On this day, the era of spacecraft begins in the history of astronomy.
In addition to Columbia, Discovery, Challenger, Atlantis, and Endeavour, the space shuttle Enterprise was used for testing on Earth, paving the way for other shuttles. Credit: NASA/Johnson Space Center
In 1972, President Nixon authorized the development of the Space Shuttle program, a new approach to space travel. By creating reusable spacecraft, NASA’s goal was to establish a reliable system for carrying personnel, supplies, and equipment. when the space shuttle Colombia First launched on STS-1 on April 12, 1981, it was the first of 135 missions. The two-day trip, piloted by John Young and Robert Crippen, demonstrated the shuttle’s launch and return capabilities.
Over the course of 30 years, the spacecraft – Colombia, contender, Search, atlantisAnd Attempt – The launch and maintenance of satellites and observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope, were a vital part of the construction of the International Space Station, and served as a laboratory for a wide range of scientific research in orbit. In total, 355 astronauts flew on the Space Shuttle. However, when the program’s successes were marred by tragedy contenderRocket exploded 73 seconds after launch in 1986 Colombia Disbanded upon re-entry in 2003 Colombia disaster, termination of the shuttle program was planned, and it ended on July 21, 2011, when atlantis Landed after completing STS-135.
