- Robert T. McCall
- Hail Columbia, April 12, 1981
- Oil on Canvas
- 41.875 x 61.875 in
- Framed: 43.625 x 63.5 x 2.875 in
- Signature: "McCall - 81" (lower left) - "STS-1" (lower right)
After half a decade of dormancy, America returned to space with the debut of the space shuttle program. Robert McCall was on hand not only for the first successful launch of the space shuttle Columbia, on April 12, 1981, but for its triumphal return two days later. This painting depicts the predawn launch of Columbia from Kennedy Space Center, in a burst of thunder and dazzling fire.
- Subject Matter: Space Art
- Collections: Dr. Walter J. Wiechetek Foundation - Space Art Collection