Space Shuttle Endeavour (Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-105) is a retired orbiter from NASA’s Space Shuttle program and the fifth and final operational Shuttle built. The United States Congress approved the construction of Endeavour in 1987 to replace the Space Shuttle Challenger, which was destroyed in 1986.

What did space shuttle Endeavor do?

Endeavour successfully completed 25 missions into space, including the first service mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as the first mission to add a U.S. component to the International Space Station.

Why was the space shuttle named Endeavor?

The space agency’s newest orbiter began flight operations in 1992 on mission STS-49, the Intelsat VI repair mission. Endeavour is named after the first ship commanded by 18th century British explorer James Cook.

How many times did the Endeavour go into space?

Endeavour flew into space 25 times. Among other career highlights, its crew members performed the first Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. Endeavour also reached the Mir space station once and the International Space Station multiple times.

Can you go inside the Endeavour?

Endeavour at the Samuel Oschin Pavilion While the pavilion is cavernous, the volume level inside is on the quiet side as visitors walk under and around the five-story Endeavor. In order to preserve Endeavour for future generations, there are no plans to allow visitors inside the shuttle.

Who named the Endeavour?

James Cook
In May 1989, President George Bush announced the winning name. Endeavour was named after a ship chartered to traverse the South Pacific in 1768 and captained by 18th century British explorer James Cook, an experienced seaman, navigator and amateur astronomer.

Who Flew the Endeavour space shuttle?

Aboard Endeavour on a 16-day mission were Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson and Mission Specialists Michael Fincke, Andrew Feustel, Greg Chamitoff and Roberto Vittori with the European Space Agency.

How did the Space Shuttle Endeavour get its name?

Among other stipulations, the shuttle had to be named after an “exploratory or research sea vessel” and the name also needed to be easily understood in space. Almost one-third of the participating schools chose the same name: Endeavour. It was a British ship that was best known for its first voyage (1769-71) with James Cook as captain.

What are names of space shuttles from NASA?

NASA’s space shuttle fleet was comprised of orbiters Atlantis, Challenger, Columbia, Discovery, Endeavour and a prototype craft named Enterprise. The space shuttle program began in 1981 and conducted 135 missions.

What is the space shuttle Endeavor?

Space Shuttle Endeavour. Space Shuttle Endeavour ( Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-105) is a retired orbiter from NASA ‘s Space Shuttle program and the fifth and final operational shuttle built. It embarked on its first mission, STS-49, in May 1992 and its 25th and final mission, STS-134, in May 2011.

Where does NASA launch its space shuttles from?

A space shuttle launches from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida . Image Credit: NASA View Larger Image → The space shuttle is NASA’s space transportation system, designed to carry astronauts and cargo to and from Earth orbit. The first space shuttle flight took place in 1981. The space shuttle fleet is scheduled to be retired in 2011.