An overview of Spacelab capabilities

The crew functions, instrumentation, and mission profiles for the Spacelab to be flown on board the Shuttle are described. The Spacelab will be operated by up to four scientists or engineers who are not pilots, and who are required to pass only an FAA Class III physical examination to qualify for flight. Of modular design, the Spacelab pallets can house a laboratory for human operation, or experimental pallets for control by either the ground or the Orbiter crew. A shirt sleeve environment is provided by the manned laboratory version, with the crew staying in the Orbiter mid-deck during launch and landing. Electrical power is derived from the Orbiter fuel cells, up to 12 kW for 15 min every three hours and to a total of 890 kWh. Features of the Instrument Pointing System are outlined, along with the data transmission and relay systems and the on-ground check-out facilities.