The STS-87 mission on Space Shuttle Columbia was a significant undertaking in the realm of space exploration. Launching from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the mission was designed to conduct cutting-edge scientific experiments, primarily focusing on the effects of microgravity. Among the key highlights was the release and retrieval of the Spartan satellite, which was part of an experiment to study the Sun. This particular mission also marked a milestone with the participation of an international crew member, Takao Doi from Japan, adding a layer of collaboration in space initiatives among nations.

Columbia's crew included six astronauts: commander Steven Lindsey, pilot Charles Camarda, mission specialists Dan Barry and Takao Doi, and payload specialist John Lounge. A notable aspect of the STS-87 mission was its duration of 16 days in space, during which the astronauts conducted 30 experiments in various scientific fields such as biology, materials science, and astronomy. One significant experiment involved studying how different materials behave in a microgravity environment, providing essential data for future aerospace applications.

After successfully completing its mission objectives, the crew made a safe re-entry and landing, concluding a mission that not only advanced scientific knowledge but also enhanced international cooperation in space endeavors. STS-87 stood out as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing the complexities of space for research.