The Day NASA Chose Its First Space Pioneers
Sixty-four years ago, NASA made a decision that would shape the future of human spaceflight by selecting three astronauts to compete for America's first journey into space
Launch Date
April 12, 1985
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
NORAD ID
15641
International Designator
1985-028A
Decay Date
4/19/1985
Name
STS 51D
Alternative Name
Discovery (STS 51-D)
Type
Status
Owner
JSC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
37.3
Diameter
23.8
Span
37.3
Dry Mass
86839
Launch Mass
95325
Shape
Box + 2 Wing + Fin
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
OV-103
Purpose
Crewed Spacecraft
Mission
Crewed Spacecraft
Manufacturer
RWI
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
STS OV
Configuration
Winged orbiter
Motor
2 x OME (AJ10-190)
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Fuel cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Sixty-four years ago, NASA made a decision that would shape the future of human spaceflight by selecting three astronauts to compete for America's first journey into space
SpaceX plans to lower orbits of 4,400 Starlink satellites after two collision-concern incidents. Cosmo-SkyMed Earth observation satellite launched for Italy from Vandenberg.
Thirty years ago, a Chinese rocket veered off course two seconds after liftoff, destroyed a village, and triggered a political scandal that reshaped how the United States controls space technology to this day
Elon Musk controls 79% of SpaceX's votes with just 42% of the equity - and the company just merged with his AI startup at a $1.25 trillion valuation. Here's who actually owns what, how the money works, and what a $1.75 trillion IPO means for investors.
SpaceX continues to push forward with significant milestones, including the launch of additional Starlink satellites and progress on spectrum acquisitions.
SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites in a night mission, marking a significant return to evening launches post-regulations.
SpaceX secures a significant military contract while successfully launching multiple batches of Starlink satellites. Furthermore, milestones aboard the ISS highlight ongoing space missions.
Today's space brief highlights intriguing military satellite developments, new space launch strategies to counteract observation threats, and potential European defense industry advancements.