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STS-9
View of Columbia's payload bay, showing Spacelab.
NamesSpace Transportation System-9
Spacelab 1
Mission typeMicrogravity research
OperatorNASA
COSPAR ID1983-116A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.14523Edit this on Wikidata
Mission duration10 days, 12 hours, 47 minutes, 24 seconds
Distance travelled6,913,504 km (4,295,852 mi)
Orbits completed167
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftSpace Shuttle Columbia
Launch mass112,918 kg (248,942 lb)
Landing mass99,800 kg (220,000 lb)
Payload mass15,068 kg (33,219 lb)
Crew
Crew size6
Members
Start of mission
Launch dateNovember 28, 1983, 16:00:00 (1983-11-28UTC16Z) UTC (11:00 am EST)
Launch siteKennedy, LC-39A
ContractorRockwell International
End of mission
Landing dateDecember 8, 1983, 23:47:24 (1983-12-08UTC23:47:25Z) UTC (3:47:24 pm PST)
Landing siteEdwards, Runway 17
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Perigee altitude240 km (150 mi)
Apogee altitude253 km (157 mi)
Inclination57.00°≠≈
Period89.50 minutes

STS-9 mission patch

From left: Garriott, Lichtenberg, Shaw, Young, Merbold and Parker
← STS-8
STS-41-B (10) →

STS-9 (also referred to Spacelab 1)[1] was the ninth NASA Space Shuttle mission and the sixth mission of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Launched on November 28, 1983, the ten-day mission carried the first Spacelab laboratory module into orbit.

STS-9 was also the last time the original STS numbering system was used until STS-26, which was designated in the aftermath of the 1986 Challenger disaster of STS-51-L. Under the new system, STS-9 would have been designated as STS-41-A. STS-9's originally planned successor, STS-10, was canceled due to payload issues; it was instead followed by STS-41-B. After this mission, Columbia was taken out of service for renovations and did not fly again until STS-61-C in early January 1986.

STS-9 sent the first non-U.S. citizen into space on the Shuttle, Ulf Merbold, becoming the first European Space Agency astronaut and first West German citizen to go into space.[2]

Crew

[edit]
Position Astronaut
Commander United States John Young Member of Red Team
Sixth and last spaceflight
Pilot United States Brewster H. Shaw Member of Blue Team
First spaceflight
Mission Specialist 1 United States Owen Garriott Member of Blue Team
Second and last spaceflight
Mission Specialist 2
Flight Engineer 		United States Robert A. Parker Member of Red Team
First spaceflight
Payload Specialist 1 Germany Ulf Merbold, ESA Member of Red Team
First spaceflight
Payload Specialist 2 United States Byron K. Lichtenberg Member of Blue Team
First spaceflight
Member of Blue Team Member of Blue Team
Member of Red Team Member of Red Team
Backup crew
Position Astronaut
Payload Specialist 1 Netherlands Wubbo Ockels, ESA
Payload Specialist 2 United States Michael Lampton

Support crew

[edit]

Crew seat assignments

[edit]
Seat[3] Launch Landing
Seats 1–4 are on the flight deck.
Seats 5–7 are on the mid-deck.
1 Young
2 Shaw
3 Unused
4 Parker
5 Garriott
6 Lichtenberg
7 Merbold

Mission background

[edit]

STS-9's six-member crew, the largest of any human space mission at the time, included John W. Young, commander, on his second shuttle flight; Brewster H. Shaw, pilot; Owen K. Garriott and Robert A. Parker, both mission specialists; and Byron K. Lichtenberg and Ulf Merbold, payload specialists – the first two non-NASA astronauts to fly on the Space Shuttle. Merbold, a citizen of West Germany, was the first foreign citizen to participate in a Space Shuttle flight. Lichtenberg was a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Prior to STS-9, the scientist-astronaut Garriott had spent 56 days in orbit in 1973 aboard Skylab. Commanding the mission was veteran astronaut John W. Young, making his sixth and final flight over an 18-year career that saw him fly twice each in Project Gemini, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle, which included two journeys to the Moon and making him the most experienced space traveler to date. Young, who also commanded Columbia on its maiden voyage STS-1, was the first person to fly the same space vehicle into orbit more than once. STS-9 marked the only time that two pre-Shuttle era astronaut veterans (Garriott and Young) would fly on the same Space Shuttle mission. STS-9 was also the first Space Shuttle mission to have more than one veteran astronaut.

The mission was devoted entirely to Spacelab 1, a joint NASA/European Space Agency (ESA) program designed to demonstrate the ability to conduct advanced scientific research in space. Both the mission specialists and payload specialists worked in the Spacelab module and coordinated their efforts with scientists at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Payload Operations Control Center (POCC), which was then located at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Texas. Funding for Spacelab 1 was provided by the ESA.

Shuttle processing

[edit]

After Columbia's return from STS-5 in November 1982, it received several modifications and changes in preparation for STS-9. Most of these changes were intended to support the Spacelab module and crew, such as the addition of a tunnel connecting the Spacelab to the orbiter's airlock, and additional provisions for the mission's six crew members, such as a galley and sleeping bunks. Columbia also received the more powerful Space Shuttle Main Engines introduced with Challenger, which were rated for 104% maximum thrust; its original main engines were later refurbished for use with Atlantis, which was still under construction at the time. Also added to the shuttle were higher capacity fuel cells and a Ku-band antenna for use with the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS).[4]

The mission's original launch date of October 29, 1983, was scrubbed due to concerns with the exhaust nozzle on the right solid rocket booster (SRB). For the first time in the history of the shuttle program, the shuttle stack was rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), where it was destacked and the orbiter returned to the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), while the suspect booster underwent repairs. The shuttle was restacked and returned to the launch pad on November 8, 1983.[4][5][6]

Launch attempts

[edit]
Attempt Planned Result Turnaround Reason Decision point Weather go (%) Notes
1 29 Oct 1983, 12:00:00 pm Scrubbed — Technical 19 Oct 1983, 12:00 am ​(T−43:00:00) SRB nozzle issues. Launch and decision point times are approximate, dates are accurate.
2 28 Nov 1983, 11:00:00 am Success 29 days 22 hours 60 minutes

Mission insignia

[edit]

The mission's main payload, Spacelab 1, is depicted in the payload bay of the Columbia. The nine stars and the path of the orbiter indicate the flight's numerical designation, STS-9.

Mission summary

[edit]
STS-9 launches from Kennedy Space Center, on November 28, 1983.

STS-9 launched successfully from Kennedy Space Center at 11:00:00 a.m. EST on November 28, 1983. The shuttle's crew was divided into two teams, each working 12-hour shifts for the duration of the mission. Young, Parker and Merbold formed the Red Team, while Shaw, Garriott and Lichtenberg made up the Blue Team. Usually, Young and Shaw were assigned to the flight deck, while the mission and payload specialists worked inside the Spacelab.

Over the course of the mission, 72 scientific experiments were carried out, spanning the fields of atmospheric and plasma physics, astronomy, solar physics, material sciences, technology, astrobiology and Earth observations. The Spacelab effort went so well that the mission was extended an additional day to 10 days, making it the longest-duration shuttle flight at that time. In addition, Garriott made the first ham radio transmissions by an amateur radio operator in space during the flight. This led to many further space flights incorporating amateur radio as an educational and back-up communications tool.

The Spacelab 1 mission was highly successful, proving the feasibility of the concept of carrying out complex experiments in space using non-NASA persons trained as payload specialists in collaboration with a POCC. Moreover, the TDRS-1 satellite, now fully operational, was able to relay significant amounts of data through its ground terminal to the POCC.

During orbiter orientation, four hours before re-entry, one of the flight control computers crashed when the Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters were fired. A few minutes later, a second crashed in a similar fashion, but was successfully rebooted. Young delayed the landing, letting the orbiter drift. He later testified: "Had we then activated the Backup Flight Software, loss of vehicle and crew would have resulted". Post-flight analysis revealed the GPCs (General Purpose Computers)[7] failed when the RCS thruster motion knocked a piece of solder loose and shorted out the CPU board. A GPC running BFS may or may not have the same soldering defect as the rest of the GPCs. Switching the vehicle to the BFS from normal flight control can happen relatively instantaneously, and that particular GPC running the BFS could also be affected by the same failure due to the soldering defect. If such a failure occurred, switching the vehicle back to normal flight control software on multiple GPCs from a single GPC running BFS takes a lot longer, in essence leaving the vehicle without any control at all during the change.

Columbia landed on Runway 17 at Edwards Air Force Base on December 8, 1983, at 03:47:24 p.m. PST, having completed 167 orbits and travelled 4.3 million miles (6.9 million kilometres) over the course of its mission. Right before landing, two of the orbiter's three auxiliary power units (APUs) caught fire due to a hydrazine leak, but the orbiter nonetheless landed successfully. Columbia was ferried back to KSC on December 15, 1983. The leak was later discovered after it had burned itself out and caused major damage to the compartment. By this time, Discovery had been delivered just three weeks before the launch of STS-9. This allowed NASA to take Columbia out of service for an extensive renovation and upgrade program to bring it up to date with Challenger as well as Discovery and later on Atlantis, which would be delivered in 1985. As a result, Columbia would not fly at all during 1984–1985.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

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

STS-9

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
STS-9, also referred to as Spacelab 1, was the ninth mission in NASA's Space Shuttle program and the sixth flight of the orbiter Columbia. Launched on November 28, 1983, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A, the mission marked the first use of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Spacelab pressurized module in orbit, serving as a dedicated platform for scientific research. Over its duration of 10 days, 6 hours, 47 minutes, and 166 orbits, the six-person crew conducted 72 experiments across disciplines including atmospheric physics, astronomy, materials sciences, astrobiology, and Earth observations, operating in 24-hour shifts with two alternating teams to maximize productivity. The crew consisted of Commander John W. Young, on his sixth spaceflight; Pilot Brewster H. Shaw, on his first; Mission Specialists Owen K. Garriott and Robert A. R. Parker; and Payload Specialists Byron K. Lichtenberg from the and Ulf Merbold from , representing the ESA as the first non-American on a U.S. space mission. This international collaboration highlighted the Spacelab's role in fostering multinational space research, with the module providing a laboratory environment in Columbia's payload bay for hands-on experimentation. Notable achievements included the mission's status as the longest flight to date at the time of completion, as well as the first six-person crew, demonstrating the shuttle's capacity for extended human-tended operations. Despite challenges such as computer malfunctions and a leak in the Units (), the crew successfully gathered valuable data that advanced understanding in multiple scientific fields and paved the way for future missions. The mission concluded with a on December 8, 1983, at in , after which the module was refurbished for reuse on subsequent flights.

Crew

Primary Crew

The STS-9 mission marked the first time a Space Shuttle crew consisted of six members, comprising a commander, pilot, two mission specialists, and two payload specialists. John W. Young served as commander for STS-9, his sixth spaceflight. Born on September 24, 1930, in , , Young earned a B.S. in aeronautical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1952. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1952, serving as a during the and later setting world time-to-climb records in 1962 before retiring as a captain in 1976. Selected as a in September 1962, Young had previously flown on (1965), (1966), (1969), (1972), and (1981), accumulating extensive experience in spacecraft command and lunar operations. His veteran status contributed to mission planning by providing leadership in integrating the complex module with Shuttle operations. Brewster H. Shaw Jr. acted as pilot on his first . Born on May 16, 1945, in Cass City, , Shaw obtained a B.S. and M.S. in engineering mechanics from the University of in 1968 and 1969, respectively. Commissioned in the U.S. Air Force, he flew combat missions in as a , logging over 5,000 hours in more than 30 aircraft types, including as a with 644 hours in F-100 and F-4 jets. Selected as a in 1978, his test pilot expertise informed STS-9 planning for Shuttle handling during the extended 10-day mission profile. Owen K. Garriott was mission specialist 1 on his second spaceflight. Born on November 22, 1930, in , Garriott held a B.S. in from the (1953) and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in from (1957 and 1960). After serving as a U.S. Navy electronics officer from 1953 to 1956 and as an assistant professor at Stanford, he was selected as a scientist-astronaut in 1965 and completed Air Force pilot training in 1966. His prior flight on in 1973—a 60-day mission focused on solar observations, Earth resources, and human adaptation—provided critical expertise for STS-9 planning, particularly in operations and shift-based experiment management. Robert A. R. Parker served as mission specialist 2 on his first spaceflight. Born on December 14, 1936, in , Parker earned a B.A. in astronomy and physics from in 1958 and a Ph.D. in astronomy from the in 1962. Prior to , he was an associate professor of astronomy at the University of Wisconsin. Selected as a scientist-astronaut in August 1967, he supported and 17 as a member of their backup crews and logged over 3,500 hours in . His background aided STS-9 planning by contributing to the selection and integration of astronomical experiments within the payload. Byron K. Lichtenberg was 1 on his first , representing biomedical expertise. Born on February 19, 1948, in , Lichtenberg held a Sc.B. in from (1969), an S.M. in from MIT (1975), and a Sc.D. in from MIT (1979). A U.S. with 23 years of service, he flew 138 combat missions in in the F-4 . From to , he conducted at MIT on vestibular and mental workload experiments for , serving as co-principal investigator for related payloads. His bioengineering knowledge directly shaped STS-9 planning for life sciences investigations, ensuring effective experiment execution in microgravity. Ulf Merbold served as 2 on his first spaceflight, the first non-U.S. citizen to fly on a . Born on June 20, 1941, in , , Merbold earned a in physics from the in 1968 and a in natural sciences in 1976, specializing in low-temperature physics and lattice defects in metals. After university, he joined the Max Planck Institute for Metals Research and later worked at ESA's ESTEC and the (DLR), heading the DLR Astronaut Office. Pre-selected by ESA in 1977 and nominated in 1978 for Spacelab 1, his physics expertise supported STS-9 planning by advising on multidisciplinary European experiments, marking a milestone in international collaboration.

Support Crew and Assignments

The support crew for STS-9 primarily consisted of backup payload specialists tasked with preparing for potential replacement of the primary payload specialists and assisting in ground-based mission operations. , selected by the (ESA), served as the backup for , while Michael L. Lampton, a space physicist from the , backed up Byron K. Lichtenberg. These support crew members participated in rigorous training alongside the primary crew, including mission-independent instruction in , medical procedures, and emergency response at NASA's , as well as mission-specific training on experiment operations at facilities across the , , , and . Integrated simulations occurred at the Marshall Space Flight Center's Payload Crew Training Complex starting in early 1982, emphasizing coordination between flight and ground teams to ensure seamless experiment execution in . Primary crew seating assignments for launch and landing were strategically allocated to prioritize vehicle control and safety. Commander John W. Young occupied seat 1 (left forward ), Pilot seat 2 (right forward ), Mission Specialist Robert A. R. Parker seat 4 (right aft ), Mission Specialist Owen K. Garriott seat 5 (middeck left), Byron K. Lichtenberg seat 6 (middeck center), and Ulf seat 7 (middeck right), with seat 3 (left aft ) unused. This configuration allowed the commander and pilot optimal access to primary flight controls, positioned the mission specialist for flight engineering support and payload interface from the aft deck and middeck, and facilitated rapid egress by placing payload specialists on the middeck.

Mission Background

Objectives and Significance

STS-9 marked a pivotal evolution in the Space Shuttle program, transitioning from the initial test flights of STS-1 through STS-5, which focused on verifying orbiter capabilities, to operational missions emphasizing scientific research with the integration of reusable laboratory modules. This sixth flight of Columbia represented the program's shift toward sustained microgravity experimentation, building on the foundational orbital operations established in prior missions to enable more complex, long-duration science payloads. The primary objectives of STS-9 centered on verifying the functionality of as a pressurized orbital laboratory integrated into the shuttle's payload bay, ensuring its systems supported crew operations and experiment execution in microgravity. The mission aimed to conduct multidisciplinary research across various scientific disciplines through 72 experiments, demonstrating the platform's versatility for future shuttle-based studies. Additionally, it sought to validate 24-hour operations using a two-shift crew structure—divided into and teams—to maximize productivity and simulate extended mission timelines. As the inaugural dedicated science mission of the shuttle era, STS-9 held profound significance by inaugurating operations and fostering international collaboration through the involvement of the (ESA), including the first non-U.S. on a shuttle flight. Originally planned for about 10 days but confirming the shuttle's endurance for such durations, the mission became the longest shuttle flight to date, lasting 10 days, 7 hours, 47 minutes, and 24 seconds over 167 orbits at a 57-degree inclination. In total, the crew traveled approximately 4.3 million miles, underscoring the shuttle's potential for global and extended research campaigns.

Spacelab 1 Development

The development of Spacelab 1 began in as an ESA-led initiative under a with , aimed at creating a reusable orbital to support multidisciplinary scientific experiments aboard the . The project involved contributions from 10 ESA member states, with primary leadership from , , and , and culminated in the construction of the first flight unit by ERNO in , , as part of the /ERNO consortium (later MBB/ERNO). This pressurized cylindrical module measured 4.2 meters in , 7 meters in , and provided 75 cubic meters of habitable , transforming the Shuttle's into a shirtsleeve research environment. The total cost for the first module was approximately $500 million, funded primarily by ESA, with the unit delivered free of charge to for the inaugural joint mission. Key features of Spacelab 1 included a tunnel adapter for seamless connection to the orbiter's crew compartment, enabling astronaut access without suits, and core systems managing power distribution, environmental cooling, and data handling for onboard operations. The module incorporated standardized instrument racks to accommodate experiments in fields such as materials science, life sciences, and atmospheric physics, with capabilities like a scientific airlock for external payload deployment and an Instrument Pointing System for precise observations. Designed as the first full verification flight of the Spacelab hardware, it featured a long pressurized module combined with an external pallet for unpressurized instruments, allowing flexible configuration for over 70 experiments. Integration posed significant challenges, particularly ensuring compatibility with Space Shuttle Columbia's payload bay dimensions and interfaces, which required iterative design adjustments and resolved initial failures traced to Shuttle-side incompatibilities. NASA initially resisted incorporating European hardware on the orbiter's flight deck, leading to negotiations that addressed hatch alignment and safety protocols through joint reviews. Ground testing occurred at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where the module underwent environmental simulations and systems verification, culminating in its formal dedication on February 5, 1982, after extensive coordination between ESA and NASA teams.

Preparation

Vehicle Processing

The , designated OV-102, underwent extensive modifications in the (OPF) at NASA's to accommodate the 1 module and support a six-person crew during STS-9. Key adaptations included the installation of a 5.8-meter Spacelab Transfer Tunnel in late August 1983, which provided crew access between the orbiter's middeck and the pressurized laboratory in the payload bay. Additionally, the middeck was upgraded with enhanced food preparation and storage facilities to meet the mission's extended duration and crew size requirements. These changes were essential for integrating the European Space Agency's , a reusable laboratory designed for multidisciplinary scientific research. To address wear from Columbia's five prior flights, all three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) were replaced with new units rated at 104% thrust capability: serial numbers 2011, 2018, and 2019, installed on July 19, 1983. This replacement ensured optimal performance for the demanding ascent profile required by the heavier Spacelab payload. Following issues identified after STS-8 on the Space Shuttle Challenger, the right Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) underwent reinforcement of its nozzle joints; a suspect nozzle joint crack was discovered during routine inspections, prompting the disassembly and replacement of the right SRB aft assembly on October 21, 1983. These modifications enhanced structural integrity and addressed potential vulnerabilities in the booster system. Processing began with Columbia's arrival at the OPF on November 23, 1982, following its return from , and culminated in a rollover to the (VAB) on September 23, 1983, with rollout to 39A occurring on September 28, 1983. Payload integration, including the module and experiments, took place primarily in October 1983, followed by loading for the and thrusters. The overall intensive processing phase spanned approximately three months, from midsummer preparations through final stacking. Extensive testing verified the vehicle's readiness, including vibration analyses to assess , comprehensive leak checks on systems conducted between April and June 1983, and activation simulations such as the Closed Loop Test in July 1983 and end-to-end integrated simulations on September 7-8, 1983. These procedures simulated mission timelines, operations, and emergency scenarios to ensure seamless functionality of the orbiter, boosters, and laboratory module. The SRB nozzle issue necessitated a temporary to the VAB in early October for repairs, but processing concluded successfully without further delays beyond the scheduled adjustments.

Launch Attempts

The STS-9 mission faced pre-launch delays stemming from technical concerns with the right (SRB). Originally targeted for October 29, 1983, the first launch attempt was scrubbed due to excessive detected in the SRB's exhaust , a vulnerability linked to manufacturing processes in the used during curing. This issue prompted a of the fully stacked vehicle from Launch Pad 39A to the on October 17, 1983—the first such in Space Shuttle program history—for disassembly and replacement of the affected SRB aft nozzle assembly. Additional vehicle processing addressed related components, including fuel cells and the waste collection system borrowed from orbiter Discovery. The stack was remated with the external tank and new SRBs by November 3, 1983, and rolled out to Pad 39A on November 8. High winds during earlier preparation phases had complicated operations, but weather conditions improved to acceptable levels by launch day. On November 28, 1983, the countdown proceeded nominally through built-in holds, culminating in liftoff at 11:00 a.m. EST from Pad 39A, initiating a smooth ascent that culminated in external tank separation at T+8:35.

Mission Insignia

Design Elements

The STS-9 mission patch features a circular design centered on a silhouette of the Space Shuttle Columbia in orbit, with the Spacelab 1 module prominently depicted in its payload bay. Below the orbiter, a partial globe of Earth highlights the Americas, emphasizing the mission's orbital perspective over the Western Hemisphere. Nine gold stars surround the central elements, representing the mission's designation as the ninth Space Shuttle flight, while a stylized curved path traces the shuttle's orbital trajectory. The overall color scheme incorporates blue for the background, white for the Earth and orbital elements, red accents for highlights, and gold for the stars and lettering. The orbit path is rendered in a dynamic, looping style that integrates seamlessly with the shuttle silhouette, conveying motion and the mission's path around . These graphical components were crafted to encapsulate the flight's core hardware and trajectory without overwhelming the compact emblem format. The patch was developed through collaborative input from the STS-9 , including Commander John Young and the other five members, and received final approval from to ensure alignment with program standards. An embroidered version of the design was produced for wear on the astronauts' flight suits and uniforms during and the mission itself, serving as a unifying identifier for the team.

Symbolism

The STS-9 mission patch embodies the themes of reusable space-based scientific research and international partnership, with the central image of the featuring open payload bay doors exposing the 1 module. This depiction symbolizes the shuttle's transformation into a versatile, reusable platform for extended scientific operations, marking the inaugural flight of —a pressurized module developed jointly by and the (ESA) to enable multidisciplinary experiments in microgravity. The stylized view of beneath the orbiter highlights the mission's emphasis on global-scale observations, encompassing atmospheric, oceanic, and land-surface studies conducted from . Surrounding the design, nine stars represent the mission's numerical designation as the ninth flight. The curving orbital path encircling signifies the mission's 166 revolutions, underscoring the prolonged orbital stay required for comprehensive data collection across its 72 experiments. As the first mission patch to explicitly feature , it highlights European collaboration.

Mission Execution

Launch and Ascent

lifted off from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A on November 28, 1983, at 11:00 a.m. EST (16:00 UTC), initiating the STS-9 mission after prior launch attempts had been scrubbed due to technical concerns with the exhaust nozzle. The ascent began with ignition of the two s at T+0, accompanied by the startup of the three main engines roughly 6.6 seconds earlier to provide initial thrust. As the vehicle climbed, it encountered maximum (max-Q) at T+1:10, a critical point where aerodynamic stresses peaked before the s separated at T+2:05, allowing the main engines to continue propelling the stack. The external tank was jettisoned at T+8:35 following main engine cutoff, transitioning the orbiter to (OMS) propulsion. The ascent trajectory targeted a 57° inclination , the highest for a U.S. crewed mission at the time, to optimize observations over Europe and other regions. Post-main engine cutoff, the initial was elliptical with a perigee of approximately 83 km and apogee of 250 km; the OMS-1 burn at around T+10:21 provided a delta-V of 53.7 m/s to raise perigee, followed by the OMS-2 burn at T+49:29 for a delta-V of about 28 m/s to circularize the at roughly 250 km (155 nautical miles) altitude. This insertion enabled access to approximately 80% of Earth's landmasses for scientific imaging. During ascent, Commander John Young and Pilot Brewster Shaw focused on monitoring propulsion systems, flight controls, and vehicle performance from the forward flight deck, while Mission Specialists and Robert Parker, along with Payload Specialists Byron Lichtenberg and , assisted with systems checks from the middeck. Immediately after OMS-1, the crew commanded the payload bay doors to open and radiators to deploy, verifying thermal protection and preparing for on-orbit operations; no significant anomalies were reported in the ascent phase.

Orbital Operations

Following orbit insertion on November 28, 1983, the STS-9 crew initiated the activation of systems during the first two flight days. On Flight Day 1, the payload bay doors were opened, radiators deployed, and initial checkout procedures commenced approximately five hours after launch, ensuring the laboratory module was fully powered and operational for subsequent activities. Flight Day 2 focused on completing the activation of remaining systems, including verification flight tests and additional payload integrations, while the crew conducted preliminary housekeeping tasks to maintain orbital stability. To support continuous 24-hour operations, the six-person crew was divided into two alternating teams: the Blue Team, led by Owen Garriott and consisting of Pilot Brewster Shaw and Payload Specialist Byron Lichtenberg, and the Red Team, led by Robert Parker and including Commander John Young and Payload Specialist . Each team operated on 12-hour shifts, with designated sleep periods to manage fatigue during the extended orbital phase, while maintaining real-time communication with Mission Control in and the Payload Operations Control Center for coordination and adjustments. From Flight Days 3 through 8, the mission transitioned to sustained orbital operations, encompassing routine activities such as observations to document atmospheric and surface phenomena, periodic burns to adjust the as needed, and systems to monitor and maintain the orbiter and environments. During this period, the crew also performed one simulation of procedures to evaluate future mission protocols. The mission, originally planned for nine days, was extended by one day to allow additional data collection, ultimately completing 166 orbits over a total duration of 10 days, 7 hours, and 47 minutes before deorbit preparations began.

Re-entry and Landing

The de-orbit sequence for STS-9 began on December 8, 1983, during the 167th orbit, when the Orbiter's (OMS) engines performed the deorbit burn to initiate descent from orbit. Prior to the burn, the payload bay doors were closed as part of standard re-entry preparations to protect the vehicle and ensure thermal control during atmospheric interface. The vehicle reached the re-entry interface at an altitude of 400,000 feet (122 km), marking the start of controlled atmospheric flight. During descent, Columbia encountered peak heating conditions at approximately Mach 25, with aerodynamic deceleration producing g-forces up to 3 g, within the vehicle's design limits for crew safety and structural integrity. The landing was delayed by approximately eight hours to analyze anomalies, including failures in two general purpose computers and one . John Young piloted the orbiter to touchdown on Runway 17 at , , at 3:47 p.m. PST. Following main gear , the rollout distance measured 8,456 feet, with wheel stop achieved after 53 seconds. Shortly before landing, a leak in the units caused two of the three units to ignite, but the fires self-extinguished without impacting the . Post-landing activities included egress from the orbiter and initial vehicle safing procedures to secure systems and prepare for transport back to .

Spacelab Science

Experiment Categories

The STS-9 mission, also known as Spacelab 1, featured 72 scientific experiments categorized into several disciplines to investigate phenomena in microgravity and space environments. These experiments were jointly developed by and the (ESA), with a focus on multidisciplinary research. The payload, with experiments and associated equipment totaling 3,982 kg, was housed in the pressurized module and included core instruments such as ESA's Induced Environment Contamination Monitor (IECM) for monitoring spacecraft-induced contamination. The experiments were distributed across seven experiment racks within the module, allowing for simultaneous operations in a controlled setting. Operations were managed by a six-member crew divided into two 12-hour shift teams—Red and Blue—to ensure continuous oversight and execution. Data from the experiments was recorded using onboard computers and transmitted to ground stations for real-time monitoring. Atmospheric and Plasma Physics: This category included investigations into wave-particle interactions and ionospheric plasma characteristics, using instruments like the Grille spectrometer and Space Experiments with Particle Accelerators (SEPAC) to study atmospheric emissions and plasma dynamics. Astronomy: Experiments focused on ultraviolet (UV) stellar spectra and cosmic X-ray sources, employing tools such as the Far Ultraviolet Astronomy and Solar Telescope () for sky surveys and wide-field cameras for celestial observations. Solar Physics: These studies examined solar X-ray imaging and spectral variations, with instruments like the Solar Spectrum (SOLSPEC) and monitors to measure and energy output from the Sun. Materials Science: Research targeted fluid behavior and material processing in microgravity, exploring phenomena such as and without gravitational interference. Technology: This discipline encompassed and tribological tests, evaluating device performance and sensor technologies in zero-gravity conditions. Astrobiology (Life Sciences): Experiments addressed vestibular effects on crew members and biological responses, including studies on human physiology and organism adaptation to space environments. Earth Observations: Investigations utilized radar imaging like the Shuttle Imaging Radar-A (SIR-A) for surface mapping, alongside high-resolution cameras to monitor terrestrial features and atmospheric layers.

Key Results

The plasma physics experiments on Spacelab 1, including those from the Space Experiments with Particle Accelerators (SEPAC) payload, revealed novel wave phenomena such as whistler waves and beam-plasma interactions generated during electron beam emissions in the ionosphere. These findings provided new insights into wave-particle interactions in space plasmas, enhancing understanding of auroral processes and spacecraft charging effects. In , experiments demonstrated unexpectedly large crystal sizes and higher-than-anticipated growth rates under microgravity conditions compared to ground-based controls, particularly for proteins like and inorganic compounds. These results highlighted diffusion-dominated growth mechanisms free from gravitational convection, influencing subsequent microgravity processing techniques for semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. Life sciences investigations, including vestibular and postural studies on the crew, yielded data on human adaptation to microgravity, such as altered dynamic postural responses and sensory-motor coordination changes, which were published in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, biological experiments exposed microorganisms like spores to space conditions, revealing enhanced survival and genetic responses that informed models for extraterrestrial environments. Earth observations via the Microwave Remote Sensing Experiment (MRSE) produced all-weather radar imagery that advanced remote sensing capabilities, enabling detailed mapping of surface features and vegetation despite cloud cover, and contributing to improved calibration methods for future satellite systems. Preliminary findings from the 72 experiments across disciplines were summarized in a special issue of Science on July 13, 1984, covering key outcomes in plasma physics, materials, and solar observations. These initial reports spurred over 100 subsequent peer-reviewed papers on microgravity effects, documented in NASA's Spacelab Science Results Study, which cataloged contributions to fields like fluid dynamics and solar physics. The mission generated extensive datasets, including spectral images and plasma measurements, archived jointly by and ESA for long-term analysis; these resources supported refinements in propagation models through data on coronal structures and particle emissions.

Anomalies

Technical Failures

During the STS-9 mission, two of the orbiter's General Purpose Computers (GPCs), specifically GPC-1 and GPC-2, experienced unexpected reboots shortly before the planned re-entry on flight day 10, December 8, 1983. This anomaly occurred during entry reconfiguration at 342:11:10:21 GMT for GPC-1 and 342:11:16:45 GMT for GPC-2, prompting the crew to proceed using GPC-3 and Operational Sequence (OPS) 3 software. Post-flight analysis attributed the failures to age-related growth on the AP101 GPC circuit boards, a hardware degradation issue not detected in prior ground testing. Additionally, (IMU) 1 failed on flight day 10 prior to re-entry, leading to its shutdown at 342:17:03:46 GMT. The failure stemmed from a malfunction in the DC/DC converter number 1 card, which powered off the unit and necessitated reliance on the remaining for . This issue, combined with the GPC anomalies, contributed to an approximately eight-hour delay in to allow ground teams to assess the vehicle's guidance systems. A separate critical failure involved a hydrazine leak in the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) system, causing APUs 1 and 2 to ignite briefly during the descent phase, approximately two minutes before touchdown on December 8, 1983. The leaks resulted from stress corrosion cracking in the gas generator injector stems, exacerbated by prolonged exposure to hydrazine decomposition products and environmental factors like humidity during inter-mission downtime at Kennedy Space Center—conditions not fully replicated in pre-flight qualification testing. These cracks allowed hydrazine fuel to escape, leading to the in-flight fires that self-extinguished without immediate crew awareness.

Resolutions and Impacts

During the deorbit preparations for STS-9, two of the orbiter's five General Purpose Computers (GPCs)—specifically GPC-1 and GPC-2—experienced failures approximately five hours before the scheduled landing, followed by the failure of 1 several hours later. The crew successfully rebooted one of the affected GPCs using backup procedures, restoring partial functionality, while relying on the remaining operational GPC (GPC-3) and four intact to maintain and control capabilities. Ground teams at Mission Control analyzed data in real-time, confirming that the redundant systems could support a safe reentry without requiring contingency reentry procedures or abort scenarios. This troubleshooting process led to an eight-hour postponement of the landing to allow for thorough verification, ultimately enabling the mission to proceed without further disruptions. As Columbia descended toward , two of the three Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) ignited due to a fuel leak in their compartments, but the fires self-extinguished shortly after initiation, preventing any loss of hydraulic or electrical control during the and . The remained unaware of the APU incidents until post-landing inspections revealed significant thermal damage to the affected units, though the orbiter's primary systems functioned nominally throughout the rollout, which required 8,456 feet due to minor brake wear. No contingency actions, such as emergency shutdowns or diversions, were necessary, as the shuttle's design redundancies ensured stable . The anomalies imposed short-term operational strains, including heightened workload and stress on the crew during the extended troubleshooting period, but resulted in no loss of Spacelab experiment data, with all 73 investigations completing successfully. These events underscored the effectiveness of the Space Shuttle's built-in redundancies, as the successful failover to backup computers and sensors validated the system's fault-tolerant architecture without compromising mission objectives. Post-mission ground inspections focused on the APU compartments and avionics, confirming no broader structural risks and allowing Columbia to return to service after targeted repairs.

Legacy

Scientific Contributions

The STS-9 mission, through its 72 experiments aboard the 1 module, advanced microgravity research by providing early datasets on and biological processes, which enhanced models of how liquids behave without gravitational forces and how cells respond to . These investigations, including fluid physics experiments on and , revealed behaviors not observable on , contributing to foundational knowledge in materials processing and plant growth under microgravity conditions. Similarly, life sciences studies examined cellular organization and radiation effects on biological materials, yielding insights into physiological adaptations that informed subsequent health protocols. The Shuttle Imaging Radar-B (SIR-B) experiment on STS-9 demonstrated variable incidence-angle L-band radar imaging, producing data that improved understanding of radar backscatter from diverse terrains like deserts and forests, which directly influenced the design of later Earth remote sensing satellites such as ERS-1 and JERS-1 by validating techniques for vegetation and geological mapping. In , instruments like the Spectrometer measured solar flares and coronal emissions with unprecedented resolution from space, contributing to models of solar activity that enhanced early forecasting by linking solar events to potential geomagnetic disturbances. These foundational datasets from STS-9 facilitated 1980s collaborations between ESA and NASA, such as joint analyses of plasma physics and astronomy results, and supported the reuse of the Spacelab module in 21 additional missions, enabling iterative refinements in orbital laboratory operations. The mission's emphasis on modular, reusable science hardware influenced the design of International Space Station (ISS) laboratory modules, particularly in experiment integration and microgravity utilization strategies, paving the way for long-duration research environments. Overall, STS-9's outputs have been cited in hundreds of studies across astrobiology, Earth observation, and heliophysics, establishing benchmarks for multidisciplinary space science.

International and Program Impacts

STS-9, as the inaugural flight of the module, represented a landmark in international , with and ESA sharing resources equally for the mission's scientific payload. The mission involved contributions from 14 nations, including experiments sponsored by , , , , , , , the , , , , , the , and the , demonstrating a multinational approach to . , a German selected by ESA, became the first non-American to fly on a -crewed mission, symbolizing 's entry into and fostering cross-cultural training programs across the U.S., , , and that began in 1978. This collaboration not only built technical expertise but also personal bonds among international crews, as noted in post-mission reflections where astronauts highlighted the value of shared operations in 24-hour shifts. The mission's success validated Spacelab's design and integration with the Space Shuttle, proving the feasibility of a reusable orbital laboratory and paving the way for 21 subsequent Spacelab flights through 1998. By conducting over 70 experiments in disciplines such as atmospheric physics, astronomy, and life sciences, STS-9 established protocols for real-time data sharing via the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, covering 85% of orbits and distributing results to ESA's Data Processing Center in Germany within 30 days. This enhanced NASA's Shuttle program by introducing payload specialists—non-career astronauts focused on science—who operated experiments efficiently, a model that influenced crew configurations in later missions. On a broader scale, STS-9's international framework influenced the development of the (ISS), providing foundational experience in multinational research management and hardware interoperability. ESA's contributions, including standardized science racks and external pallets, directly informed the design of the Columbus laboratory module on the ISS, approved in 1987 and operational since 2008, which supports 10 Payload Racks (ISPR) for experiments in microgravity. The mission's emphasis on shared scientific outcomes, as articulated by then-Vice President —"The knowledge will bring back… will belong to all mankind"—underscored its role in building enduring partnerships that extended to programs like the International Microgravity Laboratory missions and beyond. Overall, STS-9 initiated the program, which enabled over 750 experiments and more than 1,000 peer-reviewed publications across its missions, accelerating global space cooperation.

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