STS039-17-017 (3 May 1990) --- This STS-39 35mm scene shows the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO) Shuttle Pallet Satellite (SPAS-II) as it approaches the remote manipulator system (RMS) end effector following a period of free-flight and data collection. During the eight-day flight, SPAS collected data in both a free-flying mode and while attached to the RMS. A huge blanket of white clouds obscures identifiable points on Earth, nearly 300 statute miles away. The target grappling apparatus on SPAS is clearly seen near bottom center of frame.
STS-39 SPAS-II/IBSS spacecraft is released by RMS above the Earth's surface
STS039-11-027 (28 April-6 May 1991) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats, STS-39 mission commander, is seen in a close-up 35mm frame on the aft flight deck of the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Discovery. Out the overhead window, the SPAS-II hovers on the end of the remote manipulator system (RMS, out of frame). Inside the window, just above Coats' head is the Crewman Optical Alignment Sight (COAS), an optical device that aids in navigation. Photo credit: NASA
STS-39 Commander Coats on OV-103's flight deck watches SPAS-II/IBSS deploy