When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
1984 NASA Space Shuttle Discovery First Rollout Launch Pad 39A Original Lithograph
Original vintage NASA color lithograph featuring Space Shuttle Discovery during preparations for its first spaceflight, STS-41D.
The large main image shows Discovery illuminated at Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Two inset photographs show Discovery lifting off from Pad 39A and the orbiter approaching the runway at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The NASA caption on the reverse states:
“The Space Shuttle orbiter Discovery is shown here being readied for launch at Pad 39-A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The insert image on top shows Discovery as it lifts off from Launch Pad 39-A and the other insert image shows the orbiter as it approaches the landing strip at Edwards Air Force Base in California.”
This lithograph can be dated to 1984, the year Discovery entered operational service. Discovery first rolled out to Launch Pad 39A on May 19, 1984 in preparation for mission STS-41D. After delays and an aborted launch attempt, Discovery successfully made its maiden flight on August 30, 1984 and landed at Edwards Air Force Base on September 5.
NASA identification on reverse: HqL-213.
The combination of rollout/pad preparation, launch, and landing imagery makes this a particularly attractive piece documenting the beginning of Space Shuttle Discovery’s long NASA career.
Provenance: From the estate of NASA journalist Alfred Robert “AR” Hogan. This lithograph was part of Hogan’s professional collection of NASA photographs, lithographs, publications, and aerospace reference material.
Vintage condition with age-related handling and minor imperfections visible in the photographs. Please review all images carefully for exact condition.
Item pictured is what you will receive. No stock photography is used.
Keywords: NASA, Space Shuttle Discovery, Discovery, STS-41D, 1984 NASA, maiden flight, first flight, Launch Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center, KSC, Edwards Air Force Base, Space Shuttle launch, Space Shuttle landing, NASA lithograph, NASA photograph, vintage NASA, shuttle program, aerospace memorabilia, space memorabilia, HqL-213, AR Hogan, Alfred Robert Hogan
