of astronauts to the Space Station.
The shuttle then glided back down to Earth in less than two weeks, landing on July 21, 2011.
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What happened to the Space Shuttle Atlantis?
The Atlantis was the final Space Shuttle to fly into space in 2011.
By the time the programme was cancelled, three Space Shuttle orbiters were still in service – Space Shuttle Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour.
Unfortunately, two more orbiters were destroyed in catastrophic disasters in 1986 and 2003 respectively.
On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon atmospheric re-entry, killing all seven astronauts on board.
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And on January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger fell apart just 73 seconds into its flight, killing all seven of its crew.
The remaining spacecraft were transferred to museums after the programme was cancelled and are now on public display.
The Space Shuttle pushed the bounds of discovery ever farther
NASA said: “Discovery is on display at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, in Chantilly, Va.
“Atlantis is at Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex in Florida.
“The California Science Center in Los Angeles is Endeavour’s new home.”
There is one more Space Shuttle that never took flight, the Enterprise, and the vehicle resides in the New York City Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
NASA Space Shuttle: Two of the shuttle vehicles were destroyed in fatal accidents (Image: NASA)
NASA Space Shuttle: The powerful spacecraft flew for the last time in July 2011 (Image: NASA)
Why did NASA end the Space Shuttle programme?
US President George W Bush announced the decision to phase out the Space Shuttle from active service in 2004.
The decision was made by the US Government off the back of safety and budgetary concerns.
President Bush said: “The Shuttle’s chief purpose over the next several years will be to help finish assembly of the International Space Station.
“In 2010, the Space Shuttle – after nearly 30 years of – will be retired from service.”
