1981: The first Space Shuttle lifts off
On April 12, 1981, the Space Shuttle Columbia launched from Florida, the first flight of a reusable spacecraft.
Sample story. It will be replaced by the real broadcast.
The broadcast video will appear here
On April 12, 1981, Space Shuttle Columbia lifted off from Kennedy Space Center with astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen aboard. It was the first time a spacecraft designed to be flown again went into orbit.
Two days later, Columbia glided back to a landing in California, and millions of Americans watched it touch down on television.
Recommended for you
This box contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
Affiliate product space