Space shuttle Discovery lands for the final time

Discovery, one of the three NASA shuttles set to be retired this year, returned from space just before noon Wednesday, landing safely at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.

Ending its 39th trip in 27 years, the shuttle touched down at 11:58 a.m. Eastern time.

“To the ship that has led the way time and time again, we say farewell, Discovery," NASA mission control radioed as the shuttle's wheels touched down.

Discovery's final mission, which was to the International Space Station, lasted about 12 days. It will be retired to a museum.

Several museums are vying to house the shuttle. Among them are the visitor center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in Manhattan, the Museum of Flight in Seattle, the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and the California Science Center in Los Angeles. But the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington is generally considered to be the frontrunner.

NASA is also retiring the Atlantis and Endeavor space shuttles after their final flights this year. Those shuttles will also go to museums.

NASA will announce the destination for the three shuttles on April 12. Competition among the museums has been heavy, given the tourist revenue the shuttles are expected to attract.