Part of our History of NASA series, add this Columbia coin to your collection today!
Presented in .999 silver plating on a 50mm sized coin to accentuate the full-colour detail, this coin is sure to impress any fan of NASA and space travel.
NASA's Columbia was the first operational space shuttle in the Space Shuttle program and the first orbiter to be launched into space. It was named after the historic sailing vessel of the same name that was used in the late 18th century by Captain Robert Gray to explore the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
The Columbia made its maiden flight, called STS-1, on April 12, 1981, with astronauts John W. Young and Robert L. Crippen on board. The mission lasted for two days and tested the Space Shuttle's systems and capabilities, including its ability to take off, fly, and land like a conventional aircraft.
Over the course of its 22-year operational history, the Columbia completed 27 missions, including the first Spacelab mission in 1983 and the first dedicated science mission in 1990. However, the Columbia was tragically lost during its 28th mission, STS-107, on February 1, 2003, when it disintegrated upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven crew members on board.
The loss of the Columbia was a devastating blow to NASA and the Space Shuttle program, and it led to a re-evaluation of the safety protocols and procedures for human spaceflight. Nevertheless, the Columbia remains an important part of the history of human space exploration and a symbol of the bravery and dedication of the men and women who have ventured into space.
