1981 Space & Exploration Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1981 Space & Exploration Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 21 Feb Japan launches Hinotori satellite to study solar flares: On February 21, 1981, Japan launched the Hinotori satellite, also known as ASTRO-A, to study solar flares. Developed by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), the satellite was launched from the Uchinoura Space Center using a M-3S rocket. Its primary mission was to observe solar flares during the solar maximum period, contributing valuable data to the field of X-ray astronomy. source: osti.gov
- 12 Mar Soyuz T-4 mission to Salyut 6 space station: On March 12, 1981, the Soviet Union launched Soyuz T-4, carrying cosmonauts Vladimir Kovalyonok and Viktor Savinykh to the Salyut 6 space station. They docked on March 13, 1981, and spent 74 days conducting experiments and maintenance before returning to Earth on May 26, 1981. source: britannica.com
- 14 Apr First Space Shuttle Mission Concludes: NASA's first Space Shuttle mission, STS-1, concluded on April 14, 1981, with the successful landing of the orbiter Columbia at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The mission lasted 2 days, 6 hours, 20 minutes, and 53 seconds, during which Columbia completed 37 orbits around Earth. The crew, Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen, achieved all primary objectives, verifying the shuttle's performance and paving the way for future missions. source: nasa.gov
- 23 May NASA launches Intelsat V F-1 communications satellite: On May 23, 1981, NASA successfully launched the Intelsat V F-1 communications satellite, also known as Intelsat 501, into geostationary orbit. The satellite, built by Ford Aerospace, was designed to provide enhanced telecommunications capacity for the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT). It was launched aboard an Atlas SLV-3D Centaur vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Jun India's APPLE satellite launched successfully: On June 19, 1981, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its first experimental geostationary communication satellite, APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment), into orbit. The 670 kg satellite was launched aboard the Ariane-1 rocket from the Centre Spatial Guyanais in French Guiana. APPLE served as a testbed for India's telecommunications infrastructure, providing valuable experience in building and operating three-axis stabilized geostationary communication satellites. source: isro.gov.in
- 04 Aug Space Shuttle Columbia mated with SRBs and external tank for STS-2 mission: On August 4, 1981, NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia was mated with its Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and external tank in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, in preparation for the STS-2 mission. source: globalsecurity.org
- 26 Aug Space Shuttle Columbia's preparations for STS-2 mission on August 26, 1981: On August 26, 1981, NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia underwent critical preparations for its second mission, STS-2. The shuttle was mated with its external tank and solid rocket boosters in the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. Engineers completed a nine-day Shuttle Interface Test to ensure the mechanical and electrical connections between the orbiter, external tank, and solid rocket boosters were functioning correctly. This comprehensive testing was essential for verifying the shuttle's readiness for its upcoming flight. source: nasa.gov
- 20 Sep China's first triple satellite launch: On September 20, 1981, China achieved its first triple satellite launch with the deployment of the Shijian-2 satellite. This mission marked a significant advancement in China's space capabilities, demonstrating the ability to launch multiple satellites simultaneously using a single carrier rocket. source: hq.nasa.gov
- 14 Nov Second Space Shuttle Mission Completed: The second Space Shuttle mission, STS-2, was completed on November 14, 1981. The mission lasted 2 days, 6 hours, 13 minutes, and 12 seconds, with the orbiter Columbia landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The mission achieved over 90% of its objectives, including the first use of the Shuttle's remote manipulator system, despite being cut short due to a fuel cell failure. source: nasa.gov
- 15 Dec NASA launches Intelsat V satellite: On December 15, 1981, NASA successfully launched the Intelsat V satellite aboard a Space Shuttle. This satellite was part of the Intelsat series, designed to provide global telecommunications services. The launch marked a significant advancement in satellite technology and communication capabilities. source: nasa.gov
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