S81-30985 (14 April 1981) — Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, center, STS-1 pilot, addresses a large turnout of greeters at Ellington Air Force Base following the return of the Columbia’s crew from the Dryden Flight Research Center and their Edwards Air Force Base landing site. Astronaut John W. Young, crew commander, stands near his wife Susy at right center. Crippen’s wife Virginia and children are standing behind the Youngs on the platform. Others seen include Presidential aide Jim Baker, Houston mayor Jim McConn, NASA Administrator (acting) Alan M. Lovelace, John F. Yardley, associate administrator for space transportation systems; Dr. Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., JSC director; flight directors Neil B. Hutchinson, Charles L. Lewis and Donald R. Puddy; Robert F. Thompson, manager of Space Shuttle Program office.
Photo credit: NASA
