1976

The prototype of the space shuttle, the Enterprise is constructed without core

functions such as engines and spaceflight. The shuttle tested

atmospheric conditions of the space shuttles to help development.

Pre 1972

President Richard Nixon orders NASA to create a national space strategy. Shuttle

designs and operating systems are weighed against each other. A reusable winged

obiter is chosen 1972

President Richard Nixon signs a bill authorising NASA to develop reusable

space shuttles. The space craft are designed to carry 7 astronauts and carry

up to 22 000kg of cargo into low orbit

1981

Space shuttle Columbia is sent on its maiden voyage with astronauts John

Young and Bob Crippen on board. The flight lasts 54 hours and the shuttle

orbits earth 37 times before it safely lands

1986

Space shuttle Challenger explodes during ascent due to a failure in one of

the booster rockets.

1988

Space shuttle Discovery is on the first space flight since the Challenger

disaster. The shuttle has many new safety improvements including a

redesigned booster so the same failure does happen again.

1998

The external tank is redesigned weighing 3400kg lighter.

2003

Space shuttle Columbia explodes during atmospheric re-entry due to

debris piercing the heat shield during launch.

2005

Space shuttle Discovery is on the first space flight since Columbia exploded. Its flight was to test new safety measures such as a boom that could detect for

damage on the shuttle.

2011

The space shuttles are used for the last time.