1981 NASA STS-2 Guest Information Pamphlet for STS-2 Space Shuttle Landing

A piece of space flight history, this 1981 NASA pamphlet guided guests of STS-2 Space Shuttle landing at Edwards Air Force Base. STS-2 made history since it was the first time that a crewed, reusable spacecraft returned from space. Over 100,000 people attended the landing on November 14, 1981.

A Closer Look

Information covers six panels, three on the recto and verso. The front bears an illustration of the Space Shuttle landing. Three panels bear maps that provide detailed directions to designated areas for the general public to watch the landings. One illustrates how to get from Los Angeles to Lancaster, California, one of the closest towns to Edwards. The next map details driving through Lancaster to Edwards Air Force Base; the third highlights the area designated for the general public to gather. The remaining two panels (one on each side) provide information concerning attending the event and how to get to Edwards.

STS-2 and the Space Shuttle Columbia

STS-2 launched on November 12, 1981, and landed at Edwards Air Force Base on November 14, 1981, 2 days later. (STS stands for Space Transport System and was the official name for the Space Shuttle program.) Although not the first flight of Columbia, STS-2 made history since it was the first time that a crewed, reusable spacecraft returned to space. STS-2 was crewed by Commander Joe H. Engle and Pilot Richard H. Truly. Columbia flew STS-1 and would also fly STS3, STS-5, and STS-9. During her career, Columbia flew a total of 28 missions and was tragically lost in February 2003 during STS-107 when she disintegrated in the atmosphere during reentry, killing her seven-member crew.

Dating This Piece

While researching this piece, we knew it must date from STS-1, STS-2, or STS-3 because these were the test flights. During our research, we located a digitized example of this booklet accompanied by a parking pass and a typewritten cover letter. Both the parking pass and the cover letter bore the symbol of the Space Shuttle Columbia with the names Engle and Truly, the crew members for STS-2.

Publication History and Census

This pamphlet was created and published by NASA for distribution to guests coming to Edwards Air Force Base to attend the landing of the Space Shuttle to end STS-2. We have been unable to locate any examples in institutional collections. We are aware of 2 other examples in private hands.