Liftoff of first flight of Atlantis and the STS 51-J mission

51J-S-003 (3 Oct 1985) --- This 35mm frame was taken moments after the Space Shuttle Atlantis cleared the launch tower to begin its first mission in space. Onboard, ready to carry out STS-51J mission were astronauts Karol J. Bobko, commander; Ronald J. Grabe, pilot; Robert L. Stewart and David C. Hilmers, mission specialist; and U.S.A.F. Major William A. Pailes, payload specialist.