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NASA Astronauts Rescue $180M Satellite in Daring Spacewalk

3/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a breathtaking display of human ingenuity, astronaut Dale Gardner embarked on an untethered spacewalk during NASA's STS-51-A mission on November 14, 1984. Together with Joseph P. Allen, they skillfully maneuvered the Manned Maneuvering Unit to rescue the malfunctioning Westar VI satellite, salvaging hardware worth an astounding $180 million.

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Story summary

In a breathtaking display of human ingenuity, astronaut Dale Gardner embarked on an untethered spacewalk during NASA's STS-51-A mission on November 14, 1984. Together with Joseph P. Allen, they skillfully maneuvered the Manned Maneuvering Unit to rescue the malfunctioning Westar VI satellite, salvaging hardware worth an astounding $180 million.