NASA - Breaking News
The First Space Shuttle
In this image from April 12, 1981, the first space shuttle, STS-1, launches from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida with NASA astronauts John W. Young, commander, and Robert L. Crippen, pilot, aboard.
STS-1 was meant to demonstrate a safe launch into orbit and a safe return of the orbiter and crew, as well as verify the combined performance of the entire shuttle vehicle – orbiter, solid rocket boosters and external tank.
The first space shuttle landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on April 14, 1981, after having successfully tested its major systems.
Image Credit: NASA
NASA Invites Media to Mars Sample Return Update
NASA will host a media teleconference at 1 p.m. EDT, Monday, April 15, to discuss the agency’s response to a Mars Sample Return Independent Review Board report from September 2023, including next steps for the program.
The teleconference will livestream at:
Mars Sample Return has been a major long-term goal of international planetary exploration for the past two decades. NASA’s Perseverance rover is collecting compelling science samples that will help scientists understand the geological history of Mars, the evolution of its climate, and prepare for future human explorers. The return of the samples will also help NASA’s search for signs of ancient life.
The media teleconference will share the agency’s recommendations regarding a path forward for Mars Sample Return within a balanced overall science program. The speakers include:
- NASA Administrator Bill Nelson
- Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate
Media who wish to participate in the teleconference should RSVP by 11 a.m. on April 15 by emailing dewayne.a.washington@nasa.gov.
For more information on NASA’s Mars exploration, visit:
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Dewayne Washington / Karen Fox
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
dewayne.a.washington@nasa.gov / karen.fox@nasa.gov
