Reference guide of all the external changes made to the Space Shuttle Orbiter Challenger (OV-099) during her lifetime.

Date: 1983-1985

In August 30, 1983 he flew on board Challenger, as one of 3 Mission Specialists. Challenger completed 98 orbits of the Earth and splashed down in September 5, 1983. Bluford would complete 3 more space shuttle missions, retiring from the Air Force and NASA in 1993.

Colonel G Stewart Bluford Jr (holding the model plane) is pictured with his wife, Linda Tull, and sons James and Guion III. (Source: NASA and Terry Slezak for Life Magazine)

"The Space Shuttle Challenger (OV-099) makes the first landing using nose wheel guidance control at the conclusion of Space Transportation System mission 61A."

Photographed by C.C. Ledford at Edwards Air Force Base on November 6, 1985.

Ground crewmen refuel and service the NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft during a stopover at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The 747 is transporting the Space Shuttle Challenger to Cape Canaveral, Florida. An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft is in the foreground.

Date: December 3, 1985