posted 05-09-2021 02:49 PM               

Space Cover #607: Space Shuttle Mission 51-D

This week's space cover commemorates the launch and landing of Space Shuttle Mission 51-D on April 12 and April 19, 1985, at the Kennedy Space Center. The crew deployed two communications satellites TELESAT-1 (ANIK C-1) and SYNCOM 4-3 (LEASAT-3).

The sequencer on the Leasat satellite failed to activate the satellite. The mission was extended two days to make sure the sequencer start lever was in the proper position by conducting an unplanned spacewalk to affix to the remote manipulator system a device that looks like a flyswatter to snare the lever. The satellite remained inert but was salvaged on Shuttle Mission 51-I.

The crew consisted of Commander, Karol Bobko; Pilot, Don Williams; Mission Specialists, Rhea Seddon, Dave Griggs and Jeff Hoffman and Payload Specialists, Charles Walker and Jake Garn. Patrick Baudry's signature is also on the cover as he was on the original 51-D crew but bumped to 51-G.