STS-29
Deployment of TDRS-4 and a broad technology and life-science program
STS-29 deployed TDRS-D, redesignated TDRS-4 in orbit, to expand NASA's geosynchronous tracking and communications network. Discovery's crew also operated protein-crystal, plant-cell, heat-pipe-radiator, student, Earth-imaging, and -instrumentation experiments during the nearly five-day mission.
Mission dossier
Flight profile, locations, hardware, and outcome in the same reference format used throughout the archive.
Flight profile
- Launch
- March 13, 1989
- Landing
- March 18, 1989
- Mission duration
- 4d 23h 38m
Places and recovery
Mission record
- Vehicle
- STS-29 flight stack
- Orbiter
- Space Shuttle Discovery
- Mission type
- Satellite or observatory deployment and operations
- Crew and station travelers
- 5
- Program
- Space Shuttle
- Crew complement
- 5
- Outcome
- Completed
- Archive classification
- Human spaceflight
- Primary objective
- Space Shuttle Discovery mission that deployed the TDRS-4 communications satellite.
Assignment Manifest
The flight crew and the backup team assigned to train for this mission.
Prime crew
5 assignments
James F. Buchliprime crewMission SpecialistLaunched March 13, 1989Returned March 18, 19894d 23h 38mMission Specialist aboard STS-29 flight stack.Open astronaut archive
James P. Bagianprime crewMission SpecialistLaunched March 13, 1989Returned March 18, 19894d 23h 38mMission Specialist aboard STS-29 flight stack.Open astronaut archive
John E. Blahaprime crewPilotLaunched March 13, 1989Returned March 18, 19894d 23h 38mPilot aboard STS-29 flight stack.Open astronaut archive
Michael L. Coatsprime crewCommanderLaunched March 13, 1989Returned March 18, 19894d 23h 38mCommander aboard STS-29 flight stack.Open astronaut archive
Robert C. Springerprime crewMission SpecialistLaunched March 13, 1989Returned March 18, 19894d 23h 38mMission Specialist aboard STS-29 flight stack.Open astronaut archiveMission Purpose
2 sources- Launch Discovery and its crew safely into .
- Space Shuttle Discovery mission that deployed the TDRS-4 communications satellite.
- Complete the mission's assigned payload, , research, deployment, servicing, or logistics work.
- Return Discovery and the landing crew safely to Earth.
Planned Flight Plan
2 sources- Ascent
Discovery launch
STS-29 was planned to launch from Kennedy Space Center aboard its mission-specific shuttle stack.
- On orbit
Primary mission operations
Space Shuttle Discovery mission that deployed the TDRS-4 communications satellite.
- Entry and landing
return
Discovery was scheduled to deorbit, reenter, and complete an unpowered runway landing.
- March 13, 1989
STS-29 launches
STS-29 flight stack departs Kennedy Space Center and enters the planned orbit.
Mission Timeline
2 sources- March 13, 1989
Launch
Discovery began the third mission after the Shuttle stand-down.
- Flight day 1
TDRS-D deployed
The spacecraft and Inertial Upper Stage left the payload bay for geosynchronous orbit.
- On orbit
Science and technology work
The crew operated radiator, biological, student, imaging, and -instrument experiments.
- March 18, 1989
Landing
Discovery landed at Edwards after 80 Earth orbits.
Open operation record