The STS-51-G mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery was a landmark flight that successfully launched on June 17, 1985. This mission was particularly notable for carrying Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who became the first Arab and the first Muslim in space. The shuttle lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, demonstrating not only advancements in American aerospace technology but also fostering international collaboration in space exploration.

During its mission, Discovery carried out multiple objectives, including the deployment of the Canadian Anik D2 communications satellite and the U.S. Navy's FLTSATCOM satellite. The mission also involved various scientific experiments aimed at enhancing our understanding of microgravity's effects on different materials and biological organisms. Sultan bin Salman, serving as a payload specialist, contributed to these experiments, illustrating the potential for diverse participation in space science from different cultures.

The STS-51-G mission lasted approximately 7 days, during which the crew completed over 100 orbits around Earth. This successful mission not only highlighted the advancements in space technology at the time but also opened doors for future Arab involvement in space programs, showcasing a growing interest in space exploration among nations beyond the traditional space-faring countries.