Space Shuttle Atlantis launches on STS-45
March 24th, 1992
March 24th, 1992
How Long Ago?
32 years, 11 months, 19 days ago
Location
Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States
Category
Space Exploration
People
- Charles D. Gemar
- Jerry L. Ross
- John M. Lounge
- Francis A. Culbertson Jr.
- William R. Pogue
Links & References
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Space Shuttle Atlantis launches on STS-45
Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on the STS-45 mission, which was dedicated to conducting scientific research in space. The mission lasted 8 days and included numerous experiments in materials science, fluid physics, and space technology. This mission was notable for carrying the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS-1), which focused on atmospheric studies. The launch took place from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, showcasing NASA's continued exploration objectives and commitment to scientific advancement in microgravity environments.
Launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
Carried ATLAS-1 for atmospheric studies.
Crew completed 16 scientific experiments.
Mission lasted 8 days with 135 orbits.
What Happened?
The STS-45 mission, featuring the Space Shuttle Atlantis, commenced with its launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission was remarkable not only for its payload but also for its scientific focus, carrying the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS-1) to study various atmospheric phenomena. The mission involved an array of 16 experiments, which included solar radiation studies and atmospheric gasses, aiming to gather data that would enhance the understanding of Earth's atmosphere and its chemistry.
The crew of STS-45 included Commander Charles D. Gemar, Pilot Francis A. (Frank) Culbertson Jr., Mission Specialists John M. Lounge, Jerry L. Ross, and Payload Specialist William R. Pogue. One primary objective was to study the composition of the atmosphere and its changes over time, which were crucial for understanding climate patterns and the effects of pollution. The environment within the shuttle provided unique conditions, allowing scientists to observe reactions and behaviors that were not possible on Earth due to gravity.
Over the course of the mission, Atlantis orbited Earth 135 times. The successful launch and the subsequent data gathered reinforced the importance of space missions in studying terrestrial phenomena. Additionally, the mission helped validate new technologies that were being tested for future space exploration endeavors, demonstrating NASA's commitment to both scientific research and the improvement of space travel technology.
Why Does it Matter?
The STS-45 mission significantly advanced atmospheric science by providing critical data on the Earth's atmosphere. Its use of the ATLAS-1 payload enhanced scientific understanding of climate and environmental issues, paving the way for future research. The mission exemplified the importance of space exploration for Earth sciences and marked a key milestone in NASA’s space shuttle program.
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