STS-62-A

In this article we are going to delve into the exciting world of STS-62-A, a topic that has sparked the interest of many people throughout history. STS-62-A is a topic that has been widely studied and numerous books and articles have been written about over the years. In this article we aim to explore the different aspects of STS-62-A, from its origin to its practical applications in everyday life. Along these lines, we will discover what STS-62-A is, what its main characteristics are and why it is important to dedicate time and attention to it. In addition, we will analyze some of the theories and debates that have arisen around STS-62-A, as well as its impact on current society. Ultimately, this article aims to provide a comprehensive and enriching vision of STS-62-A, so that the reader can expand their knowledge and understand the importance of this topic in today's world.

STS-62-A
Space Shuttle Discovery atop Shuttle Carrier Aircraft 905, flies over Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 6 in November 1984, for testing of infrastructure at the base ahead of the mission
NamesSpace Transportation System
Mission typeDoD satellite deployment (planned)
OperatorNASA
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftSpace Shuttle Discovery (planned)
Crew
Crew size7
Members
Start of mission
Launch dateJuly 15, 1986 (planned, not launched)
RocketSpace Shuttle Discovery
Launch siteVandenberg, SLC-6
ContractorRockwell International
End of mission
Landing dateJuly 19, 1986 (planned)
Landing siteVandenberg, Runway 12/30
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit (planned)
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Perigee altitude312 km (194 mi)
Apogee altitude320 km (200 mi)
Inclination48.45°
Period90.90 minutes

Back row: Aldridge, Crippen and Watterson
Front row: G. Gardner, Mullane, Ross and D. Gardner
← STS-51-L (25)
STS-26 →
Cancelled Shuttle missions

STS-62-A was a planned NASA Space Shuttle mission to deliver a reconnaissance payload (Teal Ruby) into polar orbit. It was expected to use Discovery. It would have been the first crewed launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and the first crewed mission to go into polar orbit.

The mission designation, STS-62-A, meant: 6=fiscal year 1986, 2=Vandenberg (1=Kennedy Space Center), and A=first flight in that fiscal year.

Crew

Position[1][2] Astronaut
Commander Robert L. Crippen
Would have been fifth spaceflight
Pilot Guy S. Gardner
Would have been first spaceflight
Mission Specialist 1 Richard M. Mullane
Would have been second spaceflight
Mission Specialist 2 Jerry L. Ross
Would have been second spaceflight
Mission Specialist 3 Dale A. Gardner
Would have been third spaceflight
Payload Specialist 1 Edward C. Aldridge Jr.
Would have been first spaceflight
Payload Specialist 2 Brett Watterson, MSE
Would have been first spaceflight

Post-Challenger accident

The destruction of Challenger and subsequent halt of the Space Shuttle program led to the cancellation of the mission.

Guy Gardner, Jerry Ross, and Mike Mullane were members of the second post-Challenger mission STS-27 — a classified mission for the DoD — during which the Lacrosse-1 radar reconnaissance spacecraft was allegedly deployed.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ "Crews for First Vandenberg Mission, DoD Flight Named" (PDF) (Press release). NASA Johnson Space Center News. February 15, 1985. pp. 24–25. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 18, 2010. Retrieved July 30, 2024. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ Bergin, Chris (December 18, 2005). "STS-62A: The Polar Express". Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  3. ^ Jenkins, Dennis R. (2001). Space Shuttle: The History of the National Space Transportation System The First 100 Missions. Saint Paul, Minnesota: Voyageur Press. p. 329. ISBN 0-9633974-5-1..
  4. ^ "Display: Lacrosse 1 (1988-106B)". NASA. January 7, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2022. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.