SPACE.com -- Celebrating 20 years of the Space Shuttle


	Celebrating 20 years of the Space Shuttle posted: 12 April 2001 05:28 am

Two decades ago the United States first launched an incredible new flying machine called the Space Shuttle. Join SPACE.com all this week as we celebrate 20 years of NASA's space transportation system.

The Next 20 Years:
Building a Safer, Better Shuttle

Columbia Turns 20:
John Young Remembers First Flight
From SPACE TV: Special RetroVideo!
John Young recounts Columbia's test flight.

The ultimate survivor challenge:
NASA Studies Advanced Shuttle
Crew Escape Systems

Prognosis for NASA's oldest orbiter:
Shuttle Columbia's Uncertain Future

Keeping the shuttle flying 20 more years.
NASA Readies Shuttle for the Long Haul

A special essay from FLORIDA TODAY
by Alex Roland, a former NASA historian.
20 Years Later, Caught in Shuttle Trap

Shuttle Graphic

Learn more about the Space Shuttle with SPACE.com's interactive graphic.

Shuttle Upgrades

Changes to the Space Shuttle through the first 20 years are detailed in this FLASH graphic.

Need Flash 4?

More About the Space Shuttle from SPACE.com

Anniversary Week

Celebrate 40 years of human spaceflight right here.

Enjoy these Space Shuttle themed image galleries:

Mission Discovery: STS-102
The first changing of the guard of flight crews took place at the International Space Station during this flight that also featured first use of an Italian supply module, in this case Leonardo. Direct Link to Story Archive

Mission Atlantis: STS-98
The $1.4 billion Destiny U.S. science laboratory was delivered to the International Space Station during this critical assembly mission in Earth orbit. Direct Link to Story Archive

Mission Endeavour: STS-97
With the Expedition One crew watching from inside the International Space Station, Endeavour's five astronauts deployed a new 240-foot-wide solar array just in time for the holidays. Direct Link to Story Archive

Mission Discovery: STS-92
NASA's 100th shuttle mission saw Discovery dock with the International Space Station during October 2000 to prepare it for its first occupants. Direct Link to Story Archive

Mission Atlantis: STS-106
NASA began an ambitious schedule of launching nine shuttle missions during the next 12 months with this September 2000 flight of Atlantis to the International Space Station. Direct Link to Story Archive

	BP There’s energy security in energy diversity.

	One-stop destination for the lowest domestic airfares Search all airlines, including Southwest now!

	HP ProLiant Servers The HP portfolio of servers-leading technology that respects the bottom line. Powerful ProLiant technology at a price that's worth a second look.