spacelab

Spacelab was a reusable laboratory module that flew on the Space Shuttle. It was developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with NASA. The primary purpose of Spacelab was to provide a versatile platform for scientific research in microgravity. It consisted of a pressurized module, an unpressurized pallet, and an igloo, which housed scientific instruments and equipment.

The Spacelab module was designed to be attached to the Space Shuttle's cargo bay. It offered a shirt-sleeve environment for astronauts to conduct experiments. The pallet carried instruments that required direct exposure to space, such as telescopes and sensors. The igloo provided protection for instruments sensitive to the vacuum of space while allowing them to be exposed.

Spacelab missions encompassed a wide range of scientific disciplines, including astronomy, solar physics, atmospheric physics, materials science, life sciences, and Earth observation. Astronauts, often with specialized scientific training, operated the equipment and collected data. Spacelab flew on nine Space Shuttle missions between 1983 and 1998. These missions provided valuable scientific insights and demonstrated the capabilities of a reusable space laboratory. The program contributed significantly to our understanding of the universe and the effects of microgravity on various phenomena. Spacelab's legacy paved the way for future international space laboratories and orbital research platforms.