STS-99

STS-99 was the 97th NASA Space Shuttle mission and the 14th flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour. The mission was a collaboration between NASA, German Aerospace Center (DLR), and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to create a high-resolution topographic map of the Earth's surface. The crew of six astronauts spent 11 days in space, conducting a range of scientific experiments and gathering data for the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The mission was launched from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 and landed back at Kennedy Space Center.

Mission Overview

The primary objective of the mission was to gather data for the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), a collaborative project between NASA, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The SRTM used radar interferometry to create high-resolution topographic maps of the Earth's surface, which would be used for a range of applications, including geology, hydrology, and ecology. The mission built on the success of previous Space Shuttle missions, including STS-95 and STS-88, which had demonstrated the capabilities of the Space Shuttle for conducting scientific research in space. The data collected during the mission would be used by researchers at NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), and other organizations, including the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Crew

The crew of STS-99 consisted of six astronauts, including Kevin R. Kregel (Commander), Dominic L. Gorie (Pilot), and Gerhard Thiele (Mission Specialist) from European Space Agency (ESA). The crew also included Janet L. Kavandi (Mission Specialist), Janice E. Voss (Mission Specialist), and Mamoru Mori (Mission Specialist) from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The crew was supported by a team of scientists and engineers from NASA, DLR, and JAXA, including researchers from University of California, Berkeley and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The crew's training included preparation for the Space Shuttle's Remote Manipulator System (RMS) and the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) procedures, which were developed in collaboration with Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos).

Mission Objectives

The primary mission objective was to gather data for the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) using the Space Shuttle Endeavour's radar interferometry system. The system consisted of two radar antennas, one in the Space Shuttle's payload bay and the other on the end of a 60-meter (200-foot) mast that was deployed in space. The data collected during the mission would be used to create high-resolution topographic maps of the Earth's surface, with a resolution of 30 meters (100 feet) or better. The mission also included a range of secondary objectives, including the deployment of the MightySat satellite, which was developed by the United States Air Force and University of Arizona. The mission's scientific objectives were aligned with the goals of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS).

Mission Timeline

The STS-99 mission was launched on February 11, 2000, from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39. The crew spent 11 days in space, conducting a range of scientific experiments and gathering data for the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The mission included a series of radar mapping sessions, which were conducted over a range of different terrain types, including mountains, valleys, and coastal areas. The crew also conducted a range of other scientific experiments, including the deployment of the MightySat satellite and the collection of data on the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. The mission ended with a landing at Kennedy Space Center on February 22, 2000, after which the crew was greeted by officials from NASA, DLR, and JAXA, including the Administrator of NASA and the Director General of ESA.

Spacecraft and Payload

The Space Shuttle Endeavour was the primary spacecraft for the STS-99 mission, and it was equipped with a range of scientific instruments and payloads, including the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) radar interferometry system. The system consisted of two radar antennas, one in the Space Shuttle's payload bay and the other on the end of a 60-meter (200-foot) mast that was deployed in space. The payload also included the MightySat satellite, which was deployed during the mission, and a range of other scientific experiments, including the Convection Experiment and the Space Technology 5 (ST5) experiment. The Space Shuttle Endeavour was launched from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 and landed back at Kennedy Space Center, with the support of teams from NASA, United Space Alliance (USA), and Boeing. The mission's success was recognized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Category:Space Shuttle missions