Some well-known space orbiters include the Hubble Space Telescope, the International Space Station (ISS), and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
International and Mir
NASA's Space Shuttle program included five operational orbiters: Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour. Additionally, there was a prototype orbiter named Enterprise, which was used for testing but never flew in space. Each orbiter contributed significantly to various missions, including satellite deployments, scientific research, and construction of the International Space Station.
yes
Because of budgets, the aging orbiters, and unfortunately.. Politics.
Six were made, but only five ever went into space.
International and Mir
NASA's Space Shuttle program included five operational orbiters: Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour. Additionally, there was a prototype orbiter named Enterprise, which was used for testing but never flew in space. Each orbiter contributed significantly to various missions, including satellite deployments, scientific research, and construction of the International Space Station.
We orbit the sun, which in turn orbits the center of the galaxy.
NASA maintains 3 shuttle orbiters, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour. As of July 2009, the most recent launch was of Endeavour. Discovery is currently scheduled for launch in late August 2009.
Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour are still operational.
Lander
yes
yes
Because of budgets, the aging orbiters, and unfortunately.. Politics.
Six were made, but only five ever went into space.
Atlantis, Endeavor, Discovery are the only Space Shuttles currently operating in NASA's Space Shuttle program (Challenger and Columbia were both lost in explosions).
Space landers are better than orbiters in certain contexts because they can conduct detailed, on-site analyses of surface materials and conditions, providing direct data that orbiters cannot obtain. Landers can deploy instruments to study geology, search for signs of life, and conduct experiments in situ. Additionally, they can gather high-resolution images and data from the surface, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of planetary environments. This capability is particularly crucial for missions focused on astrobiology and resource utilization.