Space Shuttle Discovery Launches on STS-29
On March 13, 1989, the Space Shuttle Discovery launched from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on STS-29, a significant mission in the history of NASA’s space shuttle program. This mission was the 29th flight of the Space Shuttle program and marked Discovery’s fifth flight overall. The primary objective of STS-29 was to deploy the TDRS-4 (Tracking and Data Relay Satellite), a critical component in NASA's network to enhance communication capabilities between spacecraft in orbit and ground control.
Background of the Space Shuttle Discovery and STS-29 Mission
Space Shuttle Discovery: A Pioneering Craft
The Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103) was the third orbiter of NASA's space shuttle fleet, following Columbia and Challenger. It was originally slated for its maiden flight on August 30, 1984, during the STS-41-D mission. Over the years, Discovery flew on multiple significant missions, including the first mission to deploy the Hubble Space Telescope in 1990 (STS-31) and the final shuttle mission in 2011 (STS-133).
By 1989, Discovery had proven itself as one of the most reliable spacecraft in NASA's fleet. It had previously completed four successful flights, but STS-29 would mark a special milestone in the shuttle's operational history.
The TDRS Program: NASA's Communication Backbone
The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) program was developed by NASA in the 1980s to improve communications between spacecraft in low Earth orbit and ground control. Prior to the TDRS program, NASA relied on ground-based tracking stations to maintain communication with spacecraft, but this system had limitations in terms of continuous coverage and reliability.
The TDRS satellites were designed to fill the gap by providing constant communication coverage for spacecraft. These satellites were positioned in geosynchronous orbits, allowing them to remain in a fixed position relative to the Earth, providing an uninterrupted data relay link.
The TDRS-4 satellite was the fourth satellite in this series and was intended to bolster the existing network's capabilities. The primary function of TDRS-4 was to enhance the communication bandwidth and provide improved support for space shuttle missions and other space exploration activities.
STS-29 Mission Objectives
STS-29 was a pivotal mission for both the Space Shuttle program and the TDRS network. The mission's primary objective was to deploy the TDRS-4 satellite into orbit, thereby improving NASA's ability to maintain continuous communication with spacecraft in orbit.
Apart from deploying the TDRS-4, the mission also had secondary objectives related to science experiments and the testing of new systems. Some of the other mission highlights included:
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Deploying the TDRS-4 Satellite: The TDRS-4 satellite would provide enhanced tracking and data relay for future space shuttle missions, as well as for other spacecraft operating in low Earth orbit.
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Testing New Payload Bay Door Mechanisms: The mission aimed to test the shuttle’s payload bay door mechanisms, which were crucial for the deployment and retrieval of satellites.
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Conducting Earth Observations: The shuttle crew was tasked with conducting observations and imaging of Earth's surface using onboard sensors and cameras.
The mission was also an opportunity for NASA to demonstrate the shuttle's ability to perform high-profile satellite deployments with precision.
Mission Preparations and Launch
Pre-Launch Preparations
Leading up to the launch of STS-29, NASA had to complete a range of pre-launch activities, including:
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Vehicle Assembly: Discovery was prepared and assembled at the Kennedy Space Center. The vehicle was placed on the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP), and the shuttle was mounted atop the External Fuel Tank (ET), with Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) attached. These SRBs provided the necessary thrust to propel the shuttle into orbit.
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Crew Training: The STS-29 crew underwent extensive training for the mission, focusing on the deployment of the TDRS-4 satellite, the shuttle's onboard systems, and procedures for handling any potential emergencies. The crew also practiced using the shuttle's robotic arm (the Remote Manipulator System or RMS) for satellite deployment.
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Weather and Technical Checks: As with all space shuttle launches, weather conditions and technical systems were thoroughly monitored. The final pre-launch checklist involved ensuring all systems, from fuel tanks to communications equipment, were in optimal working order.
Launch and Lift-Off
On March 13, 1989, at 7:30 AM EST, Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center, with a crew of six astronauts aboard:
- Commander: Michael Coats
- Pilot: Charles D. Gemar
- Mission Specialist 1: James P. Bagian
- Mission Specialist 2: Charles D. Walker
- Mission Specialist 3: Charles F. Bolden
- Payload Specialist: Norman Thagard
The launch was flawless, with the shuttle ascending to orbit without any major issues. This was the first launch of the Space Shuttle after the Challenger disaster (STS-51-L), and as such, the entire shuttle program was under heightened scrutiny. The successful lift-off of STS-29 demonstrated NASA’s ability to return the shuttle to space safely after the two-year hiatus.
Mission Execution and Satellite Deployment
Once in orbit, the crew set to work on deploying the TDRS-4 satellite. The shuttle's robotic arm was used to position and release the satellite from the payload bay, with precise maneuvers required to ensure it was placed into the correct orbit.
Satellite Deployment Process
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Preparation for Deployment: The TDRS-4 satellite was housed in the shuttle's payload bay, secured within a satellite deployment system. This system included a payload deployment mechanism (PDM) designed to release the satellite into space.
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Use of Robotic Arm: The shuttle’s robotic arm (RMS) was used to position and lift the TDRS-4 satellite from the payload bay. Once the satellite was in the correct position, it was released into orbit.
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Deployment Success: The deployment was executed smoothly, and TDRS-4 was successfully placed into its designated geosynchronous orbit. The satellite then began its operations, including establishing a communication link with ground control and other spacecraft.
Post-Launch Activities and Mission Accomplishments
Following the deployment of the TDRS-4 satellite, the crew continued to conduct science experiments and gather data for NASA’s research purposes. The mission also involved several onboard evaluations of shuttle systems, including testing the payload bay door mechanisms, which would be critical for future satellite deployments.
The crew returned to Earth on March 18, 1989, successfully completing the five-day mission. The shuttle’s landing took place at Edwards Air Force Base in California, where the crew and ground teams celebrated the mission’s success.
Impact of TDRS-4 and the Legacy of STS-29
The successful deployment of the TDRS-4 satellite was a critical milestone in NASA’s mission to improve communication with spacecraft. TDRS-4, along with its predecessors, ensured continuous communication coverage for all future missions, including space shuttle flights, the International Space Station (ISS), and even space probes sent to distant planets.
The STS-29 mission was one of the early successes of the shuttle program’s post-Challenger phase, demonstrating that NASA had regained its ability to perform high-stakes missions with reliability and precision.
Conclusion
The launch of STS-29 and the deployment of the TDRS-4 satellite on March 13, 1989, was a defining moment in the history of the Space Shuttle program. It marked a return to space following the Challenger tragedy and was a critical mission for NASA’s evolving communication infrastructure. The mission highlighted the significance of the TDRS network in enabling uninterrupted communication with spacecraft and played an important role in advancing space exploration technology.
As one of Discovery’s most important missions, STS-29 stands as a testament to the resilience and innovation of NASA’s shuttle program, ensuring the continuation of human spaceflight and communication for years to come.
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