STS-51-J
![]() | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (May 2008) |
COSPAR ID | 1985-092A |
---|---|
SATCAT no. | 16115![]() |
End of mission | |
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STS-51-J was a NASA Space Shuttle mission. It was the first flight of Space Shuttle Atlantis and the 21st shuttle mission overall. It launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on 3 October 1985, carrying a payload for the U.S. Department of Defense, and landed four days later, on 7 October.
Crew
Position | Astronaut | |
---|---|---|
Commander | Karol J. Bobko Third spaceflight | |
Pilot | Ronald J. Grabe First spaceflight | |
Mission Specialist 1 | David C. Hilmers First spaceflight | |
Mission Specialist 2 | Robert L. Stewart Second spaceflight | |
Payload Specialist | William A. Pailes, MSE Only spaceflight |
Backup crew
Position | Astronaut | |
---|---|---|
Payload Specialist | Michael Booen |
Mission parameters
- Mass:
- Perigee: 295 miles (475 km)
- Apogee: 301 miles (484 km)
- Inclination: 28.5°
- Period: 94.2 min
Mission summary
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/DSCS-III_STS-51-J.jpg/130px-DSCS-III_STS-51-J.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/STS51J_First_Flight_of_Atlantis.jpg/220px-STS51J_First_Flight_of_Atlantis.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/STS51J_Atlantis_Landing.jpg/220px-STS51J_Atlantis_Landing.jpg)
STS-51-J launched on 3 October 1985, at 11:15 EDT, from launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. The launch was delayed by 22 minutes and 30 seconds due to a problem with a main engine liquid hydrogen prevalve close remote power controller; the controller was showing a faulty "on" indication.
The mission was the second shuttle flight totally dedicated to deploying a Department of Defense payload, after STS-51-C. Its cargo was classified, but it was reported that two (USA-11 and USA-12) DSCS-III (Defense Satellite Communications System) satellites were launched into stationary orbits by an Inertial Upper Stage. The DSCS satellites used X-band frequencies (8/7 GHz). Each DSCS-III satellite had a design life of ten years, although several of the DSCS satellites have far exceeded their design life expectancy and continue to operate effectively as of 2011.[citation needed]
The mission was deemed successful. After a flight lasting 4 days, 1 hour and 45 minutes, Atlantis landed on Runway 23 at Edwards Air Force Base at 13:00 EDT on 7 October 1985.
See also
- Spaceflight
- Space Shuttle program
- Space Shuttle Atlantis
- List of space shuttle missions
- List of human spaceflights chronologically
References
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- Day, Dwayne (2010). "A lighter shade of black: the (non) mystery of STS-51J". The Space Review. Retrieved 4 January 2010.
External links