Space Shuttle Endeavour's STS-68 Mission Launch
Space Shuttle Endeavour was launched on the STS-68 mission from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission focused on conducting advanced Earth observation studies utilizing the Space Radar Lab (SRL-2). This launch marked Endeavour's sixth spaceflight and was notable for its inclusion of remote sensing technology to analyze Earth’s resources, which directly supported scientific research and environmental monitoring.
Endeavour's STS-68 launched on September 30, 1994.
The mission involved advanced Earth observation studies.
Crew conducted over 100 radar and sensor experiments.
SRL-2 was pivotal for insights in environmental monitoring.
What Happened?
Space Shuttle Endeavour was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of the STS-68 mission, focusing on Earth observation using advanced radar techniques. The highlight of the mission was the Space Radar Lab-2 (SRL-2), which utilized synthetic aperture radar to collect detailed data about Earth's surface, including mapping urban areas, forest distributions, and geological formations. This mission also allowed for improved understanding of how radar technology can benefit agricultural, forestry, and environmental disciplines. Endeavour carried a crew of seven, including commander John Lounge and pilot Kevin Kregel, and was pivotal in demonstrating the capabilities of remote sensing in modern science. The launch took place at 1:30 AM EDT and marked a significant step forward in NASA's ongoing efforts to leverage space technology for Earth studies. SRL-2 featured an integrated system of sensors designed to collect data and images of the Earth's terrain and natural resources, enabling scientists to study dynamic changes in the environment. Over the course of the 11-day mission, the crew successfully executed over 100 radar and sensor experiments, significantly contributing to advancements in Earth science and remote sensing technology. Upon completion of its mission, Endeavour returned safely on October 11, showcasing the spacecraft's continued reliability and the progress of NASA’s endeavours in space geoscience research.
Why Does it Matter?
The STS-68 mission marked a milestone in using space technology for Earth observation, demonstrating the crucial role of remote sensing in scientific research. It paved the way for subsequent missions to employ similar technologies in monitoring environmental and geological changes, contributing significantly to our understanding of Earth’s ecosystems and resource management. This mission contributed to international Earth science initiatives and advanced NASA's commitment to scientific exploration.