All major systems were tested successfully on the first flight of the Space Transportation System. The Orbiter sustained some tile damage on launch as well as damage from an overpressure wave created by the solid rocket boosters. Subsequent modifications to the water sound suppression system eliminated the problem for later missions. Sixteen tiles were lost and 148 damaged.!
Left to right: Commander John Young, DOB: 9/24/30, Background: Capt., USN. Selected as an astronaut in 1962. Became first person to fly in space five times. Flew on Gemini 3 and 10 as well as Apollo 10 and 16. Commander of STS-9. Education: B.S. in aeronautical engineering.
Pilot Robert Crippen, DOB: 9/11/37, Background: Capt., USN. Became an astronaut in 1969. Commander on STS-7, 41-C and 41-G. Director of Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Education: B.S. in aerospace engineering.!
12 April 1981 7:00 a.m. EST
The first launch attempt on 10 April was postponed due to a timing skew in the orbiter's general purpose computer system.!
