STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Space Transportation System-1" by Artist Craig Tinder

Now available in two exclusive formats: a 30"x20" Hardwood Framed Canvas Edition - Limited to Only 20 and an 18"x12" Canvas (Framed or Unframed) - Limited to Only 30. Each art piece includes an AUTHENTIC RELIC, Certificate of Authenticity, and is hand-signed by the Artist. Quantities are extremely limited—Once They're Sold Out, They're Gone!

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder depicts the first flight of Space Shuttle Columbia as it rockets towards the heavens as the first "reusable" spacecraft.

The Story Behind the Print:

On 12 April 1981, the world witnessed the beginning of a revolutionary chapter in space exploration with the launch of the space shuttle Columbia. This mission, known as Space Transportation System-1 (STS-1), marked the first time a reusable spacecraft was launched into orbit and safely returned to Earth. Columbia lifted off from Launch Complex 39 at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, at exactly 10:12:00 GMT, with astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen aboard, heralding the start of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program.

The primary goal of STS-1 was to test the shuttle’s systems, validate its reusability, and demonstrate the orbiter’s ability to safely enter orbit and return to Earth. Over the course of 54 hours, Columbia orbited the Earth 36 times, reaching speeds of over 17,500 miles per hour. It was a crucial test for the space shuttle’s complex systems, including its thermal protection tiles, flight controls, and onboard computers, all of which needed to function perfectly to ensure the vehicle’s safe re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

After completing its final orbit, Columbia re-entered the atmosphere on 14 April 1981, marking the first time a manned spacecraft returned from orbit to land like an airplane. Touching down on Runway 23 at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the successful mission proved that the shuttle could be reused for future missions, setting the stage for decades of space exploration. The landing was met with celebration as all of the shuttle's major systems were tested and verified successfully, cementing the shuttle’s role as the first reusable space vehicle in history.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

ABOUT THE RELIC

This space flown fragment of thermal insulation liner flew on Orbital Vehicle #102 (OV-102) known as Space Shuttle Columbia. Made from beta cloth and kapton insulation, this piece of thermal insulation (part no. 362160-002-NC) lined and protected the payload bay area inside the shuttle.Thermal insulation liner from Space Shuttle Columbia - marked "SCRAP"

Often referred to as "the blanket", these insulation liners were frequently replaced when the payload within the orbiter was reconfigured to accomodate new items in the cargo bay. This specific insulation piece was flown on the first shuttle mission and likely remained on board through the first four missions during Columbia's R&D shuttle flight period.Top-side of relic

Once this liner was removed, it was marked as scrap in 1986.  This item was part of the Charlie Bell (NASA) collection where he was employed at the Kennedy Space Center and amassed an incredible collection of surplus space program parts stemming from the early days of the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Shuttle missions.Bottom-side showing Kapton insulation

Artist Craig Tinder, validated the authenticity of this item directly with NASA and commenced with their approval for creating the art print.Serial/Parts Numbers for the specific piece

STS-1 Relic as included on canvas art print

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

PREMIUM ALUMINUM

Our newest presentation format delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail on a smooth gloss surface. The result has a luminous quality and clarity that is difficult to fully capture in photographs. Framed aluminum editions are finished in a solid black frame for a clean, contemporary presentation.

TRADITIONAL CANVAS

The original Aces In Action presentation features gallery-wrapped canvas, with framed editions presented in our traditional black floater frame. Canvas offers a classic, textured fine-art presentation and remains available on select Relic Artwork editions while inventory lasts.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; available framed or unframed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed
  • 36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Panoramic Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed on select artwork

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready to hang. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

Craig Tinder is an artist and historical researcher whose work brings significant moments in military and aviation history to life. For more than 20 years, he has combined detailed research with traditional and digital illustration techniques to create historically accurate artwork for collectors, veterans, museums, and historical organizations.

Craig has been commissioned to create artwork, installations, and memorial projects for museums, military organizations, and historical institutions throughout the United States. His work is held in museum and private collections around the world, reflecting a career built around historical accuracy, craftsmanship, and preserving the stories behind the subjects he depicts.

Every Aces In Action artwork is created by Craig Tinder, making Aces In Action the official home of his historical artwork and collectibles.

Meet Craig Tinder →

SHIPPING & CARE

SHIPPING

Each Relic Artwork edition is individually handcrafted and completed by Craig Tinder. From engraving and assembling the Artifact Dock to preparing the relic, framing the artwork when selected, and completing the final inspection and packaging, every piece is finished specifically for its collector. Please allow additional time for this hands-on process before your artwork ships.

Gift wrapping is available for Relic Artwork, making it ready for presentation upon arrival.

DISPLAY & CARE

All Relic Artwork arrives ready to display. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed.

Premium Relic Artwork editions are designed for long-term display. Keep artwork away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and extreme temperature changes. Dust gently with a clean, soft, dry cloth and avoid household cleaners or abrasive materials on the artwork, frame, relic, or Artifact Dock.

THE RELIC ARTWORK EXPERIENCE

Authentic History

Each edition incorporates an authentic historical relic, presented on a custom laser-engraved Artifact Dock with details connecting the artifact to its history.

Handmade by Craig Tinder

Every Relic Artwork edition is assembled in Craig's studio, where it is signed, numbered, crafted, inspected, and prepared for its collector.

Made for Collectors

From the Certificate of Authenticity to the finished presentation, each detail is designed to create a collectible that preserves a tangible connection to history.