STS-8

STS-8
Name	STS-8
Mission type	Satellite deployment
Operator	NASA
Mission duration	6 days, 1 hour, 8 minutes, 43 seconds
Distance travelled	4,046,660 km (2,514,480 mi)
Orbits completed	98
Spacecraft	Space Shuttle Challenger
Manufacturer	Rockwell International
Launch mass	110,108 kg (242,746 lb)
Landing mass	92,508 kg (203,945 lb)
Payload mass	13,642 kg (30,075 lb)
Launch date	August 30, 1983, 06:32:00 UTC
Launch site	Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A
Landing date	September 5, 1983, 07:40:43 UTC
Landing site	Edwards Air Force Base, Runway 22
Orbit epoch	August 31, 1983
Orbit reference	Geocentric orbit
Orbit regime	Low Earth orbit
Orbit periapsis	306 km (190 mi)
Orbit apoapsis	313 km (194 mi)
Orbit inclination	28.5 degrees
Orbit period	90.7 minutes
Programme	Space Shuttle program
Previous mission	STS-7
Next mission	STS-9

STS-8 was the eighth mission of the NASA Space Shuttle program and the third flight of the Space Shuttle Challenger. Launched on August 30, 1983, it was notable for conducting the first night launch and night landing of the shuttle era. The primary payload was the INSAT-1B communications satellite for India, and the mission featured Guion S. Bluford, who became the first African American in space.

Mission overview

The primary objective was the deployment of the INSAT-1B satellite, a multi-purpose spacecraft for the Indian Space Research Organisation. Secondary objectives included extensive testing of the Canadarm robotic arm with a test article called the Payload Flight Test Article, and a suite of scientific experiments in the Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System. The mission also carried a large number of Getaway Special canisters for various research institutions. Flight controllers managed the mission from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, with support from the Dryden Flight Research Center for landing operations.

Crew

* Commander: Richard H. Truly – Second shuttle flight * Pilot: Daniel C. Brandenstein – First spaceflight * Mission Specialist 1: Guion S. Bluford – First spaceflight; first African American in space * Mission Specialist 2: Dale A. Gardner – First spaceflight * Mission Specialist 3: William E. Thornton – Second spaceflight; oldest American in space at the time

This crew represented a mix of experienced astronauts and rookies. Truly had previously flown on STS-2, while Thornton was a veteran of STS-4. The inclusion of Bluford was a historic milestone for the United States space program. All five astronauts were members of NASA Astronaut Group 7 or earlier selections.

Mission highlights

The mission launched in darkness from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, a first for the program. The crew successfully deployed the INSAT-1B satellite using the shuttle's Inertial Upper Stage on the first day. They conducted several tests with the Remote Manipulator System, maneuvering the Payload Flight Test Article to assess arm performance. Scientific work included operating the Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System for McDonnell Douglas and numerous Getaway Special experiments. The mission also tested the new TDRS-1 satellite's tracking capabilities. The crew landed at night on Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base, completing the first night landing, aided by Microwave Scanning Beam Landing System guidance.

Insignia and wake-up calls

The mission patch, designed by the crew, featured a large numeral "8" against a night sky, symbolizing the historic night launch and landing. The Space Shuttle Challenger is depicted ascending through the loop of the eight. The crew's wake-up calls were a tradition started during the Apollo program; for this mission, they included songs like "Night Flight" by Led Zeppelin and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver. These musical selections were chosen by the Astronaut office and played from Mission Control Center in Houston.

Mission parameters

* **Mass:** * Orbiter liftoff: 110,108 kg * Orbiter landing: 92,508 kg * Payload: 13,642 kg * **Perigee:** 306 km * **Apogee:** 313 km * **Inclination:** 28.5° * **Period:** 90.7 minutes

These orbital parameters were typical for a satellite deployment mission to a Low Earth orbit. The inclination matched the requirements for the INSAT-1B satellite's transfer orbit. The mission duration of just over six days allowed for a full schedule of payload operations and experiments.

See also

* List of Space Shuttle missions * Timeline of Space Shuttle missions * Guion S. Bluford * INSAT-1B * Night launch

Category:Space Shuttle missions Category:1983 in spaceflight Category:1983 in the United States