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Mission Collection

STS-1: NASA's First Space Shuttle Flight

Columbia's STS-1 mission, April 12, 1981 to April 14, 1981. Preserved in the spacearchive.ai collection.

OrbiterColumbia
LaunchedApril 12, 1981
LandedApril 14, 1981
Records in archive46

Mission Overview

STS-1 was the first orbital flight of NASA's Space Shuttle program and the first time a crewed spacecraft was launched, flown to orbit, and landed like an airplane. Space Shuttle Columbia lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 12, 1981, carrying commander John Young and pilot Robert Crippen, and returned two days later with a runway landing at Edwards Air Force Base on April 14, 1981. It remains one of the boldest first flights in spaceflight history: the maiden orbital flight of an entirely new vehicle, with a crew aboard from the very first launch.

For an archive, STS-1 is a foundational collection. It marks the beginning of thirty years of Space Shuttle operations, and the way this mission was documented set the template for nearly every flight that followed.

The spacearchive.ai STS-1 collection brings that material together in one place. It includes launch coverage of the terminal countdown and ascent, landing coverage of Columbia's return, the prelaunch crew press conference with Young and Crippen, and a series of status briefings that trace the vehicle's long road to flight readiness across 1979, 1980, and early 1981. It also holds on-orbit mission commentary, a postflight crew debrief, and later commemorations including the 25th and 30th anniversary ceremonies.

Taken together, these recordings do more than mark a date. They preserve the voices and decisions of the people who flew and supported the first Shuttle mission, in their own words, at the moment it happened.

STS-1 in the Archive

A working snapshot of what the collection holds today. The public catalog shows descriptive metadata; full media and transcripts are available through research access.

46Records
35Video
6Audio
39Transcribed
52%Transcribed & indexed

All records in this collection

AST-00049Launch Coverage · 1981-04-12

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-1, focusing on the terminal countdown and ascent milestones. The countdown window includes T-minus 15 seconds, leading to main engine start and a successful 20-second burn of all three engines. Notably, an automatic go for solid rocket booster start was confirmed at T-plus 15.4 seconds, and the ascent included key milestones such as solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff.

AST-00050Launch Coverage · 1981-04-12

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-1, focusing on the terminal countdown and ascent milestones. The countdown window includes T-minus 30 seconds, leading to main engine start and a successful 22-second burn of all three engines. Notably, an automatic go for solid rocket booster start was confirmed at the 64-second mark, with the solid rocket booster hydraulic units activated at T-minus 27 seconds.

AST-00051Ceremony · 2006 (est.)

This recording documents the 25th anniversary ceremony of STS-1, featuring reflections from Commander John Young and Pilot Bob Crippen on their historic flight. Notable moments include Young's recounting of the challenges faced during the mission, such as the unexpected breaking of a strut at liftoff, and a commemorative message from Expedition 13's Jeff Williams aboard the International Space Station. The event also highlights the unveiling of a plaque naming Firing Room 1 after Young and Crippen.

AST-00052Launch Coverage · 1981-04-12

Video of STS-1 SRB recovery, no audio

AST-00053Video (silent) · 1981-04-28

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) - Space Transportation System STS-1 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft/ORB Columbia arrival and landing highlights ORB/Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (Shuttle Carrier Aircraft) demating, Shuttle Landing Facility. (Part 1 of 2)

AST-00054Video (silent) · 1978-09-19

Johnson Space Center (JSC) Audiovisual Department (AV) - SMS - Prime crew - Young and Crippen training in shuttle simulator (Part 2 of 2)

AST-00685Video (silent) · Apr 1981 (est.)

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) - Space Transportation System STS-1/Orbiter Vehicle (OV)-102 - Documentary coverage of the shuttle main engines 1 and 3 being installed into Orbiter Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) H/B Number 1.

AST-00686Video (silent) · Apr 1981 (est.)

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) - Space Transportation System STS-1/Orbiter Vehicle (OV)-102 - Prime crew arrival at the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) walk through to the Orbiter

AST-00818Launch Coverage · 1981-04-12

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-1, focusing on the terminal countdown and ascent milestones. The countdown window includes a T-minus 9-minute hold due to a hatch handle issue, followed by liftoff at 9:37 AM. Notably, the launch was scrubbed due to high winds and a stripped screw on the hatch handle, which delayed the launch until the next day at 9:38 AM.

AST-00879Archive record · Apr 1981 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-00880Archive record · Apr 1981 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-00882Video · Apr 1981 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-00883Video · Apr 1981 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-00884Ceremony · 2006 (est.)

This recording documents the 25th anniversary ceremony of STS-1, featuring reflections from Commander John Young and Pilot Bob Crippen. Notable moments include Young's recounting of the unexpected breaking of a strut during liftoff and the unveiling of a plaque naming Firing Room 1 in their honor. The event also highlights the contributions of the entire KSC team involved in the STS-1 mission.

AST-00886Archive record · Apr 1981 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-00887Video · Apr 1981 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-00992Launch Coverage · 1981

This recording captures the launch of the space shuttle Columbia, marking its maiden flight at T minus 9 minutes, following a 48-hour delay due to a computer issue. Astronauts John Young and Bob Crippen experienced zero gravity for the first time, with Crippen describing it as a delightful environment. The landing at 10:20 AM PDT was celebrated, with Young expressing joy as he inspected the shuttle after touchdown. | NARA: NASA — The agency provided description reads as follows: This video shows the first mission of the space shuttle Columbia, mounted atop its 747 carrier aircraft for its return flight to the Kennedy Space Center, in the orbiter processing facility being prepared for its second flight, in the vehicle assembly building being mated to its solid rocket motors and fuel tank, and then on its huge crawler transporter being rolled out to the launch pad. It includes biographies on astronauts Engle and Truly. The producers of this video are the United States Information Agency and Michael Stewart Messinger.

AST-00993Video (silent) · 1979-03-25

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) - Shuttle arrival and landing Orbiter Vehicle (OV)-102 - alert coverage of the orbiter move from the Shuttle Landing Facility to the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF)

AST-00996Video (silent) · Apr 1981 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01186Video (silent) · 1981-04-12

JSC (AV) - STS-1 Onboard Re-Entry and Roll Reversals Stretched 2 to 1, Robert Crippen in Mid-Deck, Robert Crippen and John Young on Flight Deck

AST-01187Video (silent) · Apr 1981 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01188Video (silent) · 1981-04-28

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) - Space Transportation System STS-1 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft/ORB Columbia approach and landing, and taxi to parking area.

AST-01258Video (silent) · Apr 1981 (est.)

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) - Orbiter 102 tile repair in Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) ; tile repair on sides and cargo bay doors.

AST-01265Video (silent) · Apr 1981 (est.)

Shuttle Test at MSFC Shuttle Orbiter

AST-01268Video (silent) · 1980-10-01

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) - Orbiter 102: Lifting off the Orbiter nose; Astronauts in cockpit.

AST-01306Video (silent) · 1976-07-16

JSC (PAO) - DFRC - Simulated Space Shuttle Landing with F-104 at Edwards Air Force Base, California

AST-01309Video (silent) · 1981-04-12

Johnson Space Center (JSC) (Kennedy Space Center (KSC) ) - Space Transportation System STS-1 Air-to-air video of launch and track from chase aircraft.

AST-01313Video (silent) · Apr 1981 (est.)

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) - Space Transportation System STS-1 crew in Gulf-stream aircraft making abort landings, parachute refurb. fac. shuttle on pad; aerials of Pad 39A

AST-01632Launch Coverage · 1981-04-12

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-1, focusing on the terminal countdown and ascent milestones. The countdown window includes T-minus 30 seconds, leading to liftoff and the roll program shortly thereafter. Notably, solid rocket booster separation occurred at T-plus 2 minutes and 20 seconds, followed by external tank separation, with John Young and Bob Crippen providing commentary on the smooth ascent and vehicle performance throughout the launch.

AST-01633Ceremony · Apr 2011 (est.)

This recording captures the 30th anniversary celebration of the space shuttle program, featuring remarks from KSC Director Bob Cabana and a special message from the International Space Station crew, including Commander Dmitry Kondratiev. Notable moments include Cabana's reflection on the shuttle's legacy and the announcement of the final disposition of the orbiters, with Endeavour, Discovery, and Enterprise designated for specific museums. The event emphasizes the contributions of the shuttle workforce and the program's impact on international cooperation in space exploration.

AST-01634Status Briefing · Apr 1981 (est.)

This STS-1 status briefing, held approximately 73 hours before launch, features updates from Don Phillips and Terry Williams. Key discussions include the completion of post-flight readiness firing operations, the upcoming launch readiness verification test with the prime crew, and the concurrent repair of three damaged areas on the external tank, totaling approximately 60 square feet. The team expresses optimism about meeting the targeted launch date in early April, despite a two-week delay due to technical issues with the thermal protection system.

AST-01635Launch Coverage · 1981-04-12

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-1, focusing on the terminal countdown and ascent milestones. The countdown window includes a T-minus 9-minute hold due to a backup flight software issue, followed by liftoff at T-0. Key ascent events include solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff, with John Young and Bob Crippen providing commentary on the launch experience.

AST-01636Launch Coverage · 1981-04-12

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-1, focusing on the terminal countdown and ascent milestones. The countdown window includes T-minus 30 seconds, leading to liftoff at 7:00 AM. Key ascent events include solid rocket booster separation at T-plus 2 minutes and 20 seconds, and main engine cutoff at T-plus 8 minutes, with John Young and Bob Crippen providing commentary on the launch experience.

AST-01637Press Conference · Apr 1981 (est.)

This recording captures the STS-1 prelaunch press conference featuring Commander John Young and Pilot Bob Crippen discussing their mission's objectives, including 36 orbits and 170 detailed flight objectives. Notably, they address the potential for an EVA only if payload bay door issues arise, and Young emphasizes the reliability of the solid fuel rockets used for launch. The crew also highlights their extensive training, which has prepared them for various contingencies, including three abort modes and the importance of the shuttle's capabilities for future missions.

AST-01778Landing Coverage · 1981-04-14

Landing coverage of STS-1, featuring Columbia's touchdown at Edwards Air Force Base at approximately 7:33 AM. The recording highlights the crew's successful landing gear deployment just 19 seconds before touchdown and includes notable commentary from Commander John Young, who reflects on the mission's significance and the shuttle's performance. The unofficial touchdown time is recorded as 2 days, 6 hours, 13 minutes, 10 seconds, marking a historic moment for the Space Shuttle program.

AST-01779Launch Coverage · 1981-04-12

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-1, focusing on the terminal countdown and ascent milestones. The countdown window includes a T-minus 20-minute hold, followed by liftoff at 7:00 AM. Key ascent events include the roll program initiation shortly after liftoff, solid rocket booster separation at T-plus 2 minutes and 20 seconds, and main engine cutoff at T-plus 8 minutes, with John Young and Robert Crippen providing commentary throughout the launch.

AST-01780Launch Coverage · 1981-04-12

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-1, focusing on the terminal countdown and ascent milestones. The countdown window includes a T-minus 20-minute hold, followed by liftoff at 7:00 AM. Key ascent events include solid rocket booster separation at T-plus 2 minutes and 20 seconds, and main engine cutoff at T-plus 8 minutes, with John Young and Robert Crippen providing commentary on the launch experience.

AST-01781Landing Coverage · 1981-04-14

Landing coverage of STS-1, featuring Columbia's touchdown at Edwards Air Force Base. The recording captures Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen discussing the landing sequence, including critical moments such as the deployment of landing gear just 19 seconds before touchdown. The crew's descent is monitored closely, with reports of their altitude and speed as they approach the runway, culminating in a successful landing at approximately 196 knots.

AST-01810Training · 1979-06-07

This training recording features a discussion about a pole failure and the implications for the crew's response. The team deliberates on whether to inform the crew about the issue, noting that the ground does not need to see the anomaly. Additionally, there are observations regarding temperature changes in different phases, indicating potential discrepancies in the system's performance. The dialogue highlights the troubleshooting process during the simulation.

AST-01823Status Briefing · Mar 1980 (est.)

This STS-1 status briefing features Kenneth S. Kline Connect and Dr. Robert H. Gray discussing critical updates approximately 10 hours before launch. Key points include the ongoing work on the rotating service structure and the need for final checks on the RCS systems, as well as the completion of the external tank's final check-out. Notably, the team addresses the potential impact of icing on the thermal protection system and the ongoing preparations for the APU hot-fire tests.

AST-01824Status Briefing · 1979 (est.)

This STS-1 status briefing features Robert F. Thompson and Aaron Cohen discussing the Shuttle Program's current status approximately 10 minutes into the meeting. Key points include the selection of a 747 as the Shuttle's carrier aircraft and the progress on the orbiter's design, including the completion of wind tunnel testing and the establishment of the orbiter's thermal protection system. The briefing also highlights the upcoming approach and landing tests scheduled to begin in early 1977.

AST-01840Mission Commentary · Date TBD

This recording captures an on-orbit communication session during which Joe Kerwin interacts with CAPCOM in Houston and discusses the spacecraft's attitude and communication quality. Notably, the conversation includes greetings from Ambassador Robert Neeson and Senator Jake Garn, who expresses his desire for a spaceflight. The crew also mentions their upcoming press conference and the successful communication with Australia, highlighting the clarity of their HAM radio connection.

AST-01880Press Conference · Date TBD

This recording features the STS-1 press conference with Commander John Young and Pilot Bob Crippen, along with backup crew members discussing their extensive training and mission objectives. Notably, they address the complexity of the Skylab reboost mission and the need for experienced crew members, as well as contingency plans for a potential EVA related to payload bay door issues. Young emphasizes the revolutionary nature of the shuttle and its impact on future spaceflight.

AST-01918Crew Debrief · Date TBD

This crew debrief recording captures the crew's reflections on STS-1, highlighting the successful liftoff and the smooth ride experienced during ascent. Notably, they discuss the oxygen quick disconnect issue that was resolved just before launch, and the unexpected vibration patterns during liftoff, particularly around Max Q. The crew also emphasizes the importance of pre-launch training and the vehicle's performance, expressing pride in the shuttle's capabilities.

AST-01936Status Briefing · Dec 1979 (est.)

This STS-1 status briefing occurs approximately 40 minutes into the meeting, featuring Kenneth S. Kleinconnect and Dr. Robert H. Gray. Key discussions include the successful completion of the ammonia boiler test and the frequency response test for the flight control system. Notably, the team addresses a hydrazine leak that delayed the APU hot-fire test, now rescheduled for early Thursday, and outlines the critical schedule for tile installation, estimating about 8,000 tiles remaining to be installed or replaced.

AST-01937Status Briefing · Mar 1981 (est.)

This STS-1 status briefing features discussions about the shuttle's readiness approximately 73 hours before launch. Key points include the ongoing work to address thermal protection system issues and the team's cautious optimism regarding the March 31 launch date, despite concerns raised by Dr. Al Lovelace about potential delays. The briefing also highlights the successful completion of multiple tests and the morale of the manufacturing and test teams, which remains high despite challenges.

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Notable Spoken History

Much of the STS-1 collection has been transcribed and speaker-labeled. Timestamped transcript excerpts will be featured here. Full transcripts are available through research access.

Official Sources

Primary references for STS-1. spacearchive.ai is an independent archive and is not affiliated with NASA.

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