The planned five day mission was cut by nearly three days because of a failure of one of the three fuel cells that produce electricity and drinking water. During the shortened mission, 90% of the mission's objectives were achieved, including first time remote manipulator system tests. Mission scientists were also satisfied with the data from the "earthlooking" experiments in the payload bay.!
Left to right: Commander Joseph Engle, DOB: 8/26/32, Background: Col., USAF. Selected by NASA in 1966. Flew NASA flight tests. Served as Commander on 51-I. Education: B.S. in aeronautical engineering.
Pilot Richard Truly, DOB: 11/12/37, Background: Capt., USN; pilot and instructor. Selected by NASA in 1969. Member of the astronaut support crew for three Skylab missions and the Apollo Soyuz Project. Commander of STS-8. Education: B.S. in aeronautical engineering.!
12 November 1981 10:09 a.m. EST
Launch was attempted on two separate occasions. The 9 October date was scrubbed due to a chemical spill and the second attempt on 4 November was scrubbed due to an incorrect computer reading. The 12 November launch was delayed almost 3 hours for last minute changes.!
14 November 1981 1:23 p.m. PST
at Edwards AFB, CA
Mission Duration: 2 days, 6 hours, 13 minutes, 13 seconds. Completed 36 orbits. Mission was shortened by 3 days as a result of a fuel failure.!
