Columbia (STS-78) launched 1996

Front row (L-R): Terence Henricks, Kevin Kregel

Back row (L-R): Jean-Jacques Favier, Richard Linnehan, Susan Helms, Charles Brady, Robert Thirsk

Mission patch

Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-78), launched June 20, 1996, studied the effects long-duration spaceflight on the human body, in preparation for International Space Station expeditions.

Its crew consisted of Commander Terence Henricks, Pilot Kevin Kregel, Richard Linnehan, Susan Helms, Charles Brady, Jean-Jacques Favier (CNES) and Robert Thirsk (CSA).

When the Solid Rocket Boosters were recovered, analysis showed damage to field joints, probably caused by hot gases.  There was no action with safety, but it was similar damage that caused Challenger to break apart in 1986.

They returned to Earth July 7.

Charles Brady, Space Shuttle astronaut, born 1951

Charles Brady Jr., born August 12, 1951, flew into space on Space Shuttle Columbia on mission STS-78 in June-July 1996.  He was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1982 and qualified for mission specialist.

He died in July 2006 from self-inflicted wounds after suffering a long illness related to a severe type of arthritis.