The space shuttle Enterprise was used to test critical phases of landing and other aspects of shuttle preparations. It was released over the vast dry lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base in California to prove it could glide and land safely. This video shows Enterprise separating from the top of a modified 747 airliner for the Approach and Landing Tests on June 18th, 1977. #TBT | NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center

Space shuttle takeoff and landing of NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) — a specially modified Boeing 747 used to transport Space Shuttle orbiters across the United States. After landing at locations like Edwards Air Force Base, the Space Shuttle couldn’t fly long distances on its own. That’s where this incredible aircraft came in, carrying orbiters such as Discovery, Endeavour, and Enterprise back to Kennedy Space Center, mounted right on top of the jet. The SCA was modified with extra struc