April 12 - 1981: The Space Shuttle Program (literally) Launches!

The initial launch date was scheduled for April 10, 1981 and with the first launch of the Space Transportation System (STS), better known as the "space shuttle". The shuttle was humankind's first reusable spacecraft. The orbiter would launch like a rocket and land like a plane.  The STS-1 crew consisted of Commander John W. Young and Pilot Bob Crippen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices