STS-41: NASA's Historic 67th Manned Space Mission

Name: STS-41: NASA's Historic 67th Manned Space Mission
Start: 1946-10-06
Location: Unspecified

The Launch of STS-41

NASA’s STS-41 Mission Overview

The STS-41 mission, launched on October 6, 1990, marked the 67th manned flight of the American Space Shuttle program. The mission utilized the Space Shuttle Discovery and was significant for multiple reasons, including a remarkable payload capacity and a historic deployment of a U.S. communications satellite.

Key Objectives of STS-41

The primary objective of the STS-41 mission was to deploy the U.S. Navy’s FLTSATCOM-5 satellite, which improved communications for naval operations. Furthermore, the mission included scientific experiments focused on solar physics and materials processing, showcasing NASA's commitment to both military and civilian advancements in space technology.

Mission Highlights and Achievements

Crew Composition for STS-41

The STS-41 mission's crew consisted of six skilled astronauts: Commander Richard N. Richards, Pilot Charles D. Gemar, Mission Specialists Fred Leslie, Charles D. Swanson, John Lounge, and Payload Specialist Guy Bluford. Each crew member brought unique expertise, contributing to the mission's success from launch through landing.

Landing and Impact of STS-41

Following a successful mission in orbit, STS-41 concluded with a landing at the Kennedy Space Center on October 10, 1990. This mission demonstrated the effectiveness of space shuttles for not only deploying satellites but also conducting experiments in microgravity, paving the way for future missions and scientific studies.

Fun Fact

Discovery's Speed Record

During its time in orbit, the STS-41 mission brought the Space Shuttle Discovery to speeds exceeding 17,500 miles per hour, illustrating the immense capabilities and technological advancements of NASA's space shuttle program.