The mission's primary payload, the third Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-4), was successfully deployed. Secondary payloads included orbiter environmental experiments, protein crystal growth studies and plant cell divisions. Experiments on chicken embryo development in space and the effects of weightlessness on the healing of bone were also conducted.!
Front row, left to right: Pilot John Blaha, DOB: 8/26/42, Background: Col., USAF. Pilot on STS-33. Commander on STS-43. Education: B.S. in engineering science; M.S. in astronautical engineering.
Commander Michael Coats, DOB:1/16/46, Background: Capt., USN. Pilot of 41-D and STS-39. Education: M.S. in administration of science; M.S. in aeronautical engineering.
Back row, left to right: Mission Specialist James Bagian, DOB: 2/22/52, Background: NASA flight surgeon. Mission specialist on STS-40. Education: B.S. in mechanical engineering; doctorate of medicine.
Mission Specialist Robert Springer, DOB: 5/21/42, Background: Col., USMC. Mission Control Center CAPCOM. Mission specialist on STS-22 and STS-38. Education: B.S. in naval science; M.S. in operations research and systems analysis.
Mission Specialist James Buchli, DOB: 6/20/45, Background: Col., USMC. Mission specialist on 51-C, 61-A and STS-48. Education: M.S. in aeronautical engineering systems.!
13 March 1989 9:57 a.m. EST
Launch was delayed 1 hour and 50 minutes due to fog and winds.!
