On this day August 30 1984, the Space Shuttle Discovery launched for the first time from Kennedy Space Center on mission STS 41 D. It marked the maiden voyage of NASA’s third operational shuttle, beginning a long and eventful career that would span nearly three decades.
The mission carried six astronauts and three communications satellites into orbit. It also marked the first flight for astronaut Judith Resnik, one of the first American women in space. During the six day journey, the crew conducted experiments and tested key shuttle systems that would support future missions.
Discovery’s debut was a major step forward in the United States space program, showing NASA’s growing capability for regular reusable spaceflight. It would go on to complete 39 missions, more than any other shuttle in the fleet.
80s insight: Discovery became one of the most historic shuttles in NASA’s lineup, later playing key roles in deploying the Hubble Space Telescope and returning to flight after the Challenger and Columbia disasters.
The mission carried six astronauts and three communications satellites into orbit. It also marked the first flight for astronaut Judith Resnik, one of the first American women in space. During the six day journey, the crew conducted experiments and tested key shuttle systems that would support future missions.
Discovery’s debut was a major step forward in the United States space program, showing NASA’s growing capability for regular reusable spaceflight. It would go on to complete 39 missions, more than any other shuttle in the fleet.
80s insight: Discovery became one of the most historic shuttles in NASA’s lineup, later playing key roles in deploying the Hubble Space Telescope and returning to flight after the Challenger and Columbia disasters.
