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ArchivesText SizeSTS-51J Mission: Department of Defense
Space Shuttle: Atlantis
Launch Pad: 39A 
Launch Weight: Classified
Launched: Oct. 3, 1985 at 11:15:30 a.m. EDT
Landing Site: Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Landing: Oct. 7, 1985 at 10:00:08 a.m. PDT
Landing Weight: 190,400 pounds
Runway: 23 
Rollout Distance: 8,056 feet
Rollout Time: 65 seconds
Revolution: 64
Mission Duration: 4 days, 1 hour, 44 minutes, 38 seconds
Returned to KSC: Oct. 11, 1985
Orbit Altitude: 319 nautical miles
Orbit Inclination: 28.5 degrees
Miles Traveled: 1.7 million 

Crew Members

                    

Image above: STS-51J Crew photo with Commander Karol J. Bobko, Pilot Ronald J. 
Grabe, Mission Specialists David C. Hilmers, Robert L. Stewart and William A. 
Pailes. Image Credit: NASA 

Mission Highlights

 The launch was delayed 22 minutes, 30 seconds due to a main engine liquid 
hydrogen prevalve close remote power controller showing a faulty 'on' 
indication. This was the second mission dedicated to the Department of Defense.

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