STS-43, the ninth mission for Space Shuttle Atlantis, was a nine-day mission whose primary goal was launching the TDRS-E satellite (TDRS-5). The flight also tested an advanced heatpipe radiator for potential use on the then-future space station and conducted a variety of medical and materials science investigations.
Atlantis deploying TDRS-E.
Shannon Lucid, James C. Adamson, John E. Blaha, G. David Low, Michael A. BakerSpace Shuttle program← STS-40 (41)STS-48 (43) →
Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis from the Kennedy Space Center
TDRS-E deployment from STS-43
Space Shuttle Atlantis is a retired Space Shuttle orbiter vehicle which belongs to NASA, the spaceflight and space exploration agency of the United States. Atlantis was manufactured by the Rockwell International company in Southern California and was delivered to the Kennedy Space Center in Eastern Florida in April 1985. Atlantis is also the fourth operational and the second-to-last Space Shuttle built. Its maiden flight was STS-51-J made from October 3 to 7, 1985.
Atlantis in orbit in 2010, during STS-132
Space Shuttle Atlantis as it transits the Sun
Melted aluminum plating on Atlantis's right wing underside (STS-27)
Atlantis docked to the International Space Station during STS-132 mission