KSC-81PC-0426

DRYDEN FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER, CALIF. - Columbia returns to Earth after completing the first full test of the Space Transportation System (STS-1). The orbiter Columbia is seen here on the Rogers dry lake, Runway 23, at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. From this aerial view, the orbiter Columbia is seen as it is being convoyed to a parking area. For this first flight, the Columbia was flown by Astronauts John Young, commander, and Robert Crippen, pilot. STS-1, known as a shuttle systems test flight, sought to demonstrate safe launch into orbit and safe return of the orbiter and crew and verify the combined performance of the entire shuttle vehicle -- orbiter, solid rocket boosters and external tank.