Discovery is History

For thirty years, the space shuttle Discovery has served the United States.  With more than 148 million miles behind it, and 39 orbital missions "under its wings" 

Discovery is retired as the oldest and most traveled 

space shuttle in the US fleet.

But this is not the end of the famous space traveler.  Discovery will be on display at the Dulles International Airport in Virginia, then go to the Smithsonian Museum as an historical relic, standing as a beacon of how far the United States has reached not only into the realms of space, but into the realms of education, science, and technology.

Many had a chance to see the historic space ship (myself included) as it made its final trip from Kennedy Space Center, flying past the familiar Cape Canaveral in Florida to the cheers of an appreciative crowd who jammed the streets to pay their final respects.  It flew north, making a final run, as a salute, passed the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the White House where once it again it was met by an even busier and crowded highway full of admirers.  Streets were crowded, roofs were populated, as people wanted to get a glimpse of history.

"Discovery."  What a perfect name for the ship that allowed the United States to discover the depths of space so many times.  It is a part of history that won't be forgotten.