Columbia launches from LC-39B, marking the beginning of STS-62, 4 March 1994.
STS-62’s primary payloads included the U.S. Microgravity Payload-2 (USMP-2), which carried four microgravity experiments and an accelerometer to measure the microgravity environment; and the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology-2 (OAST-2), which collected technology data to support the future development of satellites, sensors, circuitry, and the International Space Station.
Crew Portrait. Standing, left to right: mission specialists Charles Gemar, Marsha Ivins, Pierre Thuot. Seated, left to right: pilot Andrew Allen; commander John Casper.
In addition to USMP-2 and OAST-2, STS-62 carried a suite of secondary investigations focused on materials science, fluid physics, combustion processes, and advanced technology demonstrations. These experiments continued NASA’s effort to characterize the microgravity environment and refine hardware and procedures in preparation for long-duration missions and Space Station operations.
Glow phenomenon caused by nitrogen dioxide, produced by the recombination of oxygen and nitric oxide in exhaust gases from the Orbital Maneuvering System.
The flight also demonstrated the use of the Dexterous End Effector, which made the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS, or Canadarm) more effective during orbital operations. This technology would go on to inform the development of the International Space Station’s Mobile Servicing System (MSS).
Aurora Australis as seen from STS-62.
Columbia spent 14 days on orbit before completing STS-62 with a touchdown at the Shuttle Landing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center.
Columbia touching down at KSC’s SLF, completing STS-62.
References
Images: NASA, 2, 3, 4, 5 Information: STS-62 Space Shuttle Mission Report, Dexterous End Effector Flight Demonstration
