1st Space Shuttle Launch - 4/12/1981 - ColumbiaApril 12, 1981, 7:00:03 a.m, EST. Launch April 10 postponed due to timing skew in orbiter's general purpose computer system. Backup flight software failed to synchronize with primary avionics software system. Countdown proceeded on schedule April 12. First 24 Shuttle liftoffs - STS-1 through 61-C - were from Pad 39-A. Launch Weight: 219,258 lbs.All Photos by Ed Zed (except NASA photos nos. 70 - 73). Posted 5/26/2002 |
