Space Shuttle Atlantis’ Historic Mission: A Deep Dive into STS-36
On February 28, 1990, the Space Shuttle Atlantis embarked on a significant mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission, designated STS-36, was the sixth shuttle flight dedicated to the Department of Defense. Due to its classified nature, many specifics of the mission remain undisclosed. This flight marked the 34th time a space shuttle was launched, and it was the sixth mission for Atlantis. Notably, it was also the fourth nighttime launch in the shuttle program’s history.
The crew for this mission consisted of Commander John Creighton, Pilot John Casper, and Mission Specialists Mike Mullane, David Hilmers, and Pierre Thuot. These astronauts undertook a journey that took them to the highest inclination orbit ever achieved by a human spaceflight at that time. During the four-day mission, their primary task was to deploy a classified satellite, concluding with a successful landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The Crew and Their Backgrounds
In February 1989, NASA selected an experienced team for the STS-36 mission. John Creighton, an astronaut since 1978, was chosen as the mission’s commander. This mission marked his second venture into space, having previously served as the pilot on STS-51G. Mike Mullane, also selected in the 1978 class, had already flown on two missions, STS-41D and STS-27. David Hilmers, from the 1980 astronaut class, had prior experience on STS-51J and STS-26. For John Casper and Pierre Thuot, both selected in the mid-1980s, STS-36 was their first journey into space.
Pre-Mission Preparations
Before embarking on STS-36, Atlantis returned from its previous mission, STS-34, in October 1989. Following its return, Atlantis underwent extensive maintenance and preparation, spending 75 days in the processing facility and assembly building. This period set a record for the longest time spent in processing for the shuttle. It was then transported to Launch Pad 39A on January 25, 1990, in anticipation of its upcoming mission.
The astronauts arrived on February 18, expecting a launch four days later. However, unforeseen circumstances delayed the mission. First, Creighton, followed by Casper and Hilmers, caught colds, postponing the launch to February 25. Further complications due to weather and hardware issues pushed the launch date to February 28. These delays allowed the astronauts to return to Houston, where they engaged in additional simulator training.
Launch Day and the Mission’s Progress
On the day of the launch, adverse weather conditions including winds and rain led to a delay of over two hours. Despite these challenges, the launch controllers eventually gave the green light, and Atlantis lifted off at 2:50 a.m. EST on February 28. The shuttle executed an unusual ascent maneuver, known as a "dog leg," to reach the mission’s required 62-degree orbital inclination.
Once Atlantis entered orbit, the classified nature of the mission meant that public updates were limited. It is believed that the crew deployed the classified satellite on the mission’s second day. For the rest of the mission, the astronauts conducted various experiments and captured photographs of specific areas and targets on Earth, utilizing their high-inclination orbit to capture images of regions not typically visible to shuttle crews.
Concluding the Mission
Due to the classified aspects of the mission, NASA maintained a high level of confidentiality, announcing the landing time only 24 hours in advance. On March 4, Atlantis successfully landed at Edwards Air Force Base, completing 72 orbits around Earth over four days, 10 hours, and 18 minutes. Approximately an hour post-landing, the crew disembarked from Atlantis, heading to crew quarters before returning to Houston.
Following the mission, ground crews promptly began preparing Atlantis for its next assignment. The shuttle departed Edwards on March 10, arriving at Kennedy Space Center three days later. Once there, preparations commenced for its subsequent mission, STS-38, scheduled for November 1990.
The Impact and Legacy of STS-36
The STS-36 mission is a testament to NASA’s ability to execute complex and classified missions in collaboration with the Department of Defense. This mission demonstrated the versatility and capability of the space shuttle program to undertake highly specialized tasks. While the specifics of the mission remain largely classified, the successful completion of the flight underscores the critical role of the space shuttle in national defense initiatives during that era.
Understanding Inclination in Space Missions
For those unfamiliar with space mission terminology, "inclination" refers to the tilt of a spacecraft’s orbit relative to Earth’s equator. An inclination of 0 degrees means the orbit aligns with the equator, while an inclination of 90 degrees would be a polar orbit, passing over both poles. The 62-degree inclination achieved by Atlantis allowed the crew to access a broader range of latitudes and capture images of areas not typically observed by other missions, enhancing the strategic value of the mission.
Final Thoughts
While much about STS-36 remains under wraps, the mission’s successful execution highlights the collaboration between NASA and defense agencies to achieve complex objectives in space. As we look back at this historical mission, it serves as a reminder of the pivotal role space exploration plays in both scientific advancement and national security.
For more detailed information on this mission and others, you can visit NASA’s official website.
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