On this mission, three communication satellites were successfully deployed. Other activities included two experiments to test the feasibility of assembling erectable structures in space, which required two EVAs totalling more than 5 hours, 30 minutes. Other payloads were the IMAX Cargo Bay Camera, one Getaway Special, and a Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System.!
Front row, left to right: Payload Specialist Charles Walker, Born: 1949, Background: Flew on 41-D and 51-D. Education: B.S. in business and finance.
Mission Specialist Sherwood Spring, DOB: 9/3/44, Background: Col., U.S. Army. Education: M.S. in aerospace engineering.
Back row, left to right: Mission Specialist Jerry Ross, DOB: 1/20/48, Background: Flew on STS-27 and STS-37. Education: M.S. in mechanical engineering.
Commander Brewster Shaw, DOB: 5/16/45, Background: Pilot on STS-9. Commander STS-28. Education: M.S. in engineering mechanics.
Mission Specialist Mary Cleave, DOB: 2/5/47, Background: Flew on STS-30. Education: M.S. in microbial ecology; Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering.
Pilot Bryan O'Connor, DOB: 9/6/46, Background: Commander of STS-40. Education: M.S. in aeronautics.
Payload Specialist Rodolfo Neri Vela, DOB: 2/19/52, Background: Communications. Education: M.S. in telecommunications systems; Ph.D. in electromagnetic radiation.!
26 November 1985 7:29 p.m. EST
Launch proceeded as scheduled with no delays.!
3 December 1985 1:33 p.m. PST
at Edwards AFB, CA
Mission Duration: 6 days, 21 hours, 4 minutes, 49 seconds. Completed 108 orbits. Mission shortened one revolution due to lighting conditions at Edwards.!
