13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle The Space Shuttle: 10. Return to flight
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Sep 15, 2025 Join Dick Covey, pilot of the STS-26 mission and a key figure in the return to flight after the Challenger disaster, as he shares gripping insights about the historic launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery. He reflects on the heightened emotions and safety measures adopted after years of challenges. Covey discusses the crew's first night back in space, buoyed by a wake-up call from Robin Williams, and delves into the shuttle's legacy, emphasizing its critical role in shaping future space exploration and the representation of diverse astronauts.
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Tense, Hopeful Return-To-Flight Moment
- Launch day for STS-26 felt tense but hopeful as crews prepared in orange pressure suits.
- Bob Crippen's unexpected "go" despite upper-level wind worries made the crew realise they were really flying again.
Return Fueled By Major Redesigns
- The shuttle returned after 2.5 years of redesign and 200+ changes following Challenger.
- STS-26 was framed as a new beginning but carried the weight of recent catastrophe and scrutiny.
Astronauts Rejected 'Operational' Label
- Astronauts never truly saw the shuttle as purely "operational" despite political claims.
- Dick Covey and Bob Crippen describe it as an ongoing development and test programme.