The space shuttle Atlantis releases Gamma Ray Observatory
author: Nasa/Novapix
reference: e-sou01-50050
Image Size 300 DPI: 25 * 25 cm
Atlantis' remote manipulator system releases Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) during STS-37 deployment. View was taken through aft flight deck window which reflects some of the crew compartment interior.
The Compton Gamma Ray Observatory was the second of NASA's Great Observatories. Compton, at 17 tons, was the heaviest astrophysical payload ever flown at the time of its launch on April 5, 1991 aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. Compton was safely deorbited and re-entered the Earth's atmosphere on June 4, 2000.