Happy birthday, Space Shuttle astronaut Joe Engle!

Joe Engle, born August 26, 1932 in Chapman, Kansas, was chosen by NASA as an astronaut in 1966.  He was the backup pilot for the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 14.  He was originally scheduled as Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 17 but NASA selected Harrison Schmitt instead.

His first mission into space was aboard Columbia (STS-2) as commander with pilot Richard Truly in November 1981.  The mission was intended to reboot the Skylab space station but due to development delays and the Skylab's deteriorating orbit, Skylab was de-orbited in July 1979.

His second and final mission was as commander of Discovery (STS-51-I) in August-September 1985.  He spent just over 7 days in space.

Happy birthday, Space Shuttle astronaut Richard Truly!

Richard Truly, born November 12, 1937 in Fayette, Mississippi, flew on two space shuttle missions at the beginning of the program.

He started as a test pilot for the Enterprise's take-offs and landings.  He first went into space on Columbia (STS-2) on his birthday in 1981 with Joe Engle.

His second trip was on Challenger (STS-8) as commander in August-September 1983.  This was the first flight for African-American astronaut Guy Bluford,

He served as NASA's Administrator for 1989 to 1992, during which time he commanded Voyager 1 to take one last picture of Earth before its mission ended.  The pic has become known as the Pale Blue Dot photograph.

Challenger (STS-8) launched 1983

STS-8 crew:

Seated (L-R): Daniel C. Brandenstein, Richard H. Truly, Guion S. Bluford, Jr., 

Standing (L-R): Dale A. Gardner, William E. Thornton

Mission patch

Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-8), launched August 30, 1983, was the first night lift-off and night landing of the shuttle program.  Its crew consisted of Commander Richard Truly, Pilot Daniel Brandenstein, Guion Bluford, Dale Gardner, and William Thornton.

They deployed an Indian satellite INSAT-1B and it was the first flight for an African-American astronaut, Guy Bluford.

They returned to Earth September 5.

Columbia (STS-2) launched 1981

Columbia blasted off November 12, 1981 (STS-2) and returned two days later, becoming the first time a spacecraft has tone into space and returned twice. Her crew consisted of Commander Joe Engle and Pilot Richard Truly (who celebrates his 80th birthday today!).  The mission was scheduled to last 5 days but one of the three fuel cells that produced electricity and drinking water failed so it was shortened to 2 days.  NASA also cancelled the Canadarm tests but the crew stayed awake during the Loss-of-Signal (LOS) periods and tested the arm.

Richard Truly, born November 12, 1937 in Fayette, Mississippi, was the first person to be launched into space on his (43rd) birthday.  He became the 8th administrator of NASA in May 1989.