Credit & Copyright: NASA,
STS-51 Crew
Explanation:
The Space Shuttle Discovery's orbital maneuvering system (OMS)
engine
firing produced this dramatic flare as it cruised "upside down"
in low Earth orbit.
Discovery was named for a ship commanded by
Captain James Cook RN, the 18th Century
English astronomer and navigator.
Cook's voyages of
discovery established new standards
in scientific exploration and brought extensive knowledge of
the unknown Pacific regions, including
Australia, New Zealand, and the
Hawaiian Island archipelago to Europeans.
The Space Shuttle
Endeavor, also named after one
of Cook's ships, is the most recent addition to
NASA's four-orbiter shuttle fleet.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: space shuttle Discovery - space shuttle Endeavour
Publications with words: space shuttle Discovery - space shuttle Endeavour
See also: