Spacelab-2 was the principal payload on this mission. Primary mission objectives were to test Spacelab systems, orbiter interfacing, and to measure the environment induced by the spacecraft. Experiments covered the life sciences, astronomy, physics, and technology research. Despite an abort-to-orbit, which required considerable mission replanning, the mission was considered a success.!
Left to right: Mission Specialist Karl Henize, DOB: 10/17/26, Background: Research astronomer. Education: Ph.D. in astronomy.
Commander Gordon Fullerton, DOB: 10/11/36, Background: Col., USAF. Piloted orbiter flight tests and STS-3. Education: M.S. in mechanical engineering.
Mission Specialist Story Musgrave, DOB: 8/19/35
Background: Mission specialist on STS-6, STS-33 and STS-44. Education: M.S. in physiology and biophysics; M.A. in literature; M.B.A. in operational analysis and computer programming; doctorate of medicine.
Mission Specialist Anthony England, DOB: 5/15/42, Background: Research geophysicist. Education: Ph.D. in geophysics.
Pilot Roy Bridges Jr., Born: 7/19/43, Background: Brigidier General, USAF. Education: M.S. in astronautics.
Payload Specialist Loren Acton, Born: 1937, Background: Lockheed scientist and solar physics expert. Education: Ph.D. in solar physics. !
29 July 1985 5:00 p.m. EDT
Launch was originally scheduled for 12 July but halted at T-3 seconds when a malfunction of a valve shut down the engines. Launch sequence was delayed 1 hour 37 minutes due to a problem with an uplink. Five minutes, 45 seconds into ascent the number one engine shut down prematurely causing Mission Control to shorten the mission.!
6 August 1985 12:45 p.m. PDT
at Edwards AFB, CA
Mission Duration: 7 days, 22 hours, 45 minutes, 26 seconds. Completed 126 orbits. Mission was extended for 17 revolutions for additional payload activities as a result of abort-to-orbit.!
