'Cola and Solar Wars': 30 Years Since the Unlucky Success of Mission 51F (Part 2)

By Ben Evans, on July 26th, 2015

The Instrument Pointing System (IPS) was flown for the first time on Mission 51F. It would later be reflown on a pair of dedicated astronomy missions in 1990 and 1995. Photo Credit: NASA, via Joachim Becker/SpaceFacts.de

Three decades have now passed since one of the most dramatic missions—and one of the most dramatic […]

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'Going to Spain': 30 Years Since the Unlucky Success of Mission 51F (Part 1)

By Ben Evans, on July 25th, 2015

After one false start, Challenger roars into orbit on 29 July 1985, to begin the Spacelab-2 science mission. It would be one of the most dramatic near-misses in the 30-year shuttle program. Photo Credit: NASA

Thirty years ago, this week, one of the most significant Space Shuttle science missions ever undertaken hung—for the […]

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'Quiet as a Crypt': The Shuttle Launch Pad Aborts (Part 1)

By Ben Evans, on March 29th, 2014

Close-up view of Discovery’s three main engines—still exhibiting evidence of scorching from their momentary ignition on 26 June 1984—in the wake of the shuttle program’s first RSLS abort. Photo Credit: NASA

Throughout its 30-year career—consciously or unconsciously—the space shuttle was acknowledged to be one of the most dangerous piloted space vehicles ever brought […]

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'I Hope That Flight Works Out For You': 15 Years Since John Glenn's Return to Space

By Ben Evans, on October 29th, 2013

Fifteen years ago today, at age 77, John Glenn became the oldest person ever to venture into space. It is a record which still stands. Photo Credit: NASA

Fifteen years ago today (29 October), John Glenn became the oldest human ever to venture beyond the thin veil of Earth and into space. He […]

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