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| STS-51-J | |||||
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Mission insignia |
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| Mission statistics | |||||
| Mission name | STS-51-J | ||||
| Space shuttle | Atlantis | ||||
| Launch pad | 39-A | ||||
| Launch date | October 3, 1985, 15:15:30 UTC | ||||
| Landing | October 7, 1985, 17:00:08 UTC | ||||
| Mission duration | 4d/01:44:38 | ||||
| Number of orbits | 64 | ||||
| Orbital altitude | 591 km | ||||
| Orbital inclination | 28.5° | ||||
| Distance traveled | 2,776,000 km | ||||
| Crew photo | |||||
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| L-R: Stewart, Hilmers, Bobko, Pailes, Grabe | |||||
| Related missions | |||||
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STS-51-J was a space shuttle mission by NASA that was the first to use the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It was the 21st mission, and carried a payload for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Contents |
Crew
| Position | Astronaut | |
|---|---|---|
| Commander | Karol J. Bobko Third spaceflight |
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| Pilot | Ronald J. Grabe First spaceflight |
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| Mission Specialist 1 | David C. Hilmers First spaceflight |
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| Mission Specialist 2 | Robert L. Stewart Second spaceflight |
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| Payload Specialist | William A. Pailes First spaceflight |
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Backup crew
| Position | Astronaut | |
|---|---|---|
| Payload Specialist | Michael Booen | |
Mission parameters
- Mass:
- Payload: Two DSCS-III satellites 2,615 kg ea - Total 5,230 kg
- Booster: IUS upper stage ~18,000 kg
- Perigee: 476 km
- Apogee: 486 km
- Inclination: 28.5°
- Period: 94.2 min
Mission highlights
This was the second Space Shuttle mission totally dedicated to the Department of Defense after STS-51-C. Its cargo was classified but it is reported that two (USA-11 and USA-12) DSCS-III (Defense Satellite Communications System) communications satellites were launched into stationary orbit by an Inertial Upper Stage. The DSCS satellites use X-band frequencies (8/7 GHz). Each DSCS III satellite has a design life of ten years, although several of the DSCS satellites on-orbit today have far exceeded their design life expectancy and continue to perform with outstanding results. Liftoff occurred on October 3, 1985, at 11:15 a.m. EDT, from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center. The orbiter was Atlantis, making its first flight. The mission was classified as "Successful." After a duration of 4 days, 1 hour and 45 minutes, Atlantis landed on Runway 23 at Edwards AFB at 1:00 p.m. EDT on October 7, 1985.
See also
- Space science
- Space shuttle
- List of space shuttle missions
- List of human spaceflights chronologically
External links
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