STS-4

STS-4 was the fourth space shuttle mission launched by NASA, taking place in June 1982. It involved the shuttle Columbia, which carried astronauts Henry Hartsfield and Robert L. Crippen. The main goals were to test the shuttle's systems during launch, orbit, and re-entry, and to deploy a communication satellite called the ANIK-C. The mission demonstrated the shuttle’s capabilities as a reliable, reusable spacecraft for future missions, paving the way for more regular spaceflights. It lasted about three days, marking an important step in developing operational space shuttles and advancing space exploration technology.