Spacelab - A New Direction

The first Spacelab mission was launched in November, 1983. This video starts by underlining the importance of high-altitude research, and the need for a reusable purpose-built vehicle. The initial decision of Europe to participate in the American shuttle missions is covered, along with footage of assembly of the Spacelab module in Bremen, Germany. The various components of Spacelab are described using models, and pre-mission training clips include Ulf Merbold in the Spacelab simulator. The video explains how experiments for the Spacelab mission were chosen by committee, and introduces a crew which includes Merbold and Oeckels. The documentary culminates in the launch of the first Spacelab mission.

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