WELCOME HOME -- Space Shuttle astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen (in tan space suits) are greeted by members of the ground crew moments after stepping off the shuttle Columbia following its first landing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Young and Crippen had piloted the Columbia on its first orbital space mission, April 12 - 14, 1981.

S79-31075 (5 April 1979) --- Astronauts John W. Young, left, and Robert L. Crippen, crewmen for the first space transportation system (STS-1) mission, go over a check off list during simulations in the Johnson Space Center?s shuttle mission simulator in the mission simulation and training facility. Young will be crew commander and Crippen, pilot, for the mission-shuttle?s initial orbital flight test (OFT). Photo credit: NASA

Zero-gravity experiments in KC-135 conducted by John Young, Robert L. Crippen, Joseph Kerwin, and Margaret Seddon. 1. Kerwin, Joseph - Zero-G 2. Seddon, Margaret - Zero-G 3. Young, John - Zero-G 4. Aircraft - KC-135

S79-37006 (29 Sept. 1979) --- Astronaut John W. Young, commander of STS-1, goes through a simulation exercises in the shuttle mission simulator (SMS) in the mission simulation and training facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC). Young and astronaut Robert L. Crippen, prime crew pilot, are in training for the first of series of orbital test missions aboard the Columbia. Photo credit: NASA

S79-31777 (7 May 1979) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen.

S72-41855 (15 June 1972) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, Skylab Medical Experiment Altitude Test (SMEAT) commander, simulates the preparation of a Skylab meal. Crippen is a member of a three-man crew who will spend up to 56 days in the Crew Systems Division's 20-foot altitude chamber at the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) beginning in mid-July to obtain medical data and evaluate medical experiment equipment for Skylab. The two crew members not shown in this view are astronauts Karol J. Bobko, SMEAT pilot, and Dr. William E. Thornton, SMEAT science pilot. Photo credit: NASA

S79-25007 (13 Dec. 1978) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, pilot for the first space shuttle orbital flight test (STS-1), is assisted by technicians prior to entering a water immersion facility (WIF) during a training session. The zero-gravity familiarization took place in the Johnson Space Center?s training and test center (Building 260). The WIF afford one of two ways to simulate the feeling of weightlessness experienced during space extravehicular activity (EVA), the other being inside aircraft flying a parabolic curve. Crippen will be joined by astronaut John W. Young for the STS-1 flight. Photo credit: NASA

S72-43280 (15 June 1972) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, Skylab Medical Experiment Altitude Test (SMEAT) commander, holds the training model of Skylab experiment T003, the aerosol analysis test, in this preview of SMEAT activity. He is part of a three-man SMEAT crew who will spend up to 56 days in the Crew Systems Division's 20-foot altitude chamber at the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) beginning in mid-July to obtain medical data and evaluate medical experiment equipment for Skylab. The two crew members not shown in this view are astronauts Karol J. Bobko, SMEAT pilot, and Dr. William E. Thornton, SMEAT science pilot. Photo credit: NASA

S71-51303 (21 Sept. 1971) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen

STS-1 ONBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - STS-1-7-0502: STS-1 Pilot Robert Crippen at lunch.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Official portrait of Robert L. Crippen, KSC Center Director Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Astronaut Robert Crippen, who served as pilot on STS-1, speaks to the guests gathered at the KSC Visitor Complex Nov. 10 for induction ceremonies into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Crippen and other astronauts Frederick "Rick" Hauck, Richard Truly and Joe Engle were honored as the first Shuttle astronauts.

Space Shuttle Columbia at Launch Site (Cockpit crew John Young, Commander and Robert Crippen, Pilot) (ref: 80-HC-602)

Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, right, is greeted by wife Virginia following landing of mission STS-1. Behind Mrs. Crippon is George W.S. Abbey, Director of Flight Operations at JSC (30850); Astronaut John W. Young, right, and Robert L. Crippen, center, are greeted by wives Susy and Virginia after completing STS-1 mission. Near left is George W. S. Abbey (30851).

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Columbia Crew Memorial Service is held at the Shuttle Landing Facility for KSC employees and invited guests, including former astronaut and KSC Director Robert Crippen (center). The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base. The service concluded with a “Missing Man Formation Fly Over” by NASA T-38 jet aircraft.

41C-3061 (6 April 1984) --- The five-member astronauts crew for NASA's STS-41C Space Shuttle mission head for the transfer van that will transport them to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, commander, leads the way. Immediately behind Crippen is Astronaut Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, pilot. The three mission specialists are (left to right) Astronauts Terry J. Hart, George D. Nelson and James D. van Hoften. The photograph was taken by Otis Imobden.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut Robert Crippen, left, relaxed despite the 'scrub' of the Space Shuttle launch on April 10, is joined at the Shuttle Landing Facility on April 11 by (from left) George Abbey, flight operations director; Joseph Algrantic, chief of Aircraft OPERATIONS Division, both with Johnson Space Center; and astronaut Joe Engle. Crippen and Young spent part of the day between the 'scrub' and the successful launch on April 12 in Shuttle landing practice, using a specially modified Grumman Airstream jet aircraft.

Bob Crippen, former Kennedy center director and NASA astronaut, speaks to guests during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Like Crippen, Lawrence was selected in the 1960s for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program. As such, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Columbia Crew Memorial Service is held at the Shuttle Landing Facility for KSC employees and invited guests, including former KSC Director of Shuttle Processing Robert Sieck (left), KSC lead vehicle manager Kelvin Manning (next), and Columbia's first pilot and former KSC Director Robert Crippen (third from left). The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base. The service concluded with a “Missing Man Formation Fly Over” by NASA T-38 jet aircraft.

S81-33180 (12 April 1981) --- The two solid rocket boosters are jettisoned from the climbing space shuttle Columbia as a successful launch phase continues for NASA's first manned space mission since 1975. Astronauts John W. Young and Robert L. Crippen are aboard the Columbia. Photo credit: NASA

The new era in space flight began on April 12, 1981. That is when the first Space Shuttle mission (STS-1) was launched. The Marshall Space Flight Center developed the propulsion system for the Space Shuttle. This photograph depicts the launch of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia marned with two astronauts, John Young and Robert Crippen.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The 2001 inductees into the Astronaut Hall of Fame gather around a drawing of all four. From left, Robert Crippen, Joe Engle, Richard Truly and Frederick "Rick" Hauck were honored as the first four Shuttle astronauts in a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex Nov. 10

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The outdoor stage at the KSC Visitor Complex is filled with members of the Astronaut Hall of Fame who gathered to honor the four standing in the front center: Robert Crippen (second from left), Frederick 'Rick' Hauck, Richard Truly and Joe Engle. These first Shuttle astronauts were the 2001 inductees.

S81-30420 (12-14 April 1981) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, pilot for STS-1 takes advantage of zero-gravity to do some rare acrobatics on the middeck of the space shuttle Columbia in Earth orbit. This 35mm frame was exposed by astronaut John W. Young, flight crew commander. Photo credit: NASA

41D-3142 (3 Sept 1984) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, left, crew commander for NASA's 41-G flight, and Marc Garneau, payload specialist representing the Canadian National Research Council (NRC), participate in a briefing in the Shuttle mockup and integration laboratory at the Johnson Space Center.

STS001-06-497 (12-14 April 1981) --- Astronaut John W. Young, STS-1 commander, opens one of the lockers in the space shuttle Columbia's middeck area. This photo was taken by astronaut Robert L. Crippen, pilot, using a 35mm camera. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A large crowd is gathered at the KSC Visitor Complex to honor the induction of the first four Shuttle astronauts into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. The four honored were Robert Crippen, Frederick "Rick" Hauck, Richard Truly and Joe Engle.

STS007-31-1614 & S83-35775 (24 June 1983) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen is seen at the commander’s station of the Space Shuttle Challenger as it passes through the Earth’s atmosphere on re-entry. The friction results in a pinkish glow visible through the forward windows on the flight deck. The scene was exposed with a 35mm camera.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The first four Shuttle astronauts share a moment of nostalgia at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Pictured from left are Richard Truly, Frederick "Rick" Hauck, Robert Crippen and Joe Engle. All were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Nov. 10.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle prime crew members Robert Crippen, left, pilot, and John Young, center, commander, along with backup crewman Richard Truly, study forecasts of weather conditions for launch of the maiden flight of STS-1, America’s first reusable space transportation system.

S81-33178 (12 April 1981) --- The two solid rocket boosters are jettisoned from the climbing space shuttle Columbia as a successful launch phase continues for NASA's first manned space mission since 1975. Astronauts John W. Young and Robert L. Crippen are aboard Columbia. Photo credit: NASA

S81-28974 (March 1981) --- An early morning scene at the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39, with the space shuttle Columbia in position on Pad A at right. Launch for the STS-1 mission is set for April 10th with astronauts John W. Young and Robert L. Crippen aboard. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- One of the first Shuttle astronauts, Robert Crippen signs a poster during induction ceremonies into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Nov. 10. He shared the induction honor with astronauts Richard Truly, Joe Engle, and Frederick "Rick" Hauck. The event took place at the KSC Visitor Complex

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Astronaut Hall of Fame inductees Robert Crippen, Frederick "Rick" Hauck, Richard Truly and Joe Engle acknowledge the applause from the audience. The four were honored as the first Shuttle astronauts in a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex Nov. 10.

S86-28888 (14 Feb. 1986) --- NASA astronaut Robert Crippen points out Discovery tile work in the Vehicle Assembly Building to the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident. The commission was taken to the facility on Feb. 14, 1986 as part of their investigation. Photo credit: NASA

S79-31775 (29 April 1979) --- These two astronauts are the prime crewmen for the first flight in the Space Transportation System (STS-1) program. Astronauts John W. Young, left, commander, and Robert L. Crippen, pilot, will man the space shuttle orbiter 102 Columbia for the first orbital flight test. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The first four Shuttle astronauts take time to sign posters commemorating their induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Nov. 10. Seated from left are Frederick 'Rick' Hauck, Richard Truly, Joe Engle and Robert Crippen. The event took place at the KSC Visitor Complex

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center has been stripped of its equipment in preparation for transforming it to support the launch operations for the Ares launch vehicles. The Shuttle Processing Transition Team has worked to decommission Firing Room 1, also known as FR1, for transfer to the Constellation Program. The transition includes removing all the computer systems currently in the room and installing new equipment and software. The room was recently renamed the Young/Crippen Firing Room to honor Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in tribute to the 25th anniversary of the first space shuttle flight on April 12, 1981. It was this firing room that launched the historic flight and the crew of STS-1, Young and Crippen. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center has been stripped of its equipment in preparation for transforming it to support the launch operations for the Ares launch vehicles. The Shuttle Processing Transition Team has worked to decommission Firing Room 1, also known as FR1, for transfer to the Constellation Program. The transition includes removing all the computer systems currently in the room and installing new equipment and software. The room was recently renamed the Young/Crippen Firing Room to honor Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in tribute to the 25th anniversary of the first space shuttle flight on April 12, 1981. It was this firing room that launched the historic flight and the crew of STS-1, Young and Crippen. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center has been stripped of its equipment in preparation for transforming it to support the launch operations for the Ares launch vehicles. The Shuttle Processing Transition Team has worked to decommission Firing Room 1, also known as FR1, for transfer to the Constellation Program. The transition includes removing all the computer systems currently in the room and installing new equipment and software. The room was recently renamed the Young/Crippen Firing Room to honor Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in tribute to the 25th anniversary of the first space shuttle flight on April 12, 1981. It was this firing room that launched the historic flight and the crew of STS-1, Young and Crippen. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, remodeling for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles continues in the Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room. Consoles already have been rewired for the comprehensive upgrade and are now being outfitted with new computers and monitors. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in April 1981. The firing room most recently was set up to support the Ares I-X flight test in Oct. 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, remodeling for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles continues in the Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room. Consoles already have been rewired for the comprehensive upgrade and are now being outfitted with new computers and monitors. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in April 1981. The firing room most recently was set up to support the Ares I-X flight test in Oct. 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, remodeling for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles continues in the Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room. Consoles already have been rewired for the comprehensive upgrade and are now being outfitted with new computers and monitors. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in April 1981. The firing room most recently was set up to support the Ares I-X flight test in Oct. 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In tribute to the 25th anniversary of the first space shuttle flight, NASA's Kennedy Space Center has honored the crew of STS-1, Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen, by dedicating the firing room that launched the historic flight as the "Young · Crippen Firing Room" (seen here). Making the dedication were (from left) the project flight engineer for Space Shuttle Columbia, Bob Sieck; the NASA test director for STS-1, Norm Carlson; and Center Director Jim Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The door of firing room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center shows its new designation as the Young · Crippen Firing Room. The renaming was made in tribute to the 25th anniversary of the first space shuttle flight on April 12, 1981, dedicating the firing room that launched the historic flight and the crew of STS-1, Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen. Making the dedication were Center Director Jim Kennedy; the NASA test director for STS-1, Norm Carlson; and the project flight engineer for Space Shuttle Columbia, Bob Sieck. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the newly remodeled Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineering directorate personnel demonstrate the recently added Space Command & Control System which will be used for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen in April 1981. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Near the door of firing room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center is this plaque revealing the dedication of the room as the Young · Crippen Firing Room. The renaming was made in tribute to the 25th anniversary of the first space shuttle flight on April 12, 1981, dedicating the firing room that launched the historic flight and the crew of STS-1, Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen. Making the dedication were Center Director Jim Kennedy; the NASA test director for STS-1, Norm Carlson; and the project flight engineer for Space Shuttle Columbia, Bob Sieck. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS007-15-671 / S83-35767 (21 June 1983) --- Among the "firsts" on the mission is this unprecedented scene of a crew of five astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in space. A pre-set 35mm camera exposed the frame. Left to right on the flight deck are Norman E. Thagard, mission specialist; Robert L. Crippen, commander; Frederick H. Hauck, pilot; Sally K. Ride, mission specialist; and John M. Fabian, mission specialist. Crippen the crew commander, is making his second Space Shuttle trip; pilot Hauck and mission specialist Dr. Ride, Dr. Thagard and Fabian are members of the 1978 class of astronaut candidates (ASCAN).

S83-32571 (23 May 1983) --- Four-fifths of the STS-7 crew take a break from simulations in the Johnson Space Center?s Mission Simulation and Training Facility and pose for NASA photographer. Standing on the steps leading into the motion-based Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) are (left to right) astronauts Robert L. Crippen, John M. Fabian, Frederick H. Hauck and Sally K. Ride. Crippen is crew commander; Hauck, pilot; and Fabian and Ride are mission specialists, along with Norman E. Thagard (not involved in this phase of training and not pictured). Photo credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the newly remodeled Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineering directorate personnel demonstrate the recently added Space Command & Control System which will be used for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen in April 1981. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

S81-30852 (14 April 1981) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, pilot for the STS-1 flight, egresses the NASA space shuttle following touchdown of the Columbia on Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Astronaut John W. Young, crew commander, had earlier exited the craft and can be seen standing at the foot of the steps with George W.S. Abbey, director of flight operations at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Dr. Craig L. Fischer, chief of the medical operations branch in JSC?s medical sciences division, follows Crippen down the steps. Photo credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, remodeling for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles takes place in the Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in April 1981. The firing room most recently was set up to support the Ares I-X flight test in Oct. 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In tribute to the 25th anniversary of the first space shuttle flight, NASA's Kennedy Space Center has honored the crew of STS-1, Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen, by dedicating the firing room that launched the historic flight as the "Young · Crippen Firing Room." Making the dedication were (from left) Center Director Jim Kennedy; the NASA test director for STS-1, Norm Carlson; and the project flight engineer for Space Shuttle Columbia, Bob Sieck. On the wall behind them is the plaque marking the dedication. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, remodeling for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles takes place in the Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in April 1981. The firing room most recently was set up to support the Ares I-X flight test in Oct. 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

S84-36958 (29 June 1984) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, 41-G crew commander, perches nearby an underwater simulation scene in the Johnson Space Center's weightless environment training facility (WET-F). Purpose of the rehearsal was to train two of the 41-G crew's mission specialists for a scheduled extravehicular activity (EVA). Out of frame are Astronauts Kathryn D. Sullivan, Jon A. McBride and David Leestma. Dr. Sullivan and Leestma donned extravehicular mobility units (EMU) for the simulation while Crippen and McBride monitored the activity. This photograph was taken by Otis Imboden.

NASA T-38 jet aircraft are flying in a "Missing Man Formation" to conclude the memorial service for the crew of Columbia who were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission STS-107. The service was held at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base. Crippen was the first to fly Columbia in 1981; Halsell first flew Columbia in 1994 and again in 1997.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, remodeling for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles takes place in the Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in April 1981. The firing room most recently was set up to support the Ares I-X flight test in Oct. 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, remodeling for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles takes place in the Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in April 1981. The firing room most recently was set up to support the Ares I-X flight test in Oct. 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

S81-29618 (6 April 1981) --- STS-1 prime and backup astronaut crew members look at visuals during a coordinated teleconference with engineers. Seated at the table in a briefing room at NASA's Johnson Space Center are, clockwise from the left, George W.S. Abbey, Director of Flight Operations, John W. Young, Robert L. Crippen, Joe H. Engle and Richard H. Truly. Young and Crippen are prime crewmen preparing to man the Columbia later this week for the flight of STS-1. Rockwell International engineers in California as well as JSC engineers participated in this telecon. Photo credit: NASA

S79-25016 (13 Dec. 1978) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, pilot for the first space shuttle orbital flight test, descends steps leading into the water immersion facility (WIF) during a training session in the Johnson Space Center?s training and test facility (Bldg. 260). The WIF affords one of two ways to simulate space extravehicular activity (EVA), the other being inside aircraft flying a parabolic curve. Crippen will be joined by astronaut John W. Young, commander for the first space shuttle flight (STS-1). Photo credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the newly remodeled Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineering directorate personnel demonstrate the recently added Space Command & Control System which will be used for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen in April 1981. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

S79-25014 (13 Dec. 1978) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, pilot of the first space shuttle orbital flight test (STS-1), eases into a water immersion facility (WIF) during a training session in the Johnson Space Center?s training and test facility (Bldg. 260). The WIF affords one of two ways to simulate the feeling of weightlessness experienced during space extravehicular activity (EVA), the other being inside aircraft flying a parabolic curve. Crippen will be joined by astronaut John W. Young, commander for the STS-1 flight. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Patrick Air Force Base Honor Guard stands at attention during "Taps" at the conclusion of the STS-107 Columbia Crew Memorial Service held at KSC. The crew were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after the 16-day research mission STS-107. Also taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees and area clergymen. Crippen was the first to fly Columbia in 1981; Halsell first flew Columbia in 1994 and again in 1997.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, rewiring and remodeling for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles take place in the Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in April 1981. The firing room most recently was set up to support the Ares I-X flight test in Oct. 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, a wreath is placed at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kenendy Space Center Visitor Compelx. Participating are, from thje left, Al Crews, Lawrence's sister, Barbara Lawrence, Ph.D., James Abrahamson, Lawrence's sister-in-law Lorne Cress Love, and Bob Crippen. Crews, Abrahamson and Crippen all were selected as astronauts for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) Program. Selected in 1967 for MOL, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, remodeling for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles continues in the Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room. Consoles already have been rewired for the comprehensive upgrade and are now being outfitted with new computers and monitors. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in April 1981. The firing room most recently was set up to support the Ares I-X flight test in Oct. 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA T-38 jet aircraft are flying in a "Missing Man Formation" to conclude the memorial service for the crew of Columbia who were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission STS-107. The service was held at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base. Crippen was the first to fly Columbia in 1981; Halsell first flew Columbia in 1994 and again in 1997.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, rewiring of consoles and remodeling for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles take place in the Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen in April 1981. The firing room most recently was set up to support the Ares I-X flight test in Oct. 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the newly remodeled Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineering directorate personnel demonstrate the recently added Space Command & Control System which will be used for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen in April 1981. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Employees at KSC give solemn attention to the memorial service for the Columbia crew held at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after the 16-day research mission STS-107. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base. Crippen was the first to fly Columbia in 1981; Halsell first flew Columbia in 1994 and again in 1997.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Columbia Crew Memorial Service is held at the Shuttle Landing Facility for KSC employees and invited guests, including (from left) NASA Associate Deputy Administrator for Institutions and Asset Management James L. Jennings, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, and Columbia's first pilot and former KSC Director Robert Crippen. The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base. The service concluded with a “Missing Man Formation Fly Over” by NASA T-38 jet aircraft.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Columbia Crew Memorial Service is held at the Shuttle Landing Facility for KSC employees and invited guests. NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe is at the podium. Seated to his right are NASA Associate Deputy Administrator for Institutions and Asset Management James L. Jennings, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and Columbia's first pilot and former KSC Director Robert Crippen. The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base. The service concluded with a “Missing Man Formation Fly Over” by NASA T-38 jet aircraft.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Columbia Crew Memorial Service is held at the Shuttle Landing Facility for KSC employees and invited guests, including Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (left), NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (center), and Columbia's first pilot and former KSC Director Robert Crippen (right). The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base. The service concluded with a “Missing Man Formation Fly Over” by NASA T-38 jet aircraft.

S81-30985 (14 April 1981) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen (center), STS-1 pilot, addresses a large turnout of greeters at Ellington Air Force Base following the return of the Columbia's crew from the Dryden Flight Research Center and their Edwards Air Force Base landing site. Astronaut John W. Young, crew commander, stands near his wife Susy at right center. Crippen's wife Virginia and children are standing behind the Youngs on the platform. Others seen include Presidential aide Jim Baker, Houston mayor Jim McConn, NASA Administrator (acting) Alan M. Lovelace, John F. Yardley, associate administrator for space transportation systems; Dr. Christopher C. Kraft Jr., JSC director; flight directors Neil B. Hutchinson, Charles L. Lewis and Donald R. Puddy; Robert F. Thompson, manager of Space Shuttle Program office. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Columbia Crew Memorial Service is held at the Shuttle Landing Facility for KSC employees and invited guests. NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe is at the podium. Seated to his right are NASA Associate Deputy Administrator for Institutions and Asset Management James L. Jennings, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and Columbia's first pilot and former KSC Director Robert Crippen. The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base. The service concluded with a “Missing Man Formation Fly Over” by NASA T-38 jet aircraft.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Columbia Crew Memorial Service is held at the Shuttle Landing Facility for KSC employees and invited guests. Columbia's first pilot and former KSC Director Robert Crippen is at the podium. Seated to his right are NASA Associate Deputy Administrator for Institutions and Asset Management James L. Jennings, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe. The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base. The service concluded with a “Missing Man Formation Fly Over” by NASA T-38 jet aircraft.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Columbia Crew Memorial Service is held at the Shuttle Landing Facility for KSC employees and invited guests. Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is at the podium. Seated to his right are NASA Associate Deputy Administrator for Institutions & Asset Management James L. Jennings, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, and Columbia's first pilot and former KSC Director Robert Crippen. The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base. The service concluded with a “Missing Man Formation Fly Over” by NASA T-38 jet aircraft.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut Robert L. Crippen (standing right) congratulates former astronaut Sally K. Ride at her induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Also standing is former astronaut James A. Lovell. Seated on the dais, from left, are former astronauts Gordon Cooper, Scott Carpenter, Buzz Aldrin, Walter Cunningham, Edgar B. Mitchell, and Fred W. Haise, all previously inducted into the Hall of Fame. Being inducted with Ride are Space Shuttle astronauts Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, and Story Musgrave. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut Robert L. Crippen (right) presents former astronaut Sally K. Ride (standing center) at her induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Also standing is former astronaut James A. Lovell. Seated on the dais are, from left, former astronauts John H. Glenn, Gordon Cooper, Buzz Aldrin, and Walter Cunningham, all previously inducted into the Hall of Fame. Being inducted with Ride are Space Shuttle astronauts Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, and Story Musgrave. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Soichi Noguchi and Charles Camarda greet astronaut John Young (far right), who flew on the first flight of Space Shuttle Columbia with Robert Crippen. Behind Camarda is Pilot James Kelly. Young is associate director, Technical, at Johnson Space Center. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. The STS-114 crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This is the official insignia for the first Space Shuttle orbital flight test (STS-1). Crew of the OV-102 Columbia on STS-1 will be astronauts John W. Young, commander, and Robert L. Crippen, pilot. The artwork was done by artist Robert McCall. The STS-1 mission, known as a shuttle systems test flight, will seek 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. STS-1 will be launched from Pad A at the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39 no earlier than March 1981.

Center Directors: The Kennedy Space Center has had ten Center Directors. The first Center Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus, was followed by: Row 1, left to right – Lee R. Scherer, Richard G. Smith, and Lieutenant General Forrest S. McCartney, USAF, ret.. Row 2, left to right – Robert L. Crippen, Jay F. Honeycutt and Roy D. Bridges. Row 3, left to right – James W. Kennedy, William W. Parsons and Robert D. Cabana, KSC’s Center Director since 2008. Poster designed by Kennedy Space Center Graphics Department/Greg Lee. Credit: NASA

S79-30685 (10 March 1979) --- This is the official insignia for the first space shuttle orbital flight test (STS-1). Crew of the 102 Columbia on STS-1 will be astronauts John W. Young, commander, and Robert L. Crippen, pilot. The artwork was done by artist Robert McCall. The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the forms of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, the change will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, new inductee Bruce McCandless (left) is congratulated by Chairman Owen Garriott. Seen behind them are current Hall of Famers (on left) Robert Crippen (standing) and Jim Lovell and (center) Robert “Hoot” Gibson. The other new inductees are Joe Allen and Gordon Fullerton. The event is being held in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo_Saturn V Center. Recognized for their individual flight accomplishments and contributions to the success and future success of the U.S. space program, this elite group of inductees is among only 60 astronauts to be honored in the Hall of Fame and the fourth group of Space Shuttle astronauts named.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Columbia flies. Just seconds past the scheduled launch time of 7 a.m. on April 12, America's Space Transportation System becomes a fact, with the liftoff of the first Space Shuttle from Launch Pad 39A. The successful maiden flight of the new concept in space vehicles took Astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen into an Earth orbital mission scheduled to last 54 hours, concluding with unpowered landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pilot Robert Crippen watches intently as a technician adjusts the lens of his space suit, while Crew Commander John Young's suit is connected to life support system lines, during simulated countdown and launch. The two astronauts, prime crewmen for the maiden flight of the Space Shuttle scheduled no sooner than the week of April 5, are pictured in the suiting room of the Operations and Checkout Building at KSC prior to boarding their transport van for the trip to Launch Pad 39A.

S81-29619 (6 April 1981) --- STS-1 astronauts John W. Young, left, and Robert L. Crippen direct their attention to a chart on a screen in a small briefing room at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC). They are taking part in a three-way telephone conference call, which involved engineers at JSC and at the Rockwell International facility in California. Later this week the two will man the space shuttle orbiter Columbia for STS-1. Photo credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Robert Cabana, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center and a former astronaut, watches a demonstration of new systems installed in the Young-Crippen Firing Room, also known as Firing Room 1, inside the Launch Control Center. The renovation has been led by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program based at Kennedy. The new systems are designed to be flexible so controllers can process and launch multiple types of rockets and spacecraft, whether they are government or commercial models. Photo credit: NASA/Dmitri Gerondidakis

S81-30734 (14 April 1981) --- The rear wheels of the space shuttle orbiter Columbia (STS-1) touch down on Rogers dry lake at Edwards Air Force Base in southern California to successfully complete a stay in space of more than two days. Astronauts John W. Young, commander, and Robert L. Crippen, pilot, are aboard the vehicle. The mission marked the first NASA flight to end with a wheeled landing and represents the beginning of a new age of spaceflight that will employ the same hardware repeatedly. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Columbia flies. Just seconds past the scheduled launch time of 7 a.m. on April 12, America's Space Transportation System becomes a fact, with the liftoff of the first Space Shuttle from Launch Pad 39A. The successful maiden flight of the new concept in space vehicles took astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen into an Earth orbital mission scheduled to last for 54 hours, concluding with unpowered landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

S81-30479 (April 1981) --- Astronauts John W. Young, second from left, and Robert L. Crippen, left, discuss photography from their recent STS-1 mission with astronauts Joe H. Engle, right, and Richard H. Truly during a post-mission debriefing session. Engle and Truly were backup crewmen for STS-1 and they have been named as prime crew members for STS-2, scheduled for a Sept. 30, 1981 liftoff. Photo credit: NASA

S81-29620 (6 April 1981) --- Prime and backup crew members for STS-1 take part in a briefing with engineers located in another building at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) and with Rockwell International representatives in California via telephone. Astronauts John W. Young, left, and Robert L. Crippen, second from left, are STS-1 prime crewmen. Backup crewmen are astronauts Joe H. Engle, second from right, and Richard H. Truly. Photo credit: NASA

The Space Shuttle Columbia begins a new era of space transportation when it lifts off from NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The reusable Orbiter, its two (2) fuel tanks and two (2) Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB) has just cleared the launch tower. Aboard the spacecraft are Astronauts John W. Young, Commander, and Robert L. Crippen, Pilot . 1. STS-I - LAUNCH KSC, FL KSC, FL Also available in 4x5 BW

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Robert Cabana, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center and a former astronaut, listens to a presentation of new systems installed in the Young-Crippen Firing Room, also known as Firing Room 1, inside the Launch Control Center. The renovation has been led by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program based at Kennedy. The new systems are designed to be flexible so controllers can process and launch multiple types of rockets and spacecraft, whether they are government or commercial models. Photo credit: NASA/Dmitri Gerondidakis

The Space Shuttle Columbia begins a new era of space transportation when it lifts off from NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The reusable Orbiter, its two (2) fuel tanks and two (2) Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB) has just cleared the launch tower. Aboard the spacecraft are Astronauts John W. Young, Commander, and Robert L. Crippen, Pilot . 1. STS-I - LAUNCH KSC, FL KSC, FL Also available in 4x5 BW

41G-102-003 (5-13 Oct 1984) ---- Astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan, 41-G mission specialist, floats into a middeck scene to join a more stationary pair of crewmembers---Astronauts Robert L. Crippen, crew commander; and Jon A. McBride, pilot. The protruding article near the stowage lockers is a Krimsky rule, part of the near vision acuity experiment in which recent NASA space travelers have participated.

41G-90217 (13 Oct 1984) --- 41-G crew leaves the orbiter after landing at Kennedy Space Center at the end of their mission. Astronaut Robert Crippen shakes hands with George W.S. Abbey, Director of JSC's Flight Crew Operations, while the other crewmembers wait behind him. They are Jon McBride, David Leestma, Sally K. Ride, Kathryn Sullivan, Marc Garneau and Paul Scully-Power.

S81-30509 (12 April 1981) --- Separation of space shuttle Columbia?s external tank, photographed by motion picture cameras in the umbilical bays, occurred following the shutdown of the vehicle?s three main engines. The Columbia?s cameras were able to record the underside of the tank as the orbiter headed toward its Earth-orbital mission with astronauts John W. Young and Robert L. Crippen aboard, and the fuel tank fell toward Earth, passing through the atmosphere rapidly. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The first four Shuttle astronauts -- seated, from left, Richard Truly, Joe Engle, Frederick "Rick" Hauck and Robert Crippen -- share a light moment about their experiences while seated in a replica of the early launch control center in the KSC Visitor Complex. All were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Nov. 10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Robert Cabana, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center and a former astronaut, takes a look inside new systems installed in the Young-Crippen Firing Room, also known as Firing Room 1, inside the Launch Control Center. The renovation has been led by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program based at Kennedy. The new systems are designed to be flexible so controllers can process and launch multiple types of rockets and spacecraft, whether they are government or commercial models. Photo credit: NASA/Dmitri Gerondidakis