STS-51-J was a space shuttle mission by NASA that was the first to use the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It was the 21st mission, and carried a payload for the U.S. Department of Defense.
This was the second Space Shuttle mission totally dedicated to the Department of Defense after STS-51-C. Its cargo was classified but it is reported that two (USA-11 and USA-12) DSCS-III (Defense Satellite Communications System) communications satellites were launched...
more
STS-51-J was a space shuttle mission by NASA that was the first to use the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It was the 21st mission, and carried a payload for the U.S. Department of Defense.
This was the second Space Shuttle mission totally dedicated to the Department of Defense after STS-51-C. Its cargo was classified but it is reported that two (USA-11 and USA-12) DSCS-III (Defense Satellite Communications System) communications satellites were launched into stationary orbit by an Inertial Upper Stage. The DSCS satellites use X-band frequencies (8/7 GHz). Each DSCS III satellite has a design life of ten years, although several of the DSCS satellites on-orbit today have far exceeded their design life expectancy and continue to perform with outstanding results. Liftoff occurred on October 3, 1985, at 11:15 a.m. EDT, from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center. The orbiter was Atlantis, making its first flight. The mission was classified as "Successful." After a duration of 4 days, 1...
less
