Breathtaking view of a column of smoke during the historic flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1982.

Nasa. A magnificent and rare view of an exceptional column of smoke rising into the sky like a fantastic sculpture topped by a line of flame and a space shuttle (Columbia Mission STS-5). This kind of impressive smoke column could only appear during the first space shuttle launches, due to the nature of the first-generation fuel it used. This scene was photographed from the air by famed astronaut John W. Young, who was commander of the historic 1st flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-1). The tonality of the image is due to the rays of the setting sun. November 11, 1982.period chromogenic print on "This paper manufactured by Kodak" paper. Nasa logo and typed caption on back. 25,4x20,3cm with margins.