Since the first human space mission in 1961, NASA has made tremendous strides in space exploration and scientific discovery. In 1981, the first reusable spacecraft, the Space Shuttle, launched into orbit, ushering in a new era of spaceflight. Throughout its thirty-year history, six spacecraft have been used by NASA in the Shuttle program, with each of them having an iconic name. The objectives of the Shuttle program were ambitious, and its accomplishments were remarkable.
Each of the six shuttles had a distinct character, and each played an essential role in the history of space exploration. Let us examine their significance and their unique contributions to space history.