Photo: Bill Ingalls · Public domain (US government)
Replay the flight in 3D
About this launch
STS-51-J was the twenty-first space shuttle mission and the maiden flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It was the second mission dedicated to deploying a Department of Defence payload. It was a classified mission however we do know that it deployed two 10 satellites.
Where to watch
Replay Launch webcastMore about this launch
Flight profileThe climb, seen from the side · 3D replay on the globe
Launch window and padKennedy Space Center, FL, USA
- Site
- Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
Rocket and boosterSpace Shuttle
- Vehicle
- Space Shuttle
Space Shuttle: specs, record and next flights → Lockheed: all its launches →
MissionGovernment/Top Secret · LEO
Government/Top Secret · LEO
What it put in orbit5 catalogued objects, 2 of them satellites
| Object | Type | Orbit | Globe |
|---|---|---|---|
| STS 51J 1985-092A | Payload | re-entered 1985-10-07 | |
| USA 11 1985-092B | Payload | 36035 × 36074 km · 14.3° | Globe |
| USA 12 1985-092C | Payload | 36136 × 36165 km · 14.2° | Globe |
| IUS R/B(1) 1985-092D | Rocket body | 482 × 35360 km · 25.2° | Globe |
| IUS R/B(2) 1985-092E | Rocket body | 35325 × 35795 km · 9.8° | Globe |
COSPAR ID 1985-092. Orbits from the CelesTrak satellite catalogue (perigee × apogee, inclination).
Support NextLiftoff The site has no ads. If it's useful to you, a small tip helps pay for the server.