Two satellites were successfully deployed on this mission, although a faulty sequence system on one satellite required an additional two days of extravehicular repair attempts. Other experiments included studies on mechanical toys in space, student experiments, and other scientific studies. Two Getaway Specials were also flown.!
Counter-clockwise from lower left: Mission Specialist Jeffrey Hoffman, DOB: 11/24/44, Background: Flight simulator tester. Flew on STS-35 and STS-46. Education: M.S. in materials science; Ph.D in astrophysics.
Mission Specialist Rhea Seddon, DOB: 11/8/47, Background: Flew on STS-40. Education: doctorate in medicine.
Payload Specialist Charles Walker, Born: 1949, Background: McDonnell Douglas test engineer. Education: B.S. in aeronautical and astronautical engineering.
Payload Specialist E. J. "Jake " Garn, Born: 1933, Background: U.S. Senator. Chairman of NASA funding committees. Education: B.S. in business and finance.
Mission Specialist David Griggs, DOB: 9/7/39, Background: Captain, USNR. Education: M.S. in admin.
Commander Karol Bobko, DOB: 12/23/37, Background: Col., USAF. Pilot on STS-6. Commander on 51-J. Education: M.S. in aerospace engineering.
Pilot Donald Williams, DOB: 2/13/42, Background: Capt. USN. Commanded STS-34. Education: B.S. in mechanical engineering.!
12 April 1985 8:59 a.m. EST
Launch was originally set for 19 March but was rescheduled for 28 March due to a change of payloads. Launch was further delayed 15 days due to damage to the orbiter's payload bay door. Final launch was delayed 55 minutes when a ship entered the restricted SRB impact area.!
19 April 1985 8:54 a.m. EST
at Kennedy Space Center, FL
Mission Duration: 6 days, 23 hours, 55 minutes, 23 seconds. Completed 109 orbits. Extensive brake damage and a blown tire during landing.!
