The primary payload, the Gamma Ray Observatory, was deployed on a two year mission to search for gamma ray emissions. Problems with the spacecraft's antenna, however, necessitated an unscheduled spacewalk. A scheduled spacewalk was performed to test means for astronauts to transport themselves and equipment when servicing the exterior of Space Station Freedom. !
Front row, left to right: Pilot Kenneth Cameron, DOB: 11/29/49, Background: Lt. Col., USMC. Education: M.S. in aeronautics and astronautics.
Commander Steven Nagel, DOB: 10/27/46, Background: Col., USAF. Served as mission specialist on 51-G. Pilot of 61-A. Education: B.S. in aeronautical and astronautical engineering; M.S. in mechanical engineering.
Mission Specialist Linda Godwin, DOB: 7/2/52, Background: Worked in Payloads Operations at NASA. Became an astronaut in 1985. Education: B.S. in mathematics; Ph.D. in physics.
Back row, left to right: Mission Specialist Jerome (Jay) Apt, DOB: 4/28/49, Background: Flight controller and payloads officer for NASA. Became an astronaut in 1985. Mission specialist on STS-47. Education: Ph.D. in physics.
Mission Specialist Jerry Ross, DOB: 1/20/48, Background: Lt. Col., USAF. Selected by NASA in 1980. Mission specialist on 61-B and STS-27 Education: M.S. in mechanical engineering.!
5 April 1991 9:22 a.m. EST
Launch proceeded as scheduled with no major delays.!
11 April 1991 9:55 a.m. EDT
at Edwards AFB, CA
Mission Elapsed time: 5 days, 23 hours, 33 minutes, 42 seconds. Landing originally scheduled for 10 April, but was delayed one day due to weather conditions at Edwards and KSC.!
