Government IT: Discovery's Final Flight, ISS and Beyond: NASA's Memorable 2010

Arguably the biggest story to come out of the NASA space program in 2010 is the winding down of the space shuttle program. That not only affects NASA, but also thousands of American workers who now face an uncertain future. While NASA plans to launch at least two more missions in 2011, the end of the three-decade space shuttle program marks the eclipse of some of NASA's most storied achievements. These events, however, should not diminish what NASA achieved this year. The space agency and its international partners celebrated 10 years of permanent human habitation on the International Space Station (ISS) on Nov. 2, and participated in the August rescue of trapped Chilean miners. "NASA achievements this year across the spectrum—from science to aeronautics, education and human spaceflight—provided incredible value to our nation," according to NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver. "We continue to build upon our rich history, taking on new challenges and doing the things that no one else can do—all for the benefit of humanity."