Transfer - Orbiter Vehicle (OV)-099

S82-33421 (4 July 1982) --- This spectacular view of the NASA 905 transport aircraft taxiing the new space shuttle Challenger was recorded from a T-38 aircraft as the aircraft were heading for Houston, Texas and a combination "meet the Challenger and greet the STS-4 crew" ceremony at Ellington Air Force Base. The STS-4 astronauts-Thomas K. Mattingly II, and Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., were minutes ahead of the tandem in another aircraft. Earlier today they completed a successful week-long stay in space aboard the Columbia. Upon their landing at Edwards Air Force Base, a historical "first" occurred for NASA and this nation. Three shuttlecraft ? The Enterprise, Challenger and Columbia ? were together at one time in the same location. The hardware served as a backdrop for a speech by President Ronald Reagan leading the nation in a special July 4 celebration. Following the stopover in Houston, the Challenger will move onto Florida for processing in preparation for future spaceflights. Photo credit: NASA