The objectives of the first flight of Spacelab (to be launched in September 1983) are to verify the Spacelab performance and to demonstrate its use as a tool for experimentation in a variety of scientific and technical disciplines. The latter objective will be achieved by the operation of a joint ESA-NASA payload wherein about 50% of the available resources are allocated to the complements of each Agency. The total payload amounts to 2785 kg and consumes about 2 kW of power. The configuration chosen for the first mission (orbital inclination 57°, altitude 250 km, duration nine days) is a long module plus one pallet and some 70 experiments will be on-board.

The paper describes the total payload but particular attention is given to the European portion — FSLP (First Spacelab Payload). The scientific objectives of the mission are presented and representative experiments from the various disciplines (Atmospheric Physics, Earth Observations, Material Sciences, Plasma Physics, Astronomy and Solar Physics, Life Sciences and Technology) are described. The tasks associated with check-out and integration of the individual experiments and their related software into the FSLP are explained and the associated ground operations and flight operations planning portrayed. In the latter context, the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) and the Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) play an important part. The role of the on-board crew is stressed and the general advantages of man-in-the-loop are discussed.

Finally, some of the complex management inter faces are illustrated and the paper explains how this challenge has been met. It is concluded that the considerable experience gained from this international joint venture into manned space flight must be retained for the optimum fulfilment of future European man-tended space experimentation.