2026-244Latest orbital launch: Falcon 9 · Starlink Group 15-16 · Oct 27, 2026 · VandenbergLaunch record →
sci-techmaventhe history of spaceflight, in data
  1. Home
  2. Spacecraft
  3. STS-39
// human spaceflight · 1991

STS-39

Human spaceflight. STS-39 was launched on April 28, 1991 aboard a Space Shuttle from Cape Canaveral & Kennedy. Latest status in GCAT: landed (May 6, 1991).

COSPAR 1991-031ANORAD 21242United States

Identity

Name in GCAT
Discovery (STS-39)
Common name
STS-39
Payload designation
OV-103
International designator
1991-031A
NORAD catalog number
21242
GCAT identifier
S21242
UN registration
ST/SG/SER.E/258

Mission

Mission type
Human spaceflight
Use
Civil government
Program
OV-103
Country
United States
Builder
Rockwell International (Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale)
Platform (bus)
STS OV

Launch

Date
April 28, 1991 · 11:33 UTC
Launch record
1991-031Success
Spaceport
Cape Canaveral & Kennedy · pad LC39A

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LLEO/I
Perigee
247 km
Apogee
260 km
Inclination
57.00°
Status
Landed
Status date
May 6, 1991
Last known active
May 6, 1991
End of operations
May 6, 1991

Size

Mass
96.7 t
Dry mass
85.7 t
Total mass with attached objects
107.3 t
Length
37.3 m
Diameter
23.80 m
Span
37.3 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q538036 (CC0).