STS-51J Fact Sheet

By Cliff Lethbridge

STS-51J — Atlantis

21st Space Shuttle Mission

1st Flight of Atlantis

Crew:

Karol J. Bobko, Commander

Ronald J. Grabe, Pilot

Robert L. Stewart, Mission Specialist

David C. Hilmers, Mission Specialist

William A. Pailes, Payload Specialist

Orbiter Preparations:

Tow to Orbiter Processing Facility – April 14, 1985

Rollover to Vehicle Assembly Building (for storage) – May 10, 1985

Rollover to Orbiter Processing Facility – May 28, 1985

Rollover to Vehicle Assembly Building (for storage) – July 18, 1985

Rollover to Orbiter Processing Facility – July 30, 1985

Rollover to Vehicle Assembly Building – August 12, 1985

Rollout to Launch Pad 39A – August 30, 1985

Launch:

October 3, 1985 – 11:15:30 a.m. EDT. Launch was delayed 22 minutes, 30 seconds due to main engine liquid oxygen prevalve close remote power controller showing a faulty “on” indication. Launch time was not made public until T-9 minutes and counting.

Landing:

October 7, 1985 – 10:00:08 a.m. PDT at Runway 23, Edwards Air Force Base, California. Rollout distance was 8,056 feet. Rollout time was 65 seconds. Mission duration was 4 days, 1 hour, 44 minutes, 38 seconds. Landing occurred during the 64th orbit.