STS-2V

STS-2V
Mission insignia
Mission statistics
Mission name	STS-2V
Space shuttle	Terra Nova
Crew size	3
Launch pad	SLC-6
Launch date	March 4, 2009, 18:30:15 UTC
Landing	March 6, 2009, 19:01:20 UTC
Number of orbits	37
Apogee	156 mi (251 km)
Perigee	149 mi (240 km)
Orbital period	89.4 min
Orbital altitude	191 miles (307 km)
Related missions
Previous mission Next mission STS-1V/92-D STS-3V

STS-2V was the first flight of the Space Shuttle Terra Nova, launched on March 4 2009, and returning to Earth on March 6.Terra Nova orbited the earth 37 times in this mission. It was the first manned polar orbit mission, and the first West Coast Space Shuttle launch.

Crew

Position	Astronaut
Commander	Harold Hamilton Second spaceflight
Pilot	Mark W. Sanders First spaceflight

Backup crew

Position	Astronaut
Commander	Boston Low
Pilot	Ken Borden

Mission parameters

• Mass:
  • Orbiter Liftoff: 219,396 lb (99,453 kg)
  • Orbiter Landing: 195,606 lb (88,662 kg)
  • DFI payload: 10,822 lb (4,909 kg)
• Perigee: 149 mi (240 km)
• Apogee: 156 mi (251 km)
• Inclination: 90°
• Period: 89.4 min

Mission contingency preparations

Due to the launch failure of the Endeavour on STS-1V, contingency plans were fully prepared prior to the mission. In preparation for a possible TAL at Mataveri Airport, all necessary equipment was flown in by the United States Air Force in cooperation with the government of Chile. Additional facilities on Easter Island were built, including satellite tracking and relay stations, advanced weather radar and newly updated airport terminal and ground support services. The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft was heavily modified prior to liftoff in order to extend its range and provide the ability for mid-air refueling. For this mission, the designated TALCOM was Michael Hill, a veteran astronaut at the ISA.