This flight carried the first Spacelab, a scientific laboratory jointly sponsored by NASA and the European Space Agency. During the mission, some 72 studies conducted in Spacelab demonstrated the capability of advanced research in space. These experiments included studies in astronomy, physics, earth observations, life and materials sciences, and space technology.
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Front row, left to right: Mission Specialist Owen Garriott, DOB: 11/22/30, Background: Flew on Skylab 3. Education: Ph.D. in electrical engineering.
Pilot Brewster Shaw, Jr., DOB: 5/16/45, Background: Col., USAF. Commander on 61-B and STS-28. Education: M.S. in engineering mechanics.
Commander John Young, DOB: 9/24/30, Background: Capt., USN. Flew on Gemini 3 and 10, Apollo 10 and 16. Commander of STS-1. Education: B.S. in aeronautical engineering.
Mission Specialist Robert Parker, DOB: 12/14/36, Background: Flew on STS-35. Education: B.A. in astronomy and physics; doctorate in astronomy.
Standing, left to right: Payload Specialist Byron Lichtenberg, DOB: 2/19/48, Background: Flew on STS-45. Education: B.S. in aerospace engineering; M.S. in mechanical engineering; doctorate in biomedical engineering.
Payload Specialist Ulf Merbold, DOB: 6/20/41, Background: Physicist and researcher. Flew on STS-42. Education: B.A. and doctorate of science degree.!
28 November 1983 11:00 a.m. EST
Launch initially set for 30 September was delayed 28 days because a leak was suspected in a fuel nozzle and it had to be replaced.!
8 December 1983 3:47 p.m. PST
at Edwards AFB, CA
Mission Duration: 10 days, 7 hours, 47 minutes, 24 seconds. Completed 166 orbits. Landing was delayed approximately 8 hours to analyze problems.!
