STS-51D: A Senator in Orbit and an Unplanned Spacewalk

Descriptive summary pending processing.

This press conference features Commander Bobko discussing the challenges faced during the mission, including the brake failure and blown tire on landing. The crew's attempts to revive the SYNCOM satellite using a homemade flyswatter device are highlighted, with Dr. Seddon expressing disappointment over the satellite's failure to activate. Notably, this conference marks the first time two American spacecraft communicated in orbit since the Gemini missions, with a scheduled communication window from 8:36am to 8:41am.

STS-51D on-orbit mission commentary during the crew's EVA preparations, flight day 4. This recording features Mission Specialists Jeff Hoffman and David Griggs as they successfully complete their task of attaching fly swatter devices to the remote manipulator system. Notably, this is the first unplanned spacewalk for the shuttle program, with the crew troubleshooting communication issues and conducting inspections of the cradle before ingressing the airlock. The commentary also highlights the crew's humorous interactions and the challenges faced during the EVA.

This recording captures the on-orbit mission commentary during the crew's preparations for the EVA, specifically focusing on the assembly and deployment of a fly swatter device intended for satellite rescue. Notably, Mission Specialist Jeff Hoffman discusses the configuration of the device and the challenges of tethering it properly, while the crew humorously refers to themselves as the 'SWAT Team.' The commentary also highlights the crew's coordination efforts and troubleshooting as they prepare for the spacewalk, with significant discussions occurring around the 40-minute mark.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during the deployment preparations for the CENTCOM satellite, occurring approximately 40 minutes before deployment. Notably, Mission Specialist Jeff Hoffman reports successful retraction of all pins from the satellite deploy mechanism, while the crew observes an anomaly with the satellite's omni antenna, which failed to deploy as programmed. The commentary also highlights the crew's relaxed demeanor as they prepare for the deployment, with humorous exchanges about their food supplies.

Launch coverage of STS-51D, featuring the terminal countdown beginning at T minus 9 minutes due to weather concerns. Liftoff occurred at 8:51 AM, with ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, the launch was almost scrubbed due to thick clouds, but a go for launch was given just 55 seconds before liftoff, despite concerns about potential damage to the shuttle's thermal protection system.

Launch coverage of STS-51D, featuring the terminal countdown beginning at T minus 9 minutes. Liftoff occurred at 8:04 AM, with ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, the countdown experienced a hold due to a ship in the launch danger area, delaying the countdown until 8:05 AM, just before the launch window closed.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

This recording captures the T-minus 9 minute hold during the countdown for STS-51D, where launch director Bob Sieck discusses the need to delay due to a ship in the launch danger area and unfavorable weather conditions. Payload specialist Jake Garn conducts voice checks with the orbiter test conductor, while Charlie Walker prepares to ingress the orbiter. The team anticipates a potential launch window opening at 8:45 AM if conditions improve.

Launch coverage of STS-51D, featuring the terminal countdown beginning at T minus three hours. Liftoff occurred at 8:51 AM, with ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, this mission included Senator Jake Garn as the first congressional observer on a space shuttle flight, and the countdown experienced a go for launch just 55 seconds before liftoff despite earlier weather concerns.

This press conference features discussions about the critical weather conditions that nearly delayed the launch, with the decision made just 55 seconds before the window closed. John Young's observations from the Shuttle Training Aircraft were pivotal in assessing the cloud density and moisture levels, which influenced the go/no-go decision. The dialogue also touches on the communication with the recovery ship Ocean Mama and the management team's collaborative decision-making process.