STS-2

STS-2 was a space shuttle mission by NASA using the Space Shuttle Columbia, launched November 12, 1981. This was the second space shuttle mission, and was also the second mission for the Space Shuttle Columbia. It was thus the first time ever that a reusable spacecraft left the earth for its second mission, and returned to space.

Table of contents

1 The mission of the STS-2 2 Crew 3 Related articles 4 External links

The mission of the STS-2

This mission's primary goal was to conduct a series of tests on the Shuttle's preformance in the first re-flight of the same manned spacecraft. It was also carrying the program's first payload.

The mission, which was planned to last 5 days, was cut short by nearly 3 days when 1 of the 3 primary fuel cells failed. The fuel cells were responsible for producing electricity and drinking water. Although the mission was cut short, 90% of the mission objectives were met, including the first tests in space of the 50-foot Canadian built Remote Manipulator System, also knows as the RMS.

Columbia circled the Earth 36 times.

Crew

• Space science
• Space shuttle
• Space Shuttle Columbia disaster

• [Astro Info STS-2 Data]
• [STS-2 Shuttle Mission]
• [STS-2 Mission Chronology]