Human Spaceflights

International Flight-No. 126

STS-33

Discovery (9)

USA

 STS-33 patch Patch DoD

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hi res version (310 KB)

Launch, orbit and landing data

Launch date:  23.11.1989
Launch time:  00:23 UT
Launch site:  Cape Canaveral (KSC)
Launch pad:  39-B
Altitude:  559 km
Inclination:  28,45°
Landing date:  28.11.1989
Landing time:  00:30 UT
Landing site:  Edwards AFB

walkout photo

 Crew STS-33

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alternate crew photo

alternate crew photo

Crew

No.   Surname Given names Job Flight No. Duration Orbits
1 USA  Gregory  Frederick Drew  CDR 2 5d 00h 06m  79 
2 USA  Blaha  John Elmer  PLT 2 5d 00h 06m  79 
3 USA  Carter  Manley Lanier, Jr. "Sonny"  MSP 1 5d 00h 06m  79 
4 USA  Musgrave  Franklin Story  MSP 3 5d 00h 06m  79 
5 USA  Thornton  Kathryn Cordell Ryan  MSP 1 5d 00h 06m  79 

Crew seating arrangement

Launch
1  Gregory
2  Blaha
3  Carter
4  Musgrave
5  Thornton
Space Shuttle cockpit
Landing
1  Gregory
2  Blaha
3  Thornton
4  Musgrave
5  Carter

Flight

Launch from Cape Canaveral (KSC); landing on Edwards AFB.

Launch was originally scheduled for 20 November 1989, but was delayed because of suspect integrated electronics assemblies which control ignition and separation of the Shuttle's solid rocket boosters.

Fifth mission dedicated to Department of Defense; deploying of reconnaissance satellite "Big Ear" (Magnum 2; USA-48), a secret Magnum ELINT (ELectronic INTtelligence) satellite. Gregory became first afro-american spacecraft commander.

Landing was postponed for a day because of strong winds at the landing site.

Photos / Drawings

Space Shuttle STS-33 MAGNUM
STS-33 rollout STS-33 launch
traditional in-flight photo STS-33 STS-33 landing
©      

Last update on November 15, 2009.

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