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Today in History: NASA's Enterprise completes inaugural test flight in space

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 18, 1977, NASA's first Space Shuttle, Enterprise, conducted its inaugural test flight atop a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. This flight marked a significant milestone in the Space Shuttle program, which aimed to develop reusable spacecraft for crew and cargo transport, paving the way for future space exploration missions.

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Story summary

On February 18, 1977, NASA's first Space Shuttle, Enterprise, conducted its inaugural test flight atop a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. This flight marked a significant milestone in the Space Shuttle program, which aimed to develop reusable spacecraft for crew and cargo transport, paving the way for future space exploration missions.