Even before the Apollo program ended, work on the next generation space vehicle began. The Space Shuttle prototype was unveiled in 1976.
The prototype Space Shuttle was originally called Constitution since it was going to be revealed during the 200th anniversary of the US Constitution, but a letter writing campaign by Star Trek fans convinced President Gerald Ford to name the ship Enterprise. For this reason, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry (in the stylish brown leisure suit) and many Star Trek cast members were on hand for the public unveiling of the shuttle prototype.
Enterprise never flew in space, but it was used to ensure the shuttle and its systems would be successful during its space missions. One series of tests included testing how the shuttle would operate during landing and included being lifted to altitude on the back of a 747, released, and allowed to glide back to Earth.
After the Shuttle Program kicked off, Enterprise was placed in storage from 1985-2003 when it was put on display after the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center in Northern Virginia opened near Dulles International Airport. It remained on display until 2012, but the reason why it is no longer there is a story for another day.
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