STS-93
Columbia deploys Chandra to open a new era of high-resolution X-ray astronomy
STS-93 deployed the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its Inertial Upper Stage, beginning the observatory's journey to a highly elliptical orbit. Eileen Collins became the first woman to command a Space Shuttle mission, while Chandra's mirrors and instruments gave astronomers exceptionally sharp views of energetic cosmic phenomena.
Mission dossier
Flight profile, locations, hardware, and outcome in the same reference format used throughout the archive.
Flight profile
- Launch
- July 23, 1999
- Landing
- July 28, 1999
- Mission duration
- 4d 22h 49m
Places and recovery
Mission record
- Vehicle
- STS-93 flight stack
- Orbiter
- Space Shuttle Columbia
- Mission type
- Satellite or observatory deployment and operations
- Crew and station travelers
- 5
- Program
- Space Shuttle
- Crew complement
- 5
- Outcome
- Completed
- Archive classification
- Human spaceflight
- Primary objective
- Space Shuttle Columbia mission that deployed the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
Assignment Manifest
The flight crew and the backup team assigned to train for this mission.
Prime crew
5 assignments
Catherine G. Colemanprime crewMission SpecialistLaunched July 23, 1999Returned July 28, 19994d 22h 49mMission Specialist aboard STS-93 flight stack.Open astronaut archive
Eileen Marie Collinsprime crewCommanderLaunched July 23, 1999Returned July 28, 19994d 22h 49mCommander aboard STS-93 flight stack.Open astronaut archive
Jeffrey S. Ashbyprime crewPilotLaunched July 23, 1999Returned July 28, 19994d 22h 49mPilot aboard STS-93 flight stack.Open astronaut archive
Michel Ange-Charles Togniniprime crewMission SpecialistLaunched July 23, 1999Returned July 28, 19994d 22h 49mMission Specialist aboard STS-93 flight stack.Open astronaut archive
Steven A. Hawleyprime crewMission SpecialistLaunched July 23, 1999Returned July 28, 19994d 22h 49mMission Specialist aboard STS-93 flight stack.Open astronaut archiveMission Purpose
2 sources- Launch Columbia and its crew safely into .
- Space Shuttle Columbia mission that deployed the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
- Complete the mission's assigned payload, , research, deployment, servicing, or logistics work.
- Return Columbia and the landing crew safely to Earth.
Planned Flight Plan
2 sources- Ascent
Columbia launch
STS-93 was planned to launch from Kennedy Space Center aboard its mission-specific shuttle stack.
- On orbit
Primary mission operations
Space Shuttle Columbia mission that deployed the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
- Entry and landing
return
Columbia was scheduled to deorbit, reenter, and complete an unpowered runway landing.
- July 23, 1999
STS-93 launches
STS-93 flight stack departs Kennedy Space Center and enters the planned orbit.
Mission Timeline
2 sources- July 23, 1999
Launch
Columbia launched with Eileen Collins in command.
- About seven hours after launch
Chandra deployed
The observatory and IUS left the payload bay.
- Transfer sequence
High orbit reached
Two IUS burns and Chandra propulsion moved the observatory toward its operational orbit.
- July 27, 1999
Landing
Columbia returned after successfully releasing NASA's X-ray observatory.
Open operation record