STS-52, Space Shuttle Columbia Launch, 1992
STS-52 was a NASA Space Shuttle mission using orbiter Columbia, and was launched on October 22, 1992. Primary mission objectives were deployment of the Laser Geodynamic Satellite II (LAGEOS-II) and operation of the Microgravity Payload-1 (USMP-1). LAGEOS-II, a joint effort between NASA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), was deployed on day 2 and boosted into an initial elliptical orbit by ASI's Italian Research Interim Stage (IRIS). The spacecraft's apogee kick motor later circularized LAGEOS orbit at its operational altitude of 3,666 miles. Some of the ashes of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry were also carried aboard the orbiter for the duration of the mission.
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Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
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