Now taking off is the Columbia Space Shuttle, the next in Retro51's Space Shuttle Series. — Launched from the Kennedy Space Center in April 1981, the Columbia was the very first NASA orbiter to reach space. Over the course of its lifetime, it spent 300 days in space and orbited Earth 4000 times. This shuttle was an incredibly innovative step forward for space travel flying twenty-seven successful missions that helped expand our understanding of the universe. Despite its many successful missions, the Columbia’s 28th and final flight ended tragically on February 1, 2003 after 16 days in space. The seven brave crew members have been memorialized through the Patricia Huffman Smith Museum, Columbia Memorial Space Center plus countless naming dedications and media tributes.
In recognition of the scientific achievements by the Columbia’s many astronauts and flight crews, Retro51 launches the second design in the Space Shuttle Series. This Tornado Rollerball has been printed with the shuttle graphics including the NASA logo complete with black nickel accents. It is a limited-edition of 1958 with the top ring engraved with a serial number and complete with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation logo on the finial. For every Columbia Space Shuttle pen purchased, a donation will be made to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) to help inspire the next generation of heroes and explorers. Add the Columbia Space Shuttle design to your collection and feel the inspiration within your fingertips.
