STS-39: Space Shuttle Discovery

Launch coverage at T minus nine minutes, featuring a hold due to an anomaly with the OPS2 recorder, which activated unexpectedly. After troubleshooting, the countdown resumes, leading to liftoff at 10:20 AM. Key ascent milestones confirmed include solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation, all reported as nominal. This launch is the second flight of the orbiter Discovery in 1991.

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Launch coverage at T minus 9 minutes, featuring an extended hold due to an unexpected activation of the OPS2 recorder. Flight Director Lee Briscoe confirmed that the launch team was go for launch based on weather conditions, with liftoff scheduled for 7:01 AM. The countdown included key milestones such as solid rocket booster ignition and main engine cutoff, with all systems reported nominal prior to launch.

Launch coverage at T minus three hours, featuring the flight crew's preparation, including Commander Michael Coates and first-time flyers Blaine Hammond, Lacey Veach, and Rick Hebe. The countdown window opens at 7:01 AM, with key ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff. Notably, the first launch attempt was scrubbed due to a critical pressure transducer failure, which was successfully resolved prior to this launch.

This recording captures the on-orbit operations of STS-39, specifically the crew's activation of the remote manipulator system (RMS) and the infrared background signature survey (IBSS) payload. At 2 hours and 16 minutes into the flight, the crew, including first-time flyers, received a go for orbit operations and began preparations for payload activities. The communication with Mission Control highlighted minor anomalies, such as dropouts in the forward link, but overall, the crew was ahead of schedule in their timeline.

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This recording captures the countdown and launch of Discovery, STS-39, at T minus 9 minutes, where a computer anomaly involving an onboard recorder caused a temporary hold. The crew, led by Commander Michael Coates and Pilot Blaine Hammond, was prepared for launch after resolving previous technical issues, including a malfunctioning sensor. The mission is notable for being the first unclassified military flight for the Department of Defense, scheduled for liftoff at 7:01 AM Eastern.