The STS-51-J mission marked the first flight of the Atlantis orbiter, carrying William A. Pailes into orbit as a payload specialist. Launched on October 3, 1985, this flight represented the second Department of Defense mission conducted by the Space Shuttle, concluding after four days in space when the craft touched down at Edwards Air Force Base.
Military Career and Training
Born in 1952 in Hackensack, New Jersey, Pailes pursued an academic path leading to his service as a military officer. He completed his secondary education at Kinnelon High School in 1970 before entering the United States Air Force Academy. Upon graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in computer science, he attended pilot training at Williams Air Force Base. By 1975, he began duties as an HC-130 rescue pilot, serving in California at McClellan Air Force Base and in England at Royal Air Force Base, Woodbridge.
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Pailes transitioned into the Manned Spaceflight Engineer Program in January 1983 while stationed at the Los Angeles Air Force Station. His primary space mission, STS-51-J, commenced at the Kennedy Space Center. During the course of the flight, Pailes orbited the Earth 64 times, covering a distance exceeding 1.6 million miles. He logged more than 97 hours in space before returning on October 7, 1985.
Academic and Instructor Roles
Beyond his flight experience, Pailes earned a Master of Science degree in computer science from Texas A&M University in 1981. He worked as a software development manager at Scott Air Force Base during 1982. Later in his career, he focused on education, serving as a senior aerospace science instructor for the AFJROTC Program. He held this position in Corsicana, Texas, from 2002 to 2011, and subsequently in Temple, Texas, until August 2018. He resides in Missouri.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Hackensack
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Space Mission: STS-51-J
- Education: USAF Academy
- Education: Texas A&M University
- Orbital Distance: 1.6 million miles
- Time in Space: 97 hours
- Current Residence: Missouri
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the STS-51-J mission?
It was the maiden voyage of the Atlantis orbiter and the second Department of Defense mission for the Space Shuttle.
What was Pailes's role in the AFJROTC Program?
He served as a senior aerospace science instructor in Corsicana and Temple, Texas, until 2018.
Achievements
- Recorded as military officer and astronaut
