![]() The main mission objective was to verify performance of Spacelab systems, determine the interface capability of the orbiter, and measure the environment created by the spacecraft. A special part of the modular Spacelab system, the " igloo", which was located at the head of a three-pallet train, provided on-site support to instruments mounted on pallets. STS-51-F's primary payload was the laboratory module Spacelab 2. A view of the Sierra Nevada mountains and surroundings from Earth orbit, taken on the STS-51-F mission. Space art for the Spacelab 2 mission, showing some of the various experiments in the payload bay. Mission summary The Plasma Diagnostics Package (PDP) grappled by the Canadarm. At T+343 seconds, SSME #1 shut down leading to ATO (Abort to Orbit). Launched after 1 hour 37 minute delay to resolve issue with table maintenance block update uplink. Pad abort: malfunction in SSME #2 coolant valve shutdown of all three main engines The failed RS-25 resulted in an Abort to Orbit (ATO) trajectory, whereby the shuttle achieved a lower-than-planned orbital altitude. Howard acted quickly to recommend that the crew inhibit any further automatic RS-25 shutdowns based on readings from the remaining sensors, preventing the potential shutdown of a second engine and a possible abort mode that may have resulted in the loss of crew and vehicle (LOCV). Approximately 8 minutes into the flight, one of the same temperature sensors in the right engine failed, and the remaining right-engine temperature sensor displayed readings near the redline for engine shutdown. This was the only in-flight RS-25 failure of the Space Shuttle program. ![]() Two minutes and twelve seconds later, the second sensor failed, causing the shutdown of the center engine. EDT, after a delay of 1 hour 37 minutes due to a problem with the table maintenance block update uplink.Īt 3 minutes 31 seconds into the ascent, one of the center engine's two high-pressure fuel turbopump turbine discharge temperature sensors failed. Challenger launched successfully on its second attempt on July 29, 1985, at 17:00 p.m. STS-51-F's first launch attempt on July 12, 1985, was halted with the countdown at T−3 seconds after main engine ignition, when a malfunction of the number two RS-25 coolant valve caused an automatic launch abort. The control panel of the Shuttle on the STS-51-F mission, showing the selection of the Abort-to-Orbit (ATO) option. Launch Aborted launch attempt at T-3 seconds on July 12, 1985. Challenger carried two Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMU) in the event of an emergency spacewalk, which would have been performed by England and Musgrave. Acton, Bridges and Henize made up the "Red Team" while Bartoe, England and Musgrave comprised the "Blue Team" commander Fullerton could take either shift when needed. Seats 5–7 are on the Middeck.Īs with previous Spacelab missions, the crew was divided between two 12-hour shifts. As a result of the ATO, the mission was carried out at a slightly lower orbital altitude.Ĭrew seating arrangements Seat It is the only Shuttle mission to have carried out an abort after launching. ĭuring launch, Challenger experienced multiple sensor failures in its Engine 1 Center SSME engine, which led to it shutting down and the shuttle had to perform an " Abort to Orbit" (ATO) emergency procedure. A helium-cooled infrared telescope (IRT) was also flown on this mission, and while it did have some problems, it observed 60% of the galactic plane in infrared light. While STS-51-F's primary payload was the Spacelab 2 laboratory module, the payload that received the most publicity was the Carbonated Beverage Dispenser Evaluation, which was an experiment in which both Coca-Cola and Pepsi tried to make their carbonated drinks available to astronauts. It launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on July 29, 1985, and landed eight days later on August 6, 1985. STS-51-F (also known as Spacelab 2) was the 19th flight of NASA's Space Shuttle program and the eighth flight of Space Shuttle Challenger.
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