NASA. Historic photograph of the 1st American Space Shuttle - Lot 120

NASA. Historic photograph of the 1st American Space Shuttle "COLUMBIA" on its launch pad shortly before liftoff into Earth orbit on April 12, 1981, the 20th anniversary of the 1st human space flight on Vostok 1, when Russia was still a space power. This rare photograph is particularly interesting for the abundance of detail it reveals of the various aspects of the American Space Shuttle and the imposing device comprising its two boosters and main tank enabling it to place its heavy payloads into orbit. The natural grazing light of the sun on the orbiter at the time of shooting made this high-definition result possible, enabling us to count the number of tiles on the upper fuselage of the orbiter's left wing, for example. Vintage chromogenic print on paper: "THIS PAPER MANUFACTURED BY KODAK". Stamp on back. 25, 2 x 20,2CM.