This is a vintage color 8x10 Kodak original print of Space Shuttle Columbia launching on mission STS-3 on March 22, 1982.
This precise photo is exceptionally famous in NASA history for two major reasons:
• The First Orange Tank: This was the very first shuttle mission to fly with an unpainted external tank. On the previous two flights (STS-1 and STS-2), the tank was painted white. NASA realized the paint was an unnecessary 600-pound cosmetic addition, so they left the spray-on foam insulation bare. Over time in the Florida sun, the foam naturally oxidized into this deep red-brown shade.
• The "USA" Wing Configuration: Early in the program, Columbia was the only orbiter that flew with just "USA" printed in bold black lettering on its right wing. Later orbiters (and Columbia after its major overhauls) featured the stylized NASA "worm" logo alongside the orbiter's name.
Because this was the historic debut of the "orange tank" look that defined the next 30 years of the program, NASA turned this exact launch photo into an iconic promotional piece. Millions of official prints were distributed to schools, museums, and space enthusiasts on Kodak paper.
Related Items:
Vintage 1969 NASA Apollo II Antaya Employee Enamel Lapel Pin & Box
$34.99
Vintage Set Of 2 NASA US Space Only Rocket Science Coffee Mugs
$47.95
VINTAGE Nasa Real 1967 Decal/Sticker Repro CRITICAL SPACE ITEM small
$8.99
