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NASA
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Mission Report

MR-007

Anik, Palapa, Bob, Rick, John, Norman and Sally: STS-7

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STS-7 orbiter Challenger photographed by free-flying Shuttle Pallet Satellite (SPAS) camera

STS-7 Is Unqualified Success

The first full photographs of a space shuttle in orbit, the launching of two commercial satellites for international customers, and the flight of America's first woman in space were among the unique highlights of STS-7, a six day mission for orbiter Challenger from June 18 to June 24, 1983. The shuttle's third working mission was a solid success, and like all of the early shuttle flights, passed new milestones for the Space Transportation System while adding to its list of proven capabilities.
    Commanding Challenger on its second trip into space was Robert L. Crippen, who had also been aboard STS-1 in April, 1981, and so became the first shuttle astronaut to be "recycled" to another flight.  STS-7's five-member crew was the largest group ever launched into space at one time.  Frederick (Rick) H. Hauck acted as pilot, and mission specialists were John M. Fabian, Norman E. Thagard and Sally K. Ride who also earned the distinction of becoming the first American woman to go into space.  
    Back in Challenger's cargo bay were four principal payloads.  Two were communications satellites-Anik C-2 and Palapa B-1-bound for delivery into