STS-61A: The German Spacelab D-1 Mission

This STS-61A press conference features Commander Hank Hartsfield and the crew discussing their experiences after five days in space. Notable moments include Hartsfield's introduction of the crew members and their reflections on the scientific experiments conducted, particularly the challenges faced and the adjustments to zero gravity. The crew also addresses the decision to maintain the nominal landing schedule despite earlier technical difficulties, emphasizing their commitment to completing the mission objectives.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-61A, focusing on the countdown from T-minus 3 hours to liftoff. Key ascent milestones include the roll program initiation, solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, the launch proceeded without any holds, and the crew, including Commander Hank Hartsfield and rookie astronaut Bonnie Dunbar, represents the largest spaceflight crew in history.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary for STS-61A, focusing on the completion of the Biorac Plasma FN01 experiment at 15:05, with a start time of 14:50. Crew members Dan Minchin and Ernst discuss troubleshooting vacuum issues related to the experiment, including attempts to open the chamber door to check for leaks. Notably, the crew is instructed to switch off the GFQ system and prepare for a tape change due to recording time constraints at 17 hours and 20 minutes.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary for STS-61A, focusing on the completion of the Telmax measurements at 3 hours 29 minutes and the initiation of the materials experiment assembly housekeeping checkout at 3 hours and 26 minutes. Crew members Dan Minchin and Ernst discuss the status of various experiments, including the Biorec and the gas sampling experiment. Notably, the crew addresses a fault in the vacuum gas system and coordinates troubleshooting efforts with mission control.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary for STS-61A, focusing on the execution of the gravity perception experiment at 22 hours and 59 minutes, with notable data collection and adjustments discussed by crew members Ulf and Ernst. The crew also addresses a minor anomaly with the centrifuge in incubator A and successfully resolves an issue with an interface disk during the preparation for the CAPS A run. Additionally, the commentary includes updates on the status of various experiments and the coordination of real-time video feeds.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary for STS-61A, focusing on the completion of the central venous pressure measurements and the initiation of the gravitropism experiment. Crew members Ernst and Dan discuss the status of various experiments, including the completion of the Z-axis measurements and preparations for the next experiment. Notably, they receive a message from the Vice Chancellor of Germany, Franz Joseph Strauss, who addresses the crew, expressing pride in their achievements.

This STS-61A press conference features Commander Hank Hartsfield discussing the mission's significant achievements, including the largest crew ever flown in space and the first flight planned and controlled by a foreign customer, Germany. Hartsfield highlights the successful deployment of the Glomar satellite at approximately 12:30 MET and the crew's extensive work in the Space Lab, which included over 30 experiments focused on fluid physics and life sciences. The crew's collaboration with the German ground team is also emphasized as a key factor in the mission's success.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary for STS-61A, focusing on the start of the Biorac Plasma 05 experiment at 22 hours and 20 minutes. Crew members discuss the fluid dynamics within the experiment, noting convective flow and the interface's stability. Additionally, there is a mention of switching off centrifuge 2 in incubator A and the completion of the blood procedure 08 shortly before the commentary ends.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary for STS-61A, highlighting the crew's observations of Earth, including a notable view of Hurricane Zena and the southern aurora. Crew members discuss their experiences photographing various geographical features, such as the Himalayas and the Grand Canyon, while also expressing gratitude for the support received from colleagues on the ground. The commentary reflects on the beauty of Earth as seen from space, emphasizing the unique perspectives gained during the mission.

This highlights reel captures key moments from the launch and landing of the STS-61A mission. Notable events include the liftoff of Challenger at 12:00 noon EST, with a successful roll maneuver initiated shortly after ignition. The crew, including Commander Hartsfield and Pilot Nagel, is seen preparing for launch, and the landing sequence features the crew egressing the orbiter, greeted by their scoutmaster. The flight concludes with a congratulatory message from Houston as the crew prepares for post-landing procedures.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary for STS-61A, focusing on the activation of the Space Lab and the troubleshooting of communication issues with ICOM B at 5:45. Crew members Bonnie and Hank discuss the status of the water pump package and the completion of the LE03FN001 experiment, noting an over-range temperature light and pressure issues. Notably, the crew is instructed to perform a vacuum inerting procedure at 6 hours, 12 minutes, and they receive a congratulatory message from Dr. Riesenhuber, Federal Minister for Research and Technology.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary for STS-61A, focusing on the execution of the gravity perception experiment, with crew members discussing the status of the containers at 18 hours and 40 minutes. Notably, they report on the growth of sprouts in the containers and troubleshoot issues with the reservoir motor. The commentary also includes instructions for recording data during the experiment and updates on the fluid physics module's condition.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary for STS-61A, focusing on the execution of the Hollop flight nominal procedures at 12 hours 42 minutes and 13 hours 17 minutes. Crew members discuss troubleshooting issues with the heater function during the stiff experiment and the status of various experiments, including the filling of the micro container. Notably, there is a mention of a data loss incident occurring between 13 hours 34 minutes and 36 minutes.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-61A, detailing the countdown from T-minus 3 hours to liftoff. Key ascent milestones include the roll program initiation, solid rocket booster separation, and main engine cutoff. Notably, the launch proceeded without any holds, and the crew, including Commander Hank Hartsfield and Pilot Steve Nagel, was reported to be in good shape as they cleared the tower at liftoff.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-61A, detailing the countdown from T-minus 3 hours to liftoff at 12:00 PM. Key ascent milestones include the roll program initiation, solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, the launch proceeded without any holds, and the crew, including Commander Hank Hartsfield and rookie astronaut Bonnie Dunbar, represents the largest spaceflight crew in history with eight members.

Shuttle 61-A Landing

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This press conference features NASA Administrator Jim Beggs and officials discussing the successful completion of the STS-61A mission. Notable highlights include the cooperation between American and West German teams, with only one out of 76 planned experiments not performed as scheduled. The crew's effective teamwork and the successful nose wheel steering test during landing are also emphasized, along with discussions on future international collaborations in space.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary for STS-61A, focusing on the initiation of the IHF sample 05 Alpha procedure at 23 hours and 45 minutes. Crew members discuss troubleshooting issues with the IHF furnace, including a mechanical problem caused by the incorrect installation of a launch lock instead of a centering device. Additionally, there is a mention of the completion of the central venous pressure measurements around 24:00, with observations on venous pressure levels. Notably, the crew coordinates with mission control regarding the status of various experiments and procedures.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary for STS-61A, focusing on the troubleshooting of the antenna switching electronics at 10 hours and 20 minutes, where the crew discusses switching back to the problematic unit. Crew members Dan Minchin and Ernst coordinate the timing for the mirror heating facility procedure, which is set to begin at 11 hours and 50 minutes. Notably, there is a discussion about the activation of culture containers and the adjustments needed for the Biorec slime experiment.

This press conference features Commander Hank Hartsfield discussing the STS-61A mission, highlighting its historic nature as the first Space Lab mission contracted by Germany. Notable points include the deployment of the Glomar satellite at approximately 12:30 MET and the unique operational setup with the German Space Operations Center managing science activities. The crew also addresses the language coordination for communications, emphasizing that all air-to-ground transmissions will be in English.