Remembering Enterprise: The Test Shuttle That Never Flew to Space

The final journey

This photo from June 6, 2012 shows Enterprise being lifted off a barge in preparation for its delivery to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City, where the prototype vehicle is now on permanent display. Enterprise never reached space, but its contribution to the Space Shuttle program cannot be overstated.

Previous Restart

Technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans work to attach the first of four RS-25 engines to the core stage of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for the agency’s Artemis I mission to the Moon.

NASA’s Artemis 2 Rocket Runs on Shuttle Engines—Here’s the Story Behind Each One

SLS is ready to fly and will feature three shuttle-era engines that have already flown to space.

Space & Spaceflight Passant Rabie Jan 23

The space shuttle orbiter Enterprise lifted by crane into the Structural Dynamic Test Facility at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for vibration testing in July 1978.

NASA to Demolish Iconic Towers Used to Test Saturn V, Space Shuttle

One of the test stands was last used as a drop tower for microgravity testing.

Space & Spaceflight Passant Rabie Jan 8

Space Shuttle Discovery at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

NASA’s New Chief Finds Loophole for Texas Shuttle Switcheroo

“One way or another, we’re going to make sure Johnson Space Center gets its historic spacecraft right where it belongs.”

Space & Spaceflight Ellyn Lapointe Dec 30

Gizmodo’s Guide to the Coolest Space Missions of 2026

Mark your calendars.

Space & Spaceflight Ellyn Lapointe Dec 30

Blue Origin's New Shepherd rocket lifts off for its 35th flight

Blue Origin’s Next Mission Is Helping Redefine Who Gets to Go to Space

Should the mission proceed as planned, it will mark a major step forward for accessibility in spaceflight—sending the first wheelchair user beyond Earth.

Space & Spaceflight Ellyn Lapointe Dec 12

The Battle Over Space Shuttle Discovery Keeps Getting Crazier

Lawmakers pushing to move the iconic spacecraft from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum to Texas just got the Department of Justice involved.

Space & Spaceflight Ellyn Lapointe Oct 23