space timeline
DESCRIPTION
nasaTRANSCRIPT
1976
The prototype of the space shuttle, the Enterprise is constructed without core
functions such as engines and spaceflight. The shuttle tested
atmospheric conditions of the space shuttles to help development.
Pre 1972
President Richard Nixon orders NASA to create a national space strategy. Shuttle
designs and operating systems are weighed against each other. A reusable winged
obiter is chosen 1972
President Richard Nixon signs a bill authorising NASA to develop reusable
space shuttles. The space craft are designed to carry 7 astronauts and carry
up to 22 000kg of cargo into low orbit
1981
Space shuttle Columbia is sent on its maiden voyage with astronauts John
Young and Bob Crippen on board. The flight lasts 54 hours and the shuttle
orbits earth 37 times before it safely lands
1986
Space shuttle Challenger explodes during ascent due to a failure in one of
the booster rockets.
1988
Space shuttle Discovery is on the first space flight since the Challenger
disaster. The shuttle has many new safety improvements including a
redesigned booster so the same failure does happen again.
1998
The external tank is redesigned weighing 3400kg lighter.
2003
Space shuttle Columbia explodes during atmospheric re-entry due to
debris piercing the heat shield during launch.
2005
Space shuttle Discovery is on the first space flight since Columbia exploded. Its flight was to test new safety measures such as a boom that could detect for
damage on the shuttle.
2011
The space shuttles are used for the last time.