STS-61B: Building Structures in Space

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-61B, focusing on the terminal countdown from T-minus 9 minutes to liftoff at 7:29 PM. Key ascent milestones include liftoff at T-minus 0, solid rocket booster separation at T-plus 2 minutes and 6 seconds, and the roll program initiated shortly after liftoff. Notably, this mission features the first flight of the PAM D2 upper stage, enhancing payload capacity to geosynchronous orbit.

This press conference following the successful landing of Atlantis highlights the completion of STS-61B, which included the deployment of three satellites, notably one for Mexico. Key speakers included Jess Moore, who emphasized the mission's efficiency and the significance of the Ease Access Experiment for future space station design. Dr. Rodolfo Neri discussed his successful experiments on plant growth in space, while James Rhodes noted the continuous operation of the mid deck electrophoresis system for 220 hours during the mission.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-61B, highlighting astronauts Woody Spring and Jerry Ross as they manipulate a 25-foot heat pipe by connecting two eave beams. The crew is noted to be 41 minutes behind the timeline, but they have enough consumables to extend the EVA if necessary. Additionally, the decision is made to bring the base cluster back into the airlock due to uncertainties about its secure fit, rather than leaving it in the payload bay.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-61B, highlighting astronauts Woody Spring and Jerry Ross as they manipulate the entire access truss structure from the assembly fixture. At approximately 5:44 PM, they begin the removal and repositioning of the truss, demonstrating flexibility in assembly tasks. The crew is noted to be 17 minutes behind the EVA timeline, but they are expected to regain time during the upcoming tasks.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-61B, focusing on the terminal countdown from T-minus 9 minutes to liftoff at 7:29 PM. Key ascent milestones include liftoff at T-minus 0, solid rocket booster separation at T-plus 2 minutes and 6 seconds, and main engine cutoff at T-plus 8 minutes and 50 seconds. Notably, this was the third attempt to launch due to prior weather and technical issues, with Flight Director Gary Cohen overseeing the countdown.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-61B, focusing on the terminal countdown from T-minus 9 minutes to liftoff at 7:29 PM. Key ascent milestones include liftoff at T-minus 0, solid rocket booster separation at T-plus 2 minutes and 6 seconds, and main engine cutoff at T-plus 8 minutes and 50 seconds. Notably, this mission features the second flight of Atlantis and the first flight of the PAM D2 upper stage, which increases payload capacity to geosynchronous orbit.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-61B, focusing on the terminal countdown from T-minus 9 minutes to liftoff at 7:29 PM. Key ascent milestones include liftoff at T-minus 0, solid rocket booster separation at T-plus 2 minutes and 6 seconds, and main engine cutoff at T-plus 8 minutes and 50 seconds. Flight Director Gary Cohen oversees the countdown, which proceeds smoothly without any holds or scrubs, marking a successful launch attempt after previous delays.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-61B, highlighting astronauts Woody Spring and Jerry Ross as they complete six assemblies and disassemblies of the EASE structure. At 7:09 PM, Mission Control confirms their progress and allows them to continue with additional cycles due to being ahead of schedule. The crew discusses their oxygen consumption and the physical demands of their tasks, with Spring working as the low man and Ross as the high man during the assembly process.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-61B, highlighting a telephone call at 5:01 PM between Mexican President Miguel de la Madrid and Payload Specialist Rodolfo Neri. The crew discusses the successful deployment of the Corelo satellite and Neri's ongoing scientific experiments, including seed germination and electropuncture. Additionally, the commentary notes the crew's progress in building the access structure, with Jerry Ross and Woody Spring completing the 10th section ahead of schedule.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-61B, focusing on astronauts Woody Spring and Jerry Ross as they assemble a 25-foot heat pipe by connecting two eave beams. At 5 days, 1 hour, and 41 minutes into the mission, the decision is made to bring the base cluster back into the airlock due to uncertainties about its secure fit. The crew is noted to be 15 minutes behind the timeline, but they have sufficient battery power remaining to complete their tasks.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-61B, highlighting astronauts Jerry Ross and Woody Spring as they complete the assembly of the ninth bay of the access structure, ahead of schedule. At approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes into the EVA, they begin disassembling the first five bays, demonstrating effective teamwork and communication. The crew is noted to be 45 minutes ahead of the timeline, showcasing their efficiency in the assembly tasks.

Descriptive summary pending processing.