I never knew at the time that Growing up on “The Space Coast” of Florida would actually be a once in a lifetime experience. The United State’s Shuttle program ran from 1981-2011, and I was lucky enough to witness one of the most spectacular events that a single person could witness. 35 years ago today, on April 12, 1981, Space Shuttle Columbia blasted off from Cape Canaveral, marking the very first flight in the Space Transportation System.
Watch the first shuttle launch in the history of U.S. space travel. God speed Columbia, you may be gone but never forgotten.