Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
STS-51-J
| Mission Insignia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mission Statistics | |
| Mission: | STS-51-J |
| Shuttle: | Atlantis |
| Launch Pad: | 39-A |
| Launch: | October 3, 1985, 11:15:30 am EDT |
| Landing: | October 7, 1985, 10:00:08 a.m. PDT |
| Duration: | Four days, one hour, 44 minutes, 38 seconds |
| Orbit Altitude: | 319 nautical miles |
| Orbit Inclination: | 28.5 degrees |
| Miles Traveled: | 1,725,000 |
| Crew photo | |
 | |
STS-51-J was a space shuttle mission by NASA using 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.
| Contents |
Crew
- Commander: Karol J. Bobko (3)
- Pilot: Ronald J. Grabe (1)
- Mission Specialist: David C. Hilmers (1)
- Mission Specialist: Robert L. Stewart (2)
- Payload Specialist: William A. Pailes (1)
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. Its cargo was classified but it is reported that two DSCS-III (Defense Satellite Communications System ) communications satellites were launched into stationary orbit by an IUS upper stage. The DSCS satellites use X-band frequencies (8/7 GHz). Each DSCS III satellite has a design life of 10-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.
Related articles
- Space science
- Space shuttle
- List of space shuttle missions
- List of human spaceflights chronologically
External links
| Previous Mission: STS-51-I |
Space Shuttle program | Next Mission: STS-61-A |
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