STS035-S-021 (2 Dec 1990) --- The Space Shuttle Columbia lifts off Launch Pad 39B at 1:49 a.m. (EST), Dec. 2, 1990. Primary payload onboard is the Astro-1 astronomical laboratory, headed for a ten-day fight dedicated to the single discipline of astrophysics. Crewmembers are five astronauts--Vance D. Brand, Guy S. Gardner, John M. (Mike) Lounge, Jeffrey A. Hoffman and Robert A.R. Parker--and two payload specialists--Samuel T. Durrance and Ronald A. Parise.