heptane. n. 1. (Elements & Compounds) an alkane existing in nine isomeric forms, esp the isomer with a straight chain of carbon atoms (n-heptane), which is found in petroleum and used as an anaesthetic. Formula: C7H16. [C19: from hepta- + -ane, so called because it has seven carbon atoms].
technically it's not any of those three... After the Apollo program in the late 1960's ended, the president of the United States, Richard Nixon declared in 1973 that the USA would build the Space Shuttle to continue space exploration in low earth orbit.
STS-1 Launch. NASA's first Space Shuttle, with an Orbiter named Columbia (Orbiter Vehicle 102), was finally ready for launch on April 10, 1981. The Commander was John Young, the most experienced astronaut, and the Pilot was Robert L. Crippen.