NASA introduces the Space Shuttle Enterprise

On September 17, 1976, NASA introduced its first space shuttle, the Space Shuttle Enterprise, to the public. The unveiling took place at a public ceremony in Palmdale, California. In 1977, the Enterprise became the first space shuttle to fly independently. It was lifted 25,000 feet into the air by a Boeing 747 aircraft and then released. The shuttle glided safely back to Edwards Air Force Base, becoming the first space shuttle to fly freely. NASA began regular Space Shuttle flights in 1981, initially with Columbia from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Early shuttles launched satellite equipment into space and conducted scientific experiments. On January 28, 1986, NASA suffered a major setback when Challenger exploded just 74 seconds after launch, killing all seven people on board. Video below: Remembering the Challenger disaster Two years later, in 1988, space shuttle flights resumed with the successful launch of Discovery. On February 1, 2003, tragedy struck the space shuttle program again when Columbia – during its 28th mission – disintegrated upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. All seven astronauts on board died. Due to fears that the problems that brought down Columbia had not been resolved, NASA canceled the space shuttle program. NASA’s last space shuttle mission ended in July 2011. The Enterprise is now on display at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City.