Enterprise was the name of NASA’s first Space Shuttle orbiter, unveiled during the 1976 Bicentennial.
NASA originally planned to name the prototype Constitution, but a large letter-writing campaign from Star Trek fans encouraged the agency to choose Enterprise instead. President Gerald Ford announced the change in September 1976, and the orbiter was formally unveiled at Rockwell International’s plant in Palmdale, California, on September 17.
Enterprise was built for atmospheric approach and landing tests rather than orbital missions. It lacked the engines and heat shield needed to launch into space, but it was used for ground tests, captive flights, and free-flight tests with a modified Boeing 747 carrier aircraft.
The orbiter’s name honored the fictional starship from Star Trek as well as earlier naval vessels named Enterprise. It later became an important engineering test vehicle and is now displayed at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.