isaac asimov, author does mr. asimov: thank you. we are entering a new era of construction and architecture. now for the first time in space, we will be able to ignore gravity and build structures that will be strong for other reasons than simply passive resistance to gravitational pull, and new kind of architecture, prefabricated structures we can just move into position and watch these structures grow before our eyes into new forms and new shapes. ♪ the space shuttle will serve the needs of the international community and will be one more strong, binding force leading to world cooperation of nations, presenting a global front to the space frontier, one that will help everybody, all nations, give the earth a way of forming a common consciousness of the planet. ♪ narrator: the maiden voyage of the spaceship columbia signals a new epoch. the ships of the fleet, challenger, discovery, atlantis, and columbia will be launched and returned from space on a regular schedule. ♪ announcer: the national aeronautics and space administrat
