From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| STS-51-J |
Mission insignia
 |
| 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
L-R: Stewart, Hilmers, Bobko, Pailes, Grabe |
| Related missions |
|
|
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. It was the first flight for Atlantis.
Number in parentheses indicates number of spaceflights by each individual prior to and including this mission.
[edit] Backup crew
[edit] Mission parameters
[edit] Mission highlights
Declassified picture showing the satellites before deployment
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.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
