STS-43
TDRS-5 deployment and an extended communications and technology mission
STS-43 deployed TDRS-E, redesignated TDRS-5 in orbit, to strengthen NASA's geosynchronous tracking and data-relay network. Atlantis's crew also tested advanced communications equipment, conducted materials and life-science research, photographed Earth, and completed the first nine-day flight by that .
Mission dossier
Flight profile, locations, hardware, and outcome in the same reference format used throughout the archive.
Flight profile
- Launch
- August 2, 1991
- Landing
- August 11, 1991
- Mission duration
- 8d 21h 21m
Places and recovery
Mission record
- Vehicle
- STS-43 flight stack
- Orbiter
- Space Shuttle Atlantis
- 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 Atlantis mission that deployed the TDRS-5 communications satellite.
Assignment Manifest
The flight crew and the backup team assigned to train for this mission.
Prime crew
5 assignments
George David Lowprime crewMission SpecialistLaunched August 2, 1991Returned August 11, 19918d 21h 21mMission Specialist aboard STS-43 flight stack.Open astronaut archive
James C. Adamsonprime crewMission SpecialistLaunched August 2, 1991Returned August 11, 19918d 21h 21mMission Specialist aboard STS-43 flight stack.Open astronaut archive
John E. Blahaprime crewCommanderLaunched August 2, 1991Returned August 11, 19918d 21h 21mCommander aboard STS-43 flight stack.Open astronaut archive
Michael A. Bakerprime crewPilotLaunched August 2, 1991Returned August 11, 19918d 21h 21mPilot aboard STS-43 flight stack.Open astronaut archive
Shannon W. Lucidprime crewMission SpecialistLaunched August 2, 1991Returned August 11, 19918d 21h 21mMission Specialist aboard STS-43 flight stack.Open astronaut archiveMission Purpose
2 sources- Launch Atlantis and its crew safely into .
- Space Shuttle Atlantis mission that deployed the TDRS-5 communications satellite.
- Complete the mission's assigned payload, , research, deployment, servicing, or logistics work.
- Return Atlantis and the landing crew safely to Earth.
Planned Flight Plan
2 sources- Ascent
Atlantis launch
STS-43 was planned to launch from Kennedy Space Center aboard its mission-specific shuttle stack.
- On orbit
Primary mission operations
Space Shuttle Atlantis mission that deployed the TDRS-5 communications satellite.
- Entry and landing
return
Atlantis was scheduled to deorbit, reenter, and complete an unpowered runway landing.
- August 2, 1991
STS-43 launches
STS-43 flight stack departs Kennedy Space Center and enters the planned orbit.
Mission Timeline
2 sources- August 2, 1991
Launch
Atlantis began a nine-day satellite and technology mission.
- Flight day 1
TDRS-E deployed
The spacecraft and IUS departed the payload bay for geosynchronous transfer.
- On orbit
Communications tests
The crew exercised new voice, video, and data systems alongside research payloads.
- August 11, 1991
Kennedy landing
Atlantis completed its longest mission to that date in Florida.
Open operation record