![]() Investigators believed telescope collected enough data to meet its primary mission objective: detecting presence of intergalactic helium, telltale remnant of theoretical Big Bang explosion that began universe. HUT, considered complement to Hubble Space Telescope, completed more than 200 separate observations of more than 100 celestial objects. Besides being able to position orbiter most advantageously for observations, crew members also could manually acquire observation target if desired.Īstro-2 program aimed at exploring 23 different science programs, and all were achieved. Astro-2 demonstrated benefits of human interaction in on-orbit astronomy. Observational sequences planned on daily basis in two-orbit, or three-hour blocks, with one telescope assigned priority. Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT), sponsored by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, takes wide-field photographs of objects in ultraviolet light.Ĭrew began activating Astro-2 only hours after liftoff for around-the-clock observations. Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE), built at the University of Wisconsin, measures photometry and polarization of ultraviolet radiation from astronomical objects. Improvements made to HUT after Astro-1 made it three times more sensitive. ![]() Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT), developed at the Johns Hopkins University, performs spectroscopy in far ultraviolet region of spectrum to identify physical processes and chemical composition of a celestial object. Planned Astro-2 observations built on discoveries made by Astro-1, as well as seeking answers to other questions.Īstro-2 marked the second flight of three ultraviolet telescopes flown on Astro-1, mounted on Instrument Pointing System on Spacelab pallet in cargo bay. Primary payload, Astro Observatory, flown once before - on STS-35 in December 1990 - but second flight had almost twice the duration. Image Credit: NASAĮndeavour logged 6.9 million miles (11 million kilometers) in completing the longest shuttle flight to date, allowing sustained examination of the "hidden universe" of ultraviolet light. Lawrence and Payload Specialists Ronald A. Image above: STS-67 Crew photo with Commander Stephen S. Mission Duration: 16 days, 15 hours, 08 minutes, 48 seconds Landing Site: Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Endeavour shown here atop a modified Boeing 747 in anticipation of its upcoming ferry flight, slated for Wednesday.Launched: March 2, 1995. Its new resting place will be the California Science Center, where NASA officials say they hope it will serve as an inspiration for the next generation of space explorers. After 25 missions, Endeavour was retired, along with the other members of NASA’s shuttle fleet. Equipment is transferred from Endeavour’s payload bay to the ISS during the shuttle’s final mission. Space shuttle Endeavour lifts off from its launch pad on the Space Coast for its final mission. Space shuttle Endeavour makes its last rollout for its final launch in the spring of 2011. Endeavour glides in for a landing at Kennedy Space Center in 2010. Endeavour glides in for a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in November 2008 after being diverted from its original landing destination at Kennedy Space Center due to poor weather. Endeavour launches into orbit in March 2008 for a trip to the ISS. NASA/Bill Ingalls Another major milestone, Endeavour made the first Hubble telescope servicing mission. Endeavour also carried the first Japanese astronaut aboard a NASA shuttle, as well as the first married couple to make a flight on the same mission. During that time, Endeavour achieved a number of firsts, including the delivery of the first American-made component to the ISS, as well as the first flight of an African American female astronaut into space. During its nearly two decades in service, Endeavour traveled 122,883,151 miles. The shuttle was named after the ship of First Lieutenant James Cook, who first traversed through Cook Straight in 1770. Endeavour is seen passing over Cook Straight, New Zealand, in 2002 as it prepares to dock with the ISS. Endeavour’s first mission astronauts completed four space walks, including the first spacewalk in which three astronauts participated simultaneously. As Endeavour prepares to make the journey from Kennedy Space Center to its new home in California, we’re taking a look back at the shuttle, its rich history and major milestones.
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