The primary payload, the Hubble Space Telescope, was successfully deployed on this mission. Secondary payloads included IMAX cameras to document mission operations, equipment to detect and measure crew cabin radiation levels, and investigations with materials in microgravity conditions. An Air Force experiment using the orbiter as a calibration target was also conducted.
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Left to right: Pilot Charles Bolden, Jr., DOB: 8/19/46, Background: Col., USMC. Pilot of 61-C. Commander of STS-45. Education: B.S. in electrical science; M.S. in systems management.
Mission Specialist Steven Hawley, DOB: 12/12/51, Background: Mission specialist on 41-D and 61-C. Married to astronaut Sally Ride. Education: B.S. in physics and astronomy; Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics.
Commander Loren Shriver, DOB: 9/23/44, Background: Col., USAF. Pilot for 51-C. Commander on STS-46. Education: M.S. in aeronautical engineering.
Mission Specialist Bruce McCandless II, DOB: 6/8/37, Background: Capt., USN. Backup pilot for first manned Skylab mission. Mission specialist on 41-B. Education: M.S. in electrical engineering; M.B.A. degree.
Mission Specialist Kathryn Sullivan, DOB:10/3/51, Background: Researcher and systems engineer operator. Mission specialist on 41-G and STS-45. Education: B.S. in Earth sciences; Ph.D. in geology.!
24 April 1990 8:33 a.m. EDT
Launch originally scheduled for 18 April was moved to 12 April then moved to 10 April. However at T-4 launch was scrubbed due to a faulty valve. After its repair, launch was rescheduled for 24 April.!
29 April 1990 6:49 a.m. PDT
at Edwards AFB, CA
Mission Elapsed time: 5 days, 1 hour, 15 minutes. First use of carbon brakes at landing.!
