Solar Maximum Mission
Videos
The Solar Maximum Mission satellite was designed to investigate Solar phenomena, particularly solar flares. It was launched on February 14, 1980. The SMM was the first satellite based on the Multimiss
Smm
Astronaut George Nelson attempts to capture the Solar Maximum Mission satellite during STS-41-C.
Space Shuttle Challenger
Videos
Space Shuttle Challenger was a Space Shuttle orbiter manufactured by Rockwell International and operated by NASA. Named after the commanding ship of a nineteenth-century scientific expedition that tra
Solar Maximum Mission
…compared with similar spacecraft was significantly increased by the direct intervention of a crewed space mission. During STS-41-C in April 1984, the Space Shuttle Challenger rendezvoused with the SMM, astronauts James van Hoften and George Nelson attempted to use the Manned Maneuvering Unit to capture the satellite and to…
Challenger in orbit in 1983, during STS-7
Challenger being prepared in 1985 for its penultimate flight, STS-61-A
Challenger atop a Crawler-transporter, en route to the launch site for its final flight, STS-51-L
Challenger being transported by Shuttle Carrier Aircraft 905, shortly before being delivered in 1982