Space Shuttle Program

STS-61

Vehicle: Space Shuttle System | Launch Site: Launch and Landing Facility

STS-61 mission operations

Mission Overview

STS-61 was flown by the orbiter Challenger. The flight successfully fulfilled its scientific and operational objectives. The crew managed cargo bay operations, deployed payloads, and conducted scientific experiments. STS-61 remains a milestone in the history of reusable spaceflight systems.

Flight Crew & Officers

Claude Nicollier

Claude Nicollier

Crew Member Civilian
Kathryn C. Thornton

Kathryn C. Thornton

Crew Member Civilian
Richard O. Covey

Richard O. Covey

Crew Member Civilian
Story Musgrave

Story Musgrave

Crew Member Civilian
Thomas Akers

Thomas Akers

Crew Member Civilian
Jeffrey A. Hoffman

Jeffrey A. Hoffman

Crew Member Civilian
Ken Bowersox

Ken Bowersox

Crew Member Civilian

Multimedia Gallery

STS-61 launch operations photography

Official NASA historical record photography for STS-61.