STS-51F: The Abort to Orbit

This press conference for STS-51F features Commander Gordon Fullerton introducing the crew and discussing the complexities of the Space Lab 2 mission. Notably, the crew includes Dr. Story Musgrave, who previously performed the first extravehicular activity in a shuttle suit, and Dr. Carl Hennise, who will conduct the first tests of the instrument pointing system. The conference highlights the educational outreach of the Teacher in Space program, with 114 teachers competing for a single spot on a future mission.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-51F, detailing the liftoff of Challenger at 3:23 PM. The countdown included a notable hold at T-minus 9 minutes due to a computer glitch, but the launch proceeded smoothly thereafter. Key ascent milestones include solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes 22 seconds and main engine cutoff at 9 minutes 41 seconds. The mission is significant as it marks the first flight to repair a satellite in space.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-51F, detailing the liftoff of Challenger at 3:23 PM. The countdown included a notable hold at T-minus 9 minutes due to a data interface box issue, but the launch proceeded with key ascent milestones such as solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes 22 seconds and main engine cutoff at 9 minutes 41 seconds. Notably, the flight experienced a center engine failure approximately 220 seconds into ascent, leading to an abort-to-orbit scenario.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the activation and troubleshooting of multiple experiments, including Experiment 10, the Solar Ultraviolet High Resolution Telescope and Spectrograph, which experienced high temperature issues. Notably, Payload Specialist John David Bartoe discusses the unlatched door of Experiment 10 and the subsequent activation steps at approximately 5 hours 30 minutes. The commentary also includes updates on the Instrument Pointing System (IPS) and preparations for an OMS burn at 5 hours 30 seconds.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the troubleshooting of Experiment 11 due to overheating issues, with discussions led by Payload Specialist John David Bartoe. Notably, the crew prepares to power down the infrared telescope (Experiment 5) to prevent exceeding temperature limits, and they coordinate the timing for high voltage adjustments on Experiment 7 during a radiation belt pass at approximately 4 hours, 4 minutes to 4 hours, 19 minutes.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the activation of Experiment 9, which successfully acquired the sun for the first time. Notably, Payload Specialist Lauren Acton and Mission Control discuss the completion of the Susum activation checklist and the challenges faced with the Instrument Pointing System (IPS) during the acquisition process. The commentary also highlights the troubleshooting of high voltage issues and the crew's coordination with ground control at approximately 14 hours and 29 minutes.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, highlighting the activation of the plasma diagnostic package (PDP) at approximately 3 hours 19 minutes, which successfully began its spin period. Notably, Mission Specialist Story Musgrave discusses the operation of the crystal growth experiment, including the activation of syringes to combine fluids for crystallization. The commentary also includes a status check on Experiment 9, the solar coronal helium abundance experiment, with specific activation steps outlined at 9 hours 35 minutes.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the successful wastewater dump reported at approximately 11 hours 16 minutes. Notably, Payload Specialist Lauren Acton discusses the alignment procedures for the Susum experiment while coordinating with Daniel Morrison from the Naval Research Laboratory. The commentary also highlights the crew's troubleshooting of the asynchronous link issues affecting Experiment 11 due to overheating, with updates on the Instrument Pointing System (IPS) adjustments throughout the session.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the visual confirmation of Experiment 8's door being open after unexpected power activation at approximately 5 days, 6 hours. Notably, the crew discusses the implications of this anomaly with Mission Control, including the need for visual checks and the unexpected success of the experiment. Additionally, the commentary includes preparations for the upcoming OMS burn and adjustments to the Instrument Pointing System (IPS) settings.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the preparation for the OMS burn over the Millstone Observatory at approximately 45 seconds before ignition. Notably, Mission Specialist Tony England discusses the challenges faced during the amateur radio experiment, including partial image transmission to the JSC Club. The commentary also highlights the crew's coordination regarding the status of Experiment 8 and the decision to keep its door open during operations.

Landing coverage of STS-51F as Challenger approaches Edwards Air Force Base, with a notable coastal crossing at 2:37 PM CDT. Commander Gordon Fullerton reported a successful deorbit burn, confirming residuals of 3/10, and the orbiter was observed entering the atmosphere at 2:15 PM CDT. The recovery convoy was positioned on the lake bed, ready for safing operations as Challenger touched down on Runway 23, completing the mission successfully.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the activation of Experiment 10, the Hertz experiment, which successfully acquired data from the sun at approximately 16 hours and 20 seconds. Notably, Payload Specialist Lauren Acton coordinates with Mission Control regarding the experiment's status and troubleshooting steps. The commentary also highlights the invocation of the collision avoidance system due to the Instrument Pointing System's (IPS) unexpected angle during operations.

Landing coverage of STS-51F as Challenger touches down at Edwards Air Force Base. The main gear made contact at 22 hours 45 minutes 27 seconds, followed by the nose gear at 22 hours 45 minutes 35 seconds, and the wheel stop at 22 hours 46 minutes 21 seconds. Commander Gordon Fullerton and Pilot Roy Bridges exited the orbiter, greeted by George Abbey, Director of Flight Crew Operations. The recovery convoy was prepared for post-landing operations, including medical checks for the crew.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-51F, detailing the liftoff of Challenger at 3:23 PM. The countdown included a hold at T-minus 9 minutes, followed by ignition and liftoff at T-minus 0. Key ascent milestones include solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes 22 seconds and the call for two-engine capability at 3 minutes 16 seconds. Notably, the flight experienced a center engine failure approximately 4 minutes into ascent, leading to an abort-to-orbit scenario.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the successful acquisition of a hydrogen alpha image of the sun by Experiment 10 at approximately 17:20. Notably, Payload Specialist John David Bartoe and Dr. Gunter Bruckner discuss the temperature management plan for the telescope during extended solar passes, highlighting concerns about overheating. The commentary also includes updates on the Instrument Pointing System (IPS) and the crew's ongoing adjustments to optimize the imaging process.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the exterior survey of the orbiter's tiles at approximately 22 hours, 5 minutes. Notably, the crew discusses the condition of the tiles, with Mission Specialist Tony England reporting no significant damage and the effectiveness of the rebonding work done on the tiles. Additionally, updates on the status of Experiment 11, which resumed operations after overheating, are provided around 5 hours, 1 hour 45 minutes into the mission.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the troubleshooting of the Instrument Pointing System (IPS) and the thermal issues affecting Experiment 10. Notably, at approximately 21 hours, the crew discusses the failure of the star tracker and the need for a reorientation to reacquire the sun. Payload Specialist Lauren Acton also reports on the successful completion of the first emission test, while the team addresses high temperature concerns for Experiment 11.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the stowing of the plasma diagnostic package (PDP) at approximately 12 hours 1 minute, which nearly made contact with the infrared telescope during maneuvers. Notably, Mission Specialist Story Musgrave and Payload Specialist Tony England discuss the challenges faced with the micro switches during the stowage process. The commentary also includes preparations for solar observations and adjustments to the Instrument Pointing System (IPS) for upcoming experiments.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the activation of Experiment 10, the Hertz experiment, which successfully acquired solar data. Notably, Payload Specialist Lorne Acton communicates with Mission Control about the experiment's status and the need for adjustments due to an imminent sunrise at approximately 16 hours and 20 seconds. The commentary also includes troubleshooting discussions regarding the Instrument Pointing System (IPS) and the invocation of the collision avoidance system during operations.

Shuttle Landing 51-F — Agency provided indexes include the following topics: Covers landing of Orbiter Challenger, Shuttle flight 51-F, at Edwards. Shows two scenes (48 FPS and 200 FPS) of Challenger on final approach, touchdown, and roll-out, then recovery vehicles driving toward Challenger. Keywords: DOD; USAF; NASA; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; STS-51-F; Space Shuttle Challenger.

This recording features a documentary overview of the STS-51F mission, highlighting the historical context of space exploration and the pivotal moments leading to the Apollo program. It includes notable commentary from Time Life journalist Hugh Heidi on the impact of Sputnik's launch, as well as insights from Wernher von Braun regarding the transition from military rockets to space exploration. The narrative emphasizes the evolution of rocketry and the significance of early pioneers like Robert Goddard and Konstantin Tsiolkovsky.

This recording features a documentary overview of the STS-51F mission, emphasizing the historical significance of the Solar Max satellite repair attempt. It includes commentary from Time Life journalist Hugh Heidi on the impact of Sputnik's launch and insights from Wernher von Braun regarding the evolution of rocketry. The narrative highlights the challenges faced by astronaut George Nelson during his grapple attempt, including the failure of the locking pin on his docking device, which led to the satellite beginning to tumble.

This recording documents the STS-51F mission's abort scenario, focusing on astronaut George Nelson's grapple attempt of the Solar Max satellite, which failed due to a locking pin malfunction, causing the satellite to tumble. Ground controllers at Goddard Space Flight Center intervened to stabilize the satellite remotely, while the crew prepared a backup plan involving the shuttle's robotic arm. This marked a significant moment in demonstrating the shuttle's capabilities for satellite repair in space.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, highlighting the decision to extend the mission by one day, announced at approximately 15 minutes into the commentary. Notably, the crew discusses preparations for a solar pass, including the use of the Instrument Pointing System (IPS) to acquire the sun, and the troubleshooting of Experiment 8, which has been inoperable since the mission's start. The commentary features interactions between Payload Specialist Lauren Acton and Mission Control regarding experiment operations and adjustments.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51F, focusing on the successful acquisition of solar images by the High Resolution Telescope and Spectrograph (Experiment 10) at approximately 17:20. Notably, Payload Specialist John David Bartoe and Dr. Gunter Bruckner discuss temperature management strategies to prevent overheating during continuous solar observations. The commentary also highlights the crew's verification tests of the Instrument Pointing System (IPS) and the challenges faced with async link errors affecting Experiment 11.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-51F, detailing the liftoff of Challenger at 5:00 PM. The countdown included a hold at T-minus 2 hours due to a gyroscope issue, followed by ignition and liftoff at T-minus 0. Key ascent milestones include solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes 22 seconds and the call for two-engine capability at 3 minutes 16 seconds. Notably, the flight experienced a center engine failure approximately 220 seconds into ascent, leading to an abort-to-orbit scenario.

This recording documents the STS-51F mission's significant achievement of the first satellite repair in space, performed by astronauts George Nelson and J. Hoffton. The crew utilized the shuttle's robotic arm to successfully grapple the Solar Max satellite after an initial grapple attempt failed due to a locking pin malfunction. Ground controllers at Goddard Space Flight Center played a crucial role in stabilizing the satellite remotely during this operation, marking a pivotal moment in demonstrating the shuttle's capabilities for satellite repair.