The Space Shuttle Columbia, NASA's 1981's inaugural orbiter, was set to demonstrate the shuttle's performance in an orbital environment, conduct testing of the Shuttle's systems, and prove that reusability could be achieved with its design. The first mission lasted approximately 54 hours, during which Columbia completed three orbits around Earth before landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California on April 14, 1981. Columbia went on to complete 28 missions, which focused on scientific research, microgravity experiments, and the deployment of satellites and telescopes. 

Columbia's final mission was a 16-day…