Space Shuttle Orbiter status - April 1980

Abstract

The Orbiter is in the final stages of preparation, proceeding toward mating with the other Shuttle flight hardware elements, preparatory to its maiden voyage. The first orbital vehicle, Columbia, has been undergoing manufacturing, modifications, and testing at KSC, and integrated vehicle processing is planned to continue prior to the planned STS-1 launch. In order to establish a national fleet of operational Orbiters, Space Shuttle production includes fabrication of two additional Orbiters, refurbishment of the Columbia after its use in the orbital flight test program and early operations, and conversion of the Orbiter structural test article to a flight operational Orbiter.