John Glenn Returns to Orbit Aboard Discovery
On October 29, 1998, Space Shuttle Discovery launched on STS-95 with John Glenn aboard.
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A Return to Space
On October 29, 1998, Space Shuttle Discovery launched on STS-95 with John Glenn aboard. The flight returned the first American to orbit Earth to space.
An Older Astronaut
Glenn was 77. At the time, he became the oldest person to travel into space, a record that must be described with its historical qualification.
A Different Spacecraft
His earlier orbital flight had used a Mercury capsule. STS-95 was a shuttle mission with a crew and program very different from that early solo flight.
A Mission Beyond One Passenger
The flight had scientific and operational objectives as well as extraordinary public attention. Discovery’s mission should not be reduced to a ceremonial ride.
The Launch Anniversary
October 29 marks departure. Later orbital activities and the landing were separate phases of a mission lasting more than nine days.
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