Space shuttle Columbia's STS-3 mission is best remembered in the history books for its conclusion. The primary shuttle landing site at Edwards Air Force Base in California was too wet to receive Columbia this time, forcing NASA to seek another location to bring the flight back to Earth. That alternate site was the picturesque Northrup Strip at White Sands, New Mexico. In this post-flight presentation film, commander Jack Lousma and pilot Gordon Fullerton describe the highlights of the March 1982 mission, show some of the fun they had in orbit and the explain descent into New Mexico. Lousma also tells how he accidentally "popped a wheelie" before bringing the nose gear down to the runway surface.

Source: (16 min 42 sec QT 6 Broadband Large file)

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