STS-41B: The First Untethered Spacewalk

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-41B, detailing the terminal countdown that includes a planned hold at T-minus 20 minutes and a subsequent hold at T-minus 9 minutes. Key ascent milestones documented are solid rocket booster ignition, liftoff at T-0, roll maneuver confirmation, and solid rocket booster separation. Notably, this mission features the first untethered spacewalks using manned maneuvering units, with astronauts Bruce McCandless and Bob Stewart participating in the evaluation tests.

Landing coverage of STS-41B, featuring the Space Shuttle Challenger's historic touchdown at Cape Canaveral, the first landing on the concrete runway at this site. Commander Vance Brand and the crew remained in the orbiter for approximately 45 minutes post-landing to ensure safety before exiting. The landing occurred amid cheers from thousands of spectators, marking a significant milestone for the shuttle program.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-41B, detailing the terminal countdown starting at T-minus 38 minutes, 10 seconds, with a successful liftoff at T-0 following solid rocket booster ignition. Key ascent milestones include roll maneuver confirmation, solid rocket booster separation, and main engine cutoff. Notably, this mission features Bruce McCandless's first space flight and the first use of manned maneuvering units for untethered spacewalks, marking a significant advancement in spacewalk capabilities.

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This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-41B, detailing the terminal countdown that begins at T-minus 38 minutes, 10 seconds, with a planned hold at T-minus 20 minutes. Key ascent milestones include solid rocket booster ignition, liftoff at T-0, roll maneuver confirmation, and solid rocket booster separation. Notably, the countdown features a weather-related hold at T-minus 9 minutes, impacting the launch timeline.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-41B, detailing the terminal countdown that includes a planned hold at T-minus 20 minutes and a subsequent hold at T-minus 9 minutes. Key ascent milestones documented are solid rocket booster ignition, liftoff at T-0, roll maneuver confirmation, and solid rocket booster separation. Notably, the countdown features a weather-related hold at T-minus 9 minutes, impacting the launch timeline.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during the activation of the Shuttle Palette Satellite (SPAS) and the crew's preparations for the upcoming deployment of the Palapa satellite. Notably, Bruce McCandless and Bob Stewart practice rendezvous maneuvers with a Mylar balloon, which unexpectedly bursts shortly after deployment, leading to adjustments in mission plans. The commentary also details the crew's troubleshooting of the remote manipulator system and the health checks of the Palapa satellite equipment.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during the crew's preparations for a spacewalk, highlighting Bruce McCandless and Bob Stewart's activities with the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU). Notably, McCandless becomes the first human satellite, maneuvering 300 feet from the shuttle, while Stewart, the first Army officer in space, experiences a brief entanglement before freeing himself. The commentary also includes troubleshooting efforts related to the EMU suits and the robotic arm.

This press conference features astronauts Bruce McCandless and Bob Stewart discussing their historic spacewalks using the manned maneuvering unit (MMU) during STS-41B. Notably, McCandless describes retrieving a foot restraint that had floated away, while Stewart emphasizes the success of the MMU and its smooth operation compared to simulations. The crew also reflects on the mission's challenges, including satellite failures, and the significance of their experiences in space.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during the crew's troubleshooting of the EMU TV and the retrieval of a free-floating foot restraint. Notably, Bruce McCandless and Bob Stewart discuss the status of the hydrazine experiment and the need for adjustable wrist tethers on the foot restraints. The commentary also includes a call from the President of the United States, who commends the crew on their historic mission.

Landing coverage of STS-41B, featuring the Space Shuttle Challenger's historic touchdown at Cape Canaveral, the first landing on the concrete runway at this site. Commander Vance Brand successfully piloted the orbiter to a stop with approximately 2,000 feet remaining on the runway after a flight lasting 7 days, 23 hours, and 17 minutes. Post-landing, the crew remained inside the orbiter for about 45 minutes to ensure safety before exiting, amid cheers from thousands of spectators.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-41B, detailing the terminal countdown beginning at T-minus 38 minutes, 10 seconds, with a successful liftoff at T-0 following solid rocket booster ignition. Key ascent milestones include roll maneuver confirmation, solid rocket booster separation, and main engine cutoff. Notably, this mission features Bruce McCandless's first space flight and the first flight of the manned maneuvering units, which he helped develop.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during the operation of the remote manipulator arm by Ron McNair, who attempts to grab a portable workstation. The commentary highlights Bruce McCandless's work with the manipulator foot restraint and the challenges faced in attaching it to the end effector. Notably, the crew discusses the upcoming tasks related to the Solar Maximum Mission satellite repair, emphasizing the importance of this rehearsal for future missions.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during the deployment of the Palapa satellite, where the crew, including Bruce McCandless and Bob Stewart, experienced an unexpected explosion of a Mylar balloon approximately six and a half minutes after its deployment. The commentary also highlights the successful deployment of the Westar satellite and the crew's observations of the perigee kick motor burn, which raised concerns about the satellite's status. Additionally, the crew discusses the challenges faced with radar tracking during EVA operations.

This recording captures the launch minus one day status briefing for STS-41B, featuring Stan Gross and Gene Thomas. Key highlights include the completion of flight crew equipment stowage and successful fuel cell cryo load, with no significant hardware issues reported. The briefing also discusses the decision to waive the Dakar launch site due to weather concerns, opting instead for a 109% engine throttle if necessary, and the forecast for clear weather at the primary landing sites.

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This recording is a status briefing for STS-41B, addressing technical issues and preparations. Notable discussions include the evaluation of a CRT and keyboard problem, the damage to the OMS pod's graphite epoxy skin, and the decision to replace sections of the skin. Additionally, the briefing covers ongoing concerns with brake performance and security measures for the upcoming DoD flight, emphasizing personnel clearance protocols.

This recording captures the post-landing activities of STS-41B at the Shuttle Landing Facility, focusing on the crew's debriefing and equipment checks. Notable interactions include discussions about button operations and equipment rewinding, emphasizing the crew's attention to detail in post-mission procedures. The recording highlights the operational readiness and teamwork of the crew as they transition from flight to ground operations.

This recording captures the launch sequence of STS-41B, highlighting key moments such as the go for main engine start at T minus 15 seconds and the solid rocket booster ignition at liftoff. Notable crew members include Bruce McCandless, who is set to fly the manned maneuvering unit (MMU) for the first time, and Ron McNair, responsible for the Westar satellite deployment. The recording also details the successful separation of the solid rocket boosters and the nominal first stage performance.