The STS-90 mission, utilizing the Space Shuttle Columbia, primarily aimed to conduct a range of biological and medical research with a focus on neurobiology. This groundbreaking mission was equipped with the Spacelab module, a reusable spacecraft module that facilitated extensive scientific experiments in a microgravity environment. Columbia's seven-member crew included Mission Commander Richard N. Johnson, Pilot William C. McCool, and Payload Commander Susan J. Helms, along with four mission specialists who brought diverse expertise to the endeavor.

The Neurolab mission underscored the importance of researching how microgravity impacts the human nervous system, with specific experiments designed to investigate the changes in brain and behavior caused by long-term exposure to space. This mission built upon previous studies conducted on Spacelab, which had helped establish a foundation for understanding biological processes in space. During its 16-day mission, the crew executed over 21 experiments, gathering invaluable data on overall astronaut health and performance in orbit.

The successful launch of STS-90 marked an important milestone as it concluded NASA's Spacelab program, a partnership that had allowed astronauts to conduct advanced research aboard NASA’s fleet of space shuttles. The mission concluded with a safe landing, demonstrating the enduring value of international collaboration in advancing human knowledge of space and its effects on biological systems.