Today I learned that one Space Shuttle flight (in 1985) successfully used the Abort-to-Orbit recovery plan, changing its flight path in real time in response to an engine failure during ascent. The overall mission continued, accomplished its other objectives, and was considered a success despite the engine failure.
STS-51-F, also known as Spacelab 2, was the 19th flight of NASA's Space Shuttle program and the eighth flight of Space Shuttle Challenger. It launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on July 29, 1985, and landed eight days later. The primary payload was the Spacelab 2 laboratory module, but the most publicized experiment was the Carbonated Beverage Dispenser Evaluation, where Coca-Cola and Pepsi competed to offer astronauts carbonated drinks.
During launch, Challenger experienced multiple sensor failures in its Engine 1 Center SSME, leading to a shutdown. The shuttle performed an "Abort to Orbit" (ATO) emergency procedure, the only Shuttle mission to do so after launching. As a result, the mission operated at a slightly lower orbital altitude.
Despite the abort, the mission achieved its objectives, including infrared observations of 60% of the galactic plane. The crew of 7 included C. Gordon Fullerton, Roy D. Bridges Jr., Karl G. Henize, F. Story Musgrave, Anthony W. England, Loren W. Acton, and John-David F. Bartoe.
Source: Hacker News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing