This STS-48 onboard photo is of the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) in the grasp of the RMS (Remote Manipulator System) during deployment, September 1991. UARS gathers data related to the chemistry, dynamics, and energy of the ozone layer. UARS data is used to study energy input, stratospheric photo chemistry, and upper atmospheric circulation. UARS helps us understand and predict how the nitrogen and chlorine cycles, and the nitrous oxides and halo carbons which maintain them, relate to the ozone balance. It also observes diurnal variations in short-lived stratospheric chemical species important to ozone destruction. Data from UARS enables scientists to study ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere.

Space Shuttle Projects

This STS-48 onboard photo is of the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) in the grasp of the RMS (Remote Manipulator System) during deployment, September 1991. UARS gathers data related to the chemistry, dynamics, and energy of the ozone layer. UARS data is used to study energy input, stratospheric photo chemistry, and upper atmospheric circulation. UARS helps us understand and predict how the nitrogen and chlorine cycles, and the nitrous oxides and halo carbons which maintain them, relate to the ozone balance. It also observes diurnal variations in short-lived stratospheric chemical species important to ozone destruction. Data from UARS enables scientists to study ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere.

STS-48 Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) grappled by OV-103's RMS

STS048-05-024 (15 Sept 1991) --- The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), in the grasp of the Remote Manipulator System (RMS), was captured on film by a camera aimed through one of the Space Shuttle Discovery's overhead windows. At the time of the photo, deployment of UARS' solar array panel was in progress. A few hours later, the huge satellite was free and on its way to a higher orbit. Data from UARS will enable scientists to study ozone depletion in the stratosphere, or upper atmosphere. The image was photographed with a 35mm camera.

STS048-31-002 (15 Sept 1991) --- The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) separates from the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) and begins to move away from the payload bay of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Discovery. Data from UARS will enable scientists to study ozone depletion in the stratosphere, or upper atmosphere. The image was photographed with a 35mm camera.

STS-48 Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) is released by OV-103's RMS

Space Shuttle Discovery STS-48 launch from Kennedy Space Center, FLA to deploy the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS)

Skylab 3,Earth view,Middle East

STS-48 official crew insignia

STS048-S-001 (July 1991) --- Designed by the astronaut crew members, the patch represents the space shuttle orbiter Discovery in orbit about Earth after deploying the Upper Atmospheric Research Satellite (UARS) depicted in block letter style. The stars are those in the northern hemisphere as seen in the fall and winter when UARS will begin its study of Earth's atmosphere. The color bands on Earth's horizon, extending up to the UARS spacecraft, depict the study of Earth's atmosphere. The triangular shape represents the relationship among the three atmospheric processes that determine upper atmospheric structure and behavior: chemistry, dynamics and energy. In the words of the crew members, "This continuous process brings life to our planet and makes our planet unique in the solar system." The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, it will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA

s48-e-013

S48-E-013 (15 Sept 1991) --- The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) in the payload bay of the earth- orbiting Discovery. UARS is scheduled for deploy on flight day three of the STS-48 mission. Data from UARS will enable scientists to study ozone depletion in the stratosphere, or upper atmosphere. This image was transmitted by the Electronic Still Camera (ESC), Development Test Objective (DTO) 648. The ESC is making its initial appearance on a Space Shuttle flight. Electronic still photography is a new technology that enables a camera to electronically capture and digitize an image with resolution approaching film quality. The digital image is stored on removable hard disks or small optical disks, and can be converted to a format suitable for downlink transmission or enhanced using image processing software. The Electronic Still Camera (ESC) was developed by the Man- Systems Division at the Johnson Space Center and is the first model in a planned evolutionary development leading to a family of high-resolution digital imaging devices. H. Don Yeates, JSC's Man-Systems Division, is program manager for the ESC. THIS IS A SECOND GENERATION PRINT MADE FROM AN ELECTRONICALLY PRODUCED NEGATIVE.

STS-48 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, rolls out to KSC LC Pad 39A

S91-44810 (12 Aug 1991) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery is rolled to launch pad 39A atop the mobile launcher platform and crawler/transporter. Already at the pad and awaiting installation in the orbiter cargo bay is the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), the primary payload which Discovery will carry into space on NASA?s STS-48 mission. A crew of five astronauts will be on board when Discovery lifts off in September. (KSC photo id: KSC-91PC-1474)

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The STS-48 crew portrait includes (front row left to right): Mark N. Brown, mission specialist; John O. Creighton, commander; and Kenneth S. Reightler, pilot. Pictured on the back row (left to right) are mission specialists Charles D. (Sam) Gemar, and James F. Buchli. The crew of five launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on September 12, 1991 at 7:11:04 pm (EDT). The primary payload of the mission was the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS).

STS048-S-172 (12 Sept 1991) ---- With five astronauts and the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) onboard, the Space Shuttle Discovery heads toward a six day mission in Earth orbit. Onboard are astronauts John O. Creighton, Kenneth S. Reightler, Charles D. (Sam) Gemar, James F. Buchli and Mark N. Brown. Liftoff occurred at 7:11:04 p.m. (EDT), September 12, 1991.

STS-48 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, lifts off from KSC LC Pad 39A

STS048-S-171 (12 Sept 1991) --- With five astronauts and the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) onboard, the Space Shuttle Discovery heads toward a six day mission in Earth orbit. Onboard are astronauts John O. Creighton, Kenneth S. Reightler, Charles D. (Sam) Gemar, James F. Buchli and Mark N. Brown. Liftoff occurred at 7:11:04 p.m. (EDT), September 12, 1991.

STS-48 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, lifts off from KSC LC Pad 39A

The STS-48 mission launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on September 12, 1991 at 7:11:04 pm. Five astronauts composed the crew including: John O. Creighton, commander; Kenneth S. Reightler, pilot; and Mark N. Brown, Charles D. (Sam) Gemar, and James F. Buchli, all mission specialists. The primary payload of the mission was the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS).

Space Shuttle Projects

STS048-S-170 (12 Sept 1991) ---- With five astronauts and the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) onboard, the Space Shuttle Discovery heads toward a six day mission in Earth orbit. Onboard are astronauts John O. Creighton, Kenneth S. Reightler, Charles D. (Sam) Gemar, James F. Buchli and Mark N. Brown. Liftoff occurred at 7:11:04 p.m. (EDT), September 12, 1991.

STS-48 Discovery, OV-103, soars into the evening sky after KSC liftoff

Space Shuttle Projects