STS-51A / Discovery Patch
This was Space Shuttle Discovery's second mission in space. It was the first flight ever to deploy two communications satellites and retrieve two other disabled satellites. The Canadian communications satellite Anik D-2 (Telesat H) and the Hughes 1 (Leasat 4-1) were deployed into geosynchronous orbits. Mission Specialists Joseph Allen and Dale Gardner, wearing their jet-propelled Manned Maneuvering Units, successfully retrieved the Palapa B-2 and Westar-6 satellites. With help of Mission Specialist Anna Fisher who operated the Canadian-built Remote Manipulator Systems, the astronauts successfully grappled the two satellites into the payload bay. Space Shuttle Discovery landed at Kennedy Space Center, FL on November 16 at 8:00 AM EST. Mission duration was seven days, 23 hours and 45 minutes. Space Shuttle Discovery traveled 3.3 million miles in 127 orbits. Patch description: The Space Shuttle Discovery en route to Earth orbit for NASA's 51-A mission is reminiscent of a soaring Eagle. The red and white trailing stripes and the blue background, along with the presence of the Eagle, generate memories of America's 208 year-old history and traditions. The two satellites orbiting the Earth backgrounded amidst a celestial scene are a universal representation of the versatility of the Space Shuttle. White lettering against the blue border lists the surnames of the five-member crew. 4" diameter embroidered patch. Availability: Usually ships within one business day.
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