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STS-32 Mission: SYNCOM IV-F5; LDEF Retrieval
Space Shuttle: Columbia
Launch Pad: 39A 
Launch Weight: 255,994 pounds
Launched: January 9, 1990, 7:35:00 a.m. EST
Landing Site: Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Landing: January 20, 1990, 1:35:36 a.m. PST
Landing Weight: 228,335 pounds
Runway: 22 
Rollout Distance: 10,096 feet
Rollout Time: 62 seconds
Revolution: 172
Mission Duration: 10 days, 21 hours, 0 minutes, 36 seconds
Returned to KSC: January 26, 1990
Orbit Altitude: 178 nautical miles
Orbit Inclination: 28.5 degrees
Miles Traveled: 4.5 million 

Crew Members

                    

Image above: STS-32 Crew photo with Commander Daniel C. Brandenstein, Pilot 
James D. Wetherbee, Mission Specialists Bonnie J. Dunbar, G. David Low and 
Marsha S. Ivins. Image Credit: NASA 

Launch Highlights

 The launch scheduled for December 18, 1989 was postponed to complete and verify 
modifications to Pad A, being used for first time since January 1986. The launch 
scheduled for January 8, 1990 scrubbed due to weather conditions.


Mission Highlights

Objectives were deployment of SYNCOM IV-F5 defense communications satellite and 
retrieval of NASA's Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). SYNCOM IV-F5 (also 
known as LEASAT 5) deployed first, and third stage Minuteman solid perigee kick 
motor propelled the satellite to geosynchronous orbit. LDEF was retrieved on 
flight day four using the remote manipulator system. Middeck payloads: 
Characterization of Neurospora Circadian Rhythms (CNCR); Protein Crystal Growth 
(PCG); Fluid Experiment Apparatus (FEA); American Flight Echocardiograph (AFE); 
Latitude /Longitude Locator (L3); Mesoscale Lightning Experiment (MLE); IMAX 
camera; and Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) experiment.

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