STS-47

STS-47
NASA · Public domain · source
Mission name	STS-47
Spacecraft	Space Shuttle Endeavour
Launch pad	Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B
Launch date	September 12, 1992
Landing date	September 20, 1992
Landing site	Kennedy Space Center

STS-47 was the 50th NASA Space Shuttle mission, and the second mission of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The mission was crewed by Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, Mark C. Lee, Jan Davis, Andrew Allen, Eugene Trinh, and Mamoru Mohri. The mission was launched from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B and landed back at Kennedy Space Center after nearly eight days in space. The crew conducted a variety of experiments on board, including those related to materials science and biotechnology, in collaboration with JAXA and ESA.

Mission Overview

The STS-47 mission was a significant milestone in the Space Shuttle program, marking the 50th launch of a Space Shuttle and the second flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The mission was designed to conduct a range of scientific experiments, including those focused on materials science, biotechnology, and Earth science, in partnership with NASA, JAXA, and ESA. The crew also tested the Space Shuttle's systems and performed a series of spacewalks, known as EVAs, to prepare for future missions, such as STS-49 and STS-50. The mission was supported by Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Crew

The STS-47 crew consisted of six members, including Robert Gibson, the mission commander, and Curtis Brown, the pilot. The crew also included Mae Jemison, Mark C. Lee, Jan Davis, and Eugene Trinh, who served as mission specialists, and Mamoru Mohri, a payload specialist from JAXA. The crew was supported by a team of NASA engineers and scientists, including those from Ames Research Center, Langley Research Center, and Goddard Space Flight Center. The crew trained extensively at Johnson Space Center and Kennedy Space Center before the mission, and were also supported by European Astronaut Centre and Canadian Space Agency.

Mission Objectives

The primary objectives of the STS-47 mission were to conduct a range of scientific experiments and test the Space Shuttle's systems. The crew conducted experiments in materials science, biotechnology, and Earth science, using equipment such as the Spacelab module and the Remote Manipulator System. The crew also tested the Space Shuttle's systems, including the orbital maneuvering system and the reaction control system, in preparation for future missions, such as STS-51 and STS-52. The mission was also designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the Space Shuttle and to prepare for future missions to the International Space Station, in collaboration with Roscosmos and Chinese National Space Administration.

Mission Timeline

The STS-47 mission was launched on September 12, 1992, from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B and landed back at Kennedy Space Center on September 20, 1992. The mission lasted for nearly eight days, during which time the crew conducted a range of scientific experiments and tested the Space Shuttle's systems. The crew also performed a series of spacewalks, known as EVAs, to prepare for future missions, such as STS-54 and STS-55. The mission was supported by Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and was also monitored by European Space Operations Centre and Guiana Space Centre.

Spacecraft and Payload

The STS-47 mission used the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which was launched from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B and landed back at Kennedy Space Center. The Space Shuttle carried a range of scientific equipment, including the Spacelab module and the Remote Manipulator System. The crew also used a range of other equipment, including spacesuits and tethering systems, to conduct spacewalks and other experiments, in collaboration with Russian Federal Space Agency and Indian Space Research Organisation. The mission was supported by a range of NASA centers, including Johnson Space Center, Ames Research Center, and Langley Research Center, as well as ESA and JAXA. Category:Space Shuttle missions