STS-1 facts for kids
STS-1 was a super important space mission. It was the very first time a space shuttle ever flew into space! This exciting flight launched on April 12, 1981, and landed just two days later, on April 14. It was a big moment, happening 20 years after the first human went into space. The Space Shuttle used for this historic trip was named Columbia. During its mission, Space Shuttle Columbia circled the Earth 37 times.
The Big Orange Fuel Tank
Every Space Shuttle launch needed a huge external tank. This tank held the fuel that helped the shuttle blast off into space. For STS-1, and one more mission after it, this big tank was painted white. The paint was there to protect the tank from strong sunlight (ultraviolet light) while it waited on the launch pad. But after the second mission, STS-2, engineers realized the paint wasn't really needed. Plus, removing the paint made the shuttle a little lighter, which helped it carry more things into space. So, from STS-3 onwards, the external tanks were left their natural orange-brown color.
Images for kids
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The external tank is released from the Space Shuttle orbiter after launch.
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A special plaque celebrating the 25th anniversary of STS-1, located at the Kennedy Space Center.
See also
In Spanish: STS-1 para niños
