The primary payload on this mission was the Ulysses spacecraft, which was deployed to explore polar regions of the sun. Among other payloads carried, experiments were conducted in chromosome and plant cell division, solid surface combustion, physiological systems, voice command systems, and radiation monitoring. !
Kneeling, left to right: Pilot Robert Cabana, DOB: 1/23/49, Background: Col., USMC. Pilot of STS-53. Education: B.S. in mathematics.
Commander Richard Richards, DOB: 8/24/46, Background: Capt., USN. Pilot on STS-28. Commander of STS-50. Education: B.S. in chemical engineering; M.S. in aeronautical systems.
Standing, left to right: Mission Specialist Bruce Melnick, DOB: 12/5/49, Background: Cmdr., USCG. Mission specialist on STS-49. Education: B.S. in engineering; M.S. in aeronautical systems.
Mission Specialist Thomas Akers, DOB: 5/20/51, Background: National Park Ranger and Major, USAF. Mission specialist on STS-49. Education: M.S. in applied mathematics.
Mission Specialist William Shepherd, DOB: 6/26/49, Background: Navy Captain. Mission specialist on STS-27 and STS-52. Education: B.S.in aerospace engineering; M.S. in mechanical engineering; ocean engineering degree.!
6 October 1990 7:47 a.m. EDT
Launch proceeded as scheduled with no major delays.!
