NASA Space Orbiter Shuttle Discovery Ful Stock 25" Wood Model Space Craft Space Shuttle Discovery was operational from its maiden flight on August 30, 1984, until its final landing on March 9, 2011. The spacecraft takes its name from four British ships of exploration named Discovery, primarily HMS Discovery, one of the ships commanded by Captain James Cook during his third and final major voyage from 1776 to 1779. Prior to its retirement, Discovery was NASA's Orbiter Fleet leader, having flown 39 successful
