What was the name of the first space shuttle launched by the USA on April 12, 1981?

The first space shuttle launched by the United States was Columbia, which lifted off on April 12, 1981. This mission, officially called STS-1, marked the beginning of the Space Shuttle program, a major milestone in human space exploration.

The shuttle Columbia was a reusable spacecraft designed to transport astronauts and equipment to space. The mission was piloted by John Young and Robert Crippen, and it demonstrated that a winged spacecraft could be launched like a rocket and return safely to Earth for reuse.

Key Facts about Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-1):

• Country: USA


• Launch Date: April 12, 1981


• Mission Name: STS-1


• Type: Reusable Space Shuttle


• Astronauts: John Young and Robert Crippen


• Significance: First launch of the US Space Shuttle program


• Landing: Edwards Air Force Base, California

Columbia’s successful mission paved the way for future shuttle missions, scientific experiments in space, and construction of the International Space Station. It remains a historic milestone in space exploration history.