By: HISTORY.com Editors

1972

President Nixon launches space shuttle program

HISTORY.com Editors

Published: November 16, 2009Last Updated: May 28, 2025

Richard Nixon signs a bill authorizing $5.5 million in funding to develop a space shuttle. The space shuttle represented a giant leap forward in the technology of space travel. Designed to function more like a cost-efficient “reusable” airplane than a one-use-only rocket-launched capsules, the shuttle afforded NASA pilots and scientists more time in space with which to conduct space-related research. NASA launched Columbia, the first space shuttle, in 1981.

The First Space Shuttle Flight

On April 12, 1981, NASA launched the first space shuttle into orbit.

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Citation Information

Article Title: President Nixon launches space shuttle program
Author: HISTORY.com Editors
Website Name: History
URL: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/january-5/nixon-launches-the-space-shuttle-program

Date Accessed: March 27, 2026
Publisher: A&E Television Networks
Last Updated: May 28, 2025
Original Published Date: November 16, 2009