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Images by C. Gordon Fullerton of California and Johnson Space Center (JSC)
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Haise Commands First Enterpr
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| Title |
Haise Commands First Enterprise Test Flights |
| Full Description |
The first crew members for the Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT) are photographed at the Rockwell International Space Division's Orbiter Assembly Facility at Palmdale, California. The Shuttle Enterprise is Commanded by former Apollo 13 Lunar Module pilot, Fred Haise (left) with C. Gordon Fullerton as pilot. The Shuttle Orbiter Enterprise was named after the fictional Starship Enterprise from the popular 1960's television series, Star Trek. |
| Date |
09/17/1976 |
| NASA Center |
Johnson Space Center |
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C. Gordon Fullerton
| Title |
C. Gordon Fullerton |
| Description |
C. Gordon Fullerton is a research pilot at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. His assignments include a variety of flight research and support activities piloting NASA's B-52 launch aircraft, the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), and other multi-engine and high performance aircraft. Fullerton, who has logged 382 hours in space flight, was a NASA astronaut from September 1969 until November 1986 when he joined the Flight Crew Branch at Dryden. In July 1988, he completed a 30-year career with the U.S. Air Force and retired as a colonel. As the project pilot on the NASA B-52 launch aircraft, Fullerton flew during the first six air launches of the commercially developed Pegasus space vehicle. He was involved in a series of development air launches of the X-38 Crew Recovery Vehicle and in the Pegasus launch of the X-43A Hyper-X advanced propulsion project. Fullerton also flies Dryden's DC-8 Airborne Science aircraft, regularly deployed worldwide to support a variety of research studies, including atmospheric physics, ground mapping and meteorology. In addition to these current activities, Fullerton has been involved in numerous other research programs at Dryden. He was the project pilot on the Propulsion Controlled Aircraft program, during which he successfully landed both a modified F-15 and an MD-11 transport with all control surfaces neutralized, using only engine thrust modulation for control. Assigned to evaluate the flying qualities of the Russian Tu-144 supersonic transport during two flights in 1998, he reached a speed of Mach 2 and became one of only two non-Russian pilots to fly that aircraft. He piloted a Convair 990 modified to test space shuttle landing gear components during many very high-speed landings. Other projects for which he has flown in the past include the C-140 JetStar Laminar Flow Control, F-111 Mission Adaptive Wing, F-14 Variable Sweep Flow Transition, Space Shuttle drag chute and F-111 crew module parachute tests with the B-52, X-29 vortex flow control, and the F-18 Systems Research Aircraft. With more than15,000 hours of flying time, Fullerton has piloted 135 different types of aircraft, including full qualification in the T-33, T-34, T-37, T-38, T-39, F-86, F-101, F-104, F-106, F-111, F-14, F-15, X-29, KC-135, C-140, B-47, and he currently flies the F/A-18, B-52, DC-8, B-747, and T-34C. Born Oct. 11, 1936, in Rochester, N. Y., Fullerton graduated from U.S. Grant High School, Portland, Ore. He earned bachelor of science and master of science degrees in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, in 1957 and l958, respectively. Fullerton entered the U. S. Air Force in July 1958 after working as a mechanical design engineer for Hughes Aircraft Co., Culver City, California. After flight school, he was trained as an F-86 interceptor pilot, and later became a B-47 bomber pilot at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Ariz. In 1964 he was selected to attend, the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School (now the Air Force Test Pilot School), Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Upon graduation he was assigned as a test pilot with the Bomber Operations Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio. Fullerton served as a flight crew member for the Air Force Manned Orbiting Laboratory program from 1966 through1969. After assignment to the NASA Johnson Space Center, as an astronaut Fullerton served on the support crews for the Apollo 14, 15, 16, and 17 lunar missions. In 1977, Fullerton was assigned to one of the two two-man flight crews that piloted the Space Shuttle prototype Enterprise during the Approach and Landing Test Program at Dryden. Fullerton was the pilot on the eight-day STS-3 Space Shuttle orbital flight test mission Mar. 22-30, 1982. The mission exposed the orbiter Columbia to extremes in thermal stress and tested the 50-foot Remote Manipulator System used to grapple and maneuver payloads in orbit. STS-3 landed at White Sands, N.M., because Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards was wet due to heavy seasonal rains. Fullerton was commander of the STS-51F Spacelab 2 mission, launched on July 29, 1985. This mission, with the orbiter Challenger, was the first pallet-only Spacelab mission and the first to operate the Spacelab Instrument Pointing System (IPS). It carried 13 major experiments in the fields of astronomy, solar physics, ionospheric science, life science, and materiel science (a super fluid helium experiment). The mission ended August 6, 1985, with a landing at Dryden. Among the special awards and honors Fullerton has received are the Iven C. Kincheloe Award from the Society of Experimental Test Pilots in 1978, Department of Defense Distinguished Service and Superior Service Medals, Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, NASA Distinguished and Exceptional Service Medals, NASA Space Flight Medals in 1983 and 1985, General Thomas D. White Space Trophy, Haley Space Flight Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Astronautical Society Flight Achievement Awards for 1977, 1981, and 1985, the Certificate of Achievement Award from the Soaring Society of America, and the Ray E. Tenhoff Award from the Society of Experimental Test Pilots in 1992 and 1993. Fullerton was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame in 1982. He is a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, member of Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honorary fraternity, honorary member of the National World War II Glider Pilot Association, and a Fellow of the American Astronautical Society. |
| Date |
01.01.1989 |
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Two crews for the Shuttle Ap
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| Title |
Two crews for the Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT) |
| Description |
The two crews for the Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT) are photographed at the Rockwell International Space Division's Orbiter assembly facility at Palmdale, California on the day of the rollout of the Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" spacecraft. They are, left to right, Astronauts C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot of the first crew, Fred W. Haise Jr., commander of the first crew, Joe H. Engle, commander of the second crew, and Richard H. Truly, pilot of the second crew. The DC-9 size airplane-like Orbiter 101 is in the background. |
| Date Taken |
1976-09-17 |
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Astronaut Gordon Fullerton f
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| Title |
Astronaut Gordon Fullerton first pilot for Shuttle Approach and Landing Test |
| Description |
Astronaut C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot of the first crew for the Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT), is photographed at the Rockwell International Space Division's Orbiter assembly facility at Palmdale, California on the day of the rollout of the Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" spacecraft. The DC-9 size airplane-like Orbiter 101 is in the background. |
| Date Taken |
1976-09-17 |
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Orbiter "Enterprise" soars a
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| Title |
Orbiter "Enterprise" soars above the NASA 747 carrier |
| Description |
The Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" soars above the NASA 747 carrier aircraft only seconds after separating during the first free flight of the Shuttle Apporach and Landing Tests (ALTs) conducted on August 12, 1977 at Dryden Flight Research Center in Southern California. Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., and C. Gordon Fullerton were the crew of the "Enterprise." The ALT free flights are designed to verify Orbiter subsonic airworthiness, integrated systems operations and pilot-guided approach and landing capability and satisfying prerequisites to automatic flight control and navigation mode. |
| Date Taken |
1977-08-12 |
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Orbiter "Enterprise" rides "
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| Title |
Orbiter "Enterprise" rides "piggy-back" atop NASA 747 carrier |
| Description |
The Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" rides "piggy-back" atop the NASA 747 carrier aircraft during the early minutes of the first free flight of the Shuttle Apporach and Landing Tests (ALTs) conducted on August 12, 1977 at Dryden Flight Research Center in Southern California. Two chase planes can be seen in the right background. Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., and C. Gordon Fullerton were the crew of the "Enterprise." The ALT free flights are designed to verify Orbiter subsonic airworthiness, integrated systems operations and pilot-guided approach and landing capability and satisfying prerequisites to automatic flight control and navigation mode. |
| Date Taken |
1977-08-12 |
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Two members of the first cre
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| Title |
Two members of the first crew of the Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT) |
| Description |
The two members of the first crew for the Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT) are photographed at the Rockwell International Space Division's Orbiter assembly facility at Palmdale, California on the day of the rollout of the Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" spacecraft. They are Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr. (left), commander, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot. The DC-9 size airplane-like Orbiter 101 is in the background. |
| Date Taken |
1976-09-17 |
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Shuttle Orbiter "Enterprise"
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| Title |
Shuttle Orbiter "Enterprise" lands at Edwards AFB after third ALT |
| Description |
The Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" approaches touchdown on the runnway at Edwards Air Force Base to conclude a five-minute, 34-second unpowered flight during the third free-flight of the Shuttle Approach and and Landing Test (ALT) series, on September 23, 1977. Three T-38 chase planes follow close by. Astronauts Fred W. Haise,Jr., commander, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot, were the crewmen for the flight. |
| Date Taken |
1977-09-23 |
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Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterpr
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| Title |
Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" parked on runway at Edwards AFB |
| Description |
The Space Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" is parked on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base following a five-minute, 34-second unpowered mission during the third free flight of the Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Test (ALT) series, on September 23, 1977. The two Orbiter 101 crewmen are in the insert, Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr. (left), commander, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot. |
| Date Taken |
1977-09-23 |
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Orbiter "Enterprise" soars a
…
| Title |
Orbiter "Enterprise" soars above the NASA 747 carrier |
| Description |
The Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" soars above the NASA 747 carrier aircraft after separating during the first free flight of the Shuttle Apporach and Landing Tests (ALTs) conducted on August 12, 1977 at Dryden Flight Research Center in Southern California. Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., and C. Gordon Fullerton were the crew of the "Enterprise." The ALT free flights are designed to verify Orbiter subsonic airworthiness, integrated systems operations and pilot-guided approach and landing capability and satisfying prerequisites to automatic flight control and navigation mode. |
| Date Taken |
1977-08-12 |
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Orbiter "Enterprise" rides "
…
| Title |
Orbiter "Enterprise" rides "piggy-back" atop NASA 747 carrier |
| Description |
The Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" rides "piggy-back" atop the NASA 747 carrier aircraft during the third free flight of the Shuttle Apporach and Landing Tests (ALTs) conducted on September 23, 1977 at Dryden Flight Research Center in Southern California. Three chase planes can be seen in the picture. Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., commander, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot were the crew of the "Enterprise." The ALT free flights are designed to verify Orbiter subsonic airworthiness, integrated systems operations and pilot-guided approach and landing capability and satisfying prerequisites to automatic flight control and navigation mode. |
| Date Taken |
1977-09-23 |
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Orbiter "Enterprise" separat
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| Title |
Orbiter "Enterprise" separates from the NASA 747 carrier |
| Description |
The Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" separates from the NASA 747 carrier aircraft during the third free flight of the Shuttle Apporach and Landing Tests (ALTs) conducted on September 23, 1977 at Dryden Flight Research Center in Southern California. The vehicle with Astronauts Fred W. Haise, and C. Gordon Fullerton remained in unpowered flight for five minutes and 34 seconds before landing on the desert land of Edwards Air Force Base. The ALT free flights are designed to verify Orbiter subsonic airworthiness, integrated systems operations and pilot-guided approach and landing capability and satisfying prerequisites to automatic flight control and navigation mode. |
| Date Taken |
1977-09-23 |
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Astronauts Haise and Fullert
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| Title |
Astronauts Haise and Fullerton walk away from Shuttle Orbiter 101 |
| Description |
The two crewmen of the Space Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" walk from their parked craft on desert land of Edward's Air Force Base following a successful five-minute, 34 second unpowered mission during the third in a series of Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT) free flights. They are Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., commander, left, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot. |
| Date Taken |
1977-09-23 |
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Shuttle Orbiter "Enterprise"
…
| Title |
Shuttle Orbiter "Enterprise" lands at Edwards AFB after third ALT |
| Description |
The Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" approaches touchdown on the runnway at Edwards Air Force Base to conclude a five-minute, 34-second unpowered flight during the third free-flight of the Shuttle Approach and and Landing Test (ALT) series, on September 23, 1977. Three T-38 chase planes follow close by. Astronauts Fred W. Haise,Jr., commander, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot, were the crewmen for the flight. |
| Date Taken |
1977-09-23 |
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Orbiter "Enterprise" soars a
…
| Title |
Orbiter "Enterprise" soars above Edwards Air Force Base |
| Description |
The Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" soars above the North Base area of Edwards Air Force Base during the third free flight of the Shuttle Apporach and Landing Tests (ALTs) conducted on September 23, 1977 at Dryden Flight Research Center in Southern California. Three chase planes follow in its wake. Its crew consists of Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., commander, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot. The ALT free flights are designed to verify Orbiter subsonic airworthiness, integrated systems operations and pilot-guided approach and landing capability and satisfying prerequisites to automatic flight control and navigation mode. |
| Date Taken |
1977-09-23 |
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Astronauts Haise and Fullert
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| Title |
Astronauts Haise and Fullerton in cockpit of Orbiter 101 prior to fifth ALT |
| Description |
Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., commander, left, and C. Gordon Fullerton in the cockpit of the Space shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" prior to the fifth and final free flight in the Approach and Landing Test (ALT) series, from Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC). |
| Date Taken |
1977-10-26 |
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