images

The LDEF satellite caught by the space shuttle.

by

Nasa/Novapix

Reference

e-sat01-00150

Date

2006-11-20

The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) is grappled by remote manipulator system end effector and positioned horizontally over Columbia during STS-32 retrieval activities. LDEF is a free-flying passive spacecraft that has provided 57 experiments with long-term exposure to the space environment. The gradient stabilized platform was deployed in April, 1984.