Space Shuttle Discovery launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center July 26, 2005, ending a two-and-a-half year wait for the historic return to flight mission. STS-114 included breathtaking in-orbit maneuvers, tests of new equipment and procedures, and a first-of-its-kind spacewalking repair.

The flight provided unprecedented information on the condition of an orbiter in space. Noguchi and Robinson did three successful spacewalks at the International Space Station and Discovery transported tons of equipment and supplies to and from the Station.

Discovery touched down Aug. 9 at Edwards Air Force Base in California, capping a 5.8 million mile journey and successful reentry. The orbiter returned Aug. 21 to Kennedy Space Center atop a modified Boeing 747 called the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Discovery was also chosen to fly the follow-up return to flight mission, STS-121.

Discovery, first launched in 1984, is named for two famous sailing ships commanded by Henry Hudson and James Cook and has flown more missions than any other orbiter in NASA's fleet.