What was the original name planned for the space shuttle Enterprise?

The space shuttle Enterprise was originally planned to be named Constitution.

NASA and contractor Rockwell designated the orbiter OV-101 during construction. The original plan was to unveil it on September 17, 1976—Constitution Day—making Constitution a fitting name for America’s first space shuttle orbiter. The name was changed before the public rollout after a major letter-writing campaign by Star Trek fans.

President Gerald Ford said he was partial to Enterprise and directed NASA to adopt the name, honoring the fictional starship from Star Trek. The newly named Enterprise was rolled out at Rockwell’s Palmdale, California, facility on September 17, 1976, with Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and members of the original cast attending.

Enterprise was built as a test vehicle rather than an operational spacecraft. It performed approach, landing, and atmospheric tests, but lacked the engines and full heat shield needed for orbital flight. Constitution was therefore its planned original name, not the name of a different shuttle.