Discovery Launches Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite

September 12th, 1991

September 12th, 1991

Discovery Launches Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite
How Long Ago?

33 years, 6 months, 3 days ago

Location

Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA

Category

Space Exploration

People
  • Charles D. Gemar
  • John Lounge
  • Thomas Jones
  • Jerry Ross
  • Michael McGann
Links & References
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Discovery Launches Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite

NASA launched the Space Shuttle Discovery on its STS-48 mission, deploying the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite. The mission aimed to conduct various atmospheric studies to better understand climate and weather patterns. This launch marked a significant step in NASA's ongoing research efforts and followed previous successful shuttle missions. The mission took place from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where engineers and astronauts prepared intensively for the mission's goals.

UARS collected data on ozone and climate.

Discovery's crew included five expert astronauts.

Mission reinforced NASA's atmospheric research.

Launch took place after several technical delays.

What Happened?

The Space Shuttle Discovery was launched on the STS-48 mission from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. This mission was notable for deploying the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), which was developed to gather data about stratospheric and atmospheric conditions. UARS aimed to collect information on the processes affecting ozone depletion and global climate, leveraging advanced sensors and instruments. The launch occurred after a series of delays and technical challenges that marked the shuttle program during that era. The shuttle's crew included Commander John Lounge, Pilot Michael McGann, and Mission Specialists Thomas Jones, Jerry Ross, and Charles D. Gemar, each contributing their expertise to this important research-driven mission.

UARS was a landmark satellite in NASA's effort to investigate the complexities of Earth's upper atmosphere. It carried ten scientific instruments, each designed to perform extensive observations of the atmosphere's properties. The collected data provided critical insights into atmospheric chemistry and dynamics. Launching the UARS via the Space Shuttle not only showcased the versatile capabilities of the shuttle program but also emphasized NASA's commitment to understanding environmental issues. The UARS missions were instrumental in contributing data that would be used in future climate models and research initiatives.

As part of the broader Space Shuttle program, STS-48 reinforced the importance of collaborative research efforts in weather and climate sciences, involving both NASA scientists and international experts. The successful deployment of the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite exemplified how space exploration could directly impact terrestrial science and policy decisions regarding environmental protection and climate change.

Why Does it Matter?

The launch of the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite had a significant impact on our understanding of atmospheric processes, particularly in relation to ozone depletion. The data gathered during this mission provided vital information that influenced subsequent environmental policies and research regarding climate change. This mission demonstrated the importance of space-based observation in studying Earth’s atmosphere and set the groundwork for future satellite missions dedicated to environmental monitoring.

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