On March 30, 1982, STS-3 concluded with an unexpected landing in New Mexico when Space Shuttle Columbia touched down at White Sands Missile Range at approximately 8:52 a.m. local time. Commanded by Jack Lousma with Gordon Fullerton as pilot, STS-3 was a test mission focused on evaluating Columbia’s thermal protection system and onboard performance during extended operations in orbit. The shuttle was originally scheduled to land at Edwards Air Force Base in California, but heavy rain flooded Roge

Launch Abort - Space Shuttle STS-68