STS-51J Fact Sheet
Written and Edited by Cliff Lethbridge
STS-51J -- Atlantis

21st Space Shuttle Mission 1st Flight of Atlantis Crew: Karol J. Bobko, Commander Ronald J. Grabe, Pilot Robert L. Stewart, Mission Specialist David C. Hilmers, Mission Specialist William A. Pailes, Payload Specialist

Orbiter Preparations:

Tow to Orbiter Processing Facility - April 14, 1985
Rollover to Vehicle Assembly Building (for storage) - May 10, 1985
Rollover to Orbiter Processing Facility - May 28, 1985
Rollover to Vehicle Assembly Building (for storage) - July 18, 1985
Rollover to Orbiter Processing Facility - July 30, 1985
Rollover to Vehicle Assembly Building - August 12, 1985
Rollout to Launch Pad 39A - August 30, 1985

Launch:

October 3, 1985 - 11:15:30 a.m. EDT. Launch was delayed 22 minutes, 30 seconds due to main engine liquid oxygen prevalve close remote power controller showing a faulty "on" indication. Launch time was not made public until T-9 minutes and counting.

Landing:

October 7, 1985 - 10:00:08 a.m. PDT at Runway 23, Edwards Air Force Base, California. Rollout distance was 8,056 feet. Rollout time was 65 seconds. Mission duration was 4 days, 1 hour, 44 minutes, 38 seconds. Landing occurred during the 64th orbit.

Mission Summary:

This was the second dedicated flight for the Department of Defense. Mission elements were kept secret.

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© Copyright 1998 by Clifford J. Lethbridge