Photo: Bill Ingalls · Public domain (US government)
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About this launch
STS-61-B was the twenty-third space shuttle mission and the second for the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The shuttle was launched for Kennedy Space Center and the shuttle deployed three communicates satellites. It also tested techniques for constructing structures in orbit. This mission marked the…
Where to watch
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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 →
MissionCommunications · LEO
Communications · LEO
What it put in orbit8 catalogued objects, 3 of them satellites
| Object | Type | Orbit | Globe |
|---|---|---|---|
| STS 61B 1985-109A | Payload | re-entered 1985-12-03 | |
| MORELOS 2 1985-109B | Payload | 35967 × 36006 km · 14.8° | Globe |
| OPTUS A2 (AUSSAT 2) 1985-109C | Payload | 35854 × 35905 km · 13.3° | Globe |
| SATCOM K2 1985-109D | Payload | 35909 × 36036 km · 14.7° | Globe |
| STS 61B OEX TARGET 1985-109E | Payload | re-entered 1987-03-02 | |
| MORELOS 2 R/B [PAM-D] 1985-109F | Rocket body | 341 × 34291 km · 25.5° | Globe |
| OPTUS A2 R/B [PAM-D] 1985-109G | Rocket body | 324 × 34150 km · 25.9° | Globe |
| SATCOM K2 R/B [PAM-D2] 1985-109H | Rocket body | 377 × 33660 km · 26.6° | Globe |
COSPAR ID 1985-109. Orbits from the CelesTrak satellite catalogue (perigee × apogee, inclination).
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