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Today in History: Discovery, NASA's third orbiter, launches from Kennedy

8/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On August 30 1984, NASA launched Discovery—the program’s third operational orbiter—from Kennedy Space Center on its maiden STS-41-D mission. The six-day flight deployed three commercial communications satellites, tested a prototype extendable solar array that later informed the ISS power system, and returned safely to Edwards Air Force Base on September 5.

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Story summary

On August 30 1984, NASA launched Discovery—the program’s third operational orbiter—from Kennedy Space Center on its maiden STS-41-D mission. The six-day flight deployed three commercial communications satellites, tested a prototype extendable solar array that later informed the ISS power system, and returned safely to Edwards Air Force Base on September 5.