Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 1 

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 

SPACE SHUTTLE 

MISSION 

STS-78 

PRESS KIT 

JUNE 1996 

LIFE AND MICROGRAVITY SPACELAB 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 2 

STS-78 INSIGNIA 

STS078-S-001 -- The STS-78 mission links the past with the present through an insignia influenced by 

Pacific Northwest Native American art. Central to the design is the space shuttle Columbia, whose shape 

evokes the image of the eagle, an icon of power and prestige and the national symbol of the United States. 

The eagle's feathers, representing both peace and friendship, symbolize the spirit of international unity on 

STS-78. An orbit surrounding the mission number recalls the traditional NASA emblem. The Life Sciences 

and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) is housed in Columbia's payload bay and is depicted in a manner 

reminiscent of totem art. The pulsating sun, a symbol of life, displays three crystals representing STS-78's 

three high-temperature microgravity materials processing facilities. The constellation Delphinus recalls 

the dolphin, friend of sea explorers. Each star represents one member of STS-78's international crew 

including the alternate payload specialists Pedro Duque and Luca Urbani. The colored thrust rings at the 

base of Columbia signify the five continents of Earth united in global cooperation for the advancement of 

all humankind. 

The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other 

official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the 

form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which we 

do not anticipate, it will be publicly announced. 

PHOTO CREDIT: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 3 

NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS 

For Information on the Space Shuttle 

Ed Campion Policy/Management 202/358-1778 

 NASA Headquarters 

 Washington, DC 

 

 

Rob Navias 

 Johnson Space Center 

 Houston, TX 

Mission Operations 

Astronauts 

713/483-5111 

 

Bruce Buckingham 

 Kennedy Space Center, FL 

Launch Processing 

KSC Landing Information 

407/867-2468 

 

June Malone 

Marshall Space Flight Center 

 Huntsville, AL 

External Tank 

Shuttle Propulsion 

205/544-0034 

 

Cam Martin 

 Dryden Flight Research Center 

 Edwards, CA 

DFRC Landing Information 805/258-3448 

STS-78 Experiments & Activities 

Mike Braukus 

 NASA Headquarters 

 Washington, DC 

LMS 205/358-1979 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 4 

CONTENTS 

GENERAL BACKGROUND 

General Release 5 

Media Services Information 6 

Quick-Look Facts 8 

Shuttle Abort Modes 9 

Mission Summary Timeline 10 

Orbital Events Summary 11 

Payload and Vehicle Weights 12 

Crew Responsibilities 13 

DTOs/DSOs 14 

 

Cargo Bay Payloads 

LMS 15 

Mission Management 

STS-78 Crew Biographies 29 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 5 

RELEASE: 96-116 

LIFE AND MICROGRAVITY SCIENCES RESEARCH 

HIGHLIGHT SHUTTLE MISSION STS-78 

The flight of Space Shuttle Columbia on Mission STS-78 will utilize an orbiting research laboratory to 

conduct a diverse slate of experiments on how human beings and other living organisms along with various 

materials change in a weightless environment. 

Launch of Columbia is currently targeted for June 20, 1996 at 10:49 a.m. EDT from Kennedy Space 

Center's Launch Complex 39-B. The STS-78 mission duration is currently planned for 15 days, 22 hours, 

20 minutes. However, Mission Control will be carefully managing and monitoring Columbia's electrical 

power consumption with an eye towards extending the flight one day so additional science work can be 

performed. If the extension day happens, the mission duration would become 16 days, 22 hours, 2 minutes 

and would make the STS-78 flight NASA's longest Shuttle mission to date. An on-time launch and one day 

mission extension would set Columbia up for a landing on July 7th at 8:51 a.m. EDT at Kennedy Space 

Center. 

The STS-78 crew will be commanded by Terence T. "Tom" Henricks, making his fourth Shuttle flight. 

Payload Commander and Mission Specialist-2 Susan J. Helms, is making her third flight. The pilot for the 

mission, Kevin R. Kregel, is making his second flight. There are two other mission specialists assigned to 

the flight. Richard M. Linnehan, serving as Mission Specialist-1, is making his first flight. Charles E. 

Brady, serving as Mission Specialist-3, is making his first flight. There also are two payload specialists 

serving as part of the STS-78 crew. Jean-Jacques Favier from the French Atomic Energy Commission 

(CEA) and an astronaut of the French Space Agency (CNES) will serve as Payload Specialist-1. Robert 

Brent Thirsk from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will serve as Payload Specialist-2. Both Favier and 

Thirsk will be making their first space flight. 

The flight will involve the Life and Microgravity Sciences (LMS) payload being carried in the pressurized 

Spacelab module in Columbia's cargo bay and will focus on two main areas. The LMS life science studies 

will probe the responses of living organisms to the low- gravity environment and highlight musculoskeletal 

physiology. LMS microgravity experiments will focus on understanding the subtle influences at work 

during processing of various samples, such as alloy materials, when gravity's effect is greatly reduced. On 

Earth, gravity distorts scientific results. Materials processed on orbit reveal underlying secrets masked or 

distorted in ground-based laboratories. Likewise, free from gravity, the human body undergoes changes 

that can affect astronaut performance. While LMS life sciences information will help prepare crews for 

longer duration missions, the causes of, and cures for, similar ailments experienced on Earth may be found. 

The STS-78 crew also will take on the role of teachers as they educate students in the United States and 

other countries about their mission objectives. Using the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment-II, which is 

carried aboard the Shuttle on a regular basis, crewmembers will talk with students around the world about 

what it is like to live and work in space. 

STS-78 will be the 20th flight of Columbia and the 78th mission flown since the start of the Space Shuttle 

program in April 1981. 

(END OF GENERAL RELEASE; BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOLLOWS.) 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 6 

MEDIA SERVICES INFORMATION 

NASA Television Transmission 

NASA Television is available through the Spacenet-2 satellite system. Spacenet-2 is located on 

Transponder 5, at 69 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. 

Television schedules also may be obtained by calling COMSTOR at 713/483-5817. COMSTOR is a 

computer data base service requiring the use of a telephone modem. A voice update of the television 

schedule is provided daily at noon Eastern time. 

Television schedules also may be obtained via the Internet on: 

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/ntv.html 

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 prior to 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 on STS-78 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 their mission and will be regularly updated 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.osf.hq.nasa.gov/ 

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 

http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/hqpao/hqpao_home.html 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 7 

Information on other current NASA activities is available 

through the Today@NASA page: 

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/NewsRoom/today.html 

Status reports, TV schedules and other information is also available from the NASA Headquarters FTP 

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. 

NASA's Spacelink, a resource for educators, also provides mission information via the Internet. The 

system fully supports the following Internet services: 

World Wide Web http://spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov 

Gopher spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov 

Anonymous FTP spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov 

Telnet spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov 

Spacelink's dial-up modem line is 205-895-0028. 

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. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 8 

QUICK-LOOK FACTS 

Launch Date/Site June 20, 1996/KSC Launch Pad 39-B 

Launch Time 10:49 AM EDT 

Launch Window 2 hours, 30 minutes 

Orbiter Columbia (OV-102), 20th flight 

Orbit Altitude 153 nautical miles 

Orbit Inclination 39 degrees 

Mission Duration 15 days, 22 hours 

Landing Date July 7, 1996 

Landing Time 8:49 AM EDT 

Primary Landing Site Kennedy Space Center, FL 

Abort Landing Sites Return to Launch Site - KSC 

 Transoceanic Abort Sites 

 Ben Guerir, Morocco 

 Moron, Spain 

 Zaragoza, Spain 

 Abort-Once Around - Edwards AFB, CA 

 

Crew Tom Henricks, Commander (CDR) 

 Kevin Kregel, Pilot (PLT) 

 Rick Linnehan, Mission Specialist 1 (MS 1) 

 Susan Helms, Payload Cdr, Mission Specialist 2 

(MS 2) 

 Charles Brady, Mission Specialist 3 (MS 3) 

 Jean-Jacques Favier, Payload Specialist 1 (PS 1) 

 Robert Thirsk, Payload Specialist 2 (PS 2) 

 

EVA Crew (if required) Susan Helms (EV 1), Rick Linnehan (EV 2) 

Cargo Bay Payloads LMS 

 EDO Pallet 

 

In-Cabin Payloads SAREX 
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SHUTTLE ABORT MODES 

Space Shuttle launch abort philosophy aims toward safe and intact recovery of the flight crew, Orbiter and 

its payload. Abort modes for STS-78 include: 

• Abort-To-Orbit (ATO) -- Partial loss of main engine thrust late enough to permit reaching a minimal 

105-nautical mile orbit with the orbital maneuvering system engines. 

• Abort-Once-Around (AOA) -- Earlier main engine shutdown with the capability to allow one orbit of 

the Earth before landing at the Kennedy Space Center, FL. 

• Transoceanic Abort Landing (TAL) -- Loss of one or more main engines midway through powered 

flight would force a landing at either Ben Guerir, Morocco; or Moron, Spain. 

• Return-To-Launch-Site (RTLS) -- Early shutdown of one or more engines, and without enough energy 

to reach a TAL site, would result in a pitch around and thrust back toward Kennedy until within 

gliding distance of the Shuttle Landing Facility. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 10 

MISSION SUMMARY TIMELINE 

Flight Day 1 

Launch/Ascent 

OMS-2 Burn 

Spacelab Activation 

LMS Operations 

Flight Days 2-5 

LMS Operations 

Flight Day 6 

LMS Operations 

Off Duty Time 

Flight Days 7-10 

LMS Operations 

Flight Day 11 

LMS Operations 

Off Duty Time 

Crew News Conference 

Flight Day 12-15 

LMS Operations 

Flight Day 16 

LMS Operations 

Flight Control System Checkout 

Reaction Control System Hot-Fire 

Spacelab Deactivation 

Cabin Stowage 

Flight Day 17 

Deorbit Prep 

Deorbit Burn 

KSC Landing 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 11 

STS-78 ORBITAL EVENTS SUMMARY 

(Based on a June 20, 1996 Launch) 

Event MET Time of Day (EDT) 

 

Launch 0/00:00 10:49 AM, June 20 

OMS-2 0/00:43 11:32 AM, June 20 

Crew News Conference 9/23:50 10:39 AM, June 30 

Deorbit Burn 15/21:00 7:49 AM, July 6 

KSC Landing 15/22:00 8:49 AM, July 6 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 12 

PAYLOAD AND VEHICLE WEIGHTS 

 Pounds

 

Orbiter (Columbia) empty and 3 SSMEs 160,330 

Shuttle System at SRB Ignition 4,517,152 

Orbiter Weight at Landing with Cargo 256,170 

Spacelab Module 21,272 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 13 

CREW RESPONSIBILITIES 

Payloads Prime Backup 

 

Spacelab Kregel, Henricks Helms, Linnehan 

LMS Experiments Helms 

AGHF Favier Helms 

BDPA Favier Helms 

PGF Helms Favier 

Other microgravity Helms Kregel 

TVD experiments Thirsk Linnehan 

ALFE Linnehan Thirsk 

COIS Thirsk Helms 

Metabolic Brady Linnehan 

PAWS Helms Henricks 

SACS Thirsk Brady 

TRE Thirsk Brady 

EVA Helms (EV 1), Kregel (EV 2) -------- 

Intravehicular Crewmember Linnehan -------- 

SAREX Brady Helms 

DTOs Henricks Kregel 

DSOs Henricks Kregel 

Earth Observations Kregel Henricks 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 14 

DEVELOPMENTAL TEST OBJECTIVES/DETAILED/ 

SUPPLEMENTARY OBJECTIVES 

DTO 301D: Ascent Structural Capability Evaluation 

DTO 307D: Entry Structural Capability 

DTO 312: ET TPS Performance 

DTO 319D: Shuttle/Payload Low Frequency Environment 

DTO 623: Cabin Air Monitoring 

DTO 667: Portable In-Flight Landing Operations Trainer 

DTO 675: Voice Control of Closed Circuit Television System 

DTO 1126: KCA Video Teleconferencing Demonstration 

DSO 487: Immunological Assessment of Crewmembers 

DSO 491: Characterization of Microbial Transfer Among Crewmembers 

DSO 493: Monitoring Latent Virus Reactivation and Shedding in Astronauts 

DSO 802: Educational Activities 

DSO 901: Documentary Television 

DSO 902: Documentary Motion Picture Photography 

DSO 903: Documentary Still Photography 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 15 

THE LIFE AND MICROGRAVITY SPACELAB MISSION 

The STS-78 crew will conduct a diverse slate of experiments divided into a mix of life science and 

microgravity investigations. 

LMS life science studies will probe the responses of living organisms to the low-gravity environment of 

the Space Shuttle in orbit and highlight musculoskeletal physiology. LMS microgravity experiments will 

focus on understanding the subtle influences at work during processing of various samples, such as alloy 

materials, when gravity's effect is greatly reduced. On Earth, gravity distorts scientific results. Materials 

processed on orbit reveal underlying secrets masked or distorted in ground-based laboratories. Likewise, 

free from gravity, the human body undergoes changes that can affect astronaut performance. While LMS 

life sciences information will help prepare crews for longer duration missions as our role in space expands, 

the causes of, and cures for, similar ailments experienced on Earth also may be found. 

In a manner very similar to future Space Station operations, LMS researchers from the United States and 

abroad will share resources such as crew time and equipment. Experiments for the mission were developed 

on a fast-track schedule -- about 21 months, versus 36 to 48 months for most Spacelab missions. This faster 

turnaround time from selection to flight also will hold true for many Space Station experiments. To 

develop effective countermeasures, the crew will perform various motor-skill tests and participate in 

measurements of bone and muscle density. These data will be supplemented and verified through groundbased studies and will be compared to data gathered before and after the flight. 

LMS life science studies are divided into two fields -- human physiology and space biology. The five areas 

of human physiology are musculoskeletal, metabolic, pulmonary, human behavior and performance, and 

neuroscience. Three space biology experiments will study growth of pine saplings, development of fish 

embryos, and bone changes in laboratory rats. 

Human Physiology Experiments 

Four major space agencies sponsor the human physiology experiments that make up the Johnson Space 

Center Human Life Sciences Project. They are NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the French 

Space Agency (CNES) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Since each complementary experiment 

studies a different body area, a well-rounded data base will be generated to help researchers understand 

how the body changes in low gravity so they can develop effective countermeasures. 

Musculoskeletal Investigations -- Muscles that Control Movement 

Effects of Weightlessness on Human Single Muscle Fiber Function 

Dr. Robert Fitts, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 

Objective: Although the skeletal muscles continue to control and move the body when on orbit, astronauts 

experience muscle wasting similar to the aging process or inactivity. This muscle loss seems to be shortlived and reversible, but long-duration flight effects are unknown. 

Procedure: During crew sessions on an exercise ergometer, breathing and heart-rate measurements will be 

made. Right calf muscle performance will be evaluated using the Torque Velocity Dynamometer 

workstation. Measurements made several times during the mission will be compared to data collected 

before and after flight. Muscle fiber samples will be taken 45 days before launch and soon after landing for 

laboratory analysis. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 16 

Relationship of long-term Electromyographic Activity and Hormonal Function to Muscle Atrophy and 

Performance 

Dr. V. Reggie Edgerton, University of California/Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 

Objective: In space, muscle inactivity may modify movement control and alter chemicals secreted that 

protect against weakening. Researchers want to know whether unstressed muscles and the nervous system 

compensate for changes due to lack of adaptation and atrophy and restore movement ability both on Earth 

and in microgravity. 

Procedure: Right arm and leg muscle movement will be measured by the Torque Velocity Dynamometer 

and electromyograph electrical impulses. Subjects also will compress a Hand-Grip Dynamometer to 

measure hand strength. To indicate the importance of nervous system fatigue versus tired muscles, the right 

calf muscles will be tested by repeated exercising to measure both force and electrical activity. Blood 

samples will monitor growth hormone levels. 

Effects of Microgravity on Skeletal Muscle Contractile Properties 

Dr. Paolo Cerretelli, Central Medical University, Geneva, Switzerland 

Objective: On Earth, we take muscle contraction for granted. In space, without gravitational resistance, 

muscle function is impaired. This investigation will identify the effects of selective fiber atrophy, or 

shrinking, by examining muscle contraction data in the left calf. 

Procedure: Muscles are made of fibers. Slow-twitch fibers generate force for prolonged, continuous 

activity, while fast-twitch muscles produce force for rapid movement and exercise. The Percutaneous 

Electrical Muscle Stimulation device will stimulate muscle contractions, enabling the Torque Velocity 

Dynamometer equipment to measure physical capabilities of both these muscle types. Contraction 

measurements will be correlated with Magnetic Resonance Imaging made before and after flight. 

Effects of Microgravity on the Biomechanical and Bioenergetic Characteristics of Human Skeletal Muscle 

Dr. Pietro di Prampero, University of Udine, Italy 

Objective: Studies have shown that the maximum velocity at which a muscle can contract is inversely 

related to applied load, or resistance. Investigators want to know whether, and to what extent, this inverse 

relationship changes in microgravity. 

Procedure: Using the Torque Velocity Dynamometer, crew members will exert a series of short elbow and 

ankle contractions made at different joint angles. Electromyograms will be collected to determine the role 

of nerve input on the total force output of the muscles. Measurements will be made before, during and after 

the mission. Findings will be complemented by a bedrest study conducted before the mission. 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Exposure to Microgravity (Ground Study) 

Dr. Adrian LeBlanc, Methodist Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 

Objective: Many changes have been found in bone, muscle and blood from humans and animals exposed to 

microgravity. For example, astronauts often experience varying degrees of back pain, possibly related to 

lengthening of the spine in microgravity. These changes must be understood before longer missions are 

undertaken. 

Procedure: Pre- and post- mission Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will measure the body's muscles. 

Muscle volume will be compared to performance measurements gathered on orbit during other 

experiments. As a complement to MRI data, Dual Energy Absorptiometry will measure total body and 

regional fat and 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 17 

lean tissue mass, and will monitor fluid redistribution after flight. Investigators also will study changes in 

the cross-sectional areas of discs in the lower back. 

An Approach to Counteract Impairment of Musculoskeletal Function in Space (Ground Study) 

Dr. Per Tesch, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden 

Objective: Investigators are seeking the mechanisms responsible for impaired musculoskeletal function in 

response to orbital flight. Whether it be muscle atrophy, or some other mechanism, overcoming these 

effects will enable crews to endure long missions. 

Procedure: Before and after flight, electromyograms will determine the magnitude of nerve signals to the 

muscles being exercised. Using an ergometer with a resistive flywheel, subjects will establish individual 

values of force- velocity and joint angles and joint angle velocity. Voluntary leg press exercises will define 

maximum force and power output for each subject. MRI scans will make cross- sectional measurements of 

crew members' calf and thigh muscles. 

Metabolic Investigations -- Regulatory Functions 

Direct Measurement of the Initial Bone Response to Space 

Flight Dr. Christopher Cann, University of California, San Francisco, CA 

Objective: The dynamic human skeleton continually makes and removes bone from the body. In space, 

reduced gravitational loads may induce the skeleton to discard calcium; bone loss begins shortly after 

reaching orbit. While seeking countermeasures, researchers may discover treatments for the debilitating 

disease osteoporosis. 

Procedure: Crew members will take a nonradioactive calcium isotope at each meal, from 10 days before 

the mission to 7 days after. By tracing the isotope in relation to food and drink intake, scientists will 

distinguish calcium intake from that shed through waste to determine the amount used by bones. 

Measurement of Energy Expenditure During Space Flight with the Doubly Labeled Water Method 

Dr. Peter Stein, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford, NJ 

Objective: This is the first measurement of the relationship between energy needs and calorie intake in 

space. During missions, crew members often lose weight. Like malnourishment, burning more calories 

than are ingested results in the breakdown of the body's protein reserves, which can lead to impaired 

performance and illness. 

Procedure: The doubly labeled water method accurately measures energy output. Participants drink water 

with two nonradioactive isotopes that are shed by the body at different rates and by different paths. Energy 

expenditure will be analyzed using urine and saliva specimens. To learn how the energy needs in space 

vary from requirements on Earth, researchers will compare in-flight data with preflight and bedrest data. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 18 

Pulmonary Investigation -- Lung Function 

Extended Studies of Pulmonary Function in Weightlessness 

Dr. John West, University of California/San Diego, La Jolla, CA 

Objective: Previous flight studies indicate gravity is not the only factor in perfusion/ventilation gas flow 

and blood flow differences between the top and bottom of the lung. These changes will be measured before 

and during exercise to determine the mechanisms of ventilatory changes. 

Procedure: Using astronaut lung function experiment equipment, the crew member will inhale either cabin 

air or a test gas. Exhaled gases will be monitored continuously. A wired vest will gauge rib cage and chest 

motion to learn how microgravity affects the musculoskeletal aspects of breathing during heavy exercise, 

deep breathing and rest periods. Data also will be collected before and after flight and several weeks 

following the mission. 

Human Behavior and Performance Investigations -- Sleep, Schedule and Skills 

Human Sleep, Circadian Rhythms and Performance in Space 

Dr. Timothy Monk, University of Pittsburgh, PA (Ground Study) 

Dr. Alexander Gundel, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany 

Objective: This is the first simultaneous study of sleep, 24-hour circadian rhythms and task performance in 

microgravity. While cues such as sunrise and sunset help "set" our biological clocks, in low-Earth orbit 

light and dark periods alternate every 45 minutes as the Shuttle circles the globe. 

Procedure: Periodically during the mission, crew members will wear a beltpack connected to a temperature 

sensor and another to a sleep cap with electrodes that will measure brain waves, eye movements and 

muscle tone while sleeping. Mood and performance tests will be performed. Urine will be collected to help 

track normal daily rhythms. An identical ground study will be conducted after the mission. 

Microgravity Effects on Standardized Cognitive Performance Measures using the Performance Assessment 

Workstation 

Dr. Samuel Schiflett, U.S. Air Force Armstrong Laboratory, Brooks Air Force Base, TX 

Objective: Cognitive, or thinking, skills are critical to successfully performing many on board tasks. This 

experiment will identify the effects of fatigue versus microgravity on specific information processing 

skills. In the future, this information may be used to optimize work schedules in space under a variety of 

conditions. The goal is to maximize productivity and job satisfaction of astronauts on extended missions. 

Procedure: Astronauts will use the Performance Assessment Workstation laptop computer to gather 

performance data including the speed and accuracy of responses to rotated letters, math problems, letter 

sequences, etc. Data will be collected before and after flight, and on alternate days during the mission. 

Neuroscience Investigations -- Adapting to Space 

Torso Rotation Experiment 

Dr. Douglas Watt, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 

Objective: Space adaptation syndrome, a common symptom of adjusting to microgravity, produces motion 

sickness. Although symptoms disappear in a few days, this syndrome is uncomfortable and affects 

performance. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 19 

Procedure: The flight crew at times will wear sensor packages that measure eye, head and torso movements 

during normal on-orbit activities early, midway and late into the flight. This information will be compared 

to data obtained before flight to help researchers recommend ways to move in order to reduce discomfort 

and improve performance. 

Canal and Otolith Interaction Studies 

Dr. Millard Reschke, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 

On Earth, we take balance for granted. Those with balance problems, as well as astronauts, will benefit 

from neuroscience research. 

Objective: On orbit, the vestibular system, in the inner ear, becomes confused as to which way is up or 

down. Disrupting inner ear motion sensors -- semicircular canals and otolith organs -- leads to nausea and 

disorientation. It is vital to understand how the human vestibular system adapts. 

Procedure: The experiment will study head movement and eye coordination in microgravity four times 

during the mission. Crew members will use special head gear with a screen that displays visual and motion 

targets; data will be collected on how the head and eyes track these cues. Readaptation times after flight 

also will be monitored. 

Space Biology Experiments 

The three space biology experiments and associated science support are managed by Ames Research 

Center, Mountain View, CA; Kennedy Space Center, FL; and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 

Washington, DC. 

Lignin Formation and the Effects of Microgravity: A New Approach 

Dr. Norman Lewis, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 

Objective: Trees form inferior "reaction" wood when they right themselves from a bend. Lumber and paper 

industries want to know how to control and prevent this process. Biologists will study how pine seedlings 

respond on a cellular level to bending stress in microgravity to study the mechanism of this tree growth. 

Procedure: The middeck locker Plant Growth Unit provides lighting, air control and specimen chambers 

that support growth up to 30 days. Pine seedlings will be placed in the chamber in a way that favors 

reaction wood formation on Earth. The crew will photograph the specimens each day and periodically 

preserve cuttings for ground-based study. 

Development of the Fish Medaka in Microgravity 

Dr. Debra Wolgemuth, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 

Objective: During embryonic development, a single cell divides into many cells, which become organs and 

function as a living system. Medaka fish embryos will help researchers determine gravity's role in normal 

development. This knowledge will contribute to theories about development conditions for other 

vertebrates, such as humans. 

Procedure: The fish embryos will grow in a culture system called the Space Tissue Loss Module in the 

middeck. This module, designed by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, is fully automated except 

for startup, video transmission and reentry stowage. Scientists will observe the embryos on orbit via video 

and preserve them at various stages for later study. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 20 

Role of Corticosteroids in Bone Loss During Space Flight 

Dr. Thomas Wronski, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 

Objective: Corticosteroid hormones are produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress. Excess 

corticosteroids may contribute to bone changes during space flight, as well as other stressful periods. To 

develop effective countermeasures, scientists need to determine how microgravity affects bone mass, levels 

of bone formation and resorption, and bone cell activity. 

Procedure: The two self-contained Animal Enclosure Modules, located in the orbiter middeck, will house 

12 laboratory rats. While feeding is automatic in this habitat, the crew will monitor the rodents. After 

flight, the rats will be euthanized for study at a ground-based laboratory. 

Microgravity Science Investigations 

In the microgravity environment of space, the masking forces of gravity are stripped away, allowing 

scientists to pursue research not possible on Earth. The goal of this research is to improve both production 

methods and final products of Earth-based industries. 

STS-78 microgravity science experiments involve basic fluid physics investigations, advanced 

semiconductor and metal alloy materials processing, and medical research in protein crystal growth. These 

are conducted primarily through "telescience," a mode of operation where scientists on the ground 

remotely command experiments in orbit. Crew involvement is complementary -- they will check out and 

activate equipment once on orbit and install and remove samples. 

Bubble, Drop and Particle Unit -- Fluid Physics Research 

Fluid physics research in the Bubble, Drop and Particle Unit (BDPU) may lead to advances in materials 

processed on Earth. To enable this type of progress, scientists need a better understanding of fluid 

processes that play a role in the production of most materials. On Earth, gravity-induced flows, such as 

convection, often hide more subtle effects. By contrast, in space-based investigations these more subtle 

fluid processes often dominate movements in fluids. Using the BDPU, the fluid physics investigations will 

help uncover processes involving either gas bubbles, liquid drops or liquid layers. Products that will benefit 

from this research include new high-strength metals and temperature-resistant glasses and ceramics for 

building everything from better electric power plants to future spacecraft. 

The BDPU was developed by the European Space Agency. Commands sent from the ground will inject 

bubbles or drops into liquid-filled test cells and then subject the cells to specific changes in temperature. 

Cameras and sensors will observe and record temperature, pressure and position of the bubbles or drops. 

The test cells will be used to study how bubbles and drops react in liquids with varying temperatures and 

concentrations, how they affect solidification, how convection affects liquid layers at different 

temperatures, and how evaporation and condensation affect bubble creation and growth, and how liquid 

columns react to electrical fields. 

Bubbles and Drops Interaction with Solidification Fronts 

Dr. Rodolfo Monti, University of Naples, Italy 

Objective: As molten crystal and glass begin to solidify, gas bubbles may form, causing imperfections in 

the final product. Also, ingredients of liquid metal mixtures may separate during melting or solidification, 

forming bubbles or droplets in the mixture. This investigation will provide insight into better ways to 

prevent these flaws from occurring. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 21 

Procedure: A solid tetracosane test sample with implanted gas bubbles will be melted at low temperatures. 

Once melted completely, the liquefied tetracosane, now transparent, will be cooled, and a new 

solidification process will occur. The resulting interaction between moving pre- formed air bubbles and the 

solidifying edge will be studied. 

Evaporation and Condensation Kinetics at a Liquid Vapor Interface; and Efficient Cooling of High 

Powered Small Electronic Devices by Boiling under Microgravity 

Dr. Johannes Straub, Technical University of Munich, Germany 

Objectives: The main goal of the first study is to investigate vapor bubble formation and collapse during 

evaporation and condensation. This will provide a better understanding of these processes, with 

applications for many technical operations that use heat and mass transfer. 

A second study investigates heat transfer during boiling, using small heaters of different shapes and sizes. 

Since boiling is a very efficient way to exchange heat, it is used in many energy conversion systems that 

will benefit from research in this field. For example, boiling can be used to cool small, high-powered 

electronic devices, such as computer chips. 

Procedures: These experiments flew on the second International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2) in 1994. 

The test liquid is an alternative refrigerant, R123, which allows higher pressures and temperatures than the 

refrigerant used on IML-2. In the Evaporation and Condensation Kinetics at a Liquid Vapor Interface 

experiment, a vapor bubble is generated by a short heating pulse from a heater in the liquid. 

The bubble remains and grows where it forms and is observed over time. Cooling or pressure increases are 

used to force the gas bubbles to collapse or condense back to liquid. For the second experiment, 

investigators will use advanced hardware, combining optical and electronic systems, to examine heat 

transfer between the heater, the liquid and the vapor that is formed on boiling. 

The Electrohydrodynamics of Liquid Bridges 

Dr. Dudley Saville, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 

Objective: This investigation will provide information about the stability of columns of a dielectric material 

(in this case, a liquid) that barely conducts electricity when placed in another liquid or in air and is 

subjected to an electric field. 

This research may find application in industrial processes where the control of a liquid column or spray is 

necessary, such as ink-jet printing and polymer fiber spinning. 

Procedure: The experiment will focus on the shape changes that occur in a fluid bridge suspended between 

two electrodes. While applying direct or alternating electrical fields, scientists can study the bridge's 

change as its ends are draw apart and the field is changed from a cylinder to a vase-like shape until the 

column finally breaks. The electric fields generated should stabilize the liquid columns even as they are 

stretched past the point when surface tension would normally cause them to break. Fluids to be studied 

include castor oil, eugenol and silicone oil. 

Nonlinear Surface Tension Driven Bubble Migration 

Dr. Antonio Viviani, Second University of Naples, Aversa, Italy 

Objective: This experiment continues investigations into the motion of bubbles immersed in a liquid in a 

container with hot and cold walls on opposite sides. The study of this phenomenon applies to controlling 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 22 

defects in many aspects of materials processing in space, such as the solidification of better and stronger 

metals, alloys, glasses, and ceramics. 

Procedure: Air bubbles of various sizes will be injected into a water-and-alcohol solution that is hot on one 

end and cold on the other. Investigators will vary the temperature and determine the speed and position of 

the bubbles. Of particular interest is the ability to control bubble motion at the temperature of the liquid in 

which the bubble has little tendency to move. Video images will assist scientists controlling the experiment 

from the ground. 

Oscillatory Marangoni Instability 

Dr. Jean-Claude Legros, Free University of Brussels, Belgium 

Objective: Many manufacturing processes depend on melting and resolidifying a material encapsulated by 

a liquid coating in order to make single crystals for use in electronics. Often, the individual liquid 

components will flow due to Marangoni convection -- fluid flows caused by surface tension. 

Understanding this process is important for manufacturing of this nature. 

Procedure: Scientists will gather data to accurately model these flows. A layer of methanol fluid will be 

placed between two layers of n-octane, a fluid that will not mix with methanol, and will be subjected to 

temperature differences. Investigators will study the flows in each layer to identify the temperature at 

which convection becomes unstable. Results will be compared with computer model predictions. 

Thermocapillary Migration and Interactions of Bubbles and Drops 

Dr. Shankar Subramanian, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 

Objective: Bubbles and drops are components in the formation of metal mixtures and other materials 

processing applications, such as solidification. In long-duration space missions, for example, separation 

processes for waste material recycling might involve bubbles and drops. This experiment studies bubble 

and drop movements in a liquid under varying temperatures. 

Procedure: Up to six test-run series will be conducted, each lasting about four hours, at various 

temperatures. In each series, six to ten bubbles or drops will be injected, two at a time, while investigators 

on the ground monitor their motions and interactions through on-orbit video. 

Advanced Gradient Heating Facility -- Materials Processing 

Scientists perform materials processing experiments to understand the conditions at which freezing 

materials change from solidifying with a flat boundary or transition surface (edge) to solidifying with 

cellular and dendritic (tree like) transition shapes. They also want to determine the influences that affect 

these changes, to enable achieving the exact structure desired in a material. Using the Advanced Gradient 

Heating Facility (AGHF) furnace for solidifying alloys and crystals, scientists can study these changes in 

ways that are not possible on Earth, improving our understanding of materials processing. 

The AGHF uses pulses of electrical current to mark the internal shape of a material's solidifying edge, a 

process called Peltier pulse marking. By examining cross-sections of these crystals, scientists can locate 

these marks and determine the precise growth rate for each portion of a sample, as well as the shape of the 

crystal edge at the time of the pulse. The six materials processing experiments in this facility will increase 

knowledge of the physical processes involved in solidification, improving materials processing on Earth 

and in space. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 23 

Comparative Study of Cells and Dendrites During Directional Solidification of a Binary Aluminum Alloy 

at 1-g and under Microgravity 

Dr. Henri Nguyen Thi, University of Marseilles, France 

Objective: The growing edge of a solidifying material forms cellular shapes as its temperature changes 

quickly, and tree-like dendrite shapes when its temperature changes very quickly. Although researchers 

have conducted numerous Earth- based studies about the exact conditions at which these shapes change, 

many questions remain about how to improve microscopic qualities of materials by controlling this 

process. 

Procedure: This experiment will melt and solidify two samples of an aluminum alloy at a precise growth 

rate. Then, they will be flash-cooled to preserve the shapes of their solidification boundaries. After the 

mission, these samples will be cut and polished so that investigators can determine the structure's qualities. 

Coupled Growth in Hypermonotectics 

Dr. Barry Andrews, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 

Objective: Scientists are interested in a number of unique alloys that cannot be easily produced on Earth 

because the ingredients separate during processing. Controlling the internal structure of these materials 

during solidification could lead to alloys for engineering, chemical and electronic applications. On Earth, 

however, gravity hinders solidification studies. 

Procedure: This experiment will process aluminum and indium samples, maintaining a flat edge as the 

material solidifies, so that indium fibers are more evenly spread and aligned in the final product. After the 

mission, investigators will cut, etch and chemically analyze sections of the samples to study the evenness 

of their structures. 

Effects of Convection on Interface Curvature during Growth of Concentrated Ternary Compounds 

Dr. Thierry Duffar, Atomic Energy Commission, Grenoble, France 

Objective: As a metal alloy or semiconductor crystal solidifies, fluid flows and the movement of the solid's 

growing edge can cause the material's ingredients to separate, forming an uneven sample. Studies of this 

undesirable effect are hindered by gravity, which changes the shape of the sample's solid edge and causes 

flows that hide diffusion effects. 

Procedure: This experiment will melt and resolidify a ternary, or three component, gallium-indiumantimony sample. The crucible containing the experiment will control the shape of the sample's 

solidification front and mark it with Peltier pulses. After flight, scientists will analyze curvature of the front 

and the sample's compositional uniformity. 

Equiaxed Solidification of Aluminum Alloy 

Dr. Denis Camel, Atomic Energy Commission, Grenoble, France 

Objective: Depending on its temperature and other conditions, solidifying metal mixtures form either 

ordered, long column-like grains or unordered round grains that form around core particles, or nuclei. 

Investigators will compare samples processed in this experiment with theoretical models to better 

understand the influence of natural fluid flows in Earth-based metal alloy processing. 

Procedure: Two samples of an aluminum-copper mixture will be solidified in a cartridge, one at a nearly 

constant temperature and the other in a high temperature gradient. One other cartridge with a different 

quantity of nuclei in the sample will be processed under identical conditions. The samples' structure then 

will be compared with those of theoretical models. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 24 

Interactive Response of Advancing Phase Boundaries to Particles 

Dr. Ulrike Hecht, Aachen Center for Solidification in Space, Germany 

Objective: Many composites, such as metal mixtures with particles in their crystal structures, offer unique 

properties such as strength and flexibility. Understanding the interaction between free-floating particles 

and the growing edge of a solidifying material will help verify theoretical models used to develop new 

materials and design better industrial processes. 

Procedure: This experiment investigates the effects of solidification conditions on the spread of particles in 

a sample as it crystallizes. It focuses on the different shapes that form on the growth boundary of the solid 

region and how the development of these shapes is affected as the boundary contacts floating particles. 

Particle Engulfment and Pushing by Solidifying Interfaces 

Dr. Doru Stefanescu, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 

Objective: This experiment is designed to improve the understanding of the physics of liquid metals 

containing ceramic particles as they solidify. It also will investigate aspects of processing metal mixtures in 

microgravity to improve such processing on Earth. 

Procedure: Two pure aluminum samples and one aluminum- nickel alloy will be solidified in the AGHF. 

Scientists will examine the samples after the flight to determine how fast the metal's solidification front 

must grow to engulf zirconia particles, instead of pushing them. A complementary ground- based 

experiment will use organic and polystyrene materials to simulate the solidification and help validate 

theoretical models of the process. 

Advanced Protein Crystallization Facility -- Medical Research 

The Advanced Protein Crystallization Facility (APCF) is the first facility ever designed to use three 

methods of protein crystal growth. By examining the molecular structure of proteins, medical researchers 

will gain insight into these basic building blocks of life. The APCF experiments could improve food 

production, as well as lead to innovative new drugs to combat disease. 

Protein crystals, like snowflakes, are structured in a regular pattern. Earth-grown crystals show the effects 

of a growth process analogous to a sports stadium filling with fans who all have reserved seats. Each 

molecule of a crystal also has its own "reserved" seat. Once the gates open, people flock to their seats and 

in the confusion often sit in someone else's place. On Earth, gravity-driven convection keeps the molecules 

crowded around the "seats" as they attempt to order themselves. Unfortunately, many molecules take the 

wrong place or collapse. Such flaws are greatly reduced in microgravity. 

Upon reaching orbit, the crew will activate the APCF, monitor the facility as it operates and deactivate the 

equipment prior to re-entry. After the mission, investigators will study approximately 5,000 video images 

to determine why and how crystal formation occurs. The space- grown crystals will be analyzed to 

determine their internal molecular arrangement. As X-rays diffract off the atoms of the space-grown 

crystals, a computer will map each atom's position. 

Advanced Protein Crystallization Facility on the Life and Microgravity Sciences Mission 

Dr. Alexander McPherson, University of California, Riverside, 

The experiment team will work from remote sites and will be linked by teleconferencing instead of being 

based at a centralized facility. This foreshadows the way experiments will be conducted during the 

International Space Station era. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 25 

This investigation provides a particularly valuable opportunity because a large variety of experiments 

covering a broad range of samples and conditions can be conducted simultaneously. These experiments 

will contribute to better understanding of crystal growth on Earth and to the ability to define that process in 

conventional laboratories, possibly accelerating important advances in biotechnology, medicine, 

agriculture and industry. This experiment will grow a variety of protein and virus crystals. While protein 

samples will be included among the samples, the emphasis will be on viruses. 

Crystallization of EGFR-EGF 

Dr. Christian Betzel, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg, Germany 

The receptor for the epidermal growth factor is an important predictor for a series of human diseases. 

Knowledge of the three-dimensional shape of this molecule could open the possibility of tailoring 

appropriate drugs for the treatment of numerous types of tumors. 

Crystallization of Crustacyanin Subunits 

Dr. Naomi Chayen, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom 

Crustacyanin is a member of the lipocalin protein group, which binds to certain pigments found in many 

plants and animals. Knowledge of the structure of the lipocalins will enable scientists to engineer proteins 

that will bind more strongly to pigments with anti-cancer properties. 

Crystallization of Engineered 5S rRNA Molecules 

Dr. Volker Erdmann, Free University of Berlin, Germany 

The ribonucleic acid (RNA) 5S rRNA interacts with a number of proteins in cells and is essential for the 

biological activity in the part of the cell that produces proteins. Performed with intact and active RNA 

molecules, it will increase knowledge about the effects of microgravity on the crystallization of biological 

molecules. 

Crystallization of Thermus Thermophilus AspRS 

Dr. Richard Giege, National Center for Scientific Research, Strasbourg, France 

Ground-based investigations have successfully crystallized two tRNA proteins. The crystal quality of the 

first protein complex, however, is inferior to that of one with natural rRNA. On the LMS mission, 

researchers will grow these crystals in dialysis cells to obtain higher resolution X-ray data than is 

obtainable in ground-based laboratories. 

Monitoring of Lysozyme Protein Crystal Growth in Microgravity via a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer and 

Comparison with Earth Control Data 

Dr. John Helliwell, University of Manchester, United Kingdom 

Essentially perfect lysozyme crystals grown on earlier missions were three times more uniform than Earthgrown samples. Investigators want to determine the best duration of a microgravity mission for protein 

crystallization. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 26 

Crystallization of the Nucleosome Core Particle in Space 

Dr. Timothy Richmond, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland 

The nucleosome core particle is the larger part of the nucleosome, part of the complex forming the major 

portion of the core material in cells that have a definite center. On LMS, scientists hope to obtain crystals 

with high uniformity that will allow more precise data collection. 

Enhanced Resolution Through Improved Crystal Quality in the Crystal Structure Analysis of Photosystem I 

Dr. Wolf Schubert, Free University of Berlin, Germany 

In photosynthesis, the proteins Photosystem I and Photosystem II are responsible for the main conversion 

of visible light into chemical energy. This experiment will reveal details of the complete arrangement of 

chlorophyll molecules, which efficiently perform this conversion process. 

Mechanism of Membrane Protein Crystal Growth: Bacteriorhodopsin -- Mixed Micelle Packing at the 

Consolution Boundary, Stabilized in Microgravity 

Dr. Gottfried Wagner, University of Giessen, Germany 

Bacteriorhodopsin converts light into voltage in the skins of light-sustained microorganisms, which are 

chemically and genetically different from bacteria and higher life forms. Resolution of the threedimensional shape of this protein will help scientists understand the processes used to convert light to 

growth energy. 

Crystallization in a Microgravity Environment on CcdB, a Protein Involved in the Control of Cell Death 

Dr. Lode Wyns, Free University of Brussels, Belgium 

Better understanding of the shape and behavior of the CcdB protein may lead to the design of new 

antibiotics and anti-tumor drugs. Specifically, crystal quality needs to be improved. On STS-78, 

researchers want to crystallize three specific samples that are large enough for data collection. 

Crystallization of Sulfolobus Solfataricus Alcohol Dehydrogenase 

Dr. Adrian Zagari, University of Naples, Italy 

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is found in large amounts in the livers of mammals and plays an important 

part in several functions, including the breakdown of alcohol. Mammalian ADH is unsuitable at high 

temperatures. This limits its application to the making of organic compounds. ADH from certain bacteria 

that grow in high temperatures has greater stability, however, and is less affected by high temperatures. 

This substance is a good candidate for industrial applications. 

Growth of Lysozyme Crystals at Low Nucleation Density 

Dr. Juan Garcia-Ruiz, University of Granada, Spain 

This experiment will use a new approach to lysozyme crystallization to evaluate the usefulness of groundbased experiments in predicting growth behavior under microgravity conditions. It also will test the 

accuracy of computer simulations of one-dimensional cells developed in terrestrial laboratories. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 27 

Accelerometers -- Characterizing the Microgravity Environment 

Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) 

Ron Sicker, Project Manager, NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, OH 

Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment (OARE) 

Bill Wagar, Project Manager, NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, OH 

Microgravity Measurement Assembly (MMA) 

Maurizio Nati, Project Manager, European Space Agency/European Space 

Research and Technology Center, Noordwijk, The Netherlands 

Microgravity science investigations require a stable, low-gravity environment to yield the most accurate 

data. Vibrations caused by crew activity and by the operation of thrusters, fans and cameras in the orbiter 

can impact the quality of research. LMS includes three instruments to measure the microgravity 

environment. By analyzing types of microgravity disturbances, researchers can assess the influence of 

Shuttle accelerations and other disturbances on scientific experiments. 

The Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) measures high-frequency accelerations such as 

Shuttle thruster firings. Several materials and fluid science experiments are particularly sensitive to 

accelerations in the frequency ranges that SAMS will record. 

As the Shuttle travels at 17,500 miles per hour, it slows down slightly due to atmospheric friction. Also, 

friction varies as atmosphere density changes from day to night and with altitude. The Orbital Acceleration 

Research Experiment (OARE) makes extremely accurate measurements of low-frequency changes in 

accelerations and vibrations experienced during on-orbit operations 

The Microgravity Measurement Assembly (MMA) facility determines both high- and low-frequency 

spacecraft disturbances. This onboard system provides a network of sensors at selected locations inside the 

Spacelab module and integrates the output of experiment-dedicated and remote sensors into an unified data 

set. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 28 

STS-78 MISSION MANAGEMENT 

The Life and Microgravity Spacelab mission is directed by Program Manager David Jarrett; Life Sciences 

Program Scientist Dr. Victor Schneider; Microgravity Program Scientist Dr. Bradley Carpenter and Life 

Sciences Instrument Program Manager Angie Jackman, all of NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC. 

Responsible for Mission Management at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL are Mission 

Manager Mark Boudreaux and Mission Scientist Dr. James Patton Downey. Life Science Project Scientist 

is Dr. Mel Buderer from the Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX. Flight Manager is Mr. Denny Holt, also 

from Johnson. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 29 

STS-78 CREWMEMBERS 

STS078-S-002 -- These seven crew members will spend 16 days aboard the space shuttle Columbia, 

scheduled for launch in early summer 1996. Seated are astronauts Terrence T. (Tom) Henricks (left), 

mission commander, and Kevin R. Kregel, pilot. Standing, from the left, are payload specialist JeanJacques Favier, along with astronauts Richard M. Linnehan, Susan J. helms and Charles E. Brady, Jr., all 

mission specialists; and payload specialist Robert B. Thirsk. Favier is with the French Atomic Energy 

Commission (FAEC) and represents the French Space Agency (CNES). Thirsk is with the Canadian Space 

Agency (CSA). The twentieth flight of the space shuttle Columbia will be devoted to the Life and 

Microgravity Spacelab payload. 

No copyright is asserted for this photograph. If a recognizable person appears in the photo, use for 

commercial purposes may infringe a right of privacy or publicity. It may not be used to state or imply the 

endorsement by NASA or by any NASA employee of a commercial product, process or service, or used in 

any other manner that might mislead. Accordingly, it is requested that if this photograph is used in 

advertising and other commercial promotion, layout and copy be submitted to NASA prior to release. 

PHOTO CREDIT: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 30 

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA 

Terence T. "Tom" Henricks (Colonel, USAF) will serve as Commander for STS-78. Henricks was born 

July 5, 1952, in Bryan, Ohio, but considers Woodville, Ohio, to be his hometown. He graduated from 

Woodmore High School in 1970, a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the United States 

Air Force (USAF) Academy in 1974, and a masters degree in public administration from Golden Gate 

University in 1982. 

Henricks was selected by NASA in June 1985 and became an astronaut in July 1986. A veteran of three 

space flights, Henricks has logged over 620 hours in space. He was the pilot on STS-44 in 1991, and STS55 in 1993, and was the spacecraft commander on STS-70 in 1995. 

Kevin R. Kregel will serve as the Pilot for Mission STS-78. Kregel was born September 16, 1956 and 

grew up in Amityville, New York. He graduated from Amityville Memorial High School, Amityville, New 

York, in 1974, a bachelor of science degree in astronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy 

in 1978 and a master's degree in public administration from Troy State University in 1988. 

Kregel was selected by NASA in March 1992. He was the pilot on STS-70 in 1995, and has logged over 

214 hours in space. 

Richard M. Linnehan (DVM) will serve as Mission Specialist-1 on the STS-78 mission. Linnehan was 

born September 19, 1957, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He graduated from Pelham High School, Pelham, 

New Hampshire in 1975, received a bachelor of science degree in animal sciences with a minor in 

microbiology from the University of New Hampshire in 1980 and the degree of Doctor of Veterinary 

Medicine from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. 

Linnehan was selected by NASA in March 1992. He completed his one year of training to be qualified for 

assignment as a mission specialist in on a future Space Shuttle flight crews in 1993. STS-78 will be 

Linnehan's first space flight. 26 

Susan J. Helms (Lieutenant Colonel, USAF) is the Payload Commander for STS-78 and is also Mission 

Specialist- 2. Helms was born February 26, 1958, in Charlotte, North Carolina, but considers Portland, 

Oregon, to be her hometown. She graduated from Parkrose Senior High School, Portland, Oregon, in 1976, 

received a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 

1980 and a master of science degree in aeronautics/astronautics from Stanford University in 1985. 

Helms was selected by NASA in January 1990 and became an astronaut in July 1991. She has flown as a 

mission specialists on two Shuttle flights - STS-54 in January 1993 and STS-64 in September 1994. In 

completing her two missions, Helms has logged a total of 406 hours in space. 

Charles E. Brady Jr. (Commander, USN) will serve as Mission Specialist-3 on the STS-78 mission. 

Brady was born August 12, 1951, in Pinehurst, North Carolina, but considers Robbins, North Carolina, to 

be his hometown. He graduated from North Moore High School, Robbins, North Carolina, in 1969, was 

pre-med at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1969-1971 and received a doctorate in medicine 

from Duke University in 1975. 

Brady was selected by NASA in March 1992 and qualified for selection as a mission specialist on future 

Space Shuttle flight crews in 1993. In May 1995 he was assigned as a mission specialist for the LMS 

mission. STS-78 will be Brady's first space flight. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 31 

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA 

Jean-Jacques Favier (Ph.D.) will serve as Payload Specialist-1 on the STS-78 mission. Favier was born 

April 13, 1949, in Kehl, Germany. He attended primary and secondary schools in Strasbourg, France, 

received an engineering degree from the National Polytechnical Institute of Grenoble in 1971 and a Ph.D. 

in engineering from the Mining School of Paris and a Ph.D. in metallurgy and physics from the University 

of Grenoble in 1977. 

Favier has been a CNES payload specialist candidate since 1985. He was assigned as an alternate payload 

specialist on Mission STS-65, the second International Microgravity Laboratory mission that flew in July 

1994. In May 1995 was assigned as a payload specialist for the STS-78 LMS mission. This will be Favier's 

first space flight. 

Robert (Bob) Brent Thirsk (M.D., P. Eng.) will serve as Payload Specialist-2 on the STS-78 mission. 

Thirsk was born August 17, 1953 in New Westminster, British Columbia. He attended primary and 

secondary schools in British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba, received a bachelor of science degree in 

mechanical engineering from the University of Calgary in 1976, a master of science degree in mechanical 

engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1978 and a doctorate of medicine 

degree from McGill University in 1982. 

Thirsk was one of the six Canadian astronauts selected in December 1983 and served as back up Payload 

Specialist to Marc Garneau for Mission 41-G in October 1984. In April 1995, Dr. Thirsk was selected to 

participate in the Life and Microgravity Spacelab mission. STS-78 will be Thirsk's first space flight. 

For complete biographical information on NASA astronauts, see the NASA Internet astronaut biography 

home page at address: http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 32 

SHUTTLE FLIGHTS AS OF JUNE 1996 

77 TOTAL FLIGHTS OF THE SHUTTLE SYSTEM -- 52 SINCE RETURN TO FLIGHT 

STS-70 

07/13/95 - 07/22/95 

STS-63 

02/03/95 - 02/11/95 

STS-75 

02/22/96 - 03/09/96 

STS-64 

09/09/94 - 09/20/94 

STS-73 

10/20/95 - 11/05/95 

STS-60 

02/03/94 - -2/11/94 

STS-65 

07/08/94 0 07/23/94 

STS-51 

09/12/93 - 09/22/93 

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-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 

(19 flights) 

OV-099 

Challenger 

(10 flights) 

OV-103 

Discovery 

(21 flights) 

OV-104 

Atlantis 

(16 flights) 

OV-105 

Endeavour 

(11 flights)