The STS-94 mission was a significant re-flight of the earlier STS-83 mission, which had been prematurely ended after just a few days due to fuel cell issues. The Space Shuttle Columbia, launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, hosted the same crew as its predecessor: Commander John W. Young, Pilot Dugald M. W. J. Peebles, and Mission Specialists Charles D. Hobaugh, Winston E. Scott, and Janice E. Voss. The mission primarily aimed to undertake experiments in a microgravity environment, furthering investigations that were initiated during STS-83. This included various scientific experiments aboard the payloads and the use of the Spacehab module.

During the STS-94 mission, the crew focused on several important research objectives, including fluid physics and materials science. This deployment of experiments was critical for understanding phenomena that could not be replicated under Earth conditions. These investigations supported both NASA’s long-term goals for the International Space Station and future human space exploration.

The mission lasted for approximately 15 days, during which multiple experiments were successfully completed. The flight was also notable for its effective management of challenges faced during the earlier mission, displaying NASA's commitment to scientific research and problem-solving in space. The successful re-flight symbolized a triumph for engineers and scientists and a commitment to ensure scientific integrity in NASA's mission goals.