Launch of Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-51F) Poster

For the STS-51F mission, Space Shuttle Challenger was equipped with Spacelab 2. Spacelab 2, a NASA developed payload, had a configuration that included an igloo attached to a lead pallet, with the Instrument Pointing Subsystem (IPS) mounted on it, a two pallet train, and an experiment special support structure. The flight objective was to demonstrate Spacelab's capabilities through a multidisciplinary research program and to verify system performance. Investigations in the field of astrophysics and solar astronomy included a sky survey for extended infrared sources, x-ray imaging of cluster galaxies, cosmic ray measurements, studies of small-scale structures on the sun's surface, and a measurement of the coronal helium abundance. In addition, there were measurements of: the solar ultraviolet flux; the plasma environment and plasma processes near the Orbiter; and zero-gravity effects on technology processes and on the behaviour of liquid helium. Life sciences problems investigated included bone demineralisation in humans and lignin formation in plants.