First space shuttle test flight
On August 12, 1977, NASA released the first space shuttle, Enterprise, from a modified Boeing 747 at 7,000 meters using explosive bolts. The shuttle had no engines and could not return to the carrier plane, requiring test pilots to glide it to Edwards Air Force Base in California.Modified Boeing 747 used as carrier
The Boeing 747, known as N905NA, was bought second-hand from American Airlines and modified to carry Enterprise. Before the drop test, eight captive flights were conducted with the shuttle still attached to the carrier to ensure the system worked properly.Edwards Air Force Base chosen for safety
Edwards Air Force Base was selected for its large, flat area, which served as a natural runway. This location improved the chances of a successful landing after the shuttle was released. Five drop tests were conducted in 1977 to study the shuttle's flight characteristics in the atmosphere.Test pilots flew untested glider
Pilots Fred Haise and Gordon Fullerton were responsible for guiding Enterprise during its first free flight. The shuttle had never been tested in real atmospheric conditions, and the pilots had to rely on simulations and engineering data to ensure a safe landing.Success paved the way for shuttle program
The successful test flight was crucial for the space shuttle program, proving that a shuttle could return to Earth and land safely. This test led to over three decades of space exploration and the development of five operational shuttles.Enterprise now a museum exhibit
Enterprise is now displayed at the Intrepid Museum in New York after flying over the Statue of Liberty in 2012. The shuttle is being celebrated for its 50th anniversary in 2026. Meanwhile, NASA and the Smithsonian are considering moving the Discovery shuttle to Texas, a project that involves significant costs and logistical challenges.
