STS-51: Space Shuttle Discovery

Launch coverage for STS-51, featuring the countdown and liftoff sequence. The countdown held at T minus five minutes due to an issue with the orbiter access arm, which was resolved before proceeding to launch. Liftoff occurred at T minus three seconds, with main engine cutoff also noted during the ascent. The recording captures the critical moments leading up to and including the launch attempt, highlighting the technical challenges faced.

This recording captures the countdown for STS-51, culminating in a main engine cutoff at T minus 3 seconds due to a sensor issue affecting fuel flow to engine number two. The countdown was previously halted at T minus 19 seconds because of a steering mechanism problem on a solid rocket booster. Notable participants include Commander Frank Culbertson and Launch Director Bob Seek, who addressed the delays and technical issues leading up to the launch attempt.

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This recording captures the preparations and execution of the spacewalk during STS-51, specifically at 3:32 AM when the airlock was opened for Carl Walz and Jim Newman to exit into the payload bay. The crew was ahead of schedule, completing their pre-breathe exercise and transitioning to EVA activities approximately 30 minutes early. Notably, the astronauts conducted evaluations of tools intended for the upcoming Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission, including the torque multiplier and mini workstation, while also assessing their translation adaptation in the weightless environment.

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This recording captures the countdown and launch attempt for STS-51, specifically highlighting the critical moment at T minus 3 seconds when the main engines ignited but were shut down due to a sensor failure, resulting in a cutoff at 43 seconds. The discussion includes insights from Bruce Shaw, the director of Space Shuttle Operations, regarding the implications of the hardware failure and the potential delay of three to six weeks for the next launch attempt. This incident marks the fourth failed launch attempt for Discovery, emphasizing ongoing technical challenges.

This recording captures the orbital operations of STS-51, specifically the preparations for the OMS2 burn scheduled for 40 minutes into the flight. Notably, the crew, including Commander Frank Culbertson and Mission Specialist Dan Birch, conducted a survey of the payload bay using the robotic arm, focusing on the airborne support equipment after the deployment of the Advanced Communications Technology satellite. The recording also documents a communication failure that temporarily hindered ground control's ability to communicate with the crew, which was resolved before proceeding with operations.

This recording captures the preparations for the spacewalk during STS-51, specifically highlighting the crew members Jim Newman and Carl Walz as they don their spacesuits in the airlock. The spacewalk is scheduled to begin around 3:00 AM Central Time, an hour earlier than planned, allowing for testing of tools for the upcoming Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. Notably, pilot Bill Reedy assists in the suit preparations, ensuring all systems are functioning properly before the EVA.

This recording documents the spacewalk activities of STS-51, specifically at 2 hours and 59 minutes into the EVA, where astronauts Carl Walz and Jim Newman evaluate the Hubble Space Telescope portable foot restraint. Notably, Walz performs high torque evaluations using the power ratchet tool while free floating, and Newman assesses the ease of ingress into the foot restraint. The crew discusses tool performance and tether management, highlighting the challenges of working in a weightless environment.

This recording captures the spacewalk activities of STS-51, specifically the evaluations of the portable foot restraint and power ratchet tool by astronauts Carl Walz and Jim Newman. Notably, the crew completed their tasks ahead of schedule, allowing for additional evaluations to be added, including the HST PFR evaluation. The recording also documents the crew's communication with Mission Control, highlighting their successful execution of tasks and the innovative design of the foot platform that enhances maneuverability during EVA operations.

This recording documents the conclusion of the spacewalk during STS-51, specifically highlighting the successful completion of all planned objectives by astronauts Jim Newman and Carl Waltz, who spent 7 hours and 5 minutes outside. Notably, they encountered a jammed door on their portable stowage assembly, which delayed their ingress into the airlock by approximately 30 minutes. The crew was rewarded with time for sightseeing and photography before returning inside, as well as a decision from mission managers to maintain the original nine-day flight plan.

This recording documents the completion of a spacewalk during STS-51, specifically noting that Jim Newman and Carl Walz successfully finished their EVA after 7 hours, 5 minutes, and 28 seconds. The crew encountered a minor issue with a toolbox lid that required improvisation to secure it for landing. Additionally, Commander Frank Culbertson and Pilot Bill Reedy participated in a live interview with Fox Television, discussing their experiences and preparations for the upcoming rendezvous with the Orpheus SPAS spacecraft.

This recording captures the final preparations and landing of STS-51, specifically highlighting the first night landing of a Space Shuttle at the Kennedy Space Center at 4:28 AM. The crew, including Commander Frank Culbertson and Pilot Bill Reedy, conducted a successful deorbit burn and navigated through the atmosphere, with a notable communication about the landing gear and auxiliary power units. The mission concluded with a wheel stop at 3:56 AM, marking a significant milestone in shuttle history.

This recording documents the post-landing activities of STS-51, highlighting the first night landing at Kennedy Space Center. Commander Frank Culberson and the crew express gratitude to the ground team while transitioning to the crew transport vehicle. Notable moments include the official turnover of Discovery to the landing and recovery team and the inspection of the orbiter by Launch Director Bob Seek and KSC Director Bob Crippen. The crew also marks the landing site with '51' spray-painted on the runway.

This recording captures the preparations for the upcoming OMS2 burn, scheduled to occur in approximately 55 minutes, as discussed by Commander Frank Culbertson and Mission Control. Notably, the crew is in a 165 by 143 nautical mile orbit and will execute a 21-second RCS burn to adjust their trajectory. The recording also features a communication check with various media outlets, highlighting the crew's ongoing scientific experiments and their successful deployment of the Advanced Communications Technology satellite earlier in the mission.

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