Space Shuttle Enterprise
Enterprise (OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter, built by Rockwell International as an atmospheric and ground-test vehicle rather than a space-rated spacecraft. During NASA's 1977 Approach and Landing Tests, it made three crewed captive flights and five independent unpowered flights from August 12 through October 26, proving the orbiter's approach, flight-control, and runway-landing characteristics. It later supported vibration, assembly, and launch-pad fit checks.
Identity
- Aliases
- EnterpriseOV-101Orbiter Vehicle 101Space Shuttle prototype Enterprise
- Name
- Space Shuttle Enterprise
- Status
- retired
Details
- Description
- Enterprise (OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter, built by Rockwell International as an atmospheric and ground-test vehicle rather than a space-rated spacecraft. During NASA's 1977 Approach and Landing Tests, it made three crewed captive flights and five independent unpowered flights from August 12 through October 26, proving the orbiter's approach, flight-control, and runway-landing characteristics. It later supported vibration, assembly, and launch-pad fit checks.
- First Flight Date
- 1977-08-12
- Operator
- Vehicle Family
Links
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- July 14, 2026 at 19:14:26 UTC
- Updated Time
- August 24, 2026 at 16:16:59 UTC
- Image
- Download
Other
- Last Flight Date
- 1977-10-26
- Search Name
- Space Shuttle Enterprise Enterprise OV-101 Orbiter Vehicle 101 Space Shuttle prototype Enterprise
- Serial Number
- OV-101
- Vehicle Code
- OV-101