Space Shuttle:
NASA's Space Shuttle, also known as Shuttle Transit System or STS, is the first reusable spacecraft. First launched in 1981, the orbiters were designed to transport astronauts and cargo into Earth orbit. NASA built five spacefaring shuttles. Two shuttles,
Challenger and
Columbia, and their crews were lost in accidents.
Discovery,
Atlantis and
Endeavour are still in use. NASA plans to retire the orbiters at the end of 2010.
The Shuttles made dozens of flights into orbit carrying everything from the Jupiter-bound Galileo orbiter to military satellites. Shuttle astronauts have kept the Hubble Space Telescope working. Shuttle crews are currently completing the International Space Station.
Read More About Space Shuttle
Visit the Space Shuttle Website
