Nose pointed skyward, space shuttle Columbia begins its climb toward orbit moments after solid rocket booster ignition in this first view of a dramatic liftoff sequence photographed from the 275-feet level of the Fixed Service Structure on Pad 39A. The seven frame sequence documenting the space shuttle's historic launch on its maiden voyage was taken with a Nikon camera equipped with a 28mm lens with a 250 exposure back. The camera was protected in a fire box.
NASA
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