Space Shuttle Discovery Delivered to the Smithsonian

The Space Shuttle Discovery, mounted atop a modified 747 jet, flew over the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on April 17, 2012 on its way to its permanent home at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.

NASA's donation of the shuttle was recognized and celebrated during a special ceremony that followed its flight, landing, demating and towing.

Introductory music: "Stay Crunchy" by Ronald Jenkees

[chrisharloe]

It's hard not to tear up when you see this amazing piece of engineering in person. Makes me immensely proud of my country and its achievements.

[LarryUnderwd]

Oh Boy, watching Shuttlevideos is never getting boring

[spaceflight]

My brother-in-law and I were there for the ceremony. We rode our motorcycles from Pittsburgh. It was a great ending for the most interesting nine years of my life, nine years that began on February 1st, 2003. Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavor.., we made a great team. Thank you for your service.

[jamesseward]

The best moment I have ever shared with my son was our first visit to the Air and Space Museum this past July. I have seen a hundred images and built multiple models of the shuttle, some which actually flew but until you see it in person you will never truly understand how magnificent it was.

[neptunez]

its insane how an airplane can literally get off the ground with a damn space shuttle on top

[SunSon]

The pilot in that 747: don't fuck up, don't fuck up, don't fuck up....

[AlexBradleyPopovich]

It's really humbling to get to see this in person. To see the machine that made history, dozens of times over. 

[michellemurphy]

On a trip to Washington, D.C., I was in 8th grade, so very long ago, it was a fortunate part of our trip to be able to visit the Air and Space Musuem... God Bless You, and Happy New year!

[yfkutlb]

There is something so cool seeing both the Discovery and the Enterprise just come face to face with each other, like the older spacecraft meeting the next retired spacecraft after its journey has ended

[zfz]

It's finally good to see how that thing was brought to that musum but I was concerned about that thing at thruster I'm confused if that got took off

[ipKonfig]

Ronald Jenkees Music! WOO. I love that guy, and miss him.

[kaizersolze]

They used a Ronald Jenkees track! That's awesome!

[heru-deshet]

It's like seeing the retirement party of an old friend.

[KanyeEnjoyerr]

I was at school when this flew over. My teacher let us stand outside and watch it.

[kamrin]

Who remembers watching these videos as a kid. My heart broke when the date said 8 years ago

[geomodelrailroader]

take good care of her Smithsonian. Discovery is 36 years old and has a lot of missions under her belt take good care of the leader of the NASA Fleet.

[stfeather]

I'm going to see it this week. I'm so excited!

[annetteslife]

Where abouts is Atlantis located? They could have done without the opera singer

[basiljun]

The space shuttle discovery was the one that saved the space shuttle missions in September 29, 1988 after the challenger incident.

[Allen]

She's even more beautiful in person. Would have loved to see her launch for the last time in space.