alb@alice.UUCP (Adam L. Buchsbaum) (07/12/85)
The nation's first spaceworthy shuttle, Columbia, was towed from its Rockwell plant yesterday, an 18 month overhaul completed. The ship is scheduled to return to KSC on Sunday. During the overhaul, the Columbia's wings and body were strengthened, new engine's were installed, ejection seats removed, and HUD's implaced, among other things. The Columbia is now capable of flying 100 missions without overhaul, except for main engine work. The Challenger is next scheduled for overhaul, in order to bring it up to date with Discovery, Atlantis, and now the Columbia.