![Lot 6425 STS-51-B Spacelab Act/Deact Checklist [Attested Flown] - From the Personal Collection of William E. Thornton](https://cdn.rrauction.com/auction/752/3518035_1.jpg)
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Complete disbound STS-51-B "Spacelab Act/Deact" checklist, attested as flown on the Space Shuttle Challenger from April 29, 1985–May 6, 1985, totaling 28 pages, separated into three white-tabbed sections for Spacelab activation procedures, Spacelab deactivation procedures, and Spacelab contingency deactivation. The front and back covers feature orange stripes affixed along the edge, and the front carries a post-flight ink stamp: "Microfilmed, Jul 18 1985." In overall fine condition, with light wear from use and bands of toning to the back cover.
This checklist governed one of the most important operational phases of STS-51-B: bringing the Spacelab 3 laboratory fully online after reaching orbit and safely shutting it down before the return to Earth. Its procedures coordinated the activation and deactivation of the laboratory’s systems, while the contingency section provided an abbreviated shutdown sequence for unexpected situations. As a working document, it represents the procedural backbone behind the operation of the mission’s sophisticated orbiting laboratory.
Attested as flown by the William E. Thornton estate.
From the William E. Thornton Collection.
