"6_2_2_10.TXT" (706 bytes) was created on 03-22-88

                            STS Mission 51-J
    This was the second Space Shuttle mission totally dedicated to
the Department of Defense.  Its cargo was classified.  Liftoff occurred on
October 3, 1985, at 11:15 a.m. EDT, from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy
Space Center.  The orbiter was Atlantis, making its first flight.  The mission
was classified as "Successful."  After a duration of 4 days, 1 hour and 45
minutes, Atlantis landed on Runway 23 at Edwards AFB at l:00 p.m. EDT on
October 7, 1985.
    The crew members were Karol J. "Bo" Bobko, commander; Ronald J. Grabe,
pilot; David C. Hilmers and Robert L. Stewart, mission specialists; and William
Pailes, U.S. Air Force, payload specialist.