April 12, 1981: Launch of the First Shuttle MissionOn April 12, 1981, NASA launched is first Space Transportation System, or space shuttle, mission, carrying astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen into orbit.Read More Facebook Pinterest X LinkedIn Email https://www.nasa.gov/image-detail/april-12-1981-launch-of-first-shuttle-mission/Copy URL to clipboard> DownloadShareSize1041x1041px