Feb 21 1985
From The Space Library
NASA announced plans for a March 4, 1985, Space Shuttle 51E launch from KSC, with a landing at KSC on March 8. NASA based its launch decision on flight readiness-review results. The completion of cargo integration and orbiter-systems testing necessitated additional time in the schedule.
The current 51-E launch date would not change the planned launch of STS mission 51-D, which was planned for no earlier than March 19, to retrieve the Long-Duration Exposure Facility and to launch the Navy Syncom satellite. (NASA Release 85-27)
Civilian in Space Program
NASA and the Council of Chief State School Officers announced that 10,690 teachers applied for a Space Shuttle flight. The Council was responsible for application and screening processes; NASA would choose the teacher to go into space.
The Council's review panel would screen all applications to eliminate those not meeting basic requirements and forward the remaining applications to state-review panels to select two teachers per state by May 1, 1985. A national panel would then review applications of the approximately 118 nominees (two per state plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, territories and trusts, and Department of Defense and independent schools) to recommend 10 semifinalists to NASA's spaceflight participant evaluation committee.
All nominees would attend a teacher-workshop and orientation program from June 24 to 28, 1985, in Washington to learn of current developments in the aeronautics and space-education program and to undergo further evaluation and screening; 10 semifinalists would report to JSC for thorough medical examinations, in-depth briefings, and interviews by NASA's evaluation committee.
NASA's administrator and the evaluation committee would select a primary and a backup candidate to undergo training. NASA had not decided on a specific flight opportunity, but was aiming to fly the teacher on a mission in late 1985.
California had the greatest number of applications, 926. (NASA Release 85-26)
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