Enterprise was the first space shuttle, unveiled during the United States Bicentennial year.
NASA rolled out the shuttle prototype on September 17, 1976, at Rockwell International’s plant in Palmdale, California. It was originally designated Constitution, but a campaign by Star Trek fans encouraged NASA to rename it Enterprise after the fictional starship.
Enterprise was built for atmospheric approach and landing tests rather than orbital missions. It was not equipped with the systems needed to launch into space, but it allowed engineers and astronauts to evaluate the shuttle’s handling, landing procedures, and reusable-orbiter design.
The other names can cause confusion because Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour were operational orbiters. Enterprise’s role was developmental and experimental. Its public unveiling during the Bicentennial year connected a major American space-program milestone with the country’s 200th-anniversary celebrations.