NASA's Space Shuttle-Best Spacecraft Ever

Over the 30 years from 1981 to 2011, NASA's five Space Shuttles flew 135 missions. Most were highly successful. Two became national tragedies. The Shuttles carried hundreds of astronauts into space, scores of satellites and planetary probes, and most of the components for the International Space Station. Shuttle astronauts also repaired and upgraded some satellites-most famously the Hubble Space Telescope-and even returned several to Earth. Although the Shuttles were retired more than 3 years ago, no other spacecraft, of any country, can match their accomplishments. They remain the most versatile and capable spacecraft ever built. They were also, by far, the most expensive. In other words, they're truly American.

Speaker: Dr. Eric Wegryn, Ohlone College

Room: 3201, Building 3, Second Floor