The fifth Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-F) was successfully deployed on this mission. Other payloads included instruments to collect deep space radiation data and experiments to test the effects of microgravity on various subjects. A test series of space-walking tasks were also performed by crew members.!
Left to right: Mission Specialist Mario Runco, Jr., DOB: 1/26/52, Background: Lt. Cmdr., USN. Research hydrologist. Mission specialist on STS-44. Education: B.S. in physical oceanography; M.S. in meteorology.
Commander John Casper, DOB: 7/9/43, Background: Col., USAF. Pilot on STS-36. Education: B.S. in engineering science; M.S. in astronautics.
Pilot Donald McMonagle, DOB: 5/14/52, Background: Col., USAF. Mission specialist on STS-39. Education: B.S. in astronautical engineering; M.S. in mechanical engineering.
Mission Specialist: Susan Helms, DOB: 2/26/58, Background: Major, USAF. Education: B.S. in aeronautical engineering; M.S. in aeronautics and astronautics.
Mission Specialist Gregory Harbaugh, DOB: 4/15/56, Background: Worked in Mission Control at Johnson Space Center. Mission specialist on STS-39. Education: B.S. degrees in aeronautical and astronautical engineering; M.S. in physical science.!
13 January 1992 8:59 a.m. EST
The launch was delayed 7 minutes 30 seconds for resolution of a Launch Systems Evaluation and Advisory Team Q-plane violation.!
