Space Shuttle Discovery Launches on STS-56 Mission

April 8th, 1993

April 8th, 1993

Space Shuttle Discovery Launches on STS-56 Mission
How Long Ago?

31 years, 11 months, 7 days ago

Location

Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA

Category

Space Exploration

People
  • Charles D. Gemar
  • John W. Young
  • Brian Duffy
  • Jeffrey A. Hoffman
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Space Shuttle Discovery Launches on STS-56 Mission

The Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off from Kennedy Space Center as part of the STS-56 mission. The launch took place on April 8, 1993, and was primarily focused on studying the Earth's atmosphere and conducting scientific experiments in microgravity. This mission marked a significant collaboration between NASA and various international space agencies. The launch was executed flawlessly and marked another milestone in the Space Shuttle program.

Liftoff at 8:10 AM EDT on April 8, 1993.

Crew conducted atmospheric and microgravity experiments.

Included the deployment of ATLAS-2 for research.

Mission lasted a total of 10 days in orbit.

What Happened?

The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on the STS-56 mission, leaving Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff occurred at 8:10 AM EDT. The STS-56 mission spanned a period of 10 days and involved a crew of six astronauts who conducted a range of experiments predominantly focused on atmospheric studies. One of the key experiments was the successful deployment of the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS-2), which was designed to observe the Earth's atmosphere and gather data on solar radiation, pollution, and natural phenomena like clouds. The mission facilitated crucial research that contributed to understanding climate change and atmospheric chemistry.

During the mission, the crew included notable astronauts such as Commander John W. Young, Pilot Brian Duffy, and Mission Specialists Jeffrey A. Hoffman and Charles D. Gemar. The shuttle orbited at approximately 250 nautical miles while traveling at speeds of over 17,000 miles per hour. Scientific collaborations with international partners highlighted the growing global approach to space research. Notably, the mission demonstrated the versatility of the Space Shuttle as a platform for scientific exploration.

The STS-56 mission culminated with a safe landing back at Kennedy Space Center on April 17, 1993. The mission's success not only reinforced the Shuttle program's operational reliability but also enhanced the understanding of the Earth's complex atmospheric systems through innovative research conducted in the unique conditions of space. This mission was instrumental in paving the way for future space exploration endeavors.

Why Does it Matter?

The STS-56 mission is interesting because it underscored the important role that space exploration has on our understanding of Earth and its atmosphere. The collaboration with international agencies during the mission displayed a united effort in scientific pursuits and contributed to advancements in environmental monitoring. The data collected during STS-56 has informed policies and educational programs regarding climate change and atmospheric studies.

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