FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Space Shuttle Discovery will make its final landing in Fairfax County on April 17.
Discovery will take off — positioned on the back of a modified Boeing 747 jet from Kennedy Space Center in Florida — in the early hours of April 17 bound for Dulles International Airport and is expected to arrive during the mid-morning hours, according to Fairfax County officials.
Fairfax County officials said the spacecraft’s landing will not be visible, but they have invited residents to come and watch the orbiter approach from the historic Sully Historic Site located off Va. 28 in Chantilly. They are also exploring ways to televise the landing live from the airport. There’s a $10 cover charged for admission to the park, which includes a tour of the historic home Northern Virginia’s first congressman, Richard Bland Lee.
Discovery flew 39 missions, beginning in 1984 until March 2011. It twice flew NASA’s “return to flight” missions in 1988 and 2006, following the Challenger and Columbia disasters in 1986 and in 2003, respectively.
Discovery also deployed the famed Hubble Telescope, which since 1990 has beamed back to earth fascinating images of the cosmos.
Once in Fairfax County, the shuttle will be on display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Udvar-Hazy Center. The space shuttle program’s test orbiter, Enterprise, has been on display at the Air and Space center, but Enterprise will now be on display at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.
Recent Stories
Prince William County Supervisors on Tuesday night approved a plan to rezone more than 60 acres of the Manassas Mall property, clearing the way for more than 1,000 new apartments, commercial storefronts, and pedestrian promenades to replace large areas of underused parking lots.
Stafford County supports Option C, a proposed new Rappahannock River crossing that promises to reduce traffic and connect Stafford with Fredericksburg, without relying on I-95.
A fake water advisory notice found on residents’ doors in North Stafford has prompted concern and an investigation by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.
With its pastel earrings, woodland-themed accessories, and shelves full of colorful handmade creations, To Bee is more than just Occoquan’s new gift shop — it’s a deeply personal tribute to love, loss, and artistic resilience.
The most anticipated night of the year is almost here! This Saturday, May 31, step into the romance, elegance, and charm of Paris—without ever leaving Washington, DC.
Join us for An Evening in Paris, an unforgettable soirĂ©e celebrating the best of French culture. Experience an immersive evening filled with gourmet French cuisine, refined wines, captivating live music, and the irresistible ambiance of the City of Light. Whether you’re a lifelong Francophile or simply love a night of sophistication, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.
✨ Highlights of the evening include:
Calling all WSHS Class of 1975 graduates! Our class has planned our 50-Year Class Reunion to be held September 26-28, 2025 in Woodbridge, Virginia. Reunion details and registration information are available to be sent to you.
To find out more, please email our reunion committee at [email protected]
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
