sts-87

NASDA Astronaut Takao Doi performed Japan's first EVA on STS-87

The Confined Helium Experiment, known familiarly by its acronym CHEX, is a physics experiment that tests theories about the crossover behavior of matter between a three-dimensional state and a two-dimensional state. CHEX was performed during space shuttle mission STS-87 on board the orbiter Columbia as part of the fourth United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-4).

The Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE) is a materials science solidification experiment that researchers will use to investigate a particular type of solidification called dendritic growth. Dendritic solidification is one of the most common forms of solidifying metals and alloys. When materials crystallize or solidify under certain condition, they freeze unstably, resulting in tiny, tree-like crystalline forms called dendrites. Scientist are particularly interested in dendrite size, shape, and how the branches of the dendrites interact with each other. These characteristics largely determine the properties of the material. Payload on STS-87.

STS-87 was a Space Shuttle mission launched from Launch Complex 39B of the Kennedy Space Center on 19 November 1997. It was the 88th flight of the Space Shuttle, and the 24th flight of Columbia. The mission goals were to conduct experiments using the United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-4), conduct two EVAs, and to deploy the SPARTAN-201 experiment. This mission marked the first time an EVA was performed from Columbia. An EVA from Columbia was originally planned for STS-5 in 1982, but was cancelled due to spacesuit problems. It also marked the first EVA conducted by a Japanese astronaut, Takao Doi.

STS-87 was a Space Shuttle mission launched from Launch Complex 39B of the Kennedy Space Center on 19 November 1997. It was the 88th flight of the Space Shuttle, and the 24th flight of Columbia. The mission goals were to conduct experiments using the United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-4), conduct two EVAs, and to deploy the SPARTAN-201 experiment. This mission marked the first time an EVA was performed from Columbia. An EVA from Columbia was originally planned for STS-5 in 1982, but was cancelled due to spacesuit problems. It also marked the first EVA conducted by a Japanese astronaut, Takao Doi.

The Confined Helium Experiment, known familiarly by its acronym CHEX, is a physics experiment that tests theories about the crossover behavior of matter between a three-dimensional state and a two-dimensional state. CHEX was performed during space shuttle mission STS-87 on board the orbiter Columbia as part of the fourth United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-4).

NASDA Astronaut Takao Doi performed Japan's first EVA on STS-87

The primary objective of NASA space shuttle mission STS-87 was experiments in microgravity. Experimentsconducted ranged from combustion in low gravity to the more relative solidificationfurnace AADSF(Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace). This mission grew three samples of Lead-Tin-Telluride (PbSnTe). Thiscompund semiconductor is extremely difficult to grow on Earth due to itssensitivity to motion.

The Collaborative Ukrainian Experiment (CUE) was a collection of ten plant space biology experiments which flew on the middeck of the Space Shuttle Columbia on mission STS-87

The Extravehicular Activity Development Flight Test - 05 consists of the payload bay hardware elements of Detailed Test Objective (DTO) 671, EVA Hardware for Future Scheduled Extravehicular Missions.  EDFT - 05's main objective is to demonstrate International Space Station (ISS) on-orbit, end-to-end EVA assembly and maintenance operations.  The other DTO's included in this test are DTO 672, Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Electrical Cuff Checklist and DTO 833, EMU Thermal Comfort and EVA Worksite Thermal Environment.  Another objective is to expand the EVA experience base for ground and flight crews.  Two EVA's will be performed on this mission to accomplish these DTO's.
The portside-mounted EDFT-05 hardware is in bay 7 and consists of the Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) Transfer Device (OTD), a Pitch/Yaw Worksite Interface (WIF) Fitting, and Flight Support Equipment (FSE) to the sidewall carrier.
The starboard-mounted EDFT-05 hardware consists of bay 2 Portable Work Platform (PWP) components including the Articulating Portable Foot Restraint (APFR), Temporary Equipment Restraint Aid (TERA), and Work Station Stanchion (WSS).  Bay 7 contains the ORU Simulator and Carrier Assembly (OSCA) consisting of a Battery ORU Simulator attached to the Cargo Handling Interface Assembly (CHIA), and the Dry Carrier (DCC) Simulator.  Bay 8 houses an adapter plate with WIF's and a mounting location for the cable caddy. 
During launch and landing EVA equipment stowage requires orbiter middeck locker space and the starboard Portable Stowage Assembly (PSA).
Prior to scheduled EDFT - 05 activities, orbiter cabin pressure will be lowered to 10.2 psi and the standard EVA prebreathe protocols started.  EDFT - 05 activities require two crew members  to perform two full-duration EVA's and one crew member to provide Intravehicular Activity (IVA) support.