Space Shuttle

German-Born Space Pioneers Helped America Reach the Moon

By Bob Granath | October 22, 2025

In the months and years following the conclusion of World War II, Dr. Wernher von Braun and Dr. Kurt Debus led a team of German rocket experts who came to the United States and helped set the foundation for the utilization of space with the benefits for all of humankind. While their contributions now are a crucial part of everyday life, revisionist historians are attempting to erase the legacy of these pioneers. While their work resulted in development of the infamous V-2 missile, the goal of von Braun and Debus always was to explore space.

Crew-11 Mission ‘Embodies Teamwork Across Nations’

By Bob Granath | August 1, 2025

On Aug. 1, 2025, a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched with four astronauts representing space agencies from three nations. They plan a six-month stay aboard the International Space Station continuing research aboard the orbital laboratory. What is learned in orbit also will benefit humans living on and off the Earth and help NASA prepare for operations on and around the Moon and, eventually, Mars.

Adversaries’ Handshake in Space Leads to Decades of Cooperation

By Bob Granath | July 15, 2025

In the summer of 1975, 50 years ago, millions around the world watched an event that would have been unthinkable only a few years earlier. An American Apollo spacecraft docked with a Soviet Soyuz capsule leading to a handshake in Earth orbit. As the first international space mission, the Apollo Soyuz Test Project led to extensive cooperation ongoing today.

Cady Coleman Adds Humor to Life Aboard International Space Station

By Bob Granath | June 8, 2025

When International Space Station astronaut Catherine Coleman spoke to employees at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Sept. 20, 2012, she told those in attendance about her extended stay aboard the orbiting laboratory. The veteran of three spaceflights described her experiences with the exuberance of a youngster relating a family vacation. At the end of her presentation, she confirmed that – like early astronauts – crews still find ways to set up a humorous gag for engineers and scientists in Mission Control.

Astronaut Dick Scobee: Skilled Pilot, Humble American Hero

By Bob Granath | January 28, 2025

Space Shuttle mission STS-51-L was to be the 25th mission of the program. What made it special was to be lessons taught from space by a school teacher. On Jan. 28, 1986, 73 seconds after liftoff of the Space Shuttle Challenger, the crew and vehicle were lost. The commander for the flight was veteran astronaut Dick Scobee, an experienced test pilot who exhibited humility and admiration for his colleagues.

With Space Shuttle Atlantis, ‘Great Things Were Accomplished’

By Bob Granath | November 25, 2024

When guests enter the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, they gain a close-up view of one of NASA’s most historic spacecraft. From its maiden voyage to the final mission, Atlantis proved to be a versatile spacefaring platform. During 33 missions, 207 crew members deployed satellites, serviced the Hubble Space Telescope and helped assemble the International Space Station.

Launch Countdown Tradition Began with a Silent Movie

By Bob Granath | January 26, 2024

The familiar count backwards to zero leading to the launch of a rocket did not originate with missiles fired from Cape Canaveral. It began with an Austrian filmmaker recruiting a spaceflight pioneer to recommend ways to add drama and realism to a 1929 science-fiction movie about a fictitious trip to the Moon. German rocket enthusiasts soon began including countdowns to their rocket tests. It later continued in their work in the U.S. leading to the historic first actual lunar flight by humans.

Dragon Re-entry Creates Rare Spectacle for Earthbound Viewers

By Bob Granath | September 18, 2023

A rocket thundering into space is a familiar sight for residents of Florida’s Space Coast. In the past two years, more than once a week windows rattle as launch vehicles send satellites to orbit and spacecraft on missions beyond Earth. However, those who were outside on a recent evening witnessed a rare spectacle. A spacecraft streaked across the night sky as four astronauts aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere.

Father and Son Record NASA Triumphs Through Artists’ Eyes

By Bob Granath | July 24, 2023

Each year during mid-July, space historians celebrate one of the most momentous events of the 20th Century. For the first time, humans left Earth to land on the Moon. Many nations around the world have extensively celebrated the mission of Apollo 11 on postage stamps. In the United States, the most iconic commemoratives include works of art by a father and son team – Paul and Chris Calle.

Endeavour in Leading Role to Educate, Inspire Future Explorers

By Bob Granath | July 10, 2023

For more than a decade, NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavour has been the star attraction at the California Science Center. During that time, more than 18 million guests at the West Coast museum have learned about the Space Shuttle Program’s legacy. After 25 flights to space during the first 20 years of its career, Endeavour departed the agency’s Kennedy Space Center soon arriving at its new home beginning an ongoing role educating and encouraging explorers of tomorrow.

Tag: Space Shuttle