Space shuttle Discovery completes final mission

Space shuttle Discovery completes final mission

The space shuttle Discovery came in for a graceful landing at Kennedy Space Center just before noon today, ending a 13-day mission as well as the orbiter’s 27-year career. It was also the first step in the end of the U.S. space shuttle program.

“The end of a historic journey. To a ship that has led the way, time and time again, we bid farewell to Discovery,” said NASA commentator Charles Hobaugh as the orbiter rolled down the runway.

Discovery’s return leaves just two more shuttle launches — Endeavour in April, and Atlantis in June — before the program is retired. With it will go an estimated 7,000 jobs at Kennedy Space Center.