Space Shuttle Discovery: Our Space Shuttle Discovery model spacecraft is modeled and handcrafted using various high-quality grade materials by our renowned master craftsmen. Our Space Shuttle Discovery model spacecraft is uniquely designed and manufactured using the latest innovations and techniques applied in the over-all manufacturing and operation process procedures. The model spacecraft's parts including the launch vehicle and payloads are extremely accurate and precise based on the original. It will fascinate anyone who gazes at it for its remarkable and exceptional quality. The Space Shuttle Discovery model spacecraft comes with an extremely durable base stand marked with the spacecraft's official insignia. Space Shuttle Discovery History: Space Shuttle Orbiter Discovery (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-103) is one of the three currently operational spacecraft in NASA's Space Transportation System fleet. First flown in 1984, Discovery was the third orbiter to become operational at Kennedy Space Center and is now the oldest shuttle in service. It has performed both research and International Space Station (ISS) assembly missions. The spacecraft takes its name from previous exploration ships named Discovery, primarily HMS Discovery, the sailing ship that accompanied famous explorer James Cook on his third and final major voyage. Lessons learned in the construction and testing of Enterprise, Columbia and Challenger were applied to Discovery. At rollout, its weight was 6,870 pounds lighter than Columbia. In 1995, Discovery underwent a nine-month Orbiter Maintenance Down Period (OMDP) in Palmdale, California. It was outfitted with a fifth set of cryogenic tanks and an external airlock to support missions to the ISS. In 2002, the spacecraft underwent another OMDP. This one lasted over two years and provided 99 upgrades and 88 special tests, including a number of changes to improve flight safety. Discovery was the shuttle that launched the Hubble Space Telescope in April 1990 during STS-31, and conducted the second and third Hubble service missions. It has also launched the Ulysses probe and three Tracking and Data Relay Satellites. It has been chosen twice as the return to flight orbiter, first in 1988 after the Challenger disaster, and then for twin missions in July 2005 and July 2006 after the Columbia disaster. On October 29, 1998, Discovery carried Project Mercury astronaut John Glenn back into space during STS-95. He was 77 at the time, making him the oldest human being to venture into space. This model has measurements of: Span: 9" Len: 25" and Scale: 1/100