{"id":182022,"date":"2025-03-04T04:23:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T18:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?p=828909"},"modified":"2025-03-04T04:23:07","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T18:23:07","slug":"35-years-ago-sts-36-flies-a-dedicated-department-of-defense-mission","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=182022","title":{"rendered":"35 Years Ago: STS-36 Flies a Dedicated Department of Defense Mission"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>On Feb. 28, 1990, space shuttle Atlantis took off from NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on STS-36, the sixth shuttle mission dedicated to the Department of Defense. As such, many of the details of the flight remain classified. The mission marked the 34<sup>th<\/sup> flight of the space shuttle, the sixth for Atlantis, and the fourth night launch of the program. The crew of Commander <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/creighton_john.pdf?emrc=67c600bea7d1e\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">John Creighton<\/a>, Pilot <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/casper_john.pdf?emrc=67c600bea7ea0\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">John Casper<\/a>, Mission Specialists <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/mullane_richard.pdf?emrc=67c600bea8016\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mike Mullane<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/hilmers_david.pdf?emrc=67c600bea8186\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">David Hilmers<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/thuot_pierre.pdf?emrc=67c600bea82f4\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pierre Thuot<\/a> flew Atlantis to the highest inclination orbit of any human spaceflight to date. During the four-day mission, the astronauts deployed a classified satellite, ending with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-1-crew-photo-sts036-s-002.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Group photograph of five astronauts wearing blue suits posed in front of a space shuttle on the pad.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-1-crew-photo-sts036-s-002.jpg 4000w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-1-crew-photo-sts036-s-002.jpg?resize=300,240 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-1-crew-photo-sts036-s-002.jpg?resize=768,614 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-1-crew-photo-sts036-s-002.jpg?resize=1024,819 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-1-crew-photo-sts036-s-002.jpg?resize=1536,1229 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-1-crew-photo-sts036-s-002.jpg?resize=2048,1638 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-1-crew-photo-sts036-s-002.jpg?resize=400,320 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-1-crew-photo-sts036-s-002.jpg?resize=600,480 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-1-crew-photo-sts036-s-002.jpg?resize=900,720 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-1-crew-photo-sts036-s-002.jpg?resize=1200,960 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-1-crew-photo-sts036-s-002.jpg?resize=2000,1600 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The STS-36 crew, from left, was Mission Specialist Pierre Thuot, left, Pilot John Casper, Commander John Creighton, and Mission Specialists Mike Mullane and David Hilmers.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Circular mission patch with an image of the head of a bald eagle with a space shuttle lifting off. The names of the astronauts are written around the border of the patch.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg 5937w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=1024,1024 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=1536,1536 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=2048,2048 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=900,900 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=1200,1200 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-2-crew-patch-s89-20157.jpg?resize=2000,2000 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The STS-36 crew patch. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>In February 1989, NASA assigned astronauts Creighton, Casper, Mullane, Hilmers, and Thuot to the STS-36 mission. The mission marked the second spaceflight for Creighton, selected as an astronaut in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/45-years-ago-nasa-selects-35-new-astronauts\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1978<\/a>. He previously served as the pilot on STS-51G. Mullane, also from the class of 1978, previously flew on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/40-years-ago-sts-41d-first-flight-of-space-shuttle-discovery\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">STS-41D<\/a> and STS-27, while Hilmers, from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/40-years-ago-preparations-continue-for-sts-1-2\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">class of 1980<\/a>, previously flew on STS-51J and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/35-years-ago-sts-26-returns-the-space-shuttle-to-flight\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">STS-26<\/a>. For Casper and Thuot, selected as astronauts in the classes of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/40-years-ago-nasa-selects-its-10th-group-of-astronauts\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1984<\/a> and 1985, respectively, STS-36 marked their first trip into space.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"620\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-3-preflight-s89-47966.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A group photo of five astronauts wearing orange spacesuits without helmets, standing in front of space shuttle trainer.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-3-preflight-s89-47966.jpg 5575w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-3-preflight-s89-47966.jpg?resize=300,182 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-3-preflight-s89-47966.jpg?resize=768,465 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-3-preflight-s89-47966.jpg?resize=1024,620 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-3-preflight-s89-47966.jpg?resize=1536,931 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-3-preflight-s89-47966.jpg?resize=2048,1241 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-3-preflight-s89-47966.jpg?resize=400,242 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-3-preflight-s89-47966.jpg?resize=600,364 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-3-preflight-s89-47966.jpg?resize=900,545 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-3-preflight-s89-47966.jpg?resize=1200,727 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-3-preflight-s89-47966.jpg?resize=2000,1212 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The STS-36 crew poses outside the crew compartment trainer at NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"812\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-4-rollout-s90-30489.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Aerial view of a space shuttle being transported on a crawler from the assembly building visible in the background to the launch pad.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 53% 95%; object-position: 53% 95%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-4-rollout-s90-30489.jpg 5392w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-4-rollout-s90-30489.jpg?resize=300,238 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-4-rollout-s90-30489.jpg?resize=768,609 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-4-rollout-s90-30489.jpg?resize=1024,812 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-4-rollout-s90-30489.jpg?resize=1536,1219 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-4-rollout-s90-30489.jpg?resize=2048,1625 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-4-rollout-s90-30489.jpg?resize=400,317 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-4-rollout-s90-30489.jpg?resize=600,476 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-4-rollout-s90-30489.jpg?resize=900,714 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-4-rollout-s90-30489.jpg?resize=1200,952 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-4-rollout-s90-30489.jpg?resize=2000,1587 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Space shuttle Atlantis during the rollout to Launch Pad 39A at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-5-crew-in-shuttle-trainer.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Group photo of five astronauts wearing orange space suits with helmets in a space shuttle cockpit simulator\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 67% 72%; object-position: 67% 72%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-5-crew-in-shuttle-trainer.jpg 1362w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-5-crew-in-shuttle-trainer.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-5-crew-in-shuttle-trainer.jpg?resize=768,511 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-5-crew-in-shuttle-trainer.jpg?resize=1024,681 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-5-crew-in-shuttle-trainer.jpg?resize=400,266 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-5-crew-in-shuttle-trainer.jpg?resize=600,399 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-5-crew-in-shuttle-trainer.jpg?resize=900,599 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-5-crew-in-shuttle-trainer.jpg?resize=1200,798 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The STS-36 crew participates in a simulation.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"902\" height=\"647\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-6-creighton-casper-in-sms.jpg?w=902\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"View of inside of shuttle cockpit simulator with two astronauts in the commander&#039;s and pilot&#039;s seats.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-6-creighton-casper-in-sms.jpg 902w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-6-creighton-casper-in-sms.jpg?resize=300,215 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-6-creighton-casper-in-sms.jpg?resize=768,551 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-6-creighton-casper-in-sms.jpg?resize=400,287 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-6-creighton-casper-in-sms.jpg?resize=600,430 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-6-creighton-casper-in-sms.jpg?resize=900,646 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 902px) 100vw, 902px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">STS-36 Commander John Creighton and Pilot John Casper in the shuttle simulator. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"811\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-7-crew-walkout-photo.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Five astronauts wearing orange spacesuits walk out of a building.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 54% 66%; object-position: 54% 66%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-7-crew-walkout-photo.jpg 1048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-7-crew-walkout-photo.jpg?resize=300,238 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-7-crew-walkout-photo.jpg?resize=768,608 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-7-crew-walkout-photo.jpg?resize=1024,811 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-7-crew-walkout-photo.jpg?resize=400,317 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-7-crew-walkout-photo.jpg?resize=600,475 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-7-crew-walkout-photo.jpg?resize=900,713 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The STS-36 crew exits crew quarters for the ride to Launch Pad 39A.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Atlantis returned from its previous flight, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/35-years-ago-sts-34-sends-galileo-on-its-way-to-jupiter\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">STS-34<\/a>, in October 1989. The orbiter spent a then-record 75 days in the processing facility and assembly building, rolling out to Launch Pad 39A on Jan. 25, 1990. The astronauts arrived on Feb. 18 for the planned launch four days later. First Creighton, then Casper and Hilmers, came down with colds, delaying the launch to Feb. 25. Weather and hardware problems pushed the launch back to Feb. 28, giving the astronauts time to return to Houston for some simulator training. On launch day, winds and rain delayed the liftoff for more than two hours before launch controllers gave Atlantis the go to launch.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\">\n<div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Photograph of a shuttle taking off at night.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 55% 0%; object-position: 55% 0%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg 4167w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=1024,1024 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=1536,1536 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=2048,2048 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=900,900 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=1200,1200 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-8-launch-s36-s-006.jpg?resize=2000,2000 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Liftoff of space shuttle Atlantis on STS-36. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>With mere seconds remaining in the launch window, Atlantis lifted off at 2:50 a.m. EST Feb. 28, to begin the STS-36 mission. Atlantis flew an unusual dog leg maneuver during ascent to achieve the mission\u2019s 62-degree inclination. Once Atlantis reached orbit, the classified nature prevented any more detailed public coverage of the mission. The astronauts likely deployed the classified satellite on the mission\u2019s second day. During the remainder of their mission, the astronauts conducted several experiments and photographed preselected areas and targets of opportunity on planet Earth. Their high-inclination orbit enabled them to photograph areas not usually seen by shuttle crews.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"670\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-9-inflight-crew-photo-flight-deck-s36-21-032.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A group photo of five astronauts wearing different color polo shirts on the flight deck of a space shuttle.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-9-inflight-crew-photo-flight-deck-s36-21-032.jpg 4316w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-9-inflight-crew-photo-flight-deck-s36-21-032.jpg?resize=300,196 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-9-inflight-crew-photo-flight-deck-s36-21-032.jpg?resize=768,503 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-9-inflight-crew-photo-flight-deck-s36-21-032.jpg?resize=1024,670 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-9-inflight-crew-photo-flight-deck-s36-21-032.jpg?resize=1536,1005 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-9-inflight-crew-photo-flight-deck-s36-21-032.jpg?resize=2048,1340 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-9-inflight-crew-photo-flight-deck-s36-21-032.jpg?resize=400,262 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-9-inflight-crew-photo-flight-deck-s36-21-032.jpg?resize=600,393 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-9-inflight-crew-photo-flight-deck-s36-21-032.jpg?resize=900,589 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-9-inflight-crew-photo-flight-deck-s36-21-032.jpg?resize=1200,785 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-9-inflight-crew-photo-flight-deck-s36-21-032.jpg?resize=2000,1309 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">In-flight photo of the STS-36 crew on Atlantis\u2019 flight deck.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"662\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-10-hilmers-thuot-casper-on-orbit-ops.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Photo of three astronauts floating in different orientations and working in the shuttle middeck.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 52% 79%; object-position: 52% 79%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-10-hilmers-thuot-casper-on-orbit-ops.jpg 1185w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-10-hilmers-thuot-casper-on-orbit-ops.jpg?resize=300,194 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-10-hilmers-thuot-casper-on-orbit-ops.jpg?resize=768,496 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-10-hilmers-thuot-casper-on-orbit-ops.jpg?resize=1024,662 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-10-hilmers-thuot-casper-on-orbit-ops.jpg?resize=400,259 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-10-hilmers-thuot-casper-on-orbit-ops.jpg?resize=600,388 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-10-hilmers-thuot-casper-on-orbit-ops.jpg?resize=900,582 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">STS-36 crew members David Hilmers, left, Pierre Thuot, and John Casper work in the shuttle\u2019s middeck. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"675\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-11-mullane-w-camera-s36-03-013.jpg?w=675\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Photograph of an astronaut wearing an orange T-shirt taking a picture through a shuttle window.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 55% 38%; object-position: 55% 38%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-11-mullane-w-camera-s36-03-013.jpg 2672w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-11-mullane-w-camera-s36-03-013.jpg?resize=198,300 198w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-11-mullane-w-camera-s36-03-013.jpg?resize=768,1166 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-11-mullane-w-camera-s36-03-013.jpg?resize=675,1024 675w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-11-mullane-w-camera-s36-03-013.jpg?resize=1012,1536 1012w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-11-mullane-w-camera-s36-03-013.jpg?resize=1350,2048 1350w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-11-mullane-w-camera-s36-03-013.jpg?resize=264,400 264w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-11-mullane-w-camera-s36-03-013.jpg?resize=395,600 395w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-11-mullane-w-camera-s36-03-013.jpg?resize=593,900 593w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-11-mullane-w-camera-s36-03-013.jpg?resize=791,1200 791w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-11-mullane-w-camera-s36-03-013.jpg?resize=1318,2000 1318w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Mission Specialist Mike Mullane takes photographs from Atlantis\u2019 flight deck.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"454\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-12-earth-obs-greenland-sts036-75-37.jpg?w=454\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"View from space of a snow and ice covered area (Greenland).\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 54% 30%; object-position: 54% 30%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-12-earth-obs-greenland-sts036-75-37.jpg 454w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-12-earth-obs-greenland-sts036-75-37.jpg?resize=300,294 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-12-earth-obs-greenland-sts036-75-37.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-12-earth-obs-greenland-sts036-75-37.jpg?resize=400,392 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 454px) 100vw, 454px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">A selection of crew Earth observation photographs from STS-36. The coast of Greenland.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?w=1021\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A nighttime view from space of a large city (New York).\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg 2816w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=768,770 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=1021,1024 1021w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=1532,1536 1532w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=2042,2048 2042w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=598,600 598w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=897,900 897w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=1197,1200 1197w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-13-earth-obs-new-york-city-at-night-s36-39-014.jpg?resize=1994,2000 1994w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">New York City at night.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A view from space of the Nile River and Cairo, Egypt.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 48% 61%; object-position: 48% 61%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg 6587w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=1024,1024 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=1536,1536 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=2048,2048 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=900,900 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=1200,1200 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-14-earth-obs-cairo-incl-pyramids-sts036-151-103.jpg?resize=2000,2000 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The Nile River including Cairo and the Giza pyramids<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"445\" height=\"472\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-15-earth-obs-antarctica-sts036-75-34.jpg?w=445\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A view from space of ice and snow covered coastline (Antarctica).\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-15-earth-obs-antarctica-sts036-75-34.jpg 445w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-15-earth-obs-antarctica-sts036-75-34.jpg?resize=283,300 283w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-15-earth-obs-antarctica-sts036-75-34.jpg?resize=377,400 377w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 445px) 100vw, 445px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The coast of Antarctica. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"899\" height=\"598\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-16-landing-prep.jpg?w=899\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"View of an astronaut aboard a space shuttle arranging silver colored drink bags.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-16-landing-prep.jpg 899w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-16-landing-prep.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-16-landing-prep.jpg?resize=768,511 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-16-landing-prep.jpg?resize=400,266 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-16-landing-prep.jpg?resize=600,399 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 899px) 100vw, 899px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">John Creighton prepares drink bags for prelanding hydration. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A space shuttle landing in the desert.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg 4566w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=1024,1024 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=1536,1536 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=2048,2048 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=900,900 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=1200,1200 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-17-landing-s36-s-011.jpg?resize=2000,2000 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Atlantis touches down at Edwards Air Force Base in California. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Five astronauts wearing blue flight suits descend the steps from the space shuttle onto the runway, greeted by officials.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 37%; object-position: 50% 37%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg 4608w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=1024,1024 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=1536,1536 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=2048,2048 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=900,900 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=1200,1200 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sts-36-18-crew-egress-s36-s-008.jpg?resize=2000,2000 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">NASA officials greet the STS-36 astronauts as they exit Atlantis.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>To maintain the mission\u2019s confidentiality, NASA could reveal the touchdown time only 24 hours prior to the event. On March 4, Creighton and Casper brought Atlantis to a smooth landing at Edwards Air Force Base after 72 orbits of the Earth and a flight of four days, 10 hours, and 18 minutes. About an hour after touchdown, the astronaut crew exited Atlantis for the ride to crew quarters and the flight back to Houston. Later in the day, ground crews prepared Atlantis for the ferry ride back to Kennedy. Atlantis left Edwards on March 10 and three days later arrived at Kennedy, where workers began to prepare it for its next flight, STS-38 in November 1990.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-related-articles\">\n<section class=\"hds-related-articles padding-x-0 padding-y-3 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n<div class=\"w-100 grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0 text-align-left\">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\">\n<h2 style=\"max-width: 100%;\" class=\"width-full w-full maxw-full\">Explore More<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/40-years-ago-sts-4-columbias-final-orbital-flight-test\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg?resize=300,240 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg?resize=768,614 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg?resize=400,320 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg?resize=600,480 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg?resize=900,720 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">14 min read<\/div>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\">\n<h3 class=\"related-article-title\">40 Years Ago: STS-4, Columbia\u2019s Final Orbital Flight Test<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3 years ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/johnson\/40-years-ago-sts-51c-the-first-dedicated-department-of-defense-shuttle-mission\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sts-51c-1-crew-photo-s84-43708.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sts-51c-1-crew-photo-s84-43708.jpg 8148w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sts-51c-1-crew-photo-s84-43708.jpg?resize=300,240 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sts-51c-1-crew-photo-s84-43708.jpg?resize=768,614 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sts-51c-1-crew-photo-s84-43708.jpg?resize=1024,819 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sts-51c-1-crew-photo-s84-43708.jpg?resize=1536,1229 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sts-51c-1-crew-photo-s84-43708.jpg?resize=2048,1638 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sts-51c-1-crew-photo-s84-43708.jpg?resize=400,320 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sts-51c-1-crew-photo-s84-43708.jpg?resize=600,480 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sts-51c-1-crew-photo-s84-43708.jpg?resize=900,720 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sts-51c-1-crew-photo-s84-43708.jpg?resize=1200,960 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sts-51c-1-crew-photo-s84-43708.jpg?resize=2000,1600 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">6 min read<\/div>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\">\n<h3 class=\"related-article-title\">40 Years Ago: STS-51C, the First Dedicated Department of Defense Shuttle Mission<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 month ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/40-years-ago-nasa-selects-its-10th-group-of-astronauts\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/group-10-1-group-photo-jul-2-1984-s84-36949.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/group-10-1-group-photo-jul-2-1984-s84-36949.jpg 3859w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/group-10-1-group-photo-jul-2-1984-s84-36949.jpg?resize=300,191 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/group-10-1-group-photo-jul-2-1984-s84-36949.jpg?resize=768,490 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/group-10-1-group-photo-jul-2-1984-s84-36949.jpg?resize=1024,654 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/group-10-1-group-photo-jul-2-1984-s84-36949.jpg?resize=1536,980 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/group-10-1-group-photo-jul-2-1984-s84-36949.jpg?resize=2048,1307 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/group-10-1-group-photo-jul-2-1984-s84-36949.jpg?resize=400,255 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/group-10-1-group-photo-jul-2-1984-s84-36949.jpg?resize=600,383 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/group-10-1-group-photo-jul-2-1984-s84-36949.jpg?resize=900,574 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/group-10-1-group-photo-jul-2-1984-s84-36949.jpg?resize=1200,766 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/group-10-1-group-photo-jul-2-1984-s84-36949.jpg?resize=2000,1276 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">18 min read<\/div>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\">\n<h3 class=\"related-article-title\">40 Years Ago: NASA Selects its 10th Group of Astronauts<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t9 months ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On Feb. 28, 1990, space shuttle Atlantis took off from NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on STS-36, the sixth shuttle mission dedicated to the Department of Defense. As such, many of the details of the flight remain classified. The mission marked the 34th flight of the space shuttle, the sixth for Atlantis, and the [\u2026]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":1,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15634,15639],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-182022","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-johnson-space-center","category-nasa-history"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182022","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=182022"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182022\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":182435,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182022\/revisions\/182435"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=182022"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=182022"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=182022"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}