The Space Shuttle Endeavour embarked on its third mission, STS-54, from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Launched on January 13, 1993, the shuttle carried a crew of seven astronauts, including Commander Frank Culbertson, Pilot John Lounge, and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi, David M. Walker, Michael D. Foale, and Payload Specialist Lacy Veach. This mission's primary objectives included deploying the Intelsat VI F-3 satellite, conducting scientific experiments, and testing new technologies. Endeavour lifted off at 1:30 PM EST, after multiple delays caused by weather conditions and technical issues during its preparations. The crew performed various tasks in microgravity, giving valuable data to scientific institutions and initiating a series of successful satellite deployments and advanced experiments in the Shuttle's operational history.

During this mission, the Endeavour crew operated a variety of experiments, which included studies in fluid dynamics, materials science, and even life sciences. One of the critical elements was the use of the Spacehab module, which enabled additional capabilities for research beyond the standard payload bay. The mission lasted about 10 days, during which the astronauts conducted over 30 experiments, significantly contributing to NASA's understanding of how different materials and biological systems react in a microgravity environment. This mission was central to NASA's broader goals of advancing human knowledge while demonstrating the Shuttle's capabilities to participate actively in international telecommunications by launching communication satellites.