STS-53

STS-53
Name	STS-53
Mission type	DoD satellite deployment
Operator	NASA
Mission duration	7 days, 7 hours, 19 minutes, 17 seconds
Distance travelled	~4,800,000 kilometers
Spacecraft	Space Shuttle , OV-103 ''Discovery''
Launch date	December 2, 1992, 13:24:00 UTC
Launch site	Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A
Landing date	December 9, 1992, 20:43:17 UTC
Landing site	Edwards Air Force Base, Runway 22
Crew caption	Left to right: Bluford, Walker, Cabana, Voss, Clifford

STS-53 was the final dedicated Department of Defense mission flown by the Space Shuttle program. Launched aboard Space Shuttle ''Discovery'' on December 2, 1992, the seven-day flight successfully deployed a classified NRO satellite and conducted numerous scientific experiments. The mission concluded with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, marking the 15th flight for the orbiter Discovery.

Mission highlights

The primary objective of the flight was the deployment of a classified SIGINT satellite, USA-89, for the National Reconnaissance Office. Due to the secretive nature of the payload, most mission details were not publicly released, though the satellite was reported to be part of the Satellite Data System. The crew operated under strict communications security protocols with Mission Control at Johnson Space Center. Secondary objectives included operating the Cryogenic Heat Pipe Experiment and several Getaway Special canisters in the payload bay. The mission duration was extended by one day to complete additional experiment work, and the landing was diverted from Kennedy Space Center to Edwards Air Force Base due to poor weather in Florida.

Crew

* Commander: David M. Walker – A veteran of STS-51-A and STS-30. * Pilot: Robert D. Cabana – Making his second flight after STS-41. * Mission Specialist 1: Guion Bluford – The first African-American astronaut in space, flying his fourth mission after STS-8, STS-61-A, and STS-39. * Mission Specialist 2: Michael R. Clifford – A United States Army officer on his first spaceflight. * Mission Specialist 3: James S. Voss – Also a United States Army officer on his first mission.

This crew represented a mix of experienced NASA astronauts and military personnel, typical for DoD shuttle flights. Guion Bluford was a particularly notable crew member due to his historic status. All five astronauts were members of either the United States Navy or the United States Army.

Mission parameters

* Mass: * **Orbiter liftoff:** 112,154 kg * **Orbiter landing:** 92,822 kg * **Payload:** Classified * '''Perigee:** 365 km * '''Apogee:** 376 km * '''Inclination:** 57.0° * '''Period:** 92.0 minutes

These orbital parameters were standard for missions deploying payloads into low Earth orbit for the United States Department of Defense. The high inclination allowed for broad ground coverage. The mission followed a profile similar to earlier classified flights like STS-33 and STS-38.

Payload and experiments

The primary payload, deployed on the first day, was the classified SIGINT satellite USA-89. The unclassified middeck and payload bay experiments included the **Cryogenic Heat Pipe Experiment** to test advanced thermal management systems. The **Battlefield Laser Acquisition Sensor Test** evaluated laser detection technologies. Several **Getaway Special** canisters, including **G-102** and **G-335**, contained experiments from Brigham Young University and the USAF Academy. The **Extended Duration Orbiter** pallet was carried to support the longer mission. Other experiments focused on radiation monitoring, protein crystal growth, and microgravity effects on materials.

Mission insignia

The patch, designed by the crew, features the Space Shuttle Discovery soaring against a starry background with a large golden eagle, symbolizing the United States Department of Defense, clutching three stars representing the armed services. The names of the five crew members are displayed along the upper border. The deep blue field and orbital path reflect the mission's national security purpose. The design was approved by both NASA and DoD officials.

See also

* List of Space Shuttle missions * List of military spacecraft * STS-51-C * STS-33 * National Reconnaissance Office * Space Shuttle Discovery

Category:Space Shuttle missions Category:1992 in spaceflight Category:Spacecraft launched in 1992