STS-61-C
| Mission Insignia | |
|---|---|
| File:61-c-patch.jpg | |
| Mission Statistics | |
| Mission: | STS-61-C |
| Shuttle: | Columbia |
| Launch Pad: | 39-A |
| Launch: | January 12, 1986 0655 EST |
| Landing Site: | Edwards AFB |
| Landing: | January 18, 1986 0559 PST |
| Duration: | 6 days 2 hours 3 minutes 51 seconds |
| Orbit Altitude: | 212nm |
| Orbit Inclination: | 28.5 degrees |
| Miles Traveled: | 2,528,658 |
| Crew photo | |
Crew
Robert L. Gibson, Commander
Charles F. Bolden, Pilot
Franklin Chang-Diaz Mission Specialist
Steven A. Hawley, Mission Specialist
George D. Nelson, Mission Specialist
Robert Cenker (RCA Electronics), Payload Specialist
Rep.Bill Nelson (D-FL), Payload Specialist
Mission Highlights
After numerous delays Columbia returned to orbit on January 12, 1986. The primary mission was to deploy a geosynchronus KU-1 communications satellite for RCA Americom. A variety of other experiments were also performed successfully including some using the Materials Science Labratory-2. This was the first flight utilizing NASA's Get Away Special cannisters. Perhaps, the mission is most notable for carrying one of only three sitting congressmen into space, John Glenn and Jake Garn being the others.
Related articles
- Space science
- Space shuttle
- List of space shuttle missions
- List of human spaceflights chronologically
External link
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