Put the events of NASA in the correct order.
NASA launched the
Discovery mission.
The first non-American
astronaut flew in a US
space shuttle.
The Challenger exploded,
killing all the astronauts
on board.
Astronauts launched a
communications satellite
into orbit.
NASA stopped launching
commercial satellites.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here is the correct order of events related to NASA:
- NASA launched the Discovery mission
- This event took place in 1984 when the Space Shuttle Discovery was launched for the first time, marking an important milestone in NASA’s shuttle program. Discovery played a vital role in the shuttle missions and was responsible for deploying satellites and conducting scientific experiments.
- The first non-American astronaut flew in a US space shuttle
- In 1985, NASA allowed Ulf Merbold, a German astronaut, to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia on the STS-61-A mission. This was the first time a non-American astronaut flew aboard a U.S. shuttle, showcasing NASA’s collaboration with international space agencies.
- Astronauts launched a communications satellite into orbit
- One notable event where astronauts launched a communications satellite into orbit occurred in 1984 during the STS-41-C mission. The crew of the space shuttle Challenger successfully deployed the SBS-4 communications satellite into orbit, a key moment for satellite technology.
- The Challenger exploded, killing all the astronauts on board
- On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger tragically exploded 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven astronauts aboard, including Christa McAuliffe, the first civilian teacher in space. This event marked one of the most somber moments in NASA’s history and led to a reassessment of the shuttle program and safety protocols.
- NASA stopped launching commercial satellites
- Following the Challenger disaster, NASA temporarily ceased launching commercial satellites, as the shuttle program was halted for investigation and reforms. It wasn’t until later that NASA resumed satellite launches, but by then, the commercial satellite industry had largely moved toward private contractors rather than relying on NASA.
Explanation:
The timeline of NASA’s space shuttle program and other significant events reflects a series of achievements and setbacks. The Discovery mission marked a positive milestone in space exploration, which was followed by the historic flight of the first non-American astronaut. These developments demonstrated NASA’s international collaboration and the growing reach of space exploration. The deployment of communications satellites into orbit highlighted the shuttle’s important role in advancing satellite technology.
However, the tragic explosion of the Challenger on January 28, 1986, was a turning point that forced NASA to re-evaluate its approach to safety and mission protocols. The aftermath of the disaster, including halting shuttle launches, meant that NASA temporarily stopped its commercial satellite launches. The Challenger incident also led to a longer-term shift toward more private-sector involvement in satellite launches, reducing NASA’s role in this area.