Launch from Cape Canaveral (
KSC);
landing on Cape Canaveral (
KSC).
STS-65 was the mission "International
Microgravity Laboratory" (
IML-2). The
IML-2 payload consisted of more than 80 experiments in
microgravity and life sciences, including five life science experiments
developed by American researchers. Of these, Ames Research Center sponsored two
experiments using newts and jellyfish. At least two of the four adult newts
died on the voyage. Kennedy Space Center (
KSC)
sponsored the PEMBSIS experiment, designed to study plant embryogenesis in
microgravity.
Life Sciences Experiments and facilities on IML-2 include:
Aquatic Animal Experiment Unit (AAEU) in Rack 3, Biorack (BR) in Rack 5,
Biostack (BSK) in Rack 9, Extended Duration Orbiter Medical Program (EDOMP) and
Spinal Changes in Microgravity (SCM) in the Center Isle, Lower Body Negative
Pressure Device (LBNPD), Microbial Air Sampler (MAS), Performance Assessment
Workstation (PAWS) in the middeck, Slow Rotating Centrifuge Microscope (NIZEMI)
in Rack 7, Real Time Radiation Monitoring Device (RRMD) and the Thermoelectric
Incubator (TEI) both in Rack 3. Microgravity experiments and facilities on
IML-2 include: Applied Research on Separation Methods (RAMSES) in Rack 6,
Bubble, Drop and Particle Unit (BDPU) in Rack 8, Critical Point Facility (CPF)
in Rack 9, Electromagnetic Containerless Processing Facility (TEMPUS) in Rack
10, Free Flow Electrophoresis Unit (FFEU) in Rack 3, Large Isothermal Furnace
(LIF) in Rack 7, Quasi Steady Acceleration Measurement (QSAM) in Rack 3, Space
Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) in the Center Isle, and Vibration
Isolation Box Experiment System (VIBES) in Rack 3.
It was the longest
Shuttle mission to date.