Events Leading up to the Challenger Mission

Preparations for the launch of the Challenger (known as mission 51-L) were not unusual, although they were complicated by changes in the launch schedule. The sequence of complex, interrelated steps involved in producing the detailed schedule and supporting logistics necessary for a successful mission always requires intense effort and close coordination. 

Flight 51-L of the Challenger was originally scheduled for July, 1985, but it had to be rescheduled for late January, 1986. 

Challenger cargo included two satellites in the cargo bay and equipment in the crew compartment for experiments that would be carried out during the mission. The payloads flown on mission 51-L were 

On January 27, 1985, one year before launch, NASA announced the names of the astronauts assigned to mission 51-L  

Mission Specialist One Mission Specialist Two Mission Specialist Three 

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