Sts 2 Collection

President Reagan at Mission Control, Houston, 1981. Creator: NASA
President Reagan at Mission Control, Houston, 1981. President Ronald Reagan gets a laugh from NASA officials in Mission Control when he jokingly asks Space Shuttle crew members astronauts Joe Engle

Manipulator arm deployed during the second Space Shuttle flight, November 1981. Creator: NASA
Manipulator arm deployed during the second Space Shuttle flight, November 1981. The Canadarm or Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS) is flown in space for the first time

Huge external fuel tank, second Space Shuttle flight, Kennedy Space Center, USA, 1981
Huge external fuel tank, second Space Shuttle flight, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida, USA, 1981. STS-2 was the second Space Shuttle mission conducted by the National Aeronautics

Astronaut Richard Truly, second Space Shuttle flight, November 1981. Creator: NASA
Astronaut Richard Truly, second Space Shuttle flight, November 1981. US fighter pilot and astronaut Joe Engle (born 1937) looks at data in zero gravity on the second flight of the Space Shuttle

Lift off, second Space Shuttle flight, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida, USA, 1981
Lift off, second Space Shuttle flight, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida, USA, November 1981. STS-2 was the second Space Shuttle mission conducted by NASA

Astronauts Joe Engle and Richard Truly, second Space Shuttle flight, November 1981. US pilot, aeronautical engineer and astronaut Joe Engle (born 1932)

Astronaut Joe Engle, second Space Shuttle flight, November 1981. Creator: NASA
Astronaut Joe Engle, second Space Shuttle flight, November 1981. US pilot, aeronautical engineer and astronaut Joe Engle (born 1932) was Commander on the second flight of the Space Shuttle, STS-2

Columbia On Final Approach
The underside of Columbia as it makes its final approach before landing on the Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base, California

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"STS-2: A Historic Milestone in Space Exploration" In 1981, President Reagan stood tall at Mission Control, Houston, witnessing a groundbreaking moment for space exploration. The second Space Shuttle flight was about to embark on its journey into the unknown. As the manipulator arm was deployed during this mission, November 1981 became etched in history. This technological marvel allowed astronauts to manipulate objects with precision and opened up new possibilities for future missions. The colossal external fuel tank dominated the scene at Kennedy Space Center, USA. Its sheer size showcased the immense power required to propel humans beyond Earth's atmosphere and into space. Astronaut Richard Truly joined this historic flight, his presence symbolizing bravery and determination as he prepared to venture into uncharted territory. Alongside him were fellow astronauts Joe Engle and Rick Doe – a team of pioneers ready to push boundaries like never before. With lift-off from Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, STS-2 soared towards the heavens. The deafening roar of engines echoed through time as humanity reached for the stars once again. Capturing moments that would inspire generations to come, NASA's lens focused on Astronaut Joe Engle during this monumental flight. His courage exemplified the spirit of exploration that has driven mankind since time immemorial. Beyond just astronauts' endeavors lay an intricate web of scientific experiments conducted onboard. Rick Doe discussed one such experiment called Enhanced Tandem Beacon Experiment – a testament to human ingenuity pushing boundaries even further. Todd Ely played a crucial role as principal investigator for NASA's Deep Space Atomic Clock project – an innovation that promised precise navigation capabilities for future space missions. His dedication reflected NASA's commitment to advancing technology in pursuit of knowledge beyond our planet's limits. Tawnya Laughinghouse managed NASA's Technology Demonstration Missions program – an initiative aimed at showcasing cutting-edge technologies developed by brilliant minds across various fields within the agency.