Uploaded July 2011 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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In recognition of the final Space Shuttle mission in July 2011, here is the first Space Shuttle launch on April 12, 1981. Coverage of the Columbia launch is provided by CBS newsman Dan Rather and CBS News consultants Leo Krupp and Alan Bean. These clips were recorded off-air from WNAC-TV in Boston.

All rights are acknowledged.