New 5x7 NASA Photo: Space Shuttle Columbia before 1st Mission Title - Space Shuttle Columbia before 1st Mission Description - Columbia on the launch pad before its first mission. Space Shuttle Columbia (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-102) was the first spaceworthy space shuttle in NASA's orbital fleet. Its first mission, STS-1, lasted from April 12 to April 14, 1981. On February 1, 2003, Columbia disintegrated during re-entry over Texas, on its 28th mission, killing all seven crew members. Description Source - NASA Year - April 12, 1981 SKU - NAS-0048