This was the final STS research and development flight. In addition to a classified Department of Defense payload, the first Getaway Specials were carried, along with University experiments. The crew also performed medical experiments on themselves and photographed lightning in the Earth's atmosphere. A parachute failure caused the solid rocket booster casings to sink into the ocean.!
Left to right: Pilot Henry Hartsfield Jr., DOB: 11/21/33, Background: Col., USAF. Selected by NASA in 1969. Support crew for Apollo 16 and Skylab 2, 3 and 4. Commanded 41-D and 61-A. Education: B.S. in physics; M.S. in engineering science.
Commander Thomas (Ken) Mattingly II, DOB: 3/17/36, Background: Capt., USN. Selected by NASA in 1966. Flew on Apollo 16; Commanded 51-C. Education: B.S. in aeronautical engineering.!
