STS-78
STS-78 was the fifth dedicated Life and Microgravity Spacelab mission for the Space Shuttle program, flown partly in preparation for the International Space Station project. The mission used the Space Shuttle Columbia, which lifted off successfully from Kennedy Space Center’s launch pad 39-B on 20 June 1996.
Crew
Backup crew
Mission objectives
Research into the effects of long – duration spaceflight on human physiology in preparation for flights on the International Space Station.
22 life science & microgravity experiments using the Orbiter’s pressurised Life & Microgravity Spacelab module (LM2).
Tests into the use of the Orbiter’s Reaction Control System jets to raise the altitude of orbiting satellites.
Mission highlights
During the 16-day, 21-hour mission, the crew of Columbia assisted in the preparations for the International Space Station by studying the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body in readiness for ISS Expeditions, and also carried out experiments similar to those now being carried out on the orbital station.