STS 51-F, 1980 - 1988

Some of the highlights of this sub-series are files of notes and working papers related to Bridges' preparations for his STS-51-F mission and STS 61-F mission, which was later cancelled due to the Challenger accident; a diary with personal notes (1984-1985), and audio visual material directly related to the missions. Specific to STS 51-F are Bridges' original pilot's reference data, checklist/flight data file, original orbit pocket checklist, kneeboard cards/notes, teleprinter entry message by Bridges, pilot's kneeboard reference data for T-38 training flights, among other documents.

Even though the STS 61-F mission was cancelled the subseries contains the STS 61-F, Centaur description and notebook Bridges was preparing to take to orbit; details of Centaur flight computer screens, wiring diagrams, and other useful notes on the payload and flight information, along with a small black notebook containing notes on meetings and issues from the time of the Challenger mishap until Bridges left the astronaut program in 1986. There is also a press kit for the first Space Shuttle mission and issues of the NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Newsletter, Space News Roundup from August 1985 - June 1986.

Bridges served with NASA until May 1986, and completed one space flight as pilot of the Space Shuttle Challenger (OV-99) on mission STS-51F from July 29-August 6, 1985.