 Since the Shuttle could not be landed automatically or by remote control, the launch of "Columbia" on April 12, 1981 for its first orbital mission STS-1, was NASA's first crewed launch of a vehicle that had not been tested in prior uncrewed launches.In 1976, the VAB's south parking area was the site of Third Century America, a science and technology display commemorating the U.S.Bicentennial.