Discovery STS-29 – Got a Perfect View

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In-N-Out

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Hang ‘Em High

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Slippin’ and Slidin’

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Wet ‘n Wild

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September 27, 1988: STS-29 IUS O-RING DAMAGED
A four-inch cut is found in an O-ring in the Inertial Upper Stage slated to boost a TDRS satellite from a February shuttle mission (STS-29). The cut raises momentary fears that the TDRS/IUS aboard Discovery (STS-26) also could be damaged. NASA determines that the O-ring, which is different from the one used in the Solid Rocket Boosters, was damaged during assembly, and similar damage aboard Discovery’s payload is “highly unlikely.” (Countdown, December 1988)

November 30: TDRS ARRIVES AT KSC
A Tracking and Data Relay Satellite arrived today at 9:00 a.m. EST at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. The $100 million satellite is the third member of a trio of orbiting communication satellites and is scheduled to be deployed from Discovery during its Feb. 18 mission. The satellite, manufactured by TRW Space & Defense in Redondo Beach, CA, arrived aboard a military aircraft and subsequently was delivered to the Vertical Processing Facility (VPF). (Florida Today, Nov. 30/Dec. 1, 1988 and STS-29 Press Kit)