SPACE

Photos: First shuttle launch STS-1 turns 40

Florida Today
The prime crew for STS-1, John W. Young, left, and Robert L. Crippen.
The prime crew for STS-1, John W. Young, left, and Robert L. Crippen.
NASA
Preparations for the inaugural flight of space shuttle Columbia passed a major milestone at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Dec. 29, 1980, with the rollout of the vehicle stack from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to its seaside Launch Pad 39A.
Preparations for the inaugural flight of space shuttle Columbia passed a major milestone at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Dec. 29, 1980, with the rollout of the vehicle stack from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to its seaside Launch Pad 39A.
NASA
The prime crew for STS-1, John W. Young and Robert L. Crippen, had carried out complex interface tests to verify mechanical and electrical connections of the mated vehicle while still in the VAB.
The prime crew for STS-1, John W. Young and Robert L. Crippen, had carried out complex interface tests to verify mechanical and electrical connections of the mated vehicle while still in the VAB.
NASA
Columbia begins the rollout from the VAB to Launch Pad 39A in April 1981.
Columbia begins the rollout from the VAB to Launch Pad 39A in April 1981.
NASA
View of Columbia as the stack exits the VAB on Dec. 29, 1980.
View of Columbia as the stack exits the VAB on Dec. 29, 1980.
NASA
Space shuttle Columbia passed a major milestone at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Dec. 29, 1980, with the rollout of the vehicle stack from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to its seaside Launch Pad 39A.
Space shuttle Columbia passed a major milestone at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Dec. 29, 1980, with the rollout of the vehicle stack from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to its seaside Launch Pad 39A.
NASA
Columbia approaches Launch Pad 39A on Dec. 29, 1980.
Columbia approaches Launch Pad 39A on Dec. 29, 1980.
NASA
View from the launch tower of space shuttle Columbia at Launch Pad 39A showing the orbiter crew access arm.
View from the launch tower of space shuttle Columbia at Launch Pad 39A showing the orbiter crew access arm.
NASA
A night view of the Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia on Launch Pad 39. The shuttle is being prepared for its first flight.
A night view of the Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia on Launch Pad 39. The shuttle is being prepared for its first flight.
Unknown
Bob Crippen, left, and John Young practice getting into the emergency slide baskets at Launch Pad 39A.
Bob Crippen, left, and John Young practice getting into the emergency slide baskets at Launch Pad 39A.
NASA
April 12, 1981: Space Shuttle Columbia launched into orbit from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The shuttle was the first reusable spacecraft.
April 12, 1981: Space Shuttle Columbia launched into orbit from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The shuttle was the first reusable spacecraft.
NASA
John Young, right, with Robert Crippen on the flight deck of the space shuttle Columbia, before its first flight in April 1981.
John Young, right, with Robert Crippen on the flight deck of the space shuttle Columbia, before its first flight in April 1981.
NASA
Space Shuttle Columbia blasts off on the first shuttle mission on April 12, 1981.
Space Shuttle Columbia blasts off on the first shuttle mission on April 12, 1981.
NASA
The space shuttle Columbia began a new era of space transportation when it lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 12, 1981. Aboard the spacecraft were astronauts John Young, STS-1 commander, and Robert Crippen, the pilot.
The space shuttle Columbia began a new era of space transportation when it lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 12, 1981. Aboard the spacecraft were astronauts John Young, STS-1 commander, and Robert Crippen, the pilot.
NASA
Spectators watching space shuttle Columbia launch on April 12, 1981, from a launch viewing area at Kennedy Space Center. It was the first shuttle launch. The Vehicle Assembly Building is in the background.
Spectators watching space shuttle Columbia launch on April 12, 1981, from a launch viewing area at Kennedy Space Center. It was the first shuttle launch. The Vehicle Assembly Building is in the background.
FLORIDA TODAY FILE PHOTO
Robert Crippen prepares a meal on Columbia's middeck during the STS-1 mission.
Robert Crippen prepares a meal on Columbia's middeck during the STS-1 mission.
NASA
Bob Crippen floats on the shuttle Columbia during the first space shuttle mission, STS-1, in April 1981
Bob Crippen floats on the shuttle Columbia during the first space shuttle mission, STS-1, in April 1981
NASA
Space Shuttle Columbia comes in for its first landing after its maiden voyage at Edwards Air Force Base in California on April 14, 1981.
Space Shuttle Columbia comes in for its first landing after its maiden voyage at Edwards Air Force Base in California on April 14, 1981.
NASA
Space Shuttle Columbia is tended to after its first landing from its maiden voyage at Edwards Air Force Base in California on April 14, 1981.
Space Shuttle Columbia is tended to after its first landing from its maiden voyage at Edwards Air Force Base in California on April 14, 1981.
NASA