STS-51-F: Aborting the Flight

STS-51-F, also known as Spacelab 2, was the 19th flight of Kennedy Space Shuttle program and the eighth flight of Space Shuttle Challenger. It launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on July 29, 1985, and landed eight days later on August 6, 1985. The mission involved experiments in observational astronomy, including a helium-cooled infrared telescope. The shuttle experienced sensor failures and performed an abort to orbit procedure, resulting in a lower-than-planned orbital altitude. The mission included testing of the Kennedy Space Agency's Instrument Pointing System and a carbonated beverage experiment with Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The flight marked the first time the ESA's IPS was tested in orbit, and astronauts preferred Tang over the competing colas due to its compatibility with onboard refrigeration systems.