Human Spaceflights

International Flight No. 108

STS-51J

Atlantis (1)

USA

Patch STS-51J Patch DoD

hi res version (787 KB)

 
Patch STS-51J DSCS-III

Launch, orbit and landing data

Launch date:  03.10.1985
Launch time:  15:15 UTC
Launch site:  Cape Canaveral (KSC)
Launch pad:  39-A
Altitude:  590,8 km
Inclination:  28,5°
Landing date:  07.10.1985
Landing time:  17:00 UTC
Landing site:  Edwards AFB

walkout photo

STS-51J crew

hi res version (802 KB)

alternate crew photo

Crew

No.   Surname Given names Position Flight No. Duration Orbits
1 USA  Bobko  Karol Joseph "Bo"  CDR 3 4d 01h 44m  64 
2 USA  Grabe  Ronald John  PLT 1 4d 01h 44m  64 
3 USA  Hilmers  David Carl  MSP 1 4d 01h 44m  64 
4 USA  Stewart  Robert Lee  MSP 2 4d 01h 44m  64 
5 USA  Pailes  William Arthur  MSE 1 4d 01h 44m  64 

Crew seating arrangement

Launch
1  Bobko
2  Grabe
3  Hilmers
4  Stewart
5  Pailes
Space Shuttle cockpit
Landing
1  Bobko
2  Grabe
3  Hilmers
4  Stewart
5  Pailes

Backup Crew

No.   Surname Given names Position
5 USA  Booen  Michael Warren  MSE
Michael Booen

hi res version (647 KB)

Flight

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

Launch was postponed for 22 minutes and 30 seconds due to a main engine liquid hydrogen prevalve close remote power controller showing a faulty 'on' indication. Second SDI mission of Space Shuttle. Pailes second military astronaut. Deploying of two military communications satellites (DSCS III). First flight of orbiter Atlantis.

Photos / Drawings

Space Shuttle STS-51J on launch pad
STS-51J launch DSCS III
DSCS III DSCS III deployment
traditional in-flight photo STS-51J Galveston
STS-51J landing  

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Last update on November 23, 2011.

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