The primary payload, the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite, was deployed on a planned 18 month mission to study the Earth's troposphere. Secondary payloads included experiments in zero gravity dynamics, cosmic ray effects, rodent anatomy and physiology, protein crystal growth and polymer membrane processing, as well as The Air Force Maui Optical Station experiment.!
Front row, left to right: Mission Specialist Mark Brown, DOB: 11/18/51, Background: Col., USAF. Flight Activities Officer for NASA. Mission specialist on STS-28. Education: B.S. in aeronautical engineering; M.S. in astronautical engineering.
Pilot Kenneth Reightler Jr., DOB: 3/24/51, Background: Cmdr., USN. Flight instructor. Education: B.S. in aerospace engineering; M.S. in aeronautical engineering; M.S. in systems management.
Commander John Creighton, DOB: 4/28/43, Background: Capt., Pilot of 51-G. Commander of STS-36. Education: B.S. from U.S. Naval Academy; M.S. in administration of science and technology.
Back row, left to right: Mission Specialist Charles (Sam) Gemar, DOB: 8/4/55, Background: Lt. Col., U.S. Army. Mission specialist on STS-38. Education: B.S. in engineering.
Mission Specialist James Buchli, DOB: 6/20/45, Background: Col., USMC. Mission specialist on 51-C, 61-A and STS-29. Education: M.S. in aeronautical engineering systems.!
12 September 1991 7:11 p.m. EDT
Launch proceeded as scheduled with no major delays.!
18 September 1991 3:38 a.m. EDT
at Edwards AFB, CA
Mission Elapsed time: 5 days, 8 hours, 27 minutes, 41 seconds. Completed 81 orbits. Landing scheduled for KSC, but diverted to Edwards due to weather.!
