Sen. Jake Garn becomes first sitting member of Congress to fly in space 30 years ago this hour (Apr 12 1985)

1980s


Video: 'STS-51D launch & landing (4-12-85)'

(Friday, April 12, 1985, 13:59:05 UTC) — A crew of seven, including Sen. Jake Garn (R-Utah), the first sitting member of Congress to fly in space, rocketed into orbit today aboard the space shuttle Discovery to deliver two satellites and conduct a variety of scientific tests.