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[i]The space shuttle was the icon for U.S. human spaceflight for thirty years. First launched in 1981, space shuttles completed 135 missions in Earth orbit until 2011. NASA built six space shuttle orbiters: Enterprise, a test vehicle that flew only in the atmosphere; Columbia, flown 28 times before its loss during reentry in 2003; Challenger, destroyed during launch on its 10th mission in 1986; Discovery will 39 missions to its credit; Atlantis, 33 missions; and Endeavour, 25 missions. More than 500 people flew on the successful shuttle missions. Fourteen astronaut perished in the two shuttle tragedies. NASA transferred Enterprise to the Smithsonian, and it was displayed at the National Air and Space Museum's Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center until the Museum received Discovery. As the oldest shuttle orbiter with the longest record of distinction in spaceflight, Discovery now holds a place of honor among the many treasures in the Smithsonian.[/i]
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