Updated October 27, 1998

www.shuttlepresskit.com

A MISSION OF DISCOVERY
1

STS-95

Mission Overview 1

Mission Profile 3

Crew 5

Milestones 22

Summary Timeline 23

Rendezvous 33

Payloads 35

Experiments 69

DTO/DSO/RME 122

Media Assistance 135

Contacts 137
1

STS-95

Mission Overview

STS-95 SCIENCE SPANS INNER UNIVERSE TO OUTER SPACE

More than thirty six years after he made history as the first American to orbit 

the Earth, Senator John H. Glenn, Jr. will return to space as part of a multinational crew with the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery in late October. 

The flight, designated STS-95, will involve more than eighty scientific 

experiments investigating mysteries that span the realm from the inner 

universe of the human body to studies of our own Sun and its solar activity

Back on February 20, 1962, when Glenn flew in his Friendship 7 Mercury 

capsule, the largest mystery facing the young NASA space program was 

whether humans could even survive in the hostile environment of space. In 

the 121 space missions since Glenn’s flight during the Mercury, Gemini, 

Apollo, Skylab and Shuttle programs, more than 200 Americans have flown 

– and thrived – in space. Glenn, who inspired many current astronauts to 

pursue space flight as a career, continues to inspire people of all 

generations as he prepares for a return to space.

The wealth of scientific data accumulated during these space flights validate 

apparent similarities between the effects of space flight and aging. Glenn will 

be a test subject for specific investigations which mimic the effect of aging, 

including loss of muscle mass and bone density; disrupted sleep patterns; a 

depressed immune system; and loss of balance. 

Scientific endeavors on the STS-95 mission are not limited to furthering an 

understanding of the human body, but also will expand our understanding of 

the closest star to our planet, the Sun, and how it affects life on Earth. The 

Spartan 201 spacecraft will be released by the crew on the fourth day of the 

mission and will spend two days flying free studying heating of the solar 

corona and the acceleration of the solar wind that originates in the corona 

and how that phenomenon affects activities both in Earth-orbit and on the 

ground. The Sun drives our weather, and energetic eruptions on the Sun are 

capable of disrupting satellites, communication and power systems. The 

Sun also establishes the space environment in which our communications, 

weather, defense and human spaceflight resources operate. Upon 

completion of two days of solar observations, Discovery’s crew will haul the 

spacecraft back into the Shuttle’s cargo bay and return it to Earth.

Six astronomical instruments comprise the International Extreme Ultraviolet 

Hitchhiker Experiment (IEH-3) which will be carried in Discovery’s payload 

bay. These six diverse instruments support a range of experiments including 

studies of stars, remnants of supernovae, and star formation. Also tucked in 

the payload bay is a variety of materials and equipment destined for use 

during the third Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission, currently 

scheduled for a mid-2000 launch. Referred to as HOST, the Hubble Space 

Telescope Optical Systems Test payload, will demonstrate that actual 

electronic and thermo-dynamic equipment scheduled for installation into the 

Telescope performs acceptably in the radiation and zero gravity 
2

environment of space. 

Discovery also will carry a Spacehab module to orbit. Inside Spacehab, 

almost 30 smaller experiments ranging from materials science, to plant 

growth, to developing new techniques for delivering vital anti-tumor 

medications, will be conducted by the astronauts. Sponsored by NASA, the 

Canadian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, and the Japanese 

Space Agency NASDA, these studies take the best advantage of the unique 

environment of space to conduct these diverse studies.

The STS-95 mission will be led by 42 year old Curtis L. Brown, Jr. (Lt. Col., 

USAF), making his fifth space flight. Serving as Pilot will be Steven W. 

Lindsey (Lt. Col., USAF), 38, making his second flight. There are three 

astronauts serving as STS-95 mission specialists. Making his second flight 

is Mission Specialist-1 Stephen K. Robinson (Ph.D.), who is also the STS-95 

Payload Commander and who will turn 43 a few days before launch. Serving 

as the Flight Engineer and Mission Specialist-2 is Dr. Scott E. Parazynski 

(M.D.), 37, making his third flight. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut 

Pedro Duque, 35, is Mission Specialsit-3 and is making his first space flight. 

The two STS-95 payload specialists, 46 year old Dr. Chiaki Mukai (M.D., 

Ph.D.) from the Japanese Space Agency (NASDA) and Senator John H. 

Glenn, Jr. (Col., USMC, Ret.), 77, are both making their second space flight.

Discovery is set for launch on October 29 1998, from NASAs Kennedy 

Space Center Launch Complex 39-B. The launch time is targeted for 2:00 

p.m. EST at the opening of the available 2 1⁄2 hour launch window. The STS95 mission is scheduled to last 8 days, 22 hours, 4 minutes. An on-time 

launch on October 29 and nominal mission duration would have Discovery 

landing back at Kennedy Space Center at the end of a more than 3 1⁄2 

million mile journey on November 7 just after 12 noon Eastern.

STS-95 will be the 25th flight of Discovery and the 92nd mission flown since 

the start of the Space Shuttle program in April 1981.

Updated: 10/07/1998
3

STS-95

Discovery OV103

Launch: Thursday, October 29, 1998 

 2:00 PM (eastern time)

 

Mission Objectives

The primary mission objectives are to successfully perform the planned 

operations of the four primary payloads: SPACEHAB, HOST, IEH-03, and 

SPARTAN-201. 

Crew

Commander: Curtis L. Brown

Pilot: Steven W. Lindsey

Mission Specialist 1: Stephen K. Robinson

Mission Specialist 2: Scott E. Parazynski

Mission Specialist 3: Pedro Duque

Payload Specialist 1: Chiaki Mukai

Payload Specialist 2: John H. Glenn

Launch

Orbiter: Discovery OV103

Launch Site: Pad 39-B Kennedy Space Center

Launch Window: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Altitude: 300 nautical miles

Inclination: 28.45 degrees

Duration: 8 Days 21 Hrs. 50 Min.

Shuttle Liftoff Weight: 4,521,918 lbs.

Software Version: OI-26B

Super Light Weight Tank

Abort Landing Sites

 RTLS: Shuttle Landing Facility, KSC

 TAL: Banjul, The Gambia; Ben Guerir, Morocco; Moron, Spain

 AOA: Edwards Air Force Base, California
4

Space Shuttle Main Engines

SSME 1: #2048 SSME 2: #2043 SSME 3: #2045

Landing

Landing Date: 11/07/98

Landing Time: 11:50 AM (eastern time)

Primary Landing Site: Shuttle Landing Facility, KSC

Orbiter/Payload Weight at 

Landing:

227,783 lbs.

Payloads

Cargo Bay

SPACEHAB

SPARTAN 201-5

HST Orbital Systems Test Platform (HOST)

International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker (IEH-3)

Cryogenic Thermal Storage Unit (CRYOTSU)

Space Experiment Module (SEM) - 4

Getaway Special (GAS) Program

In-Cabin

Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC)

Electronic Nose (E-NOSE)

Updated: 10/23/1998
5

STS-95

Crew Profile

Commander: Curtis L. Brown

As commander, Brown is ultimately responsible for 

mission safety and success.

PRIME DUTIES: Protein Crystal Growth, Rendezvous, 

Spacehab Science

STS-47, September 12-20, 1992 STS-66, November 3-

14, 1994 STS-77, May 19-29, 1996 STS-85, August 7-19, 

1997

Ascent Seating: Flight Deck - Port Forward

Entry Seating: Flight Deck - Port Forward

Pilot: Steven W. Lindsey

PRIME DUTIES: IVA Crew, Spacehab Science 

BACKUP DUTIES: Protein Crystal Growth, Rendezvous, 

Rendezvous Tools

STS-87, November 19-December 5, 1997

Ascent Seating: Flight Deck - Starboard Forward

Entry Seating: Flight Deck - Starboard Forward

IV1

Mission Specialist 1: Stephen K. Robinson

PRIME DUTIES: IEH, Spacehab Systems, Robotic 

Experiments, Remote Manipulator System, Payload Bay 

Door Closing, Rendezvous Tools, Payload Commander

STS-85, August 7-19, 1997

Ascent Seating: Mid Deck - Port

Entry Seating: Flight Deck - Starboard Aft

EV1
6

Mission Specialist 2: Scott E. Parazynski

PRIME DUTIES: SPARTAN, HOST, Payload Bay Door 

Opening,

Rendezvous Tools

BACKUP DUTIES: IEH, Robotic Experiments, Remote 

Manipulator System, Payload Bay Door Closing

STS-66, November 3-14, 1994 STS-86, September 25-

October 6, 1997

Ascent Seating: Flight Deck - Center Aft

Entry Seating: Flight Deck - Center Aft

Mission Specialist 3: Pedro Duque

PRIME DUTIES: Spacehab Science

BACKUP DUTIES: Spacehab Systems, Payload Bay 

Door Opening

None

Ascent Seating: Flight Deck - Starboard Aft

Entry Seating: Mid Deck - Port

EV2

Payload Specialist 1: Chiaki Mukai

PRIMARY DUTIES: Spacehab Science

STS-65, July 8-23, 1994

Ascent Seating: Mid Deck - Starboard

Entry Seating: Mid Deck - Starboard

Payload Specialist 2: John H. Glenn

PRIME DUTIES: Spacehab Science

Friendship 7, February 20, 1962

Ascent Seating: Mid Deck - Center

Entry Seating: Mid Deck - Center
7

STS-95

Crew Profile

Curtis L. Brown

NAME: Curtis L. Brown, Jr. (Lieutenant Colonel, USAF) 

NASA Astronaut

PERSONAL DATA:

Born March 11, 1956, in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. 

Unmarried. One son. He enjoys water and snow skiing, 

scuba diving, air racing, restoring old cars, sailing, 

aerobatic flying. His mother, Mrs. Rachel H. Brown, 

resides in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. His father, Mr. 

Curtis L. Brown, Sr., is deceased.

EDUCATION:

Graduated from East Bladen High School, Elizabethtown, North Carolina, in 

1974; received a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from 

the Air Force Academy in 1978.

ORGANIZATIONS:

Member, United States Air Force Association, United States Air Force 

Academy Association of Graduates, Experimental Aircraft Association and 

Classic Jet Aircraft Association.

SPECIAL HONORS:

Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air 

Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force 

Achievement Medal, NASA Space Flight Medal (4).

EXPERIENCE:

Brown was commissioned a second lieutenant at the United States Air 

Force Academy, Colorado Springs, in 1978, and completed undergraduate 

pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, Texas. He graduated in 

July 1979 and was assigned to fly A-10 aircraft at Myrtle Beach Air Force 

Base, South Carolina, arriving there in January 1980 after completing A-10 

training at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. In March 1982, he was 

reassigned to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base as an instructor pilot in the A10. In January 1983, he attended USAF Fighter Weapons School at Nellis 

Air Force Base and returned to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base as an 

instructor in A-10 weapons and tactics. In June 1985, he attended USAF 

Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Upon graduation in 

June 1986, Brown was assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where he 

served as a test pilot in the A-10 and F-16 aircraft until his selection for the 

astronaut program. He has logged over 6,000 hours flight time in jet aircraft.

NASA EXPERIENCE:

Selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in June 1987, Brown 

completed a one-year training and evaluation program in August 1988, and 

is qualified for flight assignment as a pilot. His technical assignments have 
8

included: involvement in the upgrade of the Shuttle Mission Simulator 

(SMS); development of the Flight Data File (FDF); he served as lead of the 

astronaut launch support team responsible for crew ingress/strap-in prior to 

launch and crew egress after landing; monitored the refurbishment of OV102 and OV-103 during ground turnaround processing; lead spacecraft 

communicator (CAPCOM); Astronaut Office Lead of Shuttle Operations. A 

veteran of four space flights, Brown has logged over 977 hours in space. He 

was the pilot on STS-47 in 1992, STS-66 in 1994 and STS-77 in 1996, and 

was spacecraft commander on STS-85 in 1997. Brown is assigned to 

command the crew of STS-95. This mission will support a variety of 

research payloads including deployment of the Spartan solar-observing 

spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, and 

investigations on space flight and the aging process. STS-95 is scheduled 

for launch in October 1998. 

SPACE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE:

STS-47 Spacelab-J (September 12-20, 1992) was an eight-day cooperative 

mission between the United States and Japan focused on life science and 

materials processing experiments in space. After completing 126 orbits of 

the Earth, the mission ended with Space Shuttle Endeavour landing at 

Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Mission duration was 190 hours, 30 

minutes, 23 seconds.

STS-66 (November 3-14, 1994) was the Atmospheric Laboratory for 

Applications and Science-3 (ATLAS-3) mission. ATLAS-3 was part of an 

ongoing program to determine the Earth's energy balance and atmospheric 

change over an 11-year solar cycle. Following 175 orbits of the Earth, the 

11-day mission ended with the Shuttle Atlantis landing at Edwards Air Force 

Base, California. Mission duration was 262 hours and 34 minutes. 

STS-77 (May 19-29, 1996) was a ten-day mission aboard Space Shuttle 

Endeavour. The crew performed a record number of rendezvous sequences 

(one with a SPARTAN satellite and three with a deployed Satellite Test Unit) 

and approximately 21 hours of formation flying in close proximity of the 

satellites. During the flight the crew also conducted 12 materials processing, 

fluid physics and biotechnology experiments in a Spacehab Module. STS-77 

deployed and retrieved a SPARTAN satellite, which carried the Inflatable 

Antenna Experiment designed to test the concept of large, inflatable space 

structures. A small Satellite Test Unit was also deployed to test the concept 

of self-stabilization by using aerodynamic forces and magnetic damping. 

The mission was concluded in 160 Earth orbits, traveling 4.1 million miles in 

240 hours and 39 minutes. 

STS-85 (August 7-19, 1997) was a 12-day mission during which the crew 

deployed and retrieved the CRISTA-SPAS payload, operated the Japanese 

Manipulator Flight Demonstration (MFD) robotic arm, studied changes in the 

Earth's atmosphere and tested technology destined for use on the future 

International Space Station. The mission was accomplished in 189 Earth 

orbits, traveling 4.7 million miles in 284 hours and 27 minutes.

APRIL 1998

Updated: 10/09/1998
9

STS-95

Crew Profile

Steven W. Lindsey

NAME: Steven W. Lindsey (Lieutenant Colonel, USAF) 

NASA Astronaut 

PERSONAL DATA: 

Born August 24, 1960, in Arcadia, California. Considers 

Temple City, California, to be his hometown. Married to 

the former Diane Renee Trujillo. They have three 

children. He enjoys reading, water and snow skiing, 

scuba diving, windsurfing, camping, running, and racket 

sports. His parents, Arden and Lois Lindsey, reside in 

Arcadia, California. Her parents, Gene and Marcene Trujillo, reside in 

Temple City, California. 

EDUCATION: 

Graduated from Temple City High School, Temple City, California, in 1978; 

received a bachelor of science degree in engineering sciences from the U.S. 

Air Force Academy in 1982, and a master of science degree in aeronautical 

engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1990. 

ORGANIZATIONS: 

Member, Society of Experimental Test Pilots, USAF Academy Association of 

Graduates. 

SPECIAL HONORS: 

Distinguished Graduate Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training (1983). 

Distinguished Graduate and recipient of the Liethen-Tittle Award as the 

outstanding test pilot of the USAF Test Pilot School Class 89A (1989). 

Awarded Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation 

Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and Aerial Achievement Medal.

EXPERIENCE: 

Lindsey was commissioned a second lieutenant at the United States Air 

Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1982. In 1983, after 

receiving his pilot wings at Reese Air Force Base, Texas, he qualified in the 

RF-4C Phantom II and was assigned to the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance 

Squadron at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas. From 1984 until 1987, he 

served as a combat-ready pilot, instructor pilot, and academic instructor at 

Bergstrom. In 1987, he was selected to attend graduate school at the Air 

Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where 

he studied aeronautical engineering. In 1989, he attended the USAF Test 

Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California. In 1990, Lindsey was 

assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where he conducted weapons 

and systems tests in F-16 and F-4 aircraft. While a member of the 3247th 

Test Squadron, Lindsey served as the deputy director, Advanced Tactical 

Air Reconnaissance System Joint Test Force and as the squadron's F-16 

Flight Commander. In August of 1993 Lindsey was selected to attend Air 
10

Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Upon 

graduation in June of 1994 he was reassigned to Eglin Air Force Base, 

Florida as an Integrated Product Team leader in the USAF SEEK EAGLE 

Office where he was responsible for Air Force weapons certification for the 

F-16, F-111, A-10, and F-117 aircraft. In March of 1995 he was assigned to 

NASA as an astronaut candidate. 

He has logged over 3300 hours of flying time in 50 different types of aircraft.

NASA EXPERIENCE: 

Selected by NASA in December 1994, Lindsey became an astronaut in May 

1996, qualified for flight assignment as a pilot. Initially assigned to flight 

software verification in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL), 

Lindsey also served as the Astronaut Office representative working on the 

Multifunction Electronic Display System (MEDS) program, a glass cockpit 

Space Shuttle upgrade program, as well as a number of other advanced 

upgrade projects. He flew on STS-87 in 1997 and has logged over 376 

hours in space. He will serve as pilot on the crew of STS-95, supporting a 

variety of research payloads including deployment of the Spartan solarobserving spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test 

Platform, and investigations on space flight and the aging process. STS-95 

is scheduled for launch in October 1998. 

SPACE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: 

STS-87 (November 19 to December 5, 1997) was the fourth U.S 

Microgravity Payload flight and focused on experiments designed to study 

how the weightless environment of space affects various physical 

processes, and on observations of the Sun's outer atmospheric layers. Two 

members of the crew performed an EVA (spacewalk) which featured the 

manual capture of a Spartan satellite, and tested EVA tools and procedures 

for future Space Station assembly. During the EVA, Lindsey piloted the first 

flight of the AERCam Sprint, a free-flying robotic camera. The mission was 

accomplished in 252 orbits of the Earth, traveling 6.5 million miles in 376 

hours and 34 minutes.

FEBRUARY 1998

Updated: 10/09/1998
11

STS-95

Crew Profile

Stephen K. Robinson

NAME: Stephen K. Robinson (Ph.D.) 

NASA Astronaut 

PERSONAL DATA: 

Born October 26, 1955, in Sacramento, California. 

Unmarried. Enjoys flying, antique aircraft, swimming, 

canoeing, hiking, music, art, computer graphics and 

stereo photography. His parents, William and Joyce 

Robinson, reside in Moraga, California.

. 

EDUCATION: 

Graduated from Campolindo High School, Moraga, California, 1973; 

Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical/aeronautical engineering from 

University of California at Davis, 1978; Master of Science degree in 

mechanical engineering from Stanford University, 1985; Doctorate in 

mechanical engineering, with a minor in aeronautics and astronautics from 

Stanford University, 1990. 

ORGANIZATIONS: 

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aerospace Medical 

Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft 

Association. 

SPECIAL HONORS: 

NASA Ames Honor Award for Scientist (1989); American Institute of 

Aeronautics and Astronautics Outstanding Technical Paper Award for 

Applied Aerodynamics (co-author) (1992); NASA/Space Club G.M. Low 

Memorial Engineering Fellowship (1993). 

EXPERIENCE: 

Robinson started work for NASA in 1975 as a student co-op at NASA's 

Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. After graduation from 

University of California at Davis, he joined NASA Ames as a research 

scientist in the fields of fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, experimental 

instrumentation, and computational scientific visualization. While at Ames, 

Robinson earned masters and doctorate degrees in mechanical engineering 

at Stanford University, with research emphasis in turbulence physics, and 

additional research in human eye dynamics. In 1990, Robinson was 

selected as Chief of the Experimental Flow Physics Branch at NASA's 

Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, with responsibility for 8 wind 

tunnels and an engineering staff engaged in aerodynamics and fluids 

research. In 1993, Robinson was awarded the NASA/Space Club G.M. Low 

Memorial Engineering Fellowship, and was assigned for 15-months to the 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as Visiting Engineer in the Man 

Vehicle Laboratory (MVL). As an MVL team-member, he conducted 
12

neurovestibular research on astronauts on the Spacelab Life Sciences 2 

Shuttle mission (STS-58). Other MIT research included EVA dynamics for 

satellite capture and space construction. While in Cambridge, 

Massachusetts, Robinson was also a visiting scientist at the U.S. 

Department of Transportation's Volpe National Transportation Systems 

Center, doing research on environmental modeling for flight simulation, 

cockpit human factors for GPS-guided instrument approach procedures, and 

moving-map displays. Robinson returned to NASA Langley in September 

1994, where he accepted a dual assignment as research scientist in the 

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Branch, and as leader of the 

Aerodynamics and Acoustics element of NASA's General Aviation 

Technology program. Robinson has over 1000 hours in aircraft ranging from 

antique taildraggers to NASA jets. 

NASA EXPERIENCE: 

Selected by NASA in December 1994, Dr. Robinson reported to the 

Johnson Space Center in March 1995. He completed a year of training and 

evaluation and was assigned to the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory 

(SAIL) for the Astronaut Office Computer Support Branch. In 1997 he flew 

as a mission specialist on STS-85 and logged over 284 hours in space. Dr. 

Robinson is assigned to the crew of STS-95. This mission will support a 

variety of research payloads including deployment of the Spartan solarobserving spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test 

Platform, and investigations on space flight and the aging process. STS-95 

is scheduled for launch in October 1998. 

STS-85 (August 7-19, 1997) was a 12-day mission during which the crew 

deployed and retrieved the CRISTA-SPAS payload, operated the Japanese 

Manipulator Flight Demonstration (MFD) robotic arm, studied changes in the 

Earth's atmosphere and tested technology destined for use on the future 

International Space Station. The mission was accomplished in 189 Earth 

orbits, traveling 4.7 million miles in 284 hours and 27 minutes.

FEBRUARY 1998

Updated: 10/09/1998
13

STS-95

Crew Profile

Scott E. Parazynski

NAME: Scott E. Parazynski (M.D.) 

NASA Astronaut

PERSONAL DATA: 

Born July 28, 1961, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Considers 

Palo Alto, California, and Evergreen, Colorado, to be his 

hometowns. Married to the former Gail Marie Vozzella. 

They have one son. He enjoys mountaineering, rock 

climbing, flying, scuba diving, skiing, travel, wood working 

and nature photography. A commercial, multi-engine, 

seaplane and instrument-rated pilot, Dr. Parazynski has logged over 1200 

flight hours in a variety of aircraft. 

EDUCATION: 

Attended junior high school in Dakar, Senegal, and Beirut, Lebanon. 

Attended high school at the Tehran American School, Iran, and the 

American Community School, Athens, Greece, graduating in 1979. He 

received a bachelor of science degree in biology from Stanford University in 

1983, continuing on to graduate with honors from Stanford Medical School 

in 1989. He served his medical internship at the Brigham and Women's 

Hospital of Harvard Medical School (1990). He had completed 22 months of 

a residency program in emergency medicine in Denver, Colorado when 

selected to the astronaut corps.

ORGANIZATIONS: 

Member of the Aerospace Medical Association, the American Society for 

Gravitational and Space Biology, the Wilderness Medical Society, the 

American Alpine Club, the Association of Space Explorers, the Experimental 

Aircraft Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

SPECIAL HONORS: 

National Institutes of Health Predoctoral Training Award in Cancer Biology 

(1983); Rhodes Scholarship finalist (1984); NASA Graduate Student 

Researcher's Award (1988); Stanford Medical Scholars Program (1988); 

Research Honors Award from Stanford Medical School (1989); NASA-Ames 

Certificate of Recognition (1990); Wilderness Medical Society Research 

Award (1991); NASA Space Flight Medals (1994, 1997).

While in medical school he competed on the United States Development 

Luge Team and was ranked among the top 10 competitors in the nation 

during the 1988 Olympic Trials. He also served as an Olympic Team Coach 

for the Philippines during the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, 

Canada.

EXPERIENCE: 

While an undergraduate at Stanford University, Dr. Parazynski studied 
14

antigenic variation in African Sleeping Sickness, using sophisticated 

molecular biological techniques. While in medical school, he was awarded a 

NASA Graduate Student Fellowship and conducted research at NASAAmes Research Center on fluid shifts that occur during human space flight. 

Additionally, he has been involved in the design of several exercise devices 

that are being developed for long-duration space flight, and has conducted 

research on high-altitude acclimatization. Dr. Parazynski has numerous 

publications in the field of space physiology, and has a particular expertise 

in human adaptation to stressful environments.

NASA EXPERIENCE: 

Selected by NASA in March 1992, Dr. Parazynski reported to the Johnson 

Space Center in August 1992. He completed one year of training and 

evaluation, and was qualified for future flight assignment as a mission 

specialist. Dr. Parazynski initially served as one of the crew representatives 

for extravehicular activity in the Astronaut Office Mission Development 

Branch. Following his first flight he was assigned as a backup for the third 

American long-duration stay aboard Russia's Space Station Mir, and was 

expected to serve as a prime crew member on a subsequent mission. He 

spent 5-months in training at the Gargarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Star 

City, Russia. In October 1995, when sitting-height parameters raised 

concerns about his fitting safely in the Soyuz vehicle in the event of an 

emergency on-board the Mir station, he was deemed too tall for the mission 

and was withdrawn from Mir training. He served as the Astronaut Office 

Operations Planning Branch crew representative for Space Shuttle, Space 

Station and Soyuz training, and was assigned to the Astronaut Office EVA 

Branch, helping to develop tools and procedures for the assembly of the 

International Space Station. A veteran of two space flights, STS-66 in 1994 

and STS-86 in 1997, Dr. Parazynski has logged over 521 hours in space 

including over 5 hours of EVA (extravehicular activity). Dr. Parazynski is 

currently assigned to the crew of STS-95, where he will serve as the flight 

engineer. This mission will support a variety of research payloads including 

deployment of the Spartan solar-observing spacecraft, the Hubble Space 

Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, and investigations on space flight 

and the aging process. STS-95 is scheduled for launch in October 1998.

SPACEFLIGHT EXPERIENCE: 

The STS-66 Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science-3 

(ATLAS-3) mission was launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on 

November 3, 1994, and returned to land at Edwards Air Force Base, 

California, on November 14, 1994. ATLAS-3 was part of an on-going 

program to determine the earth's energy balance and atmospheric change 

over an 11-year solar cycle, particularly with respect to humanity's impact on 

global ozone distribution. Dr. Parazynski had responsibility for a number of 

on-orbit activities including operation of the ATLAS experiments and 

Spacelab Pallet, as well as several secondary experiments in the crew 

cabin. He and his crewmates also successfully evaluated the Interlimb 

Resistance Device, a free-floating exercise he developed to prevent 

musculoskeletal atrophy in microgravity. The Space Shuttle Atlantis circled 

the earth 175 times and traveled over 4.5 million miles during its 262 hour 

and 34 minute flight.

STS-86 Atlantis (September 25 to October 6, 1997) was the seventh 

mission to rendezvous and dock with the Russian Space Station Mir. 

Highlights of the mission included the exchange of U.S. crew members Mike 
15

Foale and David wolf, the transfer of 10,400 pounds of science and logistics, 

and a joint American-Russian spacewalk. Dr. Parazynski served as the flight 

engineer (MS2) during the flight, and was also the navigator during the Mir 

rendezvous. Dr. Parazynski and Russian cosmonaut Vladimir Titov 

performed a 5 hour, 1 minute spacewalk during which they retrieved four 

experiment packages first deployed during the STS-76 Shuttle-Mir docking 

mission. They also deployed the Spektr Solar Array Cap, which may be 

used in a future Mir spacewalk to seal a leak in the Spektr module's 

damaged hull. Other objectives of EVA included the evaluation of common 

EVA tools to be used by astronauts wearing either Russian or Americanmade spacesuits, and a systems flight test of the Simplified Aid for EVA 

Rescue (SAFER). The Space Shuttle Atlantis circled the earth 169 times 

and traveled over 4.2 million miles during its 259 hour and 21 minute flight, 

landing at the Kennedy Space Center.

APRIL 1998

Updated: 10/09/1998
16

STS-95

Crew Profile

Pedro Duque

NAME: Pedro Duque 

ESA Astronaut

PERSONAL DATA: 

Born March 14, 1963 in Madrid, Spain. Enjoys diving, 

swimming and cycling. 

EDUCATION: 

Received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the 

Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Aeronáuticos, 

Universidad Politécnica, Madrid, Spain, in 1986.

SPECIAL HONORS: 

Awarded the "Order of Friendship" by President Yeltsin of the Russian 

Federation (March 1995).

EXPERIENCE: 

During Duque's studies, he worked on a flight simulator project in the 

laboratory of Flight Mechanics on a fellowship, and on the computation of 

environmental torques on spacecraft, under ESA contract. He joined GMV 

(Grupo Mecánica del Vuelo) in 1986, and in the same year he became the 

technical leader in a helicopter rotor simulation project. At the end of 1986, 

Duque was sent as contracted staff to ESA's European Space Operations 

Center (ESOC) in Darmstadt Germany, to work within the Precise Orbit 

Determination Group. From 1986 to 1992, he worked on the development of 

models for orbit determination, algorithms and implementation of orbit 

computation software. He was also part of the Flight Control Team (Orbit 

Determination) of ESA's ERS-1 and EURECA satellites.

In May 1992, Duque was selected to join the Astronaut Corps of the 

European Space Agency (ESA) based at the European Astronauts Centre 

(EAC) in Cologne, Germany. In 1992 he completed the Introductory Training 

Program at EAC and a four-week training program at TsPK (the Russian 

Astronauts Training Centre) in Star City, Russia, with a view to future ESARussian collaboration on the Mir Space Station. From January to July 1993, 

he performed Basic Training at EAC.

In August 1993, Duque returned to TsPK to train in preparation for the joint 

ESA-Russian EUROMIR 94 mission. Training led to qualification as 

Research Astronaut for Soyuz and Mir. In May 1994, he was selected as 

member of crew 2 (backup) joining Yuri Gidzenko and Sergeij Avdeev. 

During the EUROMIR 94 mission which took place from October 3, 1994 to 

November 4, 1994, Duque was the prime Crew Interface Coordinator in the 

Russian Mission Control Centre (TsUP).

In January 1995, Duque began an extended training course on Russian 

space systems in Star City and supported the second joint ESA-Russian 
17

mission, EUROMIR 95.

NASA EXPERIENCE: 

In May, 1995, Duque was selected as an Alternate Payload Specialist 

astronaut for the Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) mission, STS-78, 

flown in June-July, 1996. During this seventeen day mission Duque worked 

with the Crew Interface Coordinators as the interface between the 

investigators on ground and the crew onboard Columbia for all experiment 

related issues. ESA had five major facilities on the flight and was 

responsible for more than half of the experiments performed. In July 1996 

he was selected by ESA to attend NASA Astronaut Candidate Training.

Duque reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 1996 for two years 

of training and evaluation. He was initially assigned to the Computer Support 

Branch of the Astronaut Office, supporting Space Shuttle and International 

Space Station Programs and advanced technology development. Duque is 

currently assigned to the crew of STS-95. This mission will support a variety 

of research payloads including deployment of the Spartan solar-observing 

spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, and 

investigations on space flight and the aging process. STS-95 is scheduled 

for launch in October 1998. 

APRIL 1998

Updated: 10/09/1998
18

STS-95

Crew Profile

Chiaki Mukai

NAME: Chiaki Mukai (M.D., Ph.D.) 

NASDA Astronaut (Payload Specialist)

PERSONAL DATA:

Born May 6, 1952, in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, 

Japan. Married to Makio Mukai, M.D., Ph.D. Recreational 

interests include snow skiing, Alpine competitive skiing, 

bass fishing, scuba diving, tennis, golf, photography, 

American Literature, and traveling. 

EDUCATION:

Graduated from Keio Girls' High School in Tokyo, in 1971. She received her 

doctorare in Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 1977; a doctorate 

in physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 1988; board certified as a 

cardiovascular surgeon, Japan Surgical Society, 1989.

ORGANIZATIONS:

The American Aerospace Medical Association; Japan Society of 

Microgravity Applications; Japan Society of Aerospace and Environmental 

Medicine; Japanese Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery; 

Japan Surgical Society.

SPECIAL HONORS:

Outstanding Service Award - The Society of Japanese Women Scientist 

(1996), Special Congressional Recognition - U.S. Congress (1995), Happy 

Hands Award - Satte Junior Chamber of Commerce (1995), Aeromedical 

Association of Korea Honorary Membership (1995), Tatebayashi Children's 

Science Exploratorium Honorary President (1995), Prime Minister's Special 

Citation for Contributions to Gender Equality (1995), The De La Vaux Medal 

- The Federation Aeronautique Internationale(1995), The Award for 

Distinguished Service in Advancement of Space Biology - Japanese Society 

for Biological Sciences in Space (1995), Prime Minister's Special Citation 

(1994), Minister of State for Science and Technology's Commendation 

(1994 & 1992), People of Gunma Prefecture's Certificate of Appreciation 

(1994), Honorary Citizen of Tatebayashi City (1994), Outstanding Service 

Award - National Space Development Agency of Japan (1994 & 1992), 

Award for Distinguished Accomplishments - Tokyo Women's Foundation ( 

1994) and Commendation for Technology - Japan Society of Aeronautical 

and Space Science ( 1993).

PUBLICATIONS:

Dr. Mukai is credited with approximately sixty publications since 1979.

EXPERIENCE:

Board certified for Medicine in 1977. From 1977 through 1978, Dr. Mukai 

worked as a Resident in General Surgery, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo. 
19

She was on the Medical Staff in General Surgery, Shimizu General Hospital, 

Shizuoka Prefecture in 1978, and on the Medical Staff in Emergency 

Surgery, Saiseikai Kanagawa Hospital, Kanawaga Prefecture in 1979. Dr. 

Mukai began her work as a Resident in Cardiovascular Surgery, Keio 

University Hospital in 1980 and served on the Medical Staff in 

Cardiovascular Surgery, Saiseikai Utsunomiya Hospital, Tochigi Prefecture 

in 1982. She returned to Keio University Hospital in 1983 as the Chief 

Resident in Cardiovascular Surgery, and was later promoted to Assistant 

Professor of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Keio University.

As a NASDA science astronaut, she became a visiting scientist of the 

Division of Cardiovascular Physiology, Space Biomedical Research Institute, 

NASA Johnson Space Center from 1987 through 1988. Dr. Mukai remains a 

Research Instructor of the Department of Surgery, Baylor College of 

Medicine, Houston, Texas and a visiting associate professor of the 

Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 

respectively since 1992.

NASA EXPERIENCE:

In 1985, Dr. Mukai was selected by the National Space Development 

Agency of Japan (NASDA), as one of three Japanese Payload Specialist 

candidates for the First Material Processing Test (Spacelab-J) which flew 

aboard STS-47. Dr. Mukai has logged over 353 hours in space. She flew 

aboard STS-65 in 1994, and is the first Japanese female to fly in space. She 

is presently serves as a back-up payload specialist for the Neurolab (STS90) mission, scheduled for launch in April, 1998. A NASDA science 

astronaut, Dr. Chiaki Mukai is assigned as a payload specialist on the crew 

of STS-95. This mission will support a variety of research payloads including 

deployment of the Spartan solar-observing spacecraft, the Hubble Space 

Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, and investigations on space flight 

and the aging process. STS-95 is scheduled for launch in October 1998.

SPACE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE:

STS-65 Columbia (July 8-23, 1994) was the second International 

Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2) flight. The mission consisted of 82 

investigations of Space Life Science (Human Physiology, Space Biology, 

Radiation Biology, and Bioprocessing) and Microgravity Science (Material 

Science, Fluid Science and Research on the Microgravity Environment and 

Countermeasures). IML-2 was also designated as an extended duration 

orbit mission focusing on medical experiments related to the cardiovascular 

system, autonomic nerve system, and bone and muscle metabolism. The 

mission was accomplished in 236 orbits of the Earth, traveling over 6.1 

million miles in 353 hours and 55 minutes.

FEBRUARY 1998

Updated: 10/09/1998
20

STS-95

Crew Profile

John H. Glenn

NAME: John Herschel Glenn, Jr. (Colonel, USMC, Ret.) 

NASA Astronaut 

PERSONAL DATA: 

Born July 18, 1921 in Cambridge, Ohio. Married to the 

former Anna Margaret Castor of New Concord, Ohio. 

They have two grown children and two grandchildren. 

EDUCATION: 

Glenn attended primary and secondary schools in New 

Concord, Ohio. He attended Muskingum College in New Concord and 

received a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. Muskingum College 

also awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science degree in engineering. He 

has received honorary doctoral degrees from nine colleges or universities. 

SPECIAL HONORS: 

Glenn has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on six occasions, 

and holds the Air Medal with 18 Clusters for his service during World War II 

and Korea. Glenn also holds the Navy Unit Commendation for service in 

Korea, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, 

the World War II Victory Medal, the China Service Medal, the National 

Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations 

Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy's Astronaut 

Wings, the Marine Corps' Astronaut Medal, the NASA Distinguished Service 

Medal, and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. 

EXPERIENCE: 

He entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in March 1942 and was 

graduated from this program and commissioned in the Marine Corps in 

1943. After advanced training, he joined Marine Fighter Squadron 155 and 

spent a year flying F-4U fighters in the Marshall Islands.

During his World War II service, he flew 59 combat missions. After the war, 

he was a member of Marine Fighter Squadron 218 on the North China patrol 

and served on Guam. From June 1948 to December 1950 Glenn was an 

instructor in advanced flight training at Corpus Christi, Texas. He then 

attended Amphibious Warfare Training at Quantico, Virginia. In Korea he 

flew 63 missions with Marine Fighter Squadron 311. As an exchange pilot 

with the Air Force Glenn flew 27 missions in theF-86 Sabrejet. In the last 

nine days of fighting in Korea Glenn downed three MIG's in combat along 

the Yalu River.

After Korea, Glenn attended Test Pilot School at the Naval Air Test Center, 

Patuxent River, Maryland. After graduation, he was project officer on a 

number of aircraft. He was assigned to the Fighter Design Branch of the 

Navy Bureau of Aeronautics (now Bureau of Naval Weapons) in Washington 

from November 1956 to April 1959, during which time he also attended the 
21

University of Maryland.

In July 1957, while project officer of the F8U Crusader, he set a 

transcontinental speed record from Los Angeles to New York, spanning the 

country in 3 hours and 23 minutes. This was the first transcontinental flight 

to average supersonic speed. Glenn has nearly 9,000 hours of flying time, 

with approximately 3,000 hours in jet aircraft.

NASA EXPERIENCE: 

Glenn was assigned to the NASA Space Task Group at Langley, Virginia, in 

April 1959 after his selection as a Project Mercury Astronaut. The Space 

Task Group was moved to Houston and became part of the NASA Manned 

Spacecraft Center in 1962. Glenn flew on Mercury-6 (February 20, 1962) 

and has logged 4 hours, 55 minutes, 23 seconds in space. Prior to his flight, 

Glenn had served as backup pilot for Astronauts Shepard and Grissom. 

When astronauts were given special assignments to ensure pilot input into 

the design and development of spacecraft, Glenn specialized in cockpit 

layout and control functioning, including some of the early designs for the 

Apollo Project. Glenn resigned from the Manned Spacecraft Center on 

January 16, 1964. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel in October 1964 

and retired from the Marine Corps on January 1, 1965. He was a business 

executive from 1965 until his election to the United States Senate in 

November 1974 where he now serves. Glenn is assigned to serve as 

payload specialist on the crew of STS-95. This mission will support a variety 

of research payloads including deployment of the Spartan solar-observing 

spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, and 

investigations on space flight and the aging process. STS-95 is scheduled 

for launch in October 1998. 

SPACE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: 

On February 20, 1962, Glenn piloted the Mercury-Atlas 6 "Friendship 7" 

spacecraft on the first manned orbital mission of the United States. 

Launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, he completed a successful 

three-orbit mission around the earth, reaching a maximum altitude (apogee) 

of approximately 162 statute miles and an orbital velocity of approximately 

17,500 miles per hour. Glenn's "Friendship 7" Mercury spacecraft landed 

approximately 800 miles southeast of KSC in the vicinity of Grand Turk 

Island. Mission duration from launch to impact was 4 hours, 55 minutes, and 

23 seconds. 

JUNE 1998

Updated: 10/09/1998
22

STS-95

Flight Plan

Mission Milestones

DATE TIME (EST) DAY MET EVENT CREW

10/29/98 2:00:00 PM 1 000/00:00:00 LAUNCH Crew

10/29/98 2:47:00 PM 1 000/00:47:00 OMS-2 BURN CDR, PLT

10/29/98 4:30:00 PM 1 000/02:30:00 SPACEHAB ACTIVATION MS3, MS1

10/30/98 1:20:00 PM 2 000/23:20:00 PANSAT DEPLOY CDR, PLT, 

MS1

11/01/98 1:47:00 PM 4 002/23:47:00 SPARTAN RELEASE CDR, PLT, 

MS1, MS2

11/01/98 5:20:00 PM 4 003/03:20:00 U.S. NEWS 

CONFERENCE

CDR, PS2

11/03/98 3:25:00 PM 6 005/01:25:00 SPARTAN CAPTURE CDR, PLT, 

MS1, MS2

11/05/98 1:00:00 PM 8 006/23:00:00 CREW NEWS 

CONFERENCE

Crew

11/07/98 5:40:00 AM 10 008/15:40:00 SPACEHAB 

DEACTIVATION

Crew

11/07/98 10:40:00 AM 10 008/20:40:00 DE-ORBIT BURN CDR, PLT

11/07/98 11:50:00 AM 10 008/21:50:00 LANDING Crew

Updated: 10/23/1998
23

STS-95

Flight Plan

Summary Timeline - Day 1

DATE TIME (EST) DAY MET EVENT CREW

10/29/98 2:00:00 PM 1 000/00:00:00 LAUNCH Crew

10/29/98 2:47:00 PM 1 000/00:47:00 OMS-2 BURN CDR, PLT

10/29/98 4:30:00 PM 1 000/02:30:00 SPACEHAB ACTIVATION MS3, MS1

10/29/98 4:30:00 PM 1 000/02:30:00 HOST ACTIVATION PLT, MS2

10/29/98 4:45:00 PM 1 000/02:45:00 IEH ACTIVATION MS2, PLT

10/29/98 4:55:00 PM 1 000/02:55:00 CRYOTSU ACTIVATION PLT, MS2

10/29/98 5:00:00 PM 1 000/03:00:00 SPARTAN ACTIVATION PLT, MS2

10/30/98 12:25:00 AM 1 000/10:25:00 SLEEP MS1, MS3, 

PS2, CDR, 

PS1, PLT, MS2

Updated: 10/23/1998
24

STS-95

Flight Plan

Summary Timeline - Day 2

DATE TIME (EST) DAY MET EVENT CREW

10/30/98 8:25:00 AM 2 000/18:25:00 CREW WAKE CDR, PS1, 

PS2, PLT, 

MS3, MS1, 

CDR

10/30/98 12:55:00 PM 2 000/22:55:00 PANSAT DEPLOY 

SEQUENCE BEGINS

PLT, MS1, 

CDR

10/30/98 1:20:00 PM 2 000/23:20:00 PANSAT DEPLOY CDR, PLT, 

MS1

10/30/98 2:15:00 PM 2 001/00:15:00 RMS C/O MS2, MS1

10/30/98 3:00:00 PM 2 001/01:00:00 PLB SURVEY MS2, MS1

10/30/98 3:10:00 PM 2 001/01:10:00 ENOSE ACTIVATION CDR

10/30/98 6:45:00 PM 2 001/04:45:00 PUBLIC AFFAIRS EVENT CDR, PLT, PS2

10/30/98 11:50:00 PM 2 001/09:50:00 SLEEP PLT, CDR, 

MS1, MS2, 

PS1, PS2, MS2

Updated: 10/23/1998
25

STS-95

Flight Plan

Summary Timeline - Day 3

DATE TIME (EST) DAY MET EVENT CREW

10/31/98 7:50:00 AM 3 001/17:50:00 CREW WAKE Crew

10/31/98 12:25:00 PM 3 001/22:25:00 GLENN EDUCATION 

EVENT (AUDIO ONLY)

CDR, PS2

10/31/98 6:00:00 PM 3 002/04:00:00 RNDZ TOOLS C/O MS2, PLT

10/31/98 11:15:00 PM 3 002/09:15:00 SLEEP CREW

Updated: 10/23/1998
26

STS-95

Flight Plan

Summary Timeline - Day 4

DATE TIME (EST) DAY MET EVENT CREW

11/01/98 7:50:00 AM 4 002/17:50:00 CREW WAKE Crew

11/01/98 11:55:00 AM 4 002/21:55:00 RMS PWRUP MS1, MS2

11/01/98 12:10:00 PM 4 002/22:10:00 SPARTAN GRAPPLE MS1, MS2

11/01/98 12:45:00 PM 4 002/22:45:00 SPARTAN DEPLOY 

SEQUENCE BEGINS

MS1, MS2, 

CDR, PLT

11/01/98 1:47:00 PM 4 002/23:47:00 SPARTAN RELEASE CDR, PLT, 

MS1, MS2

11/01/98 5:20:00 PM 4 003/03:20:00 U.S. NEWS 

CONFERENCE

CDR, PS2

11/01/98 10:40:00 PM 4 003/08:40:00 SLEEP Crew

Updated: 10/23/1998
27

STS-95

Flight Plan

Summary Timeline - Day 5

DATE TIME (EST) DAY MET EVENT CREW

11/02/98 6:40:00 AM 5 003/16:40:00 CREW WAKE Crew

11/02/98 10:40:00 AM 5 003/20:40:00 PUBLIC AFFAIRS TV 

EVENT

CDR, MS3, 

PS2

11/02/98 4:40:00 PM 5 004/02:40:00 PUBLIC AFFAIRS TV 

EVENT

CDR, PS2

11/02/98 5:00:00 PM 5 004/03:00:00 RNDZ TOOLS SETUP PLT, MS2

11/02/98 10:05:00 PM 5 004/08:05:00 SLEEP Crew

Updated: 10/23/1998
28

STS-95

Flight Plan

Summary Timeline - Day 6

DATE TIME (EST) DAY MET EVENT CREW

11/03/98 6:05:00 AM 6 004/16:05:00 CREW WAKE Crew

11/03/98 8:57:00 AM 6 004/18:57:00 NC4 CDR, PLT

11/03/98 9:45:00 AM 6 004/19:45:00 NH CDR, PLT

11/03/98 10:05:00 AM 6 004/20:05:00 SPACEHAB BRIEFING MS3

11/03/98 12:05:00 PM 6 004/22:05:00 Ti CDR, PLT

11/03/98 3:25:00 PM 6 005/01:25:00 SPARTAN CAPTURE CDR, PLT, 

MS1, MS2

11/03/98 3:30:00 PM 6 005/01:30:00 SPARTAN BERTH MS1, MS2

11/03/98 9:30:00 PM 6 005/07:30:00 SLEEP Crew

Updated: 10/23/1998
29

STS-95

Flight Plan

Summary Timeline - Day 7

DATE TIME (EST) DAY MET EVENT CREW

11/04/98 5:30:00 AM 7 005/15:30:00 CREW WAKE Crew

11/04/98 1:10:00 PM 7 005/23:10:00 PUBLIC AFFAIRS TV 

EVENT

CDR, PLT, PS2

11/04/98 8:55:00 PM 7 006/06:55:00 SLEEP Crew

Updated: 10/23/1998
30

STS-95

Flight Plan

Summary Timeline - Day 8

DATE TIME (EST) DAY MET EVENT CREW

11/05/98 4:55:00 AM 8 006/14:55:00 CREW WAKE Crew

11/05/98 1:00:00 PM 8 006/23:00:00 CREW NEWS 

CONFERENCE

Crew

11/05/98 8:20:00 PM 8 007/06:20:00 SLEEP Cmd

Updated: 10/23/1998
31

STS-95

Flight Plan

Summary Timeline - Day 9

DATE TIME (EST) DAY MET EVENT CREW

11/06/98 4:20:00 AM 9 007/14:20:00 CREW WAKE Crew

11/06/98 8:00:00 AM 9 007/18:00:00 FCS CHECKOUT CDR, PLT, 

MS2

11/06/98 9:10:00 AM 9 007/19:10:00 RCS HOTFIRE TEST CDR

11/06/98 10:40:00 AM 9 007/20:40:00 CABIN STOW MS2, PS2

11/06/98 11:40:00 AM 9 007/21:40:00 D/O BRIEF CDR, MS2, 

PS2, PS1, 

MS1, MS3, PLT

11/06/98 7:45:00 PM 9 008/05:45:00 SLEEP Crew

Updated: 10/23/1998
32

STS-95

Flight Plan

Summary Timeline - Day 10

DATE TIME (EST) DAY MET EVENT CREW

11/07/98 3:45:00 AM 10 008/13:45:00 CREW WAKE Crew

11/07/98 5:40:00 AM 10 008/15:40:00 SPACEHAB 

DEACTIVATION

Crew

11/07/98 6:20:00 AM 10 008/16:20:00 HOST DEACTIVATION MS2

11/07/98 6:30:00 AM 10 008/16:30:00 IEH DEACTIVATION MS2

11/07/98 6:35:00 AM 10 008/16:35:00 CRYOTSU 

DEACTIVATION

MS2

11/07/98 6:40:00 AM 10 008/16:40:00 DEORBIT PREP PS, PLT, CDR, 

PS1, MS1, 

MS2, PS2

11/07/98 10:40:00 AM 10 008/20:40:00 DE-ORBIT BURN CDR, PLT

11/07/98 11:50:00 AM 10 008/21:50:00 LANDING Crew

Updated: 10/23/1998
33

STS-95

RENDEZVOUS

SPARTAN 201-5 Rendezvous & Prox Ops

Overview

PROXIMITY OPERATIONS

SPARTAN rendezvous begins at payload release with Proximity Operations. 

Immediately following release of the target, the Orbiter will stationkeep (fly in 

formation) at a distance of 35 feet in an inertial attitude hold while 

SPARTAN attitude control is verified. 

SEPARATION

Six minutes after release, the crew of Discovery will execute a separation 

maneuver (SEP1) at a rate of 1fps. The maneuver is designed to clear the 

Orbiter of the SPARTAN orbital path and to set up the second separation 

maneuver (SEP2).

SEP2 will initiate a retrograde separation to place Discovery ahead of the 

target on the same velocity vector. A phasing maneuver (NC1) will then set 

up the two spacecraft 5-6 miles apart - well within range of the Orbiters RF 

communication system. At this distance, SPARTAN controllers on the 

ground will command the spacecraft via the Orbiter Payload Interrogator for 

the start of TEXAS operations. 

After 4 orbits of stationkeeping, a second phasing maneuver (NC2) will start 

Discovery on a slow separation to a distance of 30 nautical miles ahead of 

the SPARTAN, where NC3 will establish stationkeeping for several orbits of 

additional SPARTAN deployed science operations.

RENDEZVOUS

At completion of SPARTAN autonomous operations, a final phasing 

maneuver (NC4) will initiate a 2-orbit rendezvous profile placing Discovery 

behind and slightly below the target for the Terminal Phase of the 

rendezvous. 

TERMINAL PHASE

Terminal Phase Initiation will begin at a distance of 8.2 nautical miles behind 

and below the target with a 9.4 fps OMS maneuver (Ti) which will set up 

Discovery for an "R-BAR" (underneath) final approach for the capture of 

SPARTAN.

History/Background
34

This particular rendezvous profile utilizes the "ORBT" approach - one which 

was developed for the Shuttle/Mir rendezvous and docking missions of the 

ISS Phase One Program. It is an "R-BAR" approach, which means the 

Orbiter approaches the rendezvous target from below and translates up the 

radial vector (imaginary line radiating from the center of the Earth to the 

orbiting target). 

This particular "R-BAR" technique optimizes propellant usage over previous 

preferred techniques, and is the current choice in planning for missions to 

the International Space Station.

NOTE: More information about rendezvous maneuvers and terms can be 

found in the Shuttle Reference Data section.

Updated: 10/08/1998
35

STS-95

Payloads

Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC)

In-Cabin

54 lb lbs.

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal 

Investigator:

Robert Conger, University of 

Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.

Backup: Scott Parazynski Project 

Scientist:

William Knott, NASA Kennedy Space 

Center

Overview

NASA's Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications is 

sponsoring Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) 13, the latest in a series 

of life sciences experiments designed to examine the effects of microgravity 

on a wide range of physiological processes in higher order plants and 

arthropod animals (e.g., insects, spiders, centipedes, crustaceans).

On STS-95, BRIC-13 will study the effects of microgravity on embryogenesis 

(the formation of embryos) in orchard grass. 

Orchard grass samples will be obtained by splitting grass leaves in half and 

removing 3- to 4-mm segments from each half. The segments from one half 

will be flown in space; the segments from the other half will be used as a 

ground control in an identical experiment so that researchers can compare 

and analyze the effects of gravity and weightlessness on the same plant.

During the flight, a crew member will remove the plant segments from the 

BRIC canister. As the canister warms to room temperature, the embryos will 

begin to grow.

The Block III configuration of the BRIC hardware will be flown on STS-95. 

The BRIC cylinder can accommodate nine 100-mm petri dishes.
36

History/Background

One of four BRIC payload hardware configurations is chosen for each flight 

to meet scientific requirements:

o Block I: five 82-mm-diameter dual-chamber BRIC-60 canisters in a single 

middeck locker

o Block II: two 82-mm-diameter dual-chamber BRIC-60 canisters, one pair 

of cryogenic gloves, and one gaseous-nitrogen freezer in a single middeck 

locker

o Block III: three 114-mm-diameter single-chamber BRIC-100 canisters in a 

single middeck locker

o Block IV: nine 114-mm-diameter single-chamber BRIC-VC canisters in a 

single middeck locker

The canisters are self-contained aluminum holders for the specimen support 

hardware and require no orbiter power. The canisters and freezer are 

housed in a standard middeck locker. The BRIC Block I, Block III, and Block 

IV experiment configurations require no crew interaction. The Block II 

configuration requires a crew member to put on a pair of insulating gloves, 

remove a canister from the locker, and replace it in the freezer. 

BRIC-01 examined how microgravity affects the developing gypsy moth's 

diapause cycle--the period of time when the moth is in a dormant state 

undergoing development--with the aim of creating sterile moths. BRIC-02 

focused on how plant tissue culture develops in microgravity. BRIC-03 

studied the development and differentiation of soybeans as well as the 

effects of microgravity on the plants' carbohydrate metabolism, which 

provides plants the energy they need to grow. BRIC-04 examined how the 

hormone system and muscle formation processes of the tobacco hornworm 

(Manduca sexta) are affected by an altered gravitational field. BRIC-05 

tested whether cell division changes observed in the daylily (Hemerocallis 

cultivar, Autumn Blaze) are caused by microgravity or other effects, such as 

the availability of water.

BRIC-06 studied how gravity is sensed within mammalian cells. The 

processing of outside signals by mammalian cells is complex. Gravity is one 
37

signal that is received by these cells, but the gravity-sensing mechanism in 

mammalian cells has not been identified. To study this intracellular signal 

transmission, BRIC-06 flew a unicellular eucaryote cell culture of slime mold 

(Physarum polycephalum) as a model system. The investigator examined 

the cultures for specific chemical concentrations that are signs of the signal 

transduction process.

BRIC-07 helped investigators discover the mechanisms behind one 

endocrine system in insects, which may aid in research on endocrine 

systems in general, including human systems. The BRIC-07 research is 

important to the space program because space flight is known to affect 

astronauts' endocrine systems. 

The experiment began after the pupae, placed in the BRIC canisters before 

launch, started to develop. After the flight, the pupae were examined 

morphologically. More than half of the insects were sacrificed so 

investigators could collect and study their hemolymph, the circulatory fluid of 

invertebrates that is similar to the blood and lymph of vertebrates, and 

ecdysone, a hormone produced by insects that triggers molting and 

metamorphosis. The rest of the insects were allowed to develop to 

adulthood. During the 24 hours before the adult insects emerged, 

investigators removed their dorsolongitudinal flight muscles and analyzed 

their protein content and concentration. 

BRIC-08 investigated the somatic embryogenesis of daylily plant cells.

BRIC-09 studied the influence of microgravity on genetically altered tomato 

and tobacco seedlings that had been modified to contain elements of 

soybean genes. This investigation provided information about plants' 

molecular biology and insight into understanding the transport and 

distribution mechanisms for hormones within plants. The research could 

provide crucial information on how to improve growth rates and biomass 

production of space-grown plants as well as information on how to enhance 

crop productivity on Earth.

BRIC-10 studied the effects of gravity on the growth, development, and 

metabolic processes in Arabidopsis thaliana and tobacco seeds. The 

investigation used the specimens to identify and clone genes whose 

expression is altered when the plants are grown in microgravity. 

Benefits

The BRIC-13 investigation will contribute to researchers' understanding of 

how the weightlessness of space affects the development of plants. Earlier 

studies conducted in space indicated that microgravity inhibits the earliest 

cell divisions that lead to embryo formation, which could result in seeds that 

are formed improperly or seeds that are unable to produce another 

generation of plants. The implications are important for the crews of future 

long-duration space flights because they will depend on plants grown in 

space for food, water, and oxygen.

Better understanding of embryo formation and cell division also could result 

in advances in medical technology and better pharmaceutical products. 
38

STS-95

Payloads

Cryogenic Thermal Storage Unit (CRYOTSU)

Payload Bay

Total with adapter beam: 900 lbs; without: 710 lbs.

Prime: Stephen Robinson Principal 

Investigator:

Overall mission manager: Neal 

Barthelme, NASA GSFC 

Backup: Scott Parazynski Project 

Scientist:

CRYOTSU experiment prog. mgr., Lt. M. 

Rich, USAF Research Lab; Cryogenic 

Capillary Pumped Loop experiment prog. 

mgr., Theodore Swanson, NASA GSFC; 

Cryogenic Thermal Switch/Phase 

Change Upper End Plate experiments, 

Lt. B.J. Tomlinson, USAF Research Lab 

Overview

For all spacecraft, power is a very scarce resource that must be properly 

allocated for optimal system performance. The various instruments and 

electronic components on spacecraft require input power to function and, at 

the same time, require a means of dissipating this power to maintain their 

temperatures within allowable limits. The thermal control systems on 

spacecraft accomplish this goal by combining various low-power or passive 

thermal control components in an optimal way. 

In certain types of spacecraft, such as those used in Earth-observing 

applications, infrared detectors and optics need to be very cold, and these 

components must co-exist with other much warmer components. So the 

thermal control problems in space span a range of temperatures, requiring a 

range of thermal control components.

The Cryogenic Thermal Storage Unit Flight Experiment (CRYOTSU) 

payload is designed to demonstrate the functionality of four important 

spacecraft thermal control devices in microgravity: the 60K Thermal Storage 

Unit (TSU), the Cryogenic Capillary Pumped Loop (CCPL), the Cryogenic 

Thermal Switch (CTSW) and the Phase Change Upper End Plate (PCUEP). 

Three of the devices operate at very low ("cryogenic") temperatures, while 

the fourth operates at just above room temperature. Overall, the payload is a 

"toolbox" of thermal control elements that aerospace designers can select 

from to determine ways of reliably solving complex spacecraft thermal 

design problems with minimum expenditures of power, weight and cost.

60k Thermal Storage Unit (TSU)

The 60K TSU is a hermetically-sealed, dual-volume, beryllium and stainless 

steel vessel that contains a cryogenic phase change material--in this case, 
39

nitrogen. At room temperature, nitrogen is a gas. However, once nitrogen 

cools sufficiently, it becomes a liquid and, ultimately, a solid. The 60K TSU 

functions as a supplement to a cryocooler, which is a small refrigerator 

designed to cool infrared instruments to low operating temperatures. 

Although most infrared instruments require tight temperature control and 

dissipate very little heat, some infrared instruments dissipate a moderate 

amount of heat in a highly variable (non-constant) manner. In some cases, 

the peak dissipation rate can exceed the average rate by ten times or more. 

The 60K TSU smoothes out the heating variations by periodically melting 

and refreezing the cryogenic phase change material. By stabilizing the heat 

load seen by the cryocooler into an average load, engineers can use a 

smaller, less power-consuming cryocooler. For some space systems, the 

viability of the 60K TSU will determine whether those systems can be 

deployed at all, due to a lack of larger cryocoolers. 

One very attractive feature of the 60K TSU is the fact that it operates 

passively and requires no input power, which also lessens power 

consumption of the entire payload system. In addition, this particular 60K 

TSU has a hermetically-sealed, seamless beryllium heat exchanger formed 

by a patent-pending beryllium joining process that Swales Aerospace and its 

subcontractor partners have developed for this application. 

Cryogenic Capillary Pumped Loop (CCPL)

The CCPL is a lightweight, miniaturized device that provides the thermal link 

between an infrared or electrical cryogenic component and a cryocooler. 

The CCPL has no moving parts and operates using a two-phase fluid loop 

similar to that found in a residential heat pump. It can be constructed using 

very small diameter tubing that can be routed around mechanisms and 

components in tight areas. CCPLs are therefore lightweight and useful in a 

variety of situations, including those where crycooler mounting space is 

limited, where the cryocooler creates excessive vibration, and where cooling 

must be transported across a flexible joint. The fluids used in CCPLs are 

gases at room temperature, but once they have cooled sufficiently, they 

become liquid. The fluid used in this device is nitrogen. 

CCPL benefits include weight savings for highly remote components, the 

ability to integrate two or more cryocoolers into a single cooling source for a 

component, and the ability to span joints requiring extreme flexibility. CCPLs 

will therefore enable certain types of space systems to be deployed and are 

high-performance alternatives to flexible conductive links (FCLs), which are 

used routinely to thermally link cryocoolers to cooled cryogenic components. 

Besides their substantial weight savings, one important advantage of CCPLs 

over flexible conductive links is their inherent diode action--that is, a CCPLbased thermal link can be turned on or off, while flexible conductive links, by 

definition, are always turned on.

Cryogenic Thermal Switch (CTS)

The CTS is also a device that enables the thermal link between two 

components to be turned on or off. For certain cryogenic space applications, 
40

the CTS is an absolute necessity. For example, some very low-temperature 

infrared sensors need to be cooled by at least two cryocoolers because of 

reliability concerns--a primary cooler that is normally on and a backup cooler 

that is normally off. These very low-temperature cryocoolers require a 

substantial amount of input power to produce just a small amount of cooling. 

If CTSs were not available, the unwanted or "parasitic" heat flow from the off 

cryocooler would be overly costly in terms of spacecraft power usage. By 

using two CTSs in parallel (one for each cryocooler), the flow of heat from 

the backup (off) cryocooler can be minimized and the cooling capability of 

the primary (on) cryocooler can be maximized. If the primary cryocooler fails, 

its CTS can be turned off, and the backup cryocooler, along with its CTS, 

can be turned on. 

The CTS turns on and off by respectively filling or emptying with a very small 

amount of hydrogen gas (about two millionths of a pound). At room 

temperature, the hydrogen gas is completely absorbed on porous metal 

surfaces within a tiny component known as a "hydride pump". The hydride 

pump, which is mounted in a warmer portion of the spacecraft, is attached to 

the CTS by a long, small diameter tube. To activate the CTS on, a heater on 

the hydride pump is turned on. The hydrogen, which is then released, then 

fills the CTS and the thermal path is on. When the hydride pump heater is 

turned off, the hydrogen is readsorbed and the CTS turns off.

Phase Change Upper End Plate (PCUEP)

The PCUEP, like the 60K TSU, stores energy and also provides a thermal 

load-leveling function that smooths out variable heating loads. The operating 

temperature of the PCUEP is 113 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about 77 

degrees Fahrenheit above room temperature. The primary use for the 

PCUEP is in maintaining the thermal stability of high-power components that 

need to be intermittently turned on and off. 

The PCUEP is constructed of an aluminum shell and a carbon fiber core 

filled with a wax-like phase change material known as docosane. When the 

high-power component is turned on, the docosane melts and the component 

temperature stays relatively constant. When the high-power component is 

turned off, the docosane freezes and the component temperature, again, 

stays relatively constant. 

On the CRYOTSU mission, the PCUEP is an integral part of the overall 

thermal control system for the flight experiment. With five cryocoolers, the 

total power dissipation exceeds the capability of the Hitchhiker-Getaway 

Special Canister to dissipate the heat to space without overheating. Thus, 

under normal conditions, the operating time is limited. The PCUEP allows 

the cryocoolers to operate longer without overheating, extending the time 

that the CRYOTSU flight experiments have to gather valuable performance 

data in space.

Flight Hardware & Configuration

CRYOTSU will be mounted in a five-cubic-foot Hitchhiker-Getaway Special 

canister that mounts to the side wall in Discovery's payload bay. Total length 
41

of the payload is 71.5 inches. 

The CRYOTSU electronics, using the Hitchhiker avionics, provide power 

and commands to the experiment as well as data acquisition, signal 

conditioning, and telemetry transmission.

CRYOTSU desires a thermal environment cooler than or equal to +ZLV 

(bay-to-Earth) during operations. A thermal environment warmer than this 

may result in longer test cycles. The payload has no sun pointing 

constraints.

Crew Operations

The STS-95 crew will activate and deactivate the CRYOTSU Hitchhiker 

carrier using a standard switch panel. Crew participation is also required to 

position Discovery to the required attitudes for payload data acquisition. 

They will also be required to shoot general photographs of CRYOTSU 

during the mission. 

Payload Operations Control Center (POCC)

The POCC at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center will monitor and control 

the payload from the ground. CRYOTSU requires two 24-hour and two 12-

hour test cycles. Two additional 24-hour and 12-hour test cycles are highly 

desired. 

History/Background

This will be the first flight of CRYOTSU, and the fifth in a series of cryogenic 

test bed flights managed by the United States Air Force Phillips Laboratory. 

The other flights were:

. Cryogenic Heat Pipe Experiment (CRYOHP)--STS-53

. Cryogenic Two-Phase Experiment (CRYOTP)--STS-62

. Cryogenic Flexible Diode Experiment (CRYOFD)--STS-83 and -94

CRYOTSU was designed jointly by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, 

Greenbelt, Md., and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), 

Kirtland AFB, N.M. Additional collaboration on CRYOTSU was provided by 

Swales Aerospace, Beltsville, Md. CRYOTSU is managed by the 

Department of Defense Space Test Program and the United States Air 

Force Phillips Laboratory. 

The GSFC Hitchhiker program, which is managed by the Shuttle Small 

Payloads Project Office, provided mission support. For more info on 

Hitchhiker, see http://sspp.gsfc.nasa.gov/hh/hh.html.

Benefits
42

CRYOTSU will provide aerospace designers with a "toolbox" of thermal 

control elements that they can select from to determine ways of reliably 

solving complex spacecraft thermal design problems with minimum 

expenditures of power, weight and cost.

The 60K TSU, CCPL, and CTSW experiments benefit future integrated 

cryogenic bus systems. 

The PCUEP experiment will benefit future cooling test bed missions and 

spacecraft requiring load-leveling for power dissipating components.

Updated: 10/13/1998
43

STS-95

Payloads

Electronic Nose (E-NOSE)

In-Cabin

E-Nose weighs just over 3 pounds. lbs.

Prime: Curtis Brown Principal 

Investigator:

Dr. Margaret A. Ryan of JPL is the 

principal investigator for E-Nose. Dr. 

Margie L. Homer of JPL and Dr. John T. 

James of JSC are co-investigators.

Backup: Steven Lindsey

Overview

E-Nose is a new, miniature environmental monitoring instrument that detects 

and identifies a wide range of organic and inorganic molecules down to the 

parts-per-million level. The objective on STS-95 is to flight-test E-Nose and 

assess its ability to monitor changes in Discovery's middeck atmosphere.

The monitoring device uses an array of thin-film polymer sensors 

interspersed with carbon. The chemical sensors change resistance when 

exposed to vapors, but no one sensor is dedicated to identifying any specific 

vapor. Since gases and gas mixtures are identified by the electrical 

response pattern of the entire array, E-Nose has a unique ability to monitor 

and identify a wide variety of odors. For this flight, ten toxic compounds are 

targeted for identification. 

In addition to the sensor array, the E-Nose flight equipment includes an 

alcohol wipe kit, a customized display and control palm-top for crew 

interface, and a valve assembly for collecting "grab" samples. 

Once Discovery is in orbit, no sooner than 2.5 hours after launch, a crew 

member will unstow E-Nose from its middeck locker and set it up in a 

location with good return air flow and no stagnation, e.g., near the air 

revitalization system intake. 

Each day, preferably for 8 consecutive days, a crew member will collect 

ambient cabin air in a grab-sample container, wipe the detector instrument 

with alcohol to record a marker, and enter the event on a mission elapsed 

time log sheet, establishing a measurement baseline every 3 hours. E-Nose 

data will be stored internally for postflight analysis.

History/Background
44

In the close confines of a spacecraft, the air that crew members breathe is 

filtered and recycled throughout the mission. Since the air supply is limited 

and very difficult to replace, the buildup of atmospheric contaminants is a 

concern to crew health. Such contaminants have been found in the shuttle 

crew cabin air. The accumulation of these potentially harmful gases poses a 

more serious threat during long missions aboard a space station or en route 

to distant bodies in the solar system.

In addressing these concerns, spacecraft designers must also deal with the 

usual size and weight restrictions placed on all spacecraft components. The 

challenge of maintaining air quality must be met with small, lightweight 

efficient systems. Hence the development by Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

(JPL) of a miniature air quality monitoring system, called the Electronic Nose 

because it operates in a manner similar to the human olfactory sense in 

detecting air changes.

Benefits

Early detection of contaminants aboard spacecraft is vital to crew health. 

The problems with current air quality monitoring equipment may be solved 

by the extremely compact and unobtrusive design of E-Nose, which can 

detect, identify, and quantify a wide range of air constituents. This 

comprehensive measurement of spacecraft air quality by a miniature, 

distributed device also has potential application for environmental monitoring 

and control on Earth. 

Updated: 10/13/1998
45

STS-95

Payloads

Getaway Special (GAS) Program

Payload Bay

200 or less, each GAS payload lbs.

Prime: Steven Lindsey Principal Investigator: see individual GAS payloads

Backup: Curtis Brown

Overview

Four Getaway Special (GAS) payloads will be aboard the STS-95 mission. 

G-467 (Capillary Pumped Loop) and G-779 (Hearts in Space) are described 

below. 

The other two GAS experiments, G-238 and G-764, are part of the 

International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker (IEH)-03 payload. For more 

information see EXPERIMENTS.

G-467: Capillary Pumped Loop (CPL)

The objective of the G-467 GAS payload is to demonstrate in space the 

working principle and performance of a two-phase capillary pumped loop 

(CPL) with two advanced evaporators, a two-phase vapor quality sensor 

(VQS) with two condensers in parallel, and a control reservoir.

This experiment is a modified reflight of G-557, which was flown on STS-60 

in February 1994. 

The G-467 GAS payload is sponsored by the European Space Agency, 

Paris, France. The payload manager for this experiment is Andre Robelet.

G-779: Hearts in Space

G-779, or Hearts in Space, was developed by researchers at Bellarmine 

College in Louisville, Ky. The original Hearts in Space experiment (G-572) 

was initially flown aboard the space shuttle Discovery on STS-85 in August 

1997. Because of the failure of a tape recorder electrical connector, which 

prevented the on-orbit recording of physiological pressure and flow data, the 

payload is being reflown.

The purpose of the payload is to study why astronauts' hearts become 

smaller while in space. 

Principal investigators are Thomas E. Bennett, Ph.D., Department of 

Biology, Bellarmine College, Louisville; George M. Pantalos, Ph.D., 
46

Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and M. Keith 

Sharp, Sc.D., Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.

History/Background

STS-95 is the 33rd shuttle mission to participate in NASA's Getaway Special 

(GAS) program, officially known as the Small, Self-Contained Payloads 

program.

To ensure that diverse groups have access to space, NASA rotates payload 

assignments among three major categories of users: educational, foreign 

and commercial, and U.S. government. Since the program was first 

announced in the fall of 1976, almost 200 GAS payloads have been 

reserved and flown by foreign governments and individuals; U.S. 

industrialists, foundations, high schools, colleges and universities; 

professional societies; service clubs; and many others. Although persons 

and groups involved in space research have obtained many of the 

reservations, a large number of spaces have been reserved by persons and 

organizations outside the space community.

There are no stringent requirements to qualify for space flight. However, 

each payload must meet specific safety criteria and be screened for its 

propriety as well as its educational, scientific, or technological objectives. 

These guidelines preclude commemorative items, such as medallions, that 

are intended for sale as objects that have flown in space.

GAS requests must first be approved at NASA Headquarters in Washington, 

D.C., by the director of the Transportation Services Office. At that point 

NASA screens the propriety objectives of each request. To complete the 

reservation process for GAS payloads, each request must be accompanied 

or preceded by the payment of $500 earnest money.

Approved requests are assigned an identification number and referred to the 

GAS team at the Goddard Space Flight Center, the designated lead center 

for the project. The GAS team screens the proposals for safety and provides 

advice and consultation on payload design. It certifies that proposed 

payloads are safe and will not harm or interfere with the operations of the 

space shuttle, its crew, or other experiments on the flight. The costs of any 

physical testing required to answer safety questions before launch are borne 

by the GAS customer.

NASA's space shuttle program has specific standards and conditions 

relating to GAS payloads. Payloads must fit NASA standard containers and 

weigh no more than 200 pounds. However, two or more experiments may be 
47

included in a single container if they fit in it and do not exceed weight 

limitations. The payload must be self-powered and not draw on the shuttle 

orbiter's electricity. In addition, payload designs should consider that the 

crew's involvement with GAS payloads will be limited to six simple activities 

(such as turning on and off up to three payload switches) because crew 

activity schedules do not provide opportunities to either monitor or service 

GAS payloads in flight.

The cost of this unique service depends on the size and weight of the 

experiment. Getaway specials of 200 pounds and 5 cubic feet cost $10,000; 

100 pounds and 2.5 cubic feet, $5,000; and 60 pounds and 2.5 cubic feet, 

$3,000. The weight of the GAS container, experiment mounting plate and its 

attachment screws, and all hardware regularly supplied by NASA is not 

charged to the experimenter's weight allowance.

The GAS container provides internal pressure, which can be varied from 

near vacuum to about one atmosphere. The bottom and sides of the 

container are always thermally insulated, and the top may be insulated or 

not, depending on the specific experiment. A lid that can be opened or one 

with a window may be required. These may also be offered as options at 

additional cost.

The GAS container is made of aluminum, and the circular end plates are 

0.625-inch-thick aluminum. The bottom 3 inches of the container are 

reserved for NASA interface equipment, such as command decoders and 

pressure regulating systems. The container is a pressure vessel that can be 

evacuated before or during launch or on orbit and can be repressurized 

during reentry or on orbit, as required by the experimenter.

The getaway bridge, which is capable of holding 12 canisters, made its 

maiden flight on STS 61-C. The aluminum bridge fits across the payload bay 

of the orbiter and offers a convenient and economical way of flying several 

GAS canisters.

For additional information about NASA's Getaway Special program, contact 

the program manager, Code MC, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. 

20546. The primary contact for payload users is the technical liaison, Code 

740, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. 20771.

Updated: 10/13/1998
48

STS-95

Payloads

HST Orbital Systems Test Platform (HOST)

Payload Bay

2,800 lb lbs.

Prime: Scott Parazynski

Backup: Stephen Robinson

Overview

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Orbital Systems Test (HOST) platform 

is an on-orbit test bed for hardware that will be installed on the orbiting 

telescope during the third HST servicing mission. 

The primary objective of the HOST mission is to demonstrate that electronic 

and thermodynamic equipment slated for installation on the Hubble 

Telescope in 1999 works in the radiation and microgravity environment.

Near-Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS)

One of the primary pieces of equipment to be tested is a new cooling system 

for the Near-Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer, or NICMOS, 

that will extend the instrument's operational life at least five years. The 

NICMOS cooling system--a reverse turbo-Brayton cycle cooler and capillary 

pump loop--is a significant advancement in technology that may eliminate 

cooling systems that depend on Dewars to supply supercold liquids for 

cooling sensors. 

NICMOS consists of three cameras that take pictures of objects at the far 

reaches of the universe. It can see objects created near the beginning of the 

universe and can look deep into clouds of dust to view how stars and 

planets are formed. NICMOS is also a spectrometer, a coronagraph, and a 

polarimeter.

NICMOS was installed on the Hubble Space Telescope on the second 

servicing mission in February 1997. It replaced the Faint-Object 

Spectrograph.

New Data Processor (DF-224)

The HOST mission will also test whether a new computer scheduled to be 

placed on the Hubble Telescope next year will operate in the radiation 

environment of space. The 486 computer will have twice the memory and 

three times the processor speed of the DF-224 computer and its 

coprocessor that it will replace. In addition to providing a measure of the 486 

computer's performance, the HOST mission will also demonstrate the ability 
49

of the computer's hardware and software to handle errors.

The DF-224 computer has experienced a number of memory card failures 

and a few errors thought to have been caused by radiation. The HOST 

mission will allow investigators to discover any parts that are susceptible to 

radiation or single-event upsets. It will also demonstrate the 486 computer's 

handling of radiation-induced errors.

The pulse height analysis instrument will measure the actual radiation levels 

of heavy ions that cause single-event upsets in electronic devices. This 

information will be used to update the present models and aid in mapping 

the space environment. The improved models and maps can then used to 

predict the frequency and intensity of SEUs. 

Solid State Recorder (SSR)

A solid-state recorder that will replace the engineering science tape recorder 

as a flight spare on the Hubble Space Telescope will be tested during the 

HOST mission. The purpose of this test is to determine if the SSR is 

equivalent to the unit now on the Hubble Telescope, if the Hubble's current 

recorder is abnormal, and if the HOST SSR will operate properly on Hubble. 

Errors were detected in the flight unit recorder on the telescope after it was 

installed during the second servicing mission. It is believed the errors were 

caused by single-event upsets or transients caused by high-energy protons 

in the South Atlantic Anomaly. The errors were not considered serious, but 

minor changes have been made in the SSR software to all but eliminate the 

chance that the recorder will lose science data. 

The current recorder on the Hubble has a second-order effect that appears 

to be induced by the initial errors and causes a second error. No explanation 

for this second error has been developed, and it may be unique to the 

Hubble recorder. The HOST will fly a second SSR to determine if it behaves 

similarly.

The HOST solid-state recorder will provide a very good comparison of the 

radiation levels in the Hubble Telescope and HOST orbits. Although the 

HOST mission environment is expected to be more benign than that of the 

Hubble orbit, the number of errors the recorder experiences in the HOST 

orbit will allow investigators to make a direct comparison of the two radiation 

environments.

Fiber Optic Performance

HOST will also analyze the performance of fiber optics in the orbiter by 

transmitting telemetry data to the orbiter over standard data lines and fiberoptic lines. The two data streams will be recorded for postflight analysis. 

Fiber-optic transmission is being considered for use on the orbiter to 

improve payload processing and to enable faster orbiter ground processing.

HOST Support Equipment
50

The platform for the HOST hardware is an airborne support equipment 

cradle originally designed to carry the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite 

on STS-48 and now used as a carrier for contingency deployment and repair 

hardware. Protective enclosures, miscellaneous equipment, and honeycomb 

face sheets have been removed from the cradle and reconfigured to 

accommodate the HOST avionics and experiments.

Updated: 10/13/1998
51

STS-95

Payloads

International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker (IEH-3)

Payload Bay

5,672 lb lbs.

Prime: Stephen Robinson Principal Investigator: Dr. Don McMullin

Backup: Scott Parazynski

Overview

The primary purpose of the IEH is to investigate the magnitude of the 

absolute solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flux and EUV emitted by the plasma 

torus system around Jupiter and stellar objects. It will also study the Earth's 

thermosphere, ionosphere, and mesophere.

IEH consists of two cooperative experiments--the Solar Extreme Ultraviolet 

Hitchhiker (SEH) and the Ultraviolet Spectrograph Telescope for 

Astronomical Research, or UVSTAR. 

The SEH and UVSTAR experiments are carried on a Hitchhiker cross-bay 

bridge in Discovery's cargo bay. SEH instrumentation is contained in a 

canister on the side of the Hitchhiker cross-bay bridge, and UVSTAR is 

mounted on a pallet on top of the bridge. 

Solar Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker (SEH)

Developed by the University of Southern California for NASA's Solar System 

Exploration Division, the SEH will measure the wavelengths of nonvisible 

light with an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) solar spectrometer and photograph 

the EUV region of the solar spectrum between 250 and 1,700 angstroms. 

(For comparison, visible light is between 4,000 and 7,000 angstroms. An 

angstrom is one ten-billionth of a meter.) SEH also will use helium and neon 

instruments to provide extremely accurate measurements of the brightness 

of solar EUV radiation. 

On IEH-03, the solar system response to the solar input will be observed by 

a complementary set of instruments, UVSTAR and SEH. Both are 

international cooperative experiments. The UVSTAR instrumentation will 

provide Jovian system extreme ultraviolet/far ultraviolet data, and SEH will 

provide the required solar flux data for proper interpretation. Such missions 

will continue to provide the planetary community with the highest quality 

solar EUV data available. 

One type of detector SEH is investigating is a helium double ionization cell. 

This detector measures the photoionization rate of helium, from which the 

total number of photons in emission lines between 50 and 504 angstroms 

can be calculated. 
52

Commands sent from the ground trigger the release of a precise amount of 

helium into an ionization cell. Photons entering the cell collide with the 

helium atoms, which absorb the photons in the emission line being 

investigated. Electrons created in this process flow through electrometers to 

two collectors. The photoionization rate of the helium is calculated by 

comparing the currents of the two electrometers that serve each collector. 

The neon rare-gas ionization cell is similar to the helium cell, but it provides 

the actual number of photons between 50 and 575 angstroms. In this 

detector, photons colliding with neon atoms create electrons and ions of 

neon. Electrons flowing through an ion current pico ammeter to a collector 

produce a current proportional to the photon count. 

The silicon photodiode is a highly stable detector that measures the solar 

flux at EUV wavelengths. Solar photons enter the detector's 5mm aperture 

and pass through an aluminum filter. The light flux that is not filtered out 

(170 to 800 angstroms) strikes the aluminum-coated detector, creating a 

photocurrent that is measured by an electrometer.

The SEH EUV spectrometer measures the relative distribution of emission 

lines from 250 to 1,750 angstroms rather than the number of photons in the 

solar radiation. Radiation entering the instrument is broken into its 

component wavelengths. The photons then pass through a filter into a 

charged microchannel plate, where they crash into the glass surface of the 

plate. The collision produces electrons that impinge on a resistive anode 

detector, generating a current that is proportional to the intensity of the light. 

Emission lines may be recorded with a spectrometer, an instrument that 

measures the intensity of radiation at particular wavelengths. The product of 

these measurements is a spectrograph, which reveals the chemical 

composition of the object being observed. 

The data from these four instruments will be combined to reveal the 

absolute solar flux. 

SEH will also measure changes in the Earth's atmosphere caused by solar 

EUV and daytime temperatures. Its observations will also be coordinated 

with those of two identical on-orbit instruments--a payload to be launched on 

a sounding rocket and the European Space Agency-NASA Solar and 

Heliospheric Observatory--to provide tight cross-calibration of the three 

instruments.

Dr. Don McMullin is the principal investigator. 

Ultraviolet Spectrograph Telescope for Astronomical Research 

(UVSTAR)

The UVSTAR instrument complement consists of two telescopes with 

imaging spectrographs that cover overlapping spectral regions of 500 to 900 

angstroms and 850 to 1,250 angstroms. The telescopes are capable of 

spectral imaging of extended plasma sources.
53

Internal gimbals allow the entire UVSTAR telescope/spectrograph assembly 

to move several degrees about its azimuth and elevation axes. A newly 

developed code autonomously determines the pointing direction of the 

telescope. Two smaller telescopes on the front of the UVSTAR instruments 

acquire and track targets after the orbiter is oriented to position the 6-by-8-

degree field of view of UVSTAR's finder on the objects.

UVSTAR will obtain and spectrally resolve images of extended plasma 

sources. Key targets are planetary, such as the high-temperature plasma 

confined in a toroidal ring around Io's orbit at Jupiter, remnants of 

supernovae with their expanding envelopes, and the hot blue star content of 

the globular clusters (i.e., very dense stellar aggregates that give clues 

about stellar evolution). Targets of opportunity, such as comets or special 

sudden events occurring in the sky, also will be observed.

The volcanic Io spews volcanic gasses and materials that are trapped in 

Jupiter's magnetic field, forming a torus (a donut shape with Jupiter in the 

middle). The UV emissions from the torus will reveal the nature of the Ionian 

material and Jupiter's energy output. 

UVSTAR is carrying an instrument called the extreme ultraviolet imager, 

which will measure the Earth's atmosphere in EUV wavelengths. The EUVI 

has two imagers that will map the intensity of helium and oxygen ions in the 

atmosphere by scanning along the Earth's shadow line. The EUVI will allow 

scientists to obtain precise measurements of the Earth's ionosphere and 

plasmosphere.

Since the crucial lines for interpreting the properties of the upper 

atmospheres and magnetospheric plasmas of planets and the structure of 

the interplanetary medium are situated in the 500- to 900-angstrom wave 

band, UVSTAR's extreme ultraviolet channel is perfect for conducting solar 

system research. Space-based measurements in the EUV spectrum offer 

scientists a more direct means of studying certain torus processes than 

ground-based observations of torus emissions in the visual wavelength.

The principal investigators are Dr. Lyle Broadfoot of the University of Arizona 

and Dr. Roberto Stalio of the University of Trieste.

Hitchhiker Payloads

Five other payloads are also hitching a ride with the IEH.

The Spectrograph/Telescope for Astronomical Research payload will study 

astronomical targets in the ultraviolet. The Solar Constant experiment is 

designed to accurately measure the solar constant and identify variations in 

its value during a solar cycle. The Petite Amateur Naval Satellite is a small 

spread-spectrum communications satellite that will operate in the amateur 

radio ultrahigh frequency range. Two getaway specials are also part of the 

Hitchhiker payload complement. 

(For more information on Hitchhiker experiments, see EXPERIMENTS)
54

History/Background

This is the third of five planned IEH shuttle missions to monitor long-term 

variations in the sun's EUV irradiance. The first flight was STS-69 in 1995. 

IEH-03 is managed by the Goddard Space Flight Center. The Hitchhiker 

avionics provide power to the payload and commanding capabilities from 

Goddard Payload Operations Control Center. Some of the payloads will be 

controlled from the POCC; others will be run automatically by 

preprogrammed commands. The crew will support the IEH-03 payload by 

activating and deactivating it and performing attitude maneuvers in support 

of experiment observations. 

The UVSTAR experiment, which was jointly developed by NASA and the 

Italian Space Agency, is a collaboration between the Universities of Arizona 

and Trieste. UVSTAR will use measurements of the solar flux recorded by 

the SEH to observe the response of the solar system to the solar input. The 

UVSTAR instruments will measure EUV emissions (500 to 900 angstroms) 

and far ultraviolet emissions (800 to 1,250 angstroms) from stellar objects 

such as hot stars and nebulae and the Jovian system. 

The UVSTAR scientific program is an offshoot of the astronomy research 

conducted by the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft, which are sending back lowresolution spectra of faint stellar and nonstellar objects. UVSTAR's 

enhanced sensitivity and greater spectral resolution will allow it to study 

fainter objects and a greater variety of objects than the Voyager 

spectrometers, and its spectral imaging capabilities will enable it to study a 

wider range of objects.

Benefits

Since EUV flux, or radiation, cannot penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, 

scientists who want to learn more about this important energy source from 

the sun must conduct their experiments in space. 

Scientists need accurate measurements of the sun's absolute EUV 

emissions to develop models of the scattering, ionization, and heating of 

planetary atmospheres (including our own), moons, and comets. Data from 

early attempts to measure EUV radiation exhibited rather large uncertainties 
55

caused primarily by instrument calibration uncertainties and difficulty 

separating changes in the sensitivity of instruments from the variability of 

solar EUV emissions. 

Because of the stability of its three EUV detectors, the SEH can surmount 

these obstacles. When the SEH flew on STS-69, it produced the most 

reliable absolute solar EUV data so far. 

Scientists hope that these experiments will provide data that will help them 

improve their global solar atmospheric models, which will lead to a better 

understanding of solar variability.

Updated: 10/13/1998
56

STS-95

Payloads

Space Experiment Module (SEM) - 4

Payload Bay

6 lb lbs.

Prime: Steven Lindsey

Backup: Curtis Brown

Overview

STS-95 is the fifth flight of the SEM payload. A canister containing eight 

student experiment modules will remain in Discovery's payload bay, 

attached to the SPARTAN 201 support structure throughout the mission. 

The crew will activate the SEM carrier system as early in the mission as 

possible and deactivate it as late as possible. There will be no in-flight or 

uplinked control of individual experiments; data reduction and processing 

are performed after the flight. 

The experiments inside the SEM-04 carrier for STS-95 are:

Effect of Microgravity and Temperature on Human Tissue and Human 

Used and Consumed Items

Blue Mountain School, Floyd, Va.

Students from second to seventh grade are investigating the effect of 

microgravity and temperature on film, soap, motor oil, bone, nails, cola 

beverage, and popcorn. This experiment complements their study of the 

effects of microgravity on the human body and the development of products 

for use in space.

Curing Structural Adhesives and Solidifying Low-Melting-Point Solders 

in a Microgravity Environment

Don Bosco Technical Institute, Rosemead, Calif.

The high school and junior college students at Don Bosco have designed a 

module containing two active experiments. One studies how microgravity 

affects the solidification of low-melting-point solders and solder wetting on 

gold plate. The other examines the structural integrity, tensile (or tension) 

strength, and adhesive cohesion of one-part epoxy or adhesive after 

exposure to microgravity.

Effects of Microgravity on an Objects Physical Characteristics

Dowell Elementary School, Marietta, Ga. 

First-grade students want to compare the weight, mass, and other physical 
57

characteristics of objects before and after space flight. The experiment 

objects include chewing gum (elasticity, mass), popcorn (percentage that will 

pop), bread (observation of mold), stickers (response of the adhesive), 

bubble wrap (inflation/deflation of bubbles), chalk (vibration, crumbling), 

paper clips (weight, mass), erasers (weight, mass, performance), and 

crayons (temperature effects). 

Effect of Cosmic Radiation on Wisconsin Fast Plants and the 

Development of Brine Shrimp Eggs and Chia Seeds

Fort Couch Middle School, Upper St. Clair, Penn., and Monrovia Elementary 

School, Madison, Ala.

Fifth- to eighth-grade students will look at the effect of cosmic radiation on 

Wisconsin fast plants (Brassica), wheat seeds, brine shrimp, and Chia 

seeds (the same seeds used on Chia Pets). Specifically, they will examine 

germination rate, crossover rate, life span, and changes in DNA. The 

investigation is part of the students developmental biology, genetics, and 

animal behavior curriculum.

Growing Montello Transglobally

Montello High School, Montello, Wisc., and Instituto Technico Commerciale 

Riccati, Treviso, Italy

This project was jointly designed by high school students and staff from 

Montello, Wisc., and Montello, Italy. The two areas have many geographical 

similarities. Students will study lettuce and cicoria seeds and analyze 

statistics to compare germination for two to three generations. Specific 

observations will include plant size and vigor, bloom size, and productivity. 

The two sites will cross-compare data by exchanging seed samples, 

pictures, graphs, charts, diagrams and journals on the Internet.

Analysis of Three-Dimensional Sprag Performance in a Microgravity 

Environment

University of Maryland, College Park, Md.

This is the first flight of the three-dimensional sprag, which was selected as 

one of the hundred most technologically significant new products in 1997. 

This innovative sprag was developed by Goddard Space Flight Center 

engineer John Vranish. Sprags are small parts manufactured with 

specialized geometry to allow free rolling in one direction and prevent motion 

in the other direction. The sprag's job is to lock a cog or wheel in place so 

that it moves in only one direction. The students will test and verify the 

sprag's performance in flight to evaluate its suitability as an alternative to 

conventional ratchet designs. In space flight and commercial applications, 

the sprag design is potentially valuable because it enhances tool efficiency: 

e.g., it will help conserve extravehicular activity resources (reducing human 

workload) in space, allow tools like wrenches to be used in more confined 

spaces, and enable tools that require no lubrication and can stay in space 

indefinitely. The experiment will record the response of the sprag system at 

various applied torque levels.
58

Effect of Microgravity and Temperature on Mold Growth

West Richland Elementary School, Noble, Ill.

To study the effect of microgravity and temperature on a variety of bread 

molds, students from kindergarten through sixth grade will measure and 

compare growth diameter, depth, and weight of controlled and microgravityexposed mold cultures.

Effect of Microgravity on Seed Growth and Survival

Woodmore Elementary School, Mitchellville, Md., and Colegio Santa Hilda, 

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Elementary students in Maryland and Argentina will characterize the effects 

of radiation on seed germination and growth by harvesting seeds from firstgeneration plants and repeating the germination and growth study for the 

second-generation seeds. A variety of seeds (e.g., perennial rye, Kentucky 

bluegrass, Black-Eyed Susan, corn, oats, barley, lentil, and sunflower) will 

be investigated. The two schools will share experiment data and results. The 

collaboration is designed to stimulate and enhance student cultural 

exchange.

History/Background

NASA began the Space Experiment Module (SEM) program in 1995 as an 

offshoot of the Getaway Special program, managed by the Shuttle Small 

Payloads Project at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. Since 

1982, GAS canisters had flown on the shuttle, offering economic access to 

space to a broader array of experimenters, particularly students. But 

participation was still somewhat limited by the high-level engineering skills 

required to design GAS experiments. 

In 1995, the program directors started SEM to relieve students of the 

engineering burden and let them concentrate on creating their experiments. 

Since the module is equipped with electrical power, there is no need to 

engineer and build battery boxes, etc. Students of all ages can create, 

design, and build experiments with a little help from teachers or mentors. 

The experiments--which can be simple or complicated, active or passive--

are placed in half-moon-shaped SEMs, ten of which are then stacked in a 

GAS canister.

SEM program accomplishments to date are as follows: 

• National/international participation 

• Involvement by diverse educational organizations, age groups, 

and levels 

- Metropolitan, remote, and public schools 

- Science and technical clubs

- Boy and girl scouts

• Status as a valid, legitimate, innovative, accessible educational tool

Benefits
59

The specific objectives and benefits of the SEM program are to:

Provide economical access to space for students from kindergarten to the 

university level.

Use existing hardware and experience.

Encourage hands-on student creation, design, implementation, and analysis 

of science and technology experiments with teacher or mentor guidance.

Tie SEM program to NASA and U.S. educational goals and standards.

Ensure that student participation is not limited by geographical location.

Provide high-quality, reliable, usable products and responsive technical 

services.

Updated: 10/13/1998
60

STS-95

Payloads

SPACEHAB

Payload Bay

11,876 lbs.

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal Investigator: see individual experiments

Backup: Pedro Duque Project Scientist: see individual experiments

Overview

Much of the mission research will be performed in the SPACEHAB module, 

a 10-foot by 13.5-foot pressurized laboratory located in the shuttle's cargo 

that is connected to the middeck area of the orbiter. Crew access is through 

a tunnel system located between the orbiter middeck and the SPACEHAB 

module.

Designed to augment the shuttle orbiter's middeck, SPACEHAB provides a 

total cargo capacity of up to 4,800 pounds and contains systems necessary 

to support the habitat for the astronauts, such as ventilation, lighting, and 

limited power. The STS-95 SPACEHAB payload consists of rack-mounted 

experiments, soft stowage bags, lockers, and supporting subsystems.

Generally, two crew members are required for SPACEHAB operations. The 

SPACEHAB environmental control system is designed to nominally 

accommodate two crew members on a continuous basis. An additional crew 

member is accommodated for brief periods at the expense of reduced cabin 

air heat rejection capability.

MICROGRAVITY RESEARCH PROGRAM

Working in partnership with the scientific community and commercial 

industry, NASA's Microgravity Research Program strives to increase 

understanding of the effects of gravity on biological, chemical, and physical 

systems.

Using both space flight- and ground-based experiments, researchers 

throughout the nation, as well as international partners, are working together 

to benefit economic, social, and industrial aspects of life for the United 

States and the entire Earth. U.S. universities, designated by NASA as 

"Commercial Space Centers," share these space advancements with U.S. 

industry to create new commercial products, applications, and processes.

Under the NASA Headquarters' Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences and 

Application, the Microgravity Research Program supports NASA's strategic 

plan in the Human Exploration and Development of Space Enterprise.

Microgravity research has been performed by NASA for more than 25 years. 

The term "microgravity" literally means a state of very little gravity. The prefix 
61

"micro" comes from the Greek word mikros, meaning "small." In metric 

terms, the prefix means "one part in a million" (0.000001).

Gravity dominates everything on Earth, from the way life has developed to 

the way materials interact. But aboard a spacecraft orbiting the Earth, the 

effects of gravity are barely felt. In this "microgravity environment," scientists 

can conduct experiments that are all but impossible to perform on Earth. In 

this virtual absence of gravity as we know it, space flight gives scientists a 

unique opportunity to study the states of matter (solids, liquids, and gases), 

and the forces and processes that affect them.

Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. is the lead center for NASA's 

Microgravity Research Program. The program manages Microgravity 

Science and Applications Project Offices at the Lewis Research Center in 

Cleveland, Ohio, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., and also 

project offices at the Marshall Center.

Under the project offices, the Microgravity Research Program is divided into 

nine major areas: five science disciplines, three research infrastructure 

programs, and the Space Product Development Office.

The science disciplines include biotechnology, fluid physics, materials 

science, combustion science and fundamental physics. The infrastructure 

activities include acceleration measurement, advanced technology, and the 

Glovebox Flight Programs.

Marshall Center manages the Biotechnology Program and Material Science 

Program, as well as the Glovebox Flight Program and the Space Products 

Development office. Lewis Research Center manages the Fluid Physics, 

Combustion Science and Acceleration Measurement programs, while the 

Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the Fundamental Physics and the 

Advanced Technology Development Program. As an element of the 

Biotechnology Program, Johnson Space Center manages bioreactor 

research in cell tissue growth.

STS-95 will feature eight microgravity experiments sponsored by the Space 

Product Development Office of the Microgravity Research Program. The 

mission also includes five microgravity science experiments, as well as the 

Space Acceleration Measurement System and the Microgravity Science 

Glovebox facility sponsored by the Microgravity Research Program.

Detailed information about the individual experiments may be found in the 

Experiments section of this STS-95 Space Shuttle Press Kit.

History/Background

Early in the shuttle program, it became evident that the orbiter middeck is 

the best place to conduct crew-tended experiments in space. Each shuttle 

orbiter has 42 middeck lockers but most are used to stow crew gear for a 

typical seven-day mission, leaving only seven or eight for scientific studies. 

But SPACEHAB, the first crew-tended commercial payload carrier, has 

initiated a new era of space experimentation.

The basic SPACEHAB module, which takes up a quarter of the orbiter's 

payload bay, is like a second middeck. The 10-foot-long pressurized module 
62

adds 1,100 cubic feet of pressurized work space that can hold 61 lockers or 

experiment racks or a combination of the two. The lockers are sized and 

equipped like those in the shuttle middeck so that experiments can be 

moved from one location to the other. The lockers accommodate up to 60 

pounds of experiment hardware in about 2 cubic feet. A rack, which can be 

single or double, takes the space of ten lockers. Double racks are similar in 

size and design to those planned for the space station so that they can 

serve as test beds for future projects. A single rack can carry 655 pounds of 

hardware in 22.5 cubic feet.

A new module, developed specifically for shuttle missions to Mir, doubles 

the size of the pressurized laboratory and can accommodate nearly 10,000 

pounds of cargo. The new double module was created by joining two single 

modules. A single module will be used on STS-95.

The astronauts enter the module through a modified Spacelab tunnel 

adapter. SPACEHAB can accommodate two crew members on a continuous 

basis, but additional crew members can work in the module for brief periods. 

Power, command and data services, cooling, vacuum, and other utilities are 

supplied by orbiter crew cabin and payload bay resources.

SPACEHAB was privately developed and is privately operated by 

SPACEHAB, Inc., of Arlington, Va. STS-95 is the 12th flight of SPACEHAB.

The first flight of the SPACEHAB research laboratory was on STS-57 in 

June 1993. All systems operated as expected, and the 21 NASA-sponsored 

experiments met more than 90% of the criteria for mission success. 

SPACEHAB 2 was flown on STS-60 in February 1994 and carried 13 

experiments. More than 20 experiments were performed as part of 

SPACEHAB 3 on STS-63 in February 1995.

On STS-76, in March 1996, SPACEHAB carried 37 materials processing, 

microgravity, Earth sciences, biology, life sciences, and ISS risk mitigation 

experiments and logistics to Mir. Ten commercial space product 

development payloads in the areas of biotechnology, electronic materials, 

polymers, and agriculture were part of the SPACEHAB mission on STS-77 

in May 1996. SPACEHAB carried additional stowage bags, experiments, 

and other logistics to Mir on STS-79 in September 1996, STS-81 in January 

1997, STS-84 in May 1997, STS-86 in September 1997, STS-89 in January 

1998, and STS-91 in June 1998.

A variety of experiments sponsored by NASA, the Japanese Space Agency 

(NASDA), and the European Space Agency (ESA) will focus on life 

sciences, microgravity sciences, and advanced technology during the STS95 mission.

Benefits

Using both space flight- and ground-based experiments, researchers 

throughout the nation, as well as international partners, are working together 

to benefit economic, social, and industrial aspects of life for the United 

States and the entire Earth. U.S. universities, designated by NASA as 

"Commercial Space Centers," share these space advancements with U.S. 

industry to create new commercial products, applications, and processes.
63

Related Links: http://www.spacehab.com 

Updated: 10/14/1998
64

STS-95

Payloads

SPARTAN 201-5

Payload Bay

2,978 lbs.

Prime: Scott Parazynski

Backup: Stephen Robinson

Overview

SPARTAN 201 is a free-flying payload that will study 

the solar wind and the sun's corona to increase our 

knowledge of our star's effects on the Earth. The 

satellite will be deployed and retrieved by the shuttle 

orbiter Discovery.

The SPARTAN carrier is a simple, reusable vehicle 

that can carry a variety of scientific instruments at a relatively low cost. After 

it is deployed from the orbiter in space, it provides its own power, pointing, 

and data recording as it performs a preprogrammed mission. 

In addition to solar experiments, the SPARTAN spacecraft can be 

programmed to conduct stellar astronomy, Earth fine pointing, spacecraft 

technology experiments and demonstrations, and microgravity science and 

technology experiments.

The SPARTAN project offers the scientific community an intermediate 

capability for conducting investigations in space between that afforded by 

small payloads that remain in the orbiter and larger satellites that orbit the 

Earth for long periods of time.

SPARTAN 201: Studying the Sun's Corona

The SPARTAN 201 series is investigating the solar corona--the thin upper 

layers of the sun's atmosphere, which reach temperatures of about 2 million 

degrees Fahrenheit. Scientists hope to determine the mechanisms that 

cause the heating of the corona and the acceleration of the solar wind, 

which originates in the corona, and explain why the corona is so much hotter 

than the rest of the sun. The first three SPARTAN 201 flights have already 

advanced our understanding of the solar wind and its origin.

SPARTAN 201-05 observations will be coordinated with observations made 

from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) satellite, a cooperative 

mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. The second and 

third missions were coordinated with the passage of the Ulysses spacecraft 

over the sun's south and north poles.
65

The sun's corona is difficult to study because its light is relatively dim 

compared to the sun's total luminance. The white light corona can be viewed 

from Earth only during a solar eclipse, which strongly reduces the brightness 

of the scattered sunlight. Ground-based astronomers are never able to see 

the ultraviolet radiation because of interference from the Earth's 

atmosphere.

(For more information on SPARTAN Solar Studies see EXPERIMENTS)

SPARTAN Solar Telescopes

SPARTAN 201 is equipped with two complementary telescopes that can 

measure these emissions from the sun's corona. 

The white light coronagraph (WLC), provided by the High-Altitude 

Observatory in Boulder, Colo., will measure the density of the electrons in 

the coronal white light. 

The ultraviolet coronal spectrometer (UVCS) from the Smithsonian 

Astrophysical Observatory at Harvard will measure the velocities, 

temperatures, and densities of the coronal plasmas. 

The ultraviolet instrument and the WLC are housed in an evacuated cylinder 

with an aperture door that is opened after SPARTAN is released from the 

shuttle.

By comparing the data collected by the two telescopes and combining the 

observations of the SPARTAN 201 missions and Ulysses and observations 

made by ground-based instruments, scientists expect to gain a much more 

complete picture of the origin of the solar wind.

(For more information on SPARTAN Solar Telescopes, see 

EXPERIMENTS)

Solar Disk Studies

In addition to observing the solar corona, SPARTAN will take a look at the 

solar disk on two orbits and record background/geocoronal measurements 

during nighttime portions of each orbit. The solar disk observations will be 

used to probe the Earth's exosphere in order to correct for its absorption and 

scattering effects on the spectral data. 

SPARTAN Secondary Experiments

SPARTAN 201-05 will also carry three secondary experiments: SPAM, 

TEXAS, and VGS. 

(For more information on SPARTAN Secondary Experiments, see 

EXPERIMENTS)
66

The SPARTAN Spacecraft

The rectangular SPARTAN 201 spacecraft consists of a service module that 

contains attitude control, thermal control, payload function control, and 

power distribution systems and an instrument carrier, a cylindrical container 

that holds the telescopes. On the bottom of the spacecraft is the upper 

portion of the release/engage mechanism, or REM. The lower half of the 

REM is attached to the spacecraft's payload bay support structure. The two 

halves of the REM mate to hold the spacecraft rigidly in place on the support 

structure and unlatch to allow SPARTAN to be deployed.

SPARTAN Operations

SPARTAN will be deployed from Discovery's cargo bay on flight day 2. A 

crew member will use the orbiter's 50-foot robot arm to lift the free-flying 

satellite from its support structure and release it in space. After SPARTAN is 

released, it must perform a 45-degree pirouette to confirm that it is 

functioning properly before its mission can begin.

(For more information on SPARTAN rendezvous ops, see RENDEZVOUS)

SPARTAN will conduct its operations 70 to 100 miles from Discovery. Once 

the spacecraft is a safe distance from the orbiter, it will be activated by an 

internal timer and will initiate its preprogrammed mission. This program 

cannot be changed after SPARTAN has been deployed from the orbiter 

because there is no command or telemetry link between the two spacecraft. 

SPARTAN is completely autonomous while deployed: a battery supplies 

electrical power, and it has its own pointing system and a tape recorder for 

storing science data.

History/Background
67

This is a reflight of the STS-87 SPARTAN 201-04, which developed 

problems shortly after being deployed from the shuttle in November 1987. 

After it was released, SPARTAN failed to perform a pirouette maneuver 

because of an incomplete initialization sequence. The spacecraft was sent 

into a spin when Columbia's robotic arm bumped it during a retrieval 

attempt.

After spacewalking astronauts recaptured the free flyer four days after its 

deployment, NASA was cautiously optimistic that SPARTAN could be 

deployed for a shortened mission. In the end, however, the mission had to 

be canceled because Columbia would not have had enough propellant for 

the rendezvous and capture activities.

Postflight testing and reviews of data tapes at KSC in January confirmed 

that the SPARTAN satellite was healthy and had performed as expected. All 

flight data correlated well with in-flight predictions and assessments.

This is the fourth SPARTAN 201 mission. SPARTAN 201-01 flew on STS-56 

in April 1993 April, 201-02 on STS-64 in September 1994, and 201-03 on 

STS-69 in September 1995.

The SPARTAN astrophysics experiments evolved from NASA's soundingrocket science program. The SPARTAN project was conceived in the late 

1970s to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the space shuttle to 

provide more observation time for the increasingly more sophisticated 

experiments than the five to 10 minutes allowed by sounding rocket flights. 

On this flight, for example, SPARTAN 201 will conduct observations of the 

sun for about 43 hours.

Externally occulted coronagraphs have been used on U.S. space missions 

since the technology was perfected in 1966 by Gordon Newkirk of the HighAltitude Observatory. The WLC is the third design produced by the HighAltitude Observatory and is 10 times more sensitive than the versions that 

were used on the Skylab mission in 1973-74 and the Solar Maximum 

Mission from 1980 to 1989.

The coronagraph was developed by French astronomer B. Lyot around 

1932 to allow astronomers to study the sun's corona without having to wait 

for a total solar eclipse. The externally occulted coronagraph is an improved 

design that significantly reduces the scattered light generated by the 

telescope. The WLC also contains a polarimeter, which removes the effect 

of the light of the solar corona and the scattering in the cloud of dust, called 

the ecliptic cloud, left when the solar system was formed. A filter blocks the 

glow caused by atmospheric molecules colliding with the SPARTAN 

spacecraft.

Benefits
68

Discoveries about the unknown source of the energy that heats the solar 

corona and accelerates the solar wind may help scientists understand the 

winds that carry mass and momentum away from other stars and why the 

sun's rotation has slowed. The results may also help them to explain how 

the Earth's magnetism and, ultimately, its climate and weather are affected 

by variations in the radiation and particles emitted by the sun.

The results will also benefit the designers of Earth-orbiting spacecraft. The 

torrent of electrons, protons, and ions streaming from the sun at speeds of 

almost 1 million miles per hour causes the spectacular Northern and 

Southern lights, but it also is responsible for degrading the performance and 

reliability of spacecraft in Earth orbit.

Updated: 10/14/1998
69

STS-95

Experiments

Advanced Gradient Heating Facility (AGHF)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The AGHF experiment is a Bridgeman furnace designed for directional 

solidification and crystal growth, featuring the capability of demarcation of 

the solidification front by Peltier pulse marking and of thermal coupling of the 

experiment cartridge to the cooling zone by means of a liquid metal ring. 

The AGHF includes an electronics module (ELM), the core facility module 

(CFM), the core access panel, and the gas storage module.

The AGHF will not be powered during launch and landing. On-orbit, the crew 

will configure the furnace for operation, vent the facility, verify establishment 

of a vacuum, and perform a trial run.

Nine processing runs will be performed. When a processing run is 

completed, the crew will configure the furnace, either for the next run or for 

landing, as required. Following a given processing run, the furnace is 

powered down; however, the electronics, water cooling, and air cooling run 

continuously. Between experiment runs, the furnace will be pressurized to 

cabin ambient, the processed cartridge removed and stowed, a fresh 

sample cartridge installed, and vacuum established in the furnace. If a delay 

greater than 60 minutes is scheduled between runs, the entire AGHF facility 

can be powered down after consultation with the AGHF ground control 

team.

Updated: 10/14/1998
70

STS-95

Experiments

Advanced Organic Separations (ADSEP)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

ADSEP hardware provides the capability to separate and purify biological 

materials in microgravity with minimum crew interaction. The crew will 

activate the hardware, exchange sample modules, and deactivate the 

hardware.

Updated: 10/14/1998
71

STS-95

Experiments

Advanced Protein Crystallization Facility (APCF)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

A veteran of four previous shuttle missions, the APCF provides a cooled and 

heated volume that permits growth of protein crystals in microgravity. The 

units are locker-insert payloads and have flown on SPACEHAB and 

Spacelab many times. The objective of the APCF experiment on STS-95 is 

to crystallize solution samples in orbital microgravity and to return them for 

post-flight analysis.

On STS-95, SPACEHAB is providing both lockers. The units have very few 

crew controls and are largely automated. APCF will require about 30 

minutes of crew time.

During mission operations, the two APCFs, with reactors and sample 

materials, are inserted into SPACEHAB lockers and powered prior to 

launch. Once on-orbit, the Experiment Start switch command will start 

processing, which will progress automatically through the preprocess 

stages. Daily status checks will be carried out with LED status recorded on 

the FDF cue card. Near mission end, the Experiment Stop switch command 

will cause the facility to go into its post-processing stage, shut down, but 

remained powered.

Updated: 10/14/1998
72

STS-95

Experiments

Advanced Separation Payload

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal 

Investigator:

Dr. Charles Lundquist, Director, 

Consortium for Materials Development 

in Space, University of Alabama, 

Huntsville

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The Advanced Separation Space Bio-Processing facility will support three 

major commercial investigations: the Hemoglobin Separation experiment; 

the Microencapsulation experiment; and the Phase Partitioning experiment. 

The facility is making use of major advances in separation technology--

obtained through previous research by Space Hardware Optimization 

Technology, Inc. with the Consortium for Materials Development in Space, a 

NASA Commercial Space Center in Huntsville, Ala.

Recombinant Hemoglobin Research

This investigation will allow researchers to evaluate advanced separation 

technology for a recombinant--or genetically engineered--hemoglobin 

product. The development of such a product could be used as a 

replacement for whole human blood. 

Findings from this experiment may help solve many worldwide medical 

problems associated with blood supplies and blood products, such as limited 

shelf life, low-temperature storage requirements, donor shortage, 

requirements for typing and cross-matching, and infectious disease 

transmission. The experiment will be conducted in the Advanced Separation 

Space and Bio-Processing Facility, a device used to process biological 

samples. It enables unique separation, purification, and classification of 

biological materials, a vital step in developing important new biomedical and 

pharmaceutical products.

Microencapsulation Research

The primary microcapsule being produced will encapsulate two 

complementary drugs, an antitumor drug and an immune stimulant, to 

create a potent time-released drug for colon cancer treatment. The data 

gained from this research will help advance microencapsulation technology 

and lead to improved treatments.

Experiments such as these could eventually lead to the development of antitumor drugs that allow delivery of higher doses of chemotherapy to specific 

treatment sites, reducing side effects in cancer patients. The experiment will 

be conducted in the Advanced Separation Space Bio-Processing Facility.
73

Phase Partitioning Research

This investigation will give researchers better insight into methods for 

isolating specific cell populations. Researchers will try to develop a much 

higher resolution, more effective cell isolation procedure.

Findings of this experiment have the potential to impact numerous medical 

treatments. In diabetes research, one of the challenges is to develop 

methods for isolating insulin-producing cells in the pancreas so that they 

may be studied or used for implantation in advanced procedures. The 

experiment will be conducted in the Advanced Separation Space BioProcessing Facility.

History/Background

One of the major challenges facing medical and pharmaceutical researchers 

is separating different cells, and cell components, from one another. The 

ability to do this accurately and reliably is critical to the understanding of 

biological processes and the development of new and improved treatments 

for a variety of maladies.

Benefits

The use of space facilitates the Space Product Development Office goal to 

support U.S. industry in the improvement of existing products and services; 

in the creation of new products, services, and employment opportunities 

through the application of the space environment; and from knowledge 

gained from space research.

Updated: 10/14/1998
74

STS-95

Experiments

Aerogel

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal 

Investigator:

Dr. David Noever, NASA Marshall 

Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

This STS-95 experiment will produce Aerogel--a low-density, open-pore 

foam--in the weightless environment of space. Aerogel transmits light, 

insulates against sound and electricity, and is only slightly heavier than air. A 

single window pane of Aerogel has the insulation equivalent of up to 30 

panes of regular glass and trapped air. Aerogel--nicknamed "frozen smoke" 

for its blue hazy appearance--can be made transparent by decreasing the 

size of its pores, a procedure that presently can be achieved only in space. 

Previous microgravity experiments showed an almost 50-percent reduction 

in pore size compared to ground experiments, resulting in greater 

transparency and electrical resistance.

Many commercial applications, including sound- and temperature-insulating 

windows, depend on transparency. Aerogel's electrical resistance is similar 

to that of air, making it the least conductive substance of any known solid. 

Its resistance to electricity may be the key to faster computer processors by 

preventing signal crossover common in today's computer chips.

Two solutions, one water and one silicon-ethanol, will be carried in a doublebarreled syringe. Once in microgravity, the two solutions will be mixed like a 

two-part epoxy and form a jelly-like mass. To make Aerogel upon return to 

Earth, this gel must be dried without allowing its pores to collapse. Drying 

will be performed by soaking the gel in liquid carbon dioxide and then 

evaporating the carbon dioxide at high pressure. The entire process will be 

studied in order to produce transparent Aerogel under gravity conditions.

History/Background

The goal of the research on STS-95 is to learn about the effects of gravity 

on Aerogel production, so that pore size can be controlled and a clear 

Aerogel produced.

Updated: 10/14/1998
75

STS-95

Experiments

ASTROCULTURE

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal 

Investigator:

Dr. Niel Duffie, Acting Director, Center 

for Space Automation and Robotics, 

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The ASTROCULTURE facility provides a controlled environment in which to 

grow plants in the near-weightlessness of space. Researchers will study 

which plants can be successfully grown without gravity and the changes that 

occur in different plants' structures and composition.

During the STS-95 mission, the ASTROCULTURE facility is scheduled to 

conduct two experiments. One is to determine how near-weightlessness 

affects the composition of volatile oils important to the flavor and fragrance 

of plants.

A second experiment is to determine if genes can be transferred from 

bacteria to a soybean seedling more effectively in microgravity. Soybeans 

are an important export crop that is valued at over $14 billion annually for 

the United States. The gene to be transferred has possible medical 

applications, which if successful would increase the value of the U.S. 

soybean crop.

Plants are expected to play an important role in future long-duration space 

flights. Through the ASTROCULTURE experiments, researchers are 

learning how to provide astronaut crews with oxygen, food, and pure water, 

and how to remove carbon dioxide from space habitats.

On this mission, samples of the volatile oils of a flowering plant--the 

substances that give some flowers their smell--will be taken periodically and 

saved for analysis after return to Earth. The crew will monitor the plant 

during the mission and record its status on video for scientists conducting 

the experiment.

For the soybean seedling experiment, a crew member allows the seedlings 

to be exposed to bacteria containing the desirable gene. After return to 

Earth, the seedlings will be grown to determine how many have incorporated 

the new gene.

The ASTROCULTURE flight experiment series is sponsored by the Space 

Product Development Office of the Marshall Space Flight Center in 

Huntsville, Ala. 
76

History/Background

The ASTROCULTURE unit has flown on six previous shuttle flights and a 

shuttle/Mir mission. Each of the flight experiments has involved the addition 

of subsystems important for environmental control and plant growth. During 

these flights, lighting, temperature, humidity, nutrient composition, water 

supply, carbon dioxide, and atmospheric contaminant controls were 

successfully tested.

Benefits

NASA is pursuing the ASTROCULTURE experiments for the possible 

development of astronaut life support systems based on large-scale plantgrowing facilities. However, the experiments are also yielding other benefits, 

in the form of new technologies for special uses here. For instance, highintensity light-emitting diodes, developed as plant lighting for the facility, are 

being evaluated for a new cancer treatment that may save lives. This 

treatment technique, called Photodynamic Therapy, uses the tiny, densely 

packed light-emitting diodes from the ASTROCULTURE facility. These lights 

may be used to activate tumor-treating drugs that isolate and destroy 

cancer.

Updated: 10/14/1998
77

STS-95

Experiments

BIOBOX

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

BIOBOX is an incubator/refrigerator that will house several groups of 

samples that relate to human bone and cell growth. Experiment operations 

and monitoring are performed from the POCC.

Updated: 10/14/1998
78

STS-95

Experiments

Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The growth and development of higher plants are strongly influenced by 

gravity, and cell walls play an important part in supporting the plant body 

under terrestrial gravity conditions. Therefore, physical properties of the cell 

wall will change greatly in the microgravity environment of space.

In this experiment, seedlings of rice and arabidosis are cultivated in 

microgravity aboard the SPACEHAB module. The frozen cell wall samples 

returned from space will be analyzed for mechanical, enzymatic, and 

structural changes.

The BRIC experiment consists of plant samples contained in petri dishes 

and support hardware. Crew members will manipulate the samples on orbit 

and record plant growth with video and 35-mm cameras.

History/Background

BRIC is intended to provide researchers with flight opportunities for 

investigations into the effects of space flight on plant specimens and to 

investigate the effects of electrical fields on plant roots.

Updated: 10/14/1998
79

STS-95

Experiments

Clinical Trial of Melatonin as Hypnotic for Space Crew (Sleep-2)

SpaceHab

Prime: Principal Investigator: Charles A. Czeisler, 

Ph.D., MD, Harvard Medical School and 

Brigham & Women's Hospital

Backup: 

Overview

The test subjects for the Sleep-2 experiment are John Glenn and Chiaki 

Mukai.

Test Operators are Scott Parazynski and Steve Robinson.

The Sleep-2 experiment will evaluate the normal sleep patterns of crew 

members before, during, and after space flight in order to identify the factors 

that may be contributing to sleep disturbances that are known to occur 

during space flight. This experiment will also perform a preliminary 

evaluation of the effectiveness of the pineal hormone melatonin as a 

hypnotic during space flight. Crew activities include donning the sleep gear 

and manual testing of alertness during several flight days, providing and 

processing urine samples, and monitoring body core temperature rhythm 

throughout the flight.

Updated: 10/27/1998
80

STS-95

Experiments

Commercial BioDyn Payload

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal 

Investigator:

Dr. Charles Lundquist, University of 

Alabama, Huntsville

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

STS-95 features the flight of the BioDyn payload, short for BioDynamics, a 

commercial bioreactor for space-based investigations.

The BioDyn Bioreactor is a joint effort among Synthecon, Inc. of Houston, 

Texas; Space Hardware Optimization Technology Inc., in Floyd Knobs, Ind., 

builder of the hardware; and the Consortium for Materials Development in 

Space, the NASA Commercial Space Center located at the University of 

Alabama in Huntsville, which provided both technical and research 

expertise.

The automated BioDyn Bioreactor combines a rotating culture vessel with 

the ability to collect up to six samples during operation. On STS-95, four 

major product lines will be supported within the BioDyn project, with one 

using the BioDyn Bioreactor.

The experiment is sponsored by NASA's Office of Space Access and 

Technology, Space Processing Division, at Marshall Space Flight Center in 

Huntsville, Ala., and managed by the University of Alabama, Huntsville, 

Consortium for Materials Development in Space (CMDS). CMDS is one of 

NASA's Commercial Space Centers, established in the 1980s to foster the 

commercialization of space by developing products, processes, and services 

benefiting from the unique attributes of microgravity. The BioDyn Program 

was created by Dr. Marian Lewis, University of Alabama, Huntsville, and the 

principal investigator is Dr. Charles Lundquist.

Recombinant Proteins Research

Recombinant, or genetically engineered proteins, may offer the possibility of 

reducing or eliminating transplant rejections. Research by Synthecon, Inc., 

using the BioDyn Bioreactor, will focus on the preliminary process for 

growing a proprietary recombinant protein that can decrease rejection of 

transplanted tissue. The cells producing this protein are anchorage 

dependent, meaning that they must attach to something to grow. 

Researchers hope the data from this mission will lead to the development of 

a commercial protein that will aid in prevention of transplant rejection.

Another product of commercial interest is a protein that programs cells to 

die. As a normal part of life, cells--like people--grow old and die, and cells 

that have no further function in the body must be removed. The proteins that 
81

regulate this cell death are the target of cell aging investigation, which hopes 

to use the knowledge for remediation for a variety of geriatric diseases that 

result from a decline in immune system function.

Microencapsulation Research

Microencapsulation provides the ability to place treatments exactly where 

needed, offering the opportunity for treatment of diseases such as diabetes. 

The BioDyn facilities will investigate this powerful technology with an 

experiment developed by VivoRx, Inc. in Santa Monica, Calif., that focuses 

on improving the microencapsulating material for the cells that produce 

insulin in the human body.

In the United States, more than 16 million people have diabetes, and 

approximately 625,000 new cases are reported each year. Diabetes-related 

health costs have risen to $105 billion annually, more than 14 percent of the 

$720 billion national health care costs. Approximately 1.6 million individuals 

require insulin shots every day. The improved microencapsulation material 

and information from this experiment could lead to an implantable treatment 

for diabetes and avoid the need for daily insulin injections.

Tissue Engineered Heart Patches and Bone Implants Research

In addition, the BioDyn payload includes a tissue engineering investigation. 

The commercial affiliate, Millenium Biologix, Inc., in Kingston, Ontario, has 

been conducting bone implant experiments to better understand how 

synthetic bone can be used to treat bone-related illnesses and bone 

damaged in accidents. In microgravity, three-dimensional tissue matrices 

appear to form more readily, probably because of better cell-to-cell 

interactions in the absence of gravity-related factors found on Earth. The 

product of this tissue engineering experiment on STS-95 is space-grown 

bone implants, which could have potential for dental implants, long bone 

grafts, and coatings for orthopedic implants, such as hip replacements.

Another aspect of the tissue engineering program is aimed at eventual 

development of "heart patches" (cardiomyocytes tissue) to replace damaged 

heart muscle. Heart patches may eventually reduce the need for heart 

transplants, thus helping more than 50,000 people needing a heart 

transplant each year. Researchers at the University of South Carolina, in 

Columbia, S.C., using BioDyn hardware, have produced multilayered 

patches not achieved in ground-based experiments. On STS-95 the heart 

patch experiment will test the validity of achieving patches in the centimeter 

rather than millimeter size range.

Anti-Cancer Products From Plant Cells in Culture Research

The fourth area of exploration by the BioDyn project is production of anticancer drugs from plant cells. Hauser Chemical in Boulder, Colo. is 

interested in anti-cancer compounds derived from soybean cells in culture 

and will fly the experiment in collaboration with researchers at the University 

of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, Mich.
82

Benefits

Biomedical research offers hope for a variety of medical problems, from 

diabetes to the replacement of damaged bone and tissues. Bioreactors, 

which are used to grow cells and tissue cultures, play a major role in such 

research and production efforts.

Updated: 10/14/1998
83

STS-95

Experiments

Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal 

Investigator:

Dr. George Morgenthaler, Director, 

BioServe Space Technologies, 

University of Colorado, Boulder

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus provides experiment 

support, such as thermal and automated controls, for commercially 

sponsored science experiments. By encouraging commercial access to 

orbiting laboratories, NASA is opening more opportunities for new 

technologies and products.

The Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus consists of a "family" of 

payloads located in two specialized lockers, one in the space shuttle 

middeck and one in the SPACEHAB module.

The two bioprocessing apparatus lockers flown on STS-95 will contain eight 

research projects in the areas of protein crystal growth, pharmaceutical 

production, plant growth, water purification, immune system research, and 

fish egg development.

The eight Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus experiments for 

STS-95 are as follows:

Dynamic Control of Protein Crystallization

BioServe, in conjunction with a small entrepreneurial partner, is investigating 

methods of further enhancing the quality of protein crystals used for 

structural analysis and development of new drug designs.

Microbial Antibiotic Production

Research with Bristol-Myers Squibb on two previous space flights has 

shown that antibiotics can be produced two to five times better in nearweightlessness than on Earth. On STS-95 a new device, the Gas Exchange 

Fermentation Apparatus, will refine previous efforts and is expected to 

provide new insight into what causes increased antibiotic production. This 

knowledge, gained in space, may improve pharmaceutical production on 

Earth.

Plant-Produced Pharmaceutical Compounds

Plants have been shown to produce less structural material, called lignin, in 

low-gravity conditions. This plant cell tissue culture experiment is planned to 
84

determine whether the available metabolic energy normally used to make 

the plant structure can be channeled into increased production of a 

secondary compound with potential pharmaceutical application.

Water Purification

Researchers are working to develop a new generation of water purification 

resins to combat the problem of microorganisms becoming resistant to 

iodine disinfection and biological methods of wasted treatment. Through the 

near-weightlessness of space, investigators are exploring how to improve 

water purification processes on Earth. Applications of this technology range 

from small devices used for backpacking to municipal water treatment 

facilities.

Magnetic Cell Separation

This investigation will test magnetic force as a new method for separating 

and sorting cells involved with the body's immune system. Researchers 

expect to magnetize a species of bacteria called M. magnetotacticum by 

growing it in magnetite, which comes from iron. Through the virtual absence 

of gravity in space, researchers seek to observe and understand ways to 

use the magnetic force of the bacteria to combat immune disorders.

Plant Gene Expression

In an effort to improve the quantity and quality of fruit and vegetable crops 

grown on Earth, this investigation will transfer the plant gene "Auxininducible GH3" from one type of plant to another to control the growth 

process. This technique may lead to new methods to induce plants to 

produce high-yielding fruits in the absence of pollination and to delay 

ripening during transport from farm to market.

Plant Fertilization

Researchers plan to grow a soil bacterium called Rhizobium on cereal crops 

such as wheat, rice, and corn. This bacterium attaches to the plant's roots 

and allows the plant to extract nitrogen from the air and soil. Rhizobium 

naturally benefits legume plants such as beans, peas, and soybeans. 

Successful results of this experiment would have significant impact on the 

agriculture industry by increasing cereal crop yields, while reducing the need 

for adding fertilizer.

Aquaculture Productivity

By studying fish eggs in space, researchers are trying to understand how to 

stimulate and increase the growth and development cycles for fish 

hatcheries on Earth. Previous space experiments have shown that brine 

shrimp development could be accelerated when in near-weightlessness. 

Based on these results, researchers are exploring if this accelerated 

development will occur with fish eggs by inducing an increased metabolic 

rate.

History/Background
85

Various versions of the Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus have 

been flown on 11 shuttle missions, including two four-month stays aboard 

Mir. Upgrades to the system's computer have been incorporated for the 

STS-95 mission, allowing commands to be sent and data received directly to 

and from a payload operations and control center located in the Colorado 

University Engineering Center in Boulder. This capability is being developed 

in support of future bioprocessing payloads onboard the International Space 

Station.

Updated: 10/14/1998
STS-95

Experiments 

Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiment (CIBX)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal

Investigator:

John M. Cassanto, President,

Instrumentation Technology Associates,

Exton, Penn.

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

Instrumentation Technology Associates-developed research hardware is

carried in two NASA commercial refrigerator/incubator modules and

consists of some sixty liquids-mixing apparati and three dual-materials

dispersion apparati. In addition, one CPCG facility supplied by

Daimler-Benz Aerospace in Friedrichshafen, Germany, will be carried as

part of the experiment facilities. The hardware provides the optimum mix for

the research being performed and ensures that constant temperatures are

maintained during processing.

The core research effort will focus on growing crystals of the protein

urokinase and the development of microcapsules.

Urokinase

Urokinase is a protein that has been identified as a key enzyme in the

metastasis of brain, lung, colon, prostate, and breast cancers. The data

gathered from this research, being conducted by Instrumentation

Technology Associates in conjunction with the University of Colorado,

Boulder; Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City, and

NASA Johnson Space Center, will help researchers better understand the

structure of the protein, with the goal of helping to make treatments for

cancer that target urokinase more effective.

Microencapsulation

Microencapsulation has the potential to provide a number of novel

treatments for diseases ranging from diabetes to cancer. Researchers from

NASA Johnson Space Center and the Institute for Research, in Houston, 

86 
Texas, in conjunction with Instrumentation Technology Associates, will use

this biomedical payload to produce more uniform, stronger, and multilayered

microcapsules containing an FDA-approved drug. The data gathered during

formation and post-mission testing of the samples will be compared with the

data and samples obtained from similar production in MEPS.

In addition to the core effort, the facilities will support seven other commercial

experiments and 20 experiments from a Student Space Outreach Program.

The Student Space Outreach Program is privately funded by Instrumentation

Technology Associates and was inaugurated on STS-52, which was the first

flight of the company's commercial hardware. In the eight years the program

has been active, 2,000 students have participated from more than 30

schools, ranging from grade schools to colleges.

History/Background

CIBX demonstrates the intense interest in commercial space efforts, with

the experiment hardware being developed entirely by the private sector.

This biomedical experiment developed by Instrumentation Technology

Associates. Inc., consists of several different devices to process biomedical

and protein crystal growth experiments from some 30 international partners.

The facilities will house 800 different experiment samples.

Updated: 10/15/1998

87 
88

STS-95

Experiments

Commercial Protein Crystal Growth

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal 

Investigator:

Dr. Lawrence DeLucas, Director, Center 

for Macromolecular Crystallography, 

University of Alabama, Birmingham

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies and the living world around us. 

Within our bodies, certain proteins make it possible for red blood cells to 

carry oxygen throughout the body, while others help transmit nerve impulses 

so we can hear, smell, and feel the world around us, while still others play a 

crucial role in preventing or causing disease.

If the structure of a protein is known, then companies can develop new or 

improved drugs to fight a disease of which the protein is a part.

To determine the structure, researchers must grow near-perfect crystals of 

the protein being studied. On Earth, convection currents, sedimentation, and 

other gravity-induced phenomena hamper crystal growth efforts. In 

microgravity, researchers can grow near-perfect crystals in an environment 

free of these effects. Because of the enormous potential for new 

pharmaceutical products, the Center for Macromolecular Crystallography--

the NASA Commercial Space Center responsible for commercial protein 

crystal growth efforts--has more than 50 major industry and academic 

partners.

The Protein Crystallization Facility will be used to grow crystals of human 

insulin. Lack of insulin is the primary cause of diabetes, a life-threatening 

disease. Previous microgravity research with industry partner Eli Lilly and 

the Hauptman Woodward Medical Research Institute in Buffalo, N.Y., has 

yielded crystals that far surpass the quality of insulin crystals grown on the 

ground. The investigations on STS-95 are aimed at producing crystals of 

even higher quality, which when combined with new analysis techniques will 

permit a better understanding of the interaction between insulin and its 

receptor. This has the potential to aid in the development of improved insulin 

with unique time-release properties that could reduce fluctuations in a 

patient's blood sugar level.

History/Background

The goal of the Commercial Protein Crystal Growth payload on STS-95 is to 

grow large, near-perfect crystals of several different proteins of interest to 

industry and to continue to refine the technology and procedures used in 

microgravity for this important commercial research.
89

STS-95

Experiments

Enhanced Orbiter Refrigerator-Freezer (EORF)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The EORF will be powered on orbit and will remain powered through landing 

for cold storage of samples taken during the mission. Crew members will 

activate the EORF, set the temperature, and monitor its status twice daily.

Updated: 10/14/1998
90

STS-95

Experiments

Facility for Adsorption and Surface Tension (FAST)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

FAST, which will be housed in two SPACEHAB lockers, will be used to 

investigate surface phenomena at liquid-liquid and liquid-gas interfaces in 

microgravity to eliminate the effects of buoyancy- and gravity-driven 

convection. Principal scientific goals for FAST include studies of the 

dynamic surface tension of water solution, dilation properties of surfaces by 

adsorption kinetic studies, and study of the interface between noncoalescing liquids.

The FAST hardware is not powered during the prelaunch/ascent phase of 

the mission. The experiment operations begin with the crew activating the 

FAST manual power switch. Once the crew switches on the power, the 

ground control team will send software commands to activate the science 

after the experiment reaches thermal equilibrium. The crew activities involve 

daily status checks of the FAST experiments; however, the operation and 

monitoring of the experiment will be controlled via ground commanding. 

After completion of all the experiment runs, the crew will shut off the 

experiment in preparation for the descent phase of the mission.

Updated: 10/14/1998
91

STS-95

Experiments

Getaway Specials (Capillary Pumped Loop; Hearts in Space)

Prime:

Backup:

Overview

Four Getaway Special (GAS) payloads will be aboard the STS-95 mission. 

G-467 (Capillary Pumped Loop) and G-779 (Hearts in Space) are described 

below. 

The other two GAS experiments, G-238 and G-764, are part of the 

International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker (IEH)-03 payload. For more 

information, see Hitchhiker Experiments.

G-467: Capillary Pumped Loop (CPL)

The objective of the G-467 GAS payload is to demonstrate in space the 

working principle and performance of a two-phase capillary pumped loop 

(CPL) with two advanced evaporators, a two-phase vapor quality sensor 

(VQS) with two condensers in parallel, and a control reservoir.

Capillary pumped loops are two-phase heat transfer systems that use wicks 

with small internal tubing to move the working fluid from the instrument that 

needs cooling to the spacecraft radiator for heat rejection to space. A twophase flow loop system allows heat to be transferred but contains no moving 

parts and requires minimal power.

Another objective is to compare data on CPL behavior in low gravity with 

analytical predictions resulting from computer modeling and performance on 

Earth. The in-orbit experiment is to demonstrate that the CPL has the 

capability to operate under different heat loads imposed on two evaporators 

in parallel; to share heat load between two evaporators; to prime an 

evaporator by a controlled management of the reservoir fluid content; to 

start up from low-temperature conditions; and to adjust and maintain a 

temperature set point while operating under different heat load and sink 

conditions.

G-467 will also provide low-gravity calibration of the VQS, carry out simple 

control exercises to demonstrate the usefulness of a VQS for system 

control, and determine the performance limits of the CPL and its 

evaporators.

This experiment is a modified reflight of G-557, which was flown on STS-60 

in February 1994. Experiment G-467 differs from G-557 by a new, more 

accurate controllable bypass valve and tuned vapor bypass line flow 
92

resistance; increased number of sensors; condensers in parallel instead of 

in sequence; new evaporator internal design; increased number of sensors; 

new flight scenario; update and extension of experiment controlling 

software; and updated position of reservoir-loop connection.

The G-467 GAS payload is sponsored by the European Space Agency, 

Paris, France. The payload manager for this experiment is Andre Robelet.

G-779: Hearts in Space

G-779, or Hearts in Space, was developed by researchers at Bellarmine 

College in Louisville, Ky. The original Hearts in Space experiment (G-572) 

was initially flown aboard the space shuttle Discovery on STS-85 in August 

1997. Because of the failure of a tape recorder electrical connector, which 

prevented the on-orbit recording of physiological pressure and flow data, the 

payload is being reflown.

The purpose of the payload is to study why astronauts' hearts become 

smaller while in space. NASA scientists have noted that the size of the 

heart, known as the ventricular volume index, decreases in astronauts 

following adaptation to weightlessness, usually by the second day. In 

addition to becoming smaller in size, the heart also pumps approximately 15 

to 20 percent less blood per heartbeat (the stroke volume index) during zero 

gravity. The body automatically makes adjustments via hormones and 

nervous control that maintain blood pressure and heart rate so that the 

astronauts suffer no ill effects from the reduced size of the heart. The 

underlying physiological reason for these changes has never been 

explained.

The Hearts in Space experiment will demonstrate how these changes in 

cardiac size happen. The goal of the experiment is to prove that the 

biological changes to astronauts' hearts are directly attributable to the loss of 

gravity, since blood is weightless in space. On Earth, several factors cause 

the heart to fill, including the overall velocity and pressure of the blood 

entering the heart; how stiff or flaccid the muscles of the heart wall are; and 

the weight of the volume of blood in the heart (technically referred to as the 

gravitational acceleration-dependent hydrostatic pressure difference, that is, 

fluid pressure due to weight that is caused by gravity).

An analogy would be filling a water balloon. As the balloon fills, the weight of 

the water helps stretch the balloon, allowing more water to enter (the 

pressure and velocity of the water, and the stiffness of the balloon, also 

would be factors). The scientists' hypothesis is that the heart fills less (hence 

its size is reduced) because the incoming blood has no weight in space.

Researchers have calculated that the weight of the blood contributes about 

15 to 20 percent of the total filling of the heart. Therefore, in space the heart 

should be 15 to 20 percent smaller because the blood is weightless. This is 

the same reduction seen on the echocardiographs taken during space flight. 

G-779 will document what the mathematical calculations predict and the 

echocardiographs show. Thus, the researchers hope to prove that the 

change in heart size is because of the lack of weight of the blood and not 

caused by other factors, such as fluid shifting in the body.
93

The science team has built an experimental apparatus consisting of an 

artificial human heart and mechanical circulatory system that simulates the 

blood pressure and flow in a normal adult. The payload uses the same 

clinical artificial heart that has been implanted in patients with heart disease. 

Since the apparatus will not be influenced by normal biological reactions to 

zero gravity, such as hormone release, blood vessel constriction, nerve 

impulses, etc., scientists should get a more accurate picture of the physical 

forces affecting the heart in outer space.

In the astronauts, their bodies compensate for this loss in filling capacity by 

increasing the heart rate and constricting blood vessels so that blood flow 

and pressure stay normal, whereas the mechanical model that will fly on the 

shuttle allows researchers to study the changes in pressure and flow directly 

without the biological corrective measures.

Principal investigators are Thomas E. Bennett, Ph.D., Department of 

Biology, Bellarmine College, Louisville; George M. Pantalos, Ph.D., 

Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and M. Keith 

Sharp, Sc.D., Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.

Updated: 10/14/1998
94

STS-95

Experiments

Hitchhiker Experiments (SOLCON, STAR-LITE, PANSAT, CODAG, 

Roach)

Prime:

Backup:

Overview

In addition to the UVSTAR and SEH, five other payloads are hitching a ride 

with the IEH. 

Solar Constant Experiment (SOLCON)

SOLCON's measurements will be used to calibrate instruments on satellites 

that are continuously monitoring the total solar irradiance. Since SOLCON 

returns to Earth in the shuttle for recalibration, its TSI measurements are not 

subjected to possible degradation from solar radiation that other orbiting 

instruments may suffer. Ultimately, SOLCON gives researchers a "quality 

control" capability to check orbiting TSI instruments continuously.

The radiometer consists of two channels through which solar radiation may 

be sensed. Each channel contains a radiation sensor and has two 

apertures. The first aperture of each channel is protected by independent 

shutters that seal out any solar radiation from the radiation sensor when 

they are closed and allow the sensor to receive solar radiation when they 

are open.

The SOLCON flight operators will work with the Belgian Space Remote 

Operation Center at the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium and 

perform experiments in preparation for scientific research on board the 

International Space Station.

Dr. Dominique Crommelynck of the Royal Meteorological Institute is the 

principal investigator.

Spectrograph/Telescope for Astronomical Research (STAR-LITE)

STAR-LITE is a telescope and imaging spectrograph that will study 

astronomical targets in the ultraviolet. Targets of scientific investigation 

include diffuse sky background emissions, scattered dust, and 

recombination emission lines from the hot and interstellar medium, 

supernova remnants, planetary and reflecting nebulae, star-forming regions 

in external galaxies and the torus formed around Jupiter by volcanic 

emissions of its moon Io.

Dr. Jay Holberg of the University of Arizona is the principal investigator.
95

Petite Amateur Naval Satellite (PANSAT)

PANSAT, a nonrecoverable satellite developed by the Naval Postgraduate 

School (NPS) in Monterey, Calif., is basically a small telecommunications 

satellite. It will be used to enhance the education of military officers at NPS 

by giving them hands-on experience in developing and operating a small 

satellite. It will also serve as a space-based laboratory for officers.

PANSAT is a spread-spectrum satellite. Spread spectrum allows 

communication satellites to capture and transmit signals that normally would 

be lost because the original signals were too weak or had too much 

interference.

Normal radio frequencies use about 3 kilohertz to 1 megahertz of bandwidth, 

but the spread spectrum is about a thousand times wider and difficult to 

intercept. The low probability of interception would be important to the 

military in situations like rescues of downed pilots. A downed pilot could 

obtain his location from the Global Positioning System and uplink the data to 

an orbiting spread-spectrum satellite with minimum risk of interception by an 

enemy. Civilians could use this type of communication during emergency 

rescues and as a basis for establishing communication in remote areas.

PANSAT will demonstrate the capabilities of low-cost spread spectrum on a 

small satellite. It will provide store-and-forward digital communication using 

direct sequence, spread-spectrum modulation. Store-and-forward digital 

communication allows the PANSAT ground station to send data to the 

satellite. PANSAT will operate in the amateur radio frequency range to allow 

ham operators to evaluate the satellite's performance.

The PANSAT principal investigator is Rudolf Panholzer of the NPS.

Cosmic Dust Aggregation (CODAG)

The CODAG experiment is a getaway special experiment (G-764) designed 

to simulate the aggregation of dust particles and dynamics of dust clouds 

that occurred in the early stages of the formation of our solar system. 

Scientists hope that understanding the dust growth process in the early solar 

system will enable them to answer questions about planet formation.

The experiment apparatus consists of a vacuum chamber equipped with 

windows and sensors. Small glass particles will be injected into the 

chamber, and digital cameras will record the dust's motion in a small control 

area through microscopes. Sensors will measure the scattering 

characteristics of the dust cloud for comparison with astronomical 

measurements.

Ten experiment runs are planned. During each run, the dust will be 

observed for 15 minutes to five hours. 

CODAG is sponsored by the University of Bremen, Germany, and ZARM 

(Zentrum fur Angewandte Raumfahrttechnologie und Mikrogravitation).
96

The principal investigator is Hans J. Koenighsmann.

Roach Experiment

The only biological experiment on STS-95, getaway special G-238 will study 

the effects of space on the life cycle of the American cockroach. The 

payload is sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and 

Astronautics and managed by students at DuVal High School in Lanham, 

Md.

The roach experiment apparatus consists of a habitat that has been divided 

into three sections: one for young adults, one for nymphs, and one for eggs. 

Air, heat, water, and food will be supplied. Battery-powered heaters will 

maintain a comfortable temperature in the habitat. An 8-mm camcorder will 

record activity inside the habitat at regular intervals.

David Eakman of The Boeing Company in Seabrook, Md., is the payload 

manager.

History/Background

The Belgian SOLCON is a unique instrument that is designed to ensure that 

spaceborne measurements of the absolute value of the solar constant (the 

total solar radiative power absorbed by one square meter at the outer layer 

of the Earth's atmosphere) remain accurate and precise. With its differential 

absolute radiometer, SOLCON will try to pinpoint the absolute value of the 

total solar irradiance with an accuracy of better than 0.01% and a precision 

better than 0.005%.

Benefits

Solar energy, Earth's only external source of energy, is a primary natural 

driver of climate changes. The measurement of total solar irradiance is an 

important tool for researchers who are studying the effects of global 

warming.

Updated: 10/13/1998
97

STS-95

Experiments

Microencapsulation Electrostatic Processing System (MEPS)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal 

Investigator:

Dr. Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson 

Space Center

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

In the future, multilayer microcapsules may hold the key to improving 

techniques of drug delivery during chemotherapy treatment. Researchers 

from the Institute for Research, Inc. in Houston, Texas, and NASA Johnson 

Space Center will use MEPS to produce capsules for evaluation.

For many cancer patients, chemotherapy is one of the most feared parts of 

treatment because it can be so debilitating. With large, solid tumors, 

however, a special type of chemotherapy currently in use is called 

transcatheter chemoemobilization. In this process, approximately five 

percent of the "normal" dose is placed directly into the tumor through a 

catheter in one of the many blood vessels that serve the tumor followed by 

an injection of Gelfoam particles. These particles then swell to block the 

blood vessels in and around the tumor so that the treatment does not 

prematurely "wash out" of the tumor. Using this chemotherapy technique 

has improved the one-year survival rate of patients with nonoperable liver 

tumors from 18 percent to between 55 and 69 percent, and reduced 

undesirable side effects.

A multilayer capsule not only holds a dose of an FDA-approved anti-tumor 

drug but also can hold a radio-trace medium. This will allow doctors to X-ray 

and monitor the accumulation and distribution of the capsules in the tumor 

to be sure that all regions of the tumor receive optimum treatment.

The experiment is sponsored by NASA's Space Product Development Office 

of the Microgravity Research Program at the Marshall Space Flight Center in 

Huntsville, Ala.

History/Background

MEPS experiments conducted during STS-95 will study the formation of 

anti-tumor capsules containing two kinds of drugs. The experiment facility 

will automatically control fluid flows, record video of fluid interfaces as the 

microcapsules are formed, harvest the capsules, and use electrostatic 

deposition of a thin coating of an ancillary polymer.

The facility will process six research runs during the mission. Each run is 

contained in a process chamber module that will activated by the crew, and 

removed and stored after each two-hour run. The data gathered during this 
98

effort will evaluate the performance of the system and advance the 

production of multilayer microcapsules on Earth.

Updated: 10/14/1998
99

STS-95

Experiments

Microgravity Science Glovebox (MGBX)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal 

Investigator:

see individual experiments

Backup: Pedro Duque Project 

Scientist:

Dr. Donald A. Reiss, Space Sciences 

Laboratory, Marshall Space Flight 

Center, Huntsville, Ala.

Overview

Three investigations will be performed in MGBX during the STS-95 mission: 

Internal Flows in a Free Drop (IFFD), Colloidal Disorder-Order Transition 

(CDOT), and Structural Studies of Colloidal Suspensions (CGEL).

Internal Flows in a Free Drop (IFFD)

Surface tension is the property of a liquid's surface that, like a skin, holds it 

together. Investigators want to measure the internal fluid flows induced by 

the acoustic field and areas of different temperature on the surfaces of the 

drops. Researchers want to measure the surface tension of the drops. This 

investigation uses acoustic energy or sound to remotely control the position 

and motion of free-floating drops of liquid in the experiment facility.

Findings may have applications for improving manufacturing processes on 

Earth and in space by providing new techniques for accurately measuring 

the properties of a liquid. This will allow manufacturers to better predict the 

behavior of a liquid during processing and, consequently, control the 

process to produce materials with more desirable properties. Results of this 

experiment may be relevant to many processes in chemical manufacturing 

industries, such as petroleum, cosmetics, and food sciences.

Free, single drops will be deployed in the MGBX, then positioned and 

manipulated using sound waves. Droplets will be heated unevenly to cause 

fluid flow within the droplets. Tracer particles in the drops will allow 

researchers to see and record the movement of the drops and internal flows 

at various temperatures.

The principal investigator is Dr. S.S. Sadhal, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 

Pasadena, Calif.

Colloidal Disorder-Order Transition (CDOT)

Everything in the universe is made up of atoms. All physical properties of 

matter, such as weight, hardness, and color, are determined by the kinds of 

atoms present in a substance, the way they interact with each other, and the 

type of arrangements they form. The size of atoms and the complex ways 

groups of atoms organize themselves to form various states of matter make 
100

them very difficult to study. One way to overcome these problems is by 

studying systems of simple, larger particles that behave in similar ways. The 

Colloidal Disorder-Order Transition experiment will test fundamental theories 

that describe atomic behavior.

Colloids are systems of fine particles suspended in fluid. Milk, orange juice, 

and paint are some common examples. The experiment uses colloidal 

suspensions of uniformly sized microscopic solid plastic spheres as a model 

of atomic interactions. On Earth, gravity causes the denser particles in a 

colloidal suspension to settle to the bottom, which is why some colloids, like 

orange juice and paint, must be stirred before use. Microgravity enables 

scientists to study colloids because the effects of density differences 

between particles and their surrounding fluids are decreased, thus 

eliminating settling and maintaining an even distribution of particles in the 

fluid.

During the STS-95 mission, researchers will use colloids to learn more 

about how the organization of atoms changes as they form into orderly solid 

structures. Researchers are using colloidal hard spheres suspended in liquid 

in varying concentrations to model this behavior. In samples with a certain 

level of concentration of hard spheres, crystal-like structures form. The 

behavior of these systems is similar to the changes in atomic structure that 

take place in the transition from liquid to solid, such as when water freezes 

and becomes ice. Initially, atoms in the water are randomly distributed. As 

the water freezes, atoms organize themselves into crystalline arrangements.

Experiment test samples will contain plastic spheres that are about onetenth of the thickness of a human hair in diameter. In orbit, the samples will 

be allowed to sit for several days while the spheres organize themselves. 

The spheres, like atoms, will settle into an arrangement that gives each 

sphere the most space. A sample with a low concentration of spheres is 

expected to maintain fluid movement, like atoms in a liquid. Samples with 

higher concentration levels of hard spheres should form crystal-like 

structures. In samples with a very high concentration of spheres, no crystals 

will form. This last behavior is similar to the solidification of liquids into glass 

materials in which the atoms move so slowly that it takes millions of years 

for them to organize into crystalline structures.

Researchers will use laser light directed at the colloidal samples to study the 

arrangements of spheres that form in the samples. The laser light will be 

scattered off the surface of the structures, similar to the way sunlight 

"sparkles" on snow flakes. The scattered light will reveal information about 

the pattern the structures have taken. With this information, scientists will 

gain insight into the validity of current theories of atomic behavior and will 

begin to answer questions of condensed matter physics regarding the 

transition between liquid and solid phases.

The principal investigator is Paul Chaikin, Princeton University, Princeton, 

N.J.

Structural Studies of Colloidal Suspensions (CGEL)

Understanding the structures of colloids may allow scientists to manipulate 

their physical properties, a process called "colloidal engineering," for the 
101

manufacture of novel materials and products. Colloid research may even 

improve the processing of known products for the enhancement of desirable 

properties.

CFGEL will further colloid research through the study of three kinds of 

colloids: binary alloy colloids, a colloid possessing particles of different sizes; 

colloid polymers, a colloid that in addition to possessing spherical particles 

also possesses long, chain-like molecules; and fractal colloid aggregates, 

colloids possessing repeating structural patterns or networks.

In orbit, all three types of colloid samples will be mixed to distribute the 

suspended particles and then allowed to sit for several days. During this 

interval, particles in the samples will organize themselves in crystal-like 

arrangements. Laser light will be used to gather structural information about 

the samples. The light will be directed at the samples and scatter as it is 

reflected off the surface of the crystalline structures, revealing the placement 

of particles in the colloids. Observations of the properties resulting from 

particular structures can then be made. With this information, researchers 

will develop models to predict the structures and properties of different kinds 

of colloids. The ability to predict a material's characteristics could result in 

decreased product development time and may lead to more efficient 

manufacturing. Industries using semiconductors, electro-optics, ceramics, 

and composites are among those that may benefit from colloid research.

The principal investigator is David Weitz, University of Pennsylvania, 

Philadelphia, Penn.

History/Background

MGBX offers scientists the capability to conduct investigations, test science 

procedures, and develop new technologies in microgravity. The glovebox 

provides an enclosed work area about the size of a microwave for these 

small-scale investigations. MGBX also provides a work area with two levels 

of containment--physical barrier and negative pressure--between the crew 

working space and the microgravity investigations.

The glovebox provides a sealable, controlled workspace for performing 

investigations that require hands-on attention, while protecting the astronaut 

researcher and the rest of the crew. Fluids, powders, bioproducts, and 

irritants are among the materials that may be used by researchers during 

their investigations. It is a facility designed to support investigations and 

demonstrations in five microgravity research disciplines: materials science, 

biotechnology, combustion science, fluid dynamics, and fundamental 

physics.

Within MGBX, while investigations are being conducted, three video 

cameras can record the development of the investigation. These data may 

be transmitted to the principal investigators on Earth, allowing them to 

instruct the crew to make experimental adjustments if necessary.

The Microgravity Glovebox Flight Program is part of the Microgravity 

Research Program at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. 
102

Benefits

Gravity dominates everything on Earth, from the way life has developed to 

the way materials interact. But aboard a spacecraft orbiting the Earth, the 

effects of gravity are barely felt. In this "microgravity environment," scientists 

can conduct experiments that are all but impossible to perform on Earth. In 

this virtual absence of gravity as we know it, space flight gives scientists a 

unique opportunity to study the states of matter (solids, liquids, and gases), 

and the forces and processes that affect them.

Updated: 10/14/1998
103

STS-95

Experiments

National Institute of Health Cell Culture Module (NIH-C8)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The Cell Culture Module (CCM) is a hardware unit designed specifically to 

aid in the study of microgravity effects at the cellular level. It uses hollow 

fiber bioreactor cartridges as the basic cell support structure and allows 

controlled physiologic maintenance, manipulation, and testing of cellular 

biology. Crew interaction involves in-flight activation, temperature recording 

twice per day, and deactivation.

Updated: 10/14/1998
104

STS-95

Experiments

NHK Camera

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The NHK camera is a high-definition camcorder that will be flown as a 

replacement for an orbiter camcorder and to certify this hardware for future 

flights on the International Space Station. The crew will destow, adjust and 

set up the hardware, record as required, disassemble, and stow the 

hardware.

Updated: 10/14/1998
105

STS-95

Experiments

Oceaneering SPACEHAB Refrigerator Freezer (OSRF)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

OSRF, an advanced technology thermoelectric refrigerator freezer, is being 

flown for the first time on STS-95 in support of the BRIC and VFEU 

payloads. The OSRF can be mounted as a double locker assembly in either 

the orbiter middeck, replacing two standard stowage lockers, or in the 

SPACEHAB module via a double experiment mounting plate. On STS-95, 

OSRF will operate in the SPACEHAB module at 4 degrees C.

Capable of the supporting life sciences and other requirements, OSRF 

offers a refrigerated payload volume of 1.85 cubic feet with minimal required 

maintenance. Each OSRF unit (including desiccant pack) weighs 80.27 

pounds (without contents) and operates with continuous power of 70 Watts 

and 380 Watts peak.

STS-95 crew members will spend approximately 40 minutes total performing 

daily OSRF status checks. 

Updated: 10/14/1998
106

STS-95

Experiments

Organic Crystal Growth (OCC)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The objective of the OCC experiment is to investigate an anisotropic 

property of organic ferromagnet. Diffusing donor and acceptor materials into 

a reaction chamber containing the organic solvent will grow a large, highquality, single crystal of organic ferromagnet. Previous flights of the OCC 

include reflight of OCGP payload from STS-42. The experiment will 

consume one-half hour of crew time.

Updated: 10/14/1998
107

STS-95

Experiments

Osteoporosis Experiment in Orbit (OSTEO)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The OSTEO experiment is designed for the in-vitro evaluation of bone cell 

activity under microgravity conditions. Crew members will perform sample 

feeding and fixation operations, daily status checks, and experiment 

deactivation.

Updated: 10/14/1998
108

STS-95

Experiments

Protein Crystallization Apparatus for Microgravity (PCAM)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal 

Investigator:

Dr. Daniel Carter, New Century 

Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Huntsville, Ala.

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The Protein Crystallization Apparatus for Microgravity (PCAM) is one facility 

for growing protein crystals on STS-95. The facility uses vapor-diffusion to 

grow protein crystals, a process in which the liquid in a protein solution is 

allowed to evaporate, thereby increasing protein concentration and 

triggering crystallization. Individual protein samples are carried in trays, with 

seven samples per tray and nine stackable trays contained in each PCAM 

cylinder. The Single Locker Thermal Enclosure System (STES) 

accommodates six cylinders, for a total of 378 experiments in a single space 

shuttle locker. The PCAM's high sample density and the ease with which 

samples can be prepared and distributed postflight meet NASA's 

requirement for cost-effective research and satisfy a co-investigator's need 

for quick turnaround between flight experiments.

Candidate proteins for flight experiments in the PCAM are selected based 

on proposals submitted to the principal investigator and represent an 

international group of scientists from industry, academia, and government 

laboratories. Several of the proposed proteins for flight on STS-95 have 

been flown before, yielding important results. A sampling of these proteins 

includes the following:

Pike Parvalbumin are found in the muscles, endocrine glands, skin cells, 

and some neutrons of vertebrates, but the role they play in the muscles is 

not yet understood. Researchers are exploring theories of a connection 

between parvalbumin levels and the speed at which mammals' muscles 

contract and relax. An ultra-high resolution of parvalbumin structure was 

achieved from samples grown on STS-83. During STS-94, PCAM produced 

the largest crystals of pike parvalbumin grown to date.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is an infection that attacks respiratory 

airways and lungs. Each year, nearly four million U.S. children ages 1 to 5 

are infected. Approximately 100,000 of these children require 

hospitalization, and 4,000 die annually from resulting infection. Crystals of 

the neutralizing antibody against RSV grown during the STS-85 mission in 

August 1997 were larger and of higher quality than those grown in previous 

studies, an encouraging step in the fight against this affliction.

Eco RI Endonuclease-DNA Complex leaves a "trail" that scientists can 

follow, telling them the specific DNA sites where the protein has attached 

itself. Research on this complex substance is important for understanding 
109

how proteins recognize and target specific sequences of DNA. Researchers 

hope to discover how proteins discriminate between different DNA 

sequences that are very similar. Crystals of eco RI produced during STS-85 

provided the first high-resolution structural blueprint of this protein.

A variety of other proteins are being considered for flight on STS-95, 

including lysozyme, albumin, E. coli gro EL, mycobacterium L5 gp 71 

repressor, CFA1 pilin, bacteriophage PRD1, ferritin/apoferritin, augmenter of 

liver regeneration, T7 RNA polymerase, Neurophysin II/Vasopressin 

complex, hemoglobin C, and pollen allergen.

History/Background

Researchers will attempt to grow large, defect-free crystals of proteins in 

order to determine or improve the protein's structures. Crystals grown in 

microgravity tend to be larger and more nearly perfect than those grown on 

Earth, making them easier to analyze for the determination of threedimensional structure. Using such methods as X-ray diffraction, in which an 

X-ray beam is fired at a crystal, scientists can pinpoint the placement of 

molecules in the protein's structure. That information can then be used to 

design pharmaceutical drugs that can interact with a protein and alter its 

function.

Benefits

Proteins are involved in nearly every one of the body's metabolic processes, 

including the onset of infection and disease. Several experiments aimed at 

increasing fundamental understanding of the biochemistry of proteins will fly 

on STS-95. 

Updated: 10/14/1998
110

STS-95

Experiments

Protein Turnover Experiment (PTO)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The test subjects for this experiment are John Glenn and Pedro Duque. The 

investigation is operated by Scott Parazynski and Chiaki Mukai with Steve 

Lindsey serving as backup.

The PTO experiment will study the effects of space flight on whole-body and 

skeletal muscle protein metabolism. Blood samples will be taken premission, on orbit, and post-mission. Two 24-hour urine collections are also 

required. The on-orbit activities include two monitoring sessions, each 

lasting three days.

Updated: 10/27/1998
111

STS-95

Experiments

Second-Generation Vapor Diffusion Apparatus (VDA)/Single-locker 

Thermal Enclosure System (STES)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal 

Investigator:

Dr. Larry DeLucas of the Center for 

Macromolecular Crystallography, 

University of Alabama, Birmingham

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

During STS-95, the Second-Generation Vapor Diffusion Apparatus (VDA) 

will grow crystals of eight different proteins and ribonucleic acids in 80 

crystallization chambers. The subjects of these experiments include 

compounds associated with diseases and conditions including diabetes, 

allergies, and viral and bacterial infections. The crystals grown in the 

microgravity experiments will be studied by X-ray crystallography to map the 

three-dimensional structures of these large molecules. Ultimately, this 

information will be used to develop new drugs to treat these diseases.

The Second-Generation Vapor Diffusion Apparatus uses vapor diffusion 

techniques to grow protein crystals. The apparatus consists of four trays, 

with 20 crystallization chambers per tray. Each chamber employs a triplebarrel syringe to mix tiny amounts of chemicals. One barrel contains a 

protein solution, another a precipitant solution, and the third is used as the 

mixing chamber. Each syringe protrudes into an experiment chamber lined 

with an absorbent reservoir containing precipitant solution.

The experiment flight hardware includes an STES, which can carry four 

VDA-2 trays totaling 80 samples. This system is an incubator capable of 

heating or cooling to a constant temperature in the 39 to 104 degrees 

Fahrenheit (four to 40 degrees Celsius) range. The unit can maintain 

temperatures within a half degree of the control setting. Temperature is 

controlled by thermal electric and forced air cooling. The facility supports 

approximately 28 pounds of experiment apparatus.

Updated: 10/14/1998
112

STS-95

Experiments

Self-standing Drawer (SSD)/Morphological Transition and Model 

Substances (MOMO)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

SSD/MOMO is a reflight experiment from STS-84 that will melt a lowtemperature solid sample and record the melt zone on video. Crew 

members will activate, status check, and deactivate the hardware.

Updated: 10/14/1998
113

STS-95

Experiments

Space Accelerations Measurement System (SAMS)

Payload Bay

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal 

Investigator:

Richard DeLombard, Lewis Research 

Center, Cleveland, Ohio

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

When a space shuttle is in low Earth orbit, it is in a state of freefall around 

the Earth. This freefall results in a unique low-gravity environment called 

microgravity, in which researchers can conduct many types of investigations. 

The microgravity environment is characterized by a reduction in the effects 

of gravity compared to what we experience on Earth. Small vibrations and 

accelerations on board the shuttle, however, can affect experiments the 

same way gravity does. Such disturbances can be too small for crew 

members to detect, but very sensitive measurement devices can detect 

them. Acceleration measurement devices assess the microgravity 

environment using specially designed sensors and allow scientists to 

characterize these disturbances and determine their influence on 

experiment results.

On STS-95, a SAMS unit designed for suborbital rockets and free-flying 

satellites will be placed in the shuttle's cargo bay. The unit, called SAMS-FF, 

will serve two purposes: to record any disturbances in the microgravity 

environment for scientists with experiments on the mission and to support 

the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital System Test. The Hubble test is a trial 

of a new cryocooler for the Hubble Space Telescope. As the cryocooler 

cools the telescope's near infrared camera and multi-object spectrometer, 

SAMS-FF will collect vibratory disturbance data to determine whether 

operation of the cooler affects the ability to precisely point the telescope at a 

desired location.

After the mission, researchers will analyze and correlate the data with other 

ancillary data from the mission and will generate a report characterizing the 

microgravity environment for the Hubble test while the cryocooler was in 

operation and while it was turned off. This report will assist researchers in 

their assessment of the cryocooler's usefulness for the Hubble telescope 

and will give microgravity researchers important information they can use in 

the analysis of experiment results.

Updated: 10/14/1998
114

STS-95

Experiments

SPARTAN Secondary Experiments (SPAM, TEXAS, VGS)

Prime:

Backup:

Overview

In addition to it's primary solar studies apparatus, SPARTAN 201-05 will also 

carry three secondary experiments: SPAM, TEXAS, and VGS.

SPARTAN Auxiliary Mounting Plate (SPAM)

The SPAM is a small equipment mounting plate that will provide a mounting 

location for small experiments or auxiliary equipment on the SPARTAN flight 

support structure (SFSS). A JSC-supplied accelerometer unit (WBSAAMD) 

will be flown on the SPAM.

Technology Experiment Augmenting SPARTAN (TEXAS)

TEXAS is a Goddard Space Flight Center radio frequency communications 

experiment being baselined for advanced SPARTAN missions. The system 

will be used to allow real-time downlink of solar images and uplink of 

pointing corrections. The link for this mission will provide a fine pointing 

adjustment to the WLC based on solar images downlinked real time.

Video Guidance Sensor (VGS)

The VGS flight experiment is a laser guidance system that will test a key 

component of the automated rendezvous and capture system (AR&C), a 

ranging and attitude measurement system being developed for the 

Reusable Launch Vehicle automated docking system. 

Until now, NASA missions involving spacecraft rendezvousing in orbit and 

one spacecraft capturing or connecting to another have relied on human 

control throughout those operations. The alternative is relying on an AR&C 

capability. System elements are being designed, developed, and tested by 

NASA to enable performing the task of spacecraft rendezvous and capture 

without having human operators at the controls. 

The AR&C technology under development at the Marshall Space Flight 

Center in Huntsville, Ala., requires little or no ground support. Onboard 

sensors, computers, and navigation inputs from satellites provide the 

intelligence to complete docking maneuvers through automated operations. 
115

The system includes a video camera and dual-frequency lasers. A

sensor will be mounted in the cargo bay of the space shuttle and an optical 

target on the SPARTAN spacecraft. The lasers will illuminate reflectors on 

SPARTAN--the VGSs target--and the reflected video images will define the 

exact position of the spacecraft and its distance from the space shuttle.

The laser-video system offers improved accuracy over the use of radio 

frequency control systems for docking maneuvers. In ground testing, the 

system has homed in on its target at pinpoint accuracy--down to one-tenth 

of an inch.

Updated: 10/13/1998
116

STS-95

Experiments

SPARTAN Solar Studies (WLC, UVCS)

Prime:

Backup:

Overview

SPARTAN 201: Studying the Sun's Corona

The SPARTAN 201 series is investigating the solar corona--the thin upper 

layers of the sun's atmosphere, which reach temperatures of about 2 million 

degrees Fahrenheit. Scientists hope to determine the mechanisms that 

cause the heating of the corona and the acceleration of the solar wind, 

which originates in the corona, and explain why the corona is so much hotter 

than the rest of the sun. The first three SPARTAN 201 flights have already 

advanced our understanding of the solar wind and its origin.

SPARTAN 201-05 observations will be coordinated with observations made 

from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) satellite, a cooperative 

mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. The second and 

third missions were coordinated with the passage of the Ulysses spacecraft 

over the sun's south and north poles.

The sun's corona is difficult to study because its light is relatively dim 

compared to the sun's total luminance. The white light corona can be viewed 

from Earth only during a solar eclipse, which strongly reduces the brightness 

of the scattered sunlight. Ground-based astronomers are never able to see 

the ultraviolet radiation because of interference from the Earth's 

atmosphere.

SPARTAN Solar Telescopes

SPARTAN 201 is equipped with two complementary telescopes that can 

measure these emissions from the sun's corona. 

The white light coronagraph (WLC), provided by the High-Altitude 

Observatory in Boulder, Colo., will measure the density of the electrons in 

the coronal white light. 

The ultraviolet coronal spectrometer (UVCS) from the Smithsonian 

Astrophysical Observatory at Harvard will measure the velocities, 

temperatures, and densities of the coronal plasmas. 

The ultraviolet instrument and the WLC are housed in an evacuated cylinder 

with an aperture door that is opened after SPARTAN is released from the 

shuttle.
117

By comparing the data collected by the two telescopes and combining the 

observations of the SPARTAN 201 missions and Ulysses and observations 

made by ground-based instruments, scientists expect to gain a much more 

complete picture of the origin of the solar wind.

White Light Coronograph

The SPARTAN WLC is an externally occulted coronagraph that will image 

the solar corona, providing measurements of the intensity and polarization of 

the electron-scattered white light. The WLC will also be used to crosscalibrate the SOHO satellite's UVCS white light channel and large-angle and 

spectrometric coronagraph.

The LISS located in the front of the WLC points the telescope at the sun's 

center. An external occulting disk at the front of the telescope blocks 

sunlight from the solar disk entering the WLC aperture with coronal light. 

The primary objective lens, located behind the external occulting disk, forms 

images of the corona and external occulting disk. The image of the occulting 

disk is blocked by an internal occulting disk behind the primary objective 

lens. The coronal image is then reimaged through a half-wave plate, which 

measures the intensity and polarization of coronal radiation, and a chargecoupled device (CCD) detector. Baffles between the telescope's aperture 

and the primary objective lens block direct sunlight from interfering with the 

coronal light, which is about 10-9 times fainter than the light emitted from the 

solar disk.

The WLC also contains an optical path that allows in-flight calibrations of the 

intensity of the coronal light. This calibration path is aimed directly at the 

solar disk. Direct sunlight passes through mirrors, opal glass and a wheel 

with three different neutral-density filters and onto the CCD detector.

Ultraviolet Coronal Spectrometer

The UVCS measures the characteristics of ultraviolet light from atomic 

hydrogen and the brightness of light emitted by ionized oxygen in the sun's 

corona to determine the velocities of the coronal plasma blown away from 

the sun and the temperatures and densities of some of the major 

constituents of the corona and solar wind. The telescope's measurements 

are also used to identify regions where the solar wind originates and map 

the sources of solar wind streams detected by Ulysses.

The UVCS will focus its observations on the north coronal hole, a region of 

exceptionally low density and temperature, and the areas between coronal 

holes and streamers, which are bright regions formed by particles trapped in 

the sun's magnetic field.

One of the major goals of the SPARTAN 201-05 mission is to continue 

tracking the changes in the morphology and physical conditions of the 

corona as it changes during the solar cycle. Missions 201-01, 02, and 03 

were flown during the declining phase of solar activity. H I Lyman alpha 

profiles in coronal holes observed during the first three missions seemed to 

become less complex as the corona evolves toward solar minimum, when 
118

there are fewer high-latitude streamers intersecting the view of coronal 

holes.

The dominant light emission in the ultraviolet spectrum of the extended solar 

corona is called H I Lyman alpha. It is formed as Lyman alpha radiation from 

the chromospheric layer of the sun passes through the solar corona, where 

it is scattered by neutral hydrogen. The SPARTAN UVCS measures the 

variation of intensity with wavelength of H I Lyman alpha and the intensities 

of the light emitted and scattered by the oxygen ions at wavelengths of 

103.2 and 103.7 nm.

In addition to verifying the profile shapes, the SPARTAN UVCS will provide 

a fresh radiometric calibration of the SOHO instrument. This is needed in 

order to distinguish changes in the observed intensities of the corona from 

changes in the efficiency of the SOHO UVCS. For this calibration, the 

SPARTAN instrument has been retrofitted with newly coated optics, and the 

entire optical paths of the Lyman alpha and O VI spectrometer channels 

have been accurately characterized. The planned joint observations of the 

corona by the two instruments will allow past and future SOHO UVCS 

observations to be compared with earlier SPARTAN observations. The data 

from both instruments will provide valuable information on how the corona 

changes throughout the solar cycle.

Measurements by the SOHO UVCS show that Lyman alpha profiles in polar 

coronal holes and coronal streamers are wider than those predicted by 

theoretical models. The broad Lyman alpha profiles correspond to hydrogen 

kinetic temperatures that are many times the temperature expected if the 

hydrogen atoms were in thermal equilibrium with the electrons in the corona. 

One explanation is that transverse waves in the corona are responsible for 

the hydrogen transverse velocities. Other evidence from the broad O VI 

profiles observed by the SOHO telescope suggest that there is strong 

heating of highly charged oxygen perpendicular to the coronal magnetic 

field. If this is also true for protons, the neutral hydrogen atoms would also 

be affected since they are coupled to the protons by charge transfer and 

collisions. Charged particles are believed to be accelerated by highfrequency magnetohydrodynamic waves that propagate through the corona 

much like a cyclotron accelerates charged particles.

The SOHO UVCS can look at spectral lines from ions of different masses 

and charge states to determine the basic properties of the waves that are 

accelerating these particles. Simultaneous observations by the SPARTAN 

and SOHO spectrometers will be used to confirm the profile shapes.

Observing Strategy for UVCS

The UVCS has three slits for taking measurements. The smallest slit 

measures the profile of the H Lyman alpha spectral line. The largest 

measures the total intensity of the alpha line and a few nearby bright 

spectral lines at 124.2 nm. The O VI slit measures the total intensities of the 

O VI lines at 103.2 and 103.7 nm. Different regions of the corona can be 

observed by scanning the UVCS telescope mirrors to look at different 

heights and by rolling the SPARTAN 201 spacecraft to look at different 

position angles about the sun.
119

Observations are planned by looking at the latest images from groundbased and space-based telescopes just before the shuttle launch. 

Four primary coronal targets have been set in the SPARTAN UVCS flight 

software. The actual pointing of the spacecraft is not decided until a few 

hours before the SPARTAN 201 satellite is released from the shuttle.

The first target is a coronal streamer on the east (left) limb of the sun. 

Hydrogen Lyman alpha profiles and intensities will be measured at 1.7 and 

2.1 solar radii on the streamer axis. Then the SPARTAN 201 spacecraft will 

roll about its sun-pointing axis to put the O VI slit on the axis of the streamer 

at the same heights.

The second target will also be a coronal streamer, but observations will be 

made at heliocentric distances out to 3.5 solar radii. Measurements of the H 

I Lyman alpha profile will be made along the streamer axis at 1.7, 2.1, 2.5, 

3.0, and 3.5 solar radii. The Lyman alpha field of view at each height is 

positioned along the streamer axis by adjusting the spacecraft roll about its 

sun-pointing axis. For the measurements at 1.8 solar radii, the O VI field of 

view will be placed on the streamer axis.

These measurements will provide information on the kinetic velocities and 

bulk outflow velocities in closed magnetic field regions. The magnetic field 

configuration is expected to open up at the streamer edges and at the larger 

heights in the streamer. The plasma in these regions of open magnetic field 

may have different characteristics from the plasma in the closed regions.

The third target is above the sun's North Pole in a polar coronal hole. 

Observations will be made at seven heights near the axis of a coronal hole: 

1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.1, 2.5, 3, and 3.5 solar radii. The last target is at a single 

height (1.7 solar radii) in the south polar coronal hole with the Lyman alpha 

detector only. (The O VI detector door is closed just before the last orbit in 

order to preserve the efficiency of the O VI photocathode.)

Solar Disk Studies

In addition to observing the solar corona, SPARTAN will take a look at the 

solar disk on two orbits and record background/geocoronal measurements 

during nighttime portions of each orbit. The solar disk observations will be 

used to probe the Earth's exosphere in order to correct for its absorption and 

scattering effects on the spectral data. 

During a typical SPARTAN 201 orbit, the light from the sun goes through 

exospheric layers of different thicknesses. By following the variation of the 

disk light through an entire orbit, researchers can probe the effects of the 

exosphere. Since the SOHO satellite is outside the exosphere, comparing 

its observations with those of the SPARTAN UVCS will help researchers 

make necessary corrections in the SPARTAN Lyman alpha intensities and 

profiles and O VI intensities.

Data Collection & Recording
120

All of the coronal images and UV spectral data (line intensities and profiles) 

will be recorded on board the spacecraft for postflight analysis.

The SPARTAN 201 spectrometer is a more sensitive version of the 

instrument that was flown on rockets in 1979, 1980, and 1982. It consists of 

an occulted telescope, dual spectrometer, detectors for 1.216-angstrom 

radiation (atomic hydrogen) and 1,032- and 1,037-anstrom radiation (ionized 

oxygen), and electronics.

Because the SPARTAN UVCS instrument is retrieved by the shuttle, its inflight performance can be inferred from preflight and postflight calibrations. 

Laboratory tests and experiments performed for the first three missions have 

provided detailed knowledge of the instrument's performance 

characteristics.

Benefits

Discoveries about the unknown source of the energy that heats the solar 

corona and accelerates the solar wind may help scientists understand the 

winds that carry mass and momentum away from other stars and why the 

sun's rotation has slowed. The results may also help them to explain how 

the Earth's magnetism and, ultimately, its climate and weather are affected 

by variations in the radiation and particles emitted by the sun.

Updated: 10/13/1998
121

STS-95

Experiments

Vestibular Function Experiment Unit (VFEU)

SpaceHab

Prime: Chiaki Mukai

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The VFEU aboard STS-95 will feature two marine fish, called toadfish, as 

experiment subjects. Housed in the VFEU, the fish will be electronically 

monitored to determine the effect of gravitational changes on the inner-ear, 

or otolithic, system. The freely moving fish will provide physiological signals 

of the otolith nerves through an implanted, specially designed multipore 

electrode. Measurements of afferent and efferent responses will be made 

before, during, and after the flight.

The VFEU experiment is powered on when the fish packages (FP) are 

installed at approximately L-35 hours and will run continuously until the FPs 

are removed at approximately R+5 hours. Responses of both the primary 

afferents and central nervous system efferent fiber will be continuously 

collected by means of the Neural Data Acquisition System (NDAS). The 

collected data will be recorded on the data recorder, and pertinent 

experiment facility data will be downlinked for observation by VFEU ground 

personnel.

History/Background

VFEU has been flown on three previous shuttle missions: STS-47, STS-65, 

and STS-90. 

Benefits

This research will provide important information about mechanosensory 

mechanisms in the human vestibular system and may be applied to therapy 

for equilibrium disorder or Earth-bound motion sickness.

Updated: 10/14/1998
122

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Space Integrated Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation 

System Tests

DTO 700-15

Prime: Steven Lindsey Principal Investigator: Pamela Lupo, Mark 

Mangieri, Scott 

Murray, Moises 

Montez, Joe 

Thibodeau, Ray 

Nuss, and Tony 

Pham

Backup: Curtis Brown

Overview

The SIGI is intended to replace the shuttle onboard TACAN and, eventually, 

the HAINS Inertial Measurement Units. The SIGI DTO will mitigate the 

technical and schedule risks of applying this new technology to the shuttle 

navigation systems by evaluating the system’s performance in space flight. 

The SIGI unit will be mounted in Avionics Bay 3B and will be commanded by 

the PGSC. 

Updated: 10/07/1998
123

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Space-to-Space Communications Flight Demonstration

DTO 700-18

Prime: Stephen Robinson Principal Investigator: Jeffery W. Williams

Backup: Pedro Duque

Overview

The SSCS allows for direct communications between orbiting spacecraft in 

close proximity. This enables the Orbiter, the ISS and EVA astronauts to use 

the same system for communicating voice and data independent of ground 

support. The SSCS general command capability augments the S-band 

system and provides for enhanced safety and will replace the current EVA 

frequency comm bands.

The purpose of this Space-to-Space Communications System (SSCS) test 

is to demonstrate the systems capabilities and to allow the crew to gain 

familiarity with its operation during a mission.

Updated: 10/07/1998
124

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Crosswind Landing Performance

DTO 805

Prime: Curtis Brown

Backup: Steven Lindsey

Overview

The purpose is to demonstrate the capability to perform a manually 

controlled landing in the presence of a crosswind.

Updated: 10/08/1998
125

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Automatic Targeting and Reflective Alignment Concept 

(AUTOTRAC) Computer Vision System (ACVS)

DTO 842

Prime: Stephen Robinson Principal Investigator: Leo Monford

Backup: Scott Parazynski

Overview

The objective of the ACVS is to assess video quality of a new wireless 

camera system mounted on the Remote Manipulator System (robot arm). 

Updated: 10/08/1998
126

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Space Station/Space Shuttle - Test of Color Printer

DTO 1215

In-Cabin

Prime: Pedro Duque

Backup: Stephen Robinson

Overview

This test will ensure that a candidate Inkjet printer (specifically, the Inkjet 

head and cartridge assemblies and the internal paper-handling mechanism) 

can operate in microgravity.

Updated: 10/07/1998
127

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

ORTHOSTATIC FUNCTION DURING ENTRY, LANDING AND 

EGRESS

DSO 603C

In-Cabin

Prime: John Glenn Principal Investigator: J. B. Charles, Ph.D.

Backup:

Overview

This investigation will document the relationship between mission duration 

and changes in orthostatic function of crewmembers during the actual 

stresses of entry, landing, and egress from the seat and from the cabin. 

These data will be used to determine whether precautions and 

countermeasures other than (or perhaps instead of) the operational saline 

countermeasure are needed to protect crewmembers in the event of an 

emergency egress.

Updated: 10/27/1998
1

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) AFTER EXPOSURE 

TO MICROGRAVITY 

DSO 628

In-Cabin

Prime: Curtis Brown Principal Investigator: Adrian D. LeBlanc, 

Ph.D./Baylor College 

of Medicine

Backup: Steven Lindsey

Overview

This detailed test objective investigates the muscle, intervertebral disc, and 

bone marrow changes in several crewmembers of varying ages and 

compares the results to the current data base. As part of the investigation, 

the crewmembers will fill out a back pain questionnaire each day on orbit.

Updated: 10/07/1998
129

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

IN-FLIGHT HOLTER MONITORING 

DSO 630

SpaceHab

Prime: John Glenn Principal Investigator: Janice Yelle,

 NASA JSC

Backup:

Overview

This detailed test objective investigates whether heart rate exhibits less 

variability in microgravity than on Earth; if electrocardiographic (ECG) 

changes occur during flight; and if changes in ECG related to age occur 

during flight.

Updated: 10/27/1998
130

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES 

DSO 802

In-Cabin

Prime: John Glenn Principal Investigator: Greg Vogt

Backup: Curtis Brown

Overview

The purpose of this activity is to use the attraction of space flight to capture 

the interest of students and motivate them toward careers in science, 

engineering, and mathematics. One 30 minute voice only session will 

performed.

Updated: 10/07/1998
131

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

WIRELESS NETWORK CONNECTIVITY EXPERIMENT 

RME 1334

Prime: Pedro Duque

Backup: Stephen Robinson

Overview

Tests the operational and physical characteristics of a Radio Frequency 

(RF) based Local Area Network (LAN) in an environment similar to the 

International Space Station.

Hardware includes portable computers (equivalent to the Station Support 

Computer (SSC) with wireless Ethernet cards installed. 

RME 1334 will only be performed if time becomes available.

Updated: 10/08/1998
132

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Orbiter Space Vision System Testing

DTO 700-11

Payload Bay

Prime: Stephen Robinson Principal Investigator: I. J. Mills, S. G. 

MacLean, Ph. D., L. 

E. Hembree, T. 

Mulder, I. A. Christie

Backup: Scott Parazynski

Overview

The purpose of this Development Test Objective (DTO)is to evaluate the 

operation and performance of the operational vision unit, including new 

capabilities/operations in conjunction with the Orbiter Closed Circuit 

Television (CCTV) system in the on-orbit environment.

The OSVS is planned for operations early in the space station assembly 

sequence. The vision system will be the primary source of precision data 

with which the Shuttle RMS (SRMS) operator will perform station assembly 

operations that include Androgynous Peripheral Attachment System (APAS) 

and Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) mating tasks. 

The Spartan will be used to simulate assembly operations on STS-95.

History/Background

Space Vision System (SVS) photogrammetry technology uses existing 

Shuttle payload bay camera views of targets on payloads and payload bay 

hardware to provide precise relative position, attitude, and rate cues in a 

concise graphical and digital format. The SVS will be used in support of 

initial space station assembly berthing tasks with the Shuttle Remote 

Manipulator System (RMS); it will also be used during later assembly tasks 

with the Space Station RMS. The SVS is also being assessed to determine 

its feasibility to provide range, bearing, and rate information associated with 

prox ops applications.

The SVS flew as part of Canex-II on STS-52. It provided the RMS operators 

with precision position and attitude cues to support Canadian Target 

Assembly (CTA) unberthing, maneuvering, and berthing operations. It was 

also used in support of CTA deployment and free-flying proximity 

operations. 

The Advanced SVS (ASVS) was the next generation version of the SVS with 

significantly upgraded operational capabilities. Its hardware was based on a 

Personal Computer (IBM Thinkpad 755C) with a 4-bay expansion chassis 

containing video cards. The ASVS was flown as a DTO on STS-74, STS-80, 

and STS-85 to further evaluate on-orbit performance and capabilities of the 
133

vision system. SVS targets were installed on payloads of opportunity and 

the Orbiter to support this testing.

The Orbiter SVS (OSVS) is the operational version of the SVS for Shuttle 

applications; the Space Station application is known as the Artificial Vision 

Function (AVF). Both systems are hard-mounted in their respective vehicles. 

New capabilities of the OSVS and AVF include vision system control of 

cameras, more robust target degradation and target reacquisition, advanced 

photogrammetric algorithm processing, and a streamlined user interface. 

The OSVS will be flown on several test flights to verify vehicle integration, to 

evaluate on-orbit crew operations, and to characterize on-orbit system 

performance. On one flight, the CTA will be flown to allow characterization of 

the OSVS similar to that conducted on STS-52.

Updated: 10/07/1998
134

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Single String Global Positioning System Tests

DTO 700-14

Prime: Steven Lindsey Principal Investigator: Ray Nuss, Wayne 

Hensley, Michael 

Sarafin

Backup: Curtis Brown

Overview

The purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate the performance and 

operations of the GPS during Orbiter ascent, on-orbit operations, entry and 

landing phases utilizing a modified military GPS receiver processor and the 

existing Orbiter GPS antennas.

Updated: 10/07/1998
135

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Spaceflight and Immune Function

DSO 498

Prime: 

Backup: 

Overview

All seven crew members are participating in this investigation.

This investigation documents the status of specific immune response 

elements whose essential function may be altered in space flight. Changes 

in typical infection-fighting cells, such as neutrophils, monocytes, and 

cytotoxic cells will be assessed. This investigation uses blood from routine 

medical operations.

Updated: 10/27/1998
136

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Cell Immunity and Reactivation of Latent Viral Infections

DSO 497

Prime: 

Backup: 

Overview

All seven astronauts are participating as subjects in this investigation.

This investigation will determine if stress induces reactivation of the herpes 

virus in flight. White blood cells, which fight infection in the body, will be 

assessed for structural and functional changes in space flight. This pre- and 

post-flight study uses blood drawn in the course of routine medical 

investigations.

Updated: 10/27/1998
137

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Effect of Space Flight on Bone and Muscle (NASDA)

DSO DSO 206

Prime: Chiaki Mukai Principal Investigator: Hirashi Oshima, 

M.D., NASDA, Tokyo

Backup: 

Overview

This investigation concentrates on the changes in bones and muscle volume 

and function in the Japanese crew members who fly on the Shuttle.

Updated: 10/27/1998
138

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Bone Mineral Loss and Recovery (DEXA)

DSO DSO627

Prime: Principal Investigator: Linda Shackelford, 

MD, NASA JSC

Backup: 

Overview

The subjects for this investigation are Steve Robinson, Pedro Duque, Chiaki 

Mukai and John Glenn.

This investigation, conducted pre- and post-flight, uses dual energy x-ray 

absorptiometry (DEXA) to document lean body mass changes in space 

flight, and a resistive exercise device to measure reaction speed and 

endurance of specific muscles in the ankle, leg, knee and back.

Updated: 10/27/1998
139

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Cardiovascular Responses to Standing Before and After Spaceflight

DSO DSO 626

Prime: John Glenn Principal Investigator: Janice Yelle,

NASA JSC

Backup: 

Overview

This investigation will assess the many physiological responses involved in 

standing up under Earth's gravity, using measurement of blood pressure, 

heart rate, cardiac function, cutecholamine concentration, and blood 

volume.

Updated: 10/27/1998
1

STS-95

DTO/DSO/RMEs

Post-flight Recovery of Postural Equilibrium

DSO 605

Prime: Principal Investigator: William Paloski, 

Ph.D., NASA JSC; Co-Investigator: Owen 

Black, M.D., Legacy Portland Hospital, 

Portland, Oregon

Backup: 

Overview

The crew members participating in this study are: Curt Brown, Steve 

Lindsey, Steve Robinson and John Glenn.

This pre- and post-flight investigation will use a positive platform to study the 

balance control of astronauts after they return from space. Scientists will 

identify the changing importance of inner ear information and other sensory 

information during the readaptation to Earth's gravity.

Updated: 10/27/1998
141

STS-95

Media Assistance

NASA Television Transmission

NASA Television is available through the GE2 satellite system which is 

located on Transponder 9C, at 85 degrees west longitude, frequency 3880.0 

MHz, audio 6.8 MHz. 

The schedule for television transmissions from the orbiter and for mission 

briefings will be available during the mission at Kennedy Space Center, FL; 

Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL; Dryden Flight Research 

Center, Edwards, CA; Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX; and NASA 

Headquarters, Washington, DC. The television schedule will be updated to 

reflect changes dictated by mission operations.

 

Status Reports

Status reports on countdown and mission progress, on-orbit activities and 

landing operations will be produced by the appropriate NASA newscenter

Briefings

A mission press briefing schedule will be issued before launch. During the 

mission, status briefings by a flight director or mission operations 

representative and when appropriate, representatives from the payload 

team, will occur at least once each day. The updated NASA television 

schedule will indicate when mission briefings are planned. 

Internet Information

Information is available through several sources on the Internet. The primary 

source for mission information is the NASA Shuttle Web, part of the World 

Wide Web. This site contains information on the crew and its mission and 

will be updated regularly with status reports, photos and video clips 

throughout the flight. The NASA Shuttle Web's address is:

http://shuttle.nasa.gov

If that address is busy or unavailable, Shuttle Information is available 

through the Office of Space Flight Home Page:

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/osf/

General information on NASA and its programs is available through the 

NASA Home Page and the NASA Public Affairs Home Page:

http://www.nasa.gov

or
142

http://www.nasa.gov/newsinfo/index.html

Information on other current NASA activities is available through the 

Today@NASA page:

http://www.nasa.gov/today.html

The NASA TV schedule is available from the NTV Home Page:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

Status reports, TV schedules and other information also are available from 

the NASA headquarters FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server, 

ftp.hq.nasa.gov. Log in as anonymous and go to the directory /pub/pao. 

Users should log on with the user name "anonymous" (no quotes), then 

enter their E-mail address as the password. Within the /pub/pao directory 

there will be a "readme.txt" file explaining the directory structure: 

* Pre-launch status reports (KSC): ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/pao/statrpt/ksc

* Mission status reports (KSC): ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/pao/statrpt/jsc

* Daily TV Schedules: ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/pao/statrpt/jsc/tvsked.

NASA Spacelink, a resource for educators, also provides mission 

information via the Internet. Spacelink may be accessed at the following 

address:

http://spacelink.nasa.gov

Access by Compuserve

Users with Compuserve accounts can access NASA press releases by 

typing "GO NASA" (no quotes) and making a selection from the categories 

offered.

Updated: 10/09/1998
137

STS-95

MEDIA CONTACTS

NASA PAO CONTACTS

Fred Brown

Dryden Flight Research Center

Edwards, CA

fred.brown@dfrs.nasa.gov

DFRC Landing Operations 805-258-

2663

June Malone

Marshall Space Flight Center

Huntsville, AL

External Tank, Solid Rocket

Boosters, Shuttle Main Engines

205-544-

7061

Jim Sahli

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, MD

GSFC Payloads - HOST, IEH,

SPARTAN

301-286-

0697

Bruce Buckingham

John F. Kennedy Space Center

Florida

Launch Processing, KSC

Landing Information

407-867-

2468

Eileen Hawley

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Houston, TX

Shuttle Flight Crew Operations,

Mission Operations, Astronauts

281-483-

5111

Jennifer McCarter

NASA Headquarters

Washington, D.C.

Space Shuttle, Space Station,

NASA Policy

202-358-

1639

Debra Rahn

NASA Headquarters

Washington, D. C.

Space Shuttle, Space Station, NASA 

Policy

202-358-

1638

Updated 10/09/1998
Table prepared by Richard W. Orloff, 02/2001 

SHUTTLE FLIGHTS AS OF OCTOBER 1999 

91 TOTAL FLIGHTS OF THE SHUTTLE SYSTEM -- 66 SINCE RETURN TO FLIGHT 

STS-90 

04/17/98 - 05/03/98 

STS-87 

11/19/97 - 12/05/97 

STS-91 

06/02/09 - 06/12/98 

STS-94 

07/01/97 - 07/17/97 

STS-85 

08/07/97 - 08/19/97 

STS-83 

04/04/97 - 04/08/97 

STS-82 

02/11//97 - 02/21/97 

STS-80 

11/19/96 - 12/07/96 

STS-70 

07/13/95 - 07/22/95 

STS-78 

06/20/96 - 07/07/96 

STS-63 

02/03/95 - 02/11/95 

STS-86 

09/25/97 - 10/06/97 

STS-75 

02/22/96 - 03/09/96 

STS-64 

09/09/94 - 09/20/94 

STS-84 

05/15/97 - 05/24/97 

STS-73 

10/20/95 - 11/05/95 

STS-60 

02/03/94 - 02/11/94 

STS-81 

01/12/97 - 01/22/97 

STS-65 

07/08/94 - 07/23/94 

STS-51 

09/12/93 - 09/22/93 

STS-79 

09/16/96 - 09/26/96 

STS-62 

03/04/94 - 03/18/94 

STS-56 

04/08/83 - 04/17/93 

STS-76 

03/22/96 - 03/31/96 

STS-58 

10/18/93 - 11/01/93 

STS-53 

12/02/92 - 12/09/92 

STS-74 

11/12/95 - 11/20/95 

STS-55 

04/26/93 - 05/06/93 

STS-42 

01/22/92 - 01/30/92 

STS-71 

06/27/95 - 07/07/95 

STS-52 

10/22/92 - 11/01/92 

STS-48 

09/12/91 - 09/18/91 

STS-66 

11/03/94 - 11/14/94 

STS-50 

06/25/92 - 07/09/92 

STS-39 

04/28/91 - 05/06/91 

STS-46 

07/31/92 - 08/08/92 

STS-89 

01/22/98 - 01/31/98 

STS-40 

06/05/91 - 06/14/91 

STS-41 

10/06/90 - 10/10/90 

STS-45 

03/24/92 - 04/02/92 

STS-77 

05/19/96 - 05/29/96 

STS-35 

12/02/90 - 12/10/90 

STS-51L 

01/28/86 

STS-31 

04/24/90 - 04/29/90 

STS-44 

11/24/91 - 12/01/91 

STS-72 

01/11/96 - 11/20/96 

STS-32 

01/09/90 - 01/20/90 

STS-61A 

10/30/85 - 11/06/85 

STS-33 

11/22/89 - 11/27/89 

STS-43 

08/02/91 - 08/11/91 

STS-69 

09/07/95 - 09/18/95 

STS-28 

08/08/89 - 08/13/89 

STS-51F 

07/29/85 - 08/06/85 

STS-29 

03/13/89 - 03/18/89 

STS-37 

04/05/91 - 04/11/91 

STS-67 

03/02/95 - 03/18/95 

STS-61C 

01/12/86 - 01/18/86 

STS-51B 

04/29/85 - 05/06/85 

STS-26 

09/29/88 - 10/03/88 

STS-38 

11/15/90 - 11/20/90 

STS-68 

09/30/94 - 10/11/94 

STS-9 

11/28/83 - 12/08/83 

STS-41G 

10/05/84 - 10/13/84 

STS-51-I 

08/27/85 - 09/03/85 

STS-36 

02/28/90 - 03/04/90 

STS-59 

04/09/94 – 04/20/94 

STS-5 

11/11/82 - 11/16/82 

STS-41C 

04/06/84 - 04/13/84 

STS-51G 

06/17/85 - 06/24/85 

STS-34 

10/18/89 - 10/23/89 

STS-61 

12/02/93 - 12/13/93 

STS-4 

06/27/82 - 07/04/82 

STS-41B 

02/03/84 - 02/11/84 

STS-51D 

04/12/85 - 04/19/85 

STS-30 

05/04/89 - 05/08/89 

STS-57 

06/21/93 - 07/01/93 

STS-3 

03/22/82 - 03/30/82 

STS-8 

08/30/83 - 09/05/83 

STS-51C 

01/24/85 - 01/27/85 

STS-27 

12/02/88 - 12/06/88 

STS-54 

01/13/93 - 01/19/93 

STS-2 

11/12/81 - 11/14/81 

STS-7 

06/18/83 - 06/24/83 

STS-51A 

11/08/84 - 11/16/84 

STS-61B 

11/26/85 - 12/03/85 

STS-47 

09/12/92 - 09/20/92 

STS-1 

04/12/81 - 04/14/81 

STS-6 

04/04/83 - 04/09/83 

STS-41D 

08/30/84 - 09/05/84 

STS-51J 

10/03/85 - 10/07/85 

STS-49 

05/07/92 - 05/16/92 

 

OV-102 

Columbia 

(25 flights) 

OV-099 

Challenger 

(10 flights) 

OV-103 

Discovery 

(24 flights) 

OV-104 

Atlantis 

(20 flights) 

OV-105 

Endeavour 

(12 flights)