STS-41-D: The Maiden Voyage of Space Shuttle Discovery

On August 30, 1984, the Space Shuttle Discovery embarked on its maiden voyage, marking a significant milestone in NASA’s Space Shuttle program. This mission, designated STS-41-D, was the 12th flight of the Space Shuttle program and the first for Discovery, one of NASA’s most storied orbiters.

Background

The Space Shuttle program was developed by NASA to provide a reusable spacecraft capable of carrying astronauts and payloads to and from low Earth orbit. Discovery was the third operational orbiter to join the fleet, following Columbia and Challenger. Built by Rockwell International, Discovery was named after historic exploration ships, including the vessel used by Henry Hudson in the early 1600s.

Mission Objectives

The primary objectives of STS-41-D included:

• Deployment of Satellites: The mission was tasked with deploying three communications satellites: SBS-D for Satellite Business Systems, Telstar 3C for Telesat of Canada, and Syncom IV-2 (also known as Leasat-2) for the U.S. Navy.
• Testing of the OAST-1 Solar Array: The mission featured the deployment and testing of the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology’s solar array, a precursor to the solar panels used on the International Space Station.
• Conducting Experiments: The crew conducted various scientific experiments and technology demonstrations during the mission.

Crew

The STS-41-D mission was crewed by six astronauts:

• Henry W. Hartsfield Jr. (Commander): A veteran astronaut who previously flew on STS-4.
• Michael L. Coats (Pilot): Making his first spaceflight.
• Judith A. Resnik (Mission Specialist): The second American woman in space, tragically later lost in the Challenger disaster.
• Steven A. Hawley (Mission Specialist): Responsible for deploying the satellites.
• Richard M. Mullane (Mission Specialist): Conducted various experiments during the mission.
• Charles D. Walker (Payload Specialist): The first non-government astronaut to fly in space, representing McDonnell Douglas.

Launch and Mission Highlights

• Launch Date: August 30, 1984, at 8:41 AM EDT from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
• Duration: The mission lasted 6 days, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds.
• Orbit: Discovery orbited the Earth at an altitude of approximately 185 nautical miles.

The launch was initially delayed due to technical issues, including a problem with the main engine’s controller. However, once resolved, Discovery’s launch was successful, and the mission proceeded smoothly.

Aftermath and Significance

Discovery’s successful maiden flight demonstrated the shuttle’s capabilities and reliability, paving the way for future missions. Over its operational life, Discovery became the workhorse of the shuttle fleet, completing 39 missions, including the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope and numerous International Space Station assembly flights.

The STS-41-D mission also highlighted the growing role of women in space exploration, with Judith Resnik’s participation as a mission specialist.

Discovery was retired in 2011 and is now on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Virginia, serving as a testament to the achievements of the Space Shuttle program and its contributions to space exploration.