Two EVAs were performed to capture and re-align an INTELSAT communications satellite that had been stranded in an unusable orbit. A third EVA was performed to demonstrate maintenance and assembly capabilities for Space Station Freedom. This mission was extended two days to complete other payload experiments and mission objectives. !
Left to right: Mission Specialist Kathryn Thornton, DOB: 8/17/52, Bkgrnd: Mission specialist on STS-33. Education: Ph.D. in physics.
Mission Specialist Bruce Melnick, DOB: 12/5/49, Bkgrnd: Cmdr., USCG. Mission specialist on STS-41. Education: M.S. in aeronautical systems.
Mission Specialist Pierre Thuot, DOB: 5/19/55, Bkgrnd: Cmdr., USN. Mission specialist on STS-36. Education: M.S. in systems management.
Commander Daniel Brandenstein, DOB: 1/17/43, Bkgrnd: Capt., USN. Pilot on STS-8. Commander on 51-G and STS-32 Education: B.S. in mathematics and physics.
Pilot Kevin Chilton, DOB: 11/3/54, Bkgrnd: Lt. Col., USAF. Education: M.S. in mechanical engineering.
Mission Specialist Thomas Akers, DOB: 5/20/51, Bkgrnd: National Park Ranger and Lt. Col., USAF. Mission specialist on STS-41. Education: M.S. in applied mathematics.
Mission Specialist Richard Hieb, DOB: 9/21/55, Bkgrnd: Mission specialist on STS-39. Education: M.S. in aerospace engineering.!
7 May 1992 7:40 p.m. EDT
Launch originally scheduled for 4 May but moved to 7 May because the launch window would provide better lighting conditions. Liftoff was delayed 34 minutes due to weather conditions.!
16 May 1992 6:57 p.m. EDT
at Edwards AFB, CA
Mission Duration: 8 days, 21 hours, 17 minutes, 38 seconds. First use of drag chute during landing.!
