posted 09-02-2025 03:57 PM               

STS-1 & STS-135 Anniversary Event

1981-2011 A Generation of Space Exploration

Serving as a member of the support crew the for Skylab 2, 3, and 4 missions, participating in the SMEAT and MOL projects, and serving as CapCom for Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, it was only fitting that veteran NASA Astronaut Bob Crippen, would play a pivotal part of ushering in the new Space Shuttle Era that would span 30 years. He and veteran NASA Astronaut John Young sat aboard the first Space Shuttle, STS-1, Columbia, to launch with 6.8 million pounds of thrust; they were on a true test mission.

The 2-day test flight was a success. The Space Shuttle program flew five orbiters during the course of 30 years. Veteran NASA Astronaut Chris Ferguson had the honor of commanding Atlantis for the final Space Shuttle mission, STS-135. This flight closed the chapter on an era that brought the world images from the Hubble Telescope, transported materials to build the International Space Station, and provided opportunities to conduct a wide range of experiments and research in microgravity, contributing to advancements in numerous fields, including medicine, materials science, and space technology.

We invite you to join the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation for the 45th Anniversary of STS-1 and the 15th Anniversary of STS-135 as Crippen and Ferguson share their personal highlights, stories and special moments from these historic flights.