Difference between revisions of "First Space Shuttle Launch"
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| − | [[Image:STS-1 first shuttle launch.jpg|left|200px|Space Shuttle Columbia launches in 1981]]On April 12, 1981, thirty years worth of concepts and research into space-capable aircraft took flight from the Kennedy Space Center. The Space Shuttle Columbia, which lifted off into orbit on her maiden voyage that day, was unlike anything that had flown in space before. | + | {{tocright}}[[Image:STS-1 first shuttle launch.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Space Shuttle Columbia launches in 1981]]On April 12, 1981, thirty years worth of concepts and research into space-capable aircraft took flight from the Kennedy Space Center. The Space Shuttle Columbia, which lifted off into orbit on her maiden voyage that day, was unlike anything that had flown in space before. |
Before this time, conventional spacecraft were blunt-shaped capsules that could only be used once due to the intense heat produced by reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. But the shuttle was different; this new craft would be launched into space, glide to a landing on a conventional runway, and be refurbished for more trips into orbit. | Before this time, conventional spacecraft were blunt-shaped capsules that could only be used once due to the intense heat produced by reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. But the shuttle was different; this new craft would be launched into space, glide to a landing on a conventional runway, and be refurbished for more trips into orbit. | ||
Revision as of 14:53, 2 October 2007
On April 12, 1981, thirty years worth of concepts and research into space-capable aircraft took flight from the Kennedy Space Center. The Space Shuttle Columbia, which lifted off into orbit on her maiden voyage that day, was unlike anything that had flown in space before.
Before this time, conventional spacecraft were blunt-shaped capsules that could only be used once due to the intense heat produced by reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. But the shuttle was different; this new craft would be launched into space, glide to a landing on a conventional runway, and be refurbished for more trips into orbit.
