STS-32 SYNCOM IV-5 is deployed from Columbia’s, OV-102’s, payload bay

STS032-87-030 (10 Jan 1990) --- The Syncom IV-5 communications satellite leaves the cargo bay of Columbia, as crewmembers aboard the record-setting Space Shuttle successfully complete the first of two major tasks for STS-32. Two days later, the five astronauts successfully captured the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). The Syncom satellite, also called Leasat, is to be leased to the U.S. Navy by Hughes Aircraft Co. The crew went on to spend 11 days aboard Columbia before a successful landing at Edwards Air Force Base.