Rockwell Signature Blocks - STS 3

STS-3
Space Shuttle Columbia
March 22 – 30, 1982
Astronaut Signatures:
Jack Lousma, C. Gordon Fullerton

This was the first shuttle launch where the external tank was left its original orange color (instead of white) in an effort to reduce overall weight and cost. Primary mission objectives were to test the "Canadarm" Remote Manipulator System (RMS) and carry out external thermal testing of Columbia. With all objectives completed and a delayed landing due to flooding at Edwards Air Force Base in California (original landing site), the crew was able to enjoy what Lousma described as "an extra day in our world’s favorite vacation spot". Fullerton had previously flown on Space Shuttle Enterprise test flights.