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> First Columbia launch- April 12 1981

First Columbia launch- April 12 1981

author: Nasa/Novapix

reference: e-sts00-11990

Image Size 300 DPI: 25 * 20 cm

Thousands of Space Center guests line the NASA Causeway awaiting the first launch of the Space Shuttle. The Vehicle Assembly Building where the orbiter is mated to the solid rocket boosters and the external tank, is visible in the distance. The STS-1 mission, known as a shuttle systems test flight, will seek to demonstrate safe launch into orbit and safe return of the orbiter and crew and verify the combined performance of the entire shuttle vehicle -- orbiter, solid rocket boosters and external tank.

Keywords for this photo:

1981 - CAPE CANAVERAL - CAR - COLUMBIA - CROWD - FLORIDA - HUMAN - KENNEDY SPACE CENTER - LAUNCH - LAUNCHER - MANNED SPACEFLIGHT - SPACE CENTER - SPACE SHUTTLE - SPACESHIP - STS-1 - TOURIST - VEHICLE ASSEMBLY BUILDING -