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First Space Shuttle Takes Flight

Space shuttle Columbia lifts off from Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A on the STS-1 mission on April 12, 1981.
After six years of silence, the thunder of manned space flight was heard again, as the successful launch of the first space shuttle ushered in a new concept in utilization of space.

After six years of silence, the thunder of manned space flight was heard again, as the successful launch of the first space shuttle ushered in a new concept in utilization of space. The launch from Pad 39A carried astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen into an Earth orbital mission, ending with unpowered landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Image credit: NASA
April 12, 1981