Discovery space shuttle takes final flight above Joint Base Andrews

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md.  –   Marking the end of an era in America's space exploration endeavors, the space shuttle Discovery made its final flight over Andrews and the National Capitol Region on April 17, riding atop a modified Boeing 747.

The shuttle's final destination is the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., which houses many other space-related artifacts.

First taking flight in 1984, Discovery served as NASA's fleet leader until it completed its final mission in March of 2011.

Discovery's sister ships, Endeavour and Atlantis are slated to retire later this year, as NASA closes the space shuttle program.