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Space shuttle Atlantis lifts off for the first time on Oct. 3, 1985, for the STS-51J mission.

Atlantis’ Maiden Voyage

Atlantis' first mission was STS-51J, which delivered a communications satellite for the Department of Defense. The shuttle crew also conducted studies on space motion sickness, cardiovascular deconditioning, muscle loss, changes in coordination, balance strategies, and changes in the body's biochemistry.

Image Credit: NASA

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