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Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
15:37:00
Thursday September 29, 1988
Watch Replay
Official Livestream
Return to flight after the Space Shuttle Challenger accident.
The primary payload for the STS-26 mission, a Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS), was successfully deployed, and 11 scheduled mid-deck scientific and technological experiments were carried out. The orbiter sustained only minor Thermal Protection System tile damage, and the redesigned post-Challenger solid rocket boosters showed no signs of leakage or overheating at any of the joints.
Low Earth Orbit
21,082 kilograms
Agency
NASAPrice
$450.00 million
Rocket
Height: 56.1m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 27,500 kg
GTO: 3,810 kg
Liftoff Thrust
30,250 Kilonewtons
Stages
2
Strap-ons
2
26th
Mission
1st
Mission of 1988
95th
Orbital launch attempt