Happy birthday, astronaut William Pailes!

William Pailes, born June 26, 1952 in Hackensack, New Jersey, went into space once aboard Atlantis (STS-51-J) as payload specialist in October 1985. He spent four days in space before returning to Earth.

Atlantis (STS-51-J) first launched 1985

STS-51-J crew (L-R): Robert Stewart, David Hilmers, Karol Bobko, William Pailes, Ronald Grabe

Mission patch

Space Shuttle Endeavour was launched on her maiden voyage October 3, 1985.  Its crew consisted of Commander Karol Bobko, Pilot Ronald Grabe, David Hilmers, Robert Stewart, and William Pailes.  The four-day mission carried a payload for the Department of Defense.

The crew returned to Earth October 7.