STS-51I: Satellite Deployments and a Difficult Rescue

This press conference features Commander Joe Engel and Pilot Dick Covey discussing the successful repair of the Syncom satellite, emphasizing the crew's teamwork and the mission's significance in demonstrating human capability in space. Notably, Engel shares a unique perspective on the mission's challenges and successes, while Covey reflects on the outstanding performance of the orbiter and crew. The crew also presents slides and films from their mission, including a remarkable photograph of two typhoons captured simultaneously from space.

This highlights reel captures key moments from the STS-51I mission, including the successful deployment of the omni antenna and the crew's landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Notably, Commander Joe Engel's 53rd birthday celebration is acknowledged, and the recording features the go for launch at T minus nine minutes, liftoff, and the crew's return, with George Abbey welcoming them upon landing.

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Launch coverage for STS-51I, T-minus 3 hours to T-minus 9 minutes, captures the countdown leading to liftoff at 8:38 AM. Notable moments include a 15-minute hold due to weather concerns and the successful completion of the ice debris inspection. The recording highlights ascent milestones such as solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff, with flight director Gary Cohen overseeing the countdown process.

This press conference features NASA's Associate Administrator for Space Flight, Jess Moore, discussing the successful repair of the Syncom satellite, emphasizing the crew's teamwork and the mission's significance. Notably, he highlights that the satellite is now spinning at 24 RPM and that the mission marked the first repair of a commercial satellite. Commander Joe Engel expresses gratitude for the opportunity to demonstrate human capability in space, while also acknowledging the extensive support from the ground team.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51I, focusing on the crew's efforts to troubleshoot the offset sunshield of the ASC satellite. At approximately 4 hours and 38 minutes into the mission, the crew discusses techniques for pushing back the sunshield using the robotic arm, while monitoring the sun's position for optimal visibility. Notably, the crew receives instructions from Mission Control to align the IMUs and prepares for the upcoming ASC satellite deployment.

Launch coverage for STS-51I, T-minus 3 hours to T-minus 1 hour 36 minutes, captures the countdown leading to liftoff at 6:55 AM. Notable moments include a 15-minute hold due to weather concerns and the decision to extend the countdown window. Ascent milestones featured include main engine cutoff (MECO) and external tank separation, with Commander Joe Engel and Pilot Dick Covey preparing for launch amidst challenging weather conditions.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51I, focusing on the preparations for the second extravehicular activity (EVA) by astronauts Bill Fisher and Jim Van Hoften. At approximately 7:14 AM, the crew begins exiting the airlock, with the EVA projected to last about 4 hours and 20 minutes. Notably, they discuss the removal of safe and arm pins from the CENTCOM satellite and the installation of a nozzle cover containing a temperature sensor for monitoring solid propellant.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51I, focusing on the crew's operations with the CENTCOM satellite. At approximately 7 hours and 1 minute into the mission, astronauts Bill Fisher and Ox Van Hoften successfully deploy the omni antenna after completing electrical connections to the spun bypass unit. Notably, the crew discusses troubleshooting a cabin pressure alarm and confirms no damage to the satellite's sunshield elements during their EVA activities.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51I, focusing on the crew's management of the wastewater tank and the supply water dump. At approximately 3 days and 10 minutes into the mission, the crew discusses the performance of the improved nozzle design, noting a slight frost formation but no significant ice buildup. Additionally, they monitor Hurricane Elena as they pass over the Gulf of Mexico, providing updates on its status and trajectory.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51I, focusing on the programming of the 3M PVTA experiment by Mission Specialist James Van Hoften at approximately 3:52 PM CDT. The crew discusses troubleshooting issues with the experiment's heating system and prepares for the upcoming deployment of the CENTCOM satellite. Notably, they confirm the successful deployment of the omni antenna and monitor Tropical Storm Elena as they pass over the Gulf of Mexico.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51I, focusing on the deployment of the SYNCOM satellite by astronauts Bill Fisher and Jim Van Hoften. At approximately 13 hours into the mission, Van Hoften successfully releases the satellite from the robotic arm, while also humorously noting the accidental launch of a screwdriver. The crew discusses troubleshooting a galley water dispenser issue and monitors Hurricane Elena's progress as they prepare for landing.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51I, focusing on the crew's preparations for the upcoming extravehicular activity (EVA) to salvage the CENTCOM satellite. At approximately 6:30 AM CDT, astronauts Bill Fisher and Ox Van Hoften check their spacesuits and tools, discussing the challenges of maneuvering the 15,000-pound satellite. Notably, they report a very slow rotation rate of the CENTCOM and confirm the safe position of the satellite's arm device before proceeding with the EVA operations.

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This highlights reel features key moments from the STS-51I mission, including the successful deployment of the omni antenna and the crew's landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Notably, the recording captures the go for launch at T minus nine minutes, the main engine start, and liftoff. Additionally, it documents Commander Joe Engel's 53rd birthday celebration and the crew's return, with George Abbey welcoming them upon landing.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-51I, focusing on the checkout of the spun bypass units by Mission Specialists Bill Fisher and Ox Van Hoften. At approximately 1 day, 2 hours, and 21 minutes into the mission, the crew confirms successful tests of both spun bypass units, with no anomalies reported. Notably, they discuss the upcoming EVA for the salvage attempt on flight day five and monitor the deployment of the ASC satellite, which occurred a day earlier than planned.

Launch coverage for STS-51I, T-minus 40 seconds to liftoff. The recording captures the moment of liftoff at 11:39 AM, with the roll program initiated and the main engines starting successfully. Notably, this was the third launch attempt after previous scrubs due to weather and a computer issue, with Commander Joe Engel expressing readiness just before liftoff. The ascent milestones include solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff.

This press conference features NASA officials discussing the tragic explosion of the Challenger shortly after liftoff at 11:38 AM, emphasizing the immediate need for an investigation. Jess Moore addresses questions about the safety of the space program and the President's response, including the cancellation of the State of the Union address. Notably, the conference highlights the emotional impact on the nation and the commitment to continue the space program despite the tragedy.

Launch coverage for STS-51I captures the tragic explosion of Challenger at 11:39 AM, just 1 minute after liftoff. The recording details ascent milestones including the roll program and solid rocket booster separation, with flight controllers initially reporting normal operations until the catastrophic failure. Notably, First Lady Nancy Reagan was watching live and reacted with shock upon witnessing the explosion, while Senator Jake Garn expressed deep personal loss as he knew several crew members, including pilot Mike Smith.

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