Updated on October 14, 2023 by Julie McCool
A visit to the Space Shuttle Discovery at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly Virginia is sure to impress. It is truly awe-inspiring to stand next to the huge craft and reflect on all that Discovery accomplished in space.
The Space Shuttle Discovery was a workhorse of the fleet and it flew many ground-breaking missions during its long years of service. In fact, Discovery flew:
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- the first docking mission to the Mir Space Station
- the first docking with the International Space Station
- missions to deploy and service the Hubble Space Telescope
In addition, the shuttle often flew with ground-breaking pilots and crew. Discovery was flown by the first African-American commander, both women commanders, and was piloted by the first female spacecraft pilot. Astronaut John Glenn even flew in Discovery when he returned to space at the age of 77.
[quote]The longest-serving orbiter, Discovery flew 39 times from 1984 through 2011 — more missions than any of its sister ships — spending altogether 365 days in space. Discovery also flew every type of mission during the space shuttle era and has a record of distinctions. Discovery well represents the full scope of human spaceflight in the period 1981-2011.—Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum[/quote]
The Space Shuttle Discovery is impressive from every angle. Walk to the rear of the craft and the giant engines tower above you.
Walk along the side and look at the marks on the thermal protection tiles, earned during all those orbits in space. Notice how the tiles are all unique, a precisely organized puzzle of shapes and thicknesses that protected the ship and crew on its missions.
Stand near the front and notice the words “cut here for emergency rescue”— a stark reminder of the dangers of space flight.
There are often docents leading tours and talks near the Space Shuttle. In addition, live video talks on a large screen TV allow guests to ask questions and interact with the experts.
If you were lucky enough to be in the DC region on April 17, 2012, you may have seen Discovery's arrival in Northern Virginia. Strapped atop its Boeing 747 transport, Space Shuttle Discovery made several flyovers of the DC area before landing at Dulles Airport. From there it moved to its permanent home at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
Like its counterpart in DC, admission to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Virginia is free. Parking is $15 (free after 4:00) and you'll need to buy tickets if you want to enjoy the IMAX theater or the simulator.
The Udvar-Hazy Museum's huge indoor facility is an excellent option for a family outing and an impressive stop for out-of-town visitors. When the weather is cold, rainy, or too hot, the Udvar-Hazy Center is one of the best indoor activities in Northern Virginia.
The Smithsonian Air And Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located at 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway in Chantilly, Virginia. Visit the museum website for more information or call 703-572-4118.
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