NASA unveiled the space shuttle orbiter Enterprise during the U.S. Bicentennial year on September 17, 1976.
Enterprise was the first orbiter built for the Space Shuttle program. It was designed as a test vehicle for atmospheric approach and landing trials, so it did not have engines or a functional heat shield and was never capable of orbital spaceflight.
The vehicle was initially called Constitution, but NASA renamed it Enterprise after a campaign by fans of the television series Star Trek. Its rollout at Rockwell International’s Palmdale facility became one of the most recognizable technology events associated with the Bicentennial year.
Enterprise later performed captive and free-glide tests in 1977. It should not be confused with Columbia, the first spaceworthy shuttle orbiter, which began operational missions several years later.