STS-29: Space Shuttle Discovery

This recording features on-orbit activities during STS-29, highlighting the crew's use of the IMAX camera for Earth photography, including a discussion on the challenges of tracking specific landmarks. Notably, Commander Mike Coates and pilot John Blaha change out film on the IMAX camera while capturing dynamic views of Central and South America. The crew also engages in a live Earth Observations briefing at 2:35 PM, led by Dr. Chuck Wood and Dr. Kamlesh Lula, discussing the significance of astronaut photography for monitoring global change.

This recording captures STS-29's on-orbit activities, including a live NBC interview with Commander Mike Coates and pilot John Blaha discussing their experiences and scientific work aboard Discovery. Notably, Coates addresses a hydrogen cryo problem and its minimal impact on their operations. The crew also discusses the significance of their crystal growth experiments and the use of the IMAX camera for Earth observations, highlighting the challenges of tracking specific targets from space.

This recording features STS-29's on-orbit activities, focusing on the pre-deployment check of the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) at approximately 06 hours 12 minutes. Notably, this is the first time tilt table elevation was broadcast live on TV, as the IUS and TDRS were raised to 29 degrees. The crew, including Commander Mike Coates and pilot John Blaha, successfully completed the pre-deploy checkout ahead of schedule, confirming nominal performance throughout the operations.

Launch coverage for STS-29, featuring a countdown window that begins at T-minus 3 hours and includes a hold at T-minus 9 minutes. Liftoff occurs at 8:07 AM, followed by key ascent milestones such as solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff. The recording captures the successful external tank separation and the crew's observations of debris on the windows during ascent, highlighting the mission's focus on safety and performance.

Launch coverage for STS-29, featuring a countdown window that begins at T-minus 2 hours and includes a hold at T-minus 1 minute 57 seconds. Liftoff occurs at 2:50 PM, followed by ascent milestones such as main engine start, solid rocket booster separation, and a simulated launch abort. This recording captures the unique aspect of the mission being fully classified, with communications ceasing immediately after liftoff, marking a significant change in shuttle operations.

This highlights reel captures the launch countdown and liftoff of Discovery during STS-29, featuring key moments such as the crew's breakfast at T minus three hours, the ingress into the cockpit at T minus 2 hours 51 minutes, and the successful SRB ignition and liftoff at T minus 3 seconds. Notably, Commander Michael Coates and pilot John Blaha, both making their first flights, are seen preparing for launch, while the crew engages in various pre-launch activities, including a humorous call with President George H.W. Bush.

Launch coverage for STS-29, with a countdown window starting at T-minus 3 hours and a notable hold at T-minus 9 minutes. Liftoff occurs at 8:07 AM, followed by key ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff. The recording captures the crew's first trip into space for pilot John Blaha and mission specialists James Bagen and Robert Springer, as well as the successful roll program initiation shortly after liftoff.

This highlights reel features the successful liftoff of Discovery during STS-29, capturing key moments such as the main engine start at T minus 3 seconds and SRB ignition. Notably, the launch occurred at 09:57 AM Eastern Time after delays due to weather, and the crew successfully deployed a TDRS satellite, enhancing NASA's communication capabilities. The recording also includes a replay of the launch and commentary from NASA officials about the mission's significance and performance.

Launch coverage for STS-29, with a countdown window beginning at T-minus 3 hours and a hold at T-minus 9 minutes due to fog. Liftoff occurs at 8:07 AM, followed by ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff. Notably, a heater failure in the solid rocket booster system is reported, but it does not delay the launch, highlighting the mission's focus on safety and reliability.

Launch coverage for STS-29, with a countdown window starting at T-minus 31 seconds due to weather concerns at the transatlantic abort site. Liftoff occurs at 9:30 AM, followed by key ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff. Notably, this mission features a classified payload, a spy satellite, and the crew's first successful launch after the Challenger disaster, with a communication blackout during ascent.

KSC - STS-29 Coverage of Pre-Mission Activities Starting at L-5 Days and STS-30 Atlantis Rollover OPF to VAB; STA Training Atlantis Rollover; Loading Eggs into Locker; Payloads Customer Management Center; Hoisting Atlantis in VAB; Eagle Flying; and RSS Roll