STS-87
STS-87 was a Space Shuttle mission flown by the Space Shuttle Columbia launched on November 19, 1997, and landing on December 5, 1997. It was the fourth mission in the Microgravity Science Laboratory (MSL) series and focused primarily on microgravity research.
Mission Objectives:
The primary goals of STS-87 included conducting experiments in microgravity related to combustion, materials science, and fluid physics. Specifically, the mission carried the United States Microgravity Payload-4 (USMP-4) and the Spartan-201 free-flying satellite. USMP-4 provided a platform for several experiments studying fundamental physics phenomena in the absence of gravity. Spartan-201 was deployed to study the Sun's corona.
Crew:
The STS-87 crew consisted of:
- Kevin R. Kregel, Commander
- Curtis L. Brown, Jr., Pilot
- Winston E. Scott, Mission Specialist
- Kalpana Chawla, Mission Specialist
- Takao Doi (NASDA, Japan), Mission Specialist
- Leonid K. Kadenyuk (NSAU, Ukraine), Payload Specialist
Notable Events:
- During the mission, astronauts Winston Scott and Takao Doi performed two spacewalks (EVAs). One EVA was dedicated to testing tools and procedures for future International Space Station (ISS) assembly. The other was intended to retrieve the Spartan-201 satellite after a deployment malfunction. The retrieval of Spartan-201 proved challenging and required skillful maneuvering by the crew.
- Leonid Kadenyuk, the first Ukrainian astronaut, flew on this mission.
Mission Significance:
STS-87 contributed significantly to our understanding of microgravity science, furthering knowledge in areas applicable to materials processing, combustion behavior, and fluid dynamics in space. The spacewalks provided valuable experience for future ISS construction and maintenance. The mission also fostered international collaboration with the inclusion of astronauts from Japan and Ukraine.