NASA Unveils Enterprise, the First Space Shuttle
Fifty years ago, on Sept. 17, 1976—Constitution Day of America’s bicentennial year—NASA unveiled its first space shuttle orbiter, OV-101, to the public. NASA had originally planned to name the vehicle Constitution, but a letter-writing campaign changed the agency’s plans. Nearly 100,000 fans of the Star Trek television series wrote the White House urging that the […]
On Constitution Day of America's bicentennial year, Sept. 17, 1976, NASA unveiled its first space shuttle orbiter, OV-101, in a rollout ceremony. Originally named Constitution, the shuttle's name was changed after a letter-writing campaign by Star Trek fans. Nearly 100,000 fans of the popular television series wrote to the White House, urging President Gerald Ford to name it Enterprise after the USS Enterprise from the show.
The name Enterprise had historical significance, having been given to naval vessels and aircraft throughout U.S. history.
The rollout ceremony, attended by hundreds of invited guests, included Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and several cast members such as Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, and George Takei. NASA Administrator James C. Fletcher, Star Trek actors, and U.S. Rep. Don Fuqua were among the attendees.
Although Enterprise was not designed for space flight, it conducted crucial atmospheric test flights that enabled the shuttle program's first space missions in 1981. Today, the historic orbiter is on display at the Intrepid Museum in New York City.
Written by urgent.news from NASA's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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