Space Shuttle Discovery Launched
August 30, 1984 · 20th Century
On August 30, 1984, Space Shuttle Discovery launched on its maiden flight, mission STS-41-D, from Kennedy Space Center. The crew of six, commanded by Henry Hartsfield, deployed three communications satellites during the six-day mission. Discovery was the third operational orbiter in NASA's shuttle fleet, following Columbia and Challenger. Over its 27-year service life, Discovery completed 39 missions and spent 365 days in space, more flights than any other orbiter in the program.
Key Figures
Steven A. HawleyJudith A. ResnikHenry W. Hartsfield, Jr.Michael L. CoatsRichard M. MullaneCharles D. Walker
Locations
Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39AEdwards Air Force Base
Topics
STS-41-DOV-103NASASpace Shuttlediscovery
Connected Events — 3 Connections
Steven Hawley's experience as Discovery mission specialist in 1984 qualified him for the complex orbital mechanics required to deploy Hubble from Discovery in 1990 Hubble Space Telescope Launched
Discovery's successful 1984 mission with Judith Resnik validated shuttle design and crew training protocols that were later applied to Challenger, creating institutional confidence that may have contributed to launch decision-making under marginal conditions Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
Discovery used refined versions of the LI-900 thermal protection system developed under this contract Space Shuttle Thermal Protection Tile Development
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