| The Ship |
| Space shuttle Columbia, the oldest in the fleet, was launched to conduct research round-the-clock during the 16-day flight. The range of research was broad, encompassing biology, medicine, physical sciences and technology. Much of it was conducted in a large, pressurized laboratory in the shuttle's cargo bay. The experiments involved a menagerie of specimens: cancer cells, fungi, rodents, spiders, bees and silkworms, as well as the astronauts themselves. They had sensors to measure their physiological changes in orbit. Scientists hoped to learn how to combat the effects of weightlessness, which over time can suppress immune function, lower bone density and weaken muscles. The crew also grew soybeans and crystals and used a combustion chamber to study inexpensive ways to suppress fires. |
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