Challenger’s Final Landing | STS-61A Slow-Motion Touchdown at Edwards AFB (1985)

Watch the slow-motion, high-resolution landing of Space Shuttle Challenger on STS-61A, captured at Edwards Air Force Base. This historic mission, also known as Spacelab D-1, was NASA’s first with a fully international crew and the first to carry eight astronauts. Challenger touched down on Runway 17 at 203 knots (233 mph) on November 6, 1985, marking a smooth conclusion to the science-focused flight.

Video courtesy NASA/National Archives.

Challenger STS-61A Astronaut Crew:
Commander: Hank Hartsfield
Pilot: Steve Nagel
Mission Specialist 1: Bonnie Dunbar
Mission Specialist 2: James Buchli
Mission Specialist 3: Guion Bluford
Payload Specialist 1: Reinhard Furrer
Payload Specialist 2: Ernst Messerschmid
Payload Specialist 3: Wubbo Ockels

Shuttlesource is a video archive containing historical footage from the space shuttle program. It features rare and exclusive videos sourced from both private collections, NASA, and the U.S. National Archives.

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