Sunday, July 29, 2018

Challenger (STS-51-F) launched 1985

Front row (seated) L–R: Gordon Fullerton, Roy Bridges, 
Back row (standing) L–R: Anthony England, Karl Henize, F. Story Musgrave, Loren Acton, John-David Bartoe

Mission patch


Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-51-F), launched July 29, 1985, was the only shuttle mission that had to "Abort To Orbit" (ATO).  Shortly after liftoff, a number of sensor failings caused the main engine to shut down and the crew had to abort to orbit.  They achieved orbit at a lower altitude and managed to complete their mission successfully.

Its crew consisted of Commander Gordon Fullerton, Pilot Roy Bridges, Karl Henize, F. Story Musgrave, Anthony England, Loren Acton and John-David Bartoe.  Challenger's primary payload was the lab module Spacelab 2, which involved multiple experiments related to life sciences and physics.

Coca-Cola and Pepsi provided carbonated drinks for the mission in specially-designed cans, but the crew preferred Tang, since it could be mixed with chilled water available on the shuttle.  The carbonated beverages weren't refrigerated and foamed excessively in microgravity.

They returned to Earth August 6.


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