Rockwell International (built for NASA) Space Shuttle Orbiter (Discovery)

27 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

The Shuttle Discovery is among the most significant spacecraft in history, having completed the greatest number of missions in the Shuttle fleet.

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Aircraft

Space Shuttle Orbiter (Discovery) OV-103

NASA (Space Shuttle program)

Airline

NASA

Manufacturer

Rockwell International (built for NASA)

Insights

Aviation History

OV-103 'Discovery' is one of the five operational orbiters of the NASA Space Shuttle fleet and completed more missions (39) than any other orbiter. It deployed the Hubble Space Telescope and launched Ulysses and other historic payloads.

Fleet Rarity

1 of only 5 operational orbiters built; one of 3 surviving and on display; the only shuttle at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

Record Flights

First orbiter to retire after completing all station construction missions; flew return-to-flight missions post-Challenger and post-Columbia.

Safety & Events

Notable for launching Hubble and being the shuttle to return to flight after both shuttle disasters.

Future Outlook

Retired and permanently displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (Udvar-Hazy Center).

Specifications

Three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs, RS-25) and two OMS pods

Engine

23.79 m

Wingspan

37.24 m

Length

Low Earth Orbit capability (no conventional range—designed for orbital mission of up to ~17 days)

Range

Orbit: ~28,000 km/h

Speed

Up to 8 astronauts; payload: up to 27,500 kg

Capacity

109,000 kg (Orbiter only, max landing weight); Launch with stack: ~2,030,000 kg

MTOW

17.25 m

Height

Each RS-25: 1,860 kN (vacuum); Total: ~5,580 kN (SSMEs only)

Thrust

N/A (not rated by ICAO; very high at launch)

Noise

This is not a conventional aircraft; it is a reusable orbital spacecraft with features distinct from airliners or standard airplanes.