The primary payload, The Galileo/Jupiter spacecraft, was successfully deployed on this mission. The Galileo spacecraft began a six year observational and research trip to Jupiter. Other payloads included various crew cabin experiments, as well as a Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet experiment.!
Front row, left to right: Mission Specialist Shannon Lucid, DOB: 1/14/43, Background: Selected by NASA in 1978. Mission specialist on 51-G and STS-43. Education: B.S. in chemistry; Ph.D. in biochemistry.
Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz, DOB: 4/5/50, Background: Mission specialist on 61-C and STS-46. Education: B.S. in mechanical engineering; Ph.D. in applied physics.
Mission Specialist: Ellen Baker, DOB: 4/27/53, Background: Served as physician in the Flight Medicine Clinic until selected in 1984 as an astronaut. Mission specialist on STS-50. Education: B.S. in geology; doctorate of medicine.
Back row, left to right: Commander Donald Williams, DOB: 2/13/42, Background: Capt. USN. Pilot on 51-D. Education: B.S. in mechanical engineering.
Pilot Michael McCulley, DOB: 8/4/43, Background: Capt., USN. Selected by NASA in 1984. Education: M.S. in metallurgical engineering.!
18 October 1989 12:53 p.m. EDT
Launch was originally set for 12 October but rescheduled due to a faulty main engine. Launch was reset for 17 October but delayed again due to weather conditions.!
