Launched from the Kennedy Space Center in April 1981, the Columbia was the very first NASA orbiter to reach space. Over the course of its lifetime, it spent 300 days in space and orbited Earth 4000 times. This shuttle was an incredibly innovative step forward for space travel flying twenty-seven successful missions that helped expand our understanding of the universe. Despite its many successful missions, the Columbia’s 28th and final flight ended tragically on February 1, 2003 after 16 days in space. The seven brave crew members have been memorialized through the Patricia Huffman Smith Museum, Columbia Memorial Space Center plus countless naming dedications and media tributes.

This 2023 Tornado limited edition pen is individually engraved on the top ring with the edition number. The "Columbia" design is limited to 1,958 pieces worldwide and is packaged in a commemorative graphic tube. Retro 51 donates proceeds of each sale to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation - a 501(c)3 non-profit created in 1984 by the Mercury 7 astronauts to encourage university students to pursue scientific excellence.

• Limited Edition of 1958 pieces (Significant to the year NASA was founded)
• Limited Edition number engraved on the top ring of each pen.
• Standard Tornado Rollerball Pen Size, Pen Length: 5.11 in. / 129.5mm
• Pen Material: Stainless steel with printed graphics
• Pen Trim: Matte black nickel accents
• Astronaut Scholarship Foundation logo top disc illustration.
• Matching commemorative packaging tube
• Smooth writing retractable rollerball pen uses the cap less rollerball type refill REF5P
• May be converted to use an easy flow 9000 ballpoint type refill cartridge (sold separately)