Explaining The Universe on Instagram: "The Columbia spacecraft was NASA’s first space shuttle, officially known as STS-1 on its maiden flight in 1981. Its landings were unique because, unlike traditional rockets, the shuttle returned to Earth gliding like an unpowered aircraft. After re-entering the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds, Columbia used its heat-resistant tiles to withstand the intense frictional heat, then gradually slowed down and approached a runway in a steep, controlled descent. Pi

Astro Launch on Instagram: "First Space Shuttle Launch STS-1 (Space Transportation System-1) was the first orbital spaceflight of NASA’s Space Shuttle program. The first orbiter, Columbia, launched on April 12, 1981, and returned on April 14, 1981, 54.5 hours later, having orbited the Earth 37 times. Follow @astro.launch for more content _________ #reels #spaceshuttle #sts1 #launch #nasa #space #earth #first #orbiter #shuttleprogram"