The first STS operational mission succeeded in the deployment of two commercial communications satellites. Each was equipped with a propulsion solid rocket motor which successfully placed the satellites in a high orbit. Three Shuttle Student Involvement Program experiments were conducted. The first scheduled Shuttle spacewalk was cancelled due to a malfunction of the space suit.!
Left to right: Mission Specialist Joseph Allen, DOB: 6/27/37, Background: Worked at NASA in various administrative roles. Mission specialist on 51-A. Education: B.A. in math-physics; Ph.D. in physics.
Commander Vance Brand, DOB: 5/9/31, Background: Selected by NASA in 1966. Flew on Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. Commanded 41-B and STS-35. Education: B.S. degrees in aeronautical engineering and business; M.S. in business administration.
Pilot Robert Overmyer, DOB: 7/14/36, Background: Col., USMC. Selected by NASA in 1969. Served as NASA engineer and CAPCOM. Commander on 51-B. Education: B.S. in physics; M.S. in aeronautics.
Mission Specialist William Lenoir, DOB: 3/14/39, Background: Selected by NASA in 1967. Served as backup science-pilot for Skylab 3 and 4. Served as leader of the NASA Satellite Power Team. Education: Ph.D. in electrical engineering.!
