Successful Launch of Space Shuttle Columbia STS-3
March 22nd, 1982
March 22nd, 1982
How Long Ago?
42 years, 11 months, 21 days ago
Location
Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
Category
Space Exploration
People
- Ken Bowersox
- George Nelson
- Jack Lousma
- Gordon Fullerton
- William Thornton
Links & References
Tags
Successful Launch of Space Shuttle Columbia STS-3
NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia was launched for its third mission, STS-3, from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This launch was significant as it involved testing various systems for future missions and conducting scientific experiments. STS-3's primary objectives included deploying the Large Deployable Reflector (LDR), which was a major technology demonstration. The mission lasted a total of 6 days, showcasing advances in reusable spacecraft technology and contributing to our understanding of space operations.
First flight of Columbia since November 1981
Mission lasted six days in low Earth orbit
Tested new technologies for future missions
Involved deployment of Large Deployable Reflector
What Happened?
NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia entered the sky on its third mission, STS-3, launching from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Liftoff occurred at 6:00 AM EST, marking the third trip for Columbia since its debut in 1981. This mission was notable for the deployment of the Large Deployable Reflector (LDR), a significant tool for testing new technologies in the realm of satellite communications and space observation. The LDR would help NASA understand how large reflectors could be used in future missions for a range of scientific purposes, including planetary and Earth observation.
During its six-day mission in orbit, the Space Shuttle Columbia crew conducted several experiments, including those focused on materials science and fluid mechanics. Astronauts included Jack Lousma, who served as commander, and Gordon Fullerton, the pilot, among other key personnel. The mission took place after the initial triumphs of the Shuttle program demonstrated the ability to reuse spacecraft, thus laying the foundation for future economic and operational efficiencies in space travel. Columbia orbited the Earth 98 times over the course of its flight.
STS-3 contributed significantly to the understanding and operation of reusable spacecraft by test-flying new systems and techniques. The mission provided critical data on the performance of shuttle systems under various conditions in space. Moreover, a successful landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California on March 30 concluded the mission, enhancing NASA’s operational procedures for future flights, especially concerning landing techniques.
Why Does it Matter?
The successful launch of STS-3 is interesting because it was pivotal in demonstrating the viability of the Space Shuttle program and the utility of reusable spacecraft. This mission not only advanced technical knowledge but also opened doors for subsequent missions in the shuttle program, facilitating a new era of space exploration, which would include more intricate scientific experiments and collaborative projects with international partners. The data collected would inform future advancements and set benchmarks for engineering standards in upcoming shuttle missions.
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