BBC Sky at Night

Five Shuttles, 30 years

COLUMBIA

First flight: April 1981

Last flight: February 2003

No of missions: 28

Mission highlights

• First Shuttle to fly in space • Launched Spacelab • Shortest and longest • Launched Chandra X-ray Observatory • First female commander (Eileen Collins)

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from BBC Sky at Night

BBC Sky at Night3 min read
Pick Of The Month
Best time to see: 31 July, 03:20 BST (02:20 UT) Altitude: 16° Location: Taurus Direction: East-northeast Features: Complex atmosphere, brighter moons Recommended equipment: 75mm scope or larger Morning planet Jupiter rises around 03:00 BST (02:00 UT)
BBC Sky at Night4 min read
Interactive
Email us at inbox@skyatnightmagazine.com MESSAGE OF THE MONTH Tweet Phil Halper @skydivephil • 11 May Northern Lights from England, taken at Whitley Bay. #NorthernLights #aurora #Auroraborealis @skyatnightmag I thought you'd be interested to see this
BBC Sky at Night1 min read
John McFall
DOB: 25 April 1981 McFall grew up in Hampshire, UK. While travelling in Thailand at age 19, he was in a motorcycle accident that resulted in the above-knee amputation of his right leg. He says that sport, especially running, was key to his rehabilita

Related Books & Audiobooks