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STS-80
The Wake Shield Facility takes flight for a third time, after being deployed by Columbia's Canadarm
Mission typeResearch
OperatorNASA
COSPAR ID1996-065A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.24660Edit this on Wikidata
Mission duration17 days, 15 hours, 53 minutes, 17 seconds
Distance travelled11,000,000 km (6,800,000 mi)
Orbits completed279
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftSpace Shuttle Columbia
Payload mass13,006 kg (28,673 lb)
Crew
Crew size5
Members
Start of mission
Launch dateNovember 19, 1996, 19:55:47 (1996-11-19UTC19:55:47Z) UTC (2:55:47 pm EST)
Launch siteKennedy, LC-39B
End of mission
Landing dateDecember 7, 1996, 11:49:04 (1996-12-07UTC11:49:05Z) UTC (6:49:04 am EST)
Landing siteKennedy, SLF Runway 33
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeLow Earth
Perigee altitude318 kilometres (198 mi)
Apogee altitude375 kilometres (233 mi)
Inclination28.45 degrees
Period91.5 min

From left: Rominger, Jernigan, Musgrave, Jones and Cockrell
← STS-79
STS-81 →

STS-80 was a Space Shuttle mission flown by Space Shuttle Columbia. The launch was originally scheduled for October 31, 1996, but was delayed to November 19 for several reasons.[1] Likewise, the landing, which was originally scheduled for December 5, was pushed back to December 7 after bad weather prevented landing for two days.[2]

It was the longest Shuttle mission ever flown at 17 days, 15 hours, and 53 minutes.[2]

Although two spacewalks were planned for the mission, they were both canceled after problems with the airlock hatch prevented astronauts Tom Jones and Tammy Jernigan from exiting the orbiter.[3]

Crew

[edit]
Position Astronaut
Commander Kenneth D. Cockrell
Third spaceflight
Pilot Kent V. Rominger
Second spaceflight
Mission Specialist 1 F. Story Musgrave
Sixth and last spaceflight
Mission Specialist 2
Flight Engineer 		Thomas D. Jones
Third spaceflight
Mission Specialist 3 Tamara E. Jernigan
Fourth spaceflight

Crew seat assignments

[edit]
Seat[4] Launch Landing
Seats 1–4 are on the flight deck.
Seats 5–7 are on the mid-deck.
1 Cockrell
2 Rominger
3 Musgrave Jernigan
4 Jones
5 Jernigan Musgrave †
6 Unused
7 Unused

† Musgrave was supposed to sit in Seat 5 during landing, however, he actually stood on the flight deck behind Cockrell in Seat 1 throughout re-entry and landing to film the spacecraft's reentry through the overhead windows.[4]

Mission highlights

[edit]
  • The mission deployed two satellites and successfully recovered them after they had performed their tasks.[1]
  • Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer-Shuttle Pallet Satellite II (ORFEUS-SPAS II) was deployed on flight day one.[5] It was captured on flight day sixteen.[6]
  • The Wake Shield Facility-3 was deployed on flight day 4, and was recaptured three days later.[1]
  • The mission was the longest mission in Space Shuttle history.[7]
  • On this mission, Story Musgrave became the only person to fly on all five Space Shuttles – Challenger, Atlantis, Discovery, Endeavour, and Columbia.[8]
  • Musgrave also tied a record for spaceflights, and set a record for being the oldest man in space.[1] Both records have since been surpassed.[9][10]
  • Two spacewalks were planned for the mission but were canceled after astronauts Tom Jones and Tammy Jernigan discovered the outer hatch of the airlock was jammed.[11] The jam was attributed to a loose screw that may have fell during its installation.[12]

Mission payload

[edit]
The payload being prepared for launch in a transfer container. Visible is the WSF-3 (being lowered in), and ORFEUS-SPAS II (Already in place)

Columbia brought with it two free floating satellites, both of which were on repeat visits to space. Also, a variety of equipment to be tested on two planned spacewalks was part of the payload. These would have been used to prepare for construction of the International Space Station. Included in the Shuttle's payload were:[1]

  • Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer-Shuttle Pallet Satellite II (ORFEUS-SPAS II)
    • Far Ultraviolet (FUV) Spectrograph
    • Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Spectrograph
    • Interstellar Medium Absorption Profile Spectrograph (IMAPS)
    • Surface Effects Sample Monitor (SESAM)
    • ATV Rendezvous Pre-Development Project (ARP)
    • Student Experiment on ASTRO-SPAS (SEAS)
  • Wake Shield Facility (WSF-3)
  • NIH-R4
  • Space Experiment Module (SEM)
  • EVA Development Flight Tests (EDTF-5)
    • Crane
    • Battery Orbital Replacement Unit
    • Cable Caddy
    • Portable Work Platform
      • Portable Foot Restraint Work Station (PFRWS)
      • Temporary Equipment Restraint Aid (TERA)
      • Articulating Portable Foot Restraint
    • Body Restraint Tether (BRT)
    • Multi-Use Tether (MUT)
  • Visualization in an Experimental Water Capillary pumped Loop (VIEW-CPL)
  • Biological Research In Canister (BRIC)
  • Commercial Materials Dispersion Apparatus Instrumentation Technology Associates Experiment (CCM-A) (formerly STL/NIH-C-6)
    • Commercial MDA ITA Experiment (CMIX-5)

Scientific projects

[edit]
The ORFEUS SPAS is prepared for launch

Columbia carried into orbit two satellites that were released and recaptured after some time alone. The first was the Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer-Shuttle Pallet Satellite II (ORFEUS-SPAS II). The main component of the satellite, the ORFEUS telescope, had two spectrographs, for far and extreme ultraviolet.

Another spectrograph, the Interstellar Medium Absorption Profile Spectrograph, was also on board the satellite. Several payloads not relevant to astronomy rounded out the satellite. It performed without problems for its flight, taking 422 observations of almost 150 astronomical bodies, ranging from the Moon to extra-galactic stars and a quasar. Being the second flight of ORFEUS-SPAS II allowed for more sensitive equipment, causing it to provide more than twice the data of its initial run.[1]

Also deployed from Columbia was the Wake-Shield Facility (WSF), a satellite that created an ultra-vacuum behind it, allowing for the creation of semiconductor thin films for use in advanced electronics. WSF created seven films before being recaptured by Columbia's robotic arm after three days of flight.[1] The 12-foot-diameter (3.7 m) craft was on its third mission, including STS-60, when hardware problems prevented it from deploying off the robotic arm. Wake Shield was designed and built by the Space Vacuum Epitaxy Center at the University of Houston in conjunction with its industrial partner, Space Industries, Inc.[13]

Another inclusion was a Space Experiment Module (SEM).[13] The SEM included student research projects selected to fly into space.[14] This was the first flight of the program.[15] Among the experiments conducted were analysis of bacteria growth on food in orbit, crystal growth in space, and microgravity's effect on a pendulum.[16]

NIH.R4 was an experiment conducted for the National Institute of Health and Oregon Health Sciences University.[13] It was designed to test the effects of spaceflight on circulation and vascular constriction.[17] Biological Research in Canister (BRIC) explored gravity's effects on tobacco and tomato seedlings. Visualization in an Experimental Water Capillary Pumped Loop (VIEW-CPL) was conducted to test a new idea in thermal spacecraft management.[18] The Commercial MDA ITA Experiment were a variety of experiments submitted by high school and middle school students sponsored by Information Technology Associates.[19]

Mission background

[edit]
Columbia is rolled out to launch pad 39B
Launch of STS-80
Attempt Planned Result Turnaround Reason Decision point Weather go (%) Notes
1 15 Nov 1996, 2:50:00 pm Scrubbed — Weather 13 Nov 1996, 11:36 am ​(T−19:00:00 hold) 10[20] High winds at KSC.[21]
2 19 Nov 1996, 2:55:47 pm Success 4 days 0 hours 6 minutes 80[22] Countdown clock held at T−31 seconds to measure hydrogen gas.[21]

Astronauts were selected for the mission on January 17, 1996.[23] Stacking of the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) began September 9, 1996.[24] On September 18, the launch date was bumped back from no earlier than (NET) October 31 to November 8.[25] Payload doors were closed on September 25.[26] The following day, the External fuel tank was mated to the SRBs inside the Vehicle Assembly Building.[27]

Further progress was delayed while two windows on the orbiter were replaced; NASA feared that they might be susceptible to breakage after seven and eight flights.[28] Columbia was rolled over to the VAB on October 9 to begin final assembly preparations.[29]

STS-80 Landing

On October 11, Columbia was mated with the external fuel tank, and the payload was delivered and transferred.[30] Rollout to Pad 39B occurred on October 16, which was followed by flight readiness checks of the main propulsion system.[31]

After a Flight Readiness Review on October 28, an additional FRR was requested to further analyze the Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) due to nozzle erosion that occurred on STS-79; on the 29th, a fuel pump failed, delaying the fueling process of Columbia.[32] The erosion problem led to a week long delay instituted on November 4.[33] A launch date of November 15 was set, contingent on a successful Atlas launch two days prior.[34] The forecast of bad weather pushed the launch back even further, to a date of November 19.[35]

During landing, Jones planned to use a video camera to capture footage of the plasma tube trailing behind the orbiter from the overhead windows. He asked Musgrave to assist with the recording, with the expectation that he would take his seat on the mid-deck once the orbiter reached entry interface. Instead, Musgrave elected to remain standing on the flight deck behind Commander Cockrell (in Seat 1) throughout re-entry and landing. Jones estimated that the 61-year-old Musgrave would have experienced 1.7 times the normal force of Earth's gravity for five to ten continuous minutes after 18 days of near weightlessness.[36]

Wake-up calls

[edit]

NASA began a tradition of playing music to astronauts during the Gemini program, which was first used to wake up a flight crew during Apollo 15.[37] Each track is specially chosen, often by their families, and usually has a special meaning to an individual member of the crew, or is applicable to their daily activities.[37][38]

Flight Day Song Artist/Composer
Day 2 "I Can See For Miles" The Who
Day 3 "Theme From Fireball XL5" Barry Gray
Day 4 "Roll With the Changes" REO Speedwagon
Day 5 "Reelin' and Rockin'" Chuck Berry
Day 6 "Roll with It" Steve Winwood
Day 7 "Good Times Roll" The Cars
Day 8 "Red Rubber Ball" Cyrkle
Day 9 "Alice's Restaurant" Arlo Guthrie
Day 10 "Some Guys Have All the Luck" Robert Palmer
Day 11 "Changes" David Bowie
Day 12 "Break on Through (To the Other Side)" The Doors
Day 13 "Shooting Star" Bad Company
Day 14 "Stay" Jackson Browne
Day 15 "Return to Sender" Elvis Presley
Day 16 "Should I Stay or Should I Go" The Clash
Day 17 "Nobody Does It Better" Carly Simon
Day 18 "Please Come Home for Christmas" Sawyer Brown

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

STS-80

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
STS-80 was the eightieth mission of NASA's , launched aboard the orbiter Columbia on November 19, 1996, at 2:55 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B at , and it marked the final shuttle flight of that year. The mission, commanded by Kenneth D. Cockrell with pilot Kent V. Rominger and mission specialists , Thomas D. Jones, and , lasted 17 days, 15 hours, 53 minutes, and 18 seconds, completing 279 orbits of before landing on December 7, 1996, at 6:49 a.m. EST on Runway 33 at . The primary objectives of STS-80 focused on deploying, operating, and retrieving two free-flying research platforms: the Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Spectrometer-Shuttle Pallet Satellite II (ORFEUS-SPAS II) for astronomical observations in and wavelengths, and the Wake Shield Facility-3 (WSF-3) for growing high-quality thin films in the vacuum of space. Additional payloads included the Midcourse Space Experiment () for missile detection and tracking research, the Shuttle Electromagnetic Experiment (SEM) to study spacecraft charging, and various middeck experiments such as the Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA), the Cell Matrix Immobilized Culture (CMIX-5), and physiological studies like NIH-R4 on protein crystal growth. The crew successfully used the orbiter's System to deploy ORFEUS-SPAS II on flight day 2 and retrieve it on flight day 14, while WSF-3 was deployed on flight day 4 and retrieved on flight day 7, allowing for three days of epitaxial film growth experiments. Notable aspects of the mission included the evaluation of the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) for future assembly tasks, achieving berthing accuracies within one inch and one degree, and the cancellation of two planned extravehicular activities (EVAs) due to a jammed hatch from a loose screw and related spacesuit cooling concerns, which were investigated through onboard video analysis. The mission was extended by one day to complete additional ORFEUS-SPAS objectives, and landing was delayed twice due to poor weather, ultimately setting a record for the longest flight at the time. Overall, STS-80 advanced microgravity research in , , and while testing hardware critical for subsequent shuttle and station operations.

Mission background

Objectives

The primary objectives of STS-80 centered on the deployment, operation, and retrieval of two free-flying research spacecraft to advance astrophysics and materials science in microgravity. The Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer-Shuttle Pallet Satellite II (ORFEUS-SPAS II) was tasked with conducting astronomical observations in the far-ultraviolet (90-125 nm) and extreme-ultraviolet (40-90 nm) spectra to study hot stellar atmospheres, white dwarfs, supernova remnants, galaxies, and the interstellar medium, using a 1-meter telescope equipped with spectrographs including the International Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (IMAPS) for high-resolution analysis of interstellar gas. The mission planned for more than 100 observations of approximately 50 astronomical objects. Similarly, the Wake Shield Facility-3 (WSF-3), a 12-foot-diameter disk-shaped satellite, sought to create an ultra-vacuum environment in the shuttle's orbital wake to grow high-purity epitaxial thin films for semiconductor applications, such as aluminum gallium arsenide, targeting seven growth cycles. Additional primary goals included conducting a suite of middeck experiments to explore microgravity effects on biological and materials processes. These encompassed the National Institutes of Health Rodents 4 (NIH-R4) experiment, which investigated blood pressure regulation using 24 rats (12 flight and 12 ground control) subjected to high- or low-calcium diets; the Commercial Crystal Growth for Space-A (CCM-A), examining microgravity's impact on cell related to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β); the Biological Research in Canisters-09 (BRIC-09), studying genetic expression in approximately 200 and tobacco seedlings across 22 petri dishes; the Commercial Materials Dispersion and Integration Science-5 (CMIX-5), performing tests on protein crystal growth, , fluid management, , and biological processes; the Visualization in an Experimental Water-CPL (VIEW-CPL), testing pumped loop for thermal management through 14 cycles; and the Space Experiment Module (SEM), a student-led initiative with experiments on microgravity effects on , crystals, and other materials to enhance educational access to . Secondary objectives focused on operational and technological evaluations for future missions, including testing the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) to monitor payload positioning and alignment with high precision (within 1 inch and 1 degree) for assembly tasks, and assessing (EVA) tools and procedures through two planned 6-hour spacewalks on flight days 10 and 12. Additional payloads included the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) for missile detection and tracking research. The mission was originally planned for 16 days but was extended by one day to complete additional objectives, including ORFEUS-SPAS operations, with landing delayed further due to weather.

Preparations

The STS-80 mission was assigned to the Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102) for its 21st flight, with preparations centered at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39B. Mission planning emphasized the integration of key payloads, including the ORFEUS-SPAS II (Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer-Shuttle Pallet Satellite II), a reusable free-flying platform approximately 12 feet in diameter equipped with ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet spectrometers for astrophysics observations, and the Wake Shield Facility-3 (WSF-3), a 12-foot-diameter disk-shaped satellite designed to create an ultra-vacuum environment in its wake for growing high-quality thin films for semiconductor applications. Vehicle processing began in July 1996, with Columbia moved to the on July 7 for maintenance and payload integration, followed by transfer to the on October 9 and rollout to Pad 39B on October 16. The Rocket Boosters underwent refurbishment, including analysis of nozzle observed on the previous STS-79 flight, which contributed to schedule shifts; External Tank ET-80 was loaded with and propellants as the structural backbone for the stack. The payload bay was configured with ORFEUS-SPAS II secured in bays 1-2 forward, WSF-3 in bays 4-5 aft, and middeck lockers accommodating secondary experiments such as the Space Experiment Module and various middeck payloads. Preparations encountered multiple delays from the original October 31, 1996, target. Hurricane Fran in early September halted SRB stacking in the , prompting a rescheduling to November 8; subsequent issues, including a malfunction in the SRB hydraulic test stand and ongoing nozzle erosion assessments, further postponed the date. A Flight Readiness Review on October 28 and a Delta review on November 4 targeted no earlier than , but launch attempts were scrubbed on due to weather and on November 16 due to high concentrations of gas in the aft compartment; the launch occurred on November 19 after a hold to verify levels. The crew arrived at Kennedy Space Center on November 14, 1996, for final rehearsals, including the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. The countdown initiated on November 19 at 6:55 a.m. EST, culminating in liftoff at 2:55 p.m. EST after a brief hold at T-31 seconds to verify gaseous hydrogen concentrations in the aft compartment.

Crew

Members

The STS-80 mission crew comprised five highly experienced astronauts, including Commander Kenneth D. Cockrell, Pilot Kent V. Rominger, and Mission Specialists , , and Thomas D. Jones, whose collective prior spaceflight time exceeded 2,000 hours and diverse expertise in , , , , and supported the mission's microgravity research and satellite operations. This team brought a total of 13 previous shuttle missions to STS-80, enabling effective payload handling and contingency management during the 17-day flight, which set a then-record for shuttle duration. Kenneth D. Cockrell served as mission commander, marking his third spaceflight; a retired U.S. with over 12,100 flying hours, including 650 carrier landings in such as the A-7 and F/A-18, Cockrell held a B.S. in from the University of Texas (1972) and an M.S. in aeronautical systems from the (1974). Selected as an in 1991, his prior missions included STS-56 in 1993, where he piloted Discovery during atmospheric research, and STS-69 in 1995, commanding Endeavour on a satellite retrieval techniques, accumulating 482 hours in space before STS-80. As commander, Cockrell oversaw the deployment and retrieval of the Wake Shield Facility and ORFEUS s, leveraging his background for precise orbital maneuvers. Kent V. Rominger acted as pilot on his second spaceflight; a U.S. Navy Captain with more than 7,000 hours in over 35 aircraft types and 685 carrier landings, primarily in the F-14 Tomcat, Rominger earned a B.S. in from (1978) and an M.S. in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. (1987). Joining as an astronaut in 1992, his previous mission was in 1995, piloting Columbia during the extended-duration life sciences experiment, logging 15 days, 21 hours, and 52 minutes in space. Rominger's expertise contributed to vehicle operations and rendezvous activities essential for the mission's satellite handling. Tamara E. Jernigan, an astrophysicist, flew as a on her fourth ; holding a B.S. in physics and M.S. in engineering science from (1981, 1983), an M.S. in astronomy from the (1985), and a Ph.D. in space physics and astronomy from (1988), she conducted research at Ames before her 1985 astronaut selection. Her prior missions encompassed in 1991 ( life sciences), STS-52 in 1992 (materials research), and STS-67 in 1995 as payload commander (astronomy observatory), totaling 854 hours in space. Jernigan's scientific background was pivotal for ORFEUS operations, focusing on to advance astronomical data collection. Story Musgrave, the mission's most seasoned astronaut at age 61—the oldest to fly on a shuttle mission—served as a mission specialist on his sixth flight; a physician and engineer with an extraordinary educational record including a B.S. in mathematics and statistics from Syracuse University (1958), M.D. from Columbia University (1964), M.S. in physiology and biophysics from the University of Kentucky (1966), and additional degrees in business, chemistry, and literature, he amassed 17,700 flight hours as a Marine Corps and NASA pilot. Selected in NASA's 1967 astronaut class, Musgrave's prior missions included STS-6 in 1983 (first Challenger flight), STS-51-F in 1985 (Spacelab-2), STS-33 in 1989 (Department of Defense), STS-44 in 1991 (satellite deployment), and STS-61 in 1993 (Hubble Space Telescope repair with three EVAs), accumulating 858 hours. His multidisciplinary expertise supported contingency planning, extravehicular preparations as the intravehicular crewmember, and Wake Shield Facility operations. Thomas D. Jones functioned as a on his third spaceflight; a with a B.S. in basic sciences from the U.S. (1977) and a Ph.D. in from the (1988), he logged over 2,000 hours as a B-52 pilot in the before transitioning to and selection in 1990. His earlier missions were STS-59 in 1994 (Space Radar Laboratory-1) and in 1994 as payload commander (Space Radar Laboratory-2), totaling 539 hours in space. Jones operated the Wake Shield Facility, applying his physics knowledge to thin-film growth experiments in microgravity.

Assignments

The STS-80 crew assignments designated specific seating positions and operational roles to optimize mission execution, with Commander Kenneth D. Cockrell in seat 1, Pilot Kent V. Rominger in seat 2, in seat 3, Mission Specialist Thomas D. Jones in seat 4, and in seat 5 for launch. For landing, Musgrave stood during reentry while the others occupied the same seats. Cockrell, as commander, oversaw overall mission command, navigation, and vehicle operations, including contingency rendezvous procedures for which he served as prime. Rominger, the pilot, managed spacecraft piloting, ascent and entry phases, and supported remote manipulator system (RMS) operations as backup, while also serving as prime for certain middeck experiments such as the Commercial Materials Dispersion Processing in Space (CMIX) and Visual Interface for Earth Observations with Computational Processor and Link (VIEW-CPL). Jernigan, designated as Mission Specialist 1 and extravehicular activity (EVA) crewmember 1, was responsible for ORFEUS-SPAS II deployment and retrieval operations, including RMS support, astronomical data management, and Orbiter Space Vision System evaluations; she also backed up middeck experiments like the Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC). Musgrave, as Mission Specialist 3 and EVA intravehicular crewmember, led EVA preparations and commanded Wake Shield Facility (WSF-3) free-flyer operations, including deployment and retrieval, while providing backup for ORFEUS-SPAS and supporting middeck tasks such as the PARE/NIH-R4 experiment. Jones, Mission Specialist 2 and EVA crewmember 2, operated as the primary RMS arm for WSF-3 and ORFEUS-SPAS maneuvers, conducted middeck science experiments including BRIC-09 and the Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA), and served as backup for WSF operations and Earth observations. In contingency scenarios, Musgrave and Jones formed the primary EVA crew, with Jernigan as alternate, and all mission specialists received cross-training to handle payload malfunctions, such as airlock issues that ultimately canceled the EVAs. The crew's prior flight experiences enhanced their ability to adapt to these roles, with Cockrell on his second command, Rominger on his second pilot assignment, Jernigan on her fourth mission, Musgrave on his sixth, and Jones on his third.

Launch

Countdown

The final countdown for STS-80 proceeded smoothly on November 19, 1996, from the Kennedy Space Center's in Firing Room 3, following resumption of the countdown clock from a T-19 hour hold point the previous day. The five-member awoke at 9:58 a.m. EST, had breakfast around 10:30 a.m., and donned launch and entry suits before departing crew quarters. Transported via the , they arrived at Launch Pad 39B around 11:38 a.m. EST (approximately T-3 hours) and completed ingress into by 1:05 p.m. EST, with no issues reported during strapping-in procedures. Weather conditions at were clear and favorable, posing no constraints to the launch commit criteria. The advanced without scrubs, building on prior mission preparations that had included multiple delays but ensured readiness. At T-31 seconds, around 2:52 p.m. EST, a preplanned 2-minute 47-second hold was executed to assess gaseous concentrations in the orbiter's aft compartment, which briefly exceeded the 300 ppm limit during liquid tank prepressurization; routine verification confirmed compliance with contingency procedures, and the hold was lifted without further delay. The solid rocket boosters ignited at T-0, propelling Columbia skyward at 2:55:47 p.m. EST and marking the mission's successful liftoff approximately three minutes after the nominal window opening.

Ascent

The lifted off from Launch Complex 39B at NASA's on November 19, 1996, at 2:55:47 p.m. EST (19:55:47 UTC), initiating the ascent phase of the STS-80 mission. The , consisting of the orbiter, External Tank (ET), and two Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs), performed nominally from ignition through initial trajectory. The SRBs provided the primary thrust boost, achieving expected performance levels with no deviations in or structural integrity. At T+2:07, the SRBs separated from the ET as planned, after burning through their propellant and contributing the majority of the vehicle's velocity gain during the first stage of ascent. The three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) continued firing, powered by the ET's liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, propelling the stack toward preliminary orbit insertion. Main Engine Cutoff (MECO) occurred at T+8:31, at which point the ET was jettisoned, having delivered the required propellants without any pressure or flow anomalies. The ET reentered the atmosphere and disintegrated over the Indian Ocean, consistent with predicted impact zones. Following ET separation, the (OMS) engines executed burns to achieve circularization and fine-tune the trajectory. These maneuvers inserted Columbia into an initial with a mean altitude of 218 miles (351 km) and an inclination of 28.45 degrees relative to the . The mission profile called for a total of 279 orbits over approximately 18 days. Throughout the ascent, all vehicle systems, including guidance, navigation, and propulsion, operated nominally, with no in-flight anomalies reported that affected orbital insertion.

Orbital phase

Deployments

During the orbital phase of STS-80, the crew successfully deployed and later retrieved two primary free-flying payloads using the Columbia's System (RMS): the Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Spectrometer-Shuttle Pallet Satellite II (ORFEUS-SPAS II) and the Wake Shield Facility-3 (WSF-3). These operations demonstrated advanced rendezvous and capture techniques essential for satellite servicing in . ORFEUS-SPAS II was unberthed from Columbia's payload bay and deployed on November 20, 1996, with mission specialist operating the RMS to release the 3.5-metric-ton satellite. During its 14-day free flight, the payload conducted ultraviolet astronomical observations using instruments such as the Far Ultraviolet Spectrograph and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer, targeting celestial objects like white dwarfs and the . The satellite completed 239 orbits before Columbia performed a series of rendezvous burns, including non-propulsive coast and mid-course corrections, to close the distance for retrieval on December 3, 1996, via RMS grapple and berthing. WSF-3, a 3.8-meter-diameter disk-shaped , was deployed on November 22, 1996, also using the RMS, initiating a planned mission focused on . Orbiting ahead of Columbia, the facility created an environment of approximately 10−1410^{-14} in its wake shield, allowing for the growth of four thin-film semiconductor samples via without atmospheric contamination. Retrieval maneuvers began on November 26, 1996, after mission specialists and Thomas D. Jones attempted a manual capture approach; the effort transitioned to a successful RMS grapple by Jones, followed by berthing in the payload bay. Columbia's rendezvous burns, including height-adjust and non-impulsive corrections, facilitated the operation, with WSF-3's total free-flight time amounting to 4 days and encompassing about 64 orbits.

Experiments

During the STS-80 mission, the crew conducted a series of middeck experiments in the Space Shuttle Columbia's payload bay lockers, focusing on microgravity effects in life sciences, materials processing, fluid physics, and technology development. These experiments operated continuously over the mission's duration of 17 days, 15 hours, and 53 minutes, with the crew performing activations, monitoring, and to ensure nominal performance. Data and video were downlinked in real-time via the shuttle's Ku-band for ground . All middeck experiments achieved full operational success, with no anomalies reported. Additionally, the Midcourse Space Experiment () satellite, mounted in the payload bay, conducted autonomous observations for missile detection and tracking research throughout the mission. The Space Experiment Module (SEM) investigated plasma wave propagation and other microgravity phenomena using student-designed payloads housed in a 5-cubic-foot Getaway Special canister on the middeck. Activated early in the mission, it ran unattended but with periodic checks to verify environmental conditions, providing on wave interactions in space plasmas. NIH-R4, a National Institutes of Health-sponsored experiment, examined the role of dietary calcium in regulating and cardiovascular function under microgravity. Thirty-two rats were divided into groups receiving high- or low-calcium diets within middeck lockers; the managed feeding, waste collection, and health observations throughout the flight, noting excellent animal condition post-mission. NASA/CCM-A (Cell Culture Module-A), formerly known as STL/NIH-C6, studied microgravity's impact on cell development by culturing human osteoblast-like cells to assess . The experiment maintained precise temperatures between 35-39°C across 17 measurements in a middeck incubator; crew members handled setup, medium exchanges, and fixation procedures without issues. BRIC-09 (Biological Research in Canister-09) explored genetic expression and hormone influences on plant growth in microgravity using 200 and seeds distributed across 22 petri dishes in five BRIC-60 canisters. The unattended setup on the middeck was activated and deactivated by the crew, yielding nominal growth data for postflight analysis. CMIX-5 (Commercial Materials Dispersion Apparatus ITA Experiment-5) produced zeolite crystals and other materials for applications in diabetes treatment, , , and research, encompassing over 900 individual tests in bioprocessing modules. Crew operations included initiating dispersion sequences and monitoring crystal formation in the middeck apparatus, resulting in successful sample returns. VIEW-CPL (Visualization in an Experimental Water Capillary Pumped Loop) demonstrated thermal management technology for future by observing in a loop evaporator. The crew completed all 14 planned tests on the middeck, capturing video of and flow behaviors under varying loads, with data downlinked for immediate review. The Space Vision System tested laser-based tracking and vision aids for assembly, using the shuttle's Remote Manipulator System for mockup maneuvers. Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan (prime) and Thomas D. Jones (backup) powered up the system on flight days 2, 11, and 13, recording video from the aft flight deck; operations achieved berthing accuracies within 0.6 inches and 1 degree, supporting real-time ground control. Mission Specialist Thomas D. Jones served as the primary operator for most middeck experiments, coordinating crew shifts for around-the-clock monitoring and ensuring seamless integration with the overall payload schedule. In parallel, the crew briefly supported the free-flying ORFEUS-SPAS and Wake Shield Facility experiments through orbital adjustments and data coordination.

Extravehicular activity

Planned operations

The STS-80 mission planned two six-hour extravehicular activities (EVAs) as part of the EVA Development Flight Test-05 (EDFT-05) series, aimed at evaluating tools, procedures, and hardware for the assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station (ISS). These EVAs were designated to occur on Flight Day 10 (November 28, 1996, starting at 9:07 p.m. EST) and Flight Day 12 (November 30, 1996, starting at 9:37 p.m. EST), each lasting approximately 6.5 hours. Mission Specialist Tamara E. Jernigan served as EV-1 (lead spacewalker, wearing the suit with red stripes), Mission Specialist Thomas D. Jones as EV-2, and veteran Mission Specialist F. Story Musgrave as the intravehicular (IV) crewmember, providing support from inside the orbiter; Pilot Kent V. Rominger assisted by operating the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) arm. For EVA-1, the primary objectives focused on an end-to-end simulation of a battery orbital replacement unit (ORU) task, expected to take about three hours, along with evaluations of a small ORU handling tool known as the cable caddy. EVA-2 emphasized testing operations with a simulated battery ORU from a portable work platform, with roughly two hours allocated per major task, including assessments of worksite stability and tool usability. These activities were designed to verify Phase 1 ISS hardware integration and procedures, such as ORU exchanges and mobile worksite configurations, to reduce risks in future station construction. Key equipment included two Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) for the spacewalkers, providing and mobility; the RMS for positioning crew and hardware; a 156-pound crane (6 feet tall with a 4- to 17.5-foot extendable boom, capable of handling up to 600 pounds); a simulated battery ORU (approximately 354 pounds, 41 by 39 by 19 inches); the 50-pound cable caddy for small ORU transport; and a portable work platform equipped with an articulating foot restraint and body restraint tether (BRT) for stabilizing the EV-1 during tasks. Additional tools encompassed a multi-use tether () for securing ORUs, tools, and handrails, along with torque-multiplication devices and other hand tools for the simulated battery installation and removal. Procedures began with crew transfer to the , followed by cabin repressurization to 10.4 psi and airlock depressurization to vacuum, enabling egress through the outer hatch via the airlock adapter. For EVA-1, Jernigan and Jones would install the crane in the payload bay, maneuver the battery ORU using the RMS and MUT, and perform the cable caddy evaluation while translating along orbiter structure using foot restraints and handholds. In EVA-2, the portable work platform would be attached to the RMS end effector, allowing Jones to ride it for battery operations while Jernigan provided untethered support, testing contingency scenarios like free-flyer capture and ISS assembly demonstrations with the BRT and MUT. All tasks integrated RMS operations for crew restraint and hardware positioning, with Musgrave monitoring from the aft .

Cancellations

During preparations for the first extravehicular activity (EVA) on STS-80, the crew encountered a critical malfunction with the orbiter's airlock hatch on November 29, 1996. The outer hatch failed to open, preventing pressure equalization between the airlock and the vacuum of space, which was essential for the planned EVA involving astronauts Tamara E. Jernigan and Thomas D. Jones. This issue arose despite successful pre-EVA pressurization and suit checks, halting the procedure after the crew entered the airlock and attempted to operate the hatch mechanism. The crew was unable to open the outer hatch after entering the and attempting to operate the mechanism, indicating a problem with the . Troubleshooting in orbit did not reveal the specific cause, and no immediate repair was possible due to the lack of specialized tools and access to the external components. Post-mission inspection identified the root cause as a loose number 10 from the actuator's assembly that had migrated into the gearbox, lodging between a planetary gear and the ring gear and binding the system. The 's movement was attributed to the use of non-locking thread inserts instead of the required locking type, allowing it to back out during launch vibrations or orbital operations. Engineers on the ground debated potential causes like misalignment but confirmed the internal jam through disassembly after landing. The malfunction led to the cancellation of both planned EVAs, which were secondary objectives focused on evaluating EVA tools and procedures, to avoid any risk of damaging the hatch seals or mechanism that could compromise crew safety. The crew conducted extensive troubleshooting in the for over two hours, with multiple members attempting to manipulate the handle, and later performed internal simulations of EVA tasks to maintain readiness. No risks to orbital operations or reentry were posed by the issue, as the remained functional for internal use. Following the mission, all orbiter hatch actuators were removed for recertification, and the design was updated with locking thread inserts and revised torque specifications to prevent recurrence. This incident underscored the importance of manufacturing precision in critical mechanisms and prompted fleet-wide inspections.

Reentry and landing

Deorbit

The crew of STS-80 began deorbit preparations on , 1996, by reconfiguring the payload bay to secure experiments and equipment for reentry. This included stowing the Wake Shield Facility and ORFEUS-SPAS II satellite components after their retrieval earlier in the mission. However, unfavorable weather conditions at and , including low clouds and high winds, postponed the planned landing from December 5, leading to an extension of orbital operations. The payload bay were initially closed at 4:14 p.m. EST on but were reopened approximately three hours later to accommodate the delay and potential further observations; they were securely latched again at 3:09 a.m. EST on December 7 in final preparation for descent. The deorbit burn commenced with the ignition of the (OMS) engines at 5:43 a.m. EST on December 7, 1996, during orbit 278. The dual-engine burn lasted 188 seconds, imparting a change of 316 feet per second (approximately 215 miles per hour) to decelerate the orbiter Columbia from its al path. This maneuver, conducted over the , precisely targeted the reentry corridor while minimizing fuel expenditure and ensuring structural loads remained within safe limits. Post-burn systems checks confirmed nominal performance, with no anomalies reported in propulsion or attitude control. Following the burn, Columbia's ground track traced westward across the , , and the Atlantic Ocean, aligning with the standard east-coast landing profile. Reentry interface, defined as the point of initial atmospheric contact at 400,000 feet altitude, occurred at approximately 6:05 a.m. EST. As the orbiter descended, intensified, with the thermal protection system tiles on the underside reaching peak temperatures of around 3,000 degrees to dissipate the frictional energy from atmospheric compression. This phase marked the transition from orbital flight to controlled glide, with the vehicle maintaining stability through its until blackout.

Touchdown

Columbia touched down on Runway 33 at in on December 7, 1996, at 6:49:05 a.m. EST, completing the STS-80 mission after two days of weather-related delays to landing attempts. The final approach utilized standard dual TACAN guidance for alignment, with the speedbrake deployed to manage descent velocity during the atmospheric phase. Weather conditions had improved sufficiently for the landing, featuring a light of 8 knots that remained within operational limits. The main landing gears made initial contact first at a speed of 203.4 knots (KEAS) and a sink rate of 1.0 foot per second (ft/sec), followed by nose gear 9.7 seconds later at 149.3 KEAS. The drag chute deployed shortly after main gear contact and was jettisoned after rollout began, resulting in a total rollout distance of 8,721 feet over 62 seconds, with wheels stopping at approximately 7:00 a.m. EST. No significant anomalies occurred during the or rollout phases. Following wheels stop, the crew egressed the orbiter using the shuttle crew transport vehicle and underwent standard post-flight medical evaluations. The mission concluded with a total duration of 17 days, 15 hours, 53 minutes, and 18 seconds, having completed 279 orbits of .

Outcomes

Scientific results

The STS-80 mission achieved 100% success in meeting its scientific objectives for all payloads, excluding the canceled extravehicular activities. The experiments generated a substantial volume of data that surpassed initial expectations, contributing significantly to space-based research archives from the and enabling subsequent analyses in , , and biological sciences. The ORFEUS-SPAS II free-flyer, focused on far-ultraviolet and extreme-ultraviolet spectroscopy, recorded 422 high-resolution spectra of approximately 150 astronomical objects, including white dwarfs, quasars, and interacting binaries. With an observing efficiency of 62.5%—exceeding projections due to an extended mission duration—these observations provided higher-quality data than the 1993 predecessor flight, supporting models of and properties. Post-mission analyses, published in journals starting in 1997, utilized this dataset to study phenomena such as high-excitation emission lines and dynamics. The Wake Shield Facility-3 (WSF-3) successfully grew seven epitaxial thin films in its ultra-vacuum wake environment, including and aluminum gallium arsenide layers, meeting all science goals during a 73-hour free-flight. These films exhibited superior purity and quality compared to ground-based counterparts, advancing applications in and . Middeck experiments yielded foundational data on microgravity effects across biological and physical domains. The Space Experiment Module (SEM) operated nominally, collecting measurements on plasma interactions and space environment effects for educational and scientific analysis. NIH-R4 investigated microgravity's impact on , including and vascular function, with all 14 subjects returning in excellent condition. The Cell Culture Module-A (CCM-A) operated nominally for and studies, with cooling system temperatures maintained at 35-39°F across 17 measurements and culture conditions at standard 37°C. BRIC-09 examined genetic expression in and seedlings under microgravity, while CMIX-5 advanced research on , , and cataracts through over 900 cell and tissue samples. These efforts collectively enhanced understanding of microgravity's biological influences, informing future health strategies.

Legacy

STS-80 established a benchmark for extended-duration operations, achieving a mission length of 17 days, 15 hours, 53 minutes, and 18 seconds, which marked the longest single flight in the program's history and demonstrated the vehicle's capability to support prolonged human presence in orbit, paving the way for assembly and operations in the late 1990s. This duration underscored the reliability of systems and crew performance over nearly 18 days, providing critical validation for future long-term missions requiring sustained microgravity exposure. The mission's canceled extravehicular activities due to a jammed hatch—caused by a screw lodging in the —prompted immediate engineering reviews and led to the rework and recertification of all hatch actuators across the Shuttle fleet, ensuring no recurrences and enhancing safety for subsequent flights, including the Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission in February 1997. Additionally, the successful deployment and retrieval of the free-flying Wake Shield Facility (WSF-3) and Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer-Shuttle Pallet Satellite (ORFEUS-SPAS II) refined techniques for satellite capture using the Remote Manipulator System, directly informing procedures for Hubble servicing missions. Key contributions from STS-80 advanced through WSF-3's growth of seven high-quality epitaxial thin films in an ultra-vacuum environment, yielding semiconductors with potential applications in and influencing subsequent technology development. ORFEUS-SPAS II's 422 ultraviolet observations of nearly 150 celestial objects, including stellar atmospheres and supernova remnants, enriched datasets later cross-referenced in analyses from the and , deepening understanding of cosmic phenomena. The mission also gathered human factors data on crew and during extended flight, contributing to 's knowledge base for mitigating isolation and microgravity effects in longer-duration explorations. Following landing, retrieved payloads such as WSF-3 and ORFEUS-SPAS II underwent detailed ground analysis to evaluate experiment outcomes and inform future iterations, while the crew participated in debriefings to document operational insights. Commander Kenneth D. Cockrell and others continued assignments, but mission specialist retired from the agency in 1997 after this, his sixth and final flight. published the official STS-80 Mission Report in early 1997, consolidating technical and scientific findings for program archives.

References

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  20. https://llis.nasa.gov/lesson/4417
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  22. https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/presrep1997.pdf
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