STS-26: Return to Flight After Challenger

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-26, focusing on the terminal countdown and liftoff of the Space Shuttle Discovery at 10:59 AM. Distinctive moments include the go for main engine start at T-minus 6 seconds, liftoff at T-minus 0, and the roll program confirmation shortly after launch. The countdown window featured a planned hold at T-minus 3 hours due to upper-level wind conditions, and the successful ascent milestones included solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff.

This recording captures the landing of Discovery at Edwards Air Force Base, marking the successful conclusion of STS-26. Notably, Commander Rick Hauck reported that the landing was 'picture perfect' as the shuttle touched down at approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes into the mission. The event was attended by Vice President George Bush, who greeted the astronauts upon their return, and the atmosphere was filled with cheers from the crowd of nearly 380,000 spectators. This landing represented a significant moment in the recovery of the U.S. space program following the Challenger disaster.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-26, focusing on the terminal countdown and liftoff of the Space Shuttle Discovery at 10:59 AM. Distinctive moments include the crew wake-up call at T-minus 3 hours, the first use of pressure suits since STS-5, and the go for main engine start at T-minus 6 seconds. The countdown window was extended to 1:59 PM due to upper-level wind conditions, with successful ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff at 8:33.

This recording captures the STS-26 prelaunch press conference, held 24 hours before launch, featuring key NASA officials including Dale D. Myers, Rear Admiral Richard H. Truly, and Arnold D. Aldrich. The discussion highlights the importance of the upcoming launch for the future of NASA's space program, including the deployment of a critical tracking and data relay satellite. Notably, Admiral Truly addresses the potential for future accidents in spaceflight and emphasizes the rigorous safety measures implemented since the Challenger disaster.

Launch coverage of STS-26, featuring the terminal countdown beginning at T-minus 50 seconds. Key milestones include liftoff at T-zero, the roll program confirmation shortly after, solid rocket booster separation at 1 minute 45 seconds, and main engine cutoff at 8 minutes 33 seconds. The recording captures the excitement of the crew and mission control, with notable comments from NASA Administrator James Fletcher celebrating America's return to space.

This recording features the STS-26 post-flight press conference, where Captain Rick Hauck and crew members Dick Covey, Dave Hilmers, Mike Lounge, and Pinky Nelson discuss their successful mission and the emotional tribute to the Challenger crew. Notably, they reflect on the deployment of the TDRS satellite and the extensive Earth observation photography taken during the flight, emphasizing the mission's significance in restoring the U.S. manned space program. The crew also shares insights on their experiences in microgravity and the importance of human adaptability in space exploration.

This recording captures the STS-26 post-launch press conference, where Forrest S. McCartney, Thomas Etzman, and Robert B. Sieck discuss the emotional significance of the launch after two and a half years of preparation. Notably, they address the challenges faced during the countdown, including a waiver for upper wind conditions and a power feed issue in the orbiter's maneuvering engine. The team emphasizes the rigorous safety measures implemented since the Challenger disaster and the collaborative effort that led to a successful launch.

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This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-26, focusing on the terminal countdown and liftoff of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Distinctive moments include the go for main engine start at T-minus 6 seconds, liftoff at T-minus 0, and the roll program confirmation shortly after launch. The countdown window featured a hold at T-minus 3 minutes and 30 seconds, with ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff at 7 minutes, 40 seconds.

This recording features on-orbit activities from the mid deck, including the activation of the Crystal Membrane Experiment, where crew members mix potassium iodide to grow lead iodide crystals. Notably, Mission Specialist Pinky Nelson discusses the experiment's significance, mentioning student experimenter Richard Cavoli, who was previously involved in the Challenger mission. The crew also shares light-hearted moments during lunch, with Commander Rick Hauck and Pilot Dick Covey assisting each other in putting on their launch entry suits in microgravity.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-26, focusing on the terminal countdown and liftoff of the Space Shuttle Discovery at 10:59 AM. Distinctive moments include the go for main engine start at T-minus 6 seconds, liftoff at T-minus 0, and the roll program confirmation shortly after launch. The countdown window featured a planned hold at T-minus 3 hours due to upper-level wind conditions, with successful ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff.

This recording features on-orbit activities during the STS-26 mission, including the crew's discussions about the TDRS satellite deployment and the activation of the Automatic Directional Solidification Furnace. Notably, Commander Rick Hauck and Pilot Dick Covey address a transient indication of a fuel cell issue shortly after launch, which heightened the crew's awareness. The crew also reflects on their tribute to the Challenger crew, emphasizing the emotional significance of their mission.

This recording captures the landing of Discovery at Edwards Air Force Base, approximately 34 minutes and 27 seconds before touchdown. Notably, Commander Rick Hauck reported a successful deorbit burn, and the shuttle was on a precise glide slope as it approached the runway. The event drew a crowd of around 380,000 spectators, including Vice President George Bush and NASA Administrator James Fletcher, marking a significant moment in the shuttle program's return to flight after the Challenger disaster.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-26, focusing on the terminal countdown and liftoff of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Distinctive moments include the go for main engine start at T-minus 6 seconds, liftoff at T-minus 0, and the successful execution of ascent milestones such as solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff. The countdown window featured a hold at T-minus 2 minutes and 30 seconds, with the first motion of Discovery occurring at 12:50 PM.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-26, focusing on the terminal countdown and liftoff of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Distinctive moments include the solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation, all occurring within the countdown window that began at T-minus 9 minutes. The countdown featured a planned hold at T-minus 3 hours due to upper-level wind conditions, with the launch marked by significant emotions from the team reflecting on past tragedies.

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This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-26, focusing on the terminal countdown and liftoff of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Distinctive moments include the go for main engine start at T-minus 6 seconds, liftoff at T-minus 0, and the confirmation of main engine cutoff at 8:33. The countdown window featured a hold at T-minus 3 minutes and 30 seconds, and the ascent milestones included solid rocket booster separation and external tank separation.

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This recording captures the STS-26 pre-launch countdown at T-minus 2 hours 27 minutes, highlighting the crew's breakfast choices and their suiting up process, including Commander Rick Hauck and Mission Specialist George 'Pinky' Nelson. Notably, the crew is seen preparing for launch while addressing minor technical issues, and Hauck shares a heartfelt letter from a young student expressing hope for America's future in space. The recording also features a humorous moment with Hauck trying on a gag set of glasses.

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This recording features the STS-26 pre-launch countdown, highlighting the critical moment at 1:49am when technicians began fueling the external tank with liquid hydrogen and oxygen. Notably, Commander Rick Hauck expressed the crew's elation about returning to space, while concerns about upper atmosphere winds and an electrical actuator issue were discussed. The countdown included built-in holds, with launch scheduled for 9:59am, marking a significant moment in NASA's return to manned spaceflight after the Challenger disaster.

KSC - STS 26 Emergency Egress SIMulation at SLF and SRB Right Aft Booster Lift and Move to MLP-2

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STS-26 Castglance External Tank Re-entry

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This recording captures on-orbit activities during the STS-26 mission, highlighting the crew's light-hearted banter as they prepare for their tasks. Notably, there is a discussion about breakfast cookies, with crew members joking about their plans and the possibility of getting to the moon. The camaraderie among the crew is evident as they engage in playful conversation while managing their duties in microgravity.