Suggested Searches

1 min read

Atlantis’ Maiden Voyage

The headshot image of NASA

NASA

May 27, 2022
Image Article
Space shuttle Atlantis lifts off for the first time on Oct. 3, 1985, for the STS-51J mission.
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.

Space shuttle Atlantis was delivered to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in April 1985.

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.

Atlantis landed at Edwards Air Force Base in Calif. on Oct. 7, 1985, after a successful four-day mission.
Image credit: NASA
Oct. 3, 1985