The Flickr Kubandradar Image Generatr

“Views of the STS-7 shuttle Challenger taken from the Shuttle pallet satellite (SPAS-01) include: Close-up view of shuttle Challenger payload bay with the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) arm bent in the shape of a seven.”

Above per the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) description/caption linked to below.

A great rarely seen closeup image. I was hoping to see an Astronaut’s face in one of the overhead windows but there only seems to be an external reflection of the Remote Manipulator System’s end effector/wrist area visible in the left window.

20/20 hindsight: The tiles, especially on the bottom of the orbiter, were of concern since day 1. This would’ve been an excellent opportunity – early on – to take a good look. It seems it would’ve been a simple matter to do a flip/pirouette of the spacecraft to allow the venerable Hasselblad camera system aboard SPAS-01 to capture some detailed images. Surely someone must’ve proposed it? Was it considered to be a risky move…due to losing line-of-sight? Isn’t that what the Ku-band radar, seen at the upper right corner of the payload bay, is for?
If brought up/considered, who knows what questionable, convoluted & egregious factors precluded such. Or was it an unconscionable 'head in the sand' mentality/culture? Since, if the tiles were severely damaged or missing, nothing could've been done anyhow?

Note the fondly nostalgic fiducial marks within the image…Long Live Apollo, and to lesser extent, Hasselblad. 😉

catalog.archives.gov/id/22489930
Credit: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website

“CAPTURED - Astronaut James van Hoften rides the space shuttle’s remote manipulator arm in this artist’s rendering as he captures a lifeless communications satellite. The crew of Mission 51-I will attempt the dramatic salvage toward the end of the flight, scheduled to be launched from Kennedy Space Center on August 24. Once the satellite, Leasat 3, is under his control, van Hoften will lower it to fellow spacewalker William Fisher, shown standing on the sill of the shuttle’s cargo bay. Fisher will attach electronic devices to Leasat 3 that will allow spacecraft controllers on the ground to command the satellite to start. Built by Hughes Aircraft Company in El Segundo, CA the satellite stalled after it was released from the shuttle in April. Part of a four-satellite network, Leasat 3 is owned and operated by a Hughes subsidiary, Hughes Communications Services, Inc., which leases the satellite’s communications services to the Navy.”

One of multiple works the talented Chris Kallas was commissioned (I assume) by Hughes Aircraft to render. I love the unique & creative perspective, and exquisite detail.

“STS-63 EVA VIEW --- A high angle shot photographed by a space walking crew member showing the Space Shuttle Discovery's forward section and forward cargo bay. The Spacehab-3 and Ku-band antenna are visible. This is one of 16 still photographs released by the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Public Affairs Office (PAO) on February 14, 1995. Onboard the Discovery were astronauts James D. Wetherbee, mission commander; Eileen Collins, pilot; Bernard A. Harris Jr., payload commander; mission specialist’s C. Michael Foale, Janice E. Voss, and cosmonaut Vladimir G. Titov.”

Although I’m really not that into onboard shuttle photography, other than some of those taken of/during EVAs, this one is legitimately an excellent & creative composition. Captured is an excellent smorgasbord ranging from the Portable Foot Restraint (with Astronaut/Payload Commander Bernard A. Harris attached), the RMS end effector & whatever that thing with the axes/coordinate lettering is…that’s also attached, earth’s limb, Orbiter TPS tiles in detail, etc., etc. All topped off by a crew member (his/her right hand at least, maybe even left) visible in the right corner of the left-hand overhead window, seen taking a photograph of the EVA, probably with a Nikon F3 camera.
Additionally, I’m pretty sure the photograph was taken by Mission Specialist C. Michael Foale (see linked image below).
And, t’s even autographed by Mission Specialist Vladimir G. Titov.

Low resolution image & following abridged caption, at:

science.ksc.nasa.gov/mirrors/images/images/pao/STS63/2018...

science.ksc.nasa.gov/mirrors/images/images/pao/STS63/2018...

“A high angle shot photographed by a crewmember during the STS-63 extravehicular activity shows the Space Shuttle Discovery's forward section and cargo bay. The Spacehab-3 and Ku-band antenna are visible.”

Much better:

mirrors.josefsipek.net/www.capcomespace.net/dossiers/espa...
Credit: CAPCOM ESPACE website (mirror)

Very good/interesting reading:

historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov/history/shuttle-mir/people...

“SHORT HOP – The space shuttle Discovery is expected to come within 35 feet of a communications satellite that is awaiting recovery by the shuttle crew in November. In this artist’s rendering, one of the astronauts carries an attachment mechanism as he flies out to the satellite, one of two which went into wayward orbits after rockets misfired in February. The astronaut will latch onto the satellite and bring it under control so the shuttle’s manipulator arm can grab the satellite. The astronauts then will attach the satellite to a special platform in the shuttle for the ride home. The two satellites, both built by Hughes Aircraft Company, are expected to be recovered on the mission, which is set to be launched on Nov. 7. The Hughes-built Ku band radar in the foreground is one of two sensing instruments onboard the shuttle that will help the astronauts home in on the satellites.”

Beautifully detailed & creative perspective by Hughes employed/contracted artist Chris Kallas. Mr. Kallas subsequently produced additional gorgeous work for Hughes, which was also appropriated by NASA/JPL/ARC.