STS-40: Space Shuttle Columbia

Launch coverage of STS-40, featuring the countdown from T-minus 9 minutes to liftoff. The countdown included a brief hold at T-minus 7 minutes 30 seconds, with liftoff occurring at T-zero. Key ascent milestones included solid rocket booster separation confirmed at 2 minutes 30 seconds and main engine cutoff (MECO) at 8 minutes. This mission is notable as the first dedicated medical research flight aboard Columbia.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-40, focusing on the activation of the Space Lab module. Notably, Mission Specialist Ray Seddon and Payload Specialist Drew Gaffney conduct the first comprehensive assessment of human lung function during space flight, utilizing a rebreathing assembly for Experiment 198. The crew also addresses a thermal blanket issue in the payload bay and prepares for metabolic work, including blood draws from test subjects. The activation of the Space Lab module systems is completed successfully, setting the stage for science operations.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-40, focusing on the pulmonary function investigation, Experiment 198. Mission Specialist Ray Seddon conducts a session using a rebreathing assembly to analyze lung function in weightlessness, marking the first study of its kind in space. The crew also addresses issues with EKG data and recalibrates instruments, while Payload Specialist Drew Gaffney prepares for his own session on the same experiment.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-40, focusing on the particulate containment demonstration test within the general purpose workstation. Mission Specialist Ray Seddon and Payload Specialist Drew Gaffney conduct the first release of simulated particles and colored liquid to evaluate airflow patterns and containment efficiency. The crew also documents the procedures using a camcorder, while troubleshooting communication issues with ground control regarding audio bleed-through between channels.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-40, focusing on the crew's troubleshooting of a broken wire connected to the humidity separator. Commander Brian O'Connor and Pilot Sid Gutierrez work to set up a camcorder for ground control to assess the issue, while the crew continues with the installation of an experimental filter. Notably, the wire's condition is determined not to affect the operation of the humidity separator, allowing the filter installation to proceed as planned.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-40, focusing on the cardiovascular experiments being conducted by Mission Specialist Ray Seddon and Payload Specialist Drew Gaffney. Notably, Gaffney completes blood draws and prepares for the Baroreflex test, while Seddon conducts additional runs on the same test at the request of ground control. The crew also addresses a slight rise in temperature in the Space Lab freezer, ensuring sample integrity during their metabolic operations.

This recording captures on-orbit mission commentary during STS-40, focusing on the Baroreflex test conducted by Mission Specialist Ray Seddon and Payload Specialist Tammy Jernigan. Notably, Seddon assists Jernigan with positioning the collar for her test, ensuring a proper seal for accurate data collection. The crew also discusses the completion of blood draws and the ongoing monitoring of the Space Lab systems, with a significant mention of a dust cloud observed by Commander Brian O'Connor during their orbit over the Indian Ocean.

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Launch coverage of STS-40, T-minus 9 minutes to liftoff. The countdown included a brief hold at T-minus 7 minutes 30 seconds, with liftoff occurring at T-zero. Key ascent milestones included solid rocket booster separation confirmed at 2 minutes 30 seconds and main engine cutoff (MECO) at 8 minutes. This mission is notable as the first dedicated medical research flight aboard Columbia.

Landing coverage of Columbia at Edwards Air Force Base, with main gear touchdown at 10:39 AM and nose gear touchdown 15 seconds later. The crew successfully transitioned to post-landing procedures, utilizing a newly introduced crew transport vehicle for quicker medical examinations. This mission marks the first use of this transport vehicle, enhancing crew safety and efficiency after landing.

This recording captures the launch of Columbia, marking the first dedicated medical research flight, with liftoff occurring at T minus 10 seconds. Notable crew members include Mission Specialists Millie Hughes Fulford and Drew Gaffney, both flying in space for the first time. The mission features significant scientific operations in the Space Lab, including experiments on the effects of weightlessness on human physiology, and a birthday celebration for Drew Gaffney during the flight.

Launch coverage of STS-40, featuring the countdown from T-minus 3 hours to liftoff. The countdown included a hold at T-minus 7 minutes 30 seconds, with liftoff occurring at T-zero. Key ascent milestones included solid rocket booster separation confirmed at 2 minutes 30 seconds and main engine cutoff (MECO) at 8 minutes. This mission is notable as it marks the first dedicated medical research flight aboard Columbia, with crew members making their first trips into space.

This press conference discusses the early science results from Magellan's first mapping cycle of Venus, which achieved 84% surface coverage. Dr. Wesley Huntress highlights the mission's success and the innovative use of a Voyager spare antenna, while Dr. Tommy Thompson outlines the mapping process and future goals, including the second mapping cycle and aerobraking techniques. The conference emphasizes the significance of the data being made publicly available for educational purposes.

This recording is a status briefing for STS-40, occurring 24 hours before the scheduled launch. Key discussions include the resolution of a main propulsion system temperature sensor issue, with Dr. Bill Lenore confirming readiness to fly and detailing the analysis of both hydrogen and oxygen side sensors. Notably, the briefing addresses the removal of three hydrogen sensors due to cracks in newer designs, while older sensors have been deemed acceptable for flight. The team emphasizes the need for process improvements to prevent future issues.