NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Space shuttle Discovery soars away from Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning its maiden voyage and a storied spaceflight career spanning more than 26 years. The on-time liftoff occurred at 8:42 a.m. EDT. Image Credit: NASA

The space shuttle Discovery will hitch a ride on NASA's modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft for the flight from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia on April 17, 2012. Image Credit: NASA

Date: April 16, 2012
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. EDT
Grade Level: 4-12
STEM Subject: Science: History and nature of science
STEM Career: Engineer: An engineer applies scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop and test products, systems, machinery or structures.

Live and on location at the Space Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, students asked questions of NASA experts about the shuttle program and the future of space exploration.

Preparations are underway to transport space shuttle Discovery on the back of a modified 747 to the shuttle's final destination at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. This final flight will take place on April 17, 2012.

The Space Shuttle Discovery Fly Out Webchat included special guests who have worked on the shuttle over the years both on land and in space! Guests included engineers, rocket scientists, astronauts and more.


Related Resources:
> Structures and Materials: Shuttle Tiles Educator Guides
> Discovery Image Gallery
> Discovery Retrospective Video
> Space Shuttle Program: Spanning 30 Years of Discovery
> Discovery's Orbiter Tribute