Author Topic: These two photos of OV-102 Columbia are from STS-1 or STS-2?  (Read 8245 times)

Offline gkcbrktr

This the views from within the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) of Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102) lifted for mating to the External Tank (ET), in preparation for either the STS-1 or STS-2 mission. In the second photo, a couple of Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) segments can be seen in the left foreground.

What I'm wondering here is this: are these photos from STS-1 or STS-2? I think we can figure this out with your help.

In IMAX's Hail Columbia documentary , between minutes 1:26 and 1:53, there is a scene showing Columbia being lifted. There, I see a vehicle on the left (marked with a white square below). That vehicle can be seen in the photograph as well. For this reason, I believe these photographs belong to STS-1. I would like to hear your thoughts as well. Thanks.
« Last Edit: 11/07/2025 09:15 pm by gkcbrktr »

Offline JAFO

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Given the lack of flow marks on the tiles I'd say it's STS-1.
Compare this to a shot I took of STS-135 during lift and mate.
« Last Edit: 11/07/2025 10:17 pm by JAFO »
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Offline gkcbrktr

I did some research:

1) The footage in the video "Columbia Rollover & Mating to ET - Nov. 24 & 25, 1979" uploaded by Steven Jochums on YouTube matches the photograph. It was taken from the same location, looking at the heat shields. You can see it below.


2) Note the white lines on the heat shields on the wings. It matches the photo taken.

So I conclude the photos are from STS-1.
« Last Edit: 11/08/2025 02:33 pm by gkcbrktr »

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