1982: STS-3 Columbia (NASA)

STS-3 was the third space shuttle mission, and was the third mission for the Space Shuttle Columbia. It was the first launch with an unpainted external tank, and the only landing at the White Sands Space Harbor near Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Major objectives of the flight were to continue testing the RMS arm, and to carry out extensive thermal testing of the Columbia by exposing its tail, nose and top to the Sun for varying periods of time.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• 1982
• nasa
• iaf
• space
• sts
• columbia

[DenisFerrari]

Amazing!

[SC457A]

I was at the launch!!!!

[asifior]

Amazing video.

[flyboybgs]

I actually was there for this NM landing in '82. It was amazing to see up close

(w/ press pass at age 20!!)

Phenominal to watch again via You Tube 28 years later!

What a day (2 actually.) If you were there, I'd love to hear from you!

-Greg B. in Palm Springs, CA

[Andrewmcmelonse]

Yeah but, you know, Foam. 500 MPH, Physics, sucks huh

[74VDC]

Christ Almighty, I can't even imagine. I was starstruck when I first soloed my ultralight in 1998, I really cannot come to grips with this. Good job America.

[westxlcr]

Though they were trying for a touch and go..:D

[darkguardian1314]

A great spacecraft. Interesting discussion from the pilots. Popping a wheelie - over compensating for the wheels falling too fast. To think this shuttle system is a price reduction compromise from it's original design.

[wwefan774977]

columbia 1st shuttle and should still be here considering it was the first one made

[151L107]

Agree. Columbia WAS a great ship...:(