| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 611.1 | STS-35 Countdown Test details | 26523::KLAES | The Universe, or nothing! | Mon Apr 30 1990 11:44 | 122 |
| Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: STS-35 Countdown Demonstration Test scheduled for April 28 (Forwarded)
Date: 27 Apr 90 21:22:09 GMT
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lisa Malone
407/867-2468 April 25, 1990
KSC Release No. 78-90
Notes to Editors/News Directors:
STS-35 COUNTDOWN DEMONSTRATION TEST SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 28
One of the most significant prelaunch tests, a full dress
rehearsal for the STS-35 launch countdown, is planned this week
at Kennedy Space Center. The Terminal Countdown Demonstration
Test (TCDT), involving the STS-35 astronaut crew, will culminate
with a simulated main engine ignition and cutoff at 11 a.m. EDT,
Saturday, April 28.
The seven-member flight crew is scheduled to arrive at KSC's
Shuttle Landing Facility Thursday at 10:30 a.m. to participate in
the practice countdown. The STS-35 crew is comprised of Commander
Vance Brand, Pilot Guy Gardner, Mission Specialists John "Mike"
Lounge, Jeffrey Hoffman, Robert Parker and Payload Specialists
Ronald Parise and Samuel Durrance.
While here, the crew will be trained in emergency egress
procedures at Launch Pad 39-A including a practice drive in the
M113 tracked vehicle. They will become familiar with the location
of breathing apparatus at the pad, other emergency equipment and
the slidewire basket system.
One of the routine activities for the crew while here for
the TCDT is a status briefing by shuttle and payload engineers.
The briefings, scheduled the day before the test, are designed to
bring the flight crew up to speed on the status of the vehicle,
payload, processing operations and any unresolved issues.
Objectives of the test include establishing timelines and
validating sequences involved in the flight crew suit up and
entry into the orbiter's cockpit. The test also offers an
occasion for the flight crew and the KSC launch team to work
together in a launch day configuration. Inter-agency interfaces
required to support the terminal countdown will be evaluated.
The simulated countdown is set to begin at the T-24 hour
mark on Friday at 8 a.m. Columbia will be powered up for the test
and its onboard systems will be activated. Events in the
countdown will be condensed or simulated to represent activities
that occur during the actual launch countdown and/or to configure
the orbiter for the test. Propellants will not be loaded into the
external tank, the main engines will not be started and the
boosters will not be ignited during this mock countdown.
The countdown will proceed to the T-3 hour mark and hold for
two hours and 40 minutes. During the hold, the flight crew will
be awakened and have breakfast. Also, the orbiter closeout crew
will begin preparing Columbia's cabin for the flight crew's entry.
After a weather briefing, the flight crew will get into
their flight suits and depart for the launch pad. The closeout
crew will assist the astronauts in getting into the cockpit. Each
crew member will establish communications with the orbiter test
conductor in Firing Room 1.
Two 10-minute built-in holds are planned: at the T-20 minute
and T-9 minute marks. For the purposes of the test, the countdown
will be halted at about the T-5 second mark at 11 a.m.
After a short debriefing, the flight crew will exit the
cockpit quickly to practice an emergency escape while wearing the
space suits. This training will take place on the 195-foot level
of the Fixed Service Structure where the orbiter crew access
hatch and the slidewire baskets are located.
Later that day, the flight crew will return to Houston for
final mission preparations. They will return to KSC a few days
prior to launch.
Columbia is targeted to be launched on its 10th mission in
mid-May. The official launch date will be set at the Flight
Readiness Review held at KSC about two weeks prior to the launch.
The primary objective of the nine-day mission is to collect
astrophysics data with the Astro-1 astronomical observatory.
Astro-1 will examine the invisible universe of ultraviolet and
X-ray astronomy from energetic celestial bodies such as hot
stars, galaxies, supernova remnants and quasars.
* Notes to editors outlining news media opportunities follows
this news release.
Notes to Editors:
There will be a photo opportunity of the flight crew's
arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
Media representatives should be at the News Center by 9:30 a.m.
for escort to the SLF.
Also on Thursday, there will be a photo opportunity of the
crew during the practice driving session in the M113 tracked
vehicle at Pad 39-A. Press should be at the press site by 5:45
p.m. to photograph this event.
A media opportunity on Friday is a brief question and answer
session at the Pad with the flight crew at 3:30 p.m. Media
representatives should be at the News Center by 2:30 p.m. for
escort to the pad.
The day of the test, photographers will be taken to the
Operations and Checkout Building at 7 a.m. to photograph the crew
walking to the astronaut van. Video tapes and still photos of
the flight crew having breakfast, suiting up, departing for the
pad, and crew entry into the crew cabin will be available at the
press site.
Video tapes of STS-35 crew events each day will be available
at the press site. Still photos of these events will be available
on a delayed basis.
|
| 611.2 | STS-35 Update - May 1 | 26523::KLAES | The Universe, or nothing! | Tue May 01 1990 18:47 | 34 |
| Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/01/90 (Forwarded)
Date: 1 May 90 17:08:53 GMT
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990 10 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Loading of hypergolic propellants into the orbiter's onboard
storage tanks is underway. The pad is cleared of all non-
essential personnel during this activity which continues through
Wednesday. Nitrogen tetroxide and monomethylhydrazine will be
loaded into the orbiter for the orbital maneuvering system en-
gines and the reaction control system thrusters. In addition,
hydrazine will be loaded into tanks for the orbiter's auxiliary
power units and the boosters' hydraulic power units. A "hot
fire" of the orbiter's number 3 auxiliary power unit will be per-
formed. This unit was replaced since Columbia last flew because
of a seal leak. The unit will be run for about 7 minutes to
verify its operation.
Troubleshooting efforts to detect a small leak in the main
propulsion system liquid oxygen feed system was found in a
quarter inch flex line between the 17-inch disconnect and the
helium regulator. The line will be replaced once the pad has been
reopened for normal work. Repair work resulting from this leak is
not expected to impact the schedule.
Launch of Columbia on the STS-35/Astro-1 mission remains
targeted for May 16. The official launch date will be set at the
Flight Readiness Review to be held May 7-8.
|
| 611.3 | STS-35 Update - May 2 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed May 02 1990 19:08 | 42 |
| Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/02/90 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 2 May 90 18:29:28 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lines: 50
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990 10 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Loading of hypergolic propellants into the orbiter's onboard
storage tanks is continuing today. The pad is cleared of all
non-essential personnel during this activity which continues
through Wednesday. Nitrogen tetroxide and monomethylhydrazine has
been loaded into the orbiter for the orbital maneuvering system
engines and the reaction control system thrusters. Hydrazine is
being loaded into tanks for the orbiter's auxiliary power units
and the boosters' hydraulic power units. The Rotating Service
Structure will be moved away from the vehicle early tomorrow
morning for the "hot fire" of Columbia's number 3 auxiliary power
unit set for 6 a.m. tomorrow morning. This unit was replaced
since Columbia last flew because of a seal leak. The unit will be
run for about 7 minutes to verify its operation.
When the pad reopens this afternoon, technicians will re-
place a quarter inch flex line in the orbiter's main propulsion
system liquid oxygen feed system. A leak was detected during the
helium signature leak test which was conducted last weekend.
Another task for today will involve vacuuming small pieces of
debris found in the liquid hydrogen 8-inch T-zero fill and drain
line in the mobile launcher platform (MLP 3).
Launch of Columbia on the STS-35/Astro-1 mission remains
targeted for May 16. The official launch date will be set at the
Flight Readiness Review to be held May 7-8.
|
| 611.4 | 1 day slip confirmed (crew)- possible 1 week slip may occur (fuel line) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu May 03 1990 14:26 | 64 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military,clari.news.top
Subject: Shuttle mission slips one day
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 1 May 90 16:54:22 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The shuttle Columbia's upcoming night
launch on a Spacelab astronomy mission likely will slip a day to May 17,
sources said Tuesday, with no word on whether one of the ship's crew
members will be grounded because of medical problems.
Columbia and a seven-member crew -- a post-Challenger record -- are
tentatively scheduled to take off at 12:45 a.m. EDT May 17 to kick off a
long-awaited flight to study high-energy astronomical targets in an
ongoing U.S. drive to explore the universe from space.
The third post-Challenger night shuttle launch had been planned for
May 16, but sources said Tuesday that NASA managers have tentatively
pushed the 36th shuttle flight back one day because of a tight
around-the-clock processing schedule and a desire to give the launch
team a day off.
Flight processing has been proceeding smoothly, but contamination
in a launch pad liquid hydrogen rocket fuel line could delay the launch
another two to five days if the propellant line has to be replaced. The
issue was unresolved Tuesday.
Also up in the air was the status of civilian astronomer Samuel
Durrance, 46, who was named to Columbia's crew in 1984. Shuttle program
chief Robert Crippen announced last week that Durrance had developed an
unspecified ``medical condition'' that could force NASA to bar him from
the mission.
Durrance's backup, astronomer Kenneth Nordsieck, replaced his
colleague Saturday during a critical dress-rehearsal countdown at the
launch pad, fueling speculation that Durrance would be bumped from the
flight after more than six years of training.
But William Lenoir, NASA's associate administrator for space
flight, strongly hinted Sunday that Durrance may get to fly after all.
``We think that's working itself out so there will be no need to
change the primary payload specialist, who's had a questionable medical
condition,'' Lenoir said at a news conference after the shuttle
Discovery's California landing.
``We believe ... there will be no need to make a crew change. If
there is, we have a backup who is also ready.''
Durrance's crewmates for the mission are commander Vance Brand, 59,
co-pilot Guy Gardner, 42, John ``Mike'' Lounge, 43, Robert Parker, 53,
Jeffrey Hoffman, 45, and civilian astronomer Ronald Parise, 38.
Parise and Durrance are the first non-astronauts assigned to a
shuttle flight since New Hampshire schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe and
satellite engineer Gregory Jarvis blasted off on the ill-fated shuttle
Challenger's final voyage.
The last time an astronaut was bumped from a flight so close to
launch came in 1970 when Ken Mattingly was taken off the crew of the
Apollo 13 moon mission after he was exposed to German measles.
Columbia's seven-member crew is scheduled to work in two shifts
around the clock throughout the upcoming mission to operate a battery of
telescopes in the shuttle's cargo bay that were built to study
ultraviolet and X-ray radiation from deep space targets that is blocked
by Earth's atmosphere.
The mission officially is scheduled to last nine days, although
NASA officials have said the flight would be extended an extra day if
conditions permit.
Data from Columbia's mission will complement that from the Hubble
Space Telescope launched last week by Discovery, which is designed to
study the universe in visible light.
Other NASA satellites scheduled for launch this decade include
large gamma ray, X-ray and infrared telescopes.
|
| 611.5 | STS 35 Press Kit | 58453::SKLEIN | | Fri May 04 1990 11:37 | 2263 |
|
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Subject: STS-35 Press Kit (Forwarded)
Date: 4 May 90 05:40:59 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACTS
Jim Cast/Mark Hess
Office of Space Flight
NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
(Phone: 202/453-8536)
Paula Cleggett-Haleim/Michael Braukus
Office of Space Science and Applications
NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
(Phone: 202/453-1548)
Terri Sindelar
Educational Affairs
NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
(Phone: 202/453-8400)
Nancy Lovato
Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, Calif.
(Phone: 805/258-3448)
Randee Exler
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
(Phone: 301/286-7277)
Kyle Herring
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 713/483-5111)
Lisa Malone/Pat Phillips
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Phone: 407/867-2468)
Jean Drummond Clough
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.
(Phone: 804/864-6122)
David Drachlis/Jerry Berg
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
(Phone: 205/544-0034)
CONTENTS
GENERAL RELEASE
GENERAL INFORMATION
STS-35 QUICK LOOK
STS-35 PRELAUNCH PROCESSING
TRAJECTORY SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
SPACE SHUTTLE ABORT MODES
SUMMARY OF MAJOR ACTIVITIES
ASTRO-1
BROAD BAND X-RAY TELESCOPE
SHUTTLE AMATEUR RADIO EXPERIMENT
SPACE CLASSROOM
ORBITER EXPERIMENTS PROGRAM
PAYLOAD AND VEHICLE WEIGHTS
CREW BIOGRAPHIES
MISSION MANAGEMENT TEAM
UPCOMING SPACE SHUTTLE MISSIONS
SPACE SHUTTLE MISSIONS AS OF MAY 1990
Release 90-63
COLUMBIA TO FLY ASTRONOMY MISSION
Highlighting mission STS-35, the 36th flight of the
Space Shuttle and 10th mission of orbiter Columbia, will
be around-the-clock observations by the seven-member crew
using the ultraviolet astronomy observatory (Astro) and
the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT). Both instruments
are located in Columbia's payload bay and will be
operated during 12-hour shifts by the crew.
Above Earth's atmospheric interference, Astro-1 will
observe and measure ultraviolet radiation from celestial
objects. Astro-1 is the first in a series of missions
that will make precise measurements of objects such as
planets, stars and galaxies in relatively small fields of
view.
Liftoff of the 10th flight of Columbia is scheduled
for 12:45 a.m. EDT on May 17 from launch pad 39-A at the
Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Columbia will be placed into
a 218 statute (190 nautical) mile circular orbit,
inclined 28.5 degrees to the equator. Nominal mission
duration is expected to be 8 days 19 hours 55 minutes.
Deorbit is planned on orbit 139, with landing scheduled
for 8:40 p.m. EDT on May 25 at Edwards Air Force Base,
Calif.
Astro-1 uses a Spacelab pallet system with an
instrument pointing system and a cruciform structure for
bearing the three ultraviolet instruments mounted in
parallel configuration. The three instruments are the
Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT), the Wisconsin
Ultraviolet Photo-polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE) and the
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT). The star tracker,
which supports the instrument pointing system, also is
mounted on the cruciform.
HUT will study faint astronomical objects such as
quasars, active galactic nuclei and supernova remnants in
the little-explored ultraviolet range below 1200
Angstroms. It consists of a mirror that focuses on an
aperture of a prime focus spectrograph. Observations of
the outer planets of the solar system will be made to
investigate aurorae and gain insight into the interaction
of each planet's magnetosphere with the solar wind.
WUPPE will measure the polarization of ultraviolet
light from celestial objects such as hot stars, galactic
nuclei and quasars. It uses two-mirror telescope optics
in conjunction with a spectropolarimeter. This
instrument will measure the polarization by splitting a
beam of light into two mutually-perpendicular planes of
polarization, passing the beams through a spectrometer
and focusing the beams on two separate array detectors.
UIT consists of a telescope and two image intensifiers
with 70 mm film transports (1000 frames each). It will
acquire images of faint objects in broad ultraviolet
bands in the wavelength range of 1200 to 3200 Angstroms.
This experiment also will investigate the present stellar
content and history of star formation in galaxies, the
nature of spiral structure and non-thermal sources in
galaxies.
Also in the payload bay is the Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope which has two co-aligned imaging telescopes
with cryogenically cooled lithium-drifted silicon
detectors at each focus. Accurate pointing of the
instrument is achieved by a two-axis pointing system
(TAPS).
BBXRT will study various targets, including active
galaxies, clusters of galaxies, supernova remnants and
stars. BBXRT will directly measure the amount of energy
in electron volts of each X-ray detected.
Astro observations will begin about 23 hours after
Columbia has completed its maneuvering burn to
circularize its orbit at 190 nautical miles. BBXRT will
be activated approximately 13 hours after orbital
insertion. Astro will be deactivated 12 hours before
deorbit and BBXRT deactivation will be 4 hours before the
deorbit burn.
Columbia's middeck will carry the Shuttle Amateur
Radio Experiment (SAREX) to communicate with amateur
radio stations within line-of-sight of the orbiter in
voice mode or data mode. This experiment has previously
flown on STS-9 and STS-51F. Also on this mission,
Columbia will function as the subject for ground sensor
operations as part of the Air Force Maui Optical Site
(AMOS) calibration test.
Commander of the seven-member crew is Vance Brand.
Pilot is Guy Gardner. STS-35 is Brand's fourth trip to
space. He previously flew on the Apollo-Soyuz Test
Project mission in 1975. He also commanded Shuttle
missions STS-5 in November 1982 and STS-41B in February
1984. Gardner previously piloted STS-27 in December
1988.
Mission Specialists are Mike Lounge, Jeffrey Hoffman
and Robert Parker. Lounge previously flew on STS-51I in
August 1985 and STS-26 in September 1988. Hoffman flew
as a Mission Specialist on STS-51D in April 1985.
Parker's previous spaceflight experience was STS-9 in
November 1983.
Payload Specialists Ronald Parise and Samuel Durrance
round out the STS-35 crew. Both are making their first
space flights.
-end-
STS-35 QUICK LOOK
Launch Date: May 17, 1990
Launch Window: 12:45 a.m. - 3:09 a.m. EDT
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Launch Complex 39-A
Orbiter: Columbia (OV-102)
Altitude: 218 statute miles (190 nm)
Inclination: 28.45
Duration: 8 days, 19 hours, 55 minutes
Landing Date/Time: May 25, 1990, 8:40 p.m. EDT
Primary Landing Site:
Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Abort Landing Sites:
Return to Launch Site -- Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Trans-Atlantic Abort -- Banjul, The Gambia
Abort Once Around -- Edwards AFB, Calif.
Crew:
Vance D. Brand -- Commander Red/Blue Team
Guy S. Gardner -- Pilot -- Red Team
Jeffrey A. Hoffman -- Mission Specialist 1/EV -- Blue Team
John M. "Mike" Lounge -- Mission Specialist 2/EV2 -- Blue Team
Robert A.R. Parker -- Mission Specialist 3 -- Red Team
Samuel T. Durrance -- Payload Specialist 1 -- Blue Team
Ronald A. Parise -- Payload Specialist 2 -- Red Team
Red Team shift is approximately 10:30 p.m. -- 10:30 a.m. EDT
Blue Team shift is approximately 10:30 a.m. -- 10:30 p.m. EDT
Cargo Bay Payloads:
Ultraviolet Astronomy Telescope (Astro)
Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT)
Middeck Payloads:
Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS)
Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX)
SUMMARY OF MAJOR ACTIVITIES
DAY ONE DAY NINE
Ascent Astro/BBXRT
Observations
Post-insertion SAREX
Unstow Cabin SAREX Stow
Astro/BBXRT Activation Astro/BBXRT
Deactivation
SAREX Setup Cabin Stow
DSO Deorbit Burn
Landing at Edwards AFB
DAY TWO
Astro/BBXRT Observations
SAREX
DAY THREE
Astro/BBXRT Observations
SAREX
DAY FOUR
AMOS
Astro/BBXRT Observations
SAREX
DAY FIVE
AMOS
Astro/BBXRT Observations
SAREX
DAY SIX
Astro/BBXRT Observations
SAREX
DAY SEVEN
Astro/BBXRT Observations
RCS Hotfire
DAY EIGHT
Astro/BBXRT Observations
SAREX
DTO
FCS Checkout
SPACE SHUTTLE ABORT MODES
Space Shuttle launch abort philosophy aims toward
safe and intact recovery of the flight crew, orbiter and
its payload.
Abort modes include:
* Abort-To-Orbit (ATO) -- Partial loss of main
engine thrust late enough to permit reaching a minimal
105-nautical mile orbit with orbital maneuvering system
engines.
* Abort-Once-Around (AOA) -- Earlier main engine
shutdown with the capability to allow one orbit around
before landing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.; White
Sands Space Harbor (Northrup Strip), N.M.; or the Shuttle
Landing Facility (SLF) at Kennedy Space Center, Fla..
* Trans-Atlantic Abort Landing (TAL) -- Loss of two
main engines midway through powered flight would force a
landing at Banjul, The Gambia; Ben Guerir, Morocco; or
Moron, Spain.
* Return-To-Launch-Site (RTLS) -- Early shutdown of
one or more engines and without enough energy to reach
Banjul would result in a pitch around and thrust back
toward KSC until within gliding distance of the SLF.
STS-35 contingency landing sites are Edwards AFB,
White Sands, Kennedy Space Center, Banjul and Ben Guerir,
Moron.
STS-35 PRELAUNCH PROCESSING
Kennedy Space Center shuttle processing teams began
preparing Columbia for its 10th flight on January 26 when
it returned to Florida following the completion of its
last flight, the STS-32 LDEF retrieval mission in
January.
Columbia spent about 2 and one-half months in the
Orbiter Processing Facility where some 24 minor
modifications were made to the orbiter's onboard systems,
including the reworked nose landing gear axle and the
addition of strain gauges on the Space Shuttle Main
Engine high pressure oxidizer turbo pumps. Following the
STS-32 flight, a debonding in the main combustion chamber
was found in engine 2022 in the No. 2 position. It was
replaced with a new engine, 2012, for the STS-35 flight.
The other two engines will be flown in the same position
as Columbia's last flight: 2024 in the No. 1 position and
2028 in the No. 3 position.
The Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS) and the
Shuttle Atmosphere Mass Spectrometer (SUMS) experiments,
both located in the chin panel, will provide information
on local surface air pressure and atmospheric density
during reentry. The Shuttle Infrared Leeside Temperature
Sensing (SILTS) pod camera, mounted in the top of the
vertical stabilizer, was moved from viewing the port side
to the centerline view of the orbiter. This camera will
obtain high-resolution infrared images of the surfaces as
the orbiter reenters Earth's atmosphere. These infrared
maps will indicate the amount of aerodynamic heating of
orbiter surfaces in flight.
Columbia was transferred to the Vehicle Assembly
Building April 16 and mated to the external tank on
Mobile Launcher Platform 3. During Columbia's rollout,
Crawler Transporter No. 2 reached a milestone when it
turned over 1,000 miles on its odometer. Rollout to Pad
39-A on April 22 occurred during the STS-31 Discovery
launch countdown. Discovery was launched April 24 from
Pad B, 1.65 miles north of Pad A.
Once at the pad, routine operations were performed to
ready the vehicle elements for launch. The terminal
countdown demonstration test was conducted April 27-28.
The launch countdown will begin about 3 days prior to
the launch. During the countdown, the orbiter's onboard
fuel and oxidizer storage tanks will be loaded and all
orbiter systems will be prepared for flight. About 9
hours before launch, the external tank will be filled
with its flight load of a half a million gallons of
liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants. About 2
and one-half hours before liftoff, the flight crew will
begin taking their assigned seats in the crew cabin.
Columbia is scheduled to land at Edwards AFB, Calif.,
KSC's landing and recovery team at NASA's Ames-Dryen
Flight Research Facility will prepare the orbiter for its
ferry flight back to Florida, expected to begin about 5
days after landing.
PAYLOAD AND VEHICLE WEIGHTS
Vehicle/Payload Weight (lbs)
Orbiter Columbia empty 158,905
Ultraviolet Astronomy Telescope (Astro) 17,276
(IPS, igloo and 2 pallets)
Astro Support Equipment 404
(middeck equipment)
Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT) 8,650
(including TAPS and support equipment)
Detailed Test Objectives (DTO) 274
Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX) 61
Total vehicle at SRB ignition 4,523,199
Orbiter and cargo at main engine cutoff 267,513
Orbiter landing weight 225,886
THE ASTRO-1 MISSION
Since the earliest days of astronomy, humankind has
used the light from the stars to test their understanding
of the universe. Now, an array of telescopes to be flown
on the first Spacelab mission since 1985, will extend
scientists' vision beyond the visible light to view some
of the most energetic events in the universe.
Astro-1 is the first Spacelab mission devoted to a
single scientific discipline -- astrophysics. The
observatory will operate from within the cargo bay of
Space Shuttle Columbia on the STS-35 mission. Together,
four telescopes will dissect ultraviolet light and X-rays
from stars and galaxies, revealing the secrets of
processes that emitted the radiation from thousands to
even billions of years ago. Wherever it points, Astro
promises to reveal an array of information.
The Astro-1 Spacelab project is managed by NASA's
Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.
Seeing the Universe
Astronomy from the ground always has been hampered by
the Earth's atmosphere. Even visible light is distorted
and blurred by the motion of air masse, and visible light
is just a small part of the radiation that virtually all
objects in the sky emit. Other forms of radiation -- like
cooler, low-energy infrared light and hotter, high-energy
ultraviolet light and X-rays -- are largely absorbed by
the atmosphere and never reach the ground.
Seeing celestial objects in visible light alone is
like looking at a painting in only one color. To
appreciate fully the meaning of the painting, viewers
must see it in all of its colors.
The Astro-1 telescopes were constructed to add some of
these "colors" to scientists' view of stars and galaxies.
The telescopes' perch above the veil of Earth's
atmosphere in Columbia's cargo bay will allow scientists
to view radiation that is invisible on the ground.
Three of Astro-1's telescopes will operate in the
ultraviolet portion of the spectrum and one in the X-ray
portion. One will take photographs; two will analyze the
chemical composition, density and temperature of objects
with a spectrograph; and the other will study the
relative brightness and polarization (the study of light
wavelength orientation) of celestial objects. Some
sources will be among the faintest known, as faint as the
glow of sunlight reflected back from interplanetary dust.
By studying ultraviolet and X-rays, astronomers can
see emissions from extremely hot gases, intense magnetic
fields and other high-energy phenomena that are much
fainter in visible and infrared light or in radio waves -
- and which are crucial to a deeper understanding of the
universe.
Several space telescopes -- notably the Orbiting
Astronomical Observatory-3 (Copernicus) launched in 1972,
the International Ultraviolet Explorer launched in 1978
and the second High Energy Astronomy Observatory launched
in 1979 -- opened the window in these exciting parts of
the spectrum. The combined observations by Astro, the
Hubble Space Telescope and ground-based observatories
will provide astronomers with a more comprehensive view
of the cosmos than ever before.
What Astro-1 Will "See"
The universe viewed by the Astro observatory will look
strikingly different from the familiar night sky. Most
stars will fade from view, too cool to emit significant
ultraviolet radiation or X-rays. Yet, very young massive
stars, very old stars, glowing nebulae, active galaxies
and quasars will gleam brightly.
Astro will make observations in this solar system.
Astro will examine the chemistry of planetary atmospheres
and the interactions of their magnetic fields. The Astro
observatory will study comets as they interact with light
and particles from the sun to produce bright, streaming
tails.
Stars
Astro will peer far beyond this solar system to study
many types of stars. The sun is only one of an estimated
several hundred billion stars in the galaxy. Stars like
the sun are the most common type: fiery spheres of gas,
about 1 million times larger in volume than Earth, with
nuclear furnaces that reach temperatures of millions of
degrees.
Today, current evidence indicates that the sun is a
stable, middle-aged star, but some 5 billion years hence
it will swell and swallow the inner planets including
Earth. As a red giant, it may eject a shell of dust and
gas, a planetary nebula. As the sun fades, it will
collapse to an object no bigger than Earth, a dense, hot
ember, a white dwarf. Astronomers predict that most
stars may end their lives as white dwarfs, so it is
important to study these stellar remains. White dwarfs
emit most of their radiation in the ultraviolet, and one
of Astro-1's main goals is to locate and examine white
dwarfs in detail.
Supernova
Astro-1 instruments will locate hot, massive stars of
all ages so that astronomers can study all phases of
stellar evolution. Stars with 10 to 100 times more mass
than the sun burn hydrogen rapidly until their cores
collapse and they explode as supernovas, among the most
powerful events in the universe. These stars are
initially are very hot and emit mostly ultraviolet
radiation.
Astro will view the recent explosion, Supernova 1987A,
which spewed stellar debris into space. Supernovas forge
new elements, most of which are swept away in expanding
shells of gas and debris heated by the shock waves from
the blast. Astro-1 will look for supernova remnants
which remain visible for thousands of years after a
stellar death. Astro-1's ultraviolet and X-ray
telescopes will provide information on element
abundances, the physical conditions in the expanding gas
and the structure of the interstellar medium.
Neutron Stars, Pulsars, Black Holes
After a supernova explosion, the stellar core
sometimes collapses into a neutron star, the densest and
tiniest of known stars, with mass comparable to the sun
compacted into an area the size of a large city. Matter
can become so dense that a sugar cube of neutron star
material would weigh 100 million tons.
Sometimes neutron stars are pulsars that emit beacons
of radiation and appear to blink on and off as many as
hundreds of times per second because they spin so
rapidly. Scientists have theorized that some stars may
collapse so far that they become black holes, objects so
dense and gravitationally strong that neither matter nor
light escape. Astro will look for the ultraviolet
radiation and X-rays thought to be produced when hot,
whirling matter is drawn into a black hole.
Star Systems
Few stars live in isolation; most are found in pairs
or groups. Some stellar companions orbit each other and
often pass so close that mass is transferred from one
star to the other, producing large amounts of ultraviolet
and X-ray radiation which Astro-1's four telescopes are
designed to study. These binary star systems may consist
of various combinations of objects including white
dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.
Star Clusters
Stars may congregate in star clusters with anywhere
from a few to millions of members. Often, there are so
many stars in the core of a cluster that it is impossible
to distinguish the visible light from individual stars.
Because they shine brightly in the ultraviolet, Astro-1
will be able to isolate the hot stars within clusters.
The clusters are excellent laboratories for studying
stellar evolution because the stars residing there formed
from the same material at nearly the same time. However,
within a single cluster, stars of different masses evolve
at different rates.
Stellar evolution can be studied by looking at
clusters of different ages. Each cluster of a given age
provides a snapshot of what is happening as a function of
stellar mass. By examining young clusters (less than 1
million years old) and comparing them to old clusters (1
billion years old), scientists can piece together what
happens over a long time.
Interstellar Medium
The space between stars is filled with dust and gas,
some of which will condense to become future stars and
planets. This interstellar medium is composed chiefly of
hydrogen with traces of heavier elements and has a
typical density of one atom per thimbleful of space.
Astro-1 will be able to measure the properties of this
material more accurately by studying how it affects the
light from distant stars.
For the most part, the interstellar medium is
relatively cool, but it includes pockets of hot matter as
well. Dense clouds of dust that surround stars and
scatter and reflect light are called reflection nebulae.
These are often illuminated by hot, young stars in
stellar nurseries hidden within the clouds. Ultraviolet
observations will reveal the features of stars hidden by
the dust as well as the size and composition of the dust
grains.
Other Galaxies
Beyond the Milky Way are at least a hundred billion
more galaxies, many with hundreds of billions of stars.
They contain most of the visible matter in the universe
and are often found in clusters of galaxies that have
tens to thousands of members. X-ray and ultraviolet
emission will allow scientists to study the hottest, most
active regions of these galaxies as well as the
intergalactic medium, the hot gas between the galaxies in
a cluster.
Galaxies have a variety of shapes and sizes: gigantic
spirals like the Milky Way, egg-shaped elliptical and
irregular shapes with no preferred form. Astro will
survey the different types of galaxies and study their
evolution. The nearby galaxies will appear as they were
millions of years ago, and Astro will see the most
distant ones as they were billions of years ago. By
comparing these galaxies, scientists can trace the
history of the universe.
Quasars
Some galaxies are in the process of violent change.
Such active galaxies have central regions (nuclei) that
emit huge amounts of energy; their ultraviolet and X-ray
emission may help us identify their source of power.
Astro-1's ultraviolet and X-ray telescopes will detect
quasars, very distant compact objects that radiate more
energy than 100 normal galaxies.
Quasars may be the nuclei of ancient active galaxies.
Strong X-ray and ultraviolet radiation arising in the
central cores of these powerful objects may help
scientists discover what these objects really are.
This overview is the known universe today, but many of
these ideas are only predictions based on theory and a
few observations. Scientists still lack the definitive
observations needed to confirm or refute many of these
theories. Scientists do not know the exact size of the
universe or its age. Scientists have never definitely
seen a black hole, and they continue to question the
nature of quasars.
To understand these mysteries, scientists need to see
the universe in all its splendor. Astro is part of
NASA's strategy to study the universe across the
electromagnetic spectrum, in all wavelengths.
THE ASTRO-1 OBSERVATORY
The Astro-1 observatory is a compliment of four
telescopes. Though each instrument is uniquely designed
to address specific questions in ultraviolet and X-ray
astronomy, when used in concert, the capability of each
is enhanced. The synergistic use of Astro-1's
instruments for joint observations serves to make Astro-1
an exceptionally powerful facility. The Astro-1
observatory has three ultraviolet-sensitive instruments:
o Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT) uses a
spectrograph to examine faint astronomical objects such
as quasars, active galactic nuclei and normal galaxies in
the far ultraviolet.
o Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT) will take
wide-field-of-view photographs of objects such as hot
stars and galaxies in broad ultraviolet wavelength bands.
o Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter
Experiment (WUPPE) will study the ultraviolet
polarization of hot stars, galactic nuclei and quasars.
These instruments working together will make 200 to
300 observations during the STS-35 mission. The Astro
ultraviolet telescopes are mounted on a common pointing
system in the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. The
grouped telescopes will be pointed in the same direction
at the same time, so simultaneous photographs, spectra
and polarization studies will be available for each
object observed. The telescopes will be operated by
Columbia's crew.
A fourth Astro instrument, the Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope (BBXRT), will view high-energy objects such
as active galaxies, quasars and supernovas. This
telescope is mounted on a separate pointing system
secured by a support structure in the cargo bay.
For joint observations, BBXRT can be aligned with the
ultraviolet telescopes to see the same objects, but it
also can be pointed independently to view other X-ray
sources. BBXRT will be operated remotely by ground
controllers. Since the ultraviolet telescopes and the X-
ray telescope are mounted on different support
structures, they can be reflown together or separately.
THE HOPKINS ULTRAVIOLET TELESCOPE
The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope is the first major
telescope capable of studying far ultraviolet (FUV) and
extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation from a wide variety
of objects in space. HUT's observations will provide new
information on the evolution of galaxies and quasars, the
physical properties of extremely hot stars and the
characteristics of accretion disks (hot, swirling matter
transferred from one star to another) around white
dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes.
HUT will make the first observations of a wide variety
of astronomical objects in the far ultraviolet region
below 1,200 Angstroms (A) and will pioneer the detailed
study of stars in the extreme ultraviolet band.
Ultraviolet radiation at wavelengths shorter than 912 A
is absorbed by hydrogen, the most abundant element in the
universe. HUT will allow astronomers, in some instances
along unobserved lines of sight, to see beyond this
cutoff, called the Lyman limit, because the radiation
from the most distant and rapidly receding objects, such
as very bright quasars, is shifted toward longer
wavelengths.
HUT was designed and built by the Center for
Astrophysical Sciences and the Applied Physics Laboratory
of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. Its
36-inch mirror is coated with the rare element iridium, a
member of the platinum family, capable of reflecting far
and extreme ultraviolet light. The mirror, located at
the aft end of the telescope, focuses incoming light from
a celestial source back to a spectrograph mounted behind
the telescope.
A grating within the spectrograph separates the light,
like a rainbow, into its component wavelengths. The
strengths of those wavelengths tell scientists how much
of certain elements are present. The ratio of the
spectral lines reveal a source's temperature and density.
The shape of the spectrum shows the physical processes
occurring in a source.
The spectrograph is equipped with a variety of light-
admitting slits or apertures. The science team will use
different apertures to accomplish different goals in
their observation. The longest slit has a field of view
of 2 arc minutes, about 1/15th the apparent diameter of
the moon. HUT is fitted with an electronic detector
system. Its data recordings are processed by an onboard
computer system and relayed to the ground for later
analysis.
Johns Hopkins scientists conceived HUT to take
ultraviolet astronomy beyond the brief studies previously
conducted with rocket-borne telescopes. A typical rocket
flight might gather 300 seconds of data on a single
object. HUT will collect more than 300,000 seconds of
data on nearly 200 objects during the Astro-1 mission,
ranging from objects in the solar system to quasars
billions of light-years distant.
HUT Vital Statistics
Sponsoring Institution: The Johns Hopkins University,
Baltimore, Md.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Arthur F. Davidsen
Telescope Optics: 36 in. aperture, f/2 focal
ratio, iridium-coated
paraboloid mirror
Instrument: Prime Focus Rowland Circle
Spectrograph with microchannel
plate intensifier and
electronic diode array detector
Field of View 10 arc minutes
of Guide TV:
Spectral Resolution: 3.0 A
Wavelength Range: 850 A to 1,850 A (First Order)
425 A to 925 A (Second Order)
Weight: 1,736 lb
Size: 44 inches in diameter
12.4 ft. in length
WISCONSIN ULTRAVIOLET PHOTO-POLARIMETER
EXPERIMENT
Any star, except for our sun, is so distant that it
appears as only a point of light and surface details
cannot be seen. If the light from objects is polarized,
it can tell scientists something about the source's
geometry, the physical conditions at the source and the
reflecting properties of tiny particles in the
interstellar medium along the radiation's path.
The Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment
(WUPPE), developed by the Space Astronomy Lab at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison, is designed to measure
polarization and intensity of ultraviolet radiation from
celestial objects. WUPPE is a 20-inch telescope with a
5.5-arc-minute field of view.
WUPPE is fitted with a spectropolarimeter, an
instrument that records both the spectrum and the
polarization of the ultraviolet light gathered by the
telescope. Light will pass through sophisticated
filters, akin to Polaroid sunglasses, before reaching the
detector. Measurements then will be transmitted
electronically to the ground.
Photometry is the measurement of the intensity
(brightness) of the light, while polarization is the
measurement of the orientation (direction) of the
oscillating light wave. Usually waves of light move
randomly -- up, down, back, forward and diagonally. When
light is polarized, all the waves oscillate in a single
plane. Light that is scattered, like sunlight reflecting
off water, is often polarized. Astro-1 astronomers
expect to learn about ultraviolet light that is scattered
by dust strewn among stars and galaxies. They also can
learn about the geometry of stars and other objects by
studying their polarization.
To date, virtually no observations of polarization of
astronomical sources in the ultraviolet have been carried
out. WUPPE measures the polarization by splitting a beam
of radiation into two perpendicular planes of
polarization, passing the beams through a spectrometer
and focusing the beams on two separate array detectors.
In the ultraviolet spectrum, both photometry and
polarization are extremely difficult measurements to
achieve with the high degree of precision required for
astronomical studies. To develop an instrument that
could make these delicate measurements required an
unusually innovative and advanced technical effort.
Thus, the WUPPE investigation is a pioneering foray with
a new technique.
The targets of WUPPE investigations are primarily in
the Milky Way galaxy and beyond, for which comparative
data exist in other wavelengths. Like the Hopkins
Ultraviolet Telescope, WUPPE also makes spectroscopic
observations of hot stars, galactic nuclei and quasars.
Operating at ultraviolet wavelengths that are mostly
longer than those observed by HUT (but with some useful
overlap), WUPPE provides chemical composition and
physical information on celestial targets that that give
off a significant amount of
radiation in the 1,400 to 3,200 A range.
WUPPE Vital Statistics
Sponsoring Institution: University of Wisconsin,
Madison
Principal Investigator: Dr. Arthur D. Code
Telescope Optics: Cassegrain (two-mirror) system,
f/10 focal ratio
Instrument: Spectropolarimeter with dual
electronic diode array
detectors
Primary Mirror Size: 20 in. diameter
279 sq.* in. area
Field of View: 3.3 x 4.4 arc minutes
Spectral Resolution: 6 Angstroms
Wavelength Range: 1,400 to 3,200 Angstroms
Magnitude Limit: 16
Weight: 981 lb
Size: 28 inches in diameter
12.4 ft. in length
* This and subsequent changes were made to avoid
confusion since
the computer will not create exponents for cm2 or the
circle
over the A for Angstrom.
THE ULTRAVIOLET IMAGING TELESCOPE
In the 20 years that astronomical observations have
been made from space, no high-resolution ultraviolet
photographs of objects other than the sun have been made.
Nonetheless, the brief glimpses of the ultraviolet sky
have led to important discoveries in spiral galaxies,
globular clusters, white dwarf stars and other areas.
Deep, wide-field imaging is a primary means by which
fundamentally new phenomena or important examples of
known classes of astrophysical objects will be recognized
in the ultraviolet. The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope
(UIT), developed at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in
Greenbelt, Md., is the key instrument for these
investigations.
UIT is a powerful combination of telescope, image
intensifier and camera. It is a 15.2-inch Ritchey
Chretien telescope with two selectable cameras mounted
behind the primary mirror. Each camera has a six-
position filter wheel, a two-stage magnetically focused
image tube and a 70-mm film transport, fiber optically
coupled to each image tube. One camera is designed to
operate in the 1200 - 1700 Angstrom region and the other
in the 1250-3200 Angstrom region.
Unlike data from the other Astro instruments, which
will be electronically transmitted to the ground, UIT
images will be recorded directly onto a very sensitive
astronomical film for later development after Columbia
lands. UIT has enough film to make 2,000 exposures.
A series of 11 different filters allows specific
regions of the ultraviolet spectrum to be isolated for
energy-distribution studies. After development, each
image frame will be electronically digitized to form
2,048 x 2,048 picture elements, or pixels, then analyzed
further with computers.
UIT has a 15-inch diameter mirror with a 40-arc-minute
field of view -- about 25 percent wider than the apparent
diameter of the full moon. UIT has the largest field of
view of any sensitive UV imaging instrument planned for
flight in the 1990s. It will photograph nearby galaxies,
large clusters of stars and distant clusters of galaxies.
A 30-minute exposure (the length of one orbital night)
will record a blue star of 25th magnitude, a star about
100 million times fainter than the faintest star visible
to the naked eye on a dark, clear night. Since UIT makes
longer exposures than previous instruments, fainter
objects will be visible in the images.
The instrument favors the detection of hot objects
which emit most of their energy in the ultraviolet.
Common examples span the evolutionary history of stars --
massive stars and stars in the final stages of stellar
evolution (white dwarfs). Images of numerous relatively
cool stars that do not radiate much in the ultraviolet
are suppressed, and the UV sources stand out clearly in
the photographs.
The UIT's field of view is wide enough to encompass
entire galaxies, star clusters and distant clusters of
galaxies. This deep survey mode will reveal many new,
exciting objects to be studied further by NASA's Hubble
Space Telescope. Although the Hubble Space Telescope
will have a much higher magnification and record much
fainter stars, the UIT will photograph much larger
regions all at once. In addition, the UIT will suffer
much less interference from visible light, since it is
provided with "solar blind" detectors. For certain
classes of targets, such as diffuse, ultraviolet-emitting
or ultraviolet-scattering nebulae, UIT may be a more
sensitive imager.
A wide selection of astronomical objects will be
studied in this first deep survey of cosmic phenomena in
the ultraviolet. The UIT is expected to target hot stars
in globular clusters to help explain how stars evolve.
Another experiment may help astronomers learn whether
properties and distribution of interstellar dust are the
same in all galaxies. High-priority objects are
Supernova 1987A and vicinity, star clusters, planetary
nebulae and
supernova remnants, spiral and "normal" galaxies, the
interstellar medium of other galaxies and clusters of
galaxies.
UIT Vital Statistics
Sponsoring Institution: NASA Goddard Space Flight
Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, Md.
Principal Investigator: Theodore P. Stecher (NASA GSFC)
Telescope Optics: Ritchey-Chretien (variation of
Cassegrain two-mirror system
with correction over wide field
of view)
Aperture: 15 in.
Focal Ratio: f/9
Field of View: 40 arc minutes
Angular Resolution: 2 arc seconds
Wavelength Range: 1,200 A to 3,200 A
Magnitude Limit: 25
Filters: 2 filter wheels, 6 filters each
Detectors: Two image intensifiers with 70-
mm film, 1,000 frames each;
IIaO astronomical film
Exposure Time: Up to 30 minutes
Weight: 1,043 lb
Size: 32 inches in diameter
12.4 ft. in length
THE BROAD BAND X-RAY TELESCOPE
The Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT) will provide
astronomers with the first high-quality spectra of many
of the X-ray sources discovered with the High Energy
Astronomy Observatory 2, better known as the Einstein
Observatory, launched in the late 1970s. BBXRT,
developed at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in
Greenbelt, Md., uses mirrors and advanced solid-state
detectors as spectrometers to measure the energy of
individual X-ray photons. These energies produce a
spectrum that reveals the chemistry, structure and
dynamics of a source.
BBXRT is actually two 8-inch telescopes each with a 17
arc-minute field of view (more than half the angular
width of the moon). The two identical telescopes are
used to focus X-rays onto solid-state spectrometers which
measure photon energy in electron volts in the "soft" X-
ray region, from 380 to 12,000 eV. The use of two
telescopes doubles the number of photons that are
detected and also provides redundancy in case of a
failure.
X-ray telescopes are difficult to construct because X-
ray photons are so energetic that they penetrate mirrors
and are absorbed. A mirror surface reflects X-rays only
if it is very smooth and the photons strike it at a very
shallow angle. Because such small grazing angles are
needed, the reflectors must be very long to intercept
many of the incident X-rays. Since even shallower angles
are required to detect higher-energy X-rays, telescopes
effective at high energies need very large reflecting
surfaces.
Traditionally, X-ray telescopes have used massive,
finely polished reflectors that were expensive to
construct and did not efficiently use the available
aperture. The mirror technology developed for BBXRT
consists of very thin pieces of gold-coated aluminum foil
that require no polishing and can be nested very closely
together to reflect a large fraction of the X-rays
entering the telescope.
Because its reflecting surfaces can be made so easily,
BBXRT can afford to have mirrors using the very shallow
grazing angles necessary to reflect high-energy photons.
In fact, BBXRT is one of the first telescopes to observe
astronomical targets that emit X-rays above approximately
4,000 electron volts.
The telescope will provide information on the
chemistry, temperature and structure of some of the most
unusual and interesting objects in the universe. BBXRT
can see fainter and more energetic objects than any yet
studied. It will look for signs of heavy elements such
as iron, oxygen, silicon and calcium. These elements
usually are formed in exploding stars and during
mysterious events occurring at the core of galaxies and
other exotic objects.
BBXRT will be used to study a variety of sources, but
a major goal is to increase our understanding of active
galactic nuclei and quasars. Many astronomers believe
that the two are very similar objects that contain an
extremely luminous source at the nucleus of an otherwise
relatively normal galaxy. The central source in quasars
is so luminous that the host galaxy is difficult to
detect. X-rays are expected to be emitted near the
central engine of these objects, and astronomers will
examine X-ray spectra and their variations to understand
the phenomena at the heart of quasars.
Investigators are interested in clusters of galaxies,
congregations of tens or thousands of galaxies grouped
together within a few million light-years of each other.
When viewed in visible light, emissions from individual
galaxies are dominant, but X-rays are emitted primarily
from hot gas between the galaxies.
In fact, theories and observations indicate that there
should be about as much matter in the hot gas as in the
galaxies, but all this material has not been seen yet.
BBXRT observations will enable scientists to calculate
the total mass of a cluster and deduce the amount of
"dark" matter.
A star's death, a supernova, heats the region of the
galaxy near the explosion so that it glows in X-rays.
Scientists believe that heavy elements such as iron are
manufactured and dispersed into the interstellar medium
by supernovas. The blast or shock wave may produce
energetic cosmic ray particles that travel on endless
journeys throughout the universe and instigate the
formation of new stars. BBXRT detects young supernova
remnants (less than 10,000 years old) which are still
relatively hot. Elements will be identified, and the
shock wave's movement and structure will be examined.
BBXRT was not part of the originally selected ASTRO
payload. It was added to the mission after the
appearance of Supernova 1987A in February 1987, to obtain
vital scientific information about the supernova. In
addition, data gathered by BBXRT on other objects will
enhance studies that would otherwise be limited to data
gathered with the three ultraviolet
telescopes.
BBXRT Vital Statistics
Sponsoring Institution: NASA Goddard Space Flight
Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Peter J. Serlemitsos
Telescope Optics: Two co-aligned X-ray telescopes
with cooled segmented lithium-
drifted silicon solid-state
detectors in the focal planes
Focal Length: 12.5 ft. each, detection area
0.16 in. diameter pixel
Focal Plane Scale: 0.9 arc minutes per mm
Field of View: 4.5 arc minutes (central
element);
17 arc minutes (overall)
Energy Band: 0.3 to 12 keV
Effective Area: 765 cm2 at 1.5 keV, 300 cm2 at
7 keV
Energy Resolution: 0.09 keV at 1 keV, 0.15 keV at
6 keV
Weight: 1,500 lb (680.4 kg)
Size: 40 inches in diameter
166 inches in length
ASTRO CARRIER SYSTEMS
The Astro observatory is made up of three co-aligned
ultraviolet telescopes carried by Spacelab and one X-ray
telescope mounted on the Two-Axis Pointing System (TAPS)
and a special structure.
Each telescope was independently designed, but all
work together as elements of a single observatory. The
carriers provide stable platforms and pointing systems
that allow the ultraviolet and X-ray telescopes to
observe the same target. However, having two separate
pointing systems gives investigators the flexibility to
point the ultraviolet telescopes at one target while the
X-ray telescope is aimed at another.
Spacelab
The three ultraviolet telescopes are supported by
Spacelab hardware. Spacelab is a set of modular
components developed by the European Space Agency and
managed by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center,
Hunstville, Ala. For each Spacelab payload, specific
standardized parts are combined to create a unique
design. The elements are anchored within the orbiter's
cargo bay, transforming it into a short-term laboratory
in space.
Spacelab elements used to support the Astro
observatory include two pallets, a pressurized igloo to
house subsystem equipment and the Instrument Pointing
System. The pressurized Spacelab laboratory module will
not be used for Astro. Rather, astronauts and payload
specialists will operate the payload from the aft flight
deck of the orbiter Columbia.
Pallets
The ultraviolet telescopes and the Instrument Pointing
System are mounted on two Spacelab pallets -- large,
uncovered, unpressurized platforms designed to support
scientific instruments that require direct exposure to
space. Each individual pallet is 10 feet long and 13
feet wide. The basic pallet structure is made up of five
parallel U-shaped frames. Twenty-four inner and 24 outer
panels, made of aluminum alloy honeycomb, cover the
frame. The inner panels are equipped with threaded
inserts so that payload and subsystem equipment can be
attached. Twenty-four standard hard points, made of
chromium-plated titanium casting, are provided for
payloads which exceed acceptable loading of the inner
pallets.
Pallets are more than a platform for mounting
instrumentation. With an igloo attached, they also can
cool equipment, provide electrical power and furnish
connections for commanding and acquiring data from
experiments. Cable ducts and cable support trays can be
bolted to the forward and aft frame of each pallet to
support and route electrical cables to and from the
experiments and the subsystem equipment mounted on the
pallet. The ducts are made of aluminum alloy sheet
metal. In addition to basic utilities, some special
accommodations are available for pallet-mounted
experiments.
For Astro-1, two pallets are connected together to
form a single rigid structure called a pallet train.
Twelve joints are used to connect the two pallets.
Igloo
Normally Spacelab subsystem equipment is housed in the
core segment of the pressurized laboratory module.
However, in "pallet only" configurations such as Astro,
the subsystems are located in a supply module called the
igloo. It provides a pressurized compartment in which
Spacelab subsystem equipment can be mounted in a dry-air
environment at normal Earth atmospheric pressure, as
required by their design. The subsystems provide such
services as cooling, electrical power and connections for
commanding and acquiring data from the instruments.
The igloo is attached vertically to the forward end
frame of the first pallet. Its outer dimensions are
approximately 7.9 feet in height and 3.6 feet in
diameter. The igloo is a closed cylindrical shell made
of aluminum alloy and covered with multi-layer
insulation. A removable cover allows full access to the
interior.
The igloo consists of two parts. The primary
structure -- an exterior cannister -- is a cylindrical,
locally stiffened shell made of forged aluminum alloy
rings and closed at one end. The other end has a
mounting flange for the cover. A seal is inserted when
the two structures are joined together mechanically to
form a pressure-tight assembly.
There are external fittings on the cannister for
fastening it to the pallet, handling and transportation
on the ground, and thermal control insulation. Two feed-
through plates accommodate utility lines and a pressure
relief valve. Facilities on the inside of the cannister
are provided for mounting subsystem equipment and the
interior igloo structure. The cover is also a
cylindrical shell, made of welded aluminum alloy and
closed at one end. The igloo has about 77.7 cubic feet
of interior space for subsystems.
Subsystem equipment is mounted on an interior or
secondary structure which also acts as a guide for the
removal or replacement of the cover. The secondary
structure is hinge-fastened to the primary structure,
allowing access to the bottom of the secondary structure
and to equipment mounted within the primary structure.
Instrument Pointing System
Telescopes such as those aboard Astro-1 must be
pointed with very high accuracy and stability at the
objects which they are to view. The Spacelab Instrument
Pointing System provides precision pointing for a wide
range of payloads, including large single instruments or
clusters of instruments. The pointing mechanism can
accommodate instruments weighing up to 15,432 pounds and
can point them to within 2 arc seconds and hold them on
target to within 1.2 arc seconds. The combined weight of
the ultraviolet telescopes and the structure which holds
them together is 9,131 pounds.
The Instrument Pointing System consists of a three-
axis gimbal system mounted on a gimbal support structure
connected to the pallet at one end and the aft end of the
payload at the other, a payload clamping system for
support of the mounted experiment during launch and
landing and a control system based on the inertial
reference of a three-axis gyro package and operated by a
gimbal-mounted microcomputer.
Three bearing-drive units on the gimbal system allow
the payload to be pointed on three axes: elevation (back
and forth), cross-elevation (side to side) and azimuth
(roll), allowing it to point in a 22-degree circle around
a its straight-up position. The pointing system may be
maneuvered at a rate of up to one degree per second,
which is five times as fast as the Shuttle orbiter's
maneuvering rate. The operating modes of the different
scientific investigations vary considerably. Some
require manual control capability, others slow scan
mapping, still others high angular rates and
accelerations. Performance in all these modes requires
flexibility achieved with computer software.
The Instrument Pointing System is controlled through
the Spacelab subsystem computer and a data-display unit
and keyboard. It can be operated either automatically or
by the Spacelab crew from the module (when used) and also
from the payload station in the orbiter aft flight deck.
In addition to the drive units, Instrument Pointing
System structural hardware includes a payload/gimbal
separation mechanism, replaceable extension column,
emergency jettisoning device, support structure and rails
and a thermal control system. The gimbal structure
itself is minimal, consisting only of a yoke and inner
and outer gimbals to which the payload is attached by the
payload-mounted integration ring.
An optical sensor package is used for attitude
correction and also for configuring the instrument for
solar, stellar or Earth viewing. The Astro-1 mission
marks the first time the Instrument Pointing System has
been used for stellar astronomy. Three star trackers
locate guide stars. The boresite tracker is in the
middle, and two other trackers are angled 12 degrees from
each side of the boresite. By keeping stars of known
locations centered in each tracker, a stable position can
be maintained.
The three ultraviolet telescopes are mounted and
precisely co-aligned on a common structure, called the
cruciform, that is attached to the pointing system.
Image Motion Compensation System
An image motion compensation system was developed by
the Marshall Space Flight Center to provide additional
pointing stability for two of the ultraviolet
instruments.
When the Shuttle thrusters fire to control orbiter
attitude, there is a noticeable disturbance of the
pointing system. The telescopes are also affected by
crew motion in the orbiter. A gyro stabilizer senses the
motion of the cruciform which could disrupt UIT and WUPPE
pointing stability. It sends information to the image
motion compensation electronics system where pointing
commands are computed and sent to the telescopes'
secondary mirrors which make automatic adjustments to
improve stability to less than 1 arc second.
The Astro-1's star tracker, designed by the NASA Jet
Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., fixes on bright
stars with well-known and sends this information to the
electronics system which corrects errors caused by gyro
drift and sends new commands to the telescopes' mirrors.
The mirrors automatically adjust to keep pointed at the
target.
Broad Band X-ray Telescope and the Two-Axis Pointing
System (TAPS)
Developed at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center,
these pointing systems were designed to be flown together
on multiple missions. This payload will be anchored in a
support structure placed just behind the ultraviolet
telescopes in the Shuttle payload bay. BBXRT is attached
directly to the TAPS inner gimbal frame.
The TAPS will move BBXRT in a forward/aft direction
(pitch) relative to the cargo bay or from side to side
(roll) relative to the cargo bay. A star tracker uses
bright stars as a reference to position the TAPS for an
observation, and gyros keep the TAPS on a target. As the
gyros drift, the star tracker periodically recalculates
and resets the TAPS position.
ASTRO OPERATIONS
Operation of the Astro-1 telescopes will be a
cooperative effort between the science crew in orbit and
their colleagues in a control facility at the Marshall
Space Flight Center and a support control center at
Goddard Space Flight Center. Though the crew and the
instrument science teams will be separated by many miles,
they will interact with one another to evaluate
observations and solve problems in much the same way as
they would when working side by side.
On-Orbit Science Crew Activities
The Astro science crew will operate the ultraviolet
telescopes and Instrument Pointing System from the
Shuttle orbiter's aft flight deck, located to the rear of
the cockpit. Windows overlooking the cargo bay allow the
payload specialist and mission specialist to keep an eye
on the instruments as they command them into precise
position. The aft flight deck is equipped with two
Spacelab keyboard and display units, one for controlling
the pointing system and the other for operating the
scientific instruments. To aid in target identification,
this work area also includes two closed-circuit
television monitors. With the monitors, crew members
will be able to see the star fields being viewed by HUT
and WUPPE and monitor the data being transmitted from the
instruments.
The Astro-1 crew will work around the clock to allow
the maximum number of observations to be made during
their mission. The STS-35 commander will have a flexible
schedule, while two teams of crew members will work in
12-hour shifts. Each team consists of the pilot or
flight mission specialist, a science mission specialist
and a payload specialist. The crew and the ground
controllers will follow an observation schedule detailed
in a carefully planned timeline.
In a typical Astro-1 ultraviolet observation, the
flight crew member on duty maneuvers the Shuttle to point
the cargo bay in the general direction of the
astronomical object to be observed. The mission
specialist commands the pointing system to aim the
telescopes toward the target. He also locks on to guide
stars to help the pointing system remain stable despite
orbiter thruster firings. The payload specialist sets up
each instrument for the upcoming observation, identifies
the celestial target on the guide television and provides
any necessary pointing corrections for placing the object
precisely in the telescope's field of view. He then
starts the instrument observation sequences and monitors
the data being recorded. Because the many observations
planned create a heavy workload, the payload and mission
specialists work together to perform these complicated
operations and evaluate the quality of observations.
Each observation will take between 10 minutes to a little
over an hour.
The X-ray telescope requires little attention from the
crew. A crew member will turn on the BBXRT and the TAPS
at the beginning of operations and then turn them off
when the operations conclude. The telescope is
controlled from the ground. After the telescope is
activated, researchers at Goddard can "talk" to the
telescope via computer. Before science operations begin,
stored commands are loaded into the BBXRT computer
system. Then, when the astronauts position the Shuttle
in the general direction of the source, the TAPS
automatically points the BBXRT at the object. Since the
Shuttle can be oriented in only one direction at a time,
X-ray observations must be coordinated carefully with
ultraviolet observations.
GROUND CONTROL
Astro-1 science operations will be directed from
NASA's new Spacelab Mission Operations Control facility
at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The BBXRT will be
controlled by commands from a supporting payload
operations control facility at Goddard.
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Beginning with the Astro-1 flight, all Spacelab
science activities will be controlled from Marshall's
Spacelab Mission Operations Control Center. It will
replace the payload operations control center at the
Johnson Space Center from which previous Spacelab
missions have been operated. The Spacelab Mission
Operations Control team is under the overall direction of
the mission manager.
The Spacelab Mission Operations Control team will
support the science crew in much the same way that
Houston Mission Control supports the flight crew. Teams
of controllers and researchers at the Marshall facility
will direct all NASA science operations, send commands
directly to the spacecraft, receive and analyze data from
experiments aboard the vehicle, adjust mission schedules
to take advantage of unexpected science opportunities or
unexpected results, and work with crew members to resolve
problems with their experiments.
An air/ground communications channel, in addition to
the one used by the Mission Control Center in Houston,
will be dedicated to communications between the Alabama
control facility and the science crew aboard the Space
Shuttle. "Huntsville" will be the call sign from space
that astronauts will use to address their control team at
the Marshall facility.
The Spacelab Mission Operations Control facility is
located on two floors of Building 4663 at the Marshall
Space Flight Center. Most of the activity occurs in two
work areas: the payload control area on the upper floor
from which the overall payload is monitored and
controlled; and the science operations area on the ground
level, where scientists for the individual telescopes
monitor their instruments and direct observations.
The payload control area is the hub of payload
operations. Communication with the crew, on-orbit and
ground computer systems monitoring, science activities,
and even television camera operations are marshalled from
work stations in the control room. Console operators in
the area are referred to as the payload operations
control center (POCC) cadre. The cadre is made up of
three teams under the leadership of the payload
operations director.
The operations control team is responsible for real-
time payload control. They make sure that the pre-
planned observation schedule is being followed and send
commands to the instruments and instructions to the crew.
Designated team members stay in voice contact with the
the on-board science crew via an air-to-ground
communications loop.
The data management team ensures that the science data
needed from the payload is scheduled and received
properly. The responsibilities range from telling the
on-board computer when to send down the information it
has been storing to scheduling TV transmissions from
orbit.
The payload activities planning team is in charge of
replanning the payload crew activity schedule when
anything from unexpected science opportunities to
equipment problems requires a change. After a science
operations planning group makes rescheduling decisions
for upcoming shifts, the planning team determines the
many adjustments that will allow those changes to be
accomplished.
The POCC cadre also includes the mission scientist,
who leads the science operations planning group and acts
as a liaison between the cadre and the science
investigator teams; the alternate payload specialist, a
backup crew member who helps with air-to-ground
communications and assists the mission scientist; and a
public affairs commentator.
The science operations area on the ground floor of the
Spacelab Mission Operations Control facility is staffed
by teams of scientists and engineers who developed the
Astro-1 telescopes. The principal investigators and
support groups for the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope, the
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope and the Wisconsin Photo-
Polariameter Experiment, along with the Broad Band X-ray
telescope representatives and a team monitoring the
Marshall Space Flight Center's Image Motion Compensation
System share a large room in the science operations area.
The teams monitor the data flowing back from each
instrument, evaluate the instruments' performance, and
assess and analyze the science information revealed by
the data. It is possible for the principal investigator
to talk directly with the crew member operating his
instrument if circumstances demand personal interaction.
Engineers on the science teams provide inputs on
instrument performance and if necessary recommend
alternate methods to maintain optimal performance.
Scientists in each group evaluate the quality of data
given the scientific objectives. They also may do
preliminary analysis of their data, though a complete
study may take months or even years.
Space astronomy is a fluid process because
observations sometimes produce unexpected results that
demand more study than originally planned during the
mission. In addition, hardware contingencies may demand
that some activities be rescheduled. Any changes in the
plan will affect the observations of all four science
teams. Therefore, representatives from each team
participate in the twice-daily, science-operations
planning group meetings. The science objectives and
viewpoints of the various teams are weighed; then the
group agrees on changes to the original activity plan.
BBXRT Payload Operations Control Center
A special team located at a remote payload operations
control center at the Goddard Space Flight Center will
operate the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope and its Two-Axis
Pointing System. However, some members of the BBXRT team
will be stationed at the Marshall control center to
participate in science planning, and all commands issued
to the payload will be coordinated with the mission
management team at Marshall. The two payload operations
control centers will be linked via voice communication so
that teams at both places can confer.
ASTRO-1 HISTORY
In February 1978, NASA issued an announcement of
opportunity for instruments that could travel aboard the
Space Shuttle and utilize the unique capabilities of
Spacelab. Three telescopes -- HUT, UIT, and WUPPE --
evolved as a payload manifested as OSS-3 through 7, and
these missions were assigned to the Goddard Space Flight
Center. Because the Instrument Pointing System and other
Spacelab facilities were needed for OSS-3, management was
moved in 1982 to the Marshall Space Flight Center. The
payload was renamed Astro.
The Wide Field Camera was added to the payload in 1984
to make detailed studies of Comet Halley, which was due
to move through the inner solar system in the spring of
1986.
The instruments were constructed, and the observatory
had completed Spacelab integration and testing by January
1986. Astro-1, consisting of HUT, UIT, WUPPE and the
Wide Field Camera, was ready for orbiter installation
when the Challenger accident occurred.
After the accident, the instruments were removed from
Spacelab and stored. Periodic checks were made during
storage. However, because of the the long interval, the
decision was made to examine and recertify all of the
Astro instruments. As a part of this process, questions
arose in the summer of 1987 about the quality
certifications of the bolts used in the Astro-1 hardware.
Support structures and instrument and electronics
attachments were inspected for possible faulty bolts. A
total of 298 bolts eventually were replaced.
HUT was kept at Kennedy Space Center, but its
spectrograph was returned to The Johns Hopkins University
in October 1988. Although protected from air and
moisture by gaseous nitrogen, HUT's extremely sensitive
ultraviolet detector had degraded with time. The
detector was replaced but failed to pass an acceptance
review, and a third detector was installed in January
1989. An aging television camera was replaced in May
1989.
WUPPE's precise instruments also required
recalibration after their storage period. Rather than
ship the large, sensitive telescope back to the
University of Wisconsin where it was developed,
astronomers there built a portable vertical calibration
facility and delivered it to the Kennedy Space Center.
Calibration was completed in April 1989. WUPPE's power
supplies for the spectrometer and for the zero order
detector were returned
to the University of Wisconsin, where they were modified
to reduce output noise.
UIT also stayed at Kennedy, where the power supply for
its image intensifier was replaced in August 1989.
Because Comet Halley was no longer in position for
detailed observation, the Wide Field Camera was removed
from the payload in the spring of 1987. In March of
1988, BBXRT was added to the Astro-1 payload. Originally
proposed in response to the 1978 announcement of
opportunity, BBXRT had been developed as one of three X-
ray instruments in a payload designated OSS-2. This was
renamed the Shuttle High-Energy Astrophysics Laboratory
and proposed for flight in 1992. However, when Supernova
1987A occurred, BBXRT was completed ahead of schedule and
added to the Astro-1 payload. The addition would allow
study of the supernova and other objects in X-ray as well
as ultraviolet wavelengths.
The completed payload was tested at 6-month intervals.
Level IV testing, in which instruments and command
software are operated apart from Spacelab pallets, was
completed in August 1989. The three ultraviolet
telescopes, the Instrument Pointing System and the igloo
were integrated with the Spacelab pallets for Level III
testing, which concluded in December 1989. The pallet-
mounted ultraviolet telescopes and pointing system, as
well as the BBXRT and its Two-Axis Pointing System, were
moved to the Cargo Integration Test Equipment stand where
testing was completed at the end of February 1990.
Astro-1 was installed in Columbia's payload bay March
20, 1990. Final integrated testing in the Orbiter
Processing Facility between the orbiter, payload, mission
centers and satellite relays was completed March 26-28.
Payload pad activities included installation of
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT) film, removal of
telescope covers, final pallet cleaning and BBXRT argon
servicing.
SHUTTLE AMATEUR RADIO EXPERIMENT (SAREX)
Conducting shortwave radio transmissions between
ground-based amateur radio operators and a Shuttle-based
amateur radio operator is the basis for the Shuttle
Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX).
SAREX communicates with amateur stations in line-of-
sight of the orbiter in one of four transmission modes:
voice, slow scan television (SSTV), data or (uplink only)
fast scan television (FSTV).
The voice mode is operated in the attended mode while
SSTV, data or FSTV can be operated in either attended or
unattended modes.
During the mission, SAREX will be operated by Payload
Specialist Ron Parise, a licensed operator (WA4SIR),
during periods when he is not scheduled for orbiter or
other payload activities. At least four transmissions
will be made to test each transmission mode.
The primary pair of frequencies intended for use
during the mission is 145.55 MHz as the downlink from
Columbia, with 144.95 MHz as the uplink. A spacing of
600 KHz was deliberately chosen for this primary pair to
accommodate those whose split frequency capability is
limited to the customary repeater offset.
SAREX crew-tended operating times will be dictated by
the time of launch. As a secondary payload, SAREX will
be operated by Parise during his pre- and post-sleep
activities each day. This means that wherever the
Shuttle is above Earth during those operating windows,
amateur stations can communicate with Columbia.
Currently, those windows provide coverage for Australia,
Japan, South America and South Africa.
The continental United States has little or no
coverage except through a network of ground stations in
other parts of the world in conjunction with relay links
back to the United States.
Another part of the SAREX is the "robot," providing an
automated operation which can proceed with little human
intervention. The robot will generally be activated
during one of the crew-tended windows and deactivated
during the next one. This gives approximately 12 hours
on and 12 hours off for the robot, with the operational
period chosen to cover all of the U.S. passes.
SAREX has previously flown on missions STS-9 and STS-
51F in different configurations, including the following
hardware: a low-power hand-held FM transceiver, a spare
battery set, an interface (I/F) module, a headset
assembly, an equipment assembly cabinet, a television
camera and monitor, a payload general support computer
(PGSC) and an antenna which will be mounted in a forward
flight window with a fast scan television (FSTV) module
added to the assembly.
Antenna location does not affect communications and
therefore does not require a specific orbiter attitude
for operations. The equipment is stowed in one middeck
locker.
SAREX is a joint effort of NASA and the American Radio
Relay League (ARRL)/Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation
(AMSAT).
STS-35 COLUMBIA SAREX FREQUENCIES
Shuttle Transmit Accompanying Shuttle
Frequency Receive Frequencies
Group 1 145.55 MHz 144.95 MHz
145.55 144.91
145.55 144.97
Group 2 145.51 144.91
145.51 144.93
145.51 144.99
Group 3 145.59 144.99
145.59 144.95
Group 4 145.55 144.95
145.55 144.70
145.55 144.75
145.55 144.80
145.55 144.85
Note: The 145.55/144.95 combination is in both Groups 1
and 4
because alternate uplink frequencies from Group 1
would be
used over North and South America while those from
Group 4
would be used generally in other parts of the
world.
"SPACE CLASSROOM, ASSIGNMENT: THE STARS"
"Space Classroom" is a new NASA educational effort
designed to involve students and teachers in the
excitement of Space Shuttle science missions. This new
program joins more than 160 other educational programs
being conducted by NASA that use the agency's missions
and unique facilities to help educators prepare students
to meet the nation's growing need for a globally
competitive work force of skilled scientists and
engineers.
The first Space Classroom project, called Assignment:
The Stars, will capitalize on the May 1990 flight of
Astro-1, a Space Shuttle astronomy mission. It is
designed to spark the interest of middle school students,
encouraging them to pursue studies in mathematics,
science and technology. It will offer educators an
alternative approach to teaching their students about the
electromagnetic spectrum -- a science concept that is
required instruction in many classrooms in the United
States.
Space Classroom, Assignment: The Stars, involves
several educational elements: a lesson on the
electromagnetic spectrum to be taught live by the Astro-1
crew from the cabin of the Space Shuttle Columbia during
the flight; a supporting lesson to be taught from the
Astro-1 control center in Huntsville, Ala.; an Astro-1
teachers guide; an Astro-1 slide presentation; a NASA
educational satellite video conference next fall; and
post-flight video products suitable for classroom use.
The major component of Assignment: The Stars will be a
lesson taught by members of the Astro-1 science crew from
the Space Shuttle as they orbit the Earth during the
mission. This 15-20 minute presentation will focus on
the electromagnetic spectrum and its relationship to the
high-energy astronomy mission.
The crew presentation will be followed by
demonstrations and discussions of the concepts introduced
by the crew from a classroom in the Astro-1 control
center at Marshall Space Flight Center.
The lesson will conclude with an opportunity for some
students participating in the lesson from Marshall and
students at Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.,
to ask questions of the crew in orbit. Students at both
centers will participate in additional workshops, tours
and laboratory sessions.
The lesson by the crew, the follow-up lesson from the
Astro-1 control center and the question-answer session
will be carried live on NASA Select TV, Satcom satellite
F2R, transponder 13, 3960 megahertz, 72 degrees West
longitude. NASA Select will carry continuous programming
of all mission events as well. The lesson is tentatively
scheduled for the fifth day of the mission.
Beginning about 1 week before launch, Astro-1 Update,
a recorded bulletin on the status of the Astro-1 mission
and Space Classroom, will be available by dialing
205/544-8504.
In the fall of 1990, tapes of the lesson will
available for a small fee from NASA CORE, Lorain County
Joint Vocational School, 15181 Route 58 South, Oberlin,
Ohio, 44074 (phone: 216/ 774-1051).
ORBITER EXPERIMENTS PROGRAM
The advent of operations of the Space Shuttle orbiter
provided an opportunity for researchers to perform flight
experiments on a full-scale, lifting vehicle during
atmospheric entry. In 1976, to take advantage of this
opportunity, NASA's Office of Aeronautics, Exploration
and Technology instituted the Orbiter Experiments (OEX)
Program.
Since the program's inception, 13 experiments have
been developed for flight. Principal investigators for
these experiments represent NASA's Langley and Ames
Research Centers, Johnson Space Center and Goddard Space
Flight Center.
Six OEX experiments will be flown on STS-35. Included
among this group will be five experiments which were
intended to operate together as a complementary set of
entry research instrumentation. This flight marks the
first time since the September 1988 return-to-flight that
the Langley experiments will fly as a complementary set.
Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS)
The SEADS nosecap on the orbiter Columbia contains 14
penetration assemblies, each containing a small hole
through which the surface air pressure is sensed.
Measurement of the pressure levels and distribution
allows post-flight determination of vehicle attitude and
atmospheric density during entry. SEADS, which has flown
on three previous flights of Columbia, operates in an
altitude range of 300,000 feet to landing. Paul M.
Siemers III, Langley, is the principal investigator.
Shuttle Upper Atmosphere Mass Spectrometer (SUMS)
The SUMS experiment complements SEADS by enabling
measurement of atmospheric density above 300,000 feet.
SUMS samples air through a small hole on the lower
surface of the vehicle just aft of the nosecap. It
utilizes a mass spectrometer operating as a pressure
sensing device to measure atmospheric density in the high
altitude, rarefied flow regime where the pressure is too
low for the use of ordinary pressure sensors. The mass
spectrometer incorporated in the SUMS experiment was
spare equipment originally developed for the Viking Mars
Lander. This is the first opportunity for SUMS to fly
since STS-61C in January 1986. Robert C. Blanchard and
Roy J. Duckett, Langley, are co-principal investigators.
Both SEADS and SUMS provide entry atmospheric
environmental (density) information. These data, when
combined with vehicle motion data, allow determination of
in-flight aerodynamic performance characteristics of the
orbiter.
Aerodynamic Coefficient Identification Package (ACIP)
The ACIP instrumentation includes triaxial sets of
linear accelerometers, angular accelerometers and angular
rate gyros, which sense the orbiter's motions during
flight. ACIP provides the vehicle motion data which is
used in conjunction with the SEADS environmental
information for determination of aerodynamic
characteristics below about 300,000 feet altitude.
The ACIP has flown on all flights of Challenger and
Columbia. David B. Kanipe, Johnson Space Center, is the
ACIP principal investigator.
High Resolution Accelerometer Package (HiRAP)
This instrument is a triaxial, orthogonal set of
highly sensitive accelerometers which sense vehicle
motions during the high altitude portion (above 300,000
feet) of entry. This instrument provides the companion
vehicle motion data to be used with the SUMS results.
HiRAP has been flown on 11 previous missions of the
orbiters Columbia and Challenger. Robert C. Blanchard,
Langley, is the HiRAP principal investigator.
Shuttle Infrared Leeside Temperature Sensing (SILTS)
This experiment uses a scanning infrared radiometer
located atop the vertical tail to collect infrared images
of the orbiter's leeside (upper) surfaces during entry,
for the purpose of measuring the temperature distribution
and thereby the aerodynamic heating environment. On two
previous missions, the experiment obtained images of the
left wing. For STS-35, the experiment has been
reconfigured to obtain images of the upper fuselage.
SILTS has flown on three Columbia flights. David A.
Throckmorton and E. Vincent Zoby, Langley, are co-
principal investigators.
Aerothermal Instrumentation Package (AIP)
The AIP comprises some 125 measurements of aerodynamic
surface temperature and pressure at discrete locations on
the upper surface of the orbiter's left wing and
fuselage, and vertical tail. These sensors originally
were part of the development flight instrumentation
system which flew aboard Columbia during its Orbital
Flight Test missions (STS-1 through 4). They have been
reactivated through the use of an AIP-unique data
handling system. Among other applications, the AIP data
provide "ground-truth" information for the SILTS
experiment.
The AIP has flown on two previous Columbia flights.
David A. Throckmorton, Langley, is principal
investigator.
STS-35 CREW BIOGRAPHIES
Vance D. Brand, 58, will serve as Commander.
Selected as an
astronaut in 1966, he considers Longmont, Colo., to be
his
hometown. STS-35 will be Brand's fourth space flight.
Brand was Apollo Command Module Pilot on the Apollo-
Soyuz Test
Project (ASTP) mission, launched on July 15, 1975. This
flight
resulted in the historic meeting in space between
American
astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts. The three-member
U.S.crew spent
9 days in Earth orbit.
Brand's second flight was as Commander of STS-5 in
November 1982, the first fully operational flight of the
Shuttle Transportation System and first mission with a
four person crew. Brand next commanded the 10th Space
Shuttle mission aboard Challenger. STS-41B with its crew
of five was launched Feb. 3, 1984.
Prior to joining NASA, Brand was a commissioned
officer and naval aviator with the U.S. Marine Corps from
1953 to 1957. Following release from active duty, he
continued in Marine Corps Reserve and Air National Guard
jet fighter squadrons until 1964. Brand was employed as
a civilian by the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation from 1960
to 1966. He was an experimental test pilot on Canadian
and German F-104 programs and has logged 8,777 flying
hours, which includes 7,312 hours in jets, 391 hours in
helicopters, 531 hours in spacecraft and checkout in more
than 30 types of military aircraft.
***
Guy S. Gardner, 42, Col. USAF, will serve as Pilot.
Selected as an astronaut in 1980, he considers
Alexandria, Va., to be his hometown. STS-35 will be his
second Shuttle flight.
Gardner was Pilot for STS-27, a 4-day flight of
Atlantis launched Dec. 2, 1988. The mission carried a
Department of Defense payload. The crew completed their
mission with a lakebed landing at Edwards on Dec. 6.
Gardner graduated from George Washington High School
in Alexandria in 1965. He received a bachelor of science
degree in engineering sciences, astronautics and
mathematics from the USAF Academy in 1969 and a master of
science degree in astronautics from Purdue University in
1970.
After completing pilot training, he flew 177 combat
missions in Southeast Asia in 1972 while stationed at
Udorn, Thailand. In 1973, he flew F-4's and in 1975
attended the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards. In 1977-
78 he was an instructor pilot at the USAF Test Pilot
School. He has logged over 4,000 hours flying time and
105 hours in space.
***
Jeffrey A. Hoffman, 45, will serve as Mission
Specialist 1 (MS1). Selected as an astronaut in 1978, he
was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. STS-35 will be his second
Shuttle flight.
Hoffman was a Mission Specialist aboard Discovery on
STS-51D, which launched from the Kennedy Space Center in
April 1985. On this mission, he made the first STS
contingency spacewalk, in an attempted rescue of the
malfunctioning Syncom IV-3 satellite.
Hoffman graduated from Scarsdale High School,
Scarsdale, N.Y., and received a bachelor of arts degree
in astronomy from Amherst College in 1966. He received a
doctor of philosophy in astrophysics from Harvard
University in 1971 and a masters degree in materials
science from Rice University in 1988.
At NASA, Hoffman has worked as the astronaut office
payload safety representative. He also has worked on
extravehicular activity (EVA), including the development
of a high-pressure space suit.
***
John M. "Mike" Lounge, 43, will be Mission
Specialist 2 (MS2). Selected as an astronaut in 1980,
Lounge considers Burlington, Colo., to be his hometown.
He will be making his third Shuttle flight.
Lounge was a mission specialist on STS-51I conducted
in August 1985. During that mission his duties included
deployment of the Australian AUSSAT communications
satellite and operation of the remote manipulator system
(RMS) arm. The crew deployed two other communications
satellites and also performed a successful on-orbit
rendezvous and repair of the ailing SYNCOM IV-3
satellite. His second flight was aboard Discovery on
STS-26 in September 1988.
Lounge graduated from Burlington High School in 1964
and received a bachelor of science degree in physics and
mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1969 and a
master of science degree in astrogeophysics from the
University of Colorado in 1970. At NASA, Lounge now
serves as Chief of the Space Station Support Office which
works with design and operation of the Freedom space
station.
***
Robert Allan Ridley Parker, 53, will serve as
Mission Specialist 3 (MS3). Selected as an astronaut in
1967, he grew up in Shrewsbury, Mass., and will be making
his second Shuttle flight.
Parker was a member of the astronaut support crews for
Apollo 15 and 17 missions. He served as a mission
specialist on Columbia's sixth space flight, STS-9, in
November 1983 which was the first Spacelab mission.
Parker attended primary and secondary schools in
Shrewsbury, Mass.; received a bachelor of arts degree in
astronomy and physics from Amherst College in 1958, and a
doctorate in astronomy from the California Institute of
Technology in 1962.
***
Samuel T. Durrance, 46, will serve as a Payload
Specialist. Durrance is a research scientist in the
Department of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md. He considers Tampa, Fla., his
hometown.
Durrance has made International Ultraviolet Explorer
satellite observations of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn
and Uranus. He helped develop special pointing
techniques needed to observe solar system objects with
that satellite. His main astronomical interests are in
the origin and evolution of planets, both in this solar
system and around other stars.
Durrance received a bachelor of science degree and a
master of science degree in physics from California State
University and a doctor of philosophy degree in
astrogeophysics from the University of Colorado.
***
Ronald A. Parise, 38, also will serve as a Payload
Specialist. Parise is a senior scientist in the Space
Observatories Department, Computer Science Corporation in
Silver Spring, Md. He is a member of the research team
for the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope, one of the
instruments scheduled for flight as part of the Astro
payload. He is from Warren, Ohio.
Parise has participated in flight hardware
development, electronic system design and mission
planning activities for the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope
project. He is pursuing his astronomical research
interests with the International Ultraviolet Explorer
satellite under a NASA grant. Parise also will conduct
the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX) during the
STS-35 mission.
He received a bachelor of science degree in physics,
with minors in mathematics, astronomy and geology from
Youngstown State University, Ohio, and a master of
science degree and a doctor of philosophy degree in
astronomy from the University of Florida.
STS-35 MISSION MANAGEMENT
OFFICE OF SPACE FLIGHT
Dr. William B. Lenoir - Associate Administrator
Joseph B. Mahon - Director, Flight Systems
Robert L. Crippen - Director, Space Shuttle
Leonard S. Nicholson - Deputy Director, Space Shuttle
(Program)
Brewster Shaw - Deputy Director, Space Shuttle
(Operations)
OFFICE OF SPACE SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS
Dr. Lennard A. Fisk - Associate Administrator
Alphonso V. Diaz - Deputy Associate Administrator
Robert Benson - Director, Flight Systems Division
Dr. Charles Pellerin, Jr. - Director, Astrophysics
Division
William Huddleston - Astro Program Manager
Dr. Edward Weiler - Astro Program Scientist
Dr. Geoffery Clayton - Deputy Program Scientist
OFFICE OF SPACE OPERATIONS
Charles T. Force - Associate Administrator
Eugene Ferrick - Director, Tracking & Data Relay
Satellite Systems
Division
Robert M. Hornstein - Director, Ground Networks Division
AMES RESEARCH FACILITY
Dr. Dale L. Compton - Director
Victor L. Peterson - Deputy Director
AMES-DRYDEN FLIGHT RESEARCH FACILITY
Martin A. Knutson - Site Manager
Theodore G. Ayers - Deputy Site Manager
Thomas C. McMurtry - Chief, Research Aircraft
Operations Division
Larry C. Barnett - Chief, Shuttle Support Office
GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
Dr. John W. Townsend, Jr. - Director
Peter T. Burr - Director of Flight Projects
Dale L. Fahnestock - Director of Mission Operations and
Data Systems Directorate
Dr. Theodore Gull - Astro Mission Scientist
Frank Volpe - BBXRT Manager
Bruce Thoman - BBXRT Operations Manager
Peter Serlemitosos - BBXRT Principal Investigator
Theodore Stecher - UIT Principal Investigator
JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
Aaron Cohen - Director
Eugene F. Kranz - Director, Mission Operations
Franklin Brizzolara - Payload Integration Manager
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
Forrest S. McCartney - Director
Jay Honeycutt - Director, Shuttle Management & Operations
Robert B. Sieck - Launch Director
John T. Conway - Director, Payload Management &
Operations
Joanne H. Morgan - Director, Payload Project Management
Robert Sturm - Astro-1 Launch Site Support Manager
LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER
Richard H. Petersen - Director
W. Ray Hook - Director for Space
James P. Arrington - Chief, Space System Division
MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
Thomas J. Lee - Director
Jack Jones - Astro Mission Manager
Stuart Clifton - Assistant Mission Manager
Dr. Eugene Urban - Deputy Mission Scientist
Thomas Rankin - Payload Operations Director
Fred Applegate - Payload Operations Director
Steven Noneman - Payload Operations Director
|
| 611.6 | STS-35 Update - May 3 | 26523::KLAES | The Universe, or nothing! | Fri May 04 1990 12:34 | 37 |
| Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/03/90 (Forwarded)
Date: 3 May 90 21:19:04 GMT
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990 12:30 P.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Loading of hypergolic propellants into the orbiter's onboard
storage tanks was successfully completed yesterday. Nitrogen
tetroxide and monomethylhydrazine propellants were loaded into
the orbiter for the orbital maneuvering system engines and the
reaction control system thrusters. Hydrazine was loaded into
tanks for the orbiter's auxiliary power units and the boosters'
hydraulic power units.
The Rotating Service Structure was moved away from the
vehicle early today for the 9:35 a.m. "hot fire" of Columbia's
number 3 auxiliary power unit. Post-test inspections of the APU
will be performed. This unit was replaced since Columbia last
flew because of a seal leak.
Yesterday, technicians removed a quarter inch flex line in
the orbiter's main propulsion system liquid oxygen feed system.
The line will be replaced and checked tomorrow. Small pieces of
debris found in the liquid hydrogen 8-inch T-zero fill and drain
line in the mobile launcher platform (MLP 3) were removed by
vacuum yesterday.
The routine Launch Readiness Review was condcuted today and
there are no outstanding technical issues. Launch of Columbia on
the STS-35/Astro-1 mission remains targeted for May 16. The offi-
cial launch date will be set at the Flight Readiness Review to be
held May 8-9.
|
| 611.7 | STS-35 Press Kit | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri May 04 1990 21:04 | 7 |
| The STS-35 press kit - painstakingly prettied up by DECwrite - is available at:
PRAGMA::DNS$User:[Griffin]STS-35.PS
The STS-31 and STS-34 press kits are also available at that location.
- dave
|
| 611.8 | STS-35 Update - May 4 | 26523::KLAES | The Universe, or nothing! | Mon May 07 1990 13:59 | 29 |
| Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/04/90 (Forwarded)
Date: 4 May 90 19:20:39 GMT
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990 10 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Ordnance devices will be installed in various areas of the
vehicle and launch accessories including the orbiter, solid
rocket boosters, external tank vent arm system and tail service
masts. The pad will be closed during this activity which is set
to begin at midnight tonight and finish tomorrow morning.
Columbia's number 3 auxiliary power unit passed post "hot
fire" inspections yesterday. This unit was replaced since Colum-
bia last flew because of a seal leak.
The orbiter's hydraulic system is being prepared for the
main engine flight readiness test scheduled for Monday. This test
simulates main engine start including the movement of valves. En-
gine sensors and transducers will be calibrated.
Launch of Columbia on the STS-35/Astro-1 mission remains
targeted for May 16. The official launch date will be set at the
Flight Readiness Review to be held May 8-9.
|
| 611.9 | STS-35 Update - May 4 | 26523::KLAES | The Universe, or nothing! | Mon May 07 1990 16:06 | 61 |
| Newsgroups: sci.space
Subject: NASA Headline News for 05/04/90 (Forwarded)
Date: 4 May 90 19:22:46 GMT
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, May 4, 1990 Audio Service: 202/755-1788
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This is NASA Headline News for Friday, May 4:
Space flight medical authorities at the Johnson Space Center have
cleared Sam Durrance for flight. His medical condition has been
evaluated and resolved determining he is qualified to serve as
Astro-1 payload specialist in the upcoming launch of the Columbia
targeted for May 17.
Meanwhile, ground crews at Kennedy Space Center continue
preparations for launch of the space shuttle Columbia. The
routine launch readiness review conducted yesterday revealed no
outstanding technical issues. Post-test inspections are now
underway following the hot firing of auxiliary power unit #3.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Here's the broadcast schedule for Public Affairs events on NASA
Select TV. All times are Eastern.
Tuesday, May 8:
11:00 A.M. ROSAT news briefing
and satellite showing at KSC.
Launch date is May 31.
Wednesday, May 9:
12:00 Noon STS-31 crew post flight
news confernce at Johnson
Space Center.
1:49 P.M. DARPA launch of Scout/MACSAT's.
Thursday, May 10:
11:31 A.M. NASA Update will be transmitted.
Friday, May 11:
11:00 A.M. Dr. Clifford Stoll, author of
"The Cuckoo's Egg" will lecture
on computer security.
NASA Select TV: Satcom F2R, Transponder 13, 72 Degrees West
Longitude, Audio 6.8, Frequency 3960 MHz.
All events and times are subject to change without notice.
Please note, due to coverage of the STS-31 flight scheduled for
May 17, NASA Update will transmit the next week, May 24.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
These reports are filed daily, Monday through Friday, at 12:00
Noon, EDT. This is a service of the Internal Communications
Branch, NASA Headquarters.
|
| 611.10 | STS-35 Update - May 7 | 26523::KLAES | The Universe, or nothing! | Mon May 07 1990 19:35 | 34 |
| Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/07/90 (Forwarded)
Date: 7 May 90 21:28:54 GMT
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
This is the Kennedy Space Center Broadcast News Service prepared at
12:30 p.m. Monday, May 7.
The Space Shuttle Discovery atop the 747 Shuttle Carrier
Aircraft spent last night at Warner Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia
due to marginal enroute weather conditions in northern Florida
yesterday evening. The duo departed at 10:15 a.m. this morning and
arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility at 11:47 a.m. The process to
demate the orbiter from the 747 will begin this afternoon.
Meanwhile, at Pad 39-A, ordnance work on the Space Shuttle
Columbia was completed over the weekend. The payload bay doors of
the orbiter were reopened this morning for argon servicing of the
Broadband X-ray telescope which is underway today. The Flight
Readiness Test of Columbia's main engines is also occuring today.
This is a hydraulic test that simulates main engine start sequence at
T-6.5 seconds, including the movement of the valves within the three
main engines. The liquid hydrogen 8" T-0 fill and drain flex line
in the mobile launcher platform, which was unclogged of debris last
week, is being re-tested today.
The STS-35 Flight Readiness Review will be held at KSC this week
on Tuesday and Wednesday. A launch date will be selected at the
conclusion of the review Wednesday afternoon. The launch is
currently targeted for mid-May.
From the NASA Kennedy Space Center, this is George Diller.
|
| 611.11 | ASTRO-1 Status | 26523::KLAES | The Universe, or nothing! | Mon May 07 1990 19:35 | 67 |
| Newsgroups: sci.space
Subject: Payload Summary for 05/07/90 (Forwarded)
Date: 7 May 90 21:32:41 GMT
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
STS-35 PAYLOAD STATUS REPORT
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1990 -- 3 P.M.
Patricia E. Phillips
NASA Public Affairs/KSC
407/867-2468
ASTRO-1/STS-35
Payload operations toward the STS-35 flight continue at
Launch Pad 39A. On second shift Sunday, the final pre-flight mass
memory unit (MMU) subsystem load for Astro-1 was completed. This
approximate five-hour operation included verification testing.
Today, technicians will again renew the Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope (BBXRT) liquid argon cooling. The next scheduled argon
servicing will provide solidified argon, and will be completed at
about L-61 hours before the launch of Columbia and her crew.
The BBXRT coolant servicing has been designed to protect
both the planned mission flight time for BBXRT, and also to
provide the greatest amount of flexibility in the launch environ-
ment. Based on current mission planning, the payloads team ap-
proach will provide up to 6 launch opportunity days beginning 60
hours after argon servicing.
Prelaunch operations will deplete about 2.5 days of argon,
which, in a solidified form, will provide 16 days of cooling.
With a possibility for a 10-day flight, 3.5 days remain for
launch attempts. However, the primary science objectives for
BBXRT can be accomplished in 8 flight days. Therefore, the mis-
sion team has agreed to provide two additional launch opportunity
days, if required. Those 2 days, plus the 3.5 days and the
original launch day, provide the 6-window opportunity. The launch
director and mission management team will determine the actual
launch scrub/recycle, should any be required
"The payloads team has done a really good job of responding
to a demanding and rapidly-changing environment. We've met our
timelines and were also able to work out a way to increase the
launch opportunities while still protecting the science of
BBXRT," said NASA KSC Payload Manager Glenn Snyder.
Film installation in the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT)
will be accomplished about 5 days before flight. After flight, a
specially-fitted platform will be used at Edwards Air Force Base
to remove the UIT film. Astronaut Jeff Hoffman used this platform
in the Orbiter Processing Facility to perform a fit check and
also to verify that the film was readily accessible in case a
spacewalk was required on orbit.
Engineers and scientists have decided to upgrade the
system's capability to maintain argon temperature, pressure, and
venting by the addition of three pressure relief valves. The
proposed change will increase the safety redundancy for nominal
argon venting during on-orbit operations.
At present, no impact is seen to the STS-35 launch schedule,
since the operation can be performed on the pad in parallel with
other activities.
|
| 611.12 | SAREX amateur radio experiment on STS-35 | 26523::KLAES | The Universe, or nothing! | Tue May 08 1990 12:32 | 198 |
| From: [email protected] (John Magliacane)
Newsgroups: rec.ham-radio,rec.ham-radio.packet,sci.space
Subject: * FULL SAREX DETAILS *
Keywords: Amateur Radio to Fly on STS-35!
Date: 6 May 90 17:20:16 GMT
Organization: KA2QHD PBBS SYSTEM, OCEAN NJ
* STS-35 NEWS *
===============
Highlighting mission STS-35, the 36th flight of the Space
Shuttle and 10th mission of orbiter Columbia, will be around-the-clock
observations by the seven-member crew using the ultraviolet astronomy
observatory (Astro) and the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT). Both
instruments are located in Columbia's payload bay and will be operated
during 12-hour shifts by the crew.
Liftoff of the 10th flight of Columbia is scheduled for 12:45
a.m. EDT on May 17 from launch pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center,
Fla. Columbia will be placed into a 218 statute (190 nautical) mile
circular orbit, inclined 28.5 degrees to the equator. Nominal mission
duration is expected to be 8 days 19 hours 55 minutes. Deorbit is
planned on orbit 139, with landing scheduled for 8:40 p.m. EDT on May
25 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Columbia's middeck will carry the Shuttle Amateur Radio
Experiment (SAREX) to communicate with amateur radio stations within
line-of-sight of the orbiter in voice mode or data mode. This
experiment has previously flown on STS-9 and STS-51F. Also on this
mission, Columbia will function as the subject for ground sensor
operations as part of the Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS)
calibration test.
Commander of the seven-member crew is Vance Brand. Pilot is
Guy Gardner. STS-35 is Brand's fourth trip to space. He previously
flew on the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission in 1975. He also
commanded Shuttle missions STS-5 in November 1982 and STS-41B in
February 1984. Gardner previously piloted STS-27 in December 1988.
Mission Specialists are Mike Lounge, Jeffrey Hoffman and
Robert Parker. Lounge previously flew on STS-51I in August 1985 and
STS-26 in September 1988. Hoffman flew as a Mission Specialist on
STS-51D in April 1985. Parker's previous spaceflight experience was
STS-9 in November 1983.
Payload Specialists Ronald Parise and Samuel Durrance round
out the STS-35 crew. Both are making their first space flights.
* STS-35 QUICK LOOK *
=====================
Launch Date: May 17, 1990
Launch Window: 12:45 a.m. - 3:09 a.m. EDT
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Launch Complex 39-A
Orbiter: Columbia (OV-102)
Altitude: 218 statute miles (190 nm)
Inclination: 28.45
Duration: 8 days, 19 hours, 55 minutes
Landing Date/Time: May 25, 1990, 8:40 p.m. EDT
Primary Landing Site:
Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Abort Landing Sites:
Return to Launch Site -- Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Trans-Atlantic Abort -- Banjul, The Gambia
Abort Once Around -- Edwards AFB, Calif.
Crew:
Vance D. Brand -- Commander Red/Blue Team
Guy S. Gardner -- Pilot -- Red Team
Jeffrey A. Hoffman -- Mission Specialist 1/EV -- Blue Team
John M. "Mike" Lounge -- Mission Specialist 2/EV2 -- Blue Team
Robert A.R. Parker -- Mission Specialist 3 -- Red Team
Samuel T. Durrance -- Payload Specialist 1 -- Blue Team
Ronald A. Parise -- Payload Specialist 2 -- Red Team
Red Team shift is approximately 10:30 p.m. -- 10:30 a.m. EDT
Blue Team shift is approximately 10:30 a.m. -- 10:30 p.m. EDT
Cargo Bay Payloads:
Ultraviolet Astronomy Telescope (Astro)
Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT)
Middeck Payloads:
Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS)
Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX)
SHUTTLE AMATEUR RADIO EXPERIMENT (SAREX)
Conducting shortwave radio transmissions between ground-based
amateur radio operators and a Shuttle-based amateur radio operator is
the basis for the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX).
SAREX communicates with amateur stations in line-of- sight of
the orbiter in one of four transmission modes: voice, slow scan
television (SSTV), data or (uplink only) fast scan television (FSTV).
The voice mode is operated in the attended mode while SSTV,
data or FSTV can be operated in either attended or unattended modes.
During the mission, SAREX will be operated by Payload
Specialist Ron Parise, a licensed operator (WA4SIR), during periods
when he is not scheduled for orbiter or other payload activities. At
least four transmissions will be made to test each transmission mode.
Ronald A. Parise, 38, also will serve as a Payload Specialist.
Parise is a senior scientist in the Space Observatories Department,
Computer Science Corporation in Silver Spring, Md. He is a member of
the research team for the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope, one of the
instruments scheduled for flight as part of the Astro payload. He is
from Warren, Ohio.
Parise has participated in flight hardware development,
electronic system design and mission planning activities for the
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope project. He is pursuing his
astronomical research interests with the International Ultraviolet
Explorer satellite under a NASA grant.
He received a bachelor of science degree in physics, with
minors in mathematics, astronomy and geology from Youngstown State
University, Ohio, and a master of science degree and a doctor of
philosophy degree in astronomy from the University of Florida.
The primary pair of frequencies intended for use during the
mission is 145.55 MHz as the downlink from Columbia, with 144.95 MHz
as the uplink. A spacing of 600 KHz was deliberately chosen for this
primary pair to accommodate those whose split frequency capability is
limited to the customary repeater offset.
SAREX crew-tended operating times will be dictated by the time
of launch. As a secondary payload, SAREX will be operated by Parise
during his pre- and post-sleep activities each day. This means
that wherever the Shuttle is above Earth during those operating
windows, amateur stations can communicate with Columbia. Currently,
those windows provide coverage for Australia, Japan, South America,
and South Africa.
The continental United States has little or no coverage except
through a network of ground stations in other parts of the world in
conjunction with relay links back to the United States.
Another part of the SAREX is the "robot," providing an
automated operation which can proceed with little human intervention.
The robot will generally be activated during one of the crew-tended
windows and deactivated during the next one. This gives approximately
12 hours on and 12 hours off for the robot, with the operational
period chosen to cover all of the U.S. passes.
SAREX has previously flown on missions STS-9 and STS- 51F in
different configurations, including the following hardware: a
low-power hand-held FM transceiver, a spare battery set, an interface
(I/F) module, a headset assembly, an equipment assembly cabinet, a
television camera and monitor, a payload general support computer
(PGSC) and an antenna which will be mounted in a forward flight window
with a fast scan television (FSTV) module added to the assembly.
Antenna location does not affect communications and therefore
does not require a specific orbiter attitude for operations. The
equipment is stowed in one middeck locker.
SAREX is a joint effort of NASA and the American Radio Relay
League (ARRL)/Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation (AMSAT).
STS-35 COLUMBIA SAREX FREQUENCIES
Shuttle Transmit Accompanying Shuttle
Frequency Receive Frequencies
Group 1 145.55 MHz 144.95 MHz
145.55 144.91
145.55 144.97
Group 2 145.51 144.91
145.51 144.93
145.51 144.99
Group 3 145.59 144.99
145.59 144.95
Group 4 145.55 144.95
145.55 144.70
145.55 144.75
145.55 144.80
145.55 144.85
Note: The 145.55/144.95 combination is in both Groups 1 and 4
because alternate uplink frequencies from Group 1 would be used over
North and South America while those from Group 4 would be used
generally in other parts of the world.
--
AMPR : KD2BD @ NN2Z (Neptune, NJ)
UUCP : ucbvax!rutgers!petsd!tsdiag!ka2qhd!kd2bd
"For every problem, there is one solution which is simple,
neat, and wrong." - H. L. Mencken
|
| 611.13 | STS-35 Update - May 8 | 26523::KLAES | The Universe, or nothing! | Wed May 09 1990 10:15 | 84 |
| Newsgroups: sci.space
Subject: NASA Headline News for 05/08/90 (Forwarded)
Date: 9 May 90 05:35:13 GMT
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, May 8, 1990 Audio Service: 202/755-1788
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This is NASA Headline News for Tuesday, May 8:
The Kennedy Space Center mission management team announced a possible
problem today with the orbiter Columbia cooling system found while
preparing for the May 17 launch of STS-35 Astro-1. A valve change on
two Freon cooling loops is required as the shuttle's electronic gear
generates tremendous amounts of heat in space that must be carried
away. The system is now operating with a reduced flow and managers
will discuss conclusions at the Flight Readiness Review scheduled
tomorrow.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Here's the broadcast schedule for Public Affairs events on NASA
Select TV. All times are Eastern.
Wednesday, May 9:
12:00 Noon STS-31 crew post flight
news conference at Johnson
Space Center.
1:49 P.M. DARPA launch of Scout/MACSAT's.
Thursday, May 10:
11:30 A.M. NASA Update will be transmitted.
Friday, May 11:
11:00 A.M. Dr. Clifford Stoll, author of
"The Cuckoo's Egg" will lecture
on computer security.
Monday, May 14-16:
9-11:00 A.M. STS-35 Pre-Launch Briefing.
All events and times are subject to change without notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NASA Select TV: Satcom F2R, Transponder 13, 72 Degrees West
Longitude, Audio 6.8, Frequency 3960 MHz.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
These reports are filed daily, Monday through Friday, at 12:00
Noon, EDT. This is a service of the Internal Communications
Branch, NASA Headquarters.
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/08/90 (Forwarded)
Date: 9 May 90 05:31:45 GMT
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
RTQ
5/8/90
Freon Coolant Loop Problem
NASA managers are assessing a potential problem with a flow
proportioning valve in one of 2 of Columbia's freon cooling
loops. The valve normally controls the proportion and rate of
freon distributed between the crew cabin heat exchanger and the
cooling system for orbiter payloads. On Sunday, engineers saw an
unexplained change in the flow rate of freon going to the cabin
heat exchanger and payload heat exchanger. Currently, the system
is still operating with a reduced flow and engineers are review-
ing data on the system and conducting troubleshooting activities.
In parallel with troubleshooting, managers are also assessing
what would be required to change the valve and where that ac-
tivity would be performed.
Managers expect to review the situation at the conclusion of the
Flight Readiness Review tommorrow.
|
| 611.14 | STS-35 Update - May 9 - Lauch delays very probable | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed May 09 1990 18:21 | 83 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation
Subject: Columbia launch in danger of delay
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 8 May 90 18:53:08 GMT
Lines: 73
Approved: [email protected]
Xref: shlump.nac.dec.com clari.tw.space:173 clari.news.aviation:299
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The shuttle Columbia's launch next
week on a long-awaited Spacelab astronomy flight could be delayed
several days because of problems with the ship's Freon cooling system,
officials said Tuesday.
``I hope we get off the day we're planning, which is the middle of
next week,'' NASA Administrator Richard Truly said. ``If the engineers
decide to recommend, and management agrees with them, that we need to
change something, we'll just go do it.''
Columbia and a seven-member crew currently are scheduled for
liftoff at 12:45 a.m. EDT May 17 to kick off a nine-day Spacelab mission
to study ultraviolet and X-ray radiation from deep space that is blocked
by Earth's atmosphere.
But during routine checks Sunday, engineers discovered problems
with one of two Freon cooling systems on board Columbia. The flow of
coolant through part of the system suddenly dropped, possibly because of
a sticky valve or contamination in a filter.
If the problem is deemed unacceptable for flight and cannot be
fixed at launch pad 39A, sources said, NASA engineers could be forced to
haul the shuttle back to its hangar for repairs, a move that could delay
launch of the 36th shuttle mission up to a month.
But Truly downplayed the potential for a ``roll back,'' saying,
``We'll think a long time before we don't try to fix it on the pad.''
NASA managers discussed the problem Tuesday during the first day of
a formal flight readiness review to assess the status of Columbia's
launch processing. Truly was on hand to sit in on a shuttle disaster
simulation later in the day to test the space agency's internal
communications and contingency plans.
While the full impact of Columbia's cooling problem was not
immediately known, engineers said the shuttle's scheduled liftoff May 17
was in jeopardy. Truly said his only concern was making sure the shuttle
is safe for flight.
``Nobody remembers the century that Galileo looked at the planet
Jupiter (and) nobody's going to care whether we fly on a Tuesday or
Thursday. I look at this mission the same way,'' he said.
``You want to understand it. And that's what we're off trying to
do. We're off looking at previous flight experience on this loop and on
this vehicle and it may very well be that they recommend that we go fly
(as is). I just don't know.''
The shuttle's two Freon cooling system loops are used to carry heat
away from the ship's electronic gear. The valve in question is located
beneath the floor of the shuttle's payload bay above the ship's cargo of
four telescopes.
Fixing the valve would be difficult at the launch pad with the
shuttle in the vertical position and could take five to 10 days, sources
said, delaying launch to late this month.
Complicating the repair job, engineers would have to take special
care to protect Columbia's fragile cargo, located on two pallets
directly below the area of the payload bay floor where the suspect valve
is located.
``The valve normally controls the proportion and rate of Freon
distributed between the crew cabin heat exchanger and the cooling system
for orbiter payloads,'' the NASA statement said. ``On Sunday, engineers
saw an unexplained change in the flow rate.''
While still working, Freon coolant loop No. 1 is operating at a
reduced flow rate and ``engineers are reviewing data on the system and
conducting troubleshooting activities,'' the statement said.
``They definitely think it's in the valve area,'' said one
official. ``That's good news. Those loops run through the whole payload
bay and the crew compartment, all through there. ``They think they know
where it is, they just don't know what's causing it.''
Columbia and a seven-member crew -- a post-Challenger record -- plan
to spend nine or 10 days in orbit to study high-energy astronomical
targets.
To collect as much data as possible, Columbia's crew will work in
two 12-hour shifts throughout the flight with mission commander Vance
Brand, 59, co-pilot Guy Gardner, 42, and John ``Mike'' Lounge, 43,
responsible for keeping the shuttle shipshape and pointed in the right
direction.
The ``Astro-1'' observatory will be operated by astronauts Robert
Parker, 53, and Jeffrey Hoffman, 45, along with civilian astronomers
Ronald Parise, 38, and Samuel Durrance, 46. All four hold doctorates in
astronomy.
|
| 611.15 | I remember the century | 7192::SCHWARTZ | I'm afraid that's disextant right now | Wed May 09 1990 19:39 | 3 |
| Harrumph, Mr. Truly. I remember.
Its the seventeenth century (no reference books here at work).
|
| 611.16 | More on SAREX | 26523::KLAES | The Universe, or nothing! | Thu May 10 1990 11:42 | 205 |
| From: [email protected] (John Magliacane)
Newsgroups: rec.ham-radio,rec.ham-radio.packet,sci.space.shuttle
Subject: SAREX Information And Operating Hints
Date: 8 May 90 01:14:27 GMT
Organization: KA2QHD PBBS SYSTEM, OCEAN NJ
SAREX-II is a secondary payload on STS-35, currently scheduled for launch on
May 17, 1990. It will be located in the Aft Flight Deck of the Space Shuttle
Columbia. Ron Parise, WA4SIR, the Payload Specialist and astronomer on Colum-
bia will be the Astronaut ham operator.
SAREX-II-02 is a secondary payload on STS-37, currently scheduled for launch
on November 1, 1990. It will be located in the Aft Flight Deck of the Space
Shuttle Atlantis. Ken Cameron, KB5AWP, the pilot of Atlantis will be the
Astronaut ham operator.
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the customer on the SAREX-II
payloads. NASA gave its authorization for SAREX operations for the following
reasons:
To encourage our youth to become excited about science and
technology, and
To familiarize large numbers of the general public with manned
space flight
NASA's intent in making astronauts available for SAREX operations is to
involve the largest possible number of people, particularly youngsters, in
Amateur Radio and the US space program. With amateur radio clubs and hams,
our astronauts will speak over amateur frequencies directly with large groups
of students, showing teachers, parents and communities how Amateur Radio
energizes youngsters about science, technology, and learning.
You can easily become a part of this activity in your local school, as the
astronauts will operate the SAREX equipment in the amateur two meter band.
You will be able to send and receive messages via packet for periods of about
12 hours daily. The astronauts' work schedules will determine your chances
for a voice or television message, but Ron and Ken may have an hour or more
each day for these modes.
The Johnson Space Center's Amateur Radio Club station, W5RRR, in Houston,
Texas, will re-transmit astronaut's signals to WA3NAN, at Goddard Space
Flight Center, in Greenbelt, MD (near Washington, DC), and to W6VIO, at the
Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. These stations, plus W1AW and
several VHF and UHF repeater groups, will re-transmit the signals on most
amateur bands so that you and the students can copy the communications. You
will hear NASA Mission Commentary, frequent bulletins to advise listeners of
astronaut planned transmissions, and all amateur two-way voice and amateur
television transmissions with the shuttles. Using a simple hand-held
transceiver, you can open the world of science to hundreds of youngsters.
Students themselves can take part in the shuttle flight via a packet
connection, and some will even be able to talk directly to the astronauts
in orbit.
ARRL and AMSAT are co-sponsoring these exciting missions, with AMSAT heading
up technical operations. Hundreds of Amateur Radio operators have already
been working behind the scenes for months. The ARRL takes the lead with
information and educational support. ARRL Educational Activities Branch
(EAB) and NASA HQ will create lesson plans for teachers. All you need to
provide is a 2-meter rig or a packet radio setup. If you are a teacher or
instructor, contact ARRL EAB to get everything you will need and regular news
updates. If you are a parent or a grandparent, contact ARRL EAB and a local
school. EAB will send you materials, including ways to convince teachers and
school administrators that Amateur Radio is an important discipline the school
should take advantage of on a full-time basis.
This a tremendous opportunity for you to showcase SAREX 1990 and amateur radio
to kids of all ages in a big way. Plan on being a part of it; contact ARRL
EAB now and give your best to our exciting hobby and to our hope for tomorrow:
America's youth.
Listen to the ARRL Bulletins on W1AW (see QST for CW and voice bulletins) on a
daily basis; and to the AMSAT Nets on Tuesdays (U. S.), 3.840 MHz, 01:30Z to
03:00Z, and on Sundays (international), 14.282 MHz, 18:00Z to 21:00Z, +/- QRM.
[ANS would like to thank ARRL and NASA for this contribution. Stay tuned next
week to the ANS bulletins for more details about the STS-35 mission and its
amateur radio operations.]
The WA4SIR flight aboard the STS-35 flight of the Shuttle Columbia is
still officially scheduled for early May 16th (GMT), although there are
some hints that it might slip by one day. The SAREX mission will carry
the packet ROBOT automatic QSO machine which will allow many amateurs
around the world to have two-way packet QSO's with the Shuttle during
the times when our ham astronaut, Ron Parise is busy.
To work the ROBOT, you transmit on 144.950 MHz and listen to the Shuttle
on 145.550 MHz. Subsequent SAREX information bulletins will give you
operating hints and describe the schedule in more detail.
If you are successful in making a two-way QSO, you call and your unique
QSO serial number will be automatically logged and you will receive a
QSL card after the mission. You will know you met all requirements of a
two-way QSO by seeing your call in the QSL beacon which will be sent
every 2 minutes and looks something like:
WA4SIR>QSL <UI>:
NI3F/186 WB2TNL/185 W3IUI/179 WB3AFL/177 NF3N/176 WA3EPT/175
N4QQ/174 W3IWI/172 JY1/153 U6MIR/127
If you are heard by the ROBOT, your call will appear in the QRZ beacon
which will look something like:
WA4SIR>QRZ <UI>:
#3405-NE3H NI3F K1LNJ WB2TNL WB3ILO N3ACL N3FWX WA3TSD WA3USG
etcetera
where the #3405 is a serial number incremented every 2 minutes when the
QRZ beacon is sent.
Unlike the QSL "worked" list, the QRZ "heard" list is not retained in
the ROBOT and the laptop computer on the shuttle. In order to send SWL
cards to those who were heard, it will be necessary to have amateurs
around the world help to collect the list. When you are monitoring the
WA4SIR SAREX transmissions, try to capture the beacons and send them in
to us in machine readable format. We are only interested in the QRZ and
QSL beacon information; please strip out everything else (like QSOs
monitored, any other beacons, etc.). You may send it through the amateur
packet network addressed like this:
SP SAREX @ W3IWI.MD.USA
or via the Internet addressed like:
[email protected]
and make the Subject: field contain the date/time of the beacons like:
May 19 @ 03:42z
Here are several hints that may help you make a successful packet QSO
with the SAREX ROBOT that will fly with Ron Parise, WA4SIR in mid-May.
1. Frequencies: Your transmitter uplink frequency should be 144.950 MHz
and you should listen for the shuttle downlink 600 kHz higher on 145.550
MHz. Under no conditions should you transmit on the 145.550 downlink!
Since there may be other packet or voice activity in your area on these
frequencies, local coordination to insure a clear frequency during the
ten day STS-35 mission may be needed.
2. Modulation: The uplinks and downlinks are ordinary AFSK/FM 1200 BPS
signals, just like most terrestrial VHF packets. No special modems are
needed. You are advised to check your transmitter's FM deviation and set
it to 3 kHz or less. Most radios are typically set to 5-6 kHz and this
will be too wide because of doppler shifts. If you don't have a
deviation meter, listen on another radio and crank the tone level down
until you hear the volume drop noticeably. Most people run too much
deviation on their packet signals anyway, and you will probably find
this improves the reliability on terrestrial paths too!
3. When to hear/work the shuttle: During the mission Keplerian elements
and predictions will be sent frequently by WA3NAN, W5RRR, W6VIO, and
many local FM repeaters, as well as by packet bulletins addressed to
@AMSAT. Check with your local AMSAT area coordinators for information in
your area. In general in the USA, the windows are in the late evening
and early morning hours. Don't expect the SAREX hardware to be activated
until the second day of the ten-day mission. Because the inclination of
the shuttle orbit is only 28.5 degrees, the signals can only be heard
between about +43 and -43 degrees latitude.
4. LISTEN!!!: Most packeteers don't listen to the BRAAAAP! from their
radios, but you should listen during the shuttle activity. If Ron is
personally available, he may turn off the SAREX packet hardware and be
QRV on voice.
5. Connecting to the shuttle: All you do is to issue a connect. If you
are heard, you will see something like this:
cmd: CONNECT WA4SIR
*** Connected to WA4SIR
#191--- Tnx QSO with the SAREX Shuttle "ROBOT" automatic QSO machine
*** DISCONNECTED
When the ROBOT hears your "ack" of its transmission, it will disconnect
and you will be in the log. Because the ROBOT queues information for 3
seconds and sends several replies in one transmission, you should set
your DWAIT to about 4 seconds.
6. Multiple QSO's: Once you have worked the ROBOT and make it into the
log, no further QSO's from you will be logged (even if you use a
different SSID). Give others a chance and don't connect multiple times!
7. Monitor!!!: Every 2 minutes a beacon addressed to QRZ will list
stations heard recently, and the QSL beacon will list those worked.
Every 3 minutes the Metabeacon (up to 1.7 kbytes in 7 packet frames)
addressed to QST will send text describing shuttle activities. Monitor
these beacons to keep informed. In Bulletin #1 we ask for you to submit
copies of the QRZ and QSL beacons you copy.
8: Your chances for success: Signals from many hundreds of stations can
be heard from the shuttle. With FM transmissions, only the strongest
signal "wins", just like in a DX pileup. To help, the ROBOT can have up
to 9 QSO's in progress at any one time. Perserverance and a well
equipped station will help -- but if activity levels are high and the
uplink channels are busy, it will be a matter of luck.
[ From: w3iwi%[email protected] ]
--
AMPR : KD2BD @ NN2Z (Neptune, NJ)
UUCP : ucbvax!rutgers!petsd!tsdiag!ka2qhd!kd2bd
"For every problem, there is one solution which is simple,
neat, and wrong." - H. L. Mencken
|
| 611.17 | Columbia repair work beings -- cooling valve changeout occurring on the pad | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon May 14 1990 14:04 | 82 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.top
Subject: Columbia repair work begins
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 10 May 90 18:40:16 GMT
Lines: 73
Approved: [email protected]
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Engineers swarmed over the shuttle
Columbia Thursday, rigging access platforms and gearing up to replace a
faulty cooling system valve in a ``tricky'' repair job expected to delay
launch to around the end of the month.
Columbia and its seven-member crew had been scheduled for liftoff
next Thursday on a long-awaited Spacelab astronomy mission, but NASA
managers Wednesday delayed the flight and ordered the replacement of a
valve in one of two Freon coolant ``loops'' that are critical to safe
operations in orbit.
A NASA statement released after a two-day flight readiness review
said launch would be delayed ``two to three weeks,'' but engineers said
Thursday a launch attempt would be possible by the end of the month if
all goes well, roughly two weeks beyond the original May 17 date.
A new target launch date will not be set until next week, after
engineers get a better idea about how long it will take to do the work.
But internal planning schedules indicate Columbia could be ready for
blastoff by May 30.
Columbia's crew plans to spend at least nine days in orbit
operating a suite of four telescopes mounted in the shuttle's payload
bay to study X-ray and ultraviolet radiation from deep space that is
blocked by Earth's atmosphere.
Payload manager Glenn Snyder said the launch delay would have no
impact on the science return from the mission, although ``as we all
know, the universe never stands still, it's moving, and (the
astronomers) will have to re-look at all their targets.''
The problem is a faulty valve in Freon coolant loop No. 1 that
helps carry heat away from the shuttle's electronic gear, crew cabin and
cargo area. During tests Sunday, the flow of Freon 21 through the system
suddenly fell below acceptable levels.
The coolant loops are critical to the shuttle's safe operation and
the failure of either system in orbit would require an emergency
re-entry and landing. NASA managers ordered the repair job, a complex
task never before attempted with a shuttle in the vertical launch
position.
``It's going to be a little tricky. But then again, it's fairly
straight forward,'' said Warren Wiley, deputy director of vehicle
engineering.
``The valve, we have changed it out before in the horizontal
(position), so the guys know what to do and how to go about doing it.
It's just a matter of getting in there and doing the work.''
The valve in question is located below the skin of Columbia's cargo
bay about four feet behind the forward crew module bulkhead and 20 feet
or so above the shuttle's $150 million cargo of four telescopes.
Working inside a giant ``clean room'' butted up against Columbia's
fuselage, engineers opened the shuttle's payload bay doors Thursday and
readied access platforms and other tools for the valve removal
procedure.
First, however, they had to drain about seven gallons of toxic
Freon 21 from the coolant system, work that was scheduled to be
completed by Friday evening.
``The valve itself is buried deep into the mid-body assembly (of
the fuselage), almost up right about where the (payload bay door) hinge
line is,'' Wiley said. Once the tool kit is out of the way, ``we can go
into the area where this valve is.''
The engineers are ``going to be actually on there knees, reaching
in there,'' he said. ``They're probably almost going to be laying on the
platform to get to the valve. We're going to cut it out with what we
call a chipless cutter.''
Special netting will be arranged below the access platform to
prevent tools or any debris from falling on the four-telescope ``Astro''
payload directly below the work area.
Once the valve is removed it will be taken apart by its
manufacturer, Hamilton Standard, to find out what caused the problem.
Engineers suspect a loose valve mechanism or contamination in a filter.
A new valve assembly, meanwhile, will be welded back in place.
The welds then will be subjected to X-ray analysis and if all goes
well, Freon 21 will be pumped back into the system and the coolant loop
tested to make sure it will be ready for launch.
The work will take roughly two weeks to complete, Wiley said.
``This work's going to take us about two weeks to get to the point
we would have been at probably Friday or Saturday of this week,'' he
said. ``We'll pick up from there.''
|
| 611.18 | Shuttle Status for 05/10/90 (Forwarded) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon May 14 1990 20:13 | 90 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/10/90 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 14 May 90 17:20:08 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lines: 82
Thursday May 10, 1990 (as of 10:30 a.m.)
KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Launch Pad 39-A
Following the conclusion of the Flight Readiness Review
yesterday, mission managers announced a 2-3 week delay in the
launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia on mission STS-35. The delay
is due to an apparently faulty flow proportioning valve on the
orbiter Columbia's number 1 freon coolant loop.
The valve is located in the flooring of the orbiter's
payload bay. Work to replace the valve will be performed at the
pad.
Today, workers will be configuring and installing ground
service equipment necessary to gain access to the area. The clean
access platform on the upper level of the Payload Ground Handling
Mechanism (PGHM) in the payload changeout room will be positioned
for worker access. Following this, debris shields will be
installed over the payload and handling equipment secured. Door
44, the floor panel covering the valve area, is scheduled to be
removed tomorrow morning. Tomorrow, the freon loop will be
depressurized. Freon drain and purge operations are targeted to
begin late Friday.
In other work today, ball valve leak checks will be
performed in the aft compartment. Hydraulic circulation and
sample operations will continue in preparation for hydraulic
operations tonight. The argon servicing line has been
disconnected from the ASTRO payload. Ordnance disconnects are
scheduled for mid-night tonight.
Work to demate the liquid oxygen umbilical foot receptacle
will continue today to repair a sheared bolt on the T-0 quick
disconnect mechanism. Inspections of the umbilical foot will be
made and the bolt replaced. Demate work is currently scheduled
for Saturday.
STS-38 -- Atlantis (OV 104) - OPF Bay 2
The vehicle is powered up in the Orbiter Processing Facility
Bay 2. Water spray boiler leak and functional checks are in work
and the main landing gear is undergoing a cycling functional test
today. Heat shield installation on the main engines is continuing
and technicians are troubleshooting a problem with the cold water
dispenser in the galley. Atlantis' next flight is a DOD dedicated
mission scheduled for July 1990.
STS-41 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
The orbiter Discovery arrived back at KSC last Monday atop
the modified 747 Shuttle Carrier aircraft following a three day
ferry flight from Dryden Flight Research Center in California. It
was demated Monday evening and towed to the Orbiter Processing
Facility bay 1 early Tuesday morning. Today, the body flap is
being positioned to support removal of the tail cone . Also, work
to access the forward, midbody and aft compartment is continuing.
A frequency response test is currently scheduled to occur
Saturday.
Discovery's next mission is Ulysses, an international
project to study the polar regions of the Sun.
STS-38 Solid Rocket Boosters -- VAB high bay 1
Closeout operations continue on the solid rocket boosters
for mission STS-38. Mating of the external tank to the SRB's is
scheduled for tomorrow.
|
| 611.19 | Shuttle Status for 05/11/90 (Forwarded) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon May 14 1990 20:14 | 58 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/11/90 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 14 May 90 17:21:23 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lines: 48
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990 - 11 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Deservicing of the freon coolant loop is scheduled to begin
by early tomorrow morning. Over the next three days, freon will
be drained from Columbia and operations will begin to replace the
faulty valve next week. Today, technicians are gaining access to
the cooling system and hooking up lines to drain the freon. This
work is being performed at the launch pad.
Ordnance devices on the vehicle have been disconnected for
safety purposes while the cooling system is being repaired. The
Broad Band X-ray Telescope, one of the Astro-1 telescopes, will
be serviced with argon next week.
At this time, the launch date for STS-35 is being assessed
and will be based on the successful completion of work to repair
the cooling system.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Today, technicians will install the last main engine. The
Ku-band antenna will be stowed for flight today and ordnance
devices will be installed next week. A functional test of the
landing gears is planned early next week. Leak and functional
tests of the auxiliary power units are continuing today.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The protective tail cone was removed from Discovery's main
engines yesterday. Preparations are underway for a post-flight
frequency response test of the orbiter's flight control surfaces.
Post-flight tests of Discovery's systems are underway. Detailed
post-flight inspections of the thermal protection system are con-
tinuing. Next week, the forward reaction control system will be
removed and transferred to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility
for repairs and required inspections.
STS-38 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Closeouts of the right forward segment and preparations to
mate the external tank to the boosters are underway.
|
| 611.20 | Shuttle repairs on schedule | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue May 15 1990 14:01 | 54 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Subject: Shuttle repairs on schedule
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 14 May 90 23:28:40 GMT
Lines: 47
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Engineers drained refrigerant from the
shuttle Columbia's cooling system over the weekend and geared up Monday
to remove a faulty valve, in a tricky repair job that has delayed
liftoff to around the end of the month.
Sources said the earliest Columbia could be prepared for launch
appeared to be around May 30, which would require starting the shuttle's
countdown over the Memorial Day weekend. To save costly overtime, NASA
managers could elect to delay liftoff to around June 2.
But until the coolant system repair job was completed, NASA
managers would not know when Columbia can be launched and an official
target date was not expected until next week.
Columbia and its seven-member crew were originally scheduled for
blastoff this Thursday at 12:45 a.m. EDT. The flight was put on hold
last week, however, after engineers discovered a reduced flow of
Freon-like refrigerant through a valve in one of the shuttle's two
cooling systems.
Over the weekend, technicians drained about seven gallons of
refrigerant from ``coolant loop No. 1'' and geared up Monday to begin an
eight-shift job to cut out and replace the faulty valve.
The work would be complex. The valve is located below the floor of
Columbia's payload bay just a few feet behind the crew cabin.
With the shuttle in the vertical launch position, engineers would
be forced to work from an extending service platform more than 50 feet
above the rear payload bay bulkhead and directly above Columbia's
four-telescope cargo.
NASA spokeswoman Lisa Malone said replacing the valve was expected
to take eight shifts, or 2 1/2 days.
``That includes cutting the old one out, doing inspections on the
line ... to see if there's any kind of (obstruction),'' she said. ``Then
they'll put the new valve in, braise it back in and X-ray it.''
The coolant loop, which helps carry away heat from the shuttle's
crew cabin, electronic gear and payload, would then be repressurized
with refrigerant and the system would be tested to make sure no more
problems were present.
Columbia's crew planned to spend at least nine days in orbit to
study X-ray and ultraviolet radiation from deep space blocked by Earth's
atmosphere.
Three UV telescopes and one X-ray instrument have been mounted on
two pallets in Columbia's cargo hold. Unlike the Hubble Space Telescope
launched last month from the shuttle Discovery, the ``Astro-1''
instruments aboard Columbia would remain in the ship's payload bay
throughout the flight.
Commander Vance Brand, 59, co-pilot Guy Gardner, 42, John ``Mike''
Lounge, 43, Robert Parker, 53, Jeffrey Hoffman, 45, and civilian
astronomers Ronald Parise, 38, and Samuel Durrance, 46, were scheduled
to end their mission with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
|
| 611.21 | Shuttle Status for 05/14/90 (Forwarded) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue May 15 1990 17:09 | 63 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/14/90 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 15 May 90 16:09:15 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lines: 53
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY, MAY 14, 1990 - 11 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Technicians began draining refrigerant from Columbia's freon
coolant loop on Friday and will complete purging the system
today. Operations are expected to begin today to replace the
faulty proportional valve. This activity involves removing the
valve, borescoping and inspecting the line for sources that
could cause restricted valve flow, replacing the valve and
x-raying the new valve. It is estimated this work will take
about 8 shifts, or almost three days, to complete.
The Broad Band X-ray Telescope, one of the Astro-1 tele-
scopes, is scheduled to be serviced with argon on Thursday.
Closeouts of the airlock and avionics bays in the aft compartment
are underway.
At this time, the launch date for STS-35 is being assessed
and will be based on the successful completion of work to repair
the cooling system.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Today, technicians will install the last main engine and the
Ku-band antenna will be stowed for flight. A functional test of
the landing gears is planned later this week. Eight tile cavities
were reported this morning.
A Crew Equipment Interface Test with flight crew members was
successfully conducted this weekend. During this test, astronauts
had an opportunity to become familiar with the configuration of
the orbiter for the STS-38 flight.
Rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building is planned for
early next month.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
A post-flight frequency response test of the orbiter's
flight control surfaces has been successfully completed. Post-
flight tests and inspections of Discovery's systems are underway.
The payload bay doors will be opened today for mid-body decon-
figuration from the STS-31 mission. The forward reaction control
system will be removed and transferred to the Hypergolic Main-
tenance Facility for repairs and required inspections this week.
STS-38 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
The external tank is being connected to the solid rocket
boosters today. Mating operations are scheduled to be complete by
tomorrow.
|
| 611.22 | Shuttle Status for 05/16/90 (Forwarded) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed May 16 1990 19:07 | 72 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/16/90 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 16 May 90 15:37:00 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lines: 62
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990 - 10:30 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
A new flow proportional valve is being brazed into
Columbia's freon cooling system today. The faulty valve was
removed yesterday and is undergoing failure analysis at the Rock-
well Service Center in Cape Canaveral. Fragments of the valve's
inlet filter were found on two other filters for the valve.
Inspections of the lines where the valve was removed revealed no
problems within the system. Repair work and associated testing of
the freon cooling system is estimated to be complete by next
week.
Payload officials are continuing to monitor the status of
the Astro payload. The Broad Band X-ray Telescope, one of the
Astro-1 telescopes, is scheduled to be serviced with argon on
Thursday.
At this time, the launch date for STS-35 is being assessed
and will be based on the successful completion of work to repair
the cooling system.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Technicians will begin installing heat shields and carrier
panels around the main engines this evening. A functional test of
the payload bay doors was conducted yesterday. Functional tests
of the galley are planned today. Closeouts of the mid-body are
underway. Thermal protection system operations are continuing
this week.
Rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building is planned for
early next month.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Post-flight tests and inspections of Discovery's systems are
underway. The payload bay doors were opened for mid-body decon-
figuration from the STS-31 mission. Heat shields are being
removed from around the main engines in preparation for engine
removal next week.
The forward reaction control system was removed early this
morning and transferred to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility
for repairs and required inspections.
STS-38 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Technicians are making electrical connections at the aft
struts between the tank and boosters today.
STS-40 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Booster stacking began for the STS-40 Spacelabe Life
Sciences mission yesterday. The left aft booster was stacked on
mobile launcher platform 2.
|
| 611.23 | Shuttle Status for 05/17/90 (Forwarded) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu May 17 1990 18:33 | 157 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/17/90 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 17 May 90 18:28:23 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lines: 72
Thursday May 17, 1990 (as of 10:30 a.m.)
KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Launch Pad 39-A
Work to replace the broken inlet filter and the
disfunctional flow proportioning valve on the orbiter Columbia's
number 1 freon coolant loop continues today. Workers will braze
together the last lines this morning and begin preparations to
perform the system proof pressurization test and leak checks of
the new valve. Following this, access platforms in the payload
bay will be removed.
Work to re-mate the liquid oxygen umbilical foot receptacle
has been completed and the system is powered up.
Servicing of the BBXRT payload with liquid argon is
scheduled for today. Ordnance part 1 re-connects are scheduled to
begin Saturday followed by hypergolic pressurization and loading
of the pad's dewars.
A second Flight Readiness Review is scheduled to be held via
teleconference on Thursday, May 24, after which a new launch date
for STS-35 is expected to be announced.
STS-38 -- Atlantis (OV 104) - OPF Bay 2
The orbiter Atlantis is powered up in the Orbiter Processing
Facility Bay 2 as workers continue with heat shield installation
on main engine number 2. SSME installation operations and pump
torque tests are also in work. Orbiter mid-body closeouts and a
trickle purge on the OMS pods continues. Preparations for the
main propulsion system helium flight pressure test is scheduled
to begin today. Atlantis' next flight is a DOD dedicated mission
scheduled for July 1990.
STS-41 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
In the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, work to remove the
dome heatshield is complete. Validation of the orbital electrical
system is in work and the external tank door latch pull test is
complete. A RTG structural assessment will resume today and the
preparations for the post mission propellant deservicing is in
work. The SSME's and the OMS pods are scheduled to be removed for
servicing next week.
Discovery's next mission is Ulysses, an international
project to study the polar regions of the Sun.
STS-38 Solid Rocket Boosters -- VAB high bay 1
Mating of the external tank to the SRB's commenced
yesterday. Today, the forward crossover installation and aft
strut electrical mate continues. The right hand lower strut
closeout is complete and the left hand is in work.
STS-40 Solid Rocket Boosters -- VAB high bay 3
The left aft booster electrical umbilical mate is complete.
The left aft center segment move to the VAB is scheduled for May
21.
==============================================================================
Path: shlump.nac.dec.com!decwrl!looking!clarinews
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Subject: Faulty valve removed
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 15 May 90 20:00:49 GMT
Lines: 65
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Engineers removed a suspect cooling
system valve from the shuttle Columbia Tuesday and found a ``crumpled''
filter smaller than a thimble that apparently was to blame for delaying
the ship's launch to around the end of the month.
Technicians working inside Columbia's payload bay removed the valve
assembly before dawn Tuesday and immediately took it apart to find out
what had caused a reduced flow of Freon-like refrigerant through one of
Columbia's two cooling systems.
NASA spokeswoman Lisa Malone said engineers found the defective
filter in the valve assembly, apparently explaining the low flow rate
and easing concern about possible problems elsewhere in the complex
cooling system.
The T-shaped valve routes refrigerant to either the shuttle's crew
cabin or its payload. Malone said the filter inside the valve's inlet
``was crumpled and pieces of it were found in the other two'' filters
where lines exit the valve.
She described the filter as ``smaller than the tip of your finger.
It's smaller than a thimble.''
While the filter damage appeared to explain the reduced flow of
refrigerant, Malone said engineers were inspecting the lines running to
and from the valve to make sure no other problems were present.
A replacement valve was scheduled to be installed aboard Columbia
on Wednesday. Internal planning schedules indicated Columbia could be
ready for blastoff by around May 30, although an official target launch
date was not expected to be set until late this week or early next.
One issue for NASA is high overtime costs over the Memorial Day
weekend. Agency managers could elect to delay the launch to June 1 or 2
to avoid having to start the ship's countdown during the holiday
weekend.
Columbia and its seven-member crew were originally scheduled for
blastoff this Thursday to carry a battery of telescopes into orbit to
study X-ray and ultraviolet radiation from deep space.
But the flight was put on hold last week after engineers discovered
a reduced flow of refrigerant through a T-shaped ``proportioning valve''
in one of the shuttle's two cooling systems.
Over the weekend, technicians drained about seven gallons of
refrigerant from ``coolant loop No. 1'' and cut out the suspect valve
early Tuesday.
A replacement valve was scheduled to be welded into place Wednesday
and subjected to X-ray analysis to make sure no leaks were present. If
all goes well, the coolant loop would be recharged with refrigerant and
tested to make sure it was operating properly.
The shuttle's two coolant loop are critical for safe operation in
space because they carry away heat from the shuttle's crew cabin,
electronic gear and payload. NASA flight rules require an emergency
re-entry and landing if one of the loops fails in space.
The work to remove and replace the faulty valve has been difficult
because of the component's location below the floor of Columbia's cargo
bay, just a few feet behind the ship's crew cabin.
With the shuttle in the vertical launch position, engineers have
been forced to work from an extending service platform more than 50 feet
above the rear payload bay bulkhead and directly above Columbia's
four-telescope cargo.
Columbia's crew plans to spend at least nine days in orbit
operating the Spacelab ``Astro-1'' telescopes.
Three UV telescopes and one X-ray instrument are mounted on two
pallets in Columbia's cargo hold. Unlike the Hubble Space Telescope
launched last month from the shuttle Discovery, the Astro-1 instruments
aboard Columbia will remain in the ship's payload bay throughout the
flight.
Commander Vance Brand, 59, co-pilot Guy Gardner, 42, John ``Mike''
Lounge, 43, Robert Parker, 53, Jeffrey Hoffman, 45, and civilian
astronomers Ronald Parise, 38, and Samuel Durrance, 46, are scheduled to
end their mission with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
|
| 611.24 | Shuttle repair on track | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue May 22 1990 12:43 | 59 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Subject: Shuttle repair on track
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 21 May 90 22:28:03 GMT
Lines: 52
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Engineers wrapped up a complex repair
job on the shuttle Columbia's cooling system Monday, keeping the ship on
track for blastoff May 30 -- two weeks late -- on a Spacelab astronomy
mission.
Technicians were investigating a small leak where a 17-inch liquid
hydrogen fuel line enters the shuttle, but officials said the leak rate
was small and that NASA managers could simply sign a waiver clearing
Columbia to fly ``as is.''
Otherwise, launch processing proceeded smoothly with a flight
readiness review on tap Thursday to assess Columbia's readiness and to
set an official launch date.
The fuel line issue aside, internal planning schedules at the
Kennedy Space Center show work to ready Columbia for flight will be
finished in time for a sky-lighting liftoff May 30, at 12:38 a.m. EDT,
if no other problems crop up.
Columbia originally was scheduled for liftoff May 17, but launch
processing was put on hold after engineers discovered a faulty valve in
one of the shuttle's two cooling systems.
In a complex repair job conducted inside the vertical shuttle's
60-foot-long cargo bay, technicians cut the valve out and welded in a
replacement last week.
Engineers applied a vacuum to the ``coolant loop'' Monday to make
sure the repaired system is leak free before proceeding with plans to
repressurize the lines overnight with Freon-like refrigerant.
Assuming the May 30 target date holds up, Columbia's countdown
would begin at 1 a.m. EDT Sunday. The shuttle's seven-member crew would
arrive later in the day for final preparations.
Columbia's takeoff will trigger a flurry of Florida launches,
including the second flight of a powerful Air Force Titan 4 rocket and
the launch of a Delta 2 booster carrying a West German X-ray satellite
called ROSAT.
ROSAT's launch currently is on the books for May 31, but if
Columbia ends up scheduled for May 30, the Delta flight would be delayed
because it takes two days for the Air Force to reset the tracking
equipment used to monitor all rocket launches from Florida.
Details about the Titan 4 flight, including the launch date and
time, are classified, but the flight is believed to be on tap for a few
days after Columbia's launch. It is not clear what would happen to the
flight schedule in the event of another shuttle delay.
Columbia's crew plans to spend at least nine days in orbit
operating four telescopes built to study X-ray and ultraviolet radiation
from deep space that is blocked by Earth's atmosphere.
By studying such high-energy ``light,'' which cannot be seen by the
human eye, astronomers hope to learn more about the structure and
evolution of stars, galaxies and other objects such a energetic quasars
and as-yet-unseen black holes.
Commander Vance Brand, 59, co-pilot Guy Gardner, 42, John ``Mike''
Lounge, 43, Robert Parker, 53, Jeffrey Hoffman, 45, and civilian
astronomers Ronald Parise, 39, and Samuel Durrance, 46, plan to close
out the 36th shuttle flight with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base,
Calif.
|
| 611.25 | Columbia Status reports (5/18/90-5/23/90) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed May 23 1990 14:45 | 118 |
|
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990 - 10:30 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
A new flow proportional valve was successfully installed in
Columbia's freon cooling system. A leak check of the freon cool-
ing system pump is planned today. Later today, vacuuming of the
system will begin and will continue through the weekend. Early
next week, the system will be filled with refrigerant and tested.
Repair work and associated testing of the freon cooling system is
estimated to be complete by next week.
Payload officials are continuing to monitor the status of
the Astro payload. The Broad Band X-ray Telescope, one of the
Astro-1 telescopes, was serviced with argon yesterday.
Pre-launch activities scheduled this weekend include the in-
stallation of ordnance devices, pressurization of the orbiter's
hypergolic propellant tanks and loading the dewars, or storage
tanks, on the pad's structure with liquid oxygen and liquid
hydrogen reactants. During the launch countdown, the orbiter's
fuel cell storage tanks will be loaded from these dewars.
At this time, the launch date for STS-35 is being assessed
and will be based on the successful completion of work to repair
the cooling system. The Shuttle management team will have a
telecon next Thursday, called a delta Flight Readiness Review, to
review the readiness to launch.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990 - 10:30 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Columbia's freon system was purged and vacuumed this weekend
in preparation for servicing with refrigerant today. After ser-
vicing is complete, technicians will perform a freon systems
functional test. Repair work and associated testing of the freon
cooling system is estimated to be completed this week.
Pre-launch activities completed this weekend include the in-
stallation of ordnance devices, pressurization of the orbiter's
hypergolic propellant tanks and loading the dewars, or storage
tanks, on the pad's structure with liquid oxygen and liquid
hydrogen reactants. During the launch countdown, the orbiter's
fuel cell storage tanks will be loaded from these dewars.
At this time, the launch date for STS-35 is being assessed
and will be based on the successful completion of work to repair
the cooling system. The Shuttle management team will meet at KSC
Thursday for the delta Flight Readiness Review, to review the
readiness to launch and to set an official launch date.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday May 22, 1990 (as of 10:30 a.m.)
KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Launch Pad 39-A
At pad 39-A, servicing of the freon coolant loop number 1
was completed yesterday as technicians filled the line with 26
and a half gallons of coolant and prepared to perform a system
functional test, on schedule for today. Upon successful
completion of this test, the boron strut, which had to be removed
to gain access to the area, will be replaced and the work area
closed out.
Also scheduled today is the beginning of launch countdown
preparation operations, a leak trace test on the gaseous oxygen
control valve, and the installation of the external tank tumble
valve cover. TPS work and inspections continue as well.
A second Flight Readiness Review is scheduled to be held
Thursday afternoon, May 24, after which a new launch date for
STS-35 is expected to be announced.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990 - 10:30 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
A functional test of Columbia's freon system was success-
fully completed. Workers will remove from the payload bay area
platforms that were used in the freon system repair job. Payload
bay blanket liners will be reinstalled where the repair work was
performed. Closeouts of the payload bay and Astro-1 will begin
tomorrow.
Closeouts of the aft compartment are underway. The flight
doors are scheduled to be attached to the vehicle tomorrow.
Launch countdown preparations began earlier today. Final ordnance
installation is planned for Friday evening.
The Shuttle management team will meet at KSC Thursday for
the delta Flight Readiness Review, to review the readiness to
launch and to set an official launch date.
[as always, these reports are courtesy of:
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/xx/90 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: xxx
Date: 23 May 90 16:39:16 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
]
|
| 611.26 | KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990 - 10:30 AM | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu May 24 1990 18:40 | 71 |
|
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990 - 10:30 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Closeouts of the payload bay and Astro-1 will begin today.
Workers have removed platforms that were used in the freon system
repair job. Today, a purge of the power reactant storage and dis-
tribution system is scheduled. This will dry moisture out of the
system and prepare it for loading liquid oxygen and liquid
hydrogen reactants during the countdown.
Closeouts of the aft compartment are expected to be complete
today. The flight doors are scheduled to be attached to the
vehicle today. Launch countdown preparations are underway this
week. Final ordnance installation is planned for Friday evening.
The Shuttle management team will meet at KSC today at 1 p.m.
for the delta Flight Readiness Review, to review the readiness
to launch and to set an official launch date.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Payload bay cleaning operations are continuing today. The
doors are scheduled to be closed overnight. Closeouts of the
mid-body are underway. Thermal protection system operations are
continuing this week. Connections of the right orbital maneuver-
ing system pod are on hold while engineers evaluate and repair a
bent pin at a thermal switch.
Rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building is planned for
early next month.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Rocketdyne technicians are removing the number 2 main en-
gine today. All three main engines will be transferred to the VAB
engine shop for post-flight inspections and for the replacement
of several components. Preparations are underway for removal of
the orbital maneuvering system pods this week. The nose cap has
been extended to allow access for tile work. Post-flight tests
and inspections of Discovery's systems are continuing.
STS-38 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Technicians are continuing with closeouts of the boosters
and external tank.
STS-40 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Booster stacking operations are continuing for the STS-40
Spacelab Life Sciences mission. The left center segment was
pinned to the stack today. The right aft booster was transferred
to the VAB and is being bolted to the launch platform. The
boosters are being stacked together on mobile launcher platform
2.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Path: shlump.nac.dec.com!decuac!haven!ames!trident.arc.nasa.gov!yee
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/24/90 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 24 May 90 18:24:17 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lines: 57
|
| 611.27 | Launch Advisory for 05/24/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri May 25 1990 14:06 | 22 |
| STS-35 FLIGHT READINESS REVIEW STATEMENT 5/24/90 5:10P.M.
NASA managers today set May 30 as the launch date for Shuttle
Mission STS-35 which will carry the Astro-1 payload into orbit.
Columbia will be launched during a window that opens at 12:38
a.m. EDT and extends for 2 1/2 hours. The mission is scheduled
to last 10 days. Landing is set for 4:24 p.m. PDT on June 8.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Launch Advisory for 05/24/90 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 24 May 90 23:18:42 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lines: 9
|
| 611.28 | Columbia on track for Wednesday launch | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri May 25 1990 14:11 | 65 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military,clari.news.urgent
Subject: Columbia on track for Wednesday launch
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 24 May 90 22:22:08 GMT
Lines: 58
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The repaired shuttle Columbia and its
seven-member crew were cleared Thursday for a sky-lighting midnight
launch next Wednesday, two weeks late, to kick off a 10-day Spacelab
astronomy mission.
``It's the 30th. There are no significant problems or issues,''
said NASA spokeswoman Lisa Malone. ``Everything's on schedule. We're
going to pick up the countdown at 1 a.m. (EDT) Sunday.''
Running two weeks behind schedule because of work to replace a
faulty valve in the shuttle's cooling system, Columbia is scheduled for
a fiery nighttime take-off at 12:38 a.m. Wednesday on the fourth of nine
flights planned for 1990.
William Lenoir, NASA's associate administrator for space flight,
and other top agency managers met at the Kennedy Space Center Thursday
and reviewed the valve repair work before setting the official launch
date and announcing the flight will last 10 days if on-board supplies
hold out.
``The work we did on the Freon system was successful,'' Malone said
of the job to replace the faulty valve. If all goes well, technicians
will begin the coundown early Sunday.
Commander Vance Brand, 59, co-pilot Guy Gardner, 42, John ``Mike''
Lounge, 43, Robert Parker, 53, Jeffrey Hoffman, 45, and civilian
astronomers Ronald Parise, 39, and Samuel Durrance, 46, plan to fly to
the Kennedy Space Center later that day for final preparations.
Parise and Durrance are the first non-professional astronauts
assigned to a shuttle mission since satellite engineer Gregory Jarvis
and school teacher Christa McAuliffe took off on Challenger's final
voyage.
Columbia's launching will trigger a flurry of activity at the
Florida spacepport. Shortly after the shuttle date was announced, NASA
and Air Force officials scheduled a West German X-ray satellite called
ROSAT for blastoff atop an unmanned Delta 2 rocket at 5:35 p.m. June 1.
The Delta-ROSAT flight will be followed June 3 or 4, sources say,
by the predawn launch of a powerful Air Force Titan 4 rocket carrying a
classified military satellite. Details about that flight, only the
second for a Titan 4, are classified.
The goal of Columbia's mission is the operation of a $150 million
suite of telescopes in the ship's payload bay that were built to study
X-ray and ultraviolet emissions from deep space targets that are blocked
by Earth's atmosphere.
The four telescopes aboard Columbia are far more modest than the
giant $1.5 billion Hubble Space Telescope launched last month from the
shuttle Discovery but they will give astronomers their first detailed
glimpse of what the universe looks like in the high-energy regions of
the spectrum.
Data collected with the Astro-1 space observatory aboard Columbia
will enable astronomers back on Earth to gain insights into the nature
of quasars, as-yet-unseen black holes, supernovae, interstellar gas and
dust, stellar evolution and other critical questions in modern
astronomy, extending humanity's sight beyond the blue end of the
visible-light spectrum.
Data from the Astro-1 instruments thus will complement the visible
light studies of the Hubble Space Telescope in an ongoing NASA effort to
explore the universe across the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
The mission originally was scheduled to last nine days, but if
supplies aboard the shuttle hold out, the flight will run a full 10 days
to gather as much data as possible. Brand and Gardner then will guide
Columbia to a landing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., on June 8.
|
| 611.29 | | 19458::FISHER | Prune Juice: A Warrior's Drink! | Fri May 25 1990 16:14 | 5 |
| Surprising that the landing time is so far away from the liftoff time. The orbit
should not precess that much in 10 days. Is it a high inclination orbit (giving)
two orbital nodes per day which pass near EAFB?
Burns
|
| 611.30 | | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri May 25 1990 16:52 | 6 |
| Nope, it's listed as a 28.45� inclination, 218 miles high orbit.
Inclination was the same for STS-31.
Perhaps they just wanted to land during the daylight hours.
- dave
|
| 611.31 | | 19458::FISHER | Prune Juice: A Warrior's Drink! | Tue May 29 1990 13:33 | 7 |
| The question is more how than why. Certainly they would want to land during the
day if possible. Clearly it is possible or they would not do it. However, I
would expect the shuttle to be much too far south to land at that time of day.
So I wonder where my reasoning went wrong. Maybe just too much qualitative
reasoning when the situation demands quantitative.
Burns
|
| 611.32 | Shuttle Status (L- 3 days) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue May 29 1990 14:01 | 63 |
|
Kennedy Space Center Shuttle status - Sunday, May 27, 1990 11 am
LAUNCH MINUS THREE DAYS
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
The STS-35 launch countdown began on time today at 1 a.m.
EDT at the T minus 43 hour mark. The countdown will lead up to a
planned liftoff of Columbia at 12:38 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, May
30. There are no problems with the vehicle or payload at this
time in the countdown.
Columbia's payload bay doors are scheduled to be closed for
flight this evening. The Astro-1 broad band x-ray telescope is
being serviced with argon today.
Today, technicians are removing platforms from the crew
cabin, removing engine covers and throat plugs from the orbital
maneuvering system and activating Columbia's navigation system.
The main engine controllers will be powered up for functional
checks and to checkout the gaseous nitrogen and helium purge sys-
tems.
At the pad, workers will be performing final cleaning and
wash down of the pad surface, flame trench and zero level of the
mobile launcher platform.
The countdown will enter the first of several built-in holds
at the T minus 27 hour mark at 5 p.m. this evening. After the
countdown clock resumes at 1 a.m. Monday, Columbia's fuel cell
storage tanks will be loaded with liquid oxygen and liquid
hydrogen reactants. For this countdown, Columbia's storage tanks
will be filled from tankers on the pad surface instead of from
the dewars at the Pad. This exercise will prove the capability to
load reactants from tankers, the method that will be used for an
extended duration orbiter flight. The capacity of the dewars at
the pad is not sufficient to support an EDO flight.
STS-35 flight crew members arrived at KSC's Shuttle Landing
Facility today at 11 a.m. for final flight preparations. Today,
the crew will be briefed on the status of the countdown and other
pertinent events.
Weather forecasts for the time of launch on Wednesday are
favorable with an 80 percent chance of being within required con-
ditions. Winds are forecast to be out of the southwest direction
at 12 knots. The expected temperature at the time of launch is 75
degrees. Clouds are forecast to be scattered at low mid and upper
levels.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/27/90 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 28 May 90 22:55:15 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 611.33 | Columbia Status (L- 2 days) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue May 29 1990 14:02 | 78 |
|
Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Status - Monday, May 28, 1990 10 am
LAUNCH MINUS TWO DAYS
STS-35 -- COLUMBIA (OV-102) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
The countdown for the launch of Columbia on Space Shuttle
Mission STS-35 continues this morning toward a planned liftoff at
12:38 a.m. EDT, Wednesday, May 30.
This morning at 1:00 a.m. servicing began of the liquid
oxygen and liquid hydrogen fuel cell supply tanks on board the
orbiter. A demonstration was conducted during the tanking process
to verify the capability of loading the orbiter's supply tanks
directly from the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen tankers
instead of funneling the propellants through dewars located on the
pad structure. This method will be incorporated for future use on
extended duration orbiters. The loading of the orbiter's tanks was
completed shortly after 9:00 a.m.
At 9:00 a.m., a planned built-in hold of 4 hours stopped the
clock as the pad was re-opened for normal pre-launch work.
Activities during this hold will include the disconnection of the
orbiter mid-body umbilical unit used during the on board tank
loading process. The hold is scheduled to last until 1:00 p.m.
today.
At 1:00 p.m., the count will resume and technicians will
complete final vehicle and facility closeouts. Technicians will
also begin configuring Columbia's cockpit for flight. The
orbiter's flight control system navigation aids and communications
systems will be activated, and switches in the cockpit configured
for loading the external tank with liquid oxygen and liquid
hydrogen. Also beginning at 1:00 this afternoon, the mission
specialists' seats will be installed in the flight and mid-decks.
Tonight at 9:00 p.m., the countdown is scheduled to enter a
built-in hold at the T-11 hour mark. This 13 hour, 18 minute hold
will extend to 10:18 Tuesday morning.
Loading of the external tank with super-cold liquid hydrogen
and liquid oxygen propellants is currently scheduled to begin at
the T-6 hour mark at 4:18 p.m. tomorrow afternoon.
Yesterday, Columbia's seven member crew arrived at KSC at
11:00 a.m. Today the crew will be undergoing a series of weather,
orbiter and countdown status briefings. Earlier, they received
their final medical checks prior to flight. The individual members
have been divided into two teams, red and blue, for working split
shifts during the entire 10-day mission. This will facilitate
operating the ASTRO-1 payload for the maximum, around-the-clock,
on-orbit operation. The crew has already adjusted their sleep
schedules to accommodate the 24 hour a day work schedule.
The payload bay doors of the orbiter Columbia were closed
last night and the ASTRO-1 payload, with its 4 telescopes to view
the ultraviolet and X-ray spectrum of the universe, is serviced
and ready for launch.
Weather forecasts for launch on Wednesday are favorable with
an 80 percent chance of being within required constraints. At the
time of launch, winds are forecast to be out of the southwest at
12 knots, temperature at 75 degrees, and visibility 7 miles. There
is a slight concern that thundershowers may be in the vicinity of
the pad Tuesday afternoon when tanking is scheduled to begin.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/28/90 (Forwarded)
Date: 28 May 90 22:56:10 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 611.34 | STS-35 payload team completes major prelaunch milestones | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue May 29 1990 14:03 | 94 |
|
Patricia Phillips May 27, 1990
407-867-2468
KSC Release No. 95-90
STS-35 PAYLOAD TEAM COMPLETES MAJOR PRELAUNCH MILESTONES
As the Kennedy Space Center launch team continues to count
down toward the launch of Columbia at 12:38 a.m. May 30, members
of the payload processing team are closing out the final tasks
for the Astro-1 payload.
Today, the payloads team completed the final servicing of
the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope with solidified argon. Since its
arrival at KSC in late l989, the BBXRT has required servicing
with argon at regular intervals -- usually every 10 days -- in
order to keep the sensitive instrument cooled.
This final BBXRT coolant servicing was planned to protect
both the planned mission flight time for BBXRT, and also to
provide the greatest amount of flexibility in the launch environ-
ment. Based on current mission planning, the payloads team ap-
proach will provide up to 6 launch opportunity days.
The solidified argon will maintain BBXRT for about 16 days.
Of that time, prelaunch operations after the conclusion of ser-
vicing will deplete about 2.5 days of argon capability, leaving
3.5 days for launch attempts. Since the primary science objec-
tives for BBXRT could be accomplished in 8 flight days of the
10-day mission, the payloads community agreed to add an addi-
tional 2 days for launch tries. This boosted the total launch at-
tempt opportunities to about 6 days.
About 97 pounds of argon are used in each of the two dewars
for BBXRT, providing a toal of 194 pounds. In addition, about 60
pounds of liquid helium is circulated around the dewars to
enhance and retain the chilling.
In other preflight activities, installation of the
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT) film pack was completed about
2 a.m. yesterday morning. The film will be removed up to 4 days
after landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
During the launch countdown, BBXRT's temperature will be
monitored, with checks ranging from every 30 minutes to every
four hours. Other payload preflight activities include the final
payload changeout room (PCR) walkdown, the installation of addi-
tional argon outgassing valves on the BBXRT, verification of the
operation of the Vacuum Maintenance System (VMS) on the BBXRT,
briefly powering up the BBXRT for checks, and deactivating the
Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT) vacuum ion pump when the T-0
umbilical power is removed at T-9 minutes. BBXRT T-0 powered ac-
tivities will conclude at the T-23 minute point.
After Columbia's payload bay doors close, the payloads team
will be looking forward to the conclusion of a processing flow
that originally began in l985. When remanifested for this year,
BBXRT was added to ASTRO-1, and the Wide Field Planetary Camera
was removed. Astro-1 marks the return to flight of primary
horizontal payloads. The last one processed and flown was Mission
61-A, the German Spacelab (D-1) mission in October/November,
l985.
Astro-1 uses two Spacelab pallets, an instrument pointing
system (IPS) and an "igloo" as part of its support hardware.
Spacelab equipment is a set of manned and umanned modular com-
ponents developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). For each
payload using Spacelab components, specific standardized parts
are combined to support mission requirements -- in essence, a
high-tech "mix and match." On this flight, only the IPS has flown
before, on the Spacelab 2 mission in July/August, l985 (51-F).
BBXRT is carried on its own unique two-axis pointing system
(TAPS).
The challenges of preparing a payload to final testing, then
deintegrating it, and later reintegrating it with different
equipment, has demonstrated the versatility of the KSC payloads
team, according to KSC NASA payload processing manager Glenn
Snyder.
"They've shown patience, flexibility, and dedication. After
all this time, we're ready to go fly! The team is excited to see
all their work come together for launch," he added.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: STS-35 payload team completes major prelaunch milestones (Forwarded)
Date: 28 May 90 22:57:06 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 611.35 | Columbia set for launch, timeline of events | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue May 29 1990 14:12 | 187 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 28 May 90 19:25:16 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Rocket engineers worked Monday to fix
a faulty cockpit display while the shuttle Columbia's countdown ticked
smoothly toward a sky-lighting nighttime liftoff early Wednesday on a
10-day astronomy flight.
The countdown began Sunday -- 13 days late because of a faulty
refrigerant valve -- and after reviewing the status of launch
preparations Monday, NASA managers tentatively cleared Columbia for
blastoff on the 36th shuttle mission at 12:38 a.m. EDT Wednesday.
``Basically, things are going well,'' said NASA test director
Albert Sofge. ``It's very smooth.''
Air Force meteorologists predicted a 90 percent chance of favorable
conditions at launch time, although possible thunderstorms Tuesday
afternoon could cause problems for fuel loading.
Columbia's payload is the ``Astro-1'' observatory, a battery of
four telescopes built to study X-rays and ultraviolet light from violent
deep space targets such as enigmatic quasars, black holes, exploding
stars and particularly energetic stars and galaxies.
Such emissions are blocked by Earth's atmosphere, but from
Columbia's perch 219 miles up, astronomers hope to open a new window on
the universe, gathering data that will complement work done in the
visible portion of the spectrum by the Hubble Space Telescope.
``In the history of humanity, we've only taken images for an entire
exposure time of about one hour, maybe six or seven or eight images of
the sky in the ultraviolet,'' program scientist Edward Weiler said.
``With Astro, we're going to get 200 to 300 hours and maybe a thousand
images of the sky.''
Overnight Sunday, engineers closed Columbia's cargo bay doors and
pumped 490 gallons of liquid oxygen and 790 gallons of liquid hydrogen
aboard the shuttle to power its three electrical generators and to
provide water for the record-tying 10-day mission.
The only problem encountered in the early stages of the countdown
has been a faulty ``heads-up display'' on commander Vance Brand's side
of the cockpit.
Two such ``HUDs'' are mounted on top of the pilots' instrument
panel. During re-entry, landing data is projected in green light onto
see-through glass screens in front of the shuttle's windshield so the
pilots do not have to look down at their instruments during critical
periods.
Brand's HUD was replaced overnight, but the problem persisted,
leading engineers to suspect a faulty electrical subsystem. Replacing
and testing the suspect ``black box,'' about the size of a videocassette
recorder, was expected to take some 16 hours. But Sofge said the work
would have no impact on launch.
Joining Brand for the 36th shuttle flight are co-pilot Guy Gardner,
42, flight engineer John ``Mike'' Lounge, 43, Robert Parker, 53, Jeffrey
Hoffman, 45, and civilian astronomers Ronald Parise, 39, and Samuel
Durrance, 46.
The astronauts spent the day Monday boning up on their flight
plans, trying on their cumbersome spacesuits and undergoing brief
medical exams.
To gather as much data as possible during the 10-day mission,
Columbia's crew will work around the clock, with Hoffman, Durrance and
Lounge making up the daytime ``blue'' shift and Parise, Parker and
Gardner making up the overnight ``red'' shift.
The Hubble Space Telescope launched April 25 from the shuttle
Discovery was built primarily to study visible light, the narrow band of
the electromagnetic spectrum made up of the radiation that can be seen
by the human eye, that is, light with wavelengths corresponding to the
colors of the rainbow.
But studying the universe by the visible light that makes it
through Earth's atmosphere would be like limiting a pianist to using
only the middle two or three octaves of a piano. While various themes
might be discerned, a complete understanding of the composer's intent
would be impossible.
The four Astro telescopes will extend humanity's vision far beyond
the blue end of the spectrum.
``What we can see from the ground, visible light, comes from
objects that may be 2,000 to about 6,000 or 7,000 degrees,'' said Astro
program scientist Edward Weiler. ``It's like a doctor only using a
stethoscope trying to diagnose (an illness). You need other things. You
need X-rays, you need mammograms and so on.''
Ultraviolet light is produced by objects with temperatures between
10,000 degrees and 100,000 degrees, while X-rays are emitted by stars
and galaxies with temperatures ranging up to 10 million degrees.
``That's where the most interesting things in astronomy are, out
there in the high-temperature regimes: black holes, quasars, the nuclei
of galaxies,'' Weiler said. ``You really can't study these things from
the ground in just visible light.''
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: [email protected] (United Press International)
Subject: Shuttle mission No. 36
Keywords: space, science, aerospace, defense industry, air transport,
Date: 29 May 90 05:06:58 GMT
Here is a timeline of events planned for the first day Wednesday of
the shuttle Columbia's 10-day mission to study X-ray and ultraviolet
radiation from deep space.
On board will be commander Vance Brand, 59, co-pilot Guy Gardner,
42, John ``Mike'' Lounge, 43, Robert Parker, 53, Jeffrey Hoffman, 45,
and civilian astronomers Ronald Parise, 39, and Samuel Durrance, 46.
The astronauts will work in two 12-hour shifts with Hoffman, Lounge
and Durrance working the ``blue'' day shift and Gardner, Parise and
Parker making up the ``red'' night shift. Brand is not assigned to a
specific shift, although his sleep cycle roughly coincides with the red
team.
Wednesday, May 30 (all times in EDT and subject to change):
12:38 a.m. -- Columbia blasts off on the 36th shuttle mission.
12:40 a.m. -- The shuttle's two solid-fuel boosters are jettisoned.
1:21 a.m. -- Columbia's twin orbital maneuvering rockets fire to
circularize the ship's orbit at an altitude of 219 miles.
2:06 a.m. -- The shuttle's twin 60-foot payload bay doors are
opened, exposing the shuttle's ``Astro-1'' telescopes to space.
2:14 a.m. -- Mission control in Houston gives the astronauts a
``go'' for routine orbital operations.
2:30 a.m. -- NASA managers hold a post-launch news conference at the
Kennedy Space Center.
3:08 a.m. -- The astronauts begin activating a $150 million battery
of four Spacelab telescopes mounted in Columbia's cargo bay.
3:48 a.m. -- The initial Spacelab activation procedures ends.
3:58 a.m. -- The astronauts begin checking out the European-built
Instrument Pointing System, or IPS. The IPS serves as the mounting for
three ultraviolet telescopes.
4:08 a.m. Hoffman, Lounge and Durrance begin a six-hour sleep
period, turning operations over to the ``red'' team.
4:13 a.m. -- Heaters and other systems are activated to protect the
Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope from the space environment. The ``HUT''
will measure the energy distribution of ultraviolet radiation from deep
space targets.
4:23 a.m. -- The Wisconsin Photo-Polarimeter Experiment's protective
systems are activated. The ``WUPPE'' was built to study the intensity of
UV space radiation.
4:30 a.m. -- Flight director Wayne Hale holds a change-of-shift news
conference at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
4:38 a.m. -- The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope's protective systems
are activated and checked out. The ``UIT'' is a more traditional
telescope that will be used to photograph ultraviolet light from stars,
galaxies and other targets of interest.
5:03 a.m. -- The Wisconsin Photo-Polarimeter Experiment is turned
on.
5:08 a.m. -- The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope is activated. This
procedure takes an hour and 20 minutes.
5:08 a.m. -- The astronauts eat dinner.
5:28 a.m. -- The Instrument Pointing System is unlatched, allowing
the astronauts to aim its three telescopes anywhere in the sky.
5:58 a.m. -- The IPS checkout procedure is completed.
6:38 a.m. -- The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope is activated and
checked out.
7:12 a.m. -- The astronauts begin s 45-minute procedure to monitor
all three UV telescopes to make sure their environmental control systems
are operating properly.
8:03 a.m. -- The Wisconsin Photo-Polarimeter Experiment begins a
more detailed activation and checkout procedure.
10:08 a.m. -- The blue team -- Hoffman, Lounge and Durrance -- is
awakened.
10:23 a.m. -- The astronauts hold a 15-minute private medical
conference with surgeons at mission control in Houston to discuss any
problems with space adaptation.
10:30 a.m. -- Mission scientist Ted Gull holds a news briefing at
the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.
10:57 a.m. -- The red team ``hands off'' to the blue team. The red
team then prepares for sleep.
11:38 a.m. -- The red team -- Brand, Gardner, Parker and Parise --
goes to sleep.
12:08 p.m. -- Columbia's maneuvering jets are fired to adjust the
shuttle's orbit.
12:43 p.m. -- The IPS is unlatched and deployed.
2:15 p.m. -- Flight director Granvil Pennington holds a
change-of-shift briefing in Houston.
2:38 p.m. -- The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope undergoes initial
science activation.
4:08 p.m. -- The blue team eats lunch.
4:28 p.m. -- The astronauts begin a 2-hour and 10-minute exercise to
focus the Spacelab telescopes.
5:30 p.m. -- Mission manager Jack Jones holds a news briefing in
Huntsville.
6:48 p.m. -- The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope undergoes a detailed
focusing check.
7:38 p.m. -- Brand and the red team are awakened.
8:38 p.m. -- The Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment, or SAREX, is
unstowed. The astronauts will use this equipment throughout the flight
to contact ``hams'' around the world.
10:15 p.m. -- Flight director Gary Coen holds a change-of-shift
briefing in Houston.
10:23 p.m. -- Hoffman, Lounge and Durrance hand off to the red team
of Gardner, Parise and Parker.
10:38 p.m. -- The Wisconsin Photo-Polarimeter Experiment undergoes
detailed focusing checks.
11:23 p.m. -- Science studies begin with the first of more than 200
astronomical observations.
|
| 611.36 | STS 35 2 liner | 3625::BIRO | | Tue May 29 1990 19:04 | 9 |
|
initial STS element set
STS35
1 99999U 90 99 Z 90150.24513889 +.00031000 +00000+0 +00000+0 7 11
2 99999 28.4690 148.3930 0005720 246.6067 119.6564 15.71792660 2
|
| 611.37 | 30-May launch scrubbed... Optimistic headlines included. | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue May 29 1990 22:46 | 51 |
|
[For those that have heard, the launch is scrubbed for tonight. LH2 leak
or something that looks the same. -PEY]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, May 29, 1990 Audio Service: 202/755-1788
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This is NASA Headline News for Tuesday, May 29........
The countdown looks good at the Kennedy Space Center for launch
of the Space Shuttle Columbia. The launch is scheduled for 12:38
A.M. EDT on Wednesday, May 30. Columbia's payload bay doors are
closed. The Astro-1 payload with the four telescopes that will
study ultraviolet and X-ray spectrums of the universe are ready
for launch.
On Monday, the commander's head-up display electronics package
was replaced. The display cues the commander's line of sight
during the final phase of entry and final approach to the
runway. Also, a timing signal problem with one of two Pulse Code
Modulation Master Units has been traced to a loose connector but
it is not expected to delay launch.
Preparing the payload to final testing has demonstrated the
versatility of the payloads team. During the launch countdown,
the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope's temperature will be monitored.
Checks will range from every 30 minutes to every four hours.
Payload processing manager, Glenn Snyder, says the payloads team
members "have shown patience, flexibility and dedication. After
all this time, we're ready to fly!"
The weather forecasts for the launch time are favorable with an
80 percent chance of being within required conditions. The
temperature is expected to be 75 degrees with scattered clouds
and winds at 12 knots. The landing is currently scheduled for
7:24 P.M. EDT at Edwards Air Force Base on June 8.
[... omitted stuff that was only valid if it launched ... dmg]
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space
Subject: NASA Headline News for 05/29/90 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 29 May 90 23:48:49 GMT
Reply-To: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 611.38 | Scrub: Fuel leak delays shuttle launch | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue May 29 1990 22:48 | 89 |
| CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Hydrogen rocket fuel leaked into the
shuttle Columbia's engine room during fuel loading Tuesday, forcing NASA
to indefinitely delay the ship's launch on a 10-day astronomy mission.
The liftoff of the 36th shuttle mission had been planned for 12:38
a.m. EDT Wednesday, two weeks behind schedule, but the fueling process
was halted when sensors detected unacceptable levels of explosive
hydrogen gas in the engine compartment.
NASA spokeswoman Lisa Malone said the launch was postponed ``due to
a higher-than-allowable concentration of hydrogen in Columbia's aft
fuselage. The vehicle was never in an unsafe condition at any time.''
A new launch target date was not immediately known, but it appeared
likely the long-awaited flight, already running two weeks behind
schedule, will be delayed at least two to three days and possibly
longer.
Fueling began at 4:36 p.m. when technicians began pumping a
half-million gallons of liquid hydrogen and oxygen rocket fuels into the
shuttle's giant external tank.
At 5:25 p.m., with 5 percent -- about 20,000 gallons -- of 383,066
gallons of hydrogen loaded, engineers noticed higher-than-acceptable
levels of hydrogen vapor in the shuttle's aft engine room, which is
pressurized with inert nitrogen to prevent any possible chance of a fire
or explosion.
``Loading of liquid hydrogen was stopped when it became apparent
that concentration levels in the aft were continuing to rise,'' Malone
said. ``Indications at this time are that we have a leak in the
orbiter's main propulsion system ... or in the liquid hydrogen system on
the ground support equipment side. Engineers are troubleshooting the
situation at this time.''
In a normal fueling, engineers would expect hydrogen levels of
about 500 parts per million, but in Columbia's case, they detected a
level of 2,875 parts per million. The ``danger'' level is considered to
be 40,000 parts per million.
If Columbia is not launched by Monday, the flight will be delayed
seven more days to replenish argon coolant needed by the ship's
telescope payload.
It was not immediately known what caused the problem, but sources
said several possibilities were under discussion, including a leak in a
4-inch hydrogen line between the shuttle and its external tank or
problems with the system used to pump fuel into the spaceship.
The decision to delay the launch was a frustrating disappointment
to Columbia's seven-member crew -- commander Vance Brand, 59, co-pilot
Guy Gardner, 42, John ``Mike'' Lounge, 43, Robert Parker, 53, Jeffrey
Hoffman, 45, and civilian astronomers Ronald Parise, 39, and Samuel
Durrance, 46.
The launch already was two weeks behind schedule because of work to
fix a faulty valve in the shuttle's cooling system.
Mounted in Columbia's 60-foot payload bay is the Astro-1
observatory, a battery of four telescopes built to study invisible X-ray
and ultraviolet light from high-energy stars, galaxies, quasars and
other violent objects to learn more about the structure and evolution of
the universe.
Data from the Astro instruments thus will complement the visible
light studies of the Hubble Space Telescope, extending humanity's vision
beyond the blue end of the visible spectrum in the latest step in an
unprecedented $9 billion program to explore Earth's solar system and the
depths of space.
X-rays and UV radiation are blocked by Earth's atmosphere, but from
Columbia's 219-mile-high orbit, scientists will be able to get their
first detailed look at ultraviolet emissions from deep space as well as
X-rays from a nearby supernova and other targets, possibly including
as-yet-unseen black holes.
Along with studying the heavens, the Columbia astronauts also plan
to teach an astronomy lesson from space that will be beamed back to
school children while ham radio operator Parise hopes to chat with two
Soviet cosmonauts aboard the orbiting Mir space station.
Unlike the giant Hubble telescope, launched from the shuttle
Discovery April 25, the four Astro telescopes carried into orbit aboard
Columbia -- three ultraviolet instruments and one X-ray telescope -- will
remain locked in the ship's payload bay throughout the flight.
Parker, Parise and Durrance, who all hold doctorates in astronomy,
will aim their instruments at more than 230 targets, requiring Brand,
Gardner and Lounge to fire Columbia's maneuvering jets more than 300
times to properly orient the spaceship.
Among the high-priority targets are quasars, the most powerful
objects known, energetic galaxies, exploding stars, interstellar dust
and gas, Saturn, Mars, Comet Austin and possibly black holes, collapsed
stars with such intense gravity that not even light can escape.
Gigantic black holes in the cores of active galaxies may provide
the energy that causes quasars to shine across the gulfs of space with
such unimaginable fury, sucking stars, gas and dust into oblivion and
emitting powerful bursts of X-rays in the process.
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.urgent
Subject: Fuel leak delays shuttle launch
Keywords: space, science, aviation, manufacturing, air transport,
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 30 May 90 00:49:28 GMT
|
| 611.39 | Shuttle launch on hold | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed May 30 1990 10:24 | 85 |
|
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Engineers drained the shuttle
Columbia's fuel tank Wednesday and scrambled to trace a leak in a
17-inch hydrogen fuel line system that forced NASA to indefinitely delay
the ship's launch on a 10-day astronomy mission.
The shuttle and its seven-member crew had been scheduled for
liftoff at 12:38 a.m. EDT Wednesday, two weeks late because of other
problems, but less than an hour after fuel loading began Tuesday,
multiple alarms went off indicating hydrogen gas in the ship's engine
compartment.
NASA spokeswoman Lisa Malone said the launch was postponed ``due to
a higher-than-allowable concentration of hydrogen in Columbia's aft
fuselage.''
She said ``the vehicle was never in an unsafe condition at any
time'' and that ``a new launch target date will be set as soon as the
problem has been identified and corrected.''
Late Tuesday, engineers had identified two hydrogen leaks: a small
leak in a ground fuel supply system on the shuttle's mobile launch
platform and another, more serious leak in the area where a 17-inch
hydrogen fuel line enters the shuttle's belly.
Depending on the nature of the problem with the 17-inch
``disconnect'' fitting, NASA managers could be forced to haul Columbia
back to a giant hangar-like facility to make repairs, delaying blastoff
two weeks or more.
But launch director Robert Sieck would say only that liftoff was on
hold for at least 48 hours, and other officials stressed that a new
target date could not be set until engineers get inside the shuttle's
engine compartment late Wednesday to precisely locate the leak.
``We know we've got a leak in the 17-inch disconnect area,'' Malone
said after a late-night engineering meeting broke up. ``They don't know
exactly where yet. We'll be in the aft sometime late tomorrow night and
we'll start trouble shooting.''
The delay was a frustrating disappointment for commander Vance
Brand, 59, co-pilot Guy Gardner, 42, John ``Mike'' Lounge, 43, Robert
Parker, 53, Jeffrey Hoffman, 45, and civilian astronomers Ronald Parise,
39, and Samuel Durrance, 46, who came within 5 1/2 weeks of launch in 1986
only to be grounded by the Challenger disaster.
Mounted in Columbia's 60-foot payload bay is the Astro-1
observatory, a battery of four telescopes built to study invisible X-ray
and ultraviolet light from high-energy stars, galaxies, quasars and
other violent objects to learn more about the structure and evolution of
the universe.
Engineers started pumping a half-million gallons of liquid oxygen
and liquid hydrogen rocket fuel into Columbia's giant external tank
about 4:36 p.m. Tuesday.
At 5:25 p.m., with 5 percent -- about 20,000 gallons -- of 383,066
gallons of hydrogen loaded, sensors indicated higher-than-acceptable
levels of hydrogen vapor in the shuttle's aft engine room, which is
pressurized with inert nitrogen to prevent any possible chance of a fire
or explosion.
``Loading of liquid hydrogen was stopped when it became apparent
that concentration levels in the aft were continuing to rise,'' Malone
said.
She later said the leak was increasing at 100 parts per million
every second at the time fuel loading was halted.
In a normal fueling, engineers would expect hydrogen levels of
about 500 parts per million. In Columbia's case, they detected a level
of 2,875 parts per million, well below the ``danger'' level of 40,000
parts per million, or a concentration of 4 percent.
The ``Astro-1'' observatory aboard Columbia originally was
scheduled for launch May 17, but the flight was delayed two weeks
because of work to replace a faulty cooling system valve.
Whenever it gets off the ground, Columbia's mission is expected to
revolutionize knowledge about high-energy astronomy, giving scientists
their first detailed look at the heavens in X-ray and ultraviolet light,
which is blocked by Earth's atmosphere.
Along with studying the heavens, the Columbia astronauts also plan
to teach an astronomy lesson from space that will be beamed back to
school children while ham radio operator Parise hopes to chat with two
Soviet cosmonauts aboard the orbiting Mir space station.
Unlike the giant Hubble telescope, launched from the shuttle
Discovery April 25, the four Astro telescopes to be carried into orbit
aboard Columbia -- three ultraviolet instruments and one X-ray telescope
-- will remain locked in the ship's payload bay throughout the flight.
Parker, Parise and Durrance, who all hold doctorates in astronomy,
will aim their instruments at more than 230 targets, requiring Brand,
Gardner and Lounge to fire Columbia's maneuvering jets more than 300
times to properly orient the spaceship.
From: [email protected] (ROB STEIN, UPI Science Editor)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military,clari.news.urgent
Subject: Shuttle launch on hold
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 30 May 90 04:39:37 GMT
|
| 611.40 | Another 2 week delay is possible -- crew returns to Houston | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed May 30 1990 14:34 | 82 |
| CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Engineers drained the shuttle
Columbia's fuel tank Wednesday and debated what to do about a leak in a
17-inch hydrogen fuel line that delayed the ship's launch until at least
Saturday and possibly for more than two weeks.
Technicians suspect the leak involves an ``interface seal'' where
the 17-inch fuel line enters the belly of the orbiter. If that turns out
to be the case, NASA managers would be forced to haul Columbia back to a
giant hangar-like facility for major repairs, delaying the flight two
weeks or more.
With the launch on hold indefinitely, Columbia's seven-member crew
was ordered to return to the Johnson Space Center in Houston on
Wednesday to await developments.
The astronauts were scheduled for liftoff at 12:38 a.m. Wednesday,
two weeks late because of other problems, but less than an hour after
fuel loading began Tuesday, multiple alarms went off indicating hydrogen
gas in the ship's engine compartment.
NASA spokeswoman Lisa Malone said the launch was postponed ``due to
a higher-than-allowable concentration of hydrogen in Columbia's aft
fuselage.''
She said ``the vehicle was never in an unsafe condition at any
time'' and that ``a new launch target date will be set as soon as the
problem has been identified and corrected.''
Late Tuesday, engineers had identified two hydrogen leaks: a small
leak in a ground fuel supply system on the shuttle's mobile launch
platform and another, more serious leak in the area where a 17-inch
hydrogen fuel line enters the shuttle's belly.
``They're hoping they can find an external leak causing the leak
internally,'' said an engineer. ``But they have never seen that amount
of leakage anytime ever before. We're talking awesome amounts. We're
talking eight cubic feet.''
But he refused to rule out the possibility of a simpler problem,
saying, ``As unlikely as it is, it could be simply a flex hose that
ruptured. But we won't know until we get into the aft.''
If the shuttle has to be hauled back to the Vehicle Assembly
Building for repairs, engineers would be forced to move a set of
boosters and an external tank slated for a July mission out to launch
pad 39B to make room for Columbia.
The delay was a frustrating disappointment for commander Vance
Brand, 59, co-pilot Guy Gardner, 42, John ``Mike'' Lounge, 43, Robert
Parker, 53, Jeffrey Hoffman, 45, and civilian astronomers Ronald Parise,
39, and Samuel Durrance, 46, who came within 5 1/2 weeks of launch in 1986
only to be grounded by the Challenger disaster.
Mounted in Columbia's 60-foot payload bay is the Astro-1
observatory, a battery of four telescopes built to study invisible X-ray
and ultraviolet light from high-energy stars, galaxies, quasars and
other violent objects to learn more about the structure and evolution of
the universe.
Engineers started pumping a half-million gallons of liquid oxygen
and liquid hydrogen rocket fuel into Columbia's giant external tank
about 4:36 p.m. Tuesday.
At 5:25 p.m., with 5 percent -- about 20,000 gallons -- of 383,066
gallons of hydrogen loaded, sensors indicated higher-than-acceptable
levels of hydrogen vapor in the shuttle's aft engine room, which is
pressurized with inert nitrogen to prevent any possible chance of a fire
or explosion.
``Loading of liquid hydrogen was stopped when it became apparent
that concentration levels in the aft were continuing to rise,'' Malone
said.
She later said the leak was increasing at 100 parts per million
every second at the time fuel loading was halted.
In a normal fueling, engineers would expect hydrogen levels of
about 500 parts per million. In Columbia's case, they detected a level
of 2,875 parts per million, well below the ``danger'' level of 40,000
parts per million, or a concentration of 4 percent.
The ``Astro-1'' observatory aboard Columbia originally was
scheduled for launch May 17, but the flight was delayed two weeks
because of work to replace a faulty cooling system valve.
Whenever it gets off the ground, Columbia's mission is expected to
revolutionize knowledge about high-energy astronomy, giving scientists
their first detailed look at the heavens in X-ray and ultraviolet light,
which is blocked by Earth's atmosphere.
Along with studying the heavens, the Columbia astronauts also plan
to teach an astronomy lesson from space that will be beamed back to
school children while ham radio operator Parise hopes to chat with two
Soviet cosmonauts aboard the orbiting Mir space station.
From: [email protected] (ROB STEIN, UPI Science Editor)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military,clari.news.urgent
Subject: Shuttle launch on hold
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 30 May 90 13:27:38 GMT
|
| 611.41 | Shuttle status (30-May) -- Headline News and details | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed May 30 1990 20:18 | 61 |
| -----------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, May 30, 1990 Audio Service: 202/755-1788
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This is NASA Headline News for Wednesday, May 30.......
Kennedy Space Center mission managers have postponed the launch
of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Both the orbiter and the Astro-1
payload are in good health at launch pad 39-A. The launch has
been delayed due to a leak in the vicinity of the orbiter's 17-
inch disconnect area that was encountered during tanking
yesterday afternoon. After loading about 5 percent of the liquid
hydrogen in the external tank, the launch team found a higher
than allowable amount of gaseous hydrogen in the Columbia's aft
compartment.
After a preliminary evaluation of the situation, managers decided
to scrub last night's launch attempt. Engineers and management
continue to analyze the data. The tank is now being drained of
propellants. The launch managers will not select a new launch
target date until the problem is fully identified and a course of
action has been established.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Status
Wednesday, May 30, 1990 1:00 p.m.
STS-35 -- COLUMBIA (OV-102) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
Launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia and mission STS-35 was
scrubbed late yesterday afternoon following the detection of
leaks near the liquid hydrogen 17 inch line in the orbiter's aft
compartment and the external tank area. Leakage was detected
during normal pre-launch tanking procedures. Currently, the
liquid hydrogen remaining in the ET is being boiled off. That
operation is expected to be completed by 6:00 p.m. today.
Following this, the external tank will be purged with gaseous
helium. Technicians are expected to gain access to the aft
sometime after mid-night to perform a visual inspection and begin
pin-pointing the specific location of the problem.
This morning, the pad was re-opened for controlled access at
2:45 a.m. and the rotating service structure was moved into
position around the orbiter at 9:00 a.m. Technicians have access
to the crew module for the deconfiguring of switches and
destowing time critical items.
The STS-35 red team crew members departed for JSC this
morning at 6:00 a.m. The blue team left KSC around 11:00 a.m.
Mission managers will be meeting throughout the day today to
further discuss options for scrub turn-around.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/30/90 (Forwarded)
Date: 30 May 90 18:24:31 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 611.42 | A bit on how they will check the leak, logistics problems if it has to go back to the VAB | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed May 30 1990 20:23 | 76 |
| CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Fixing a leak in a critical hydrogen
fuel line system will delay the shuttle Columbia's launch at least a
week, sources said Wednesday, with engineers hopeful they can avoid
hauling the ship back to its hangar for repairs.
Columbia had been scheduled for a predawn launch at 12:38 a.m. EDT
Wednesday, but the flight was put on hold Tuesday when engineers
detected a massive leak of hydrogen gas in the ship's engine room.
Technicians initially suspected the leak was in an ``interface
seal'' where a 17-inch fuel line enters the belly of the orbiter.
If that turns out to be the case, NASA engineers would be forced to
haul Columbia back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space
Center for major repairs, delaying the flight three weeks or so. Launch
was already two weeks behind schedule because of earlier problems.
But engineers were hopeful the leak will be easier to fix than at
first believed.
``They think it has to be a flex hose that broke or burst or
something because the whole system's been leak checked,'' said an
engineer who requested anonymity. ``How does a system that's been leak
checked suddenly fail so massively? We've never had anything like
that.''
To find out if the seal was at fault, engineers planned to
pressurize Columbia's external tank with helium overnight, starting at a
level of 2 pounds per square inch and increasing to 9.7 psi. As the
pressure rises, engineers planned to use special instruments to monitor
the seal for leaks.
``If they see a massive amount of (helium) coming out, then there
you go,'' the engineer said. ``But they don't think that'll happen.
Hopefully, something will stare them in the face'' that can be easily
fixed.
Columbia's disappointed seven-member crew, meanwhile, flew back to
the Johnson Space Center in Houston to await developments.
But engineers were not expected to begin tracing the leak until
overnight Wednesday and no decisions on a course of action were expected
before Thursday.
Columbia's astronauts were in the process of preparing for launch
when multiple internal and external alarms went off during fuel loading
Tuesday, indicating high levels of hydrogen gas in and around the ship's
engine compartment.
In a normal fueling, engineers would expect hydrogen levels of
about 500 parts per million. In Columbia's case, the hydrogen
concentration was at 2,875 parts per million and climbing when fueling
was stopped with the tank about 5 percent full. The ``danger'' level is
considered to be 40,000 parts per million.
The shuttle's engine compartment is pressurized with inert nitrogen
gas during launch and there was never any danger of a fire or explosion
on board the orbiter.
But sensors outside the shuttle, near where the main hydrogen line
enters the orbiter, detected levels of 41,000 parts per million. NASA
officials, however, said the shuttle ``was never in an unsafe condition
at any time.''
Analysis revealed two unrelated hydrogen leaks: a small leak in a
ground fuel supply pipe called a ``high-point bleed line'' on the
shuttle's mobile launch platform and the other, more serious leak in the
area of the 17-inch hydrogen fuel line system.
Engineers were hopeful they could make repairs at the launch pad
because a roll back to the Vehicle Assembly Building would delay launch
three weeks or so and virtually wreck NASA's already-tight launch
schedule.
Compounding NASA's problems, both VAB shuttle stalls are occupied
by boosters and tanks scheduled for use by the shuttle Atlantis in July
and Columbia in September.
To make room for Columbia, engineers would have to either move
Atlantis's completed booster and tank set out to launch pad 39B -- minus
Atlantis -- or disassemble the partially built boosters scheduled for use
by Columbia in September.
[... standard blurbs about the crew and ASTRO-1 mission edited out ... dmg]
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military,clari.news.urgent
Subject: Shuttle launch delayed
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 30 May 90 18:03:24 GMT
|
| 611.43 | It's beginning to look ugly... | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu May 31 1990 14:15 | 20 |
| Reports are that they have been unable to find the leak at ambient
temperatures. This implies that the leak only develops when the system
is loaded with cryogenic stuff -- and the 17-inch hydrogen fuel line becomes
the primary suspect. If so, a rollback to the VAB is in the cards. {Previous
postings will show this will have one heck of domino effect because of the
current residents in the VAB.]
If this pans out, it will be a darn shame.
Add the APU problem from the previous mission and one wonders (now and then)
if the checkout procedures are keeping pace with the age of the spacecraft
(Columbia being the oldest child in the family).
Another cause might be schedule pressure - which is hard to gauge as an
outsider looking in. NASA says they are in no hurry, but these setbacks have
*got* to hurt and I would think that schedule pressure would build for a time
until it breaks and they set a new schedule (or something a lot nastier
happens).
- dave
|
| 611.44 | Engineers study shuttle fuel leak -- not confident it is the right one though... | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu May 31 1990 21:11 | 81 |
| CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Engineers found a tiny leak in a
hydrogen fuel line aboard the shuttle Columbia Thursday, but after
extensive tests officials said it did not appear large enough to have
caused the ship's launch delay Wednesday.
More tests were scheduled to search for other problems in
Columbia's main propulsion system and officials said they could not rule
out the possibility the shuttle will have to be hauled back to its
hangar for extensive repairs, a move that would delay the 10-day
astronomy flight up to a month.
``We have not identified the source of the leak,'' NASA
Administrator Richard Truly said. ``As of now, we have not isolated it.
I hope we don't have to roll back. But I can tell you we will roll back
if we have to (if) the problem is that serious.''
Engineers want to pump supercold liquid hydrogen back into
Columbia's external tank early next week to simulate the low-temperature
conditions present at the time the leak first showed up. Such a test,
which is considered likely, would eliminate any possibility of a launch
attempt next week, regardless of the results.
If the problem can be fixed at the pad, Columbia could be ready for
a second launch attempt in two weeks or so, engineers said, to carry a
$150 million suite of four ``Astro-1'' telescopes into orbit to study
X-rays and ultraviolet emissions from high-energy astronomical targets.
Otherwise, NASA could be faced with only the third roll back in
shuttle history and a major setback for ambitious plans to launch nine
missions in 1990.
Engineers at the Kennedy Space Center worked through Wednesday and
into Thursday searching for the source of a hydrogen leak during fuel
loading Tuesday night that forced agency managers to stop the shuttle's
countdown.
Because of the nature of the leak, engineers suspect trouble with a
17-inch hydrogen fuel line fitting where the big propellant line enters
the belly of the shuttle from its external tank. But tests overnight
found no leaks there.
But as the morning wore on, engineers began looking into other
areas, and officials said a leak was found in a quarter-inch hose that
enters the 17-inch fuel line on the shuttle side of the ``quick
disconnect'' fitting that allows the external tank and associated
plumbing to fall away after the spaceplane reaches orbit.
The 2-foot-long ``sensing line,'' used to monitor fuel pressure,
was replaced about two weeks ago for an unrelated reason.
``They have isolated that area, they ran it up to a pressure of 30
pounds per square inch,'' NASA spokesman Edward Campion said. ``That
produced a leak of less than 1 psi over a one-hour period. That just
doesn't simulate what would have been the reason for the leak rate we
saw during tanking.''
As a result, suspicion about a leaky seal in the 17-inch quick
disconnect fitting has intensified. The seal cannot be replaced at the
launch pad, and if further testing confirms a problem in that area, the
shuttle likely would have to be returned to the Vehicle Assembly
Building for repairs.
The shuttle's crew -- commander Vance Brand, 59, co-pilot Guy
Gardner, 42, John ``Mike'' Lounge, 43, Robert Parker, 53, Jeffrey
Hoffman, 45, and civilian astronomers Ronald Parise, 39, and Samuel
Durrance, 46 -- flew back to Houston Wednesday to await developments.
Engineers at launch pad 39A, meanwhile, planned to drain hydrogen
and oxygen from Columbia's on-board fuel tanks Thursday afternoon and to
recharge the refrigerant supply of an X-ray telescope in the shuttle's
payload bay.
Columbia was being fueled for a launch attempt at 12:38 a.m. EDT
Wednesday when multiple internal and external alarms went off,
indicating high levels of hydrogen gas in and around the ship's engine
compartment.
In a normal fueling, engineers would expect hydrogen levels of
about 500 parts per million. In Columbia's case, the hydrogen
concentration was at 2,875 parts per million and climbing when fueling
was stopped with the tank about 5 percent full.
The minimum safe concentration level is 10,000 parts per million.
At 40,000 parts per million, hydrogen will begin burning in a pure
oxygen environment but the shuttle's engine compartment is pressurizith
inert nitrogen during fuel loading and there was never any danger of a
fire or explosion.
Launch originally was scheduled for launch May 17, but the flight
was delayed two weeks because of work to replace a faulty cooling system
valve.
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military,clari.news.urgent
Subject: Engineers study shuttle fuel leak
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Date: 31 May 90 21:09:32 GMT
|
| 611.45 | | 19458::FISHER | Prune Juice: A Warrior's Drink! | Fri Jun 01 1990 14:13 | 3 |
| Maybe they need to run the Helium signature test with liquid helium :-)
Burns
|
| 611.46 | Engineers debate shuttle repair options | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Jun 01 1990 16:15 | 75 |
| CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Frustrated engineers huddled Friday to
assess their dwindling options for fixing an elusive fuel leak aboard
the grounded shuttle Columbia that threatens to delay launch for weeks
or more.
After a second day of fruitless testing, engineers have not found
the leak, which many believe must be located in or around a massive
``quick disconnect'' fitting where Columbia's primary 17-inch-wide
hydrogen fuel line enters the belly of the orbiter from its external
tank.
NASA engineers met Friday to debate a three-pronged approach to
resolving the issue: conducting tests to eliminate the possibility of a
leak in the shuttle's engine room; running additional pressure tests
using helium; and pumping fuel back aboard Columbia next week to
dupulicate the conditions present when the leak first showed up.
But most engineers were increasingly convinced the problem involves
a seal inside the hydrogen quick-disconnet fitting, which can only be
fixed by hauling the shuttle back to its hangar for major repairs.
Even so, NASA officials held out hope that a simpler problem might
still be found, one that could be fixed at the launch pad. Even in a
best-case scenario, launch would not be possible until the middle of the
month.
Columbia was grounded during fuel loading Tuesday night when
multiple alarms went off, indicating the presence of hydrogen gas in the
shuttle's engine room and outside, near the 17-inch disconnect fitting.
The countdown was stopped and Wednesday's planned launch was delayed
indefinitely.
Despite around-the-clock tests and the discovery of a tiny leak in
a quarter-inch fuel line Thursday, engineers have been unable to locate
the larger leak that grounded the shuttle, which apparently only shows
up in the presence of super-cold liquid hydrogen rocket fuel.
For that reason, NASA managers are debating pumping a small amount
of the frigid propellant back into Columbia's external fuel tank next
Wednesday, duplicating the low-temperature conditions present when the
problem first manifested itself in a last-ditch attempt to track down
the leak.
While engineers were scrambling to come up with other ideas, NASA
officials were not optimistic.
``They didn't find anything last night and they have just about
exhausted all possibilities of it being anywhere else but the 17-inch
disconnect,'' a NASA spokesman said.
The 265,000-pound shuttle is attached to the side of its external
tank by large bolts near the twin 17-inch liquid hydrogen and liquid
oxygen propellant line disconnect fittings, which allow the tank to
separate from the spaceship after reaching orbit.
Engineers suspect the leak involves an ``interface seal'' where the
hydrogen fitting butts up against the belly of the shuttle. But the only
way to gain access to the suspect seal is to use a giant overhead crane
in the Vehicle Assembly Building to first remove the shuttle from the
tank.
Engineers are debating a variety of launch options in case a
rollback is ordered, but sources said Thursday a decision to haul
Columbia back to its hangar would delay the ship's takeoff on a 10-day
astronomy mission to at least July 1 and possibly longer.
For that reason, NASA managers could elect to launch Columbia after
the shuttle Atlantis takes off on a military flight currently planned
for July 9.
No matter what happens, Columbia's planned launch in September on a
Spacelab life science mission is expected to be delayed until after a
high-priority October flight by the shuttle Discovery to launch the
European-built Ulysses probe to the sun.
NASA only has two shuttle stalls in the cavernous Vehicle Assembly
Building and both currently are occupied: a complete booster set and
tank scheduled for use by Atlantis next month and an incomplete booster
scheduled for Columbia's next mission.
The incomplete booster will be fully assembled by next week and it
likely would be moved out of the Vehicle Assembly Building to make room
for Columbia.
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military,clari.news.urgent
Subject: Engineers debate shuttle repair options
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 1 Jun 90 17:30:42 GMT
|
| 611.47 | No Room at the Inn...Shuttle Stalls | LANDO::STONE | | Fri Jun 01 1990 18:01 | 6 |
| re. Number of "shuttle stalls" in the VAB. I thought that the VAB
contained four "high bay" stalls from the Saturn V days. How
come only 2 were converted for shuttle processing?
Thanks
Joe
|
| 611.48 | | 25453::MAIEWSKI | | Fri Jun 01 1990 20:33 | 27 |
| I'm not sure but I think that they work in pairs.
+------------------+------------------+
| |
| |
| |
In --> | 1 2 | Out -->
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
In --> | 3 4 | Out -->
| |
| |
| |
+------------------+------------------+
such that an orbiter would be towed into 1 and stacked in 2 or towed in
3 and stacked in 4.
I'm pretty sure that there are only 2 doors on a side with only one side
allowing the crawlers access to the pads.
George
|
| 611.49 | VAB Usage by Shuttle Program | 2548::DAHL | Tom Dahl, CDMS | Fri Jun 01 1990 23:25 | 17 |
| RE: <<< Note 611.47 by LANDO::STONE >>>
From the Aerofax Datagraph on the Shuttle:
"High bays 1 and 3 are used for the integration and stacking of the complete
space shuttle vehicle. High bay 2 is used for External Tank checkout and
storage, and as a contingency storage area for orbiters. High bay 4 is also
used for ET checkout and storage, as well as for vertical payload canister
operations. During the Apollo/Saturn program this building was known as the
Vertical Assembly Building, but still abbreviated VAB [currently called the
Vehicle Assembly Building]."
RE: .48
All four bays have crawlerways leading from the VAB to the Launch Complex 39
pads.
-- Tom
|
| 611.50 | | 25453::MAIEWSKI | | Fri Jun 01 1990 23:28 | 6 |
| So how are the bays layed out? Which ones have big doors and which are
on what side of the building?
Where do the components go into the building?
George
|
| 611.51 | More on VAB Layout | 2548::DAHL | Tom Dahl, CDMS | Fri Jun 01 1990 23:40 | 10 |
| RE: <<< Note 611.50 by 25453::MAIEWSKI >>>
All four have big doors; two facing roughly east (towards LC39) and two
facing roughly west. I don't know what the numeric assignments are. I
would guess that bays 1 and 3 are the ones facing east.
I think that the components typically enter the VAB through the low bay
building extension on the south side. The "low bay" is 210 feet tall, with a
door big enough for the separate components (orbiter, ET, SRBs) to enter.
-- Tom
|
| 611.52 | | 25453::MAIEWSKI | | Sat Jun 02 1990 16:24 | 22 |
| So does that mean it looks like this (with # representing big doors)?
George
North
+------------------+------------------+
| |
| |
# Storage Assembly #
# 1 2 # Out -->
# #
West | | East
| Storage Assembly |
# 3 4 # Out -->
# #
# #
| |
+------------------+------------------+
/|\
|
In
South
|
| 611.53 | VAB Bay Layout Guess | 2548::DAHL | Tom Dahl, CDMS | Sat Jun 02 1990 23:50 | 17 |
| RE: <<< Note 611.52 by 25453::MAIEWSKI >>>
My guess is to swap, left-for-right, the bay assigments (I don't have a guess
about the north/south order of the bay assigments):
North
+------------------+------------------+
| |
# #
# 2 1 # Out -->
# #
West | | East
# 4 3 # Out -->
# #
# #
| |
+------------------+------------------+
-- Tom
|
| 611.54 | Shuttle Status Reports: 5/31, 6/1 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jun 04 1990 14:26 | 167 |
| Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Status
Thursday, May 31, 1990 11:00 a.m.
STS-35 -- COLUMBIA (OV-102) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
Technicians continue inspections of the shuttle Columbia's
17 inch disconnect area to isolate the leak in the liquid
hydrogen line that caused managers to scrub Wednesday morning's
launch attempt of Space Shuttle Mission STS-35.
At 5:00 p.m. yesterday, the remaining liquid hydrogen boiled
off from the external tank and was replaced with an inert gaseous
helium purge. At 3:15 a.m. this morning, workers gained access
into the orbiter's aft compartment for a visual inspection. At
4:00 a.m., the first low pressure leak checks were performed with
the 17 inch disconnect valve remaining in the open configuration.
The external tank was pressurized up to 10 psi, however, no leaks
were detected in the disconnect seals. Leak checks were also
taken near the vent ports, on the post actuator drive, and the
shaft seals, in the locked and unlocked position. No leaks were
detected.
A visual inspection was made of the 17 inch foam insulation
on the feed lines. No problems were identified.
The detailed examination has resulted in discovery of a leak
in a 1/4 of an inch diameter flex line connector which is a part
of the LH2 manifold.
Continued troubleshooting will include leak checks to
determine if the leak rate can explain the quantities of hydrogen
detected in the aft compartment during propellant loading Tuesday
evening.
Later this morning, the 17 inch disconnect valve will be
closed and engineers will visually look for any obvious abrasions
in the welds on the joints. Then the external tank will be
pressurized to 25 psi and a small volume helium decay check will
be performed in an effort to duplicate the leak and pin-point its
location.
At 2:00 p.m. today, following the conclusion of the low
pressure leak checks, the orbiter's on-board PRSD tanks will be
drained of their cyrogenic propellants. This operation will take
six to eight hours to complete. Following this, the payload bay
doors will be opened allowing workers to gain access to the
ASTRO-1 payload for servicing.
Mission managers will be meeting throughout the day today to
discuss options for scrub turn-around.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/31/90 (Forwarded)
Date: 3 Jun 90 05:48:28 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
===============================================================================
Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Status
Thursday, May 31, 1990 4:00 p.m.
STS-35 -- COLUMBIA (OV-102) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
Technicians continue inspections of the shuttle Columbia's
17 inch disconnect area in attempts to isolate a leak in the
liquid hydrogen system that caused managers to scrub Wednesday
morning's launch attempt of Space Shuttle Mission STS-35.
Earlier today, technicians located a minute leak in a 1/4 of
an inch diameter flex line connector which is a part of the
liquid hydrogen manifold. However, subsequent testing has not
produced leakage amounts near those experienced during tanking
Tuesday night. Troubleshooting will continue on this particular
line as well as on all of the liquid hydrogen lines in the aft
compartment of the orbiter.
Following the conclusion of these leak checks at the
prescribed 30 psi, operations will begin to drain the orbiter's
on-board PRSD tanks of their cryogenic propellants. This
operation is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. and requires
clearing the pad of personnel. Off loading is expected to be
completed tonight between 10:00 p.m. and midnight.
Following PRSD work, the payload bay doors will be opened,
allowing workers to gain access to the ASTRO-1 payload for
servicing, and additional leak checks will resume on the liquid
hydrogen lines in the orbiter.
Mission managers are scheduled to meet again late tomorrow
morning to discuss options for a scrub turn-around based on
information established overnight through additional testing.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 3 Jun 90 05:49:23 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, June 1, 1990 12:00 noon
Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Status
STS-35 -- COLUMBIA (OV-102) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
Technicians continue inspections of the shuttle Columbia's
17 inch disconnect area in attempts to isolate a leak in the
liquid hydrogen system that caused managers to scrub Wednesday
morning's launch attempt of Space Shuttle Mission STS-35.
Overnight, technicians offloaded the contents of the PRSD
cryogenic tanks from the orbiter Columbia. Offloading was
completed at about 12:30 a.m. this morning.
A test of the liquid hydrogen system in the orbiter's aft
compartment under higher pressure commenced following PRSD de-
tank operations. Using gaseous helium to help isolate the leak,
engineers detected a higher than normal leak rate in the cavity
between the orbiter and external tank 17 inch disconnect
interface plates.
No leaks were detected between the interface primary and
secondary seals or in the 4 inch feed line seals. However,
leakage was detected in the interface cavity. Engineers will
continue to monitor the situation with hopes of isolating the
exact source and cause of the leak. Trouble shooting on all of
the liquid hydrogen lines in the aft compartment of the orbiter
is continuing.
Based on information assessed overnight, the launch team
will not maintain a launch countdown posture on the pad.
Therefore, launch of STS-35 will not occur next week.
Preparations are currently underway to perform a mini-liquid
hydrogen tanking test next Wednesday morning. In preparation for
this test, a helium signature leak test will be conducted on the
liquid hydrogen side of the main propulsion system Saturday. This
will allow technicians an opportunity to gather additional
information necessary for the accurate placement of additional
leak detection sensors and mass spectrometers. Additional cameras
also will be installed on the pad for more accurate visual
inspections during the tanking test.
Following the helium signature test Saturday, ordnance
disconnect operations will take place Sunday. Prior to
Wednesday's tanking test, the rotating service structure will be
rotated to the park position. The move is scheduled to occur mid-
night Tuesday.
At this time, managers have decided not to open the
orbiter's payload bay doors until further assessments on the
liquid hydrogen line are made. BBXRT does not require servicing
of argon coolant until June 11.
Mission managers will continue to meet to discuss options
for a scrub turn-around based on information established during
current testing.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 3 Jun 90 05:50:15 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 611.55 | Status reports: Vehicle and Payload Summary - 6/4/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jun 04 1990 20:40 | 77 |
|
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY JUNE 4, 1990 10:30 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
A helium signature leak test of Columbia's main propulsion
system was conducted over the weekend in an effort to locate the
leak in the hydrogen system. No leaks were detected during the
test. The leak was discovered last week during the launch
countdown tanking operation. Also this weekend, workers discon-
nected ordnance devices on the shuttle vehicle.
Today, work is focused on setting up instrumentation and
getting ready for the mini-tanking test planned for Wednesday.
For the test, liquid hydrogen will be flowed through the the or-
biter and into the external tank to try to reproduce the leak.
Extra sensors and mass spectrometers are being placed in
strategic areas for the test.
Launch of STS-35 has been put on an indefinite hold until
the leak can be found and corrected.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 4 Jun 90 18:21:23 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lines: 50
==============================================================================
STS-35, 40, AND 42 PAYLOAD STATUS REPORT
MONDAY, JUNE 4, 1990 -- 8 A.M.
Patricia E. Phillips
NASA Public Affairs/KSC
407/867-2468
ASTRO-1/STS-35
The payload team continues to monitor the Astro-1 payload as
the launch team investigates the source of a hydrogen leak that
scrubbed the STS-35 launch attempt on May 30. Since the Broad
Band X-Ray Telescope was serviced with solidified argon on May 27
in preparation for launch, the telescope is still protected by
the cooling provided by two dewars of argon.
At present, launch managers have decided not to reservice
BBXRT until further tests are performed on the orbiter/external
tank this week. Since the May 27 servicing prepared the telescope
for a 10-day mission, the instrument's health will not be af-
fected. BBXRT does not require servicing with argon coolant un-
til June 11.
Each of the two dewars carries 97 pounds of argon. About 3
to 4 pounds per dewar were used during the STS-35 launch attempt.
As part of the maintenance procedure, valves will be commanded to
open to allow venting as the argon reverts to a gaseous state. In
essence, the BBXRT cooling system will operate as though it were
in flight. Decisions as to the type of reservicing -- liquid or
solidified -- will be made later in the recycle process.
The BBXRT has been serviced over two dozen times since its
arrival at KSC in October, l989. Solidified servicing has been
used before the trip from the Operations and Checkout Building
(O&C) to the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) for installation
in Columbia; before the move from the OPF to the Vehicle Assembly
Building (VAB) for mating with the stack and then the move to
Launch Pad 39A, and again before the May 30 launch attempt.
[The other payload summaries were edited out -dg]
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space
Date: 4 Jun 90 18:24:22 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 611.56 | UPI reports - some worst-case scenarios... | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jun 04 1990 20:44 | 68 |
| CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- NASA is gearing up to haul the shuttle
Columbia back to its hangar for repairs pending a final test Wednesday
to locate a fuel leak that could delay launch to August, after a July
mission by another spacecraft, officials said Monday.
But NASA managers are debating a variety of options and no official
decisions are expected until after the test Wednesday on the slim chance
engineers find a problem that can be fixed at the launch pad. But few
managers held out any hope such an easy-to-fix leak would be found.
``I think they've pretty much resigned themselves to rolling
back,'' said a NASA engineer who asked not to be named.
Following a series of fruitless tests last week, engineers worked
through the weekend conducting still more checks to pinpoint a fuel leak
that spewed hydrogen gas into Columbia's engine compartment last
Tuesday, disrupting the ship's countdown and delaying launch
indefinitely.
After pumping helium through Columbia's main engine fuel line
plumbing Saturday and Sunday, technicians once again were unable to
locate the leak, which apparently only shows up in the presence of
supercold liquid hydrogen rocket fuel, chilled to minus 423 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Officials strongly suspect the leak is located in the area where
the shuttle's primary 17-inch-wide fuel line butts up against the belly
of the orbiter. A critical seal in the 17-inch ``quick disconnect''
fitting is one likely culprit, although the problem could involve
internal mechanisms.
The trouble for NASA is that engineers cannot fix the quick
disconnect fitting without first unhooking Columbia from its external
tank. And that can only be done using a giant overhead crane in the
Vehicle Assembly Building 3 1/2 miles from the launch pad.
Such a move would delay the shuttle's launch until at least the
first week in July. Depending on the nature of the problem, the ship
could be grounded until early August after a July military flight by the
shuttle Atlantis, according to internal NASA planning schedules.
To resolve the issue once and for all, engineers plan to pump
liquid hydrogen back into Columbia's external tank starting at 8 a.m.
Wednesday. The frigid propellant then will be circulated through the
shuttle's fuel lines, duplicating the conditions present when the leak
first showed up.
Because the leak has not been found in a battery of
room-temperature tests, engineers are convinced it must be in the
critical 17-inch disconnect system, which is where the fuel lines and
external tank separate from the shuttle after the ship reaches orbit.
NASA managers are debating a variety of options for what to do in
the likely event Columbia is hauled back to the VAB for repairs.
If Columbia's problems can be easily fixed in the VAB, the veteran
spaceplane could be rolled back to the pad and launched in the first
week of July. In that case, Atlantis would be launched around July 30.
But if Columbia has to be hauled back to its hangar for more
extensive repairs, sources said, Atlantis would be next in line for
launch. Here is one launch schedule option under study by NASA, assuming
Columbia must be rolled off launch pad 39A:
--June 11: Columbia is hauled back to the VAB.
--July 11: Atlantis blasts off around 8 a.m. on a secret military
flight.
--Aug. 9: Columbia is launched almost three months behind schedule.
--Oct. 5: The shuttle Discovery carries the European-built Ulysses
solar probe into space.
--Oct. 30: Atlantis carries the Gamma Ray Observatory satellite into
orbit.
--Dec. 1: Columbia is launched on a Spacelab life sciences research
flight.
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military,clari.news.top
Subject: Leak eludes detection
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Date: 4 Jun 90 17:58:34 GMT
|
| 611.57 | Shuttle troubles... Discovery inspected; Columbia test on tap | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Jun 05 1990 21:22 | 71 |
| CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- With NASA's launch schedule in
disarray, engineers Tuesday prepared to pump rocket fuel aboard the
shuttle Columbia Wednesday in a last-ditch bid to pinpoint a leak that
threatens to ground the ship until August.
A few miles away, technicians in the shuttle Discovery's hangar
inspected the ship's right-hand payload bay door to find out if the
fragile panel was damaged during an accident Monday. One edge of the
60-foot-long door was pulled up more than 10 inches when an overhead
crane was accidentally moved.
But the door returned to its original shape once the tension was
released and ``looking at it, it doesn't appear to be damaged,'' a NASA
spokesman said Tuesday. ``What's concerning some people is hidden damage
under the (heat insulation) blankets.''
The Discovery accident was the latest in a series of problems that
has thrown NASA's ambitious, around-the-clock launch processing schedule
into disarray.
With Columbia facing a roll back to the hangar and a months-long
delay -- from late May to at least July and possibly early August -- the
space agency can ill afford problems with Discovery, scheduled for
launch Oct. 5 on a key flight to lift the Ulysses solar probe into
space.
To reach an orbit around the poles of the sun, the European-built
Ulysses must first use Jupiter's titanic gravity for a slingshot boost
out of the plane of the solar system and back toward the sun.
NASA only has 18 days to get Discovery off the launch pad or
Ulysses will be grounded for 13 months while Earth and Jupiter return to
favorable launch positions. If the shuttle's payload bay door was, in
fact, damaged Monday, NASA could face problems getting the ship ready
for launch.
A more immediate concern was Columbia, originally scheduled for
launch May 30 but grounded the night before when sensors detected
hydrogen gas spewing into the ship's engine compartment.
NASA managers are expected to order Columbia hauled back to the
Vehicle Assembly Building for major repairs, a move that would delay
launch on a 10-day astronomy mission until at least early July.
Despite extensive tests, engineers have been unable to locate the
leak, which apparently only shows up in the presence of supercold liquid
hydrogen, chilled to minus 423 degrees Fahrenheit.
Engineers made final preparations Tuesday to pump liquid hydrogen
back into the shuttle's external tank early Wednesday to duplicate the
conditions present when the leak first showed up. NASA wants to pinpoint
the leak before moving the ship off the launch pad to resolve the issue
once and for all.
NASA officials strongly suspect the leak is located in the area
where the shuttle's primary 17-inch-wide fuel line butts up against the
belly of the orbiter. A critical seal in the 17-inch ``quick
disconnect'' fitting is one likely culprit, although the problem could
involve internal mechanisms.
But engineers cannot fix the quick disconnect fitting without first
unhooking Columbia from its external tank. And that can only be done
using a giant overhead crane in the Vehicle Assembly Building 3 1/2 miles
from the launch pad.
With a roll back to the VAB considered a virtual certainty, NASA
managers are debating two launch schedule options. In one, Columbia is
launched in July. In the other, the flight slips to early August.
If Columbia can be fixed in the VAB, the shuttle could be hauled
back to the pad and launched sometime between July 1 and July 8. The
shuttle Atlantis, currently scheduled for launch on a secret military
mission the morning of July 11, would be delayed to July 30.
But if Columbia must be hauled back to its hangar for more
extensive repairs, Atlantis would be first off the pad, taking off
around July 11 as currently planned. Under that scenario, Columbia would
follow suit Aug. 9. In both cases, Discovery is scheduled for launch
Oct. 5 to ferry Ulysses into space.
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military,clari.news.top
Subject: Discovery inspected; Columbia test on tap
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Date: 5 Jun 90 17:51:44 GMT
|
| 611.58 | | STAR::HUGHES | You knew the job was dangerous when you took it Fred. | Wed Jun 06 1990 11:02 | 5 |
| They have managed to recreate the leak, but are still not certain of
the cause. It is apparently coming from the interface plates on the
main LH2 feed to the orbiter.
gary
|
| 611.59 | Columbia fuel leak recreated | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Jun 06 1990 13:59 | 79 |
| CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Engineers pumped frigid liquid
hydrogen back aboard the shuttle Columbia Wednesday and almost
immediately saw signs of the fuel leak that has wrecked NASA's launch
schedule and threatens to ground the ship until early August.
While it was not immediately clear precisely where the leak was
located, the 2 1/2-hour fueling test confirmed the belief that it only
shows up when supercold liquid hydrogen is pumped through a critical
fuel line fitting.
Officials were optimistic about pinpointing the leak after
analyzing test data and a decision to haul the shuttle back to its
hangar for repairs could come as early as Thursday.
``There is a feeling among the test team that we have some very
good high-fidelity data to make a determination, after the data
analysis, about where this leak may be coming from,'' said NASA
spokesman George Diller.
``The data analysis will begin immediately so that some decisions
can be made, hopefully by (Thursday), on where the problem is and what
will be involved to fix it and what that may mean in terms of launch of
Columbia.''
With Columbia facing a roll back to the hangar for repairs and a
months-long launch delay, NASA managers ordered the fueling test in a
last-ditch bid to pinpoint the elusive leak. The test begain at 8:06
a.m. EDT and ended around 10:40 a.m. when technicians began draining the
giant fuel tank.
NASA officials strongly suspect the leak is located in the area
where the shuttle's primary 17-inch-wide fuel line butts up against the
belly of the orbiter. A critical seal in the 17-inch ``quick
disconnect'' fitting is one possible suspect, although the problem could
involve internal mechanisms.
Engineers repeatedly pumped hydrogen through the fitting Wednesday
to resolve the matter once and for all.
As soon as the temperature of the 17-inch disconnect fitting
dropped to around minus 420 degrees -- the temperature of liquid hydrogen
-- sensors began detecting a buildup of hydrogen gas in the shuttle's
engine compartment and in a cavity where the fuel line line enters the
belly of the orbiter.
A top NASA manager said Tuesday the space agency likely will delay
Columbia's launch on a 10-day astronomy mission until around Aug. 9 in
order to launch the shuttle Atlantis on schedule July 11 to ferry a
secret military satellite into orbit.
Engineers cannot fix the quick disconnect fitting without first
unhooking Columbia from its external tank. And that can be done only
using a giant overhead crane in the Vehicle Assembly Building 3 1/2 miles
from the launch pad.
Because of the time needed to fix Columbia, NASA managers may
decide to proceed with the shuttle Atlantis's roll out to launch pad 39A
next week for blastoff around July 11.
Engineers in the shuttle Discovery's hangar, meanwhile, are
continuing to assess the condition of the ship's right-hand payload bay
door to find out if the fragile panel was damaged during an accident
Monday.
One edge of the 60-foot-long door was pulled up more than 10 inches
when an overhead crane was accidentally moved, pulling on cables running
from the crane to door-closing fixtures on the long panels.
But the long panel returned to its original shape once the tension
was released and ``looking at it, it doesn't appear to be damaged,'' a
NASA spokesman said. ``What's concerning some people is hidden damage
under the (heat insulation) blankets.''
The Discovery accident was the latest in a series of problems that
has thrown NASA's ambitious, around-the-clock launch processing schedule
into disarray.
With Columbia facing a roll back to the hangar and a months-long
delay, the space agency can ill afford problems with Discovery,
scheduled for launch Oct. 5 on a key flight to lift the Ulysses solar
probe into space.
To reach an orbit around the poles of the sun, the European-built
Ulysses must first use Jupiter's titanic gravity for a slingshot boost
out of the plane of the solar system and back toward the sun.
NASA has only 18 days to get Discovery off the launch pad or
Ulysses will be grounded for 13 months while Earth and Jupiter return to
favorable launch positions. If the shuttle's payload bay door was, in
fact, damaged Monday, NASA could face problems getting the ship ready
for launch.
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military,clari.news.top
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Date: 6 Jun 90 15:05:43 GMT
|
| 611.60 | Shuttle roll back on tap | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jun 07 1990 12:14 | 77 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military,clari.news.top
Date: 6 Jun 90 20:39:16 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Engineers pumped liquid hydrogen
aboard the shuttle Columbia Wednesday, confirming a leak in a critical
fuel line fitting that will require a trip back to the hangar for
repairs, possibly delaying launch to early August.
While the exact location of the leak was not immediately clear, the
2 1/2-hour fueling test confirmed that it only shows up when supercold
liquid hydrogen is pumped through a critical ``quick disconnect''
fitting where the ship's 17-inch-wide fuel line enters the belly of the
orbiter.
``We were somewhat successful (finding the leak) and that's good,''
said launch director Robert Sieck. ``Unfortunately, we don't like what
we found.
``We did confirm there is a leak in the cavity ... where the
propellant lines go between the orbiter and the external tank. In order
to fix anything in this area we're going to have to (remove) the orbiter
from the tank.''
He said the test results appeared to eliminate any possibility of a
problem that can be corrected at the launch pad, although additional
tests are planned to further refine knowledge of the leak's location.
In any case, Columbia is expected to be hauled back to its hangar
sometime next week for extensive repairs that could delay launch until
early August, after a July flight by the shuttle Atlantis.
``We don't see anything that's going to keep us from having to
travel to the VAB based on today's test results,'' Seick said. ``I think
it's a given.''
He said a new launch date will not be set until engineers determine
what repairs will be needed.
``It's a complex system and things don't always go per the plan,''
he said. ``Our goal is to fly when the vehicle's ready to fly and
safety's the first priority. We've got an item here that we absolutely
have got to put to bed. And we're going to do that.''
The leak is located somewhere in the area where the shuttle's
primary 17-inch-wide fuel line butts up against the belly of the
orbiter.
A critical seal in the 17-inch quick disconnect fitting is one
suspect. Another is problems with internal ``shaft seals'' near giant
valves that close just before the external tank is jettisoned in space.
Yet a third possibility involves the alignment of the external
tank. The giant fuel tank's shuttle attachment struts were not machined
properly and as a result, the tank is 200-thousandths of an inch out of
perfect alignment. The specification is 90-thousandths of an inch.
``The rumors floating around now are that the tank misalignment
caused the problem,'' said an engineer who asked not to be named. ``This
tank was so far out of alignment compared to what's allowable, they're
afraid it could have warped the 17-inch disconnect on the orbiter
side.''
If the problem is traced to the tank side of the fitting, engineers
could simply replace the rust-colored tank. But if it is traced to
internal shuttle mechanisms, Columbia could be faced with an even longer
launch delay.
In any case, sources say NASA managers likely will delay Columbia's
10-day astronomy mission until at least early August in order to launch
the shuttle Atlantis around July 11 on a secret military mission.
Columbia's 10-day astronomy mission originally was scheduled for
launch May 30, but the 36th shuttle flight was put on hold when hydrogen
gas spewed into the ship's engine compartment during fuel loading.
Extensive room-temperature tests to pinpoint the leak using helium
in place of hydrogen were unsuccessful. NASA managers ordered
Wednesday's fueling test in the belief the problem only shows up in the
presence of supercold liquid hydrogen, which chills the fuel lines and
seals to around minus 420 degrees.
That is precisely what happened Wednesday. As soon as the
temperature of the 17-inch disconnect fitting dropped to ``cryogenic''
temperatures sensors began detecting a buildup of hydrogen gas in the
shuttle's engine compartment and in a cavity where the fuel line line
enters the belly of the orbiter.
A spokesman said readings higher than 40,000 parts per million -- a
4 percent concentration -- of hydrogen were detected in and around the
cavity.
Engineers cannot fix the quick disconnect fitting without first
unhooking Columbia from its external tank. And that can be done only
using a giant overhead crane in the Vehicle Assembly Building 3 1/2 miles
from the launch pad.
|
| 611.61 | Another unclever waiver? | 19458::FISHER | Prune Juice: A Warrior's Drink! | Mon Jun 11 1990 14:02 | 5 |
| Hmm. Sounds like they must have gotten a waiver for the tank tolerence problem
since they already knew the problem existed. I bet heads will roll for that
one!
Burns
|
| 611.62 | ;^) | 39463::REITH | Jim Reith DTN 291-0072 - PDM1-1/J9 | Mon Jun 11 1990 14:27 | 5 |
| I just hope the fix isn't to demate the shuttle and then bang it back into
tolerence with a good sized mallet!
I'm glad they've got all the sensors and alarms in place.
|
| 611.63 | Some Concerns....... | LANDO::STONE | | Tue Jun 12 1990 12:32 | 6 |
| re: .63 You can say that again, regarding the sensors and alarms. In
general, I'm concerned with the latest revelations as to the struts and
tank alignment. Granted, I'm not close enough to the technical
decision making, but 200 compared to a spec of 90 seems a bit excessive
(>100%) delta. Are we seeing an agency much like pre 51L where
schedules are driving some decision making?
|
| 611.64 | Shuttle Status for 06/11/90, rollback news | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Jun 12 1990 13:59 | 68 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 06/11/90 (Forwarded)
Date: 11 Jun 90 18:57:53 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY JUNE 11, 1990 11:30 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Preparations are underway to roll the shuttle back to the
Vehicle Assembly Building tomorrow. First motion is planned for 4
a.m. A leak was discovered in the 17-inch orbiter/external tank
disconnect area during the launch countdown. Testing at the pad
has not pinpointed the exact location of the leak. To permit fur-
ther analysis, the orbiter will be demated from the external tank
and towed to the Orbiter Processing Facility. The 17-inch discon-
nect valve will be removed from the external tank and shipped to
the vendor in California for testing and analysis.
Launch of STS-35 has been put on an indefinite hold until
the leak can be found and corrected.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Subject: Columbia hauled back to assembly building
Date: 12 Jun 90 09:33:37 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The crippled shuttle Columbia,
grounded by an elusive fuel leak, was hauled off its launch pad Tuesday
to make room for the shuttle Atlantis, scheduled to blast off next month
on a secret military mission.
Columbia and its mobile launch platform, carried by a squat
crawler-transporter, began the 3.5-mile trip back to the Vehicle
Assembly Building at 4:25 a.m. EDT Tuesday for repairs to fix a hydrogen
fuel leak that has delayed the ship's astronomy mission until mid-August
at the earliest.
If all goes well, Atlantis will be hauled from the VAB to
Columbia's now-vacant launch stand early Saturday for blastoff around
July 13 on a secret military mission.
Back in the rocket assembly building, meanwhile, engineers plan to
use a giant overhead crane later this week to remove Columbia from its
external fuel tank so the veteran spaceplane can be moved into a nearby
hangar Friday for inspections and repairs.
Columbia originally was scheduled for takeoff May 30, but the ship
was grounded by a massive hydrogen leak somewhere in a 17-inch-wide
fitting where the primary fuel line enters the belly of the shuttle.
The 17-inch ``quick disconnect'' fitting could not be repaired at
the launch pad and, given the need to roll the ship back to the VAB,
NASA managers decided to proceed with plans to launch Atlantis from pad
39A around July 13 to carry a classified military cargo into space.
Assuming the leak repair work goes well, Columbia will be launched
in mid-August.
The decision to roll Columbia back forced NASA to stage a sort of
shuttle shuffle to make room for the spaceplane in the VAB, which only
has two ``high bays'' where shuttles can be assembled for launch.
In one bay was the shuttle Atlantis, scheduled for rollout to pad
39A Saturday. In the other was a completed booster scheduled for use
later this year.
To make room for Columbia, the unfinished booster set was hauled
Monday to launch pad 39B, where it will be exposed to the elements but
shielded by the pad's lightning protection system.
Columbia was scheduled to be back inside the VAB by around noon
Tuesday and, if all goes well, Atlantis will be hauled to pad 39B
starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Launch on the fourth of eight shuttle
missions now planned for 1990 is scheduled for around 8 a.m. July 13.
|
| 611.65 | Status reports - 6/13, 6/14 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Jun 15 1990 10:55 | 44 |
| Wednesday June 13, 1990 10:00 a.m.
KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - VAB High Bay 3
The Space Shuttle Columbia was returned to the Vehicle
Assembly Building yesterday morning, arriving in bay 3 at 10:30
a.m. Engineers today will begin destacking operations to remove
the orbiter from the external tank and solid rocket boosters. The
250-ton crane will be moved into position this afternoon to hoist
the orbiter above the stack.
The 17-inch umbilicals will be detached by mid-afternoon
today followed by a borescope inspection of the suspected liquid
hydrogen leak area that caused the launch scrub. The orbiter is
currently scheduled to be rolled to the Orbiter Processing
Facility first shift Friday morning.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY JUNE 14, 1990 9:30 A.M
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - VAB
Columbia is being demated from the external tank today in
the Vehicle Assembly Building. Columbia will be towed on its
tires to the Orbiter Processing Facility tomorrow morning.
The 17-inch disconnect valve will be removed from the exter-
nal tank and shipped to California, for testing and analysis by
the vendor. In the meantime, a new valve will be installed on the
tank.
Launch of STS-35 has been tentatively planned for mid-
August.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 14 Jun 90 20:28:38 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 611.66 | NASA studies leak history | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Jun 15 1990 11:02 | 85 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Date: 13 Jun 90 22:08:11 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The crippled shuttle Columbia,
grounded by an elusive fuel leak, should be ready for launch in
mid-August even if a critical fitting has to be cannibalized from the
new shuttle Endeavour, officials said Wednesday.
But engineers are hopeful the problem will be traced to a
``disconnect'' fitting in Columbia's external tank.
The fitting in question -- and seven others, including two used in
previous shuttle launches -- failed initial leak tests at the factory,
although engineers do not believe leaks were actually present.
Columbia was hauled off the launch pad and back to the Vehicle
Assembly Building Tuesday so engineers can remove the veteran spaceplane
from its external tank for inspections and possible repairs.
The shuttle's planned launch on an astronomy mission May 30 was put
on hold when sensors detected a massive hydrogen leak in and around the
ship's engine compartment.
Subsequent tests traced the leak to somewhere inside a critical
17-inch-wide fitting where the hydrogen fuel line enters the belly of
the orbiter from the external tank, or ``ET.'' But the exact location of
the leakage has not been determined.
The disconnect fitting allows the shuttle and tank to separate
after the spaceship reaches orbit. Giant 17-inch valves on the tank side
of the fitting and inside the shuttle close just before separation to
seal the lines, preventing any fuel trapped inside the line from spewing
overboard.
A variety of seals are used inside the fitting to prevent leaks
during fueling and launch, and a series of tests are conducted to make
sure the seals work.
The tank-side fittings are first bolted to a ``slave unit'' that
mimics the shuttle side of the umbilical. The assembly then is filled
with liquid nitrogen and placed in a vacuum chamber equipped with
sensors to sniff out any leaks that might show up.
Starting in late 1983, eight fuel tank umbilical fittings in a row
showed signs of higher-than-allowable leakage.
``The first thing they did was take the slave off and put a flat
plate on and repeated the test,'' said Dan Germany, a shuttle manager at
the Johnson Space Center in Houston. ``When it was in there with just
the ET half itself we got zero leaks and everything was good.''
The umbilicals then were declared acceptable for flight and shipped
to Martin Marietta's Michoud, Miss., ET construction facility where they
were installed in flight-ready tanks. The slave unit, meanwhile, was
replaced.
``This all happened in the middle of '84,'' Germany said. ``After
that, there were 17 more umbilicals we went through and we didn't have
any more troubles with them, no leakage at all.''
The tank fittings used by Columbia's tank and the one set for
launch with Atlantis next month are among the eight that failed their
initial leak checks. Two other sets of umbilicals from the same lot were
successfully launched on missions in March and November 1989.
In the case of the March flight, engineers noticed signs of a vapor
leak when the shuttle Discovery blasted off, but Germany said an
analysis later traced that problem to trouble with a 4-inch disconnect
fitting, not the 17-inch valve seals in question.
As for Atlantis's tank, Germany said he believes the umbilical in
question is leak free. To be on the safe side, an additional leak test
was performed before Atlantis was attached to the tank last week. No
leaks were found.
Engineers hope Columbia's leak will be found on the external tank
side of the disconnect fitting because that would be the easiest problem
to fix.
To find out, the 17-inch umbilical from Columbia's tank will be
removed and shipped to a test facility in California where it will be
subjected to a battery of tests starting next Wednesday.
``We're pulling the ET first,'' Germany said. ``We're going to take
about five days and test the ET side in gaseous nitrogen, liquid
nitrogen and liquid hydrogen. Hopefully we'll find something there.''
If a leak is not found, engineers will have no choice but to remove
the corresponding disconnect fitting from Columbia, ``take it out there
and do the same thing,'' Germany said.
At the same time, engineers will remove the umbilical from the new
shuttle Endeavour, under construction at a Rockwell International
facility in Palmdale, Calif., and install it aboard Columbia.
In either case, Germany said, Columbia should be ready to roll out
of its hangar and back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for attachment
to its tank and boosters by July 13. Launch is planned for around Aug.
12.
But until the exact nature of the problem is pinned down, NASA's
launch plans remain in question.
``The conclusion we've drawn is, we don't know yet,'' Germany said.
``We don't know what the problems is. That's why we're taking the thing
apart.''
|
| 611.67 | Shuttle Status for 06/19/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Jun 20 1990 11:16 | 24 |
|
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY JUNE 19, 1990 10 A.M
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Preparations are underway to open the payload bay doors
early next week to allow access to the Astro-1 payload and the
Broad Band X-ray Telescope.
Yesterday, the 17-inch disconnect valve on the external tank
was removed and packaged for shipment to the Rockwell plant in
Downey, Calif. where tests will be performed. The valve was
shipped out this morning. A new valve is being installed on the
external tank today.
Launch of STS-35 has been tentatively planned for mid-
August.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 19 Jun 90 18:37:51 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 611.68 | Payload Summary for 06/22/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jun 25 1990 18:29 | 50 |
| STS-35, 40, AND 42 PAYLOAD STATUS REPORT
FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 1990 -- 2 P.M.
Patricia E. Phillips
NASA Public Affairs/KSC
407/867-2468
ASTRO-1/STS-35
Technicians are preparing to service the Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope with liquid argon on June 25.
The telescope was last serviced with argon beginning on Sun-
day, June 10, at Launch Pad 39A. The operation concluded shortly
after midnight Monday, June 11. Both dewars were topped off and
then the argon was frozen solid. The freezing provided up to 16
days of cooling for the sensitive instrument during orbiter
rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building, demating, and transfer
to the OPF.
The reservice with liquid argon is a standard procedure
during times when payload technicians can have access to the
telescope about every 10 days. The frozen servicing is used with
longer periods between servicing such as transportation, launch
pad, and flight requirements.
Routine checking of items such as temperature, pressure, and
potential contamination will continue throughout the payload's
stay in the OPF. In essence, the payload team will duplicate the
successful procedures followed during Astro-1's first stay in the
OPF after its installation into Columbia.
When the payload bay is opened, the payload and its support
equipment will be covered. Protective drapes will also be placed
around work areas. To save use of payload flight power systems,
payload components requiring power will be maintained on ground
support equipment (GSE) whenever possible.
Technicians will also ensure that the HUT camera is turned
on and off regularly to maintain its flight readiness. Valves
will be opened to support BBXRT off-venting requirements.
Offsite, specialists are developing a new mass memory unit
(MMU) load that will update computer software for the revised
mission, now targeted for a mid-August launch. That work will be
performed over the next few weeks.
The payload is healthy. Managers anticipate that four to six
more servicings -- at least two with frozen argon -- could be be
required before flight. The next BBXRT servicing will be
scheduled in early July.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space
Date: 25 Jun 90 05:14:35 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 611.69 | Leak eludes detection | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jun 25 1990 21:23 | 62 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Date: 25 Jun 90 20:10:52 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Exhaustive weekend tests failed to
find a leak in a fuel line fitting taken from the grounded shuttle
Columbia's external tank, focusing attention on hardware aboard the
orbiter itself, officials said Monday.
Shuttle program director Robert Crippen ordered engineers to remove
the 17-inch-wide ``disconnect'' fitting from Columbia and to replace it
with hardware currently installed aboard the new space shuttle
Endeavour.
While Columbia remains officially targeted for launch in
mid-August, sources said the decision to remove the 17-inch umbilical
fitting from Columbia could delay the flight to later in the month.
The shuttle Atlantis, meanwhile, is on track for launch the morning
of July 15 on a secret military flight.
In a crucial test, engineers plan to pump supercold liquid hydrogen
rocket fuel aboard Atlantis Thursday to make sure there are no leaks
like the one that grounded Columbia.
Atlantis's flight readiness review, a major review of launch
processing, also is scheduled to begin Thursday at the Kennedy Space
Center. An official launch target date is expected to be announced at
the conclusion of the meeting Friday, assuming no problems crop up
during the fueling test.
Columbia's launch on a 10-day astronomy mission, originally planned
for May 30, was put on hold indefinitely when hydrogen gas began spewing
into the ship's engine room the night before blastoff as the ship's
external tank was being loaded with fuel.
Despite a battery of tests, engineers were unable to pinpoint the
source of the leak, although it clearly involved the 17-inch disconnect
fitting, which allows the shuttle to separate from its tank once in
orbit.
Giant valves on either side of the point where the fuel line enters
the belly of the orbiter are open during launch, allowing liquid oxygen
and liquid hydrogen rocket fuel to flow from the external tank into the
ship's three main engines.
Once the engines shut down, the valves rotate shut to prevent any
fuel that might be trapped in the lines from spewing out. The tank is
then jettisoned.
The 17-inch disconnect hardware mounted on Columbia's fuel tank was
removed and shipped to a Rockwell International facility in Downey,
Calif., for extensive tests, but engineers were unable to get the valve
assembly to leak, even in the presence of liquid hydrogen.
As a result, Crippen had no choice but to order the removal of the
disconnect valve fitting mounted in Columbia's belly.
``They spent the weekend trying to test the external tank side of
the disconnect ... and no leak resembling what we saw during the tanking
operation (May 29) on pad 39A appeared,'' said NASA spokesman Ed
Campion.
``So Crippen has given the go ahead for the removal of the
disconnect out of Endeavour and to have that shipped down to the Kennedy
Space Center.''
The unit currently installed aboard Columbia will be removed and
flown to Rockwell's Downey facility for tests.
Campion said engineers planned to connect the shuttle hardware to
the external tank assembly to recreate the conditions present when the
leak first showed up. Engineers are hopeful such testing, under
precisely controlled conditions, will allow them to finally pinpoint the
pesky leak.
It is not clear what NASA management will elect to do if the leak
continues to elude detection.
|
| 611.70 | Shuttle Status for 06/26/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Jun 27 1990 11:16 | 28 |
| KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY JUNE 26, 1990 11 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Preparations are underway to remove the 17-inch disconnect.
The disconnect is expected to be out by this weekend. It will be
shipped to the Rockwell plant in Downey, Calif. for testing and
analysis. The disconnect from the Shuttle Endeavour has been
removed and is being shipped to KSC today for installation on
Columbia.
While in the OPF, some of Columbia's systems will require
routine servicing. A functional test of the reaction control sys-
tem regulators is planned this week.
The impact of this replacement operation on Columbia's
launch processing is still being assessed. The target date for
Columbia's next flight with the Astro-1 payload remains assessed
for mid-August.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 26 Jun 90 17:59:43 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Lines: 69
|
| 611.71 | Shuttle Status for 06/29/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Jun 29 1990 21:28 | 15 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 29 Jun 90 22:00:20 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - FRIDAY JUNE 29, 1990 4 p.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
The 17-inch disconnect was removed from Columbia today. It
is being prepared for shipment to the Rockwell plant in Downey,
Calif. for testing and analysis. The disconnect from the Shuttle
Endeavour arrived at KSC last night and will be installed next
week.
|
| 611.72 | Shuttle Status for 07/05/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jul 05 1990 19:39 | 17 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 5 Jul 90 18:16:46 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY JULY 5, 1990 11 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
The new 17-inch disconnect from the Shuttle Endeavour was
installed on Columbia Tuesday evening and closeout operations
such as foaming around the disconnect are underway. Leak checks
are planned. A cold flow test of the two disconnects and seals
used in the STS-35 tanking test is planned late Friday or Satur-
day at the Rockwell plant in Downey, Calif.
|
| 611.73 | Shuttle Status for 7/6/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Jul 06 1990 19:11 | 17 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 6 Jul 90 16:26:16 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - FRIDAY JULY 6, 1990 11 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Technicians are continuing the foaming operations around the
newly installed 17-inch disconnect. Leak checks are planned.
Tests of the two 17-inch disconnects and seals used in the
STS-35 tanking test are scheduled to begin today and continue
through the weekend at the Rockwell plant in Downey, Calif. Am-
bient leak checks are planned today and leak tests using liquid
nitrogen and liquid hydrogen are scheduled to begin tomorrow.
|
| 611.74 | Shuttle Status Reports (7/9 -> 7/12) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jul 16 1990 19:05 | 39 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Pneumatic leak checks of the newly installed 17-inch discon-
nect were successfully completed. Measurements of the disconnect
are planned tomorrow by the vendor.
Tests of the two 17-inch disconnects and seals used in the
STS-35 tanking test were conducted at the Rockwell plant in
Downey, Calif. Data analysis is continuing. Meanwhile, the 4-inch
recirculation line on the STS-35 tank will be replaced tomorrow.
After several tanking operations, the integrity of the exterior
thermal foam on the line was suspect. The concern is that some
of the foam could break away at liftoff and damage the orbiter's
tiles.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Measurements of the 17-inch disconnect are planned tomorrow
by the vendor. Replacement of the 4-inch recirculation line on
the STS-35 tank is underway. After several tanking operations,
the integrity of the exterior thermal foam on the line was
suspect. The concern is that some of the foam could break away at
liftoff and damage the orbiter's tiles.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY JULY 12, 1990 11 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Operations to install the 17-inch disconnect into Columbia
are continuing. The 2-inch helium purge line in the 17-inch um-
bilical is scheduled to be installed today. The Broad Band X-ray
Telescope is scheduled to be serviced with liquid argon today.
|
| 611.75 | Shuttle Status for 07/20/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sun Jul 22 1990 19:21 | 17 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 21 Jul 90 01:24:14 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - FRIDAY JULY 20, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Operations to install the 17-inch disconnect into Columbia
are continuing today. Parker Hannifan representatives are here
today to perform tests of the new disconnect. Yesterday, workers
cleaned up hydraulic fluid that dripped from a quick disconnect
onto the right inboard elevon flipper doors. It is now estimated
that about three ounces of fluid leaked out.
|
| 611.76 | Shuttle Status for 07/24/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Jul 24 1990 19:03 | 19 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 24 Jul 90 19:00:42 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Tuesday July 24, 1990 9:30 a.m.
KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - OPF Bay 2
Work continues on installation of the 17-inch liquid
hydrogen disconnect. Tightening of the B-nuts on the disconnect
and aft compartment closeouts are in work today. The BBXRT
payload was serviced yesterday. Mission managers will hold an
orbiter rollout review at KSC today to discuss Columbia's status
for the STS-35/ASTRO-1 mission.
|
| 611.77 | Shuttle Status for 7/26/90, 7/27/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jul 30 1990 14:07 | 44 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Thursday July 26, 1990 10:00 p.m.
KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - OPF Bay 2
Work continues today on the final testing of the 17-inch
liquid hydrogen disconnect. Engineers need to perform a final
flatness test before giving the final approval for flight.
Leak checks are continuing on the GOX flow control valve and
technicians are working on the high point bleed quick disconnect.
Columbia is expected to be ready for rollover to the VAB for
mating with the external tank and solid rocket boosters early
next week.
Friday July 27, 1990 10:00 p.m.
KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - OPF Bay 2
Final inspections of the 17-inch liquid hydrogen disconnect
continues today on the orbiter Columbia. Closeouts of the aft
compartment and final checks of the main propulsion system are in
work. Leak checks are being completed on the GOX flow control
valve and technicians are working on the high point bleed quick
disconnect.
Columbia is expected to be ready for rollover to the Vehicle
Assembly Building for mating with the external tank and solid
rocket boosters first shift Tuesday. Rollout to Pad A is
currently targeted for August 7.
Columbia with the ASTRO-1 payload is now scheduled for
flight in early September.
|
| 611.78 | Shuttle Status for 08/03/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Aug 06 1990 19:43 | 21 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Friday August 3, 1990 9:30 a.m.
KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - VAB High Bay 3
Columbia was transferred to the Vehicle Assembly Building
yesterday with first motion out of the OPF occurring at 1:46 p.m.
Columbia was lifted over the transom and into high bay 3 at 4:15
this morning. Softmate of the vehicle to the external tank will
occur later this morning. Hard mate is expected by early tonight.
Hazardous gas leak checks are scheduled for Sunday along with
main engine heat shield ring inspections. Monday, interface tests
are scheduled to check the electrical and mechanical connections
between the orbiter and tank. Rollout to Pad A is targeted for
12:01 a.m. Thursday Aug. 9.
|
| 611.79 | Shuttle Status for 08/07/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Aug 08 1990 20:24 | 28 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Tuesday, August 7 10:00 a.m. EDT
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV-102) -- VAB High Bay 2
Rollout of the Space Shuttle Columbia is currently planned
for shortly after midnight Friday, August 10. Orbiter/external
tank oxygen and hydrogen monoball installation and electrical
mates are complete.
Call to stations for the Shuttle Interface Test is scheduled
for noon today. Rollout preparations are scheduled to pick up on
second shift Wednesday.
Installation of insulation around the liquid hydrogen and
liquid oxygen lines is in work. Umbilical foam closeouts should
be completed by second shift Wednesday.
The launch of STS-35 and the Astro-1 observatory is still
scheduled for early September. The Broad Band X-Ray Telescope
liquid argon servicing has moved to Saturday. The BBXRT frozen
argon servicing performed prior to rollover from the OPF will
provide cooling through Aug. 13.
A press briefing to discuss preparations for the STS-35
launch and the status of the Space Shuttle program has been
scheduled for 2:30 p.m. today on NASA Select.
|
| 611.80 | | 20408::FISHER | Locutus: Fact or Fraud? | Thu Aug 09 1990 17:35 | 5 |
| re .-1: I heard on the news this morning that Atlantis had come in last night
and that Columbia was rolling out this morning. Surely they did not pull *in*
the schedule!
Burns
|
| 611.81 | Shuttle Status for 08/09/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Aug 10 1990 10:41 | 29 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Thursday August 9, 1990 10:00 a.m. EDT
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - en route to pad 39-A
The Space Shuttle Columbia is currently on its way out to
pad 39-A this morning. First motion leaving the Vehicle Assembly
Building occurred at 5:47 a.m. Columbia is expected to arrive at
the pad around 12:00 noon today and be hard down on the pad by
early afternoon.
Once at the pad, the rotating service structure will be
moved around the vehicle. Work will then commence to repair a
pair of faulty solderings found last night in the electrical
monoball of the liquid oxygen umbilical. Power up is targeted for
mid-day Friday. The Shuttle interface verification test will be
conducted following power up. Servicing of the BBXRT payload is
slated to begin first shift Saturday. On Sunday, the GOX flow
control valves will be installed on the vehicle.
|
| 611.82 | Shuttle Status for 08/13/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Aug 13 1990 20:03 | 25 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 1990 11 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
The Shuttle Interface Test, which began early Saturday morn-
ing, will continue through tomorrow. Launch pad validations are
also scheduled to continue through tomorrow. A leak test, with
gaseous helium, of the external tank flange this weekend revealed
some leakage, however, engineers have determined it is within
specifications.
Servicing of the Broad Band X-ray Telescope with argon was
completed on Saturday. Gaseous oxygen flow control valves were
installed in the vehicle's main propulsion system this weekend.
Routine tests of the main propulsion system are continuing
this week. Preparations are underway to conduct a helium signa-
ture leak check of the three main engines on Thursday.
The Flight Readiness Review, where shuttle managers set the
official launch date, is scheduled for Aug. 20-21 here at Kennedy
Space Center.
|
| 611.83 | Shuttle Status for 08/15/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Aug 16 1990 14:27 | 22 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 1990 11 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
The Orbiter Midbody Umbilical Unit is being connected to
the shuttle today. Main propulsion system flow control valves are
being leak checked and tested. Preparations are underway to
begin the helium signature leak check of the shuttle's three main
engines and main propulsions system at 8 a.m. tomorrow. The
Shuttle Interface Test has been completed.
Preparations for servicing the orbiter with hypergolic
propellants are continuing. Servicing is set to begin Friday af-
ternoon and will continue through the weekend.
The Flight Readiness Review, where shuttle managers set the
official launch date, is scheduled for Aug. 20-21 here at Kennedy
Space Center.
|
| 611.84 | Shuttle Status for 08/20/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Aug 21 1990 11:21 | 29 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Monday August 20, 1990 10:00 a.m. EDT
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Pad 39-A
The Flight Readiness Review for Space Shuttle Mission STS-35
began this morning at Kennedy Space Center. The meeting of
mission managers is expected to last through tomorrow. Following
the meeting, a statement is expected, establishing a firm launch
date for Columbia and its ASTRO-1 payload.
At the pad over the weekend, the helium signature test on
the main propulsion system was completed with no indications of
problems. Today, pre-launch propellant servicing is continuing.
Monomethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide were loaded into the
orbiter's onboard storage tanks this weekend. The auxiliary power
units and the boosters' hydraulic power units have been filled
with hydrazine. Toxic vapor checks are currently in work this
morning. Propellant servicing work should be completed by this
afternoon. Tomorrow, the flight readiness test for the shuttle's
main engines is scheduled to begin.
|
| 611.85 | Launch Advisory for 08/20/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Aug 21 1990 11:21 | 34 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Ed Campion August 20, 1990
Headquarters, Washington, D.C. 4:30 p.m. EDT
(Phone: 202/453-8536)
Lisa Malone
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Phone: 407/867-2468)
STS-35 LAUNCH ADVISORY
At the conclusion of the STS-35 Flight Readiness Review
today, NASA managers set a target date of Sept. 1, 1990, for the
launch of Space Shuttle Columbia and the Astro-1 payload. This
date is dependent on successful completion of remaining launch
preparation activities.
"Today we conducted a complete review of the STS-35 mission
as well as the results of the liquid hydrogen leak investiga-
tion," said Associate Administrator for Space Flight William
Lenoir. "Based on this review, I believe STS-35 is ready to
fly. Both the NASA and contractor launch teams deserve high
praise for all their efforts. It is through their hard work that
we are now in a position to launch Columbia."
Coverage of the launch of Columbia and the STS-35 mission
will be carried on NASA Select Television, which is available on
Satcom F-2R, Transponder 13, C-band, located at 72 degrees west
longitude, frequency 3960.0 MHz, vertical polarization, audio
monaural 6.8 MHz.
|
| 611.86 | Shuttle status reports 8/21 - 8/24 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Aug 28 1990 21:07 | 109 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, AUGUST 21 1990 10 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
The main engine Flight Readiness Test is scheduled today
with the call-to-stations at 8 a.m. This test simulates engine
start in order to check engine valve opening and closing se-
quences and timing. Engine sensors and transducers are calibrated
during this test. Part of this test includes cycling the
orbiter's aerosurfaces.
Yesterday, technicians completed servicing the orbiter with
hypergolic propellants. Monomethylhydrazine and nitrogen
tetroxide propellants were loaded into the orbiter's onboard
storage tanks for the orbital maneuvering system pods and the
reaction control system. In addition, storage tanks for the
orbiter's auxiliary power units and the boosters' hydraulic power
units were filled with hydrazine.
Tomorrow, two space suits will be installed in the airlock
as a routine for in-flight contingency purposes.
Yesterday, the Flight Readiness Review concluded and shuttle
managers selected Sept. 1 as the target to launch Columbia and
the Astro-1 payload. The launch countdown will begin at midnight
Tuesday, Aug. 28 leading up to the planned liftoff at 1:17 a.m.
EDT on Saturday, Sept. 1.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22 1990 11 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
The main engine Flight Readiness Test was conducted yester-
day. During the test, the main fuel valve on engine 2 did not
respond as commanded. It was determined that the valve's actuator
was faulty. It was replaced overnight. Retest of the actuator,
which includes engine valve cycles, is planned today. There were
no problems reported with engines 1 and 3.
Servicing of the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope with argon and
closeouts of the solid rocket boosters are underway today.
Two space suits have been installed in the airlock as a
routine for in-flight contingency purposes.
Columbia and the Astro-1 payload are scheduled for launch on
Sept. 1. The launch countdown will begin at 1 a.m. EDT Wednesday,
Aug. 29, at the T minus 43 hour mark, leading up to the planned
liftoff at 1:17 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 1.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 1990 10 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Preparations are underway for the first part of installing
ordnance devices on the vehicle and for performing circuit resis-
tance checks of pyrotechnic devices. The pad will be closed on
third shift Friday (12:01 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.) while these ac-
tivities are underway. Valves in Columbia's auxiliary power
units will be leak tested today.
Pressurization of the onboard hypergolic propellant tanks is
scheduled tomorrow. Launch countdown preparations are also set to
begin tomorrow.
Yesterday, a main fuel valve actuator for main engine 2 was
replaced and retested. The faulty actuator was discovered during
Tuesday's engine Flight Readiness Test. Also yesterday, the Broad
Band X-Ray Telescope was serviced with argon. The space suits in
the airlock have been successfully tested.
Columbia and the Astro-1 payload are scheduled for launch on
Sept. 1. The launch countdown will begin at 1 a.m. EDT Wednesday,
Aug. 29, at the T minus 43 hour mark, leading up to the planned
liftoff at 1:17 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 1.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 1990 11 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
The first part of installing ordnance devices on the
vehicle and for performing circuit resistance checks of pyrotech-
nic devices was not completed overnight as planned. Circuitry for
the forward external tank separation system is being evaluated.
All ordnance activities are scheduled to be conducted on Monday.
Auxiliary power unit valves were leak tested yesterday.
Pressurization of the onboard hypergolic propellant tanks is
scheduled tonight. Launch countdown preparations are also set to
begin tonight. The external tank will be purged tomorrow. The
power reactant storage and distribution system is scheduled to be
purged for flight on Sunday.
Columbia and the Astro-1 payload are scheduled for launch on
Sept. 1. The launch countdown will begin at 1 a.m. EDT Wednesday,
Aug. 29, at the T minus 43 hour mark, leading up to the planned
liftoff at 1:17 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 1.
|
| 611.87 | Shuttle Status for 8/27/90, 8/28/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Aug 29 1990 13:57 | 59 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, AUGUST 27 1990 11 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Today, the launch pad is cleared of all non essential per-
sonnel for the installation of ordnance devices on the vehicle
and for performing circuit resistance checks of pyrotechnic
devices. Pressurization of the onboard hypergolic propellant
tanks is scheduled this afternoon.
The external tank and power reactant storage and distribu-
tion system were purged over the weekend. Also completed this
weekend was replacement and retest of the forward load control
assembly.
Columbia and the Astro-1 payload are scheduled for launch on
Sept. 1. The launch countdown will begin at 1 a.m. EDT Wednesday,
Aug. 29, at the T minus 43 hour mark, leading up to the planned
liftoff at 1:17 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 1. An evaluation of
the countdown and launch schedule is set for tomorrow to deter-
mine the progress of Discovery's VAB processing and targeted pad
rollout time.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, AUGUST 28 1990 11 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Ordnance devices were installed on the vehicle and circuit
resistance checks of pyrotechnic devices were conducted.
Closeouts of the ordnance work is underway. Pressurization of the
onboard hypergolic propellant tanks was also completed. The pad
was reopened last night and technicians gained access to the aft
compartment about 6 p.m. Closeouts of the aft compartment are un-
derway. The flight doors are scheduled to be installed on the aft
late tomorrow afternoon.
A routine purge of the cavity between the orbiter and exter-
nal tank liquid hydrogen 17-inch umbilical is scheduled today.
Preparations are underway to service the Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope this evening. This will be the last servicing prior to
launch.
Columbia and the Astro-1 payload are scheduled for launch on
Sept. 1. The launch countdown is scheduled to begin at 1 a.m. EDT
Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the T minus 43 hour mark, leading up to
the planned liftoff at 1:17 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 1. The
flight crew is scheduled to arrive at KSC tomorrow at 9:30 p.m.
EDT.
An evaluation of the countdown and launch schedule will be
made this afternoon to determine the progress of Discovery's
VAB processing and targeted pad rollout time.
|
| 611.88 | "...watching and waiting..." | 6297::PHILLIPS | Music of the spheres. | Fri Aug 31 1990 11:07 | 6 |
| It is August 31st.
What is the Columbia's status? (I'll never find out if I wait for
the TV networks, let alone radio.......:^(........help!)
--Eric--
|
| 611.89 | Scubbed for tonight... | 32238::FRIEDRICHS | Kamikaze Eindecker pilot | Fri Aug 31 1990 11:19 | 7 |
| One hold due to a problem on ASTRO-1. They are hoping for a launch
next week, but they may not know when until saturday night. The
news didn't have much information about the particular problem..
cheers,
jeff
|
| 611.90 | I'm interested too | 39634::REITH | Jim Reith DTN 291-0072 - PDM1-1/J9 | Fri Aug 31 1990 11:22 | 5 |
| I heard that they were scrambling to fix something last night (NBC radio 5
second news update)
Do I stay up late tonight or not??
|
| 611.91 | Scrubbed | 57897::LEE | Wook... Like 'Book' with a 'W' | Fri Aug 31 1990 12:31 | 6 |
| I heard that Columbia's Saturday launch has been scrubbed due to electronic
malfunction in one of the telescopes in ASTRO-1. They're pulling Columbia
off the pad because they can't fix it on the pad. I got this from CBS Radio
news this morning.
Wook
|
| 611.92 | Delayed till at least Wednesday | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Aug 31 1990 12:34 | 8 |
| No launch tonight. Problems in ASTRO-1 as previously reported. They'll
have to open the cargo bay doors and get at it. I heard rumours that
they lost communication capabilities with ASTRO-1 (one of the telescopes
is ground controlled -- though it could be any part of the package).
Looks like another launch with 2 birds on the pads.
- dave
|
| 611.93 | Cable problem | 4024::BIRO | | Fri Aug 31 1990 13:39 | 9 |
| NPR radio said that the communication cable was faulty,
if they could hot wire and external cable they they could
lauch next week, it not they would need more time to replace
the cable the right way... There was also a vibration/acceleration
gauage that is faulty and will need to be replace. There was no
mention of any time required
john
|
| 611.94 | Shuttle Status for 08/30/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Sep 04 1990 11:50 | 50 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Thursday August 30, 1990 11:00 a.m. EDT
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Pad 39-A
(Launch minus 2 days)
The countdown for Space Shuttle Mission STS-35 continues
this morning. The aft compartment of the orbiter has been closed
out and the flight doors were installed yesterday evening. At
midnight last night, the pad was cleared of all non-essential
personnel for the loading of the on board power reactant storage
and distribution system tanks with liquid oxygen and liquid
hydrogen reactants. Final loading operations were completed
around 10:00 a.m. this morning. Launch remains scheduled for 1:17
a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1.
Workers at Pad A are currently trouble shooting a problem
experienced last night shortly before 9:00 p.m. when launch team
members experienced a loss of telemetry from the Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope. BBXRT is part of the ASTRO-1 payload on Columbia. The
loss of telemetry is believed to be possibly associated with the
closing of the orbiter's payload bay doors since loss of data
occurred within minutes of the operation.
Current plans call for engineers to first make a step by
step check of all ground systems. This will be followed by a
power up of the BBXRT to see if data can be transmitted via RF
(radio) communication. Test results should be available by early
afternoon today.
Workers will hold off demating the umbilical used to load
cryogenics into the onboard storage tanks until the loss of
telemetry problem is resolved.
Also, workers will have to re-enter the orbiter's air lock
today to reposition two vent valves on airlock hatches A and B.
The seven member STS-35 crew arrived at KSC last night
around 11:00 p.m. The crew is split into two teams, red and blue,
to accommodate the 24 hour operations of the ASTRO-1 mission. The
red team is sleeping this morning. Tonight, both teams will eat
breakfast/supper together and participate in weather, vehicle and
payload briefings.
|
| 611.95 | Thurs am launch scrubbed | STAR::HUGHES | You knew the job was dangerous when you took it Fred. | Wed Sep 05 1990 19:08 | 5 |
| Tonight's launch has been scrubbed. H2 leak detected in the orbiter's
aft section. There are enough detectors around the 17 inch disconnect
that they know it isn't leaking.
gary
|
| 611.96 | | 15372::LEPAGE | Caught between Iraq & a hard place | Thu Sep 06 1990 10:49 | 9 |
| Re:.95
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!!!!!
All we need now is to lose Magellan and NASA will be out of a job.
Drew
|
| 611.97 | | 19458::FISHER | Locutus: Fact or Fraud? | Thu Sep 06 1990 11:08 | 9 |
| A bit more info: The leak appears to be in the engine compartment. The belief
is that the leak was detected before, but because of the leak in the et/orbiter
interface before, they thought that what they were seeing in the engine
compartment last time was H2 from the other leak.
Would it *really* have been that hard to run another tanking test? I hope they
will do it on Ulysses, at least.
Burns
|
| 611.98 | No tanking test | 15372::LEPAGE | Caught between Iraq & a hard place | Thu Sep 06 1990 11:51 | 9 |
| Re:.97
NASA management decided NOT to do a tanking test. It was felt that
the leak was found and repaired and that another test was not needed
and would unduly delay the launch of the Astro 1 mission. Well, so much
for that decision!
Drew
|
| 611.99 | Tanking test | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Sep 06 1990 12:27 | 16 |
| Maybe I'm just dense, but I don't understand what the tanking test would have
accomplished -- it seems to me that NASA made the correct decision in not
doing it, regardless of how it turned out. Other than getting everybody
excited about the launch, what was to be lost/gained?
Knowing that this leak existed a week ago (assuming that the test would have
detected this) wouldn't alter the situation all that much - would it?
They have until 15-Sep to get the bird off the ground, and every day earlier
it leaves translates to the the the ability to put more people on STS-41
(which is rapidly losing its window to various problems).
Under the circumstances (as I interpret them), the tanking test was extraneous.
- dave
|
| 611.100 | | 25474::MAIEWSKI | | Thu Sep 06 1990 15:29 | 5 |
| I wonder if the 2nd stage of the Saturn V leaked Hydrogen? Maybe
this is a problem that we've been living with for a while. Maybe it's
not possible to keep Hydrogen from leaking.
George
|
| 611.101 | Better luck next time! | 58453::SKLEIN | Nulli Secundus | Thu Sep 06 1990 18:54 | 22 |
| Re: -1
I agree with that reasoning, since the leak they found is greater than
the acceptable limits, which translates to me that the possiblity of
hydrogen leaking in the past existed. Only now the leaks are big
enough to be detected.
Re: last couple
The tanking test would not have made any difference except to find
the leak earlier. I do not think that this would be fixed on the
launch pad, so does it matter.
I think that 1990 is not NASA's year, just bad luck. Does anyone
really believe that NASA is incapable of ever launching again?
Eventually they will get Columbia off the ground, and Discovery
and Atlantis and Endeavour. Seems to me that old age is creeping
up on the shuttles.
Susan
|
| 611.102 | | 19548::YANKES | | Thu Sep 06 1990 22:27 | 31 |
|
Re: .101
If it is indeed old age catching up with the shuttles then A) they are
not meeting their design goal (something like 75 launches each before
retirement?) and, B) 1990 won't be the only bad year of this decade.
Also, I don't understand your statement of:
>I agree with that reasoning, since the leak they found is greater than
>the acceptable limits, which translates to me that the possiblity of
>hydrogen leaking in the past existed. Only now the leaks are big
>enough to be detected.
Unless someone can demonstrate that the hydrogen leak detection gear is better
today than it was in the Apollo days, or that the Saturn V wasn't equipted
with the hydrogen detectors, its quite a leap of faith to effectively say
"well, they're leaking today which means they probably were leaking in the
past...". While it might be true, we just don't know that. And until we know
it for sure, this line of reasoning could lead down the "oh, its been like that
before, has worked X number of times and so is safe" kind of margin-testing
that has caused NASA problems in the past. I think NASA is doing the right
thing as far as not launching while there is hydrogen leaks detected above
what they consider safe limits. Incidently, have there been any changes made
to the shuttle's hydrogen detectors lately? If not, then it could be argued
that the hydrogen leaking is a relatively new happening since earlier shuttles
launched under the H2 threshold. (It would be very interesting to find out if
the H2 detectors that triggered this hold were in the same location as where
H2 detectors have been in the past.)
-craig
|
| 611.103 | | STAR::DZIEDZIC | | Fri Sep 07 1990 08:47 | 5 |
| At a NASA press conference it was explained the engine compartment
hydrogen detectors had recorded an unsafe reading during the times
they were troubleshooting the disconnect problem. It was assumed
the hydrogen in the engine compartment was coming from the area of
the disconnect; someone obviously ASSumed wrong.
|
| 611.104 | y | LANDO::STONE | | Fri Sep 07 1990 09:31 | 26 |
| As today's news has stated, the leak has been found traced to a
"softball sized" turbopump. The pump is being replace (on the pad)
and a new launch schedule is being firmed up for sometime around 09/17.
As for hydrogen sensing, since 51L, new sensor equipment has been added
and tighter parameters are being used for launch criteria. Hydrogen
leaks have always been a concern, given the difficult plumbing
management issues and the cryogenic properties of H2. If you will
recall, there are spark igniters that are activiated at T-12 sec before
SSME ignition to burn any residual gaseous H2 near the engine bells
(to prevent an overpressure condition at ignition). In addition, both
the engine compartment and payload bay are purged with nitrogen before
launch (2 workers were overcome and died in Columbia's engine
compartment by N2 shortly after it's first static engine firing in
1981). Also, the Vandenburg launch complex (SLC6) was decomissioned
partially due to concerns around inadequate H2 ventilation.
Concerning the Saturn S2 and SVIB stages. They had less H2 sensoring
(mostly tank temp and pressure readings) partialling because they were
upper stages whose engine compartments were vented during ascent and
their respective engines were ignited at high altitude. (My
speculation only: I wonder if the relatively high stacking off the
ground (compared to the Shuttle) afforded better ventilation via wind
currents, etc.
Let's cross our fingers: NASA's back's are against the wall.
|
| 611.105 | | STAR::HUGHES | You knew the job was dangerous when you took it Fred. | Fri Sep 07 1990 12:54 | 8 |
| No earlier than the week beginning 9/17 is the predicted launch time.
Comparisons of leakage of J-2s and SSMEs may not be valid. They are
very different designs and the J-2 was not intended to be reused, i.e.
the leak problems may be related to much longer exposures to LH2 than
would be seen in previous vehicles and/or multiple use cycles.
gary
|
| 611.106 | | 19458::FISHER | Locutus: Fact or Fraud? | Fri Sep 07 1990 12:55 | 9 |
| Re testing sooner:
They would have saved the time required to go through a number of procedures
twice (like whatever gets done in the countdown up to the point where tanking
begins, minus the stuff that they would have to do for the test itself). Not
to mention, I bet that the headlines would be smaller if the problem were found
before the last minute.
Burns
|
| 611.107 | | 19548::YANKES | | Fri Sep 07 1990 14:17 | 9 |
|
Re: .106
Yeah, agreed. Seeing a small headline like "shuttle launch delayed
from one week from today to two weeks from today" would go over a lot "quieter"
than all the networks broadcasting pictures of the shuttle sitting on the pad
saying "it was supposed to go up this morning...".
-craig
|
| 611.108 | News please..... | 42326::TRAVELL | John T, UK_Remote_Services_Support | Thu Sep 13 1990 20:02 | 9 |
| What is HAPPENING!!!!!!!!
The last update on this was a week ago, I read in the Florida notesfile that a
newspaper has a photo of shuttles on _BOTH_ pads. The last mention I recall was
of a communications problem with the sattelite. I am the wrong side of the pond
to get information on the local or national news. I _NEED_ my regular fix of
shuttle info from this conference.....
John Travell.
|
| 611.109 | NASA gears up for shuttle repair | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Sep 13 1990 20:24 | 59 |
| My "good" news source temporarily dried up - but it seems to be coming back
now. Here's a UPI report for you (and even that's a bit behind...)
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Date: 7 Sep 90 18:18:49 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Rocket engineers swarmed over the
leaking shuttle Columbia Friday and geared up to remove suspect fuel
pumps to keep the ship on track for a launch try around Sept. 17 to kick
off a long-delayed astronomy flight.
Working around the clock, engineers at launch pad 39A planned to
remove insulation from around three hydrogen recirculation pumps in
Columbia's engine room Saturday so the pump assembly can be removed
Sunday and replaced with a spare.
Columbia and its seven-man crew, grounded in May by a leaking fuel
line fitting, were grounded again just eight hours before blastoff
Thursday by yet another hydrogen leak, this one inside the ship's engine
compartment.
Data indicates the hydrogen was leaking from the recirculation
pumps, used to keep supercold liquid hydrogen flowing through critical
engine systems before ignition and liftoff.
If the repair work stays on schedule, NASA hopes to make another
attempt to launch Columbia on a 10-day astronomy mission around Sept.
17.
But time is quickly running out for NASA to get Columbia off the
launch pad before a higher-priority flight by the shuttle Discovery next
month to carry the European-built Ulysses solar probe into space.
NASA Administrator Richard Truly said Thursday if Columbia is
delayed much beyond Sept. 17, the flight will be delayed until late
October at the earliest, well after the $750 million Ulysses mission.
Discovery was hauled out to launch pad 39B Tuesday and engineers
planned to install the Ulysses probe in the ship's payload bay Saturday.
With the payload in place, engineers will pressurize the shuttle's
coolant system Sunday to find out if Freon refrigerant is still leaking.
Data indicates Freon has been leaking away at a rate of about 1 percent
per day.
The Freon system is used to carry heat away from the shuttle's
myriad electronics, which otherwise would cause malfunctions and
breakdowns.
In space, the coolant is routed through large radiators on the
shuttle's payload bay doors. But during launch and re-entry, when the
doors are closed, heat is dissipated by boiling water or, depending on
the shuttle's altitude, ammonia.
The problem with Discovery appears to involve the ammonia section
of the coolant system.
``Sunday, we're going to pressurize the Freon system to see if it
leaks,'' said NASA spokeswoman Lisa Malone. ``If it works, we'll
probably be OK.''
If the leak rate remains constant, NASA managers likely would elect
to top off Discovery's Freon supplies and to launch the shuttle as is.
Otherwise, engineers could be faced with a major launch-pad repair job
that would delay Discovery's launch.
To send Ulysses onto the proper trajectory to the sun, Discovery
must be launched between Oct. 5 and Oct. 23, or the flight will be
delayed for 13 months.
As it stands, Discovery's launch processing is running several days
behind schedule, but NASA managers said the ship should be ready for
blastoff shortly after its 18-day launch period begins on Oct. 5.
|
| 611.110 | Unofficial but news | 39635::REITH | Jim Reith DTN 291-0072 - PDM1-1/J9 | Thu Sep 13 1990 20:59 | 3 |
| I heard on a local NBC radio station that they had fixed the leak and were
scheduled for a tuesday launch. No launch time was stated (just a typical 15
second report - no failure, no interest ;^)
|
| 611.111 | | 19585::HUGHES | You knew the job was dangerous when you took it Fred. | Fri Sep 14 1990 13:30 | 6 |
| Tues Sept 18, 1:28am is the current projected launch time.
And yes, there are two shuttles on pads; STS-41 is out there too (and
proceeding on schedule).
gary
|
| 611.112 | Status reports, launch advisory (9/12-9/14) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Sep 17 1990 11:59 | 188 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 12, 1990 12 PM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
A helium signature leak test of the liquid hydrogen system
was successfully completed early this morning. Overnight, tech-
nicians replaced a damaged teflon cover seal for the engine 3
pre-valve. Part of the investigation of the hydrogen leak in-
volved leak tests of the engine pre-valves. Tests performed this
past weekend indicate a leak just over specification at that par-
ticular cover seal. The two and a half inch diameter seal was re-
placed yesterday by the vendor.
Officials believe the damaged seal was the cause of the high
concentrations of hydrogen detected in the aft compartment during
the previous launch attempts of Columbia.
Closeouts of the aft compartment are scheduled to begin
later tonight. Launch countdown preparations are scheduled to
begin tomorrow. A launch date announcement is expected today.
Mark Hess/Ed Campion
Headquarters, Washington, D.C. September 12, 1990
(Phone: 202/453-8536)
Lisa Malone
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Phone: 407/867-2468)
LAUNCH ADVISORY FOR SHUTTLE MISSIONS STS-35 AND STS-41
NASA managers today set Tuesday, Sept. 18, 1990 as the launch
date for Space Shuttle Columbia and the STS-35 Astro-1 mission. The
decision on the new launch date follows the removal, replacement and
testing of the liquid hydrogen recirculation pump package in
Columbia's main propulsion system.
Launch of Columbia and the STS-35 mission was scrubbed on Sept.
5 when high concentrations of liquid hydrogen were detected in the
aft compartment of the orbiter. Subsequent tests showed the leak
came from the vicinity of the recirculation pump package.
During leak check operations following installation of the new
recirculation pump package, technicians found a crushed seal on the
prevalve of the main propulsion system. The seal is part of a
detent cover. The prevalve is the main hydrogen valve which
supplies hydrogen to Space Shuttle Main Engine #3. The detent holds
the prevalve in place in the open position.
Helium leak checks indicated the seal was within specification,
however, this particular detent cover had an order of magnitude
greater leak than other detent covers. Alert technicians and
engineers decided to investigate further and discovered the damaged
seal.
Engineers believe the location of the seal and the nature of
the damage to the seal make it a prime suspect as the cause of the
hydrogen concentrations seen in the aft of Columbia during tanking
operations.
The seal in question was replaced following Columbia's last
flight, STS-32 in January 1990, when an inspection for possible
corundum contamination of the main propulsion system was
conducted. Engineers believe the seal was damaged during the post-
inspection installation and remained undiscovered until yesterday.
Countdown for the launch of Columbia is scheduled to begin on
Saturday, Sept. 15 at 1:00 a.m. EDT at the T minus 43 hour mark.
The 1 hour, 39 minute launch window on Sept. 18 opens at 1:28 a.m.
EDT and closes at 3:07 a.m.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, SEPT. 13, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
After analyzing data from last week's launch attempt, offi-
cials have decided to perform additional leak tests of the main
propulsion system and the number 2 main engine. Those tests are
currently scheduled for later today.
Yesterday, a purge of the liquid hydrogen tank was com-
pleted. Today, a purge is scheduled for the power reactant
storage and distribution system storage tanks. These tanks are
loaded with super cold reactants during the launch countdown.
Closeouts of the aft compartment for flight are continuing
today. These activities include inspections of the hydraulic sys-
tems, draining condensation from the flash evaporator, removing
protective covers from components, installing a baggie on a fuel
duct, installing gas samplers, taking closeout photos and overall
cleaning.
Launch countdown preparations have begun. The countdown is
scheduled to begin at 1 a.m. EDT Saturday leading up to the lift-
off at 1:28 a.m. EDT Tuesday, Sept. 18. Part of the STS-35 flight
crew is currently scheduled to arrive at KSC Saturday evening and
the rest of the crew will arrive Sunday.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, SEPT. 14, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Preparations are on schedule to begin the STS-35 launch
countdown at 1 a.m. EDT tomorrow. The countdown clock will begin
at the T-43 hour mark leading up to the planned liftoff at 1:28
a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18.
Additional leak tests of the main propulsion system and the
number 2 main engine were successfully performed yesterday and no
further testing is required.
Yesterday, technicians purged the power reactant storage and
distribution system storage tanks. These tanks are loaded with
super cold reactants during the launch countdown.
Closeouts of the aft compartment for flight are continuing
today. These activities include inspections of the hydraulic sys-
tems, draining condensation from the flash evaporator, removing
protective covers from components, installing a baggie on a fuel
duct, installing gas samplers, taking closeout photos and overall
cleaning. These activities are scheduled to be completed tomor-
row and the flight doors are scheduled to be installed on the
vehicle by tomorrow afternoon.
Part of the STS-35 flight crew is currently scheduled to ar-
rive at KSC Saturday evening and the rest of the crew will arrive
Sunday.
TO: PIOZ/PRESS
FROM: Diller/NASA-KSC
Launch Complex 39
STS-35 L-4 Day Weather Outlook
Expected conditions on 9/18/90
Synopsis: An upper level trough to the northwest will produce a
chance of rain offshore with a chance of showers or related cloud
conditions moving onshore.
At 1:28 a.m. on Tuesday conditions are forecast to be:
Clouds: 3,000- 8,000 scattered
8,000-10,000 scattered
25,000-28,000 scattered
Visibility: 7+ miles
Wind: ENE-12 knots, occasional gusts to 18 knots
Temperature: 78 degrees
Dewpoint: 72 degrees
Relative Humidity: 80%
Precipitation: Chance of rainshowers
Overall probability of violating launch weather criteria:
Tuesday 20% threat of rainshowers, crosswind
Wednesday 20% threat of rainshowers
Thursday 10% threat of rainshowers
Prepared by Cape Canaveral Forecast Facility
USAF Air Weather Service
9/14/90
|
| 611.113 | The "old lady" just doesn't want to fly... | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Sep 17 1990 20:20 | 9 |
| What's that sound?
Yup, it's the sound of 1000 KSC workers pounding their heads on the
table. Another fuel leak, another delay. I don't think they can
reset the countdown in time, even if they find the problem today.
Sigh!
- dave
|
| 611.114 | This is losing what little credability it had | 39635::REITH | Jim Reith DTN 291-0072 - PDM1-1/J9 | Mon Sep 17 1990 20:46 | 2 |
| Sounds like the Helium signature test isn't sufficient. We're seeing this all
too often now.
|
| 611.115 | temperature-sensitive problem | 2319::SAUTER | John Sauter | Tue Sep 18 1990 09:39 | 8 |
| I watched the press conference by Bob Crippin on NASA Select last
night. He said the problem only happens at -430� F, so the only way
to test for it is on the pad. The next stage is to put a camera in
the suspect area, to try to get information visually.
I got the impression that the Astro-1 mission will definitely be
delayed until after Ulysses.
John Sauter
|
| 611.116 | Let's play "Second Guess NASA", or "Don't Skip the Tests" | 19458::FISHER | Locutus: Fact or Fraud? | Tue Sep 18 1990 11:01 | 13 |
| re helium signature test: Note that lower molecular weights difuse through a
medium faster than higher weights. I think hydrogen forms a 2-atom molecule
H2, right?). I'm not sure about helium. If it does, then H2 can difuse through
microscopic leaks more easily then He(2). If not, then they should presumably
be about the same in difusion rates, all else being the same. (But of course
it is not...there is the tempature).
An interesting question: Will they have to do something special in the engine
compartment atmosphere to use the TV cameras? I believe it is normally filled
with nitrogen. I wonder if they will need to salt the nitrogen with water vapor
in order to see leaking hydrogen in it?
Burns
|
| 611.117 | | 19458::FISHER | Locutus: Fact or Fraud? | Tue Sep 18 1990 11:02 | 5 |
| BTW, I heard on the news this morning (FW *That's W) that they were considering
doing a tanking test on the Galileo shuttle as well. I may possibly have
misunderstood...it went by at 6:30 just as I was waking up.
Burns
|
| 611.118 | Delayed til November | 15372::LEPAGE | Your oil dollars at work | Tue Sep 18 1990 11:13 | 7 |
| Latest I heard is that the Astro-1 mission will be delayed until
November after the launch of Ulysses. I also heard that the hospitals
around KSC are swamped with Shuttle engineers with concussions and head
injuries; they are really banging their heads against the wall on this one!
Drew
|
| 611.119 | | 19548::YANKES | | Tue Sep 18 1990 11:57 | 14 |
|
Re: .116
Helium is an inert gas, so doesn't form an He(2) molecule. Yes, the
H2 molecule is still lighter than an He atom, however, by two neutrons. (But
the H2 molecule is bigger than an He atom.) If the Shuttle's leak problem(s)
are caused by cracks so small that these tidbits of info make a difference, I
wish NASA all the luck in the world trying to track it/them down.
Too bad they had to postpone the launch. I was up until 1:30am with
our sick/crying 2 month old anyway and was hoping I'd at least see a night
launch out of the deal.
-craig
|
| 611.120 | | 6056::GAUDET | Nothing unreal exists | Tue Sep 18 1990 13:28 | 14 |
| re: .117
CNN's 10:00 p.m. report last night stated that "...there is no reason to believe
that Discovery is suffering from the same leak as Columbia, therefore there are
no plans to perform a tanking test on Discovery" (paraphrased, but the content
is accurate). I'm starting to believe that NASA is suffering from the pains of
the infamous "bandaid" approach to fixing things. Unfortunately, their
trial-and-error experiments are subject to media/public scrutiny all the time,
and that just grinds the old sodium chloride right into them wounds.
CNN also reported that Discovery will definitely fly before Columbia. Of course,
that *was* last night's report!
...Roger...
|
| 611.121 | 5 day delay versus benefit | 2319::SAUTER | John Sauter | Tue Sep 18 1990 15:52 | 5 |
| In his 9PM interview Crippin said that doing the tanking test would
require 5 days of "sequential" time. He needs to balance that delay
against the benefit of finding a problem earlier. If there is a
problem it will be found during the "real" tanking, if not sooner.
John Sauter
|
| 611.122 | Discovery Tanking Test | LANDO::STONE | | Tue Sep 18 1990 16:23 | 3 |
| They better plan on doing the test. Right now, they don't know what
they've got, a hardware problem or a process problem. Right now, I'm
begining to suspect both.
|
| 611.123 | Shuttle Status for 09/18/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Sep 18 1990 18:34 | 46 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, SEPT. 18, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Launch of Columbia was scrubbed last night at about 6:35
p.m. EDT when concentrations of hydrogen in the aft compartment
began climbing. The scrub was called shortly after the tanking
operation of liquid hydrogen transitioned from the "slow-fill" to
the "fast-fill" mode.
The team continued troubleshooting the source of the leak
for the remainder of the evening. Engineers are analyzing the
data collected. The source of the leak has not yet been iden-
tified. Officials are discussing the troubleshooting test results
and will determine a course of action for further testing.
There is a possibility of conducting another tanking test.
The details and date of the test are being discussed.
Today, the residual hydrogen in the external tank is being
boiled off and is expected to be complete late tonight. A purge
of the tank will follow the boiloff.
After the tank has been purged, the power reactant storage
and distribution system storage tanks will be drained of the liq-
uid hydrogen and liquid oxygen reactants.
Access to the aft compartment is expected late tomorrow af-
ternoon. The aft compartment flight doors are scheduled to be
removed tomorrow morning and platforms will be installed for ac-
cess in the aft.
The Rotating Service Structure was moved back around the
vehicle at about 9:15 a.m. this morning. The Orbiter Midbody Um-
bilical Unit is currently being connected to the vehicle in
preparation for offloading the onboard reactants. The payload bay
doors are scheduled to be opened tomorrow.
The STS-35 flight crew departed KSC at 11 a.m. today, bound
for Houston to continue mission training at the Johnson Space
Center.
|
| 611.124 | Tanking tests: armchair shuttle engineer fodder | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Sep 18 1990 18:59 | 37 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Headline News
Internal Communications Branch (POC) NASA HQ
Tuesday, September 18, 1990 Audio Service: 202/755-1788
This is NASA Headline News for Tuesday, September 18, 1990 . . .
The launch of STS-35 has been postponed. The tanking for this
morning's scheduled launch was scrubbed last night when hydrogen
was found to be leaking during the fast fill segment of loading
Columbia's external tank with liquid hydrogen.
Robert Crippen held a briefing for reporters at the Kennedy Space
Center shortly afterwards and explained that the agency's efforts
would now focus on Discovery and getting its Ulysses mission
launch near the beginning of its planetary window on Oct. 5.
Shuttle management and engineering options now include the
consideration of a tanking test for Discovery, and a probable re-
tanking of Columbia with additional cameras mounted in that
shuttle's aft area. Current shuttle engineering thinking holds that
the hydrogen leak problem is unique to Columbia because a number
of its main engine components had to be removed and replaced
during inspections for possible contamination.
In the meantime, the Flight Readiness Review for the STS-41
Ulysses mission is set for Monday and Tuesday of next week, Sept.
24 and 25, at KSC. The freon leak problem aboard Discovery
appears to have stabilized and management has decided to fly-as-is
with the possibility of topping off the freon system just prior to
flight.
|
| 611.125 | Why Not Both | 42399::CHRIS | Capacity! What Capacity ? | Wed Sep 19 1990 06:38 | 4 |
| If they fix this problem fast why cant they fly both missions at the
same time (apart from Lift Off and Landing) ?
Chris
|
| 611.126 | it was asked | 2319::SAUTER | John Sauter | Wed Sep 19 1990 09:30 | 7 |
| re: .125
When that question was asked at the briefing Crippin answered that they
had a "guideline" of 3 weeks minimum separation between flights, and
they had no plans to have two shuttles up at once. In other words, he
didn't answer the question.
John Sauter
|
| 611.127 | Pardon? | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Sep 19 1990 11:14 | 18 |
| That "guideline" has been articulated in the past -- I don't consider it
a dodge.
The 3 week interval was set to review all data from a flight to see if there
are problems that should be corrected during the next flight (hardware/software/
operations/mission techniques).
I'd find it not too incredible to learn that JSC and the communications network
could not handle two shuttles in orbit at the same time.
After the 51-L incident people scrambled all over NASA for launching beyond
safety margins. Now that they appear to be far more cautious, people start
asking why they don't bend their rules.... Are we numb already?
- dave
|
| 611.128 | An Answer | 15372::LEPAGE | Your oil dollars at work | Wed Sep 19 1990 11:22 | 18 |
| Re:.125
If NASA REEEEEEEEEALLY wanted to, they could pull it off. One of
the problems is they don't have enough man power to launch two shuttles
only a few days apart. Another problem is that current safety rules
prohibit work on one shuttle pad during certain points in the
processing and launching of a shuttle on the other pad. Yet another
problem is that mission control just doesn't have the resources to keep
track of two shuttle missions at the same time. There must be
contingency plans somewhere about this however. Originally NASA made
plans so that one Shuttle could rescue the crew of another disabled
Shuttle (of course this was also the time when NASA thought they could
launch a Shuttle a week, Shuttle turn around time would be two weeks,
and the Shuttle could fly 100 missions with minimal maintainance: must
be nice to dream :-) ).
Drew
|
| 611.129 | | 19548::YANKES | | Wed Sep 19 1990 12:16 | 17 |
|
Re: .128
Yeah, if NASA really wanted to, they could pull it off. I hope they
don't try, however. NASA has been sitting on the edge for too long now, and
if they pushed the margins and had a (another) major-league foul-up, they would
be in deep budgetary sneakers. I'd really like to see the Shuttles go up as
much as originally advertised (sheeze, I'd be happy if NASA met even a *single*
year's projection on how many flights they'll get up...), but safety has to
come first.
I hope they do the tanking test of Discovery. All of these last-minute
"oops, another leak..." messages when all the networks have their cameras aimed
at a shuttle sitting on the pad when it "should" be in orbit doesn't do NASA's
PR any good at all.
-craig
|
| 611.130 | Shuttle Status for 09/18/90 [Afternoon] | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Sep 19 1990 14:32 | 51 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, SEPT. 18, 1990 5:30 PM
AFTERNOON STATUS
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Shuttle officials are continuing to analyze the data col-
lected during last night's tanking test.
A small investigation team is being formed to determine the
source of the leak. The team will be lead by Robert Schwinghamer
of Marshall Space Flight Center and will operate from KSC.
Several in-house teams are being formed at KSC to analyze
the data collected from last night's test and previous tanking
tests, and to determine requirements for another tanking test. In
addition, the team will review all work performed on Columbia's
main propulsion system since Columbia's last flight, STS-32.
Launch of Columbia was scrubbed last night at about 6:35
p.m. EDT when concentrations of hydrogen in the aft compartment
began climbing. The scrub was called shortly after the tanking
operation of liquid hydrogen transitioned from the "slow-fill" to
the "fast-fill" mode.
The source of the leak has not yet been pinpointed, however
data collected suggests the engine 2 liquid hydrogen recircula-
tion system is making a contribution to the leakage detected.
Officials are discussing the troubleshooting test results and
will determine a course of action for further testing.
Officials are planning to conduct a liquid hydrogen tanking
test on Columbia using additional instrumentation and television
cameras. Details and the date of the test are being discussed.
At pad 39-A, hydrogen boiloff operations are continuing this
evening. A purge of the tank will follow the boiloff. Later
tonight, the power reactant storage and distribution system
storage tanks will be drained of the liquid hydrogen and liquid
oxygen reactants. Access to the aft compartment is expected late
tomorrow afternoon.
# # # #
PREPARED BY: LISA MALONE
APPROVED: BREWSTER SHAW
|
| 611.131 | rules are not reasons | 2319::SAUTER | John Sauter | Wed Sep 19 1990 14:51 | 7 |
| re: .127
To me, citing a rule without giving the reason for the rule is not
answering the question. I don't disagree with the rule, and if Crippin
had said what is in the later replies I would not have accused him of
failing to answer the question.
John Sauter
|
| 611.132 | | PAXVAX::MAIEWSKI | | Wed Sep 19 1990 15:00 | 8 |
| Flying two missions at once has been done before (Gemini 6 and Gemini 7) but
the purpose of Gemini 7 was limited to endurence and the formation flight was
the main goal of Gemini 6. I'm sure they could do it, the question would be,
why bother? There's plenty of time between flights, it's safer, it doesn't
require that controlers be watching two flights at once, and so on. I can't
think of a single reason to schedule two flights at once.
George
|
| 611.133 | Gemini/Titan II | 15372::LEPAGE | Your oil dollars at work | Wed Sep 19 1990 15:55 | 17 |
| Re:.132
You also have to remember that the Gemini/Titan II was MUCH less
complex than the Space Shuttle. The Titan II was an operational ICBM
and was designed to be as simple and reliable as possible. As a result
it could be quickly erected at the pad, easily fueled well ahead of time
(it used storable propellants rather than the Shuttle's cryogenic
fuel), and tended to have fewer problems. The Gemini spacecraft was a
relatively simple spacecraft with all its major subsystems modularized
(unlike the earlier Mercury and even to a certain extent the later
Apollo and Space Shuttle) so if problems arose somewhere one only had
to replace a simple module. Finally, the interconnections between the
Gemini and Titan II were very simple unlike the plumber's nightmare that
exists in the Space Shuttle stack. These among other reasons made dual
Gemini flights a piece of cake compared to dual Space Shuttle flights.
Drew
|
| 611.134 | | PAXVAX::MAIEWSKI | | Wed Sep 19 1990 18:43 | 5 |
| I don't think that the complexities of the launch are the problem. If I
understand what Cripen said correctly, they seem to be saying that even if a
2nd one was ready to go, they wouldn't launch it with the other one up there.
George
|
| 611.135 | | 19548::YANKES | | Wed Sep 19 1990 18:52 | 6 |
|
Re: .133
So that means we've made progress since the Gemini days? ;-)
-craig
|
| 611.136 | Old Age | 52331::ANDRADE | The sentinel (.)(.) | Thu Sep 20 1990 13:05 | 12 |
| Well when my car starts to break down like this (in series).
I know its time to turn it in for a new model.
The shutlles were never trouble free, but this kind of serial
problems normally only happen at two points in the life time
of a vehicle. During development-shake-down and at a vehicle's
end-of-life.
Could it be that we are seeing shuttle old age. A leak here,
a leak there, a leak everywhere..............................
Gil
|
| 611.137 | Repairs source of leaks? | LEVERS::HUGHES | TANSTAAFL | Thu Sep 20 1990 13:54 | 16 |
| In a Boston Globe article earlier this week it was reported that the
fuel system plumbing on Columbia had to be disassembled to clean out
abrasive grit that had found it's way into the system. They believe
this process may be behind the leaks on Columbia. This is also why
they are more optimistic about Discovery.
The article was quoting Truly I believe, (but my memory is notorious).
The person quoted speculated that the grit was from sandpaper which may
have been left when the launch platform was refurbished. The sandpaper
was somehow "sucked into the system" during fueling.
The article was accompanied by a very impressive photo showing people
working around the base of Columbia. I keep forgetting how BIG the
shuttle is.
Mike Hughes
|
| 611.138 | | 2319::SAUTER | John Sauter | Thu Sep 20 1990 14:52 | 5 |
| re: .137
This sounds like they were quoting Bob Crippin, I recognize the phrase
"sucked into the system" from his news conference.
John Sauter
|
| 611.139 | Columbia has been grounded | 19548::YANKES | | Thu Sep 20 1990 23:45 | 10 |
|
I heard on the news this evening that Columbia has been grounded
indefinitely until the leak problem(s) are fixed. That is perhaps not
a great PR move, but at least it is the lesser of two evils between
pulling it out of service to really fix it versus this continual
last-minute "can't launch due to another leak..."
Fix it, guys. Please.
-craig
|
| 611.140 | More Problems then just getting Columbia off | LANDO::STONE | | Fri Sep 21 1990 09:16 | 7 |
| The implications of these problems are going to be around for a long
time. Look for this to come back to haunt NASA when space station
funding is debated. In addition to the concerns on the amount of EVA
required for station maintenance, the whole station assembly schedule
will be suspect given the number of shuttle flights required and the
amount of true "uptime" or availability the shuttle's have had since
resuming flight.
|
| 611.141 | if it hurts when you do that, don't do that | 5393::PAULHUS | Chris @ MLO6B-2/T13 dtn 223-6871 | Fri Sep 21 1990 12:40 | 10 |
| re. 'grit getting sucked into' the system: I find it hard to believe
that they don't have some sort of temporary *filter* on the inlet of a
grit-sensitive system! If they don't...augggghhhh!
re. EVA's for the space station: simple solution: telepresence/waldos
Man must be able to routinely work in vacuum if he is to go into
space. If routine EVAs are beyond the current technology, either reduce
the requirements for them until the technology catches up, or do it
differently (telepresence/waldos)(I know, the technology here needs
improvement/development too...sigh). - Chris
|
| 611.142 | | STAR::HUGHES | You knew the job was dangerous when you took it Fred. | Fri Sep 21 1990 14:18 | 6 |
| re .-1 (telepresence)
Of course, they cancelled the OMV which was to have been the basis of
an initial 'waldo'.
gary
|
| 611.143 | Shuttle status for 9/19, 9/20 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Sep 21 1990 21:27 | 55 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Wednesday September 19, 1990 11:00 a.m. EDT
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Pad 39-A
The orbiter Columbia's Power Reactant and Storage
Distribution System tanks have been drained of their liquid
hydrogen and liquid oxygen reactants. A purge of the system is
complete and the pad is open for extended scrub turn-around
operations.
Work is currently underway to gain access to the aft
compartment. Aft inspections will be halted later this afternoon
for pad clear operations to off load hypergolics from the shuttle
vehicle OMS/RCS system. This will be followed by vehicle ordnance
disconnect operations.
The payload bay doors are scheduled to be opened shortly
after 12:00 noon today. Payload standdown operations will begin
once the pad is reopened for general work tomorrow morning.
Engineers continue to make preparations for a liquid
hydrogen tanking test on Columbia, however, no specific date has
been established for the exercise.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, SEPT. 20, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Workers gained access to the aft compartment yesterday and
have begun preliminary inspections. Foam will be removed from
around valves, actuators and areas of the recirculation pump
package to allow further inspections and tests.
Details and requirements are being identified for a tanking
test. A definite date for the test has not yet been set.
Propellant tanks for the orbital maneuvering system and
reaction control system will be depressurized tomorrow night.
Ordnance devices were disconnected earlier this morning.
Preparations to remove auxiliary power unit number 2 are
scheduled to begin tonight. This unit will be installed on Atlan-
tis this weekend.
|
| 611.144 | NASA names space shuttle hydrogen leak investigation team | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Sep 21 1990 21:29 | 54 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Ed Campion
Headquarters, Washington, D.C. September 19, 1990
(Phone: 202/453-4164)
RELEASE: 90-127
NASA NAMES SPACE SHUTTLE HYDROGEN LEAK INVESTIGATION TEAM
Robert L. Crippen, Director, Space Shuttle, announced today
he has formed a Hydrogen Leak Investigation Team to locate and
solve the hydrogen leak problem on the orbiter Columbia which
forced the postponement of the STS-35 mission.
Crippen has named Robert Schwinghamer, Deputy Director for
Space Transportation Systems, Science and Engineering Directorate
at the Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., to lead
the team. Other members include:
A. L. Worlund, Deputy Director, Propulsion Laboratory, Marshall
Space Flight Center
Chester Vaughan, Chief, Propulsion and Power Division, Johnson
Space Center, Houston
Warren Wiley, Deputy Director, Vehicle Engineering, Kennedy Space
Center, Fla.
Horace Lamberth, Chief Engineer, Lockheed Space Operations Co.,
Kennedy Space Center
Steve Cavanaugh, Director of Propulsion/Fluid Systems, Space
Systems Division, Rockwell International, Downey, Calif.
Paul F. Seitz, Deputy Chief Program Engineer, Space Shuttle Main
Engine, Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International, Canoga Park,
Calif.
John R. Cool, Manager, Pressurization Systems, Martin Marietta
Manned Space Systems, New Orleans, La.
Dr. Michael Greenfield, Director, Systems Assessment Division,
Office of Safety and Mission Quality, NASA Headquarters,
Washington, D.C.
"The team will be based out of the Kennedy Space Center and
will devote full time to solving this problem," Crippen said.
"They will report directly to me, and I've asked the Space
Shuttle program to provide Mr. Schwinghamer and his team every
available assistance to aid in solving this critical problem."
|
| 611.145 | Shuttle Status for 09/24/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Sep 24 1990 20:57 | 33 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Monday September 24, 1990 11:00 a.m. EDT
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Pad 39-A
The orbiter Columbia's Power Reactant and Storage
Distribution System tanks have been drained of their liquid
hydrogen and liquid oxygen reactants and the mid-body umbilical
is scheduled to be retracted this afternoon. Hydraulic
circulation and sample tests are also scheduled for this
afternoon.
Main propulsion system leak checks will continue throughout
the week. Defoaming of the fuel lines and leak checks in the
orbiter's aft compartment are continuing today. Dry ice will be
used to assist in chilling down the liquid hydrogen lines to
assist in the detection of leak sources. No tanking test is
scheduled for Columbia at pad A. It is more likely one will be
planned for the orbiter once it is transferred to pad B following
the launch of STS-41.
APU number 1 will be removed from the orbiter this afternoon
and transported to the OPF for installation into the orbiter
Atlantis. Ordnance disconnect operations are scheduled for later
this week.
|
| 611.146 | Moved from pad A to pad B?? | 39635::REITH | Jim Reith DTN 291-0072 - PDM1-1/J9 | Tue Sep 25 1990 09:29 | 2 |
| What's the story on the move from Pad A to Pad B mentioned in .145?? Since it's
on Pad A already, why relocate it??
|
| 611.147 | | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Sep 25 1990 11:00 | 5 |
| STS-38 (the DOD mission) apparently needs facilities or the orientation
of Pad A for its launch -- so they have to move Columbia to Pad B to do
testing.
- dave
|
| 611.148 | Shuttle Status for 09/25/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Sep 26 1990 10:36 | 19 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, SEPT. 25, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Leak tests are being conducted on the main propulsion system
valves, actuators and areas of the recirculation pump package to
try to isolate the source of the leak. The KSC team is working
with the tiger team assigned to find the fuel leak.
Details and requirements are being identified for a tanking
test next month. A definite date for the test has not yet been
set.
Technicians removed an auxiliary power unit yesterday. This
unit will be installed on Atlantis this week for the STS-38 mis-
sion.
|
| 611.149 | re: -.1 Equipment Swaps | LANDO::STONE | | Wed Sep 26 1990 13:28 | 10 |
| re:-.1 Editorial comment: APU swaps.
While trying not to become pessimistic during all the leak problems, it
is hard not to become concerned when reading about major subsystem
swaps between the shuttles. It was this kind of equipment sharing that
the Rogers Commission highlighted as contributing to workload,
reliability, and ultimately safety issues. It's hard to get a true
perspective on activities going on within the agency from this and other
media, but the more I've seen and read, the more it seems that there is
plenty of reason for concern.
Moderator may delete at your discretion.
|
| 611.150 | Anyone know why? | 19662::PIPER | Derrell Piper - VMS Security | Wed Sep 26 1990 15:16 | 3 |
| I had the same reaction when I read this article this morning. Does anyone know
why they swapped APUs? Does anyone have a list of all the APU swaps that have
gone on this year? It must be a pretty large list by now...
|
| 611.151 | Now what... | 19548::YANKES | | Wed Sep 26 1990 17:49 | 10 |
|
Re: .148 and .149
Ditto my thoughts. What I'd also like to know is what other items, if
any (and at this point I'd have to assume there are other things swapped until
proven otherwise), are routinely swapped like this.
Aaarrrggg, NASA, sometimes you make it real tough to be a "believer".
-craig
|
| 611.152 | Shuttle Status for 09/26/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Sep 26 1990 18:54 | 21 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Leak tests are continuing on the main propulsion system
valves, actuators and areas of the recirculation pump package to
try to isolate the source of the leak. Nothing has been detected
so far. The KSC team is working with the tiger team assigned to
find the fuel leak. The team is planning to leak test a prevalve
for main engine 2 using dry ice to cool it down. Out of over 200
joints in the main propulsion system, the team has 83 joints that
are possible contributors to the leakage.
Details and requirements are being identified for a tanking
test next month. A definite date for the test has not yet been
set.
|
| 611.153 | | PAXVAX::MAIEWSKI | | Wed Sep 26 1990 19:21 | 13 |
| They don't have any choice regarding swaps. They don't have enough money to
keep the minimum number of spare parts around that would be required for
keeping the shuttles completely separate. And seeing as how they only fly about
10-20% of the time, they can't make a real good argument for getting the funds
necessary for each shuttle to have spares of everything.
One night when I was flipping past C-SPAN I saw Jake Garn give a very
emotional speach in the senate about how dangerous it was for the Shuttles to
share parts. Everyone seemed to agree but the money just wasn't there. And that
was back in 1988 when we were suppose to be in a good economic environment.
It's just a problem that they will have to live with,
George
|
| 611.154 | Do it right, or don't do it, but don't go only part-way and expect miracles. | 19548::YANKES | | Thu Sep 27 1990 11:37 | 14 |
|
Re: .153
> It's just a problem that they will have to live with,
A most definite, emphatic, resounding "NO!!!" to that if the shuttles
are to be relied upon for building and maintaining the space station. I really
wish that Congress would either fund the manned exploration program well enough
to do it "right" or else just zero out that line item and tell NASA to go back
to launching only unmanned exploratory satellites. This "well, we won't fund
it enough but we're going to try to push technology anyway" is a recipe for
yet another disaster.
-craig
|
| 611.155 | Re: .153 Spares Fallicy | LANDO::STONE | | Thu Sep 27 1990 17:19 | 11 |
| re: .153
I have to respectfully disagree with your assessment on a couple of
counts. As a result of the Rogers Commission findings, NASA received
a budget suppliment for SRB redesign, safety systems development (such as
the egress slide), and system spares (which includes propulsion
equipment, computers, and APUs). The second issue I have is if NASA
can't maintain a spares inventory sufficient to keep 3 orbiters flight-
worthy, how are they going to be able to do so when the 4th vehicle
is in service? Let's face it, they've already taken the main fuel
umbilical from Endeavor. I'm not encouraged.
|
| 611.156 | | PAXVAX::MAIEWSKI | | Thu Sep 27 1990 17:40 | 17 |
| Hold fire, there's people down here!!!
I never said that I thought it was a good idea not to have spares. It is,
however, the reality that the Shuttle program was forced to live with through
the borrow, borrow, borrow, spend, spend, spend days of the 80s so the chance
of things changing now, with the economy in a tail spin, are pretty remote.
The Rodgers Commission had lots of good ideas as have various committees
who's job it has been to recommend possibilities for wonderful space programs.
However, when reality checks in there are two things that are pretty clear.
One, we are not about to abandon our manned space program unless there are
several more accidents and two, there is not enough money to "do it right".
Also, if either of those is negotiable, it's the 1st, not the 2nd. Again,
I didn't say it was a wonderful idea, but it does reflect reality.
George
|
| 611.157 | Moderators note: | LEVERS::HUGHES | TANSTAAFL | Fri Sep 28 1990 11:42 | 7 |
| I'd like to keep this note for info on the ASTRO mission. Can I
suggest continuing the discussion in note 644 which discusses NASA
management issues?
Thanks,
Mike H
|
| 611.158 | | 19548::YANKES | | Fri Sep 28 1990 14:55 | 10 |
|
Re: .157
Agreed on moving it, but I just wanted to George that my note was not
directed at him nor do I think you agree with the spares situation. My
frusteration is with the whole way Congress semi-funds the program.
Sorry, George, if you thought I was aiming at you!
-craig
|
| 611.159 | Shuttle Status for 09/28/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Oct 02 1990 09:58 | 22 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, SEPT. 28, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Leak tests are continuing on the main propulsion system
valves, actuators and areas of the recirculation pump package to
try to isolate the source of the leak. All joints have been leak
checked and nothing has been detected so far. The KSC team is
working with the tiger team assigned to find the fuel leak. The
team is planning to leak test a prevalve for main engine 2 using
dry ice to cool it down this weekend.
Details and requirements are being identified for a tanking
test next month. The date for conducting the test is being
evaluated.
|
| 611.160 | Shuttle Status for 10/02/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Oct 02 1990 18:10 | 24 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, OCT. 2, 1990 10 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Leak tests are continuing on the main propulsion system
valves, actuators and areas of the recirculation pump package to
try to isolate the source of the leak. The KSC team is working
with a team of specialists assigned to find the fuel leak.
This week, baggies will be installed over certain joints and
the main propulsion system will be pressurized with gaseous
helium. Any leakage will be monitored.
Columbia is scheduled to be moved to Launch Pad 39-B Monday,
Oct. 8 with first motion at 4 a.m. Details and requirements are
being identified for a tanking test to be conducted after the
STS-41 launch.
|
| 611.161 | Shuttle Status for 10/03/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Oct 04 1990 11:15 | 28 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3, 1990 11 AM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Leak tests are continuing on the main propulsion system
valves, actuators and areas of the recirculation pump package to
try to isolate the source of the leak. The KSC team is working
with a team of specialists assigned to find the fuel leak.
This week, baggies will be installed over 23 joints and the
main propulsion system will be pressurized with gaseous helium.
Any leakage will be monitored.
Columbia is scheduled to be moved to Launch Pad 39-B Monday,
Oct. 8, with first motion at 4 a.m. Details and requirements are
being identified for a tanking test. Fit checks of television
cameras and plexiglass doors for the aft compartment are
scheduled today. These fit checks are in preparation for the
tanking test.
|
| 611.162 | Shuttle Status for 10/05/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Oct 09 1990 14:05 | 19 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, OCT. 5, 1990 10 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Technicians are continuing to install special baggies on
various joints and valves in the main propulsion system. This
weekend, the system will be pressurized with gaseous helium. Any
leakage will be monitored.
Columbia is scheduled to be moved to Launch Pad 39-B Monday,
Oct. 8, with first motion at 4 a.m. Details and requirements are
being identified for a tanking test.
|
| 611.163 | Shuttle Status for 10/09/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Oct 09 1990 18:10 | 36 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, OCT. 9, 1990 11 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
Columbia is being transferred back to the Vehicle Assembly
Building this morning because of adverse weather from Tropical
Storm Klaus off the coast of Florida. Blustery winds and rain-
showers are predicted in the KSC area for the next few days. Cur-
rently winds are peaking at about 33 knots. Over the next few
days, winds are forecast to be gusting to 40 knots.
While in the VAB, further work will be performed on the main
propulsion system including the replacement of engine cover
seals, a flex hose and associated leak and torque checks.
Columbia was moved to Launch Pad 39-B yesterday, with first
motion at 6:38 a.m. The vehicle arrived at Pad B about 1:45 p.m.
At the time of the move yesterday, weather conditions were not
forecast to be bad enough to warrant a move back to the VAB.
Roll out to launch pad 39-B is tentatively scheduled for no
earlier than 12:01 a.m. Friday. The date for a tanking test is
still being evaluated.
Baggies were installed on various joints and valves in the
main propulsion system and the system was pressurized with
gaseous helium Saturday. No leakage was detected.
|
| 611.164 | Shuttle Status for 10/10/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Oct 11 1990 10:15 | 33 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10, 1990 10:30 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - VAB
Columbia was transferred back to the Vehicle Assembly Build-
ing yesterday because of adverse weather from Tropical Storm
Klaus off the coast of Florida. The vehicle was in the VAB by
about 8 p.m. and was hard down in the VAB around 9:30 p.m. Trans-
fer operations took about two hours longer than expected because
of minor mechanical problems with the crawler transporter.
Blustery winds and rainshowers are predicted in the KSC area
for the next few days. There is a high probability that more
productive work could be accomplished while in the VAB.
While in the VAB, work will be performed on the main propul-
sion system including the replacement of engine cover seals, a
flex hose and associated leak and torque checks. In addition,
workers will begin configuring the aft compartment for a tanking
test at the launch pad. The date for a tanking test is still
being evaluated.
Roll out to launch pad 39-B is currently scheduled for no
earlier than 4 a.m. a.m. Monday, Oct. 15.
|
| 611.165 | Shuttle Status for 10/12/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Oct 13 1990 12:18 | 19 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, OCT. 12, 1990 11:30 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - VAB
Work on the main propulsion system is continuing today in-
cluding the replacement of all 6 engine cover seals for the liq-
uid hydrogen system, a flex hose and associated leak and torque
checks. One of the cover seals for the engine 2 prevalve was
found to be crimped similar to the last seal found on engine 3.
The date for a tanking test is still being evaluated.
Roll out to launch pad 39-B is currently scheduled for 9
p.m. Saturday. The Broad Band X-Ray Telescope will be serviced
with argon Monday morning.
|
| 611.166 | Shuttle Status for 10/23/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Oct 25 1990 10:00 | 24 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, OCT. 23, 1990 11:30 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
Foaming operations are continuing on the main propulsion
system in preparation for the tanking test on Oct. 29. Baggies
and instrumentation will be installed later this week. Fit checks
of the two special aft compartment doors made of a plexiglass
type material is scheduled today. These doors were made to allow
visibility into the aft during tanking operations.
A health maintenance test of the Astro payload began yester-
day and is scheduled to be completed by this afternoon.
Drying of the forward reaction control system thrusters and
functional testing of the waste containment system are underway.
|
| 611.167 | Shuttle Status for 10/24/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Oct 29 1990 10:16 | 25 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24, 1990 10 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
Foaming operations on the main propulsion system are about
75-80 percent complete in preparation for the tanking test tar-
geted for Oct. 29. Baggies and instrumentation will be installed
later this week. Fit checks of the two special aft compartment
doors made of plexiglass type material are planned today. These
doors were made to allow visibility into the aft during tanking
operations.
A health maintenance test of the Astro payload was completed
yesterday afternoon.
Drying of the forward reaction control system thrusters and
functional testing of the waste containment system are continu-
ing.
|
| 611.168 | Shuttle Status for 10/26/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Oct 29 1990 10:18 | 34 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Friday October 26, 1990 11:00 a.m. EDT
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Pad 39-B
Foaming operations in the aft compartment have been
completed as workers make last minute preparations to ready the
Shuttle for the special tanking test early next week. The
schedule indicates the test of the liquid hydrogen lines on
Columbia will occur Tuesday, Oct. 30, with a slight possibility
that the test may slip a day, depending on work to be performed
this weekend.
Today crews will install special cameras in the aft
compartment for the tanking test. The cameras will allow
engineers an opportunity to view the compartment where the liquid
hydrogen lines are located and hopefully help isolate the exact
location of the leaks. The two special aft compartment doors made
of Lexan, a clear plexiglass-like material, have been installed.
Final baggy leak checks will take place Monday.
Payload servicing has been completed and the payload bay
doors will be closed late this afternoon.
|
| 611.169 | Yeah! Another leak plugged | 19458::FISHER | I like my species the way it is" "A narrow view... | Tue Oct 30 1990 18:48 | 6 |
| From the radio news today: This tanking test was also successful, and
Columbia is back on flight status. I presume they will have a flight
readiness review soon and announce the launch date in December.
Burns
|
| 611.170 | Columbia passes leak test | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Oct 31 1990 10:39 | 83 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Date: 30 Oct 90 21:11:27 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The shuttle Columbia passed a critical
fueling test Tuesday without springing any leaks, putting the orbiter
back in service and clearing the way for a December launch try, the
ship's fifth since May.
``We are elated by today's successful test,'' said Columbia skipper
Vance Brand. ``We look forward to flying a tight bird, hopefully in
early December.''
Earlier in the day, NASA managers formally cleared the repaired
shuttle Atlantis for blastoff Nov. 9 on a military mission and with no
more leaks reported aboard Columbia, the agency's three-shuttle fleet
appeared to be back on flight status for the first time spring.
Given a disappointing summer of setbacks and repeated delays, fixing
Columbia was a top priority for NASA, which has endured months of
criticism over the $1.5 billion Hubble Space Telescope and a variety of
other problems.
``We ended up with a tight ship and as far as we're concerned right
now the Columbia's ready to go fly as soon as we put it through its
final launch preps,'' said shuttle program manager Robert Crippen.
Added launch director Robert Sieck: ``There was a sense of victory
that this (test) was behind us.''
With 10 television cameras and 17 special sensors mounted in
Columbia's cramped engine room to spot out any leaks that might develop,
technicians began pumping supercold liquid hydrogen through the
shuttle's aft compartment and into its external tank shortly before
12:30 p.m. EST.
A few minutes later, high-speed fueling operations commenced. It was
at that point the night before a planned May 30 liftoff that explosive
hydrogen gas began building up near a massive 17-inch-wide fitting where
fuel lines from the external tank enter the belly of the orbiter.
That leak later was fixed but two launch attempts in September ended
in failure because of separate leaks inside Columbia's engine
compartment. Engineers now believe the engine room leakage was present
in May but that it was masked by a leak involving the ship's 17-inch-
wide ``disconnect'' fitting.
In any case, no problems were detected Tuesday, much to the relief of
NASA engineers and technicians who had replaced two suspect fuel valve
seals and tightened virtually every fitting in the engine compartment
that could have contributed to the leakage.
``Our leakage external to the orbiter was essentially zero,'' Sieck
said. ``And inside the aft fuselage the total calculated leakage was
between 100 and 150 parts per million, well within specifications (of
600 parts per million).
``Now we can start thinking about a launch date for Columbia,'' he
said.
An official launch date will not be set until later, but an internal
NASA guideline requires three weeks between missions. If Atlantis gets
off on time, Columbia could be ready for takeoff on a 10-day astronomy
mission by the end of the month or the first few days in December, six
months behind schedule.
William Lenoir, chief of NASA's manned space program, wrapped up a
two-day flight readiness review Tuesday by formally clearing Atlantis
for launch Nov. 9 to ferry a secret military satellite into orbit.
Details about the 37th shuttle flight are secret, but sources
requesting anonymity said Atlantis and its five-man crew are scheduled
for takeoff around 6:47 p.m. Nov. 9 and that landing at Edwards Air
Force Base, Calif., is planned for around 3:42 p.m. PST on Nov. 13.
The goal of the flight also is classified, but Atlantis's crew
reportedly will deploy a reconnaissance satellite that may be used to
monitor conditions in the Persian Gulf.
Like Columbia, Atlantis was grounded in June by a hydrogen leak
involving damaged seals inside the ship's 17-inch disconnect fitting.
The suspect hardware was replaced and Atlantis successfully passed a
fueling test last week to set the stage for launch.
Columbia's problems were more difficult to resolve.
After the ship's second September launch delay, its fourth in as many
months, NASA managers formally grounded Columbia and set up a special
team of engineers to pinpoint the source of the leak once and for all.
Two partially crushed fuel line valve seals were found and replaced
and dozens of fittings and fuel line connectors were tightened before
Tuesday's test.
In the most elaborate leak hunt to date, NASA installed a battery of
sensors inside Columbia's engine compartment and surrounded every major
fuel line joint with plastic bags to help technicians isolate the source
of any leak that might develop.
In addition, special see-through plastic panels replaced the doors
leading into the aft section of the shuttle so cameras could peer
inside. Engineers could not monitor the test in person because the
engine compartment is flooded with inert nitrogen gas during fueling to
minimize the chance for a fire.
|
| 611.171 | Shuttle Status for 11/05/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Nov 06 1990 18:28 | 25 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, NOV. 5, 1990 11 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
A helium signature leak test of the liquid oxygen side of
the main propulsion system is scheduled today. The tanking test
exonerated any leaks within the liquid hydrogen side of the sys-
tem.
Flow checks of the aft reaction control system are underway
today. Work is continuing to restore the aft compartment back to
the normal launch configuration. Friday, the Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope was serviced with argon.
Columbia and the Astro payload are being prepared for launch
on Mission STS-35.
|
| 611.172 | Shuttle Status for 11/06/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Nov 06 1990 18:30 | 25 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, NOV. 6, 1990 10 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
Auxiliary power unit number 1 will be replaced today and a
hot fire is planned next week. Installation of APU water valves
is scheduled today. A helium signature leak test of the liquid
oxygen side of the main propulsion system was completed yester-
day.
Flow checks of the aft reaction control system have been
completed. Work is continuing to restore the aft compartment back
to the normal launch configuration.
Columbia and the Astro payload are being prepared for launch
on Mission STS-35.
|
| 611.173 | Shuttle Status for 11/09/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Nov 10 1990 12:54 | 29 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, NOV. 9, 1990 10 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
The Broad Band X-Ray Telescope was serviced with argon yes-
terday and the payload bay doors were closed.
The orbiter's hydraulic system is being conditioned for the
engine flight readiness test tomorrow. This is a thorough test of
the engines' electrical systems and valves.
A hot fire of auxiliary power unit number 1 is planned Mon-
day. Today, technicians will service the APUs with lube oil. APU
water valves have been installed and functional tests have been
completed.
Columbia and the Astro payload are being prepared for launch
on Mission STS-35. A launch date will be set at the Flight Readi-
ness Review scheduled for Nov. 26-27.
|
| 611.174 | Payload Summary for 11/08/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Nov 10 1990 13:02 | 29 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
STS-35/ASTRO-1 STATUS REPORT
PREPARED AT NOON THURSDAY, NOV. 8
Patricia E. Phillips
407/867-2468
Kennedy Space Center, FL
During routine operations yesterday in the payload changeout
room at Launch Pad 39B, an aluminum pan beneath an access plat-
form nicked a thermal blanket covering part of the Astro-1 Star
Tracker. The area of impact on the blanket measured about l/4
inch long by l/8 inch wide, with the depth termed "barely
perceptible." At present, no impact is seen on Columbia's upcom-
ing flight.
The Broad Band X-Ray Telescope is being serviced today with
liquid argon. Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope film removal has been
accomplished. New film will be loaded prior to launch. Routine
payload monitoring will continue.
Other preflight work scheduled includes loading the mass
memory unit (MMU) with new mission data, plus experiment
closeouts, pallet cleaning, and BBXRT servicing.
|
| 611.175 | Shuttle Status for 11/16/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Nov 17 1990 10:04 | 21 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Date: 17-Nov-1990
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, NOV. 16, 1990 10 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
A leaking quick disconnect for main engine 1 is being re-
placed today. A flight readiness test on that engine to retest
the disconnect is planned tomorrow. Hydraulic fluid is being con-
ditioned in preparation for the test which cycles engine valves.
The first part of ordnance operations is planned Sunday. The
pad will be cleared during this operation. The two contingency
space suits are scheduled to be installed in the air lock early
next week. Pad B was cleared most of yesterday for the STS-38
launch.
Columbia and the Astro payload are being prepared for launch
on Mission STS-35. A launch date will be set at the Flight Readi-
ness Review scheduled for Nov. 27.
|
| 611.176 | Shuttle Status Report - 11/21/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sun Nov 25 1990 01:58 | 26 |
| From: NASA
Organization: NASA
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Wednesday November 21, 1990 11:00 a.m. EST
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Pad 39-B
Preparations for launch of the shuttle Columbia will begin
winding down today to allow work crews time off for the
Thanksgiving Holidays. Work will resume at pad 39-B Saturday.
Today, the external tank purges have been completed and the
mass memory units are in the final stages of being loaded for
flight on the orbiter. Access platform will be removed from the
payload bay and the doors closed today for the holidays.
A target launch date for mission STS-35 is scheduled to be
announced following the Flight Readiness Review on Nov. 27.
|
| 611.177 | Shuttle Status - 10/26/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Nov 27 1990 23:22 | 34 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
Monday November 26, 1990 10:00 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Pad 39-B
Work continued over the weekend on the shuttle Columbia for
mission STS-35. A scheduled replacement of an APU gaseous
nitrogen line quick disconnect was completed on Saturday. Sunday,
the pad was closed for ordnance operations. Today, technicians
will begin operations to pressurize the hypergolic tanks in the
OMS pods. Work in the aft compartment will continue once the pad
is open after completion of hypergolic operations today. Aft
operations are scheduled to be completed Wednesday.
The payload bay doors will be opened later this evening and
final servicing of the BBXRT payload is scheduled for Wednesday.
A target launch date for mission STS-35 and the ASTRO-1
observatory is expected to be announced following the Delta
Flight Readiness Review. The FRR is scheduled to begin at 8:00
a.m. tomorrow in the Operations and Checkout Building's mission
briefing room.
|
| 611.178 | Shuttle Status - 11/27/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Nov 27 1990 23:24 | 37 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
Tuesday November 27, 1990 10:00 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Pad 39-B
Mission managers are meeting today at Kennedy Space Center
for the Flight Readiness Review for Space Shuttle mission STS-35
and the ASTRO-1 observatory. Following the meeting, an
announcement is expected targeting a specific date for the launch
of Columbia.
At pad B, countdown preparations continue today. The OMS/RCS
hypergolic pressurization operations have been completed with the
maneuvering systems now in the stabilization posture. The onboard
cryogenic PRSD tanks were purged this morning. Following PRSD
operations, work to close out the aft engine compartment began.
The aft doors are scheduled to be installed in their flight
configuration Wednesday.
The payload bay doors on Columbia were opened this morning
and access to the BBXRT payload is in work today. Final argon
servicing of the X-ray telescope is slated to occur Thursday,
followed by closeout of the payload bay and final door closure.
|
| 611.179 | STS-35 Launch Date Announced | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Nov 27 1990 23:26 | 21 |
| 11/27/90: LAUNCH ADVISORY: STS-35 LAUNCH DATE ANNOUNCED
NASA managers today announced Dec. 2, 1990, as the
launch date for Shuttle Mission STS-35 which will involve Space
Shuttle Columbia carrying the Astro-1 payload. The launch window
on Dec. 2 extends from 1:28 a.m. EST to 3:58 EST.
The launch date announcement follows completion of the Flight
Readiness Review held today at Kennedy Space Center during which
all Shuttle support elements stated they were ready to proceed
with the launch of Columbia and the STS-35 mission.
"The Shuttle team has worked very hard to get Columbia ready
to fly," said Space Shuttle Director Robert Crippen. "With the
hydrogen leak resolved, we are ready to end the year with the
ASTRO-1 mission which will extend our knowledge of the universe".
Coverage of the STS-35 mission will be carried on NASA
Select, Satcom F2R, Transponder 13, C-band located at 72
degrees west longitude, frequency 3960.0 Mhz, vertical
polarization, audio monaural 6.8 MHz.
|
| 611.180 | Galileo observations possible? | 30086::REITH | Jim Reith DTN 226-6102 - LTN2-1/F02 | Wed Nov 28 1990 07:32 | 4 |
| This should be interesting. I wonder what scientific observations of
the Galileo/Earth encounter they'll be able to make if they are in
orbit on the 8th? It will give them an extra bonus if they aren't too
tired from the round the clock Astro coverage.
|
| 611.181 | Updated STS-35 Press Kit available | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Nov 28 1990 13:25 | 12 |
| NASA has released a revised STS-35 Press Kit (the original was back in May).
The revisions are not all the extensive, the prelaunch processing text
discusses the leaks, etc.
This updated press kit, along with other NASA press kits is available from:
Pragma::public:[nasa]sts-35.ps
The file "0HELLO." in that directory provides a quick overview of the files
available in the public:[nasa] area.
- dave
|
| 611.182 | ASTRO-1 mission ready for launch on December 2 | ADVAX::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Wed Nov 28 1990 14:57 | 206 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Subject: ASTRO-1 Ready for December launch
Date: 25 Nov 90 00:03:45 GMT
_ _C_o_l_u_m_b_i_a_ _r_e_a_d_y_ _f_o_r_ _l_a_u_n_c_h
_ _U_P_I_ _S_c_i_e_n_c_e
_
_ _L_e_a_k_-_f_r_e_e_ _s_h_u_t_t_l_e_ _C_o_l_u_m_b_i_a
_
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The shuttle Columbia, grounded for six
months by crippling fuel leaks, is poised for a fifth launch try Dec. 2
to kick off a 10-day astronomy mission just 11 days after the shuttle
Atlantis's return to Earth.
NASA managers planned to set an official target date and time after a
flight readiness review Tuesday, but if all goes well, engineers at the
Kennedy Space Center will begin Columbia's countdown at midnight EST
Wednesday, setting the stage for a sky-lighting predawn liftoff next
Sunday.
At the controls will be commander Vance Brand, 59, and co-pilot Guy
Gardner, 42. Their crewmates are John ``Mike'' Lounge, 44, Robert
Parker, 53, Jeffrey Hoffman, 46, and civilian astronomers Ronald Parise,
39, and Samuel Durrance, 47.
Mounted in the shuttle's 60-foot-long cargo bay are four
sophisticated telescopes sensitive to X-rays and ultraviolet light that
cannot penetrate Earth's atmosphere.
Unlike the $1.5 billion Hubble Space Telescope, Columbia's ``Astro 1''
instruments will remain in the shuttle's cargo bay throughout the
flight, operated by the astronauts from the ship's crew cabin much like
a normal observatory.
Data from the 38th shuttle mission will enable astronomers back on
Earth to gain insights into the nature of quasars, as-yet-unseen black
holes, supernovae, interstellar gas and dust, stellar evolution and
other critical questions in modern astronomy, extending humanity's sight
beyond the blue end of the visible-light spectrum.
``Objects tend to give off light in all wavelengths, or colors,''
said NASA astronomer Edward Weiler. ``The hotter the object, the more
the energy will come out in the X-ray or gamma ray (region of the
spectrum). The cooler the object, the more it will come out in the
visible or infrared.
``So we need to study things across the color spectrum just as a
doctor has to study a human being with many, many different instruments.''
The Astro 1 mission has had one of the rockiest roads to orbit of any
flight in the history of the shuttle program.
Launch originally was scheduled for March 6, 1986, but just six weeks
before liftoff, the shuttle Challenger exploded, grounding America's
manned space program.
The Astro 1 mission ultimately was rescheduled for launch May 30, but
during fuel loading the night before, sensors detected explosive
hydrogen gas spewing into the shuttle's engine room. Once again, the
flight was put on hold.
Engineers initially suspected the problem was limited to a 17-inch-
wide connector where fuel lines from the shuttle's external tank enter
the belly of the orbiter. Sure enough, when the fitting was removed
technicians found damaged seals around rods used to open and close a
valve inside the connector.
The ``17-inch disconnect'' fitting was replaced and, after a delay
because of problems with one of the on-board telescopes, launch was
rescheduled for Sept. 6. But during fuel loading, hydrogen gas once
again was detected in Columbia's engine room.
Technicians replaced a damaged engine valve seal and made another
attempt to fuel the ship for a Sept. 18 launch try, Columbia's fourth in
as many months. And once again, the shuttle leaked.
This time, NASA grounded Columbia and ordered an intensive
investigation to solve the problem once and for all. Yet another damaged
seal was replaced and virtually every fitting and connector in the
engine room was tested and tightened to ensure a leak-free system.
The work apparently paid off because Columbia passed a fueling test
last month without springing any more leaks. The ship then was declared
ready for a fifth launch try.
To collect as much data as possible, Columbia's astronauts plan to
work in two 12-hour shifts throughout the flight with Brand, Gardner and
Lounge responsible for keeping the shuttle shipshape and pointed in the
right direction.
The Astro observatory will be operated by astronauts Parker and
Hoffman, along with their civilian colleagues, Parise and Durrance. All
four hold doctorates in astronomy.
Parise and Durrance are the first non-professional astronauts to fly
on the shuttle since satellite engineer Gregory Jarvis and New Hampshire
school teacher Christa McAuliffe blasted off aboard Challenger Jan. 28,
1986, for what turned out to be its final voyage.
Like Challenger, NASA's oldest shuttle will be making its 10th flight
and at 59, Brand, veteran of three previous space missions, will become
the oldest person to fly in space and only the sixth to blast off four
times. Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov has flown five times and
astronaut John Young, six.
Along with turning Columbia into an operational observatory, the
shuttle fliers also plan to participate in a NASA educational pilot
program, teaching an astronomy lesson from space that will be beamed
into middle school classrooms back on Earth.
And throughout the flight, the astronauts plan to operate an amateur
radio station, allowing ``hams'' on Earth to contact the shuttle as it
flies overhead.
But the clear goal of the year's sixth shuttle mission is to push
back the frontiers of astronomy.
------
The three ultraviolet telescopes aboard Columbia, along with star
trackers and associated electronic gear, are mounted together on a high-
tech European-built instrument pointing system, or IPS, that can keep
the instruments locked onto their targets as the shuttle sails through
space at more than 17,000 mph.
The X-ray telescope is mounted in a less complicated two-axis cradle
on a pallet behind the IPS.
``The three ultraviolet telescopes we have are generally co-pointed
at the same target all the time,'' Parise said. ``So we're sort of
unique in that we can make several types of observations simultaneously
of the same target, which is something most other instruments can't do.''
Unlike the ultraviolet telescopes, which will be operated by the
shuttle crew, the X-ray telescope will be guided by remote control from
the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. Other Astro science
operations will be controlled from the Marshall Space Flight Center in
Huntsville, Ala.
Brand, Gardner and Lounge will fire Columbia's rockets some
240 times during the mission to aim the Astro telescopes at more than
200 astronomical targets.
The Hubble Space Telescope was launched to study the Universe
primarily in visible light, that is, electromagnetic radiation with
wavelengths that are detectable by the human eye as a spectrum of color
running from blue to green to yellow to red.
But stars, galaxies, quasars, supernovae and other astronomical
targets shine in a variety of wavelengths the human eye cannot detect
and studying the Universe in visible light alone would be like trying to
appreciate a symphony without being able to hear all the instruments.
The shorter the wavelength, the more energetic the radiation -- blue
stars are hotter than red stars, for example -- and in order of
decreasing energy, the electromagnetic spectrum runs in a smooth
continuum from gamma rays to X-rays to the ultraviolet, visible light,
infrared and then radio waves.
When heated, elements radiate energy in a specific set of
wavelengths, a sort of spectral fingerprint. By studying all types of
electromagnetic radiation, scientists can gain insights into the
elements involved and the chemical, physical and nuclear processes at
work in objects -- like stars -- that are far removed from the observer.
The problem for astronomers is that ultraviolet and X-ray radiation
from deep space does not penetrate Earth's atmosphere and for years, the
only way to study such ``light'' was to launch small telescopes aboard
sub-orbital sounding rockets for brief forays above the atmosphere.
A typical sounding rocket flight might generate five minutes or so of
data on one or two targets. But each of the Astro instruments aboard
Columbia is expected to collect more than 80 hours of such data, opening
a new window on the Universe.
``It's fair to say in the history of humanity, we've only spent about
one hour ... on the ultraviolet sky taking photographs,'' Weiler said.
``The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope will do unique science, it will take
probably more than 100 hours of (pictures of) the ultraviolet sky over a
wide angle.''
Data from the astro mission promises to push back the frontiers of
modern astronomy, perhaps shedding light on the nature of the most
energetic objects in the Universe.
Black holes, for example, are thought to be the collapsed remnants of
massive stars that are invisible by definition, that is, gravity in the
region of a black hole is so intense not even light can escape. Giant
black holes may be the energy sources for enigmatic quasars at the edge
of the known Universe.
Gas and dust sucked into a black hole would be accelerated to extreme
velocities and colliding particles would release X-rays visible to the
Astro 1 X-ray telescope. By studying such X-rays, scientists may be able
to prove the existence of black holes and learn more about the nature of
quasars.
Likewise, studying the ultraviolet Universe promises an equally
important scientific return by shedding new insights on stellar
evolution, galaxy formation and the composition and abundance of dust
and debris between the stars.
_a_d_v_ _s_u_n_d_a_y_ _n_o_v_ _2_5_ _o_r_ _t_h_e_r_e_a_f_t_e_r
|
| 611.183 | Shuttle Status - 11/28/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Nov 29 1990 18:46 | 29 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, NOV. 28, 1990 11 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
Launch preparations are underway for the STS-35 mission. The
countdown is scheduled to begin at the T-43 hour mark at 1 a.m.
tomorrow. Liftoff is planned for 1:28 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2.
Today, the aft compartment will be closed out for flight.
The power reactant storage and distribution system tanks have
been purged in preparation for propellant loading operations
scheduled Friday.
The seven member flight crew is scheduled to arrive at KSC
at 11:30 p.m. tomorrow. Commander Vance Brand and Pilot Guy
Gardner will fly in Shuttle Training Aircraft several hours after
their arrival.
Weather forecasts for launch time on Sunday indicate there
is a 70 percent chance that conditions will be within the launch
commit criteria. Scattered clouds are forecast at various levels.
Winds are predicted to be out of the northeast at 10-16 knots.
|
| 611.184 | Shuttle Status - 11/29/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Nov 29 1990 18:53 | 46 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, NOV. 29, 1990 11 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
The STS-35 launch countdown began on time this morning at 1
a.m. at the T-43 hour mark. Liftoff is planned for 1:28 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 2. Columbia's aft compartment was closed out for
flight at 2:50 a.m. this morning.
Launch team members have verified flight software stored in
the orbiter's computers and are conducting routine checks of the
main engine controllers. Later this afternoon, the orbiter's
navigation aids will be turned on and tested.
The Broad Band X-Ray Telescope was serviced with argon this
morning. Argon freezing operations are underway today and will be
complete later this afternoon. Payload closeouts are underway and
the doors are scheduled be closed for flight at midnight tonight.
Preparations are underway for loading liquid oxygen and liq-
uid hydrogen reactants into the orbiter's power reactant storage
and distribution system tanks. This activity is planned for
tomorrow morning beginning at the T-27 hour mark.
Tanking operations to load the external tank with liquid
oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants are set to begin at 5:08
p.m. Saturday.
The seven member flight crew is scheduled to arrive at KSC
at 11:30 p.m. tonight. Commander Vance Brand and Pilot Guy
Gardner will fly in Shuttle Training Aircraft several hours after
their arrival.
Weather forecasts for launch time on Sunday indicate there
is a 70 percent chance that conditions will be within the launch
commit criteria. Scattered clouds are forecast at various levels.
Winds are predicted to be out of the east to northeast at 10-16
knots.
|
| 611.185 | NASA Select Schedule available | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Nov 29 1990 19:13 | 11 |
| For those few lucky folks out there that get NASA Select (and I wish I was
one of them), the STS-35 schedule can be obtained from:
Pragma::Public:[NASA]STS-35.NASA_Select
Because the file is quite large (and somewhat narrow in audience), I decided
not to post it here.
- dave
|
| 611.186 | Educating children about astronomy with ASTRO-1 | ADVAX::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Fri Nov 30 1990 12:42 | 53 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space
Subject: Astro-1 and "Space Classroom" featured in education conference
Date: 29 Nov 90 22:30:54 GMT
Sender: [email protected] (USENET Administration)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Terri Sindelar
Headquarters, Washington, D.C. November 23, 1990
(Phone: 202/453-8400)
EDITORS NOTE N90-94
ASTRO-1 AND "SPACE CLASSROOM" FEATURED IN EDUCATION CONFERENCE
NASA's Educational Affairs Division will transmit via
satellite an educational video conference on Nov. 27 to discuss
the Astro-1 mission and the first live lesson to be taught from
space. "Space Classroom, Assignment: The Stars" will capitalize
on the early-December flight of Astro-1, a Space Shuttle
astronomy mission.
Dr. Ted Gull, Astro Mission Scientist, Goddard Space Flight
Center, Greenbelt, Md., will discuss the Astro-1 mission and
science objectives from the Payload Operations Control Center,
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. Also, a 6-minute,
pre-taped message by Mission Specialist Jeff Hoffman will be shown.
In addition, Karen Widenhofer, an educator, and Pam Bacon,
Education Programs Manager at NASA Headquarters, will discuss the
various educational components of "Space Classroom" during the
broadcast.
"Space Classroom" is designed to use the excitement of space
exploration to spark the interest of middle school students,
encouraging them to pursue studies in math, science and
technology. It will offer educators an alternative approach to
teaching about the electromagnetic spectrum - a fundamental
aspect of physics that is required instruction in many classrooms
in the United States.
More than 30,000 educators in 50 states are expected to
participate in this broadcast. These 1-1/2 hour, interactive
video conferences are designed to update teachers on NASA
programs, demonstrate aerospace activities for the classroom and
announce new programs, products and activities available to
classroom teachers. Participating school districts will receive
transmissions from 2:30 to 4 p.m. EST.
The Nov. 27 conference, which is the second in a series of
four, will be transmitted on Westar IV, channel 19. There is no
charge for registration or participation in the video conference.
|
| 611.187 | Current status of STS-35 Astro/Columbia | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 03 1990 12:58 | 26 |
| From: [email protected] (Greg Hennessy)
Date: 3 Dec 90 03:52:42 GMT
Organization: University of Virginia
HUT (Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope) achieved first light on the star
Beta Dor (HD37350). UIT is working fine, awaiting an observation of
the bright earth. This is for calibration and flat fielding. Until
this is done, UIT will not be able to take images of scientific
accurate calibration. BBXRT is having minor problems with alignment,
and a second attempt at alighment will be done in the next few hours.
WUPPE is having problems with its computer in talking to the shuttle.
The loss of one of the two Data Display Units (DDU) means that only
one instrument can be worked on at a time. There is another way to
wire the DDU, so it may be possible to resurrect this unit, but the
crew reportedly smelled a burning smell when it failed. Untill the
second DDU is fixed, wuppe can only be troubleshot when it is
scheduled as primary observer. This can mean a significant data loss
for wuppe if the second DDU is not fixed. Once telescope activation is
finished (it is runing behind schedule), the next shift's of
observations include VELA X-1, LMC X-2, SS Cygny, M82, M100, Capella, and
the VELA Super Nova Remnant.
--
-Greg Hennessy, University of Virginia
USPS Mail: Astronomy Department, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2475 USA
Internet: [email protected]
UUCP: ...!uunet!virginia!gsh7w
|
| 611.188 | Payload Team Ready | 58453::SKLEIN | Nulli Secundus | Mon Dec 03 1990 13:14 | 93 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Subject: STS-35 payload team ready for Dec. 2 launch of Astro-1
Date: 2 Dec 90 11:57:26 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
[And as you've already heard, Columbia has been launched. Didn't get this
release until after the fact. -PEY]
Patricia E. Phillips Dec. 1, 1990
407-867-2468
KSC Release No. 194-90
STS-35 PAYLOAD TEAM READY FOR DEC. 2 LAUNCH OF ASTRO-1
As the Kennedy Space Center launch team continues to count
down toward the launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia at 1:28 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 2, another team continues its own countdown toward a
history-making launch of a unique orbiting astronomy.
This countdown has been measured in years as well as months,
weeks, and, now, finally, hours, minutes, and seconds. In its
path to the stars, ASTRO-1 and its payload processing team, as
well as astronomers, scientists, and managers, have marked off
milestone after milestone to the specialized flight.
ASTRO-1 will make history for many reasons. It is the first
payload dedicated to a single scientific discipline,
astrophysics. It carries four unique, yet complementary, tele-
scopes that can capture the story of the universe, from the death
of the Vela supernova about 30,000 years ago to the galactic
"nursery" in the spiral arms Galaxy M83. Studies of white dwarf
stars, binary stars, Centaurus A, and X-ray binary stars, among
others, have led scientists to expect "major discoveries," ac-
cording to Dr. Lennard Fisk, Associate Adminstrator for Space
Science and Applications at NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Fisk has also pointed out that the mission also signals the
resumption of Spacelab flights, since ASTRO-1 uses two Spacelab
pallets, an instrument pointing system (IPS), and an "igloo" as
part of its support hardware. In addition, ASTRO-1 marks the
return to flight of primary horizontal payloads. The last
horizontal payload flown was Mission 61-A, the German Spacelab
(D-1), in October/November, 1989.
ASTRO-1's processing story began in 1985. When the payload
was remanifested to this year, the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope was
added to the configuration, and the Wide Field Planetary Camera
was removed.
In 1989, team members began assembling the new ASTRO-1
payload at the Operations and Checkout Building at KSC. The
payload was installed in Columbia's payload bay in the Orbiter
Processing Facility on Mar. 20, where it has been since.
Despite the delays caused by the orbiter's hydrogen leaks,
the team has remained upbeat and dedicated to keeping ASTRO-1 in
good health.
"The team has shown patience, flexibility, and dedication.
ASTRO-1 is ready to go fly -- and its team deserves a lot of
credit," said John Conway, KSC's Director of Payload Management
and Operations.
The final major prelaunch milestones have been completed. On
Thursday, the team serviced the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope with
frozen argon. Since its arrival at KSC, the telescope has re-
quired periodic replenishments of argon, either in liquid or
frozen form, to maintain the cooling required for BBXRT.
Last night, BBXRT was powered up shortly before 9 p.m. and
is performing well. Routine health checks of the other
telescopes-- the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope, the Ultraviolet
Imaging Telescope, and the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-
Polarimeter Experiment--also show that the payload is ready for
launch.
"The hard work of all elements of the team has been proven
in the continued health of ASTRO-1 over the past few months,"
Conway noted. Team members from several NASA centers, including
Goddard and Marshall Space Flight Centers, have worked side by
side with the KSC team.
"Across the board, we've got a great team, and a great
payload. There'll be a lot of people cheering for ASTRO-1, know-
ing that their months of hard work have opened the door to a pre-
viously unseen universe," Conway added.
After the mission, ASTRO-1 will return to KSC for deintegra-
tion. Spacelab components such as the pallets will remain at KSC
for future use, while the telescopes will be returned to the
principal invesigators or sponsoring agency.
|
| 611.189 | Shuttle Status - 12/3/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 04 1990 00:03 | 22 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - Monday, Dec. 3, 1990 9:30 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102)
Launch of Columbia occurred at 1:49:01.0789 a.m. EST Sunday,
Dec. 2. Launch was held about 21 minutes to allow the range time
to observe low level clouds in the area that could obscure in-
struments that track the shuttle during ascent. Damage to Launch
Pad 39-B was reported to be minimal.
The solid rocket boosters are scheduled to reach Hangar AF
on the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station this morning. The Freedom
Star is towing the left booster and the Liberty Star is towing
the right booster. They will be disassembled at Hangar AF in
preparation for refurbishment.
|
| 611.190 | MCC Status Report - 12/2/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 04 1990 00:05 | 28 |
| STS-35/Astro-1 IPS Status Report
Mission Control Center, Houston
9:30 p.m. CST, Sunday, Dec. 2, 1990
Flight controllers were in the final stages this evening of
verifying a software patch that will set the stage for automated
target acquisition with the Instrument Pointing System. That
device, which goes by the acronym IPS, houses several of the
primary astronomical instruments being trained toward deep space
on this science flight.
The IPS uses star trackers and gyroscopes in its automatic mode
in order to lock on to pre-programmed stars. During the initial
attempts to calibrate the system and begin taking science data in
the automatic mode, controllers found that one of the IPS star
trackers would not recognize and lock on to dimmer stars, as it
had been programmed. The software patch therefore became
necessary in order to direct the device to lock onto brighter--or
higher magnitude--stars.
Meanwhile, the Orbiter Columbia itself continues to perform
flawlessly, with no systems problems currently being tracked by
flight controllers in Houston. The vehicle is in a 190 by 188
nautical mile orbit inclined 28.5 degrees to the equator. The
Columbia completes one orbit of the Earth every 1 hour and 31
minutes.
|
| 611.191 | STS-35 State Vector | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 04 1990 00:08 | 46 |
| STS-35
REAL TIME STATE VECTOR 1 REVISION 1
ON ORBIT OPERATIONS
The following vector for the flight of STS-35 is provided be NASA
Johnson Space Center Flight Design and Dynamics Division for use in
ground track plotting programs. The vector is valid for a Mission
Elapsed Time (MET) of 1 day, 6 hours, 00 minutes and 00.00 seconds.
This vector represents the trajectory of Columbia during on orbit
operations for Day 2 of the flight.
Lift off Time: 1990:336:06:49:00.986
Lift off Date: 12/2/90
Vector Time (GMT) : 337:12:49:00.99
Vector Time (MET) : 001:06:00:00.00
Orbit Count : 20
Weight : 243094 LBS
Drag Coefficient : 2.0
Drag Area: 1208.48 SQ FT
M50 Elements Keplerian Elements
----------------------- --------------------------
X = 15891200.8 FT A = 3636.9364 NM
Y = -13723102.6 FT E = .001386
Z = -6792850.2 FT I (M50) = 28.45211 DEG
Xdot = 17517.452311 FT/S Wp (M50) = 313.54401 DEG
Ydot = 15730.373403 FT/S RAAN (M50) = 355.84572 DEG
Zdot = 9189.125404 FT/S / N (True) = 6.20828 DEG
Anomalies \ M (Mean) = 6.19112 DEG
Ha = 190.799 NM
Hp = 187.892 NM
Mean of 1950 (M50) : Inertial, right-handed Cartesian system whose
Coordinate System origin is the center of the earth. The epoch
is the beginning of the Besselian year 1950.
X axis: Mean vernal equinox of epoch
Z axis: Earth's mean rotational axis of epoch
Y axis: Completes right-hand system
A: Semi-major axis
E: Eccentricity N: True anomaly
I: Inclination M: Mean anomaly
Wp: Argument of perigee Ha: Height of apogee
RAAN: Right ascension of ascending node Hp: Height of perigee
|
| 611.192 | ASTRO Mission Reports from MSFC/SMOC | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 04 1990 00:15 | 375 |
| Astro 1 Mission Report #06
1:58 p.m. CST, December 2, 1990
12:32:00 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"We love it," responded members of the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope
Science Team at Spacelab Mission Operations Control in Huntsville,
Alabama as they began receiving video downlink data as part of the
activation process of the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope aboard the
Space Shuttle Columbia.
"We're glad to send the information," replied Payload Specialist Sam
Durrance, as the crew began initial tests of the HUT's spectrometer
and other instruments to prepare the telescope for upcoming target
observations.
As raw data is compiled by the telescope, the spectrometer will
begin recording information from the calibration source.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Shift Summary #02
12:00 noon CST, December 2, 1990
0/11:10 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
After "first call" at 4:56 a.m. CST, when the Spacelab Mission
Operations Control Center officially opened with voice-link with the
Astro crew earlier this morning, Payload Specialist Ron Parise and
Mission Specialist Bob Parker set to work to begin activation of the
various Spacelab systems.
At 5:23 a.m., Parise took the first steps of activation with the
Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE), while
the Instrument Pointing System (IPS) was still in the stowed
position. Parker began the necessary steps to bring the IPS out of
its latched mode, including reloading software into the Optical
Sensor Package (OSP). At 6:36 a.m., he was given the go-ahead to
unlatch the system and bring it to full upright position. By 6:43
a.m., the IPS was standing 90 degrees to the payload bay deck.
Initial activation steps for the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT)
were completed at 7:11 a.m., and approximately 15 minutes afterward
the WUPPE was undergoing its South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) tests, in
which the instrument was measuring the strength and parameters of
the magnetospheric phenomenon. The SAA would play havoc with the
sensitive instruments of Astro unless actions were taken by crewmen
to protect the observatories from its influence.
Activation of the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT) proceeded
well. At 7:27 a.m. there was an indication that the small aperture
door was open, when it was supposed to be closed. The crew was
advised to close it, and they did so minutes afterward.
At 7:40 a.m., the WUPPE SAA tests were completed, and two minutes
later the crew began an procedure to outgas the HUT. The purging of
extraneous gaseous elements is necessary to allow the HUT to view
the heavens without interference with the incoming ultraviolet rays.
During the outgassing it was noted at 8:31 a.m. that the large door
of the HUT was open, and Spacelab Mission Operations Control ordered
it closed.
Shortly after 8:00 a.m., the procedure to de-ice the detectors of
the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT) was scheduled to begin, but
the procedure was delayed until about 11 a.m. Warming of the
detectors was initiated, but a number of hours must pass to allow
them to re-cool to avoid interference with data-taking. The
procedure should be completed by later tonight.
At 8:34 a.m., Spacelab Mission Operations Control began receiving
live downlink of the WUPPE activation and verification of its
detectors. A test lamp inside the observatory itself was used for
an initial calibration of the instrument.
During the morning the BBXRT experienced spotty communication over
several orbits, and calibration was delayed until the problem could
be corrected. At 11:05 a.m., its Bright Object Sensor test was
completed. The test was to determine if the sensor would perform
its protective function of alerting the instrument should its
attitude point it too closely to an object bright enough to
overwhelm its data-taking.
At 10:35 a.m., the Astro crew reported a "no-op" condition with the
WUPPE. It was traced to a computer failure -- specifically, the
Dedicated Experiment Processor -- and standard malfunction
procedures were undertaken to reload the computer to allow
activation of WUPPE to continue. Payload Specialist Sam Durrance,
who relieved Ron Parise at the handover just before noon, began
working with payload controllers to resolve the problem.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
WUPPE Status Report #01
5:00 p.m. CST Dec. 2, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
Activation of the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo Polarimeter Experiment
(WUPPE) this morning proceeded smoothly through the various power
turn-on sequences, detector and spectrometer operation, and
acquisition and measurements of the instrument's test lamp.
A problem was later encountered with one of WUPPE's two Dedicated
Experiment Processors (DEP), onboard computers that control the
Wisconsin instrument. In attempting to load targeting sequence
software, the computer became stuck in a load mode. At this time the
cause of the problem remains unknown and efforts to fix the DEP by
modifying software codes are continuing. WUPPE has now switched over
to its backup DEP and this computer appears to be working well as of 5
p.m. CST.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBXRT Status Report #01
4 p.m. CST Dec. 2, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, AL
Activation procedures are continuing normally for the Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope (BBXRT). "Everything's functioning properly," said Dr.
Peter Serlemitsos of Goddard Space Center, principal investigator.
"We know of no major or even minor problems at this point."
The power busses were turned on at 2:57 a.m. CST, initiating the first
phase of Spacelab activation activities. Currently the team is
warming the solid state detectors to drive off any frost accumulated
while waiting for the launch. The detectors are used as spectrometers
measuring the energy of individual x-ray photons. These energies
produce a spectrum that reveals the chemistry, structure and dynamics
of a source.
The BBXRT is attached directly to the Two Axis Pointing System (TAPS)
which was aligned at 11:30 a.m. CST. One of BBXRT's first targets
will be The Crab Nebula, a bright source important for calibrations,
Serlemitsos said. That observation is scheduled for 18 hours MET
(6:49 p.m. CST). More than 230 observations with BBXRT are scheduled
during the 10-day mission.
The BBRXT and its TAPS are controlled remotely from a Payload
Operations Control Center (POCC) located at Goddard Space Flight
Center, Greenbelt, MD.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #07
6:30 p.m. CST, December 2, 1990
17:40 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Activation, calibration and checkout procedures for the three ASTRO
telescopes aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia were successfully
completed throughout the first 16 hours of the mission.
The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope, Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope and
Broad Band X-Ray Telescopes are working fine and being prepared to
begin observations.
The Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment continues to
challenge Payload Specialist Sam Durrance and members of the WUPPE
science team at Spacelab Mission Operations Control in Huntsville,
Alabama. Earlier, WUPPE experienced problems with one of its
Dedicated Experiment Processors, which occurred as target
information was loading.
The telescopes are being prepared for the Joint Focus and Alignment
Process, an activity which focuses on a specific target (star) and
allows the crew and instruments to prepare for the upcoming science
observations.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
WUPPE STATUS REPORT #02
7 P.M. CST, DEC. 2, 1990
SPACELAB MISSION OPERATIONS CONTROL
MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER,
HUNTSVILLE, AL
Because of the loss of one of its onboard computers, the Wisconsin
Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE) is not participating
in tonight's Joint Focus and Alignment exercise. Although scientists
and engineers continue to look for the cause of the problem with one
of WUPPE's Dedicated Experiment Processors (DEP), the computers that
control the instrument, the cause of the problem has not been
determined. The backup DEP appears to be functioning well, but there
is a concern that attempts to load targeting software might trigger a
similar problem with the backup computer.
Should the DEP problem be solved in time, it will be possible for
WUPPE to participate in the Joint Focus and Alignment exercise.
Moreover, even if WUPPE is not able to take part in the joint aligning
and focusing of the telescopes, it may still be possible for the
instrument to participate in the Astro science program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #08
7:52 p.m. CST, December 2, 1990
18:59 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"That is a real star, folks," proclaimed Columbia Payload Specialist
Sam Durrance as he described "first light" from the first stellar
observation, Beta Doradus, through the Hopkins Ultraviolet
Telescope.
The sighting was part of the joint focus and alignment process, a
lengthy procedure which allows the ultraviolet telescopes to focus
on a common area as a prelude to the upcoming science observations.
Members of the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope science team at
Spacelab Mission Operations Control in Huntsville, Alabama were
beaming with smiles and anticipation as early images of the star
Beta Doradus came into view.
The Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment telescope
continues to have problems with Dedicated Experiment Processor A.
Scientists are busy performing diagnostic tests on the telescope to
better understand the issue.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Shift Summary #03
10:00 p.m. CST, December 2, 1990
0/21:00 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
The Astro-1 crew and ground support team members achieved a number
of important milestones in the instrument activation process during
the eight-hour period ending at approximately 19 hours into their
mission. Overall, the activities brought the mission close to the
point of readiness to begin science observations.
Just before the end of this period, at 7:46 p.m. CST, Payload
Specialist Sam Durrance reported a key accomplishment when he was
successful in acquiring the first "real star" with the Hopkins
Ultraviolet Telescope. By "real star," he was underscoring the fact
that previous activation steps had involved either simulated targets
such as calibration lamps within the instruments themselves, or
involved simply monitoring data readouts during procedures.
The acquisition which resulted in "first light" for the Hopkins
telescope was of a star known as Beta Doradus -- so designated
because it is the second brightest star in the constellation Dorado,
"the Swordfish." The star was selected for observation in this
early stage of the Astro-1 mission because of its suitability for
focusing and aligning the ultraviolet instruments, rather than for
scientific reasons. With that acquisition, the Astro-1 crew was
able to begin the fairly lengthy process of checking the Hopkins
instrument -- and adjusting where necessary -- to ensure that it is
in top condition when the science observation phase of the mission
begins.
The "joint focus and alignment" process would normally involve both
the Hopkins telescope and the companion Wisconsin Ultraviolet
Photopolarimeter Experiment. However, this phase of activation for
the Wisconsin experiment was postponed after a problem was
encountered in loading software in one of the Dedicated Experiment
Processors for the Wisconsin instrument. Members of the Wisconsin
experiment principal investigator team began troubleshooting the
computer glitch and assessing options for dealing with it. When
that problem has been resolved, replanning efforts will be
undertaken to address the best course for bringing the Wisconsin
instrument back into the overall timeline.
The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope, managed by the Goddard Space
Flight Center, has the shortest and simplest set of activation procedures,
which were proceeding with no significant anomalies
during this period. Likewise, activation and checkout of the Broad
Band X-ray Telescope and its separate pointing system went ahead
with relatively little in the way of anomalies. By the end of the
period, the X-ray telescope's control team at the Goddard Center was
approaching readiness for initial data acquisition.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #09
12:20 a.m. CST, December 2, 1990
0/23:30 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
According to Mission Scientist Gene Urban: "The mission is poised
to do extremely good science. We're in an extremely good orbit.
Three of the experiments have activated almost completely." The
X-ray telescope was realigned with its Two Axis Pointing System
during the last night pass.
At 11:40 p.m. CST, the payload specialists were working on a joint
focus and alignment that involve the three ultraviolet telescopes.
There have been no problems with the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope,
and all procedures to activate the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope
were excellent. Also, the spectrograph has been activated on the
Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope, although the second part of
spectrograph focus procedures was not accomplished because no stars
passed into the telescopes field of view. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin
Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment telescope team is waiting
for word on diagnostics tests on a software patch between Dedicated
Experiment Processor A and Spacelab. Those diagnostics will give
them a better idea of the state of that onboard computer system
which has delayed the activation of WUPPE. All systems are working
well with the Broad Band X-ray Telescope.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Shift Summary #04
5:30 a.m. CST, December 3, 1990
1/04:39 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
As of 5:00 a.m. CST, three of the four telescopes appear to be fully
operational and ready to begin observing. Both the Ultraviolet
Imaging Telescope and Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope are fully
functional. Independently, the Broad Band X-ray Telescope and its
Two Axis Pointing System are functioning well, but procedures have
yet to take place that will coalign the two systems to effectively
track scheduled stars. The Wisconsin Ultraviolet Telescope has
begun to catch up on activation procedures delayed yesterday evening
when problems developed in one of the telescope's Dedicated
Experiment Processors.
Earlier in the mission, the WUPPE had experienced an apparent
software problem with one of its Dedicated Experiment Processors.
Diagnostics later pointed to an unactivated switch that controlled
heater functions to one of the Spacelab remote acquisition units.
Once the heater was switched on, commanding began to complete the
WUPPE activation procedures. This activation has been slowed
somewhat because of the coordinated timing needed to correlate the
procedures with other telescope activities, passes through the South
Atlantic Anomaly, and the availability of time shared on the
orbiter's Digital Display Unit.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #10
5:00 a.m. CST, December 3, 1990
1/0:09 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
As of 5:00 a.m. CST, three of the four telescopes appear to be fully
operational and ready to begin observing. Both the Ultraviolet
Imaging Telescope and Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope are fully
functional. Independently, the Broad Band X-ray Telescope and its
Two Axis Pointing System are functioning well, but procedures have
yet to take place that will coalign the two systems to effectively
track scheduled stars. The Wisconsin Ultraviolet Telescope has
begun to catch up on activation procedures delayed yesterday evening
when problems developed in one of the telescope's Dedicated
Experiment Processors.
"There's no way to know exactly yet when the first science will
come," said Gene Urban, Astro mission scientist. According to Urban,
the delay is "probably a matter of working out software problems.
We went through this on Spacelab 2. It took several days when the
IPS was first being checked out to find how it worked best, and
these are some related kinds of problems. We will work them out."
|
| 611.193 | Oh oh | 19458::FISHER | I like my species the way it is" "A narrow view... | Tue Dec 04 1990 16:57 | 5 |
| Is this the flight with VAXes aboard? Are they, by chance, the DEPs
that are having trouble?
Burns
|
| 611.194 | I don't think so... | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 04 1990 17:00 | 8 |
| No - I believe the VAX flies on STS-39.
They are also having problems with the Instrument Pointing System (IPS).
I hope to have details in a couple of hours.
- dave
|
| 611.195 | Shuttle Status - 12/4/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 04 1990 18:35 | 19 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - Tuesday, Dec. 4, 1990 9:30 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102)
The solid rocket booster retrieval ships arrived at Hangar
AF on the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at about noon yester-
day. The right booster parachute failed to separate from the
booster at water impact. Officials are looking into why the
pyrotechnic parachute separation devices failed. The boosters
will be disassembled at Hangar AF in preparation for refurbish-
ment.
|
| 611.196 | Astro Reports for Monday (3-Dec-90) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 04 1990 18:53 | 348 |
| Mon. Evening Astro Status Collection
WUPPE STATUS REPORT
9 A.M. MONDAY, DECEMBER 3
Working through the night, Wisconsin scientists and engineers
were able to solve some of the onboard computer problems of the
Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE). As a
result, the WUPPE science team can begin the procedures necessary to
bring the Wisconsin telescope back into the Astro science program.
Although one of the computers that controls the instrument is
still down, the backup computer is fully operational and able to
direct the telescope as needed. the next steps for WUPPE include
acquiring a star, a focus and alignment exercise and, somewhat later,
an aperture mapping procedure. After successful completion of these
steps, the WUPPE instrument will be ready to begin taking data from
selected Astro science targets.
The WUPPE team hopes to begin its scheduled focus and alignment
exercise at about 10 a.m. CST. That procedure will take about 45
minutes. The WUPPE team will use the variable star EZ Canis Majoris
to focus and align the telescope.
The aperture mapping procedures will use the Orion Nebula as a
bright background to shine through the seven apertures of the WUPPE
telescope and allow its onboard computer to know their exact
location. The apertures differ in shape and size, some being smaller
than the cross section of a human hair. The telescope's apertures are
situated on a rotating ceramic wheel and are used to take different
types of readings of the various celestial objects on the WUPPE target
list. Although the time frame for this procedure is not yet firm, it
is hoped that aperture mapping can begin at about 1 p.m. CST. WUPPE
aperture mapping will take about 45 minutes to complete.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASTRO-1 MISSION REPORT NO. 11
STS-35/Astro-1 IPS Status Report
Mission Control Center, Houston
9:30 p.m. CST, Sunday, Dec. 2, 1990
Flight controllers were in the final stages this evening of
verifying a software patch that will set the stage for automated
target acquisition with the Instrument Pointing System. That
device, which goes by the acronym IPS, houses several of the
primary astronomical instruments being trained toward deep space
on this science flight.
The IPS uses star trackers and gyroscopes in its automatic mode
in order to lock on to pre-programmed stars. During the initial
attempts to calibrate the system and begin taking science data in
the automatic mode, controllers found that one of the IPS star
trackers would not recognize and lock on to dimmer stars, as it
had been programmed. The software patch therefore became
necessary in order to direct the device to lock onto brighter--or
higher magnitude--stars.
Meanwhile, the Orbiter Columbia itself continues to perform
flawlessly, with no systems problems currently being tracked by
flight controllers in Houston. The vehicle is in a 190 by 188
nautical mile orbit inclined 28.5 degrees to the equator. The
Columbia completes one orbit of the Earth every 1 hour and 31
minutes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
HUT Status Report
12/3/90
11:30 a.m. CDT
The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope team received "first light" data
from the telescope at 11:30 a.m. The first spectrum was produced from
ultraviolet emissions in the Earth's upper atmosphere.
The observation was important for three reasons:
l: HUT's first light was the first science calibration observation
made by any of Astro-1's instruments.
2: Because HUT must "look" through this atmosphere to observe
objects, this spectrum must be subtracted from any spectra collected
for stars, galaxies, etc.
3: HUT team scientists will analyze the spectrum and compare it to
earlier observations or the Earth's air glow, or upper atmosphere, to
determine the effect the Sun has on the Earth's atmosphere. This
spectrum was the highest quality observation ever made in the far
ultraviolet for Earth's atmosphere.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBXRT Status Report #02
1:30 p.m. CST Dec. 3, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
A discrepancy was discovered this morning between where the BBXRT is
pointing and the Two-Axis Pointing System (TAPS), resulting in an
inability to view x-rays through the telescope.
BBXRT team members have requested two to five hours to do diagnostic
tests to discover the nature of the discrepancy and to find a
solution.
The team is rescheduling observations and is optimistic that through
troubleshooting the problem will be resolved.
BBXRT and TAPS were developed and are controlled remotely from
Gpoddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD. Dr. Peter Serlemitsos of
GSFC is principal investigator. Frank Volpe, GSFC is BBXRT mission
manager.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Shift Summary #05
12:00 noon CST, December 3, 1990
1/11:10 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
During this 12-hour period (4 a.m. to 12 noon CST), the Hopkins
Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT) obtained data from the ultraviolet
radiation found in the Earth's airglow. At noon, the team was
attempting to obtain its first star target using the Astro's Star
Tracker (AST), an element of the Image Motion Compensation System,
which helps to steady the Instrument Pointing System (IPS), but
which can also be used to acquire targets.
For most of this 12-hour timeframe, the Astro crew dealt with
difficulties in two of the three star trackers of the IPS. All four
of the Astro telescopes were, at some point during this period,
ready to complete activation or to take science (in order to
complete activation, instruments like the Wisconsin Ultraviolet
Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE) require a focus-and-alignment
sequence, which requires a properly functioning IPS).
The crew generally followed the mission timeline in attempting to
achieve the scheduled star targets, proceeding as far as possible
within the limits of the IPS condition.
The WUPPE, which was relying on the Dedicated Experiment Processor-B
(DEP-B), a backup computer assigned specifically to that instrument,
was "power recycled" at approximately 6:35 a.m. -- that is, shut
down to reset various computer registers, then turned on again --
when software commands were sent to the experiment from the Spacelab
Operations Control Center (SOCC). Within half an hour, the test
lamp within WUPPE was on and had reached the proper temperature for
calibration procedures by the crew. Payload Specialist Ron Parise
reported good spectroscopy observations from the WUPPE, to the
delight of the science team in the SOCC.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
UIT Status Report #01
2:30 p.m. CST Dec. 3, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
Sunday night, the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT) obtained 11
photographs of the Earth's airglow, a luminous phenomenon in the upper
atmosphere. These photographs will be used to calibrate the UIT's
photographs of celestial objects.
The UIT photographs are recorded on film and cannot be developed and
examined until Columbia returns to Earth. However, team members saw
telemetry readouts which showed that the motor which drives the UIT's
internal film transport turned on after each of the 11 photographs,
indicating that the film was advanced through the camera.
The UIT team, led by Principal Investigator Theodore P. Stecher of
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt MD, is awaiting the go ahead
from project controllers to proceed with the first UIT photographs of
objects beyond Earth. This may occur as soon as this afternoon, CST.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #12
1:50 p.m. CST, December 3, 1990
1/13:01 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Astro 1 gathered its first piece of scientific data from the Seyfert
Galaxy today at 11:30 a.m., CST when Payload Specialist Sam Durrance
successfully locked onto the target using the JPL Astro Star
Tracker, an element of the Image Motion Compensation System aboard
Shuttle Columbia.
The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope was successful in obtaining data
from the ultraviolet radiation found in the Earth's airglow, or
upper atmosphere. Next, HUT focused on its first outside target,
NGC-4151 the Seyfert Galaxy, a bright galaxy which radiates strong
ultraviolet and x-ray wavelengths.
By using Astro's star tracker, designed by the Jet Propulsion
Laboratory, the team was able to steady the Instrument Pointing
System and focus on its target. After fixing on its target, the
instrument coordinated with another star and sent information to the
electronics system which made adjustments with the telescope's
mirrors for primary observations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
WUPPE STATUS REPORT #04
7:30 P.M. CST, DEC. 3, 1990
SPACELAB MISSION OPERATIONS CONTROL
MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER,
HUNTSVILLE, AL
The University of Wisconsin-Madison telescope aboard the Space Shuttle
Columbia took its first look at the stars today.
The telescope, known as the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter
Experiment, achieved "first light" at approximately 4:30 p.m. CST and
took spectra -- readings of the wavelengths of starlight -- from a
variable binary system where one star stirs up the other and causes
massive blobs of material to spin off, a phenomenon that can be traced
by polarization measurements.
The observation was used to start the process of aligning and focusing
the Wisconsin telescope, a procedure that will be completed when
Astro's Instrument Pointing System is fully calibrated. Subsequent
to the focusing and aligning procedure, science measurements of HR
1099 were accomplished by the Wisconsin instrument.
Following WUPPE's observation of HR 1099, at approximately 5:15 CST,
the Wisconsin instrument made its second stellar observation, this
time of a rapidly rotating star known as 21 Vulpecula.
21 Vulpecula and other rapidly rotating stars are of particular
interest to the WUPPE science team because of their tendency to
produce polarized ultraviolet light.
If a star spins fast enough, according to University of Wisconsin
astronomer Arthur D. Code, it will have an elongated instead of a
spherical shape. The faster the star spins, the more it is
flattened. The flatter a star, the more its light is polarized. In
effect, astronomers can determine the shape of star by measuring
polarization.
To date, there have been very few readings of polarized ultraviolet
starlight, so virtually everything WUPPE looks at will provide
astronomers with new insights into stars and other celestial objects
such as comets, quasars and interstellar dust and gas, the material
from which new stars are made.
In the next few hours, WUPPE will continue to take science
observations. Plans now call for the reacquisition of 21 Vulpecula
and magnetic white dwarf star known as G70D8247.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #13
5:12 p.m. CST, December 3, 1990
1/16:09 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"That's a milestone, how about that!" were the first words exchanged
by the Payload Crew as they described the successful simultaneous
activation of the three ultraviolet telescopes aboard the Space
Shuttle Columbia at 4:11 p.m., CST.
The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope, Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope and
the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment were able to
follow through on focus alignment procedures to observe the target,
HR 1099/HD 22468, a binary pair of stars which have active
chromospheres, like that of the Sun.
Each of the three telescope's science teams received spectra and
data at the Spacelab Mission Operations Control center in
Huntsville, Alabama.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Shift Summary #06
9:30 p.m. CST, December 3, 1990
1/20:40 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
During the past eight to nine hours, Astro-1 payload operations
aboard Columbia began to settle into the type of routine which had
been hoped for pre-mission. Around noon (CST), one of the major
milestones to date for the mission was passed when a successful
observation was made on the mission's first target outside the
Earth's atmosphere. It occurred when the Hopkins Ultraviolet
Telescope was able to acquire and observe a distant galaxy
designated by astronomers as NGC (New General Catalogue) 4151. The
brightest Seyfert galaxy known, this object has a number of
interesting features including emissions of blue and ultraviolet
light -- characteristics which are unusual for this type of galaxy.
The Astro-1 crew was able to acquire the target using a manual
pointing mode of the Instrument Pointing System. The procedure,
called "contingency target acquisition," involves using data from a
star tracker system developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and
incorporated into Astro-1's Image Motion Compensation System.
Following the successful galaxy observation, efforts continued to
obtain full acquisition capabilities with the Instrument Pointing
System's Optical Sensor Package. The Optical Sensor Package star
trackers, along with the Spacelab computer system's stellar
software, provides the normal mode of automatically acquiring and
locking onto desired celestial objects. With engineering support
from both Houston and Huntsville, successive refinements over a
several-hour period were made to the Optical Sensor Package pointing
geometry.
The efforts culminated around 7:30 p.m. CST when Payload Specialist
Sam Durrance reported accomplishing the first successful IDOP, or
operational identification, of a desired target. The target
acquired with this pointing was a magnetic white dwarf designated as
G70D8427, one which is of interest in the Astro-1 observational
program because it has been studied quite thoroughly in visible and
near ultraviolet light, but not in the far ultraviolet region.
Another key milestone during the period was bringing all three
ultraviolet telescopes into observe mode simultaneously at
approximately 4:30 p.m. CST. Successful acquisition of scientific
data was reported by principal investigators for both the Hopkins
and Wisconsin instruments, and a photographic exposure was made by
the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope.
During the period, ground controllers for the Broad Band X-ray
Telescope continued working procedures to bring their instrument
into precise alignment with its Two-Axis Pointing System, which is
separate from the Instrument Pointing System used by the ultraviolet
telescopes. The BBXRT team reported progress and, as of late
evening, was optimistic about reaching full operating status soon.
The X-ray telescope did demonstrate successful acquisition of X-ray
photons during the period, while aimed at the Crab Nebula.
|
| 611.197 | Astro report collection, Tuesday (4-Dec-90) [early] | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 04 1990 18:56 | 118 |
| Astro 1 Mission Report #15
05:50 a.m. CST, December 4, 1990
2/05:00 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"Intensive efforts continue in trying to get good optical holds with
the Instrument Pointing System in order to obtain the desired
science targets that we have selected," said Astro-1 Assistant
Mission Manager Stu Clifton, from Huntsville's Spacelab Mission
Operations Control. "Following the sub-system computer crash
earlier this evening, one of the star trackers on the optical sensor
package failed to return to operating condition. This has made it
much more difficult to acquire the targets we've scheduled.
"Efforts are under way to recycle the star tracker to bring it back
to full operating condition," said Clifton. "It is in these
situations that one can see the value of the many simulations that
we've held on Astro. We have simulated many failures, and having
done so, the procedures for resolving these failures have been
developed. And this has certainly facilitated our ability to
resolve the problems that we get on a real mission."
Mission Scientist Gene Urban made these comments regarding the
status of the mission: "Before the sub-system computer crash, we
got some beautiful data. We got some extremely good spectra. The
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope has been operating well, and we're
waiting to get the X-ray telescope realigned." UIT's first science
data was received at approximately 11:13 CST. And the Broad Band
X-ray Telescope is still performing tests during night passes to
coalign the telescope with its Two Axis Pointing System.
Attempts to automatically acquire scheduled science targets
including Supernova 1987A were not successful. Though the targets
are often apparently in the field of view, the crew was unsuccessful
in locking onto guide stars. Therefore, Mission Specialist Bob
Parker, using a joy stick, called a paddle, and Payload Specialist
Ron Parise, typing on a keyboard, attempted to locate targets
manually to acquire science data. "Give me a paddle and a telescope
and I can move the universe!" said Parker.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #16
12:23 p.m. CST, December 4, 1990
2/11:33 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"We had some last minute excitement at the control center this
morning," Astro Mission Manager Jack Jones began his press briefing
at 9:30 a.m. CST today. "It appears at this time we have a good
healthy payload. All the instruments are up and working, and all
the pointing systems appear to be pointing nominally at this time.
Eliminating any unforeseen events, I think we're off and ready to
go. There may be some minor refinements, but I believe we're in the
mode to start getting science."
Spacelab operators had stayed busy during the night bringing up the
Instrument Pointing System and its optical sensor package which
provide automatic pointing to target stars for the three Astro
ultraviolet telescopes. After early difficulties loading software
into the star trackers, a misloaded computer patch had put the
system back at "square zero," according to Jones. But efforts to
reload the system proceeded much more quickly the second time, and
by the time of the briefing, Jones reported that the IPS was in the
"automatic fine track mode, working very stably now."
Also at the briefing, Broad Band X-Ray Telescope principal
investigator Peter Serlemitsos showed "first light" spectra for his
independently-mounted telescope, taken of the star Capella around 6
a.m. CST. Asked if the instrument would be making discoveries not
possible with previous telescopes, Serlemitsos replied, "We did not
work for the last ten years to say 'me too.' We are putting up an
instrument that does observations for the first time." He pointed
out that the X-ray telescope would have better resolution and
observe across wider energy bands than any before it. In addition,
co-observations of the same targets in both the ultraviolet and
X-rays would multiply the discoveries.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
WUPPE STATUS REPORT NO. 5
A.M., TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1990
The Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE)
acquired its third object, a magnetic white dwarf star, at
approximately 7 p.m. Monday (December 3).
The WUPPE science team was able to obtain about 4 minutes of
observation time on the star known as G70D8247.
White dwarfs are small stars, about the size of the Earth, but that
have masses approximating those of our sun. Some astronomers have
likened white dwarfs to stellar diamonds, because as they evolve they
produce large amounts of carbon at their cores. And since they are so
massive, gravity exerts anormous pressure, similar to subterranean
pressures of Earth that produce diamonds. In the presence of oxygen,
such conditions produce diamonds.
The white dwarf observed by WUPPE has a magnetic field about 100
million times stronger than the Earth's. Only about 1 to 5 percent of
white dwarfs have strong magnetic fields. The strong magnetic field
is of interest to WUPPE because light emitted in the prescence of a
strong magnetic fields polarizes light, a condition where the photons
that make up the light waves, instead of having random mations (up,
down, back, forth and diagonally), all move in the same direction.
The WUPPE instrument continues to perform well. Despite the loss of
one of its onboard computers, the WUPPE science team from the
University of Wisconsin-Madison is extremely pleased with quality of
the data being collected by the telescope now orbiting the Earth
aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia.
|
| 611.198 | Mission Control Center Status Report #4 - 12/4/90
| PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 04 1990 19:01 | 40 |
| MCC Status Report #4
9 a.m. Dec. 4, 1990
At about 7:05 a.m. or a mission elapsed time of two days,
six hours and 17 minutes STS-35 Mission Specialist Bob Parker
reported the crew had three good star trackers.
At about 10 a.m. CST or a MET of two days and nine hours the
crew will do an Optical Sensor Package calibration and, if the
calibration looks good, the Instrument Pointing System will be
considered fully operational and the instruments will be placed
on automatic mode. Crew members have been using a joy stick on
board the Space Shuttle Columbia to steer the telescopes and then
changing to an automatic mode.
Since the beginning of the flight the science package has
encountered problems in automatically pointing its telescopes.
Engineers rewrote portions of the computer software which
controls the pointing equipment in attempts to improve its
performance. The left and center star trackers have been
successfully aligned and controllers are hopeful this morning's
calibration will align the right star tracker.
Thus far ham radio operators have made about 500 contacts as
part of the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment, also known by its
acronym SAREX. SAREX communicates with amateur stations in line-
of-sight of the orbiter in one of four transmission modes: voice,
slow scan television, data, or fast scan television.
On the first day of the mission STS-35 Mission Specialist
Ron Parise made weak contact with his father, Henry Parise of
Warren, Ohio, in Florida. Yesterday JSC ham radio operators made
direct contact with Parise. Late last night JSC ham radio
operators made another contact with the STS-35 crew and Parise
and Shuttle Commander Vance Brand spent about 11 minutes talking
to their wives. The crew's first attempt yesterday to talk to
school children in Brazil failed. They will try again at 10 a.m.
CST today. About 10:30 p.m. today the crew will try to connect
with four schools in California, Idaho, New Mexico and Kentucky
via a ground station in Australia.
|
| 611.199 | STS-35 STATE VECTOR/KEPLERIAN ELEMENTS
| PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 04 1990 19:02 | 45 |
| STS-35
REAL TIME STATE VECTOR 2
ON ORBIT OPERATIONS
The following vector for the flight of STS-35 is provided be NASA
Johnson Space Center Flight Design and Dynamics Division for use in
ground track plotting programs. The vector is valid for a Mission
Elapsed Time (MET) of 2 days, 6 hours, 00 minutes and 00.00 seconds.
This vector represents the trajectory of Columbia during on orbit
operations for Day 3 of the flight.
Lift off Time: 1990:336:06:49:00.986
Lift off Date: 12/2/90
Vector Time (GMT) : 338:12:49:00.99
Vector Time (MET) : 002:06:00:00.00
Orbit Count : 36
Weight : 242092 LBS
Drag Coefficient : 2.0
Drag Area: 2690.00 SQ FT
M50 Elements Keplerian Elements
----------------------- --------------------------
X = -16501145.2 FT A = 3636.3001 NM
Y = -12157887.1 FT E = .000991
Z = -8208127.2 FT I (M50) = 28.41469 DEG
Xdot = 16627.053138 FT/S Wp (M50) = 275.44341 DEG
Ydot = -17474.498759 FT/S RAAN (M50) = 348.63445 DEG
Zdot = -7496.048786 FT/S / N (True) = 315.93307 DEG
Anomalies \ M (Mean) = 316.01197 DEG
Ha = 191.691 NM
Hp = 186.494 NM
Mean of 1950 (M50) : Inertial, right-handed Cartesian system whose
Coordinate System origin is the center of the earth. The epoch
is the beginning of the Besselian year 1950.
X axis: Mean vernal equinox of epoch
Z axis: Earth's mean rotational axis of epoch
Y axis: Completes right-hand system
A: Semi-major axis
E: Eccentricity N: True anomaly
I: Inclination M: Mean anomaly
Wp: Argument of perigee Ha: Height of apogee
RAAN: Right ascension of ascending node Hp: Height of perigee
|
| 611.200 | Astro status from an interested observer... | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Dec 05 1990 09:15 | 68 |
| From: [email protected] (Greg Hennessy)
Subject: Shuttle status at 02/21:25 MET
Date: 5 Dec 90 04:14:45 GMT
Organization: University of Virginia
During the last shift the ASTRO telescopes became a working
observatory. The shift started with an observation of Capella, which
while none of the 3 UV telescopes were able to observe (the star is so
bright that it confuses the star trackers, which are more sensitive
than the designers thought), the BBXRT was able to use Capella to
align its optics. BBXRT had problem in that it would drift off source,
the origionally thought was a bad gyro, but it turned out to be a
software bug. After the software for the Two Axis Pointing System
(TAPS) was fixed, the tracking was fine. The principle investagator of
BBXRT has pronounced BBXRT was working as designed. In the past shift
BBXRT observed the Large Magellenic Cloud (LMC), the crab nebula, and
several quasars and BL Lac objects. In the incoming shift, they will
be observing the SMC, M87, M81, among others.
The UV instruments are taking data, but while the star trackers are
working somewhat, they are still rather fussy. It was thought that 4
minutes would be enough for setup before each operation, but a special
operation still needs to be done to insure that the star tracker will
work. A new version of the software will be sent up, and a test on the
star trackers done. The loss of one terminal means that the two
mission scientist have to take turns entering the data, which means
that it takes longer to set up. It seems to take at least 10 minutes
before an observation can begin, and many observations were scheduled
for about 20 minutes or so. These have NOT ben sucessful. However,
longer exposures have worked. The instuments have been collecting data
for 17% of the time this shift, a dissapointingly low value, but much
better than the 0% of data taken from last shift. UIT was able to take
deep exposures of 3 objecs, M92 (a globular cluster), Betlegeuse, and
Gam Gem (a standard star). In these exposures, UIT achieved about 50%
of the nominal exposure times. Changes will be made to allow more
efficient use of the scheduled time. Collection efficency should rise
to about 50% in the next shift, and if the software patch and test
works, should rise to about 75%, which the loss of a terminal in the
shuttle will make it hard to do better than. The WUPPE telescope
observed 6 stars, getting nice spectra. The instrument is not properly
calibrated though, due to th eearlier problems. The calibration will
be done this shift, and all of the data taken will be able to be fully
calibrated. The HUT telescope has observed five stars, but none of
those were stars that they had picked out, rather they were WUPPE
stars. The HUT failed to get any time on any of the 4 stars they
specified. The reason for this is unknown, but WUPPE observes
brightter stars than HUT does, and it may be easier for the star
trackers to track the brighter stars. The HUT is known to be out of
focus a bit, with the stars being 5 arc seconds in diameter, rather
than 2 seconds. The HUT will be focused at the same time as WUPPE, and
this should iimprove their operating efficiency.
During the last shift the UV instruments observed, SS Cyg (a flare
star), M92, the Cygnus Loop super nove remnamt, and my favorite, the
Perseus cluster. Since the Perseus cluster is the UIT's most important
target,this observation will be repeated to try to ensure the best
possible images.
In the next shift, objects to be observed include M81, M87, the
cluster in Abell 1795, and several sources in the small Magellenic
cloud, Eta Carina, and Ez Cma.
--
-Greg Hennessy, University of Virginia
USPS Mail: Astronomy Department, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2475 USA
Internet: [email protected]
UUCP: ...!uunet!virginia!gsh7w
|
| 611.201 | Astro-1 Status for 12/04/90 [1200 CST-1800 CST] | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Dec 05 1990 09:39 | 240 |
| [Finally! USENET is working again! .... -dg]
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 5 Dec 90 00:47:35 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report #08
12:00 noon CST, Dec. 4, 1990
2/11:10 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
During this period (4 a.m. to 12 noon CST), the Astro-1 crew
and the science investigation teams within the Spacelab
Mission Operations Control Center had the most successful
time yet during this mission. The three star trackers of the
Instrument Pointing System (IPS) for the first time were up
and running together, and except for some "fine tuning" the
IPS as ready and able to perform its functions as planned.
The closeness with which the IPS came in acquiring a stellar
object was noted when, at approximately 4:40 a.m., the crew
announced that the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT) had
nearly acquired the scheduled target but that the image --
while sharp -- was wandering. The "fine tuning" would
eventually eliminate problems like this, according to Mission
Scientist Dr. Ted Gull of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
After that occurrence, mission and science management made a
decision for the crew to temporarily pass on several
scheduled targets in an attempt to acquire an unscheduled
one: Capella, a star which -- by virtue of its rich, bright
ultraviolet spectrum -- made it an excellent star to focus
and co-align the HUT and Wisconsin Ultraviolet
Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE). The HUT performed a
successful acquisition in the initial stages of the
procedure, and the news was greeted with cheers and applause
in the Payload Operations Control Room.
Meanwhile, the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT) team had
welcome news in besting the good news from yesterday. Prior
to this time period, the BBXRT had briefly detected X-rays,
called "first light" by the science team, from the Crab
Nebula during alignment of its star tracker; today the team
witnessed "first light" by a known source -- Capella -- for a
long observation.
Ultimately, however, the focus and alignment was not
completed with Capella, and the crew moved on to attempt
acquisition of the SS Cygna, a double star. And although the
HUT did not acquire the binary, the procedure produced
nonetheless some low-level useful data. The IPS performance
was described by a crew member as "steady as a rock." Except
for minor adjustments, the IPS appeared ready to perform as
needed.
Toward the end of this time period, the crew was able to
acquire and obtain good data from a supernova remnant located
in the Large Magellanic Cloud, our nearest neighboring
galaxy. A source of high ultraviolet radiation, it was
keenly observed by the HUT and Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope
(UIT) science teams. Both teams expressed satisfaction with
the information received, although they wished they had had a
bit more time than the short observation period of four
minutes which resulted from a lengthier than expected
start-up of the procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #16
12:23 p.m. CST, December 4, 1990
2/11:33 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"We had some last minute excitement at the control center this
morning," Astro Mission Manager Jack Jones began his press briefing
at 9:30 a.m. CST today. "It appears at this time we have a good
healthy payload. All the instruments are up and working, and all
the pointing systems appear to be pointing nominally at this time.
Eliminating any unforeseen events, I think we're off and ready to
go. There may be some minor refinements, but I believe we're in the
mode to start getting science."
Spacelab operators had stayed busy during the night bringing up the
Instrument Pointing System and its optical sensor package which
provide automatic pointing to target stars for the three Astro
ultraviolet telescopes. After early difficulties loading software
into the star trackers, a misloaded computer patch had put the
system back at "square zero," according to Jones. But efforts to
reload the system proceeded much more quickly the second time, and
by the time of the briefing, Jones reported that the IPS was in the
"automatic fine track mode, working very stably now."
Also at the briefing, Broad Band X-Ray Telescope principal
investigator Peter Serlemitsos showed "first light" spectra for his
independently-mounted telescope, taken of the star Capella around 6
a.m. CST. Asked if the instrument would be making discoveries not
possible with previous telescopes, Serlemitsos replied, "We did not
work for the last ten years to say 'me too.' We are putting up an
instrument that does observations for the first time." He pointed
out that the X-ray telescope would have better resolution and
observe across wider energy bands than any before it. In addition,
co-observations of the same targets in both the ultraviolet and
X-rays would multiply the discoveries.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBXRT Status Report #03
2:30 p.m. CST Dec. 4, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
The BBXRT and its Two-Axis Pointing System (TAPS) were
co-aligned at 5:30 a.m. CST today and shortly after BBXRT
locked on its first x-ray target, the bright star Capella.
"With the kind of observations we have planned we should do
tremendous science," reported Goddard's Dr. Peter
Serlemitsos, principal investigator.
This morning's observation gives scientists the temperature
and the element abundances of Capella.
Serlemitsos described the BBXRT's resolution as excellent and
added that the 300 seconds of data collected so far has
revealed information not seen in previous observations.
BBXRT team members are currently working to fine tune the
TAPS and expect to be pointing routinely to their sources by
this evening.
BBXRT and TAPS were developed and are operated from Goddard
Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #17
3:21 p.m. CST, December 4, 1990
2/14:31 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
The Astro crew continued to find success with the payload's
tnstrument Pointing System and multiple target acquisitions
throughout the day as the flow of science continues.
With the motion compensation system responding to command, the three
ultraviolet telescopes successfully locked onto the star cluster M92
and the supergiant star, Alpha Orionis or "Betelgeuse."
The M92 is a globular cluster which contains 16 known variable
stars. Scientists with the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope team were
excited to receive ultraviolet data and spectra from this source.
Science teams with the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope and the
Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment also received
positive downlink from these trackings.
The successful observations of these targets confirm evidence of the
continuing improvement of the Instrument Pointing System aboard
Columbia.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
UIT STATUS REPORT #02
4:30 p.m. CST Dec. 4, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
UIT received its first photographs with good image stabilization at
11:13 p.m. CST Monday. The targets in the same exposures were the
very distant, exceptionally bright quasar 1700 + 64 and the much
closer cluster of galaxies Abell 2246, thereby capturing two objects
in the same image.
UIT's next observations were N132-D, a supernova remnant in the
nearby Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy, about 160,000 light years from
Earth, followed by the globular star cluster M92 at 2:30 p.m. CST.
The images taken from that observation will allow scientists to
determine the population and ages of white dwarf stars.
Later this afternoon, UIT is scheduled to observe Alpha Orionis,
described by Goddard's Theodore P. Stecher, principal investigator,
as a bright red supergiant star in the constellation of Orion.
UIT was developed at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
HUT Status Report #02
6 p.m. CST, Dec. 4, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope today produced the first spectrum in
the far ultraviolet ever obtained for a globular star cluster.
Scientists from The Johns Hopkins University observed M92, a
collection of ancient stars in the constellation Hercules, about
25,000 lightyears from Earth. M92 contains about 100,000 stars, all
formed about 10 billion years ago, when the Milky Way itself was
formed. The cluster is the most metal-poor globular cluster planned
for observation and among the most metal-poor objects in the Milky Way
galaxy. The cluster stars have extremely low abundances of the heavy
elements, less than one percent of the abundances found in the Sun.
The spectrum resulted from a six-minute observation of M92. The HUT
team hopes to observe more than a dozen globular clusters throughout
the Astro-1 mission, to collect nearly 10 hours of data.
"We have enough data now to do science," said principal investigator
Arthur Davidsen, a professor of physics and astronomy at Johns
Hopkins. "But we got only a fraction of what we're looking for. We
have enough data to do a paper; we'd like enough for a thesis."
Davidsen and the rest of the HUT team were elated with the results.
"There's never been a spectrum of a cluster obtained by rocket;
they're much too faint," he said. "And in a few minutes we've gotten
data at least as good as the first spectrum obtained by IUE at longer
wavelengths over several hours of observation."
Davidsen said data from the observation will be compared with data
from other star clusters to learn about the origin and evolution of
galaxies and stars. Data from M92 will be compared as well to
observations of elliptical galaxies, to learn whether the stars in
these galaxies are fiery ancient suns or blazing young stars.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| 611.202 | Shuttle Status for 12/05/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Dec 05 1990 15:39 | 23 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - Wednesday, Dec. 5, 1990 9:30 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102)
At Hangar AF on the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, work
is continuing to disassemble the two solid rocket boosters.
Today, the tunnel covers and linear shaped charges will be
removed. The boosters will be disassembled at Hangar AF in
preparation for refurbishment.
Landing is planned for Dec. 11 at about 11:25 p.m. EST on
Rogers Dry Lake Bed at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. After about
five days of turnaround operations, the orbiter will be ferried
back to Florida. The 747 shuttle carrier aircraft/orbiter will be
making several refueling stops across the country because of the
extra weight due to Astro.
|
| 611.203 | Astro-1 Status for 12/04/90 [1750 CST - 2130 CST] | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Dec 05 1990 15:43 | 96 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 5 Dec 90 18:05:01 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Astro 1 Mission Report #18
5:50 p.m. CST, December 4, 1990
2/16:59 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"We have an observatory!" beamed an enthusiastic Ted Gull, Astro 1
Mission Scientist during the afternoon mission briefing at Spacelab
Mission Operations Control in Huntsville, Alabama.
The news reaffirms the improving status of the mission through
completed science observations and control of the Instrument
Pointing System. Team scientists expressed delight in their findings
so far and are anxious to share future discoveries in upcoming
briefings.
"It's come alive and we've started to get some science results,"
added Gull, as he reaccounted the day's activities which included
the successful acquisition of several targets. Astro scientists
Stephen Holt of the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope and Arthur Code of
the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter teams were also present
at the mission briefing to share their earlier findings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Shift Summary #09
9:30 p.m. CST, December 4, 1990
2/20:40 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Observations of significant astronomical targets were coming with
increasing regularity during the afternoon and early evening hours
of Tuesday, the third day in the Astro-1 mission.
"We have an observatory that's really coming alive now," said
Astro-1 Mission Scientist Dr. Ted Gull approximately midway through
this period. "I can smile now."
A key milestone resulting in this type of comment from mission
management and science team members was the marked improvement
during this period in the Astro-1 payload's capability to execute
automatic stellar acquisitions. The improvement in acquisition
procedures came thanks to persistent efforts by members of the
Astro-1 ground support teams, who sent up to Columbia a series of
successively more refined calibrations to the payload's sensitive
star-tracker optics.
At 4:00 p.m. (CST), crewmembers Sam Durrance and Jeff Hoffman
reported that the improved star-tracker geometry enabled them to
perform one automatic target acquisition followed immediately by
another, with no intervening recalibration. Alternate Payload
Specialist Ken Nordsieck, in the Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Facility, noted that the achievement resulted in the second of the
two observations being "about as nominal an observation as we've
done." That comment applied to the three ultraviolet instruments
mounted on Spacelab's Instrument Pointing System (IPS). Pointing
stability was still below specifications and, because control of
Spacelab, the IPS and the experiments is still being done on a
single computer terminal, acquisitions continued to require longer
times than expected. However, both problems were expected to
improve, increasing the quality and quantity of ultraviolet science
data.
There was also major progress for the separately pointed and
controlled fourth instrument aboard Columbia, the Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope (BBXRT). By around 5 p.m., Principal Investigator Dr.
Peter Serlemitsos reported that a successful alignment had been
completed between the X-ray telescope and its mounting mechanism,
the Two-Axis Pointing System. That accomplishment marked a
significant victory over previous drift problems, appearing to clear
the way for the BBXRT team to press on with their science
observation program. During this period, the X-ray telescope took
science data during observations of the Crab Nebula (NGC 1952 in the
New General Catalogue) and the binary star system Cygnus X-3.
Several key observations were made during this period with the three
ultraviolet telescopes, among them:
o The globular cluster M92, which is a cluster of some 100,000
stars about 25,000 light years distant from Earth. The
cluster contains numerous very hot, old stars which produce
ultraviolet radiation.
o The star Theta Muscae, a Wolf-Rayet star which exhibits a
very strong stellar wind.
o And the well-known supernova remnant Cygnus Loop. The
supernova which was the source of this remnant exploded some
50,000 years ago.
|
| 611.204 | Astro-1 Status for 12/05/90 [0430 CST - 0500 CST] | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Dec 05 1990 15:46 | 137 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 5 Dec 90 18:15:56 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report 10
4:30 a.m. CST Dec. 5, 1990
3/03:33 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
The Broad Band X-ray Telescope team at the Goddard Space
Flight Center completed procedures around 12:50 CST last
night that realigned the telescope with its Two Axis Pointing
System, or TAPS. This allowed the team to gather 15 minutes
of science observations on target Abell 754, an X-ray cluster
of galaxies rich with spiral and elliptical galaxies. BBXRT
proceeded with its scheduled targets, including observing
within the Crab Nebula.
The Crab Nebula target, the first scheduled joint observation
using all four telescopes, is a remnent of a supernova that
took place in the year 1054 as recorded in ancient Chinese
literature. Ultraviolet studies of the Crab Nebula are
difficult because dust particles absorb its observable
wavelengths. Among the more interesting phenomena in this
well studied nebula is a pulsar, or rotating neutron star,
emitting nonthermal radiation. Nonthermal radiation results
not from heat but from charged particles moving in a magnetic
field.
In all, of the 10 ultraviolet telescope targets scheduled
between 8:00 p.m. yesterday evening and 4:00 this morning,
only two were not acquired. Targets Sanduleak 69-270 and
Parkes 2155-304 (at approximately 10:10 and 10:45 p.m.,
respectively) were waved off so that operators could perform
identification procedure diagnostics on Spacelab's Instrument
Pointing System. Following is a list of observations that
acquired science data:
Telescope Target Approximate time when
acquisition began
WUPPE, HUT, UIT Sanduleak 69-239 8:30 p.m.
WUPPE, HUT, UIT G191132 9:10 p.m.
HUT Eta Carina 11:25 p.m.
WUPPE, HUT, UIT Small Magellanic Cloud A Midnight
ALL TELESCOPES NGC 2992 12:30 a.m.
ALL TELESCOPES Crab Nebula 1:40 a.m.
WUPPE, HUT, UIT HD 197770 2:50 a.m.
WUPPE, HUT, UIT M81 3:48 a.m.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #19
05:00 a.m. CST, December 5, 1990
3/04:10 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"Science? -- we expect it to be very exciting!" That's the word
from Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope Replanner Bill Blair regarding a
target acquired around 9 p.m. last night, referred to as G191B2B.
This hot white dwarf star was used as a calibration target during
the first part of their observation, then the HUT team switched over
to a mode that cut out the longer wavelength light, so they could
acquire science in just the extreme ultraviolet light.
"It is the first spectra we have obtained in the extreme
ultraviolet. The payload specialist said it was well detected, and
we have good signal in the extreme ultraviolet. It is very
exciting. Target 2509 was one of our highest objectives for the
mission."
Regarding the status of HUT's portion of the mission, Blair said:
"We are still regrouping from the slow start, and we certainly are
concerned about the shorter observations we have scheduled right
now, because acquisition is taking so long. We have a lot of
replanning of high priority targets that have been missed, but we
are very hopeful. The mood is swinging up rapidly."
Antonio Magalhaes, project scientist for the Wisconsin Ultraviolet
Telescope, was proud to share one of his team's accomplishments:
"We have the first observation of a star (Alpha Camelopardalis)
which is polarized by the dust in the interstellar medium, that is,
dust clouds in the plane of the galaxy. This is the first time such
observations are being done in the ultraviolet with such resolution
and sensitivity." This target was acquired around 1:45 p.m.
yesterday.
Data from this target star will provide scientists with new
knowledge about the nature of interstellar grains or dust -- the
place where stars are born.
"The Wisconsin ultraviolet telescope is doing fine, in fact, great,"
said an enthusiastic Magalhaes. "The next seven days promise to be
very exciting."
According to Broad Band X-ray Telescope Co-Investigator Francis
Marshall: "We have resolved the coalignment problem, and the Two
Axis Pointing System successfully realigned at 12:38 p.m. CST.
Since then we have observed clusters of glaxies: Abell 754, SNR Crab
Nebula, Star AR Lac, nearby galaxy M81 and SNR CAS A. Everything is
working very well."
Astromomer Wayne Landsman, UIT team member, was happy to report a
great observation on one of their most important targets, the
Perseus Cluster. "We know from X-ray observations with the BBXRT
that there is gas that flows into the center of all the Perseus
Cluster of galaxies. No one knows what happens to all this. Does
it go into making stars? Does it collapse into dark matter?
"The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope is searching for star formation
in the Perseus Cluster. We can test if star formation is occuring
at very low levels, and these observations with Perseus Cluster are
very good science."
UIT Co-investigator Andrew Smith talked about several targets that
the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope will be observing later in the
mission, such as edge-on galaxies. "We will be looking for
phenomena occuring above and below the planes of these galaxies,
which we are seeing edge-on. We might expect to see emission from
hot gas that is above or below the plane or even scattering from
dust that's been lifted above the plane by radiation from hot stars
in the disk of the galaxy. We will also be looking for star
formation in the arms of spiral galaxies, as ultraviolet light is a
very good signature for this occurence."
"There are certain descrepancies now in cosmology, where the ages of
globular clusters are older than what people predict for the
universe. So by studying ultraviolet luminosities of the stars in
these clusters, we can better determine if there is a real
descrepancy with the models of the universe and with new data on
these very old assemblies of stars," Landsman said.
|
| 611.205 | Astro-1 Status for 12/05/90 [1034 CST - 1900 CST] | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Dec 06 1990 09:47 | 373 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 5 Dec 90 22:52:50 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Astro 1 Mission Report #20
10:34 a.m. CST, December 5, 1990
3/09:44 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Astronomers aboard the STS-35 Astro mission are becoming
increasingly successful in their observations, Alternate Payload
Specialist John-David Bartoe informed them from Huntsville's
Spacelab Mission Operations Control as he prepared to end his shift
this morning.
"The folks down here want to let you know we're really proud of the
job you've been doing," Bartoe told the Astro crew. "The blue shift
[working during the day yesterday] got 17% of the planned
observations. Before that, it was 0%. The red shift [just ending]
got 35%. We're hoping to see that number double again in the next
shift."
One of the celestial objects studied by the Astro observatory this
morning was radio galaxy M87. Payload Specialist Ron Parise
observed after he locked the galaxy within the telescopes' fields of
view, "I had to get this one. The UIT PI would have fired me if I
didn't!" referring to the principal investigator for the Ultraviolet
Imaging Telescope, prime instrument in the study of M87.
"UIT says you're right about that," affirmed Bartoe.
M87 is a giant elliptical galaxy in the heart of the Virgo cluster
of galaxies some 41 million light years from Earth. It is thought
that M87 may contain a giant black hole at its center. Radio
galaxies emit radio radiation a million times stronger than galaxies
like our Milky Way and are some of the most enormous objects in the
universe. The pictures taken by the imaging telescope will be the
first ultraviolet photographs ever made of the galaxy.
Parise also reported during the set up that the time allotted for
the observation matched the time until the orbiter entered the South
Atlantic Anomaly, an area of higher-than-usual radiation which
interferes with the operation of sensitive instruments. "Maybe our
SAA patch is working," said Parise, referring to the automatic
program which puts the instruments into a safe mode during the
period when the orbiter flies through the anomaly. "Hey, that's
good news," responded Bartoe. "You're telling me," Parise agreed.
Up until this point, the instruments had been safed manually.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report #11
12:00 noon CST, Dec. 5, 1990
2/11:10 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
During the period 4 a.m. to 12 noon CST, much high quality
data were taken by the Astro-1 instruments. Toward the end
of the work shift for Alternate Payload Specialist (APS)
John-David Bartoe in the payload control room, he voiced up
to the crew some promising statistics, indicating that our
science acquired has been increasing at a good rate each
shift. And, he said, he expected those numbers to continue
to rise. A smiling Mission Scientist Dr. Ted Gull concurred
at a later briefing to news media, saying that the mission
was going well and the instruments were obtaining data the
science teams had hoped to receive from the beginning.
Early within this time period, an interstellar polarization
probe was successfully completed by the Wisconsin Ultraviolet
Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE), the primary instrument
for the observation. The purpose was to study the polarized
light of the interstellar medium -- the great volume of space
filled with hydrogen and tiny grains of dust. The target was
a star which acted much like a flashlight, illuminating the
interstellar medium to allow the WUPPE to study its
polarization effects.
WUPPE was primary observer as well for the Canis Majoris, a
possible binary star with a strong stellar "wind" that
continues to erode its mass. As a powerful polarized
ultraviolet source, EZ Canis Majoris provided excellent
science for the WUPPE team.
According to downlink information, the Ultraviolet Imaging
Telescope (UIT) obtained good data in the observation of
globular cluster M79, although some drift by the Image Motion
Compensation System may have slightly degraded the
information. (Final science results will not be known until
the UIT -- in effect, a camera taking pictures aboard the
orbiter but keeping its film -- lands on Earth next week.)
The UIT was definitely successful, according to collateral
data received, in observing M87, a giant elliptical galaxy 41
million light-years from Earth. Because the galaxy is a high
priority target for the UIT team, Payload Specialist Ron
Parise joked from on orbit that had he not obtained M87, "the
PI would have fired me." (The PI is a principal
investigator, or chief scientist, for a particular science
experiment.) APS Bartoe voiced back to Parise, with a laugh,
"You're right about that."
Throughout this timeframe, the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope
(HUT) locked on to the various stellar objects and beamed
live television of its target-acquisition images to the
Spacelab Operations Control Center. Even for those targets
in which HUT was not the primary instrument, it nonetheless
obtained good data for the HUT science team.
The Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT) also had a happy day.
The science team noted that the instrument was continuing to
receive excellent data from its scheduled targets, except
when certain attitudes too near the line of sight with the
Sun prompted focusing upon alternate targets. In all cases,
however, excellent data was being returned to the BBXRT
team. Among the targets viewed during this timeframe was a
quasi stellar object (popularly, a "quasar").
At approximately noon, the WUPPE was able to complete the
observation of the Sanduleak star, another stellar object to
act as a distant "beacon" to reveal polarization effects
within the interstellar medium between Sanduleak and our
solar system.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
WUPPE STATUS REPORT NO. 7
AM, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 5
Working through the night and into Wednesday morning, the WUPPE
science team was able to make a total of eight observations, including
three primary observations.
The WUPPE primary observations were of HD197770, an object
observed twice by the Wisconsin instrument for a total of 21 minutes,
and the variable star EZ Canis Majoris, observed for approximately 10
minutes.
HD 197770 is a bright blue star reddened by a cloud of
interstellar dust and gas. The star is being used by the WUPPE team
as a flashlight to shine through the cloud of dust and gas. The
interstellar medium is of interest to astronomers because of the role
it plays in the life cycle of stars. The dust and gas clouds studied
by the Wisconsin telescope are probably the remains of stars that
exploded millions of years ago. In time, the clouds will collapse to
form new stars and begin the stellar cycle again.
By looking at how the starlight passing through the cloud is
polarized, a unique capability in the ultraviolet of the WUPPE
instrument, astronomers can determine how the elongated grains of dust
in the cloud might be oriented by interstellar magnetic fields. They
can also learn more about the chemical makeup of the dust and gas in
the clouds.
The second primary target observed by the WUPPE science team, EZ
Canis Majoris, may be a new type of Wolf-Rayet star. The star
exhibits light variations every 3.7 days, but the variations do not
always repeat exactly. Astronomers think that there may be an unseen
companion star, possibly a collapsed star causing this periodic
variability. WUPPE will test whether there is a flat, rotating disk
of material surrounding the compact companion star.
The WUPPE instrument continues to perform well. The sensitivity
of the telescope is better than expected, meaning that even
abbreviated observations are providing the Wisconsin team with
high-quality data.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #21
12:39 p.m. CST, December 5, 1990
3/11:49 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope Deputy Project Scientist Randy Kimble
has good reason to be excited about spectra from a white dwarf star
tagged G191B2B which the telescope recorded last night.
"I tried to make a measurement of this star with a sounding rocket
in 1982 for my Ph.D thesis, but it didn't quite work," Kimble
recalled during a press science briefing this morning. "Now I am
delighted eight years later I could have this spectrum in my hand!"
Kimble said that his desire to study the star was one of the reasons
he joined Principal Investigator Arthur Davidsen's Hopkins telescope
team.
The scientist reported that the Astro crew, using a contingency
target acquisition procedure, was able to lock onto the star quickly
and get two good spectra with a total of 25 minutes observing time.
(The typical telescope observation launched by a sounding rocket
might provide 5 minutes of data.) Emissions from the white dwarf
were recorded both in the far ultraviolet and the extreme
ultraviolet, at one time called the "unobservable ultraviolet,"
Kimble said.
Also at the briefing, Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope Co-Investigator
Morton Roberts explained some of the rationale for studying stars.
"Star formation is of interest because we want to know how we got
here," Roberts stated. "After all, the sun is a very important
star. If we can understand the general process of star formation,
we can better understand the formation of the solar system."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
UIT Status Report #03
3 p.m. CST Dec. 5, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
UIT successfully photographed nine targets last night.
Perhaps the most interesting target was a pair of galaxies
called NGC 2992 and NGC 2993, located more than 90 million
light years from Earth in the southern constellation Hydra,
the Water Snake.
This morning, at 10 a.m. CST, UIT obtained images of M79, a
bright globular star cluster from which scientists hope to
learn about stellar evolution.
At 11:30 a.m. CST, UIT also observed the light echo of
Supernova 1987A. UIT will map and measure the ultraviolet
echo to find out how hot and bright the supernova was in its
first hours, before it was spotted from Earth.
Scheduled this afternoon is an observation of NGC 1399, a
pair of elliptical galaxies in a nearby cluster of galaxies.
Upon landing of Space Shuttle Columbia, the film from these
and other images taken throughout the mission will be
processed at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD.
Each frame of the film will then be digitized.
The UIT was developed and built at GSFC by a team led by
Principal Investigator Theodore Stecher.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBXRT Status Report #04
4 p.m. CST Dec. 5, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
"We started observing regularly last night and have been
observing ever since," said BBXRT Principal Investigator Dr.
Peter Serlemitsos of Goddard Space Flight Center.
All coalignment problems seem to be resolved as of late
yesterday and since that time the BBXRT has observed more
than a dozen targets. A small (about 4 arc minutes) drift
rate has not yet been resolved.
Plans this evening include observing Supernova 1987A, located
170,000 light years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
BBXRT was added to the STS-35 mission after the appearance of
SN 1987A in February 1987 in order to obtain vital scientific
information about the Supernova.
BBXRT was developed and is managed by GSFC in Greenbelt, MD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WUPPE Status Report No. 8
PM, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
Wisconsin astronomers using the WUPPE telescope aboard the Space
Shuttle Columbia today took observations of six objects, including
the WUPPE primary object P Cygni, a supergiant star.
P Cygni was observed for approximately 33 minutes by WUPPE and is an
important object for the WUPPE team because of abundant ground-based
data available from the University of Wisconsin's Pine Bluff
Observatory. Approximately 24 nights of optical spectropolarimetry
have been taken on this particular object. P Cygni is being
observed during the Astro mission by astronomers at Pine Bluff and
also by the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite.
In the 17th century, P Cygni, located in the constellation Cygnus
the Swan, was observed to have undergone a large increase in
brightness. But for the last 100 years P Cygni has been in a
relatively quiet phase, exhibiting little evolutionary change.
Ground and space-based observations now indicate that this star
ejects material at irregular intervals and appears to be in a
constant state of activity. This ejection of stellar mass is of
interest to astronomers because it will provide insight into the
evolution of hot massive objects. Astronomers would like to know if
the material is ejected uniformly in the form of a shell; if it is
ejected in so-called plumes; or if it is ejected in the form of
"blobs."
The spectropolarimetry data from WUPPE will provide information on
the distribution of material in the circumstellar environment and on
the mass loss mechanism.
The WUPPE instrument is still performing well and no problems with
the telescope have been reported by the WUPPE science team.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #22
6:40 p.m. CST, December 5, 1990
3/17:52 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Minor orbiter problems caused a brief pause in the anticipated
activities of the Shuttle Columbia's Astro crew during the last
period, but they managed to continue gathering good science for most
of the day with the Shuttle's ultraviolet observatory.
Columbia experienced a minor thruster problem which interrupted
normal payload observations. Managers at Spacelab Mission Operations
Control in Huntsville, Alabama instructed the crew to close the
telescopes' doors in order to prevent any contamination of the
instruments' sensitive optics. Meanwhile, Payload Specialist Sam
Durrance and Mission Specialist Jeff Hoffman used this time to
continue to perform target acquisitions using the Instrument
Pointing System and gathered engineering data. The Shuttle crew was
able to conduct a series of "hot fire" tests to correct the
situation. At 3/13:36 MET, the shuttle was able to resume scheduled
observations and gather target data.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
HUT Status Report 3
7 p.m. Dec. 5, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, AL
The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope team today observed one of its top
10 targets, 3C273, the brightest quasar in the sky. Dr. Arthur
Davidsen, principal investigator of the HUT team, made the first
ultraviolet observation ever of a quasar when he observed 3C273 in
1977. He has waited more than 13 years for a second look.
His name was first linked with 3C273 when a telescope aboard a
sounding rocket collected 250 seconds of data on the quasar; today
HUT observed the quasar for 30 minutes.
3C273 is located in the constellation Virgo, but is about 1 billion
light-years beyond the edge of the Milky Way. Scientists believe
the enormous energy radiating from these luminous objects results
from matter being pulled into a super-massive black hole. Davidsen
hopes to find evidence in 3C273's spectrum to support his theory.
He also will use the observation to explore the intergalactic
medium, a very tenuous gas which is believed to fill the void of
space between the galaxies.
However, he said after the observation that he would have to analyze
the data before he could draw any conclusions about the physical
conditions in the quasar. He hopes to collect another hour of data
on 3C273 before the end of the mission.
Payload specialist Samuel Durrance helped HUT lock onto the quasar.
After the observation, Davidsen sent Durrance his thanks and
congratulations.
"I've been waiting for 13 1/2 years -- that's along time,"
Davidsen said as data from the telescope began to arrive.
|
| 611.206 | Bad news | 15372::LEPAGE | Life sucks then the bill comes in | Thu Dec 06 1990 10:13 | 13 |
|
Latest news from the Columbia is real bad: The backup computer used
to control the Astro 1 instruments has failed. Like the failure of the
primary, the backup computer ceased operating and is giving off a bad
burning odor. Possibly related to this failure, the levels of carbon
monoxide in the cabin has increased but no as yet to dangerous levels.
The astronauts are presently making every effort to get one or both of
the computers back on line. If they fail to do it, the Astro 1 package
will not be able to collect any more data. More as it becomes
available.
Drew
|
| 611.207 | Part of Astro Inside Crew Module? | 2631::DAHL | Tom Dahl, CDMS | Thu Dec 06 1990 10:32 | 5 |
| RE: <<< Note 611.206 by 15372::LEPAGE "Life sucks then the bill comes in" >>>
So part of the Astro payload (some computers at least) are inside the Shuttle's
crew module? Anyone know why?
-- Tom
|
| 611.208 | | 19458::FISHER | I like my species the way it is" "A narrow view... | Thu Dec 06 1990 12:45 | 8 |
| Isn't it in a Spacelab module in the cargo bay? I assumed that the actual
observing equipment was in an open pallet module and the controller stuff was
in a pressurized module so the astros could operate them.
I wonder if they sent along some spare boards for the computers? Probably not,
or they would have repaired the primary.
Burns
|
| 611.209 | Latest on Astro 1 | 15372::LEPAGE | Life sucks then the bill comes in | Thu Dec 06 1990 15:35 | 106 |
| This is the most recent AP story on the Astro 1 problem. It seems
that the problem is not so much with the computer but with the keyboard
that is located in the crew cabin. So much for radio news!
Drew
Associated Press Thu 6-DEC-1990 11:54 Space Shuttle
By LAURA TOLLEY
Associated Press Writer
SPACE CENTER, Houston (AP) - Columbia's astronauts today lost
the only working computer terminal for operating their $150 million
observatory, once again shutting down their star-gazing efforts.
In the latest glitch on the problem-prone scientific mission,
the flight deck computer overheated and shut down automatically
this morning. The same thing happened Sunday with the only other
similar termimal. It has remained off since then.
Although the crew smelled something burning each time, no smoke
was reported in the cabin. There was no danger to the crew, but
their observing was halted by the second computer shutdown.
The suspension in observations by the three ultraviolet
telescopes was expected to last until late tonight, if not longer,
as NASA scrambled to devise a plan to control the instruments from
the ground.
``We know it's going to be difficult,'' said mission scientist
Ted Gull. ``But we're not giving up.''
The telescope lenses were covered for protection as ground
controllers tried to get either of the problem computer terminals
working. At the same time, they quickly developed a plan in which
the telescopes would be brought back up one at a time.
At least one of the computer terminals is needed for the
astronauts to operate the Astro observatory's three ultraviolet
telescopes. When the computer that crashed Sunday was opened today,
its air vents were found to be clogged with lint, the astronauts
said by radio. The reason for today's problem with the second
computer was not immediately determined.
Columbia's commander, Vance Brand, said other computer screens,
unrelated to the malfunctioning ones that guide the ultraviolet
telescopes, still were working well. The astronauts' manual
star-tracking system also appeared to be fine, and the crew planned
to use it with commands sent from the ground while efforts
continued to restore a computer.
``When we first start up, we're going to be slower than the crew
simply because we haven't trained or practiced it anywhere near the
way they have,'' said flight director Bob Castle.
It was the latest setback in a flight that has already been
plagued by technical problems. As a result, the crew's astronomers
have missed roughly half the celestial targets they had hoped to
observe by now.
Earlier, during intermittent failures of the automatic pointing
system, the astronauts wiggled a video-game-like joystick and used
a computer keyboard - the one that has since malfunctioned - to
position the telescopes manually, and got more proficient at aiming
the observatory, NASA said.
NASA said the crew had charted just 45 of 86 intended targets
through early Wednesday. Updated figures were not immediately
available, but officials were optimistic after Wednesday's showing,
mission spokesman Al Jordan said.
``We expect to show an improvement,'' he said.
Scientists had planned to begin using the observatory late
Sunday, the day the shuttle lifted off.
The schedule for the 10-day mission is tight, but NASA said the
crew might be able to make up a few hours' viewing time toward the
end of the flight if things go well.
An X-ray telescope with its own pointing system was unaffected
by the computer problems. NASA halted X-ray observations as a
precaution but planned to resume work later this morning. An
alignment problem was corrected Wednesday, and the instrument was
working well today.
About 250 celestial sources of ultraviolet light and X-rays were
supposed to have been studied during the mission. Such rays, which
are emitted from galaxies, quasars and stars, cannot penetrate
Earth's atmosphere.
The automatic system has been successful in directing the
telescopes toward a target's general area but has often failed to
find the specific object. When that occurs, an astronaut uses the
joystick and keyboard to guide the system.
Mission scientist Ted Gull could not say when the observatory
might reach peak efficiency, but he was confident that fine-tuning
would increase viewing time.
``We're just learning more and more about how to use the
spacecraft,'' he said.
Successes included observations of a white dwarf star, a star
near the end of its life; a galaxy 41 million light years away that
is believed to contain a black hole, and Crab Nebula, a remnant of
a supernova that occurred more than 900 years ago.
Scientists from Johns Hopkins University, principal investigator
for one ultraviolet telescope, also studied one of their main
targets - a bright quasar 1 billion light years away in the
constellation Virgo - for 30 minutes.
Astronaut Samuel Durrance operated the system manually to find
the quasar, the brightest in the sky.
``It's his steady hand to which we owe our success with this
one,'' said Arthur Davidsen of Johns Hopkins.
The automatic system ``finds the target very closely, but not
close enough to do a beautiful job - that's where the astronaut
comes in,'' he said.
The crew took some time out Wednesday night to sing ``Happy
Birthday,'' to Beverly ``Bev'' Brand, Brand's wife, and Barbara
Hoffman, wife of mission specialist Jeffrey Hoffman.
The mission is scheduled to end with a night landing Tuesday. It
had been scheduled for 1986 but was postponed after the Challenger
accident and was delayed six months more this year, largely because
of shuttle hydrogen leaks.
|
| 611.210 | Shuttle Status for 12/06/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Dec 06 1990 18:45 | 24 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - Thursday, Dec. 6, 1990 9:30 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102)
At Hangar AF on the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, work
is continuing to disassemble the two solid rocket boosters.
Today, thermal foam is being removed from the boosters and the
aft skirts are scheduled to be removed tomorrow. Yesterday, the
tunnel covers and linear shaped charges were removed. The
boosters will be disassembled in preparation for refurbishment.
Landing is planned for Dec. 11 at about 11:25 p.m. EST on
Rogers Dry Lake Bed at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. After about
five days of turnaround operations, the orbiter will be ferried
back to Florida. The 747 shuttle carrier aircraft/orbiter will be
making several refueling stops across the country because of the
extra weight due to Astro.
|
| 611.211 | Astro-1 Status for 12/05/90 [2130 CST - 0140 CST] | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Dec 06 1990 19:16 | 109 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 6 Dec 90 22:59:53 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Astro 1 Shift Summary Report #12
9:30 p.m. CST, December 5, 1990
3/20:40 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
The Astro-1 astronomy mission's pace of observation continued to
show improvement Wednesday as crewmembers aboard Columbia, along
with the ground support team, made further progress with
operations. During the period from noon to 8 p.m. (CST), a variety
of targets were acquired and observed by the three specialized
ultraviolet telescopes. The range of data-taking periods continued
to vary substantially, from just a few minutes in some cases to some
of the longest so far in the mission.
One significant procedural improvement evolved during this period,
in an effort to most efficiently aim and stabilize the ultraviolet
telescopes on each planned target. The plan involves making a
decision prior to beginning each observation period whether the crew
should use the automatic or manual mode of locking on desired
targets with the Instrument Pointing System (IPS) and star
trackers. The determination as to the most promising acquisition
mode is being made by a team in the Spacelab Mission Operations
Control Facility and then voiced up to the crew aboard Columbia.
"We still want to get to routine use of the automatic mode of IPS
acquisition, since the pointing accuracy will be higher," said
Astro-1 Mission Scientist Ted Gull. But, he said, the case-by-case
determination regarding acquisition modes appears to be the best
approach at this point in the mission.
Some of the observations during this period stood out as particular
highlights for science teams on the ground. For instance, following
an observation of the quasi-stellar object 3C273, Principal
Investigator Dr. Arthur Davidsen of the Hopkins Ultraviolet
Telescope was elated. A congratulatory message from Davidsen was
passed up to the Astro-1 crew, noting "the great 3C273 spectrum."
And a period of data acquisition on the hot supergiant star P Cygni
brought enthusiastic comments from members of the Wisconsin
Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment science team. Crew
Interface Coordinator Debra Underwood relayed to Columbia the
message that "the WUPPE team really appreciates your effort on this
target. They say they got a very good signal-to-noise ratio in the
data."
Ground controllers for the Broad-Band X-ray Telescope continued to
work on fine-tuning the alignment of their instrument with its
pointing system. Prior to this period, they had been acquiring good
data, but experienced alignment difficulties which caused them to
miss several data opportunities. They reported making progress
during the afternoon and evening but were not yet successful in able
to consistently get X-ray photons into their telescope's central
detector element. Nevertheless, they acquired useful spectral data
today during pointings at the X-ray source LMC X-1 in the Large
Magellanic Cloud and at two galactic binaries -- 3U 0614+09 and EXO
0748-676.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #24
01:40 a.m. CST, December 6, 1990
4/00:50 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"The amount of science recorded on Astro-1 continues to grow, on
this the beginning of the fourth day of the mission," said Stu
Clifton, assistant mission manager. "Despite the fact that we often
don't get as much time as we would like on targets, that time has
been sufficient to precipitate a number of new and exciting
scientific discoveries by the instruments. Target acquisitions by
the Instrument Pointing System continue to improve, and the Astro
scientists are very pleased with the data that they're getting."
"This is the highlight of my career!" exclaimed Project Scientist
Geoff Clayton with the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Telescope team. "We
are getting some really great data that I have been waiting for all
my life -- data that nobody has ever gotten before."
"One of my personal interests is interstellar dust: no one has ever
observed the polarization of interstellar dust in the ultraviolet
before," said Clayton. "The data we're getting now disagrees with
all previous predictions."
Scientists don't know what interstellar dust is. Yet, they know it
has a big effect on many physical processes in astromony. It is
theorized that everything in the universe was inside another star
previously and that interstellar dust, composed of rare heavier
elements, is the birthplace of stars and the universe itself.
Principle Investigator Arthur Code for the Wisconsin Ultraviolet
Telescope agreed with Clayton: "The data we have gotten from the
observations so far has been great! WUPPE is working with higher
sensitivity and better than we expected it to. And I'm sure there
are going to be fascinating things in the data. There may be just
that one golden nugget there, the unexpected, and that can make it
all worthwhile."
As of 1:40 CST, all telescopes are working nominally. The Broad
Band X-ray Telescope has aligned with the Two Axis Pointing System
and the team has been getting good science from several primary
targets.
|
| 611.212 | Astro-1 Status for 12/05/90 2215 CST - 12/06/90 1430 CST | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Dec 06 1990 19:37 | 279 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 6 Dec 90 23:10:46 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Astro 1 Mission Report #23
10:15 p.m. CST, December 5, 1990
3/21:27 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"We're getting great spectral data," commented Principal
Investigator Arthur Davidsen of the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope
team, as he praised and congratulated the Astro-1 crew for
successfully acquiring a targeted quasar.
Davidsen's comments conveyed the growing feelings of excitement and
delight of the many scientists and astronomers working from Spacelab
Mission Operations Control in Huntsville, Alabama as the flow of
science observations continues.
The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope gathered valuable ultraviolet data
on the brightest quasar in the sky, 3C273. The HUT science team
hopes to unlock the mysteries behind the enormous energy emitted by
these objects by examining its spectrum.
The Broad Band X-Ray Telescope is aligned with the Two-Axis Pointing
System and is also currently collecting data.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #25
08:15 a.m. CST, December 6, 1990
4/07:25 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
At approximately 6:15 a.m. CST, the second Data Display Unit on the
aft flight deck of the orbiter unexpectedly powered off. Since the
crew uses the DDU to command the Astro payload, their first response
to the shutdown was to safe the instruments. Now flight controllers
at Houston and mission management and science teams at Huntsville
are studying possible work-arounds.
Although no science data is presently being taken, "This has been an
extremely good night for the Astro scientists!" reported Astro 1
Assistant Mission Manager Stu Clifton. "All targets have been
acquired. Many of them with very long observing periods. And many
of the targets recorded have been high priority targets for the
scientists."
Mission Scientist Gene Urban affirmed: "Tonight, we've been getting
over 90% of the required time completed for a series of very
successful observations."
When Payload Specialist Ron Parise acquired Cygnus Loop B at
approximately 12:15 a.m. CST he said: "This may be the most
important observing of the mission."
Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope Replanner Bill Blair certainly agreed
with Parise's comment. "It was great! I have been waiting for this
for 6 1/2 years. To see it (Cygnus Loop B) pop up on the screen,
well, it was a feeling I can't describe. We got 31 minutes of data
on it. It was a wonderful solid observation, the longest one we've
gotten. And it happens to be one of my favorite targets."
Blair has done work on the Cygnus Loop with the International
Ultraviolet Explorer and is currently finishing up some work with
the Voyager spacecraft that observed the supernova remnant at very
low resolution. "To see the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope spectra
with 10 times better resolution and all the other lines in the
spectra is just wonderful!"
The Cygnus Loop is a large object, three degrees across the sky.
Tonight HUT looked at a shock wave being driven into an interstellar
cloud on the edge of the supernova remnant. From the data acquired,
the team will determine the density, the temperature and the
chemical composition of the interstellar gas tha
[Article damaged here. -PEY]
of shock waves and eventually to a more complete picture of the
universe.
The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope team was especially pleased with
the science they were acquiring. Ralph Bohlin, co-investigator on
the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope, said "Tonight, we have crossed
the threshold of getting routine observations 80 - 90% of the time,
and this is the way we hope the rest of the mission goes. We are
really quite happy."
Co-investigator with the UIT team Andrew Smith spoke of the nature
of one particular prime target that was a successful acquisition --
M-82 galaxy. "This extraordinarily active galaxy has been in
collision with another galaxy called M-81, causing a lot of tidal
influence between the two galaxies. This is producing a tremendous
amount of star formation in the central part of this galaxy, which
is blowing material out," said Smith. "We will be looking for star
formation everywhere."
UIT Astronomer Susan Neff noted that "the total amount of observing
time for all previous ultraviolet imaging from rocket flights has
been about 30 minutes, and tonight we've increased that by a factor
of 10." Neff continued: "It is exciting that we got data on all
our targets!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report #14
12:00 noon CST, Dec. 6, 1990
4/11:10 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
During this period (4 a.m. to 12 noon CST), a substantial
amount of science data was obtained by the Astro-1
observatory instruments before the Data Display Unit (DDU)
aboard the Columbia automatically shut down from overheating
at approximately MET 4/05:20, or 6:10 a.m. (The Broad Band
X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT), controlled independently from the
Goddard Space Flight Center, was affected when the orbiter
was placed in a safe attitude which subsequently caused the
instrument door to be closed and placed the BBXRT too near a
line of sight with the Sun.) The DDU was the second of two
on board the orbiter to power down, and it left the Astro-1
crew without means to control the Instrument Pointing System
(IPS) payload from the aft deck of the Columbia. A backup
plan to control the instruments remotely from the ground --
with Johnson Space Center controlling the IPS and Marshall
Space Flight Center controlling the three ultraviolet Astro-1
instruments -- is now under study. If carried out, the
procedure will call for each instrument to be activated one
at a time, beginning with the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope
(UIT), then the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT), and
finally the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter
Experiment (WUPPE). Once confidence is high that each can be
remotely controlled from the ground, a procedure will be
carried out to obtain joint observations from all three
instruments.
At approximately noon, the BBXRT team opened the instrument
door and proceeded to perform calibration procedures and was
scheduled to study the 1987A supernova later in the
afternoon.
Prior to the DDU shutdown during this timeframe, the WUPPE --
as primary instrument -- was able to observe scheduled target
NGC 7023, the most brilliant of the reflection nebulae. Both
HUT and UIT joined in the observation since the target is a
strong ultraviolet source.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #26
1:07 p.m. CST, December 6, 1990
4/12:17 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"I'm not sure whether to smile from ear to ear or to cry," admitted
William Blair, Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope assistant project
scientist, as he related the latest results from the Astro mission
during a press briefing this morning. He was referring to the
elation experienced by the science teams during the night, when they
were able to observe 100% of the celestial objects planned, and the
disappointment they felt as failure of a second Data Display Unit
(DDU) shut down ultraviolet operations at about 6:15 CST this
morning.
Mission Scientist Ted Gull reported on plans for recovering from the
problem and "doing astronomy in the near term." Observing that each
instrument team had practiced controlling their experiment from the
ground during simulations, Gull said, "We know that it will be
difficult, but we are going to try it so we can continue to do
science for the remainder of the mission. Acquisition is going to
be the difficulty, but we think we can do it with Johnson
controlling the Instrument Pointing System, then in turn our
controlling the instruments from the Marshall Space Flight Center.
It certainly is going to be a close teamwork effort. Instead of one
mission specialist and one payload specialist on the aft flight
deck, there are going to be a lot of people in the loop, each having
to do something in sequence to get the task accomplished."
Gull explained that the process would be to operate each of the
three ultraviolet telescopes in sequence, going from the Ultraviolet
Imaging Telescope (with the largest field of view) to the Hopkins
Ultraviolet Telescope. Then, using the Hopkins telescope's TV
camera, controllers will attempt to center celestial objects in the
Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment's viewing slit.
The scientist gave credit to the many pre-mission simulations for
preparing the ground control team to respond to the challenge.
Though the present scenario was not simulated, Gull said the many
problems the teams worked through during the sims had "prepared and
steeled" them. "There's no panic. People are willing to sit down
and work the problem. It's really remarkable how well people are
working under duress."
Gull predicted that it would be more than 12 hours before the
alternate procedure could be put into practice. In the meantime,
priority is being given to observations by the Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope. Since it is controlled remotely from the Goddard Space
Flight Center, the X-ray instrument is not affected by the loss of
the Spacelab Data Display Unit.
In spite of the problems, Mary Jane Taylor of the Wisconsin
Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment team was obviously ecstatic
as she reported on data received from the instrument overnight. When
asked about the mood among the scientists this morning, she replied,
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated, because I am
frustrated, but not any of us thought that this was going to be
error free. I think you have to keep in mind that we're doing
something that has never been done before. We are getting some
fantastic results, and we're going to learn a lot from it. And that
to me is worth all the long hours we have put into this. We have a
fantastic team, and I am sure that we are going to be back on track,
and we're going to get a lot of science out of this mission!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
UIT Status Report #04
2 p.m. CST Dec. 6, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
"We'll try to uplink the way BBXRT is currently operating," said Ted
Stecher, of Goddard Space Flight Center, principal investigator. "If
all this goes well, then we're back in business!"
Prior to the shut down of the second of two Dedicated Display Units at
6:15 a.m. CST today, the UIT team obtained images of virtually all
their scheduled targets. "Last night was the best yet," Stecher
said. "We did very well." Targets included the M-82 and the M-81
galaxies.
The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT) has the largest field of view
of any sensitive ultraviolet imaging instrument planned for flight in
the 1990s. This is one of the reasons UIT was selected from among the
ultraviolet telescopes aboard Astro-1 to be the first instrument to
test the ability of controllers to command telescope alignments from
the ground.
UIT can photograph an area that is 40 arc minutes in diameter, about
25 percent wider than the full moon. The permanent archive for UIT
data will be the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC), located
at Goddard
The UIT was developed and built at Goddard Space Flight Center in
Greenbelt, MD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBXRT Status Report #05
2:30 p.m. CST Dec. 6, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
Controlling BBXRT and its Two Axis Pointing System (TAPS) from the
ground at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, has allowed
BBXRT team members the opportunity to do science observations despite
today's shut down on the Dedicated Display Unit (DDU).
During the next 12 hours while flight controllers, mission management
and science teams work to troubleshoot the DDU problem, BBXRT team
members at Marshall Space Flight Center and at GSFC will use this
period to further test the alignment of the instrument and to look at
several high priority targets, said Dr. Peter Serlemitsos of GSFC,
principal investigator.
Observations today include NGC 4051, a Seyfert galaxy, and Q 1821, a
quasar. This afternoon, BBXRT also plans to observe Supernova 1987A.
BBXRT was not part of the originally selected Astro payload. It was
added to the mission after the appearance of Supernova 1987A in
February 1987.
|
| 611.213 | MCC Status reports #5 & #6 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Dec 06 1990 22:48 | 84 |
|
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
Status Report #5
7:00 a.m., Dec. 5, 1990
Space Shuttle Columbia is functioning flawlessly while Mission
Specialist Bob Parker and Payload Specialist Ron Parise continue
to successfully acquire targeted stars and galaxies using the
ASTRO-1 telescopes. The platform holding the astronomy equipment
was stabilized using a combination of automatic and manual
controls. A dim star-count software patch has been loaded into
the Optical Sensor Package to correct the sensitivity of the
right star tracker.
Yesterday Space Shuttle Columbia twice passed within 30 miles of
the Soviet Space Station Mir, travelling over Eastern Africa and
over the mid-Pacific Ocean. No voice contact was attempted.
Ham operators worldwide are contacting the STS-35 crew as part of
the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment, also known by its acronym,
SAREX. As Columbia travelled over Australia on Orbit 45, the
crew talked to several schools across the continent. So far,
there have been more than 500 contacts.
Pilot Guy Gardner yesterday successfully demonstrated an
experimental on-orbit trash compactor. The purpose of this
detailed test objective is to demonstrate a means of compacting
trash on orbit thereby providing more efficient use of stowage
space on the shuttle, which will be particularly useful on
extended duration objective missions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
MCC STATUS REPORT #6
8 a.m. CST
Thurs., Dec. 6, 1990
At about 6:15 a.m. CST or a mission elapsed time of four
days, five hours and 27 minutes the Space Shuttle Columbia's
second of two Dedicated Display Units (DDU) automatically shut
itself down. Crew members immediately reported they smelled a
burning scent similar to the scent they smelled after they
manually shut down the first DDU about nine hours into the flight
of STS-35. The crew reported there was no visible smoke.
The orbiter's two DDUs provide the primary data path from
the payload to the flight crew. Flight controllers are working
to identify the cause of the DDU failures and are discussing the
possibility of repowering DDU #1. Another plan under discussion
is to command telescope alignments from the ground. Controllers
report that science operations could continue through ground
controling in which commands from the ground can be sent up to
the crew. The crew then can lock onto the targets using the hand-
held manual controller which crew members successfully used
during the first few days of the flight.
About 8 a.m. CST flight controllers asked the crew to remove
the lower panel of the second DDU, look at the internal
components, check the air intake filter for lint and then
downlink that information on the camcorder to ground
controllers.
About 6:50 a.m. CST the crew also reported they were seeing
a slight but steady increase in the levels of carbon monoxide in
the crew compartment. The flight surgeon has reported that
current carbon monoxide levels are within accepted limits but the
crew has installed a charcoal canister similar to the lithium
hydroxide (LiOH) canisters that are regularly used to scrub
carbon dioxide from the cabin air. The canister designed to
remove carbon monoxide from the cabin air was installed about 7
a.m. CST. Controllers asked the crew to continue updating them on
carbon monoxide levels.
Scientists at the Marshall Space Flight Center have reported
all telescopes are working nominally. The Broad Band X-ray
Telescope was aligned with the Two Axis Pointing System and the
team has been getting good science from several primary targets.
All telescopes have been placed in the safe standby mode while
Houston flight controllers review the DDU situation.
The Columbia currently is in a 193 x 185 nautical mile
orbit.
|
| 611.214 | ASTRO status at 4/16:00 MET | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Dec 07 1990 11:46 | 53 |
| From: [email protected] (Greg Hennessy)
Date: 6 Dec 90 23:06:45 GMT
Organization: University of Virginia
Well, the last 24 hours has brought good news, extremely bad news, and
now decent news. The good news was that during shift nine, the first
11 objects observed averaged 76 percent of the scheduled observing
time, a value that made the science teams VERY happy. Most of the
tracking was done by the astronauts by joystick, and obtained lots of
data for the spectrometers. The patch to the star tracker did not
clear the problem, but the automatic tracking was tried only three
time, suceeding once, the first time it did suceed. The stability was
excellent, and there was hope that the star trackers could be made to
work before very long. Even the manual guiding gave respectable images
for the UIT, which is most affected by loss of the star trackers.
Observations were done of M100, M74, Hercules X-1, the Cygnus Loop,
Alpha Hydra, the Vela SuperNova Remnant, and M82, among others. Then
disaster struck.
The second Data Display Unit (DDU) failed. This left the astronauts
with no way to enter commands to the instruments. This meant that the
UV instruments could not take any data whatsoever, even though BBXRT
was unaffected. The day was understandable hectic, but a contingency
plan has been developed. All the UV instruments have a backup ground
based controls. During the past shift these instrumetns were powered
up and tested. During this time the shuttle gave priority to BBXRT
telescopes. Starting with shift 11, the data for the telescopes will
be entered on teh ground, and uploaded. The astronauts will still do
the manual guiding, but otherwise the UV instruments will be
controlled on the ground. The science observations for shift 11 were
canceled, and a system was iinstutued to first try to get UIT working,
then HUT, then WUPPE. This was in order of decreasing field of view,
or of increasing difficulty. This scenerio was never simulated, since
loss of both DDU's was thought to be an unreasonable scenerio. UIT
will pick two targets on opposite sides of the sky, NGC 1399 at Ra 3
hours 36 min and Centaurus A at Ra 13 hours 22 min. UIT will
"ping-pong" back and forth between these two targets for 4 orbits,
then HUT will try 2 orbits trying to acquire the quasar Q1821, then
WUPPE will try 2 orbits trying to acquire GAM-GEM. On shift 12 other
targets will be tried, or increasing scientific interest and degree of
difficulty. These targets are still being worked out. Once confidence
is gained in this mode of observing, secondary observations will be
allowed.
It now appears that a 10'th day of the mission is possible.
Boy, was today hectic.
--
-Greg Hennessy, University of Virginia
USPS Mail: Astronomy Department, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2475 USA
Internet: [email protected]
UUCP: ...!uunet!virginia!gsh7w
|
| 611.215 | Astro-1 Status for 12/06/90 [2030 CST-2200 CST] | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Dec 07 1990 12:54 | 98 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 7 Dec 90 16:37:29 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report #15
8:30 p.m. CST, Dec. 6, 1990
4/19:45 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
Implementation of a new plan of operation for the Astro-1
ultraviolet telescopes became the order of the day during the
afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday. The change
was necessary due to the failure earlier in the day of the
second of two Spacelab data display units. These are the
computer terminals on Columbia's aft flight deck which
normally provide the crew with their primary means of
controlling the Instrument Pointing System and the three
ultraviolet telescopes. Following loss of the second data
display unit, ground controllers at Spacelab Mission
Operations Control in Huntsville and Mission Control in
Houston prepared a plan for remotely commanding the IPS and
the three telescopes -- the pointing system from Houston and
the ultraviolet instruments from Huntsville.
The plan came together more quickly than ground controllers
had initially anticipated, and by shortly before 5 p.m.
(CST), it was given its first test for a target acquisition.
That opportunity came with a pass in which the Supernova
1987a was the desired subject. With Payload Specialist Sam
Durrance guiding the ultraviolet telescopes by means of the
manual pointing controller, or joystick, Alternate Payload
Specialist Ken Nordsieck in Huntsville provided
second-by-second pointing instructions over air-to-ground.
The result was a good "lock" on the supernova by the
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope and a successful exposure with
the telescopes cameras.
The Broad Band X-ray Telescope (BBXRT) was unable to acquire
data of Supernova 1987A because of instrument alignment
problems. BBXRT will have several upcoming opportunities to
observe this brilliant target later in the mission.
The plan to recover from loss of the second Spacelab computer
terminal called for going step by step to successively more
complex operations until, it is hoped, all three of the
ultraviolet telescopes can be brought back into simultaneous
observation through this coordinated air-ground approach.
And, shortly before 8 p.m., the second step in the process
appeared to have been achieved, when an acquisition of the
white dwarf star HZ 43 was successful with the Hopkins
Ultraviolet Telescope. Later, the plan calls for attempting
the procedure with the most sensitive instrument, the
Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment.
During this period of recovery with the ultraviolet
instruments, science planners gave as much observation
opportunity as possible to the x-ray telescope, and the BBXRT
team acquired good data on several targets of special
interest to them. Around 6 p.m., however, the x-ray
telescope was plagued by a recurrence of the misalignment
which has occurred previously. Ground controllers at the
Goddard Space Flight Center and in Huntsville began efforts
to correct the problem.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #28
10:00 p.m. CST, December 6, 1990
4/00:00 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
It was "business as usual" for the Astro-1 observatory as it resumed
science observations beginning with the Ultraviolet Imaging
Telescope as it successfully locked onto its target using a new
ground based command technique to help coordinate observations.
"Looks great!" noted Ken Nordsieck, Alternate Payload Specialist as
he verbally guided Payload Specialist Sam Durrance to refine their
achieved target, Supernova 1987A at 4:16:10 MET. Teams at the
Johnson Space Center and at the Marshall Space Flight Center worked
together in devising a system to control the Instrument Pointing
System and Image Motion Compensation System from the ground.
The UIT scientists were pleased as their instruments collected
approximately six minutes of data from this acquisition. Supernova
1987A, located 170,000 light-years away from Earth, is an important
target to scientists because it releases ultraviolet radiation
through light "echoes."
The Broad Band X-Ray telescope experienced a minor alignment problem
during this observation and was unable to acquire science data from
this target. Meanwhile, the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope and the
Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter are on "stand-by mode" as
they await their turns for observation.
|
| 611.216 | Astro-1 Status for 12/07/90 [0320 CST - 0430 CST] | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Dec 07 1990 14:28 | 120 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 7 Dec 90 16:40:45 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Astro 1 Mission Report #29
03:20 a.m. CST, December 7, 1990
5/02:30 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"Due to a monumental team effort with the scientists and NASA
Support Operation teams," said Stu Clifton, assistant mission
manager, "new commanding procedures for operation of the Astro
instruments have been successful following the loss of the second
Data Display Unit. The Astro Mission has made a rapid recovery in
obtaining important science data on a number of targets. As time
goes on, we anticipate that all the instruments will be acquiring
nominal science."
As of 3:30 a.m. CST, the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope has obtained
about 73 minutes of data on a large eliptical galaxy, referred to by
scientists as NGC 1399.
NGC 1399 is in the Fornax cluster of galaxies. UIT Astronomer Susan
Neff had these comments: "We're looking at this galaxy because it
is in a nearby cluster of galaxies. And we can do galaxy sociology
by studying this cluster. We look at how different galaxies evolve
and interact with each other. And when we take a picture of a field
like this, we will probably get several hundred galaxies at once.
We assume they have all formed together because they are living in
this cluster together now."
While the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope had lead command on this
important target, the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope has also jointly
recorded science data.
Gerard Kriss, assistant project scientist for HUT, described the
significance of NGC 1399. "One of the most significant things about
this target is that the UV spectrum, which has been observed by the
International UV Explorer, shows an unexplained excess brightness of
UV emission at short wavelengths.
"Elliptical galaxies are usually composed of old, cool, red stars,
without much ultraviolet emission. So it is surprising to see
excess emissions from galaxies like this one. We want to know
what's going on here and will be looking at the spectrum to
determine the temperature and type of star that is emitting this
radiation."
HUT Co-investigator Dick Henry was quick to add that "this is a good
example of where both instruments are doing very wonderful jobs and
very important science! We are very excited about it."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Wisconsin-Madison
WUPPE Status Report
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 6, 1990
The WUPPE telescope aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia has
not made an observation since before the loss early this morning
of the remaining Spacelab Dedicated Display Unit (DDU).
The loss of the DDU will hamper observations by the
Wisconsin telescope, but the WUPPE science team is hopeful that an
observation can be made within the next few hours as the
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope has now been able to successfully
acquire and photograph objects in the ground operation mode. The
Wisconsin science team must now wait for the Hopkins Ultraviolet
Telescope to acquire targets before WUPPE objects can be focused
through the smaller aperture of the Wisconsin telescope.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report #16
4:30 a.m. CST Dec. 7, 1990
5/03:38 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
Within the span of 22 hours, the crew aboard Columbia, and
operators at the Johnson Space Center, Marshall and Goddard
Space Flight Centers, have recycled what appeared to be a
serious problem -- the loss of two dedicated display screens
aboard the orbiter -- into routine commanding and
observations.
Operators worked through the night to refine time-intensive,
ground-based setup commands, to make the commands easier and
faster to uplink to the Shuttle-borne Astro ultraviolet
telescopes.
As reflection of the smoothing of observation setup
procedures, during a 3:40 a.m. CST observation of Q1821, a
radio-quiet quasar, operators uplinked setup commands minutes
early. Just as the orbiter passed out of satellite
communications, the Johns-Hopkins telescope locked onto the
target. At acquisition of signal (AOS), all four telescopes
were observing the target. By the time the star passed out
of view, the telescopes had completed 106 percent of their
scheduled observation time.
Having the largest aperture, the Ultraviolet Imaging
Telescope was the prime telescope for most of the night. At
11:40 p.m., the UIT team began a short observation of target
NGC 1633, the second of four acquisitions of this target
during this shift. Immediately following the UIT acquisition,
the Broad Band X-ray Telescope team at the Goddard Space
Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, completed sending
inertial alignment commands to their Two Axis Pointing System
(TAPS). During the night, BBXRT made two successful
observations of NGC 1399 in the southern constallation
Fornax, or Furnace; Q1821+64, a radio-quiet quasar; and Abell
2256, a spiral-poor galaxy cluster. BBXRT and TAPS continue
to operate without problems.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| 611.217 | ASTRO mission status at 5/10:30 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Dec 07 1990 14:29 | 42 |
| From: [email protected] (Greg Hennessy)
Date: 7 Dec 90 17:17:27 GMT
Organization: University of Virginia
The UV instruments on the ASTRO observatory are again taking data.
Shift 10 had essentially no science done with the three UV
instruments, while the BBXT continue to take data. While the first two
orbits of Shift 11 did not have any sucessful acquisitions, UIT
obtained three deep exposures of NGC 1399, and WUPPE and HUT also got
data on this galaxy. Later HUT was able to obtain lots of data on the
quasar Q1821, and two orbits later WUPPE wa sback in business by
itself as it obtained the star Gamma Gem on its own. The astronauts
are tracking the stars by using a joystick, and they have about 5
arcsecons of jitter, which is acceptable to HUT and WUPPE (they have
large slits) and the Image Motion Compensator is working to keep UIT
stable to about a tenth of an arcsecond. The philosophy of the
misssion has changed a bit, to get longer observations of fewer
targets, since the overhead per observation is greater than expected.
This makes UIT very happy, since they get nice deep exposures to work
with.
Here is a breakdown of the shift number, observing time scheduled, and
acutally obtained, times in minutes.
Shift Scheduled Obtained Percentage Notes
6 345 54 17
7 418 163 38 Startracker patched
8 429 189 44
9 428 247 57
10 36 8 4 2nd DDU died
11 343 187 55
The prelaunch expectations were that about 80 percent of the time
scheduled would be observed, so while we are not there yet, we are
gettin gcloser. There may be a 11'th day of the mission, which would
allow us to recover some of the lost time due to the problems with
spacelab.
--
-Greg Hennessy, University of Virginia
USPS Mail: Astronomy Department, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2475 USA
Internet: [email protected]
UUCP: ...!uunet!virginia!gsh7w
|
| 611.218 | Telescopes up, toilet down | 52331::ANDRADE | The sentinel (.)(.) | Mon Dec 10 1990 03:31 | 6 |
| The Shuttle is coming down one day early because of the toilet.
It is stuck again. Things must be getting a bit sticky up there.
Hearing this, I wonder how the the Mir station manages to keep
its toilet working... Skylab didn't suffer from this either. So
it can't be a case of superior Russian technology.
|
| 611.219 | Toilet "fixed"...now a weather problem... | 8713::J_BUTLER | USAR...and ready... | Mon Dec 10 1990 08:30 | 15 |
| Well, the last word is that they fixed the toilet, at least enough
so they can stay up. The problem is now weather in California, which
NASA said might force them to bring Columbia back a day early.
It is interesting to note that although all the planned science
has not been accomplished, they are planning to bring back the
shuttle a day _early_ rather than leave it on orbit for an extra
day to get more data. I suspect this may be partially a supplies
issue (does Columbia carry enough food/water/oxygen for more days)
and an equipment problem (will the required coolant last that long?).
This is Astro-1. Is there an Astro-2 planned? Will it use the same
equipment (obviously with upgrades)?
John B.
|
| 611.220 | Early return and Astro 2 | 15372::LEPAGE | Life sucks then the bill comes in | Mon Dec 10 1990 09:30 | 19 |
| Re:.219
Shuttle flights typically have enough consumables for an extra
couple of days in orbit. The present situation with this mission is
that they expect heavy rains tomorrow at Edwards. I'm not sure about
the extended weather forcast (which tend to be of limited accuracy) but
there is always the problem that rain will turn the dried mud flats
used for landing the shuttle into not-so-dry-but-very-wet mud flats.
All in all it would be safer to err on the side of caution and bring it
down early.
As far as there being an "Astro 2", originally there was going to
be one. Those plans however were made when the shuttle was expected to
make two or three times more flights a year than it does now for a
quarter of what it presently costs. As a result, there will be no Astro
2 and there are currently no plans what so ever to fly Astro 1 or any
part of it again (which I find personally very disappointing since I
worked on the optics of BBXRT some years ago).
Drew
|
| 611.221 | Astro status reports - Saturday, Dec 8th | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 10 1990 09:38 | 442 |
| [Sorry for the delay... I could get to Huntsville, but not to Littleton.. -dg]
Astro 1 Mission Report #34
01:00 a.m. CST, December 8, 1990
6/00:10 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
As the sixth day of the Astro mission draws to a close, Assistant
Mission Manager Stu Clifton smiled as he said: "The atmosphere here
is one of jubilation as significant science continues to be made
from the mission data acquired thus far."
All four Astro telescopes were very busy Friday night as each one
successfully acquired a number of targets. Among those viewed by the
three ultraviolet telescopes was Jupiter. Later, the Hopkins
Ultraviolet Telescope collected data on NGC 1535, an expanding
planetary nebula. And the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope science team
was pleased with spectral data received from the retargeted
Supernova 1987A.
"On the tally sheet of the human spirit, Astro is already a
resounding success," said Dr. Chris Anderson, co-investigator of the
University of Wisconsin's Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo Polarimeter
Experiment, Friday afternoon. Anderson was speaking of the ability
of the Columbia crew and ground teams to overcome the technical
difficulties encountered during the mission.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report #19
4:00 a.m. CST Dec. 8, 1990
6/02:40 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
The Astro telescopes continued to gather scientific data
yesterday and through the night.
Throughout Friday evening on the Shuttle's flight deck,
Columbia's Blue shift Payload Specialist Sam Durrance and
Mission Specialist Jeff Hoffman took turns manually pointing
the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT), Ultraviolet Imaging
Telescope (UIT), and the Wisconsin Ultraviolet
Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE) toward their targets
while operators at Spacelab Mission Operations Control,
Huntsville, Alabama, simultaneously provided the computer
commands that configured systems to observe.
At approximately 6 p.m. CST, all three ultraviolet telescopes
acquired NGC-1535, a star in the nebula Eridanus. At 7:50,
the ultraviolet telescopes began observing HD 25443, a WUPPE
calibration target. Unfortunately, the WUPPE portion of the
observation was lost due to pointing errors. Beginning at
8:23 p.m., BBXRT, HUT, and UIT looked at Supernova 1987A,
while the WUPPE team began to prepare commands for acquiring
HD 25443. The HD 25443 observation was a scheduled WUPPE
team effort to fine-tune their alignment with the other
instruments sharing a common pointing system. That
observation began at 9:17 p.m. and was completed during
target NGC 4151, at approximately 11:25 p.m.
With the changeover from Blue to Red shifts, Mission
Specialist Robert Parker and Payload Specialist Ron Parise
took over manually maneuvering the telescopes.
The HUT and UIT telescopes gathered science data on the
spiral starburst galaxy NGC 253 in the constellation
Sculptor, completing the observation at 10:20 p.m.
Astronomers hope to better define the limits of the spiral
arms of this target.
The BBXRT gathered new information on the high mass X-ray
target Vela X, a high mass X-ray binary star system 1630
light years from Earth, in the southern constellation Vela.
During this time, the three ultraviolet telescopes focused on
L2 Puppis, a red, semi-regular variable star located in the
constellation Puppis. L2 Puppis is one of the first stellar
sources to have water positively identified in its spectrum.
Between approximately 1:15 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., all four
telescopes looked at celestial targets. BBXRT looked at the
celestial target Tycho; HUT and WUPPE co-observed on IC 63, a
reflection nebula illuminated by Gamma Cassiopeiae in the
Constellation Cassiopeiae. Scientists at the University of
Wisconsin are interested in the nature of dust grains in the
instellar space around reflection nebulae.
The three ultraviolet telescopes gathered data on target NGC
1068 beginning at 2:45 a.m. Goddard Space Flight Center's
BBXRT acquired X-ray spectrum data on this target as well.
This bright Seyfert II galaxy is a source of maser emissions,
highly variable radiation often detected from the molecular
clouds associated with star formation. Recent studies
suggest the presence of a massive, compact object in the
nucleus of this galaxy, which astronomers believe may explain
the turbulent motion and intense radio emissions at the
galaxy's center. This observation was scheduled to have
completed at approximately 3:30.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #35
09:40 a.m. CST, December 8, 1990
6/08:50 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"This was a good night for the Broad Band X-ray Telescope!" said
Francis Marshall, co-investigator for the BBXRT team. "We are
expecting to release great scientific data over the next couple of
days."
The following is a list and description of the wide variety of
targets successfully acquired by the X-ray telescope over the last
shift:
Supergiants
Zeta Puppis. One of the largest and brightest stars in the
Milky Way, this star is about 60,000 times brighter than the Sun.
AO Stars
EV Lacertae. This red dwarf star in the constellation Lacerta is
known for its frequent and unusually long flare acitivity. Some of
this activity may be related to a possible Jupiter-sized planetary
companion.
Binary and Multiple Star Systems
HO 538. The high temperatures generated by gases being pulled
toward the companion star in this cataclysmic binary system produces
X-rays. Ultraviolet radiation is emitted from the primary star.
Low-Mass X-Ray Binaries
LMC-X1. This binary system is composed of a companion star and a
neutron star so dense, a teaspoonful weighs a billion tons.
High-Mass X-ray Binaries
Vela-X-1. This binary system is made up of a hot supergiant and a
pulsar with an orbital period of about 9 days. Extremely
high-energy radiation in this system shows fluorescence in ionized
iron.
Supernova Remnants
N 132D/0525-69. This young (1,000-year-old) supernova remnant in
the Large Magellanic Cloud has a mass estimated to equal 20 suns.
SN 1987A/LMC. This fascinating supernova, first seen February 24,
1987, was the first supernova visible to the naked eye since the
year 1604. Located 170,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic
Cloud, it was also the first supernova resulting from a star that
has been previously identified.
Spiral Galaxies
NGC 253. This starburst galaxy has high-rate star formation,
causing a much higher emission of infrared than the visible light.
It is located near the Milky Way in the Sculptor constellation.
Seyfert 1 Galaxies
NGC 4151. The brightest Seyfert galaxy known, unlike other galaxies
in this classification, NGC 4151 emits blue and ultraviolet light.
This may indicate new star formation in its arms.
Seyfert 2 Galaxies
Markarian 3. Believed to contain a black hole, this turbulent
galaxy emits intense radio waves from its center.
Spiral-Poor Clusters
Abell 2256. This dense, hot cluster has both spiral and elliptical
galaxies.
Spiral-Rich Clusters
CL-3C295. As bright as some quasars, this is the most powerful
radio galaxy known.
X-ray Selected Clusters
Abell 262. This cluster of galaxies, rich in spirals, is a bright
X-ray source. X-ray observations confirm the presence of hot, dense
gas in its center.
Abell 426. Having a strong cooling flow, this cluster of galaxies
is centered on the constellation Perseus.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #36
11:30 a.m. CST, December 8, 1990
6/10:40 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"Oh my God, this is great data!" shouted Wisconsin X-ray Telescope
Project Scientist Karen Bjorkman. "This is beautiful!" Bjorkman
was referring to target NGC 1068, a Serfert galaxy acquired by all
the ultraviolet instruments at approximately 2:45 a.m. CST.
"Something is producing all kinds of hot gas down in the middle of
that galaxy," said Bjorkman, "and we're getting great data on it.
This may be evidence for a black hole. You never see a black hole
directly. So we are looking for clues. We're playing Sherlock
Holmes with the universe."
When asked what he most wanted the public to know about the mission,
Alternate Payload Specialist John David Bartoe was quick to answer:
"If they (the public) could just see the faces of the scientists
right now. We're talking about the people who really want the data
from the flight. All you have to do is look into their eyes, and
you know the mission is a huge success!"
Astro Mission Manager Jack Jones summarized the reason behind this
success: "What we've found with our new mode of operation is that
the Astro payload has taken on a new personality. It has become
very friendly toward us, and we have found a way to get very
friendly with it. We are really maximizing our science now!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
WUPPE STATUS REPORT 13
AM, Dec. 8, 1990
Spacelab Operations Control Center
Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, AL
The Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE) science
team last night completed five scientific observations using the
Wisconsin telescope aboard the space shuttle.
Those observations included several objects of prime interest to the
WUPPE science team: Zeta Tau, a Be supergiant and the only WUPPE
primary target observed on last night's shift: L2-Puppis, a cool star
with long-period variable features; and NGC 1068, a Seyfert galaxy.
Zeta Tau is a rapid rotator. WUPPE astronomers are anxious to compare
optical measurements of polarization from the University of
Wisconsin's Pine Bluff Observatory with WUPPE polarization data. In
the optical, Zeta Tau exhibits a lot of intrinsic polarization.
L2-Puppis is a pulsating red star that varies in brightness.
Intrinsically very bright, this star has dust ejection episodes which
result in a circumstellar cloud of dust. The grains of dust in the
cloud are probably the cause of the high levels of polarization
observed in visible light. In each of the star's pulsation cycles,
cycles which have a period of about 140 days, a shock front travels
through the star's atmosphere producing emission lines. One of the
strongest emission lines is that of the chemical element magnesium.
WUPPE's polarization measurements should provide information on where
the gas and dust are located during outbursts.
The WUPPE telescope, co-observing with HUT, was able to obtain
excellent data on the Seyfert galaxy NGC 1068. At the same time, the
UIT instrument was taking ultraviolet photographs of this object, one
of great interest to astronomers. Although this object is a HUT
primary, it is of interest to the WUPPE science team because of the
hypothesis that the galaxy's polarization would increase dramatically
in the ultraviolet. Preliminary WUPPE data indicate that this may
indeed be the case. Our current understanding of NGC 1068 depends
heavily on optical polarization observations. One difficulty is that
galaxy background light must be removed from the observations in order
to obtain reliable results. This background is much fainter in the
ultraviolet. As a result, polarization measurements in the
ultraviolet are uncontaminated.
The WUPPE instrument continues to perform well and is collecting a
wealth of important new scientific data. Sensitivity levels are so
good, in fact, that Zeta Tau was almost too bright for WUPPE to
observe. Sensitivity levels had to be turned down in order for the
WUPPE telescope to collect data on this object.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBXRT Status Report 7
12 p.m. CST, Dec. 8, 1990
Space Mission Operations Control Center
Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, AL
Last night BBXRT obtained seven of the nine targets scheduled. "The
best shift we've had so far," reported Dr. Frank Marshall of Goddard
Space Flight Center, co-investigator.
One of the most interesting targets was MGC 1399, a large elliptical
galaxy. BBXRT obtained the first high quality spectrum of the halo of
hot gas that surrounds this galaxy. "Much of the gas may be left over
from the original formation of the galaxy," Marshall said.
Marshall and Dr. Peter Serlemitsos, principal investigator, termed
this observation the most exciting to date and are planning to go back
to the target for a second observation.
This BBXRT observation will enable scientists to estimate the total
mass of the cluster, the chemical abundances and deduce the amount of
"dark" matter.
The BBXRT which was developed at GSFC is being controlled from
Goddard's Payload Operations Control Center.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report #20
12:00 noon CST, Dec. 8, 1990
6/11:10 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
During this period (4 a.m. to 12 noon CST), the Astro-1
observatory continued to gather useful scientific data in
joint observation of a number of celestial targets. The
Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo Polarimeter telescope observed
Zeta Tauri, a hot Be star and sixth brightest in the
constellation Taurus, early on in this timeframe.
Afterward, the Alpha Orionis star (sometimes called
"Betelguese") was observed by the Hopkins Ultraviolet
Telescope (HUT) and the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT).
The UIT was the prime observer of NGC891, with the other two
ultraviolet instruments joining in on target NGC 891, an
edge-on galaxy possessing a radio emission "halo."
Toward the end of this timeframe, the Astro-1 crew acquired
HD 62452, a dwarf star in the Gum Nebula. This target served
as another "beacon" in the study of polarization of the dust
in the interstellar medium, and WUPPE was the primary
instrument for observation. Just prior to noon, the crew
turned to Alpha Camelopardalis, a supergiant star in the
constellation Camelopardalis ("the Giraffe"). Because of its
strong polarization features, WUPPE was again the primary
observing instrument.
Data gathering was going well for the Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope (BBXRT) also. During this time period, the BBXRT
successfully acquired such targets as Cassiopeia A, a
supernova remnant in the constellation Casiopeia; Zeta
Orionis, a bright, massive star in the constellation Orion;
and "the most exciting of all," said a BBXRT investigation
team member, a newly discovered pulsar, with a 12-second
interval between powerful pulses of X-rays. It is named
after the "Ginga," a Japanese satellite which first sighted
the celestial object about two weeks ago.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #37
2:30 p.m. CST, December 8, 1990
6/00:00 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
The mood projected sheer delight as the Astro-1 operations and
science teams gathered to report upon the mission's status and
findings at the Spacelab Mission Operations Control in Huntsville,
Alabama Saturday morning.
Dr. Warren Moos, co-investigator of the Hopkins Ultraviolet
Telescope was brimming with good news as he shared results from an
earlier observation of Jupiter, one of the mission's most exciting
targets.
"We've had a very successful observation," said Moos as he described
Jupiter's glowing plasma torus and its relation to the moon, Io.
This data will help determine the important discoveries of oxygen
and sulfur within the planet's atmosphere. "This information
certainly shows the power of the Astro observatory."
Moos further commented on the hard work and "can-do" attitude of the
many people involved in the Astro mission. "What you're seeing is a
bunch of people pulling together," said Moos as he referred to the
Columbia crew and ground teams at the Johnson Space Center and the
Marshall Space Flight Center. "They're thinking of ways out of
problems and doing something about it."
Dr. Francis Marshall of the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope science team
also shared spectral results from the elliptical galaxy NGC1399. The
BBXRT team hopes to determine how a hot gas "halo" was formed around
the galaxy and the origins of a "dark mass" which expands its size.
WUPPE STATUS REPORT NO. 14
PM, Saturday, Dec. 8, 1990
Spacelab Mission Control Center
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
The WUPPE science team today made eight observations using the
Wisconsin telescope aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, including
observations of two WUPPE high priority targets.
THe WUPPE primaries observed were HD 62542, a star used by WUPPE to
probe the interstellar medium, and Alpha Camelopardalis, another star
used by WUPPE to probe the clouds of gas and dust in interstellar
space.
HD 62542 is a star located in the direction of Gum Nebula in the
southern hemisphere and was used by WUPPE like a flashlight to shine
through a region of the interstellar medium greatly affected by
ultraviolet radiation and stellar winds from nearby hot stars.
WUPPE's observations should help tell astronomers how the dust in this
region is affected by such phenomena.
"Alpha Cam" also was used by WUPPE to illuminate the interstellar
medium today. This is the third time this object has been observed by
WUPPE during the Astro mission. One of the goals of today's
observations was to determine the signal to noise ratio for the WUPPE
instrument.
WUPPE continues to perform well. Ground command operations are also
working well.
|
| 611.222 | Astro Status Reports - Sunday, Dec 9th | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 10 1990 09:41 | 585 |
| Astro 1 Mission Report #38
10:45 p.m. CST, December 8, 1990
6/21:57 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Despite the possibility of a mission shortened by one day due to
blockage in the Shuttle's Waste Water Ejection System, the Astro-1
observatory continued with a busy schedule of science collecting
throughout the day. The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope, the
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope, Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo
Polarimeter and Broad Band X-Ray Telescope were able to acquire
excellent data and spectral images from a number of stars, galaxies
and other stellar objects observed today.
Earlier, Columbia's crew detected the blockage in the Waste Water
Ejection System during a routine water dump resulting in the loss
capability to empty the Waste Water Storage Tank. Ground crews are
currently searching for ways to troubleshoot this situation.
"The instruments are doing excellently," smiled Mission Scientist
Ted Gull during the evening shift summary briefing at Spacelab
Mission Operations Control in Huntsville, Alabama. "The trends show
that more observations are being done with all four instruments not
only in getting observations," continued Gull, "but increasing in
their efficiency."
Gull explained the busy and complex process of the coordinated
air-to-ground based activity which is required for each Astro-1
science activity. First, the crew directs the orbiter to move in
different attitudes according to each target. Next, the Johnson
Space Flight Center issues commands to the ultraviolet telescope's
Instrument Pointing System aboard Columbia. At the same time, the
Broad Band X-Ray Telescope's Two-Axis Pointing System receives
target coordinates from the Goddard Space Flight Center. The
instruments are operated individually by the science teams at the
Spacelab Mission Operations Control. Finally, the crew completes
final adjustments needed for accurate instrument tracking.
Among the science highlights reported today by the mission science
teams included HUT's observation of 3218 UX Ursae Majoris, a binary
system located in Ursa Major, the Big Dipper during a rare eclipse;
A revisit by WUPPE to the O-type supergiant star, Alpha
Camelopardalis; and UIT's recorded image of NGC 891, an edge-on
galaxy that possesses a "halo" of radio emissions. The BBXRT
successfully collected X-ray data from a variety of targets,
including the newly discovered "Ginga Pulsar," 0836-42, detected two
weeks ago by a Japanese satellite.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report #21
8:30 p.m. CST, Dec. 8, 1990
6/19:40 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
Observation followed observation in a methodical pattern throughout
the afternoon and evening hours of Saturday, as the Astro-1 mission
of Space Shuttle Columbia continued to demonstrate some of the
highest efficiency to date in its science operations.
Crew members aboard Columbia and members of the ground support team
by now have established a smooth pattern of working together. With
a combination of real-time communication over air-to-ground channels
and coordinated use of the command-and-control functions, they used
this consistency of operations to obtain near-maximum observation
time from the opportunities in the mission timeline.
At one point during this period (12 noon to 8 p.m. CST), Ken
Nordsieck in the Huntsville payload control room was giving
typically terse bits of feedback to Sam Durrance aboard Columbia:
"Sam, you're within an arc-minute. ... OK, give me a mark when
you're happy. ... The data's looking real good, Sam, we're seeing
lots of photons down here."
These were characteristic remarks typifying the mode of operations
used during the past two days of the mission. Alternate Payload
Specialist Nordsieck and Payload Specialist Durrance, working
together on the ground and aboard Columbia, respectively, have
established a communications approach which allows them easily
control the three Astro-1 ultraviolet telescopes despite the failure
of both Spacelab data display terminals aboard Columbia.
The Broad-Band X-ray Telescope, which requires no crew involvement
in its observations, also continued to perform consistently
throughout the afternoon and evening today. The BBXRT made
simultaneous stellar observations with the ultraviolet instruments
as they pointed at nearby objects of special interest in the X-ray
region of the spectrum.
Observations by the telescopes during this period included the
elliptical galaxy M49 in the Virgo cluster; the high-luminosity
globular cluster NGC 1851, with its nearby X-ray burster source; the
binary system UX Ursae Majoris located in the Big Dipper; and the
prototypical Seyfert II galaxy NGC 1068. The latter is a subject of
interest to all of the Astro-1 science teams, among other things,
because of the turbulent motion and intense emissions detected from
the galaxy's center.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #39
7:18 a.m. CST, December 9, 1990
7/06:23 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Air-to-ground communications took a different twist last night as
Astro Mission Manager Jack Jones (call sign KC41WU) and Payload
Specialist Ron Parise (WA4SIR) chatted informally by ham radio.
"At approximately 9:22 [CST] last night, at the Marshall Space
Flight Center amateur 'radio shack,' I made contact with Ron Parise
on board Columbia and talked with him for a moment or two," reported
Jones. "That's the first time ever a mission manager has done
that."
The two were communicating via the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment
(SAREX), being operated aboard its third Shuttle mission. Both
Parise and Jones are licensed ham radio operators.
"We discussed how well things are going, how proud we are of what
they're doing -- really a wonderful job -- and we're looking forward
to congratulating them after they get home," Jones said.
As a secondary Shuttle payload, SAREX is being operated by Parise
during his pre- and post-sleep activities each day. Automated SAREX
operation is also provided with a "robot," which is activated and
deactivated by the crew at about 12-hour intervals.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report #22
4:30 a.m. CST Dec. 9, 1990
7/03:40 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
Despite almost three hours of standdown time while the crew
performed pre-reentry maneuvers and tests on the orbiter, the
Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT); Wisconsin Ultraviolet
Photo Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE); and the two Goddard
Space Flight Center-managed instruments, the Ultraviolet
Imaging Telescope (UIT) and Broad Band X-ray Telescope, are
continuing to break new ground in telescope observations from
space.
Even with the best visible light telescopes, astronomers
cannot see a complete picture of the Universe. Visible light
is a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Stars and
other objects often emit more invisible radiation -- radio
aves, microwaves, infrared emissions, ultraviolet emissions,
X-rays, and gamma rays -- than visible light. From Earth, we
can detect some radio and infrared wavelengths, but most
radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and never reaches
telescopes on the ground. To detect invisible radiation,
astronomers use balloons, rockets, and spacecraft to carry
instruments above the atmosphere.
Around 8:30 p.m. the three ultraviolet telescopes aboard
Columbia completed observing NGC 1851, a high-luminosity
globular cluster located in the constellation Columba.
Shortly after, UIT and WUPPE acquired M13, a slightly
metal-poor globular cluster located in the constellation
Hercules. The central region of this cluster is unusually
dense, with an average of one star per cubic light-year.
Just after 10 p.m., representatives from the four science
teams at Spacelab Mission Operations Control, Hunstville,
Alabama, briefed the crew aboard Columbia of their progress
to date:
-- In a late evening science briefing with the crew aboard
Columbia, BBXRT Planner Greg Madejski reported they were
getting fantastic results, having seen excellent X-rays from
all the objects that they wanted to look at so far. According
to Madejski, "We have absolutely great results on a lot of
extra-galactic sources. We are very much anticipating the
analysis of the data that we have (gathered) on magnetic
tapes. We simply cannot keep up; there is so much fantastic
stuff coming in."
-- Johns-Hopkins co-investigator Knox Long reported to the
crew successful scientific data gathered about Jupiter,
G191-B2B, the Crab Nebula, Cygnus Loop, and UX UMa.
-- According to UIT astronomer Susan Neff, "We think we are
getting great data." Neff reported "nice long observations
on lots of our prime targets. We're greedy. We would always
like more. But what we are getting should keep us off the
streets for a long time. We have gotten two really good
nights on M31. We've gotten four great nights on NGC 1399 --
the Fornax Cluster. That data is going to keep people real
happy."
-- WUPPE's Principle Investigator Art Code reported to the
crew the success of several of their prime targets. "We've
got a number of real good interstellar probes. And among the
things we see is confirmation of an identification that Ted
Stecher [principle investigator for the UIT team] made 25
years ago: the 2,200 Angstrom extinction bump [seen in
interstellar dust observations] is due to graphite. We got
great polarization measurements on rapid rotators, magnetic
white dwarfs, Wolf-Rayet stars like Regina's EZ Canis
Majoris, massive super-giant like P Cygni which throws off
mass periodically.
To the astronomers aboard the Shuttle, Art Code said, "We're
really grateful for the fantastic job you've done to help us
get this first UV polarization in space. As an old-fashioned
astronomer, I'm really pleased to see that you are doing
old-fashioned astronomy by manually pointing."
The HUT, UIT, and WUPPE acquired Abell 426 at approximately
12:30 a.m. Abell 426 is a cluster of galaxies centered in
the constellation Perseus. Tightly scheduled within a short
observing window between two orbiter maneuvers, the three
telescopes were able to lock onto their joint target within
four minutes of the orbiter achieving the necessary attitude.
With the cancellation of a scheduled orbiter waste water
dump, HUT and UIT were able to schedule a 1:45 a.m.
observation of Abell 665, a cluster of galaxies emitting
large quantities of X-rays. The two telescopes co-observed
HD 37903, an observation hoping to probe into the nature of
interstellar dust. This target, a B-type star, illuminates
the reflection nebula NGC 2023. A reflection nebula contains
dust grains that scatter light, producing a brilliant
illumination in the cloud.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
HUT Status Report #7
12/8/90
11 a.m. CST
The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope team just completed its first
successful observation of a cataclysmic variable, Z Camelopardalis.
Z-Cam is located about 1,100 light-years from Earth, in the
constellation Camelopardalis. It is two stars -- a white dwaft and a
red giant -- locked in a stellar waltz by gravity. The white dwarf
pulls material from its aging partner, creating a hot, swirling
whirlpool of matter known as an accretion disk. In sudden outbursts,
huge chunks of matter are ripped away from the red giant and drawn
into the accretion disk.
Z-Cam was not on HUT's schedule of targets, but a recent outburst made
the CV a high-priority observation. Amateur astronomers in the
American Association of Variable Star Observers informed the HUT team
of the outburst.
Although astronomers have known for years that CVs have these periodic
outbursts, the mechanism which causes them is not understood. When
these outbursts occur, the CV becomes 100 times brighter than usual
and emits such bursts of radiation that stellar winds with speeds
greater than 1,000 kilometers per second blast particles of matter out
into space in all directions.
Knox Long, project scientist for HUT, said Hut's observation should
help Hopkins astronomers better understand the structure of the
accretion disk. The observation was important, he said, because CVs
are a common example of how stars end their lifetime. Also, he said,
accretion disks are common throughout the universe -- in planet
information, in quasars, and in Seyfert galaxies -- so new information
about them is valuable.
"This is a good object to study, since we think we know more about
cataclysmic variables than other systems with accretion disks," Long
said.
"We can observe CVs so much more clearly and understand their physics
more easily than more distant objects," added William Blair,
assistant project scientist. "So we can apply what we learn with
Z-Cam to other objects."
The spectrum HUT produced is of much higher quality than earlier
spectra by the International Ultraviolet Explorer, Long said. "one
advantage here is that we have a much higher signal-to-noise ratio, so
we can study emission lines not observable with IUE."
Also, Blair added, HUT observed Z-Cam in wavelengths below 900
angstroms, far too short for IUE -- or any other telescope -- to
observe. Finally, HUT can measure the variations in ultraviolet light
output on much shorter timescales than has been done previously.
"I feel great about getting this observation at last," Long said.
"I'm hoping we'll observe several other CVs before the end of the
mission.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
WUPPE Status Report No. 15
AM, Sunday, Dec. 9, 1990
Spacelab Operations Control Center
Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, AL
The University of Wisconsin telescope aboard the Space Shuttle
columbia acquired three high-priority targets for the WUPPE science
team last night.
Those targets included HD 25443, a very hot star seen at great
distance through much interstellar matter; HD 37903, a B main
sequence star used by WUPPE as an interstellar medium probe; and
G70D8247, a magnetic white dwarf.
HD 25443, observed for 38 minutes, was a critical WUPPE observation.
Because it is known from optical observations to be highly polarized,
it can be used by the WUPPE science team to calibrate the data taken
from all the WUPPE observations of the Astro 1 mission. As a result,
researchers can have far more confidence in the precision of the
polarization measurements made by the Wisconsin telescope.
HD 37903 is a very bright star and was used by WUPPE to shine through
interstellar gas and dust. It was observed for 38 minutes.
Measurements of this star, in combination with measurements of other
stars, will help astronomers map the polarization that occurs at the
shorter ultraviolet wavelengths. Polarization -- the tendency of
light waves to vibrate in a preferred orientation -- can be used to
determine more about the chemical makeup of interstellar matter and
processes that occur in the interstellar medium.
G70D8247 is a magnetic white dwarf that has been extensively observed
in the optical. That data, in combination with WUPPE data, should
permit the development of a reliable model for this star. It was
observed by WUPPE last night for 42 minutes. Magnetic white dwarfs
are of interest to WUPPE astronomers because their strong magnetic
fields -- stronger than any magnetic field that could be created on
Earth -- polarize light.
The WUPPE science team considered last night's observations to be some
of the best WUPPE observations of the Astro 1 mission. Ground command
operations are becoming more efficient, allowing astronomers to push
the WUPPE instrument toward its full capabilities.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #40
12:52 p.m. CST, December 9, 1990
7/12:02 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Astro Deputy Mission Scientist Gene Urban reported at this morning's
press briefing that efficiency of the "ground-to-space and
man-in-the-loop control operation" had risen quite rapidly. The
observations reported included both ultraviolet and X-ray targets.
"We are doing exactly what we expected and hoped when we started
these new observations," Urban stated.
Greg Madejski, of the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope team, reported
that they had collected some "fantastic" X-ray data. "When I came
in for my shift, I got a little birthday gift from my friends, a
spectrum of an object that is really, really wonderful to observe,"
he said. Madejski explained that the spectrum indicated that Parkes
2155-304, an active galaxy known as a BL-Lac object, probably
contains a jet of very energetic, hot material directed toward us.
Other X-ray observations included Seyfert II objects which provided
indirect evidence of an accretion disk surrounding a very massive
black hole and clear spectra of the binary X-ray source (or pulsar)
Centaurus X-3, which continued to be observed even after the orbiter
entered the South Atlantic Anomaly. "We are really excited,"
concluded Madejski. "Our instrument is performing even better than
we expected."
Mario Magalhaes, Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment
project scientist, was equally enthusiastic. "When you design and
build an instrument, you plan for a certain performance level; then
actually it is 95, 90 percent of what you expected--if you've
designed your instrument well. WUPPE has been a little more
sensitive, in fact, than we expected it to be." He reported that
overnight the team had observed 100 percent of the time it was
supposed to observe. Accomplished during the preceding hours were
an important calibration procedure, a study of interstellar dust in
the Milky Way galaxy, a white dwarf star, a quasar, and the Seyfert
galaxy also observed by the X-ray team. The latter, NGC 1068, was
described by Magalhaes as the most highly polarized object that the
Wisconsin telescope has measured thus far. "I'm really amazed.
It's an impressive amount of data that's been collected, thanks
again to this collective work of the people on the ground...and ...
to that very special and important link which is the Payload
Specialist. All is going very, very well for WUPPE and for
science."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report #23
12:00 noon CST, Dec. 9, 1990
7/11:10 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
During this period (4 a.m. to 12 noon CST), all four of the
Astro-1 instruments continued to perform well. Early in this
timeframe, the crew acquired a calibration star (HD25443) for
the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment
(WUPPE). It was a highly polarized standard star in the
northern sky with approximately five percent of its total
light being polarized. According to WUPPE science
investigation team members, this percentage is relatively
high and made the star an excellent calibration target. Once
the calibration was confirmed as successful, the crew moved
to acquire the next target -- G70D8247, known for being the
first magnetic white dwarf to be discovered. With a magnetic
field a billion times that of Earth's, this collapsed star
was an excellent source for ultraviolet and polarization
studies. The target was closely studied by both WUPPE and
the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT).
Shortly after observation of the magnetic dwarf had ended,
the investigation team of the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope
(BBXRT) acquired Centaurus X-3, a binary system with enormous
output of X-ray radiation. Its X-ray luminosity alone is
10,000 times that of the Sun's total luminosity (radio,
microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma
ray emissions).
About midway through this timeframe, the Astro-1 crew
acquired binary star Z-Cam, a large red and white dwarf
double star in the constellation Camelopardalis. All
ultraviolet instruments obtained good scientific data on this
celestial object. Afterward, the crew turned to Abell 426, a
cluster of galaxies centered on the constellation Perseus.
The principal instrument for observation of this enormous
target was the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT), and HUT
and WUPPE joined in the study.
A brief acquisition of the M49 galaxy yielded good data for
the science teams of the UIT and HUT, while WUPPE performed
an aperture comparison which also proved successful.
About 11:30 a.m., the crew acquired 3C273, a quasi-stellar
object (QSO) (popularly called a "quasar") that is the
brightest known QSO and was the first to be identified
optically. All instruments, including the BBXRT, followed
the scientific data closely in the observation of this strong
ultraviolet and X-ray source.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
UIT Status Report #06
3 p.m. CST Dec. 9, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
The Goddard-developed Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope is currently
getting long exposures on almost all its targets. Last night the
instrument focused on Abell 665, a rich cluster of galaxies very close
to earth.
"We got very deep, all night exposures," said Susan Neff, of GSFC, an
astronomer with the UIT team. "So we should be able to get 400 to 500
galaxies at once with this picture. It was probably the high point
for the evening."
This morning, at about 10 a.m. CST, UIT took images of the Perseus
cluster of galaxies. Two previous pointings were cut short due to an
orbiter hot fire test.
This cluster is particularly interesting because it is not symmetrical
in shape, meaning that it may be a young cluster that could give
scientists information about the formation of clusters.
The images taken from UIT are recorded directly ontl a very sensitive
astronomical film for later development at Goddard Space Flight Center
after Columbia lands.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBXRT Status Report 8
2:30 p.m. CST Dec. 9, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, AL
A pleasant surprise discovered last night by the BBXRT team is that
the instrument is more immune to scatter solar light than previously
thought.
"What is really exciting is we didn't think we could look that close
to the Sun and now that we can we're really picking up all the high
priority targets," said Principal Investigator Dr. Peter Serlemitsos
of Goddard Space Flight Center.
For example, at about 7 a.m. CST this morning, BBXRT obtained CEN-X3,
a famous pulsar in the Virgo galaxy. "We really wanted to observe it,
but thought because it was too close to the Sun we couldn't, "
Serlemitsos said. "But we just did."
BBXRT was developed at GSFC in Greenbelt, MD. Personnel in the
Payload Operations Control Center at GSFC monitor the BBXRT operations
and analyze data transmitted from the telescope to the ground.
WUPPE Status Report 16 & MSFC Status Report 41
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #41
07:00 p.m. CST, December 9, 1990
7/18:11 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Bob O'Connell, co-investigator for the Ultraviolet Imaging
Telescope, was excited and enthusiastic in reporting his team's
successful findings from observations of the Perseus cluster of
galaxies, Abell 426.
This large cluster, which is composed of about 500 galaxies,
measures one trillion times the mass of our Sun. This mass, which is
in the form of gas with temperatures of over 100 million degrees,
spews out huge quantities of X-rays. The data from these X-Rays
shows gas radiating from the center of this cluster and "cooling" as
it draws inward. Scientists hope to account for the measurement of
this material and its origins based upon Astro-1 observations.
To date, UIT has acquired over 75 astronomical targets. Over 900
exposures have been made of objects such as the elliptical galaxy in
the Fornax, NGC 1399, the edge-on galaxy NGC891 and the impressive
Supernova 1987A.
The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope aboard Columbia records wide-view
photographic images of ultraviolet light of star clusters, galaxies
and other stellar objects. UIT images will be recorded directly onto
a very sensitive astronomical film for later development after
Columbia lands. UIT has enough film to make 2,000 exposures during
this mission. The telescope was developed by the Goddard Space
Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
WUPPE STATUS REPORT NO. 16
PM, Saturday, Dec;. 8, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control Center
Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, AL
The WUPPE science team was able to make observations of three
WUPPE high-priority targets this afternoon.
WUPPE was able to acquire and collect scientific data on Kappa
Cassiopeiae, a supergiant star; and Pi Aquarii. Also observed was
the WUPPE primary target P Carinae, a Be star in the constellation
Carina, the Ship's Keel. WUPPE's observation of this target was
abbreviated, however, because the attitude of the Columbia orbiter
was not compatible with observing the star and sending commands at
the same time.
Kappa Cassiopeiae is of interest to the WUPPE science team because
it is one of only two stars whose polarization has ever been
observed in the utraviolet prior to the deployment of the WUPPE
telescope. It was observed by an instrument sent high into the
Earth's atmosphere by balloon in the early 1970s. WUPPE
astronomers are anxious to compare WUPPE's observations with those
made almost 20 years ago. The star was observed by WUPPE for 40
minutes. It is a supergiant used by WUPPE to illuminate the
interstellar medium, but astronomers are also interested in
learning more about how the star sheds mass into its atmosphere.
Pi Aquarii, located in the constellation Aquarius, was observed by
the Wisconsin telescope for 34 minutes. It is 1,500 light years
away from the Earth and is thought to have a gaseous, disk-like
shell of material around it. Its spectrum is known to vary in the
ultraviolet and it shows polarization of its visible light. This
indicates the possibility of a disk-like structure, at least for
the cooler parts of the stellar wind. WUPPE observations should
provide a better picture of the nature of the hotter parts of the
stellar wind.
The WUPPE telescope was also able to successfully co-observe a
number of other celestial objects with the other Astro
instruments.
|
| 611.223 | Mission Control Center Reports #7-11 (Friday-Sunday) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 10 1990 09:45 | 154 |
| MCC STATUS REPORT #7
8 a.m. CST
Fri., Dec. 7, 1990
Houston flight controllers continue to report the Space
Shuttle Columbia is operating almost flawlessly. New pointing
techniques using ground commands to move the astronomical
telescopes on board Columbia appear to be working successfully.
The new pointing techniques became necessary yesterday when
the second of the payload's two Data Display Units (DDUs) failed.
The first DDU failed about nine hours into the flight.
Additional refinements to the techniques were made last night and
scientists report they are receiving exciting scientific data.
Updates to this report will be made as warranted.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #8
8:30 a.m. CST
Saturday, December 8, 1990
All was quiet overnight on board the Space Shuttle Columbia,
and the pointing techniques using ground commands to move the
telescopes on board Columbia continue to work well.
The new pointing techniques became necessary Dec. 6 when
problems were encountered with the payload's two Data Display
Units (DDUs). Scientists have said they have received exciting
scientific data.
The distance between the Galileo spacecraft during its Earth
flyby today and the Space Shuttle Columbia at their closest
approach will be about 4,000 kilometers or 2,480 statute miles.
The time of the closest approach between the two spacecraft will
be at 2:44 p.m. CST or MET 6 days, 13 hours, 55 minutes, 8
seconds. Flight controllers believe STS-35 crew members should be
able to see the Galileo spacecraft with binoculars.
Flight controllers this morning are working on procedures to
uplink to crew members to clear the waste water dump line. During
the last waste water dump ground controllers saw the water flow
rate decreasing. Crew members this morning attempted to vent air
through the line to clear the blockage or, alternatively, to get
more information on what is causing the blockage.
Mission Control Status 9
-------------------------------------------------------------
MCC STATUS REPORT #9
1 p.m. CST
Sat., Dec. 8, 1990
JSC flight controllers and the STS-35 crew are
troubleshooting an apparently clogged line in the Space Shuttle
Columbia's waste water dump system. A waste water dump scheduled
for 5:24 a.m. CST (MET 6/04:35) could not be completed because of
the apparent clog.
Controllers are reviewing all options including shortening
the mission.
Chief of the Flight Directors Office Randy Stone said during
a noontime press briefing it appeared unlikely Columbia would
return home Sunday. However, weather at the Edwards Air Force
Base looks clear with only few scattered clouds today, Sunday and
Monday. The deorbit opportunity for Sunday is a mission elapsed
time of seven days, 21 hours and 39 minutes or 10:28 p.m. CST. A
decision to deorbit and land on Sunday would be made sometime
Saturday afternoon. Monday's deorbit opportunity is a MET of
eight days, 22 hours and four minutes or 10:53 p.m. CST. A
decision to land Monday would be made sometime Sunday afternoon.
Landing would occur about one hour after the shuttle deorbit.
The nominal landing time is 10:46 p.m. CST, Tues., Dec. 11.
Stone said science observations being conducted on board
Columbia have not been interrupted during this troubleshooting.
This morning the crew attempted to clear the line by venting
air, but the results of the procedure were inconclusive. The
waste water tank is located beneath the crew compartment middeck
floor next to the potable water tanks. It holds 164 pounds of
waste water. The crew hooked up the contingency waste containment
(CWC) system, a large rubberized nylon bag that is limited to 95
pounds.
Flight controllers also asked the crew to use the 54 urine
collection device (UCD) bags to further extend all options for
waste water stowage.
Stone said the crew is in no danger and described the
situation as "at worst an inconvenience."
Waste water dumps are conducted about once every 24 hours.
This report will be updated as warranted.
Mission Control Status 11
------------------------------------------------------------------
MCC STATUS REPORT #11
8 a.m. CST
Sun., Dec. 9, 1990
Overnight the Space Shuttle Columbia crew checked out
mechanisms needed to reenter the atmosphere and land. Crew
members and ground flight controllers also continued to
troubleshoot an apparently clogged line in Columbia's waste water
dump system.
The clogged line problem occurred Saturday morning and
controllers are continuing to review all options including
shortening the mission. A decision to deorbit and land on Monday
would be made sometime this afternoon. Monday's deorbit
opportunity is a mission elapsed time of eight days, 22 hours and
four minutes or 10:53 p.m. CST. Weather officers report that
weather at the Rogers dry lakebed landing site at Edwards Air
Force Base in California continues to look good with only few
scattered clouds expected today and Monday. Landing would occur
about one hour after the shuttle deorbited.
The nominal landing time is 10:46 p.m. CST, Tues., Dec. 11.
Science observations being conducted on board Columbia have
not been interrupted during this troubleshooting.
This morning crew members will use a hose with a larger
diameter to replace the existing hose connecting the waste
containment system (WCS) tank with the urine collection device
(UCD) bags.
Earlier tests to dump water from the waste water tank into
one of the UCD bags was unsuccessful, thus the procedure this
morning of using the hose with the larger diameter. Controllers
would like to empty the tank of as much waste water as possible
to maximize their options. The waste water tank currently is
about 20 percent full.
Controllers also are considering performing a nitrogen purge
of the waste water dump line in a further attempt to clear the
line.
Waste water dumps normally are performed about once every 24
hours.
This report will be updated as warranted.
|
| 611.224 | Astro-1 Science Conference (unabridged transcript) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 10 1990 09:47 | 357 |
| Science Conference (unabridged transcript)
December 8, 1990
10:17 p.m. CST; 6:21:28 MET
PAO Commentator John Dumoulin: Crew Interface Coordinator Michelle
Snyder will be hailing the crew here in just a minute, and she will
enable communications with each of the science principal
investigators. She will first be talking to the Broad Band X-ray
Telescope team's Greg Medejski; and then the Hopkins team's Knox
Long; UIT's Susan Neff, John Deily and Frank Bauer; and Principal
Investigator for the Wisconsin Telescope team Art Code.
Michelle Snyder: Astro Huntsville.
Ron Parise: Go ahead, Michelle.
Michelle: Well, we're all ready down here for this science
briefing. Are you guys ready?
Ron: Yeah, we're just looking out the window.
Michelle: O.K. Well, BBXRT is going to go first, followed by HUT,
UIT, and WUPPE. So, I will go ahead and enable BBXRT.
Ron: O.K. Thanks.
Greg Medejski: U.S. Astro crew, this is BBXRT planner on
air-to-ground loop. And we want to thank you very much for keeping
us going. I know it has been a little difficult in the beginning.
But I think that we are getting fantastic results now. We have seen
excellent X-rays from all the objects that we wanted to look at so
far. And we appreciate the efforts. I know it was probably a
little frustrating not to get everything going right according to
schedule, but I think it was worth it. Your perseverance really
paid off.
We have absolutely great results on a lot of extra-galactic sources.
And one of my favorite targets is the BL Lec object that you might
be hearing about pretty soon -- PKS 2155-304. Other than that we
are very much anticipating the analysis of the data that we have
sitting on magnetic tapes. We simply cannot keep up; there is so
much fantastic stuff coming in. We are really, really glad that we
had this opportunity. And I think all those years of hard work
really paid off. And again, this is really great, and I really hope
this is not the last Astro mission.
Michelle: Astro Huntsville.
Ron: Go ahead.
Michelle: Did you copy?
Ron: Yeah, loud and clear. We copied that and we appreciate the
comments there, and we are working hard.
Michelle: O.K., well, I think HUT's ready.
Ron: O.K. Go ahead.
Knox Long: Hello, Astro. This is HUT down here. We are having a
good, but busy time. It seems like one long rocket flight, at
times. But it's great. And the data is really superb. HUT is
performing above everybody's expectations. We have data on lots of
different types of sources. And we are hopeful of getting more.
I know, Sam, that you are interested in the spectrum of Jupiter.
Warren has told me that I should tell you about it. They did detect
O-plus at 834 Angstroms in the Jupiter spectrum. And it's
definitely not airglow. And they said you would understand what
that meant.
Some of the other things that we've done: We have observed G191-B2B
in second order. And as one can clearly see, the helium edge in the
data looks like there is about one optical depth of absorption at
the edge. Helium 1 along the line of sight between us and G191-B2B
looks great!
A couple of other things for Bob: We have a spectrum of the Crab
Nebula that shows the continuum almost all the way down to 900
Angstroms. It's also spectacular. We are amazed that we could see
it against the reddening in that direction, which you know about.
And Bill Blair is truly excited about the Cygnus Loop observations.
I don't know if you know this, but we looked at two filaments there.
One is a non-radiative filament out on the northeast limb of the
Cygnus Loop. And 0VI is just booming through in that spectrum,
which comes from the region where the primary shock is running into
the interstellar medium. And then there was that spectrum, which
had a multitude of lines of a radiative filament. That is also in
the northeast side, and also omits 0VI, which was sort of surprising
to us.
And then today, we got these two spectra of UX UMa. And they are
pretty spectacular, even though we missed the eclipsed portion of
the light curve a bit. We really don't understand the spectra.
They have lines that are definitely not seen in IUE, and they look
like they are double and triple. We are not quite sure what is
going on. It's as if we are seeing individual blobs and the
accretion. So it has been just great.
I wondered if you all had any questions about any of that, and maybe
I can tell you something.
Sam Durrance: Uh, no Knox that is great. In fact, that sounds very
fantastic. And I do know what they mean by the 0-plus ions in the
Jovian spectrum. That's fantastic. We have been looking at that
phenomenon for a long time. And yes, Bob was aware of the 0VI
discovered in Cygnus, and he was pretty excited about it.
Sounds great. It is great to hear that you discovered the helium in
G192-B2B. That sounds really great. The spectra Jeff got today of
UX UMa was really wild.
Knox: Yes, it surely was. I should tell you that we have been kept
in a good mood by Bill Blair who seems to be able to write either a
poem or put words to lyrics of various things every day. One of
them is called "The Night Before Astro." If you have a moment, I'll
read you a little bit of it.
Sam: Yes, go ahead. Sounds great.
Knox: It starts out:
Twas the night before Astro, and all through the POCC
Not a creature was stirring; we were all in our spots.
The posters were hung on the walls and the door
In hopes that we'd soon hear the Astro launch roar.
The blue team was nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of "real data" danced in their heads.
The MUM and her kerchief and the PAP in his cap
Had just settled their brains from some JSC flap.
When out on the loops there arose such a clatter
We put on our headsets to hear all the chatter.
To VT-240s we flew like a flash
We signed onto OMIS, RRs to rehash.
(The moon in the midst of the cluster Virgo
Caused a lot of RRs in the systems below.)
When what to our wondering ears should we hear,
But the shuttle was fixed! There's no leak in the rear!
Like wild leaves before a wild hurricane fly
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So out on the pad they were ready to sail,
Thanks to their friend "Uncle Max" and his crew biting nails.
The suits were hung on the crew with much care
In hopes that the shuttle would launch like a flare!
The little clean room at the top of the gantry
Was smaller than most people's kitchen or pantry.
The astronauts enter Columbia's port,
They strap themselves in -- "All is well" they report.
In the POCC back in Huntsville we sat and we waited
(Although more than one veteran's mood was quite jaded.)
The countdown went smoothly; the APU's worked.
The SRB's fired, it lurched and it jerked.
It cleared the launch tower, we hooted and whistled,
And away they all flew on the back of that missile!
The smoke it encircled the pad like a wreath
And we all breathed a big heavy sigh of relief.
And we heard KSC as they rose out of sight,
"Happy lift-off to all, and to all a good flight!"
Sam: That sounds great, Bill. You have really produced some great
poetry there. Thanks a lot Knox.
Knox: Roger. Out.
Susan Neff: Astro, this is UIT.
Ron: Go ahead, Susan.
Susan: Hi Ron! We can't measure up to HUT's poetry, I'm afraid.
But we figure that we are the Little Telescope That Could. We just
chug along. And we're having a great time doing ground-based
observing. I hope it's not too boring for you guys. We think we
are getting great data.
Ron: It's been a long time since I've worked as a night assistant,
but I've been having a good time. Hope you guys there are enjoying
it.
Susan: Well, if you weren't holding on to our data up there, we'd
have it back from Speedy Snap Shop already, at least some of it. I
just hope your thumbs are holding up ... we're a little concerned
about the new digital pointing system.
Ron: We're having a good time.
Susan: Let me give you a quick update on our science to date. If
you've got any specific targets that you want to know about, I'll
look them up for you. We are getting nice long observations on lots
of our prime targets. We're greedy. We would always like more!
But what we are getting should keep us off the streets for a long
time. We have gotten two really good nights on M31. We've gotten
four great nights on NGC-1399 -- the Fornax Cluster; we just sat and
took pictures while we were working out on the ground how to do this
new joint-ops business. That data is going to keep people real
happy also.
We just finished NGC-1851, and we think that one is good as well.
We only got one long observation because of the RCS hotfire test,
but what we got looks good. We are plugging away down our galaxy
list and are making good progress there.
Ron: Sounds good, Susan. How are we doing on globular clusters?
Susan: We're doing O.K., although not as well as I'm sure you would
like. Those are short pointings. And it is really hard for us to
get long integrations on short pointings in this mode.
Ron: Yeah, but on the other hand, they are generally pretty
bright. So, it should be O.K.
Susan: Ron, you've got to explain to the other shift up there what
the difference is between a globular cluster and a galaxy.
Ron: O.K.
Susan: I personally was really thrilled about the NGC-1068, Ron,
that you got. So my compliments to whoever pointed on that one.
That looked good. Right now, we have only used about 40 percent of
our film, so as far as we're concerned, you guys can stay up there
for an extra day or two. We're ready to keep going.
Ron: We would be glad to do it, as much as we can.
Susan: O.K. John Deily and Frank Bauer want to give you a quick
update on our IMCS now.
John Deily: Hi Ron.
Ron: Hi John, go ahead.
John: Things looks to be going really well with UIT's jitter
performance. Our servo is operating beautifully. Our response to
the IMCS signal is in the .1 - .2 arc second range. So
congratulations! You guys are doing a great job pointing the IPS
with MPC. Here's Frank.
Frank Bauer: Hello Ron! This is Frank. Yeah, we want to let you
know that all you guys are doing a great job up there with that IPS,
under the manual pointing control. We've seen on the order of 5 -
10 arc seconds peak pointing and standard deviations on the order of
2 arc seconds. Really outstanding! It's been a real team effort
here. Great job! And we've got a "can do" attitude -- both on the
ground and in the air -- and it has been fantastic! On behalf of
the UIT team here, Bob, Ron, Sam and Jeff -- we want to issue our
congratulations to you guys. On behalf of us, we would like to
officially award you the "NASA Nintendo Champion Award" for doing
such a good job with the MPC.
Ron: Thanks a lot, Frank. We are all appreciative of that, and of
course we could not do that great pointing without your feedback
from the ground.
Frank: I think like I said, it has been an outstanding team effort
from everybody on the ground and everybody up there. And for you,
Ron and Vance, I personally would like to wish you the best of luck
with your SAREX contact with the MIR in the future here.
Ron: We're going to try it! Although, I don't know if we'll get a
chance or not, because it is getting towards the end of the mission.
Frank: O.K. Take care. On behalf of UIT, great job guys!
Ron: Thanks Frank.
Art Code: Hi there! This is Art. One of the things that I have
really hoped is that you've been able to get some sense of the
euphoria that the WUPPE team has experienced whenever this neat data
comes down on objects that are real close to their hearts. So I
hope you've heard that.
We've got observations on all kinds of interesting objects. One of
the important WUPPE programs, as you know, is to study the
interstellar dust. And we've got a number of real good
interstellar probes. And among the things we see is confirmation of
an identification that Ted Stecher made 25 years ago: the 2,200
Angstrom extinction bump is due to graphite. And if it were we
wouldn't see any polarization across the bump. And Ted seems to be
right.
We got neat polarization measurements on rapid rotators, magnetic
white dwarfs, Wolf-Rayet stars like Regina's EZ Canis Majoris,
massive super-giant like P Cygni which throws off mass
periodically. We got one of Ken's favorite reflection nebula, and
we've done some interesting co-science with the other instruments.
Some of it to our surprise.
Of course, this is a "Ken Program," but Sam would be interested in
looking at our field observations, I guess. One of the co-pointings
is a quasar Q1821, which is a real good spectrum. It has several
percent polarization. Seyfert galaxy 1068, that's great results. I
heard UIT saying how great they thought it was. Well, you know the
model for 1068, or any active galactic nucleii, depends upon
polarization to establish that that is the correct model. And the
ground-based polarization suggests it, but it's contaminated by the
background radiation in the galaxy. And you have to make large
corrections to the polarization.
In the UV galaxies, all the red stars go away, and we don't have to
make these corrections for the background. And we've got only 20%
polarization range for the 1068, which is like you ought to get.
That's a quick sample of our data up to now. And we are really
greatful for the fantastic job you've done to help us get this first
UV polarization in space. As an old-fashioned astronomer, I'm
really pleased to see that you are doing old-fashioned astronomy by
manually pointing. So thanks again Bob, Ron, Sam, Jeff. We are
really grateful.
We have been looking at the stars and sky for centuries from the
ground here. And there is plenty left to do in space. So let's do
it again! Thanks a lot.
Bob Parker: Thank you Art. That is really nice to hear. We were a
little worried that we were having trouble with some of the WUPPE
observations. And we realized that WUPPE relied on almost all of
the systems on board, IMC and everything else. And it is good to
hear that everything is working out anyhow. Thanks.
Ron: The only difficulty on board, at least on the Red Shift, is
that I can never get the manual pointing control away from Bob.
He's always having such a good time guiding the exposures, we end up
fighting over who gets the next target.
Art: Yeah, well, he's my kind of astronomer.
Bob: We old-fashioned guys have to stick together, Art.
Art: Well, O.K., great. Have fun. We're having fun down here.
Bob: Thanks a lot. We are too. The Earth is beautiful from here.
Michelle: Astro, that completes our science briefing. And I guess
we are going to pick up again at MET 6:23:15 with Target 9305-13.
Ron: O.K. We will be ready to go. Michelle, we will talk to you
later, and we just crossed the equator and are north-bound to the
Carolinas in the Pacific. And we see BBXRT back there moving toward
the target. How about that. We haven't seen that since the first
day in the mission. That's really neat to see that doing something
back there. We can't see it when Astro is erected. So nice to have
a view of them for a change.
Michelle: Alright, that sounds terrific.
Commentator: Crew Interface Coordinator signing off with the crew
on orbit. Just completing a science briefing with some of the
leaders on the science teams here at Spacelab Mission Operations
Control Huntsville. Briefing on BBXRT was Greg Madejski, the team
planner. Knox Long, a co-investigator with the Hopkins team briefed
Sam Durrance and Bob Parker on the progress from the Johns Hopkins
telescope. The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope team's Susan Neff gave
science briefing for UIT, and John Deily and Frank Bowers gave some
updated information on the Image Motion Compensation System and the
Manual Pointing Control System. And Principal Investigator Art
Code, saying "let's do it again" from the Wisconsin team briefing on
the progress of the Wisconsin Telescope.
|
| 611.225 | Shuttle Status Report - 12/07/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 10 1990 09:56 | 24 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, DEC. 7, 1990 10:25 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102)
Work continues at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Sta-
tion to disassemble the two solid rocket boosters. Scheduled ac-
tivities today and into the weekend include aft skirt removal
and preparations for shipping and refurbishment.
Landing is planned for Dec. 11 at about 11:25 p.m. EST on
the Rogers Dry Lake Bed at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. About
five days of turnaround operations are planned before the orbiter
is returned to KSC atop the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Because
the Astro-1 payload will still be in the payload bay, thus adding
weight, this ferry flight will include provisions for several
refueling stops enroute to KSC.
|
| 611.226 | ASTRO status at 7/11:30 MET | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 10 1990 10:30 | 98 |
| From: [email protected] (Greg Hennessy)
Date: 9 Dec 90 18:16:31 GMT
Organization: University of Virginia
ASTRO continues in routine observatons. Last night's shift had all
instruments getting lots of sucessful acquisitions, and WUPPE made
three long observations of its primary targets, the last instrument to
acquire its primary observations. Last shift there were 256 minutes of
scientific observations scheduled (a test of the engines called a RCS
Hotfire took up about 3 hours of the shift) and obtainded 186 minutes,
for a 72 percent. This is about as good as we are going to get, since
I include a chard of the hops that the commands go through. The objcts
observed included NGC 1851, M13, SS-Cyg, N49A+B, the Perseus cluster,
Abell 665, HD37903, HD25443, and G70D8247. The current chart looks
like
Shift Scheduled Obtained Percentage Notes
6 345 54 17
7 418 163 38 Startracker patched
8 429 189 44
9 428 247 57
10 36 8 4 2nd DDU died
11 343 187 55
12 397 200 50
13 350 181 51
14 371 216 58
15 256 186 72
There is still no decision on the length of the mission. If it is only
a 9 day mission, observing will stop in about 12 hours.
IPS contingency Pointing Servo Loop
------- ------- ------------------
| IPS |<-----| MPC |<-----| APS |<-------
------- ------- | HAND-BRAIN-EAR | |
| ------------------ |
V |
-------- |
| AST | |
| IMCS | |
-------- |
| |
v -----------
------------ | SHUTTLE |
| SPACELAB | -----------
------------ ^
| |
v ---------
----------- | TDRSS |
| SHUTTLE | ----------
----------- ^
| |
V --------
--------- | WSGS |
| TDRSS | --------
--------- ^
| |
V ----------
-------- | DOMSAT |
| WSGS | ----------
-------- ^
| |
V --------
---------- | GSFC |
| DOMSAT | --------
---------- ^
| |
V ----------
-------- | DOMSAT |
| GSFC | ----------
-------- ^
| |
V -------
-------- | JSC |
| POCC | -------
-------- ^
| |
V ----------
------- | DOMSAT |
| SOA | ----------
------- ^
| |
V |
-------- ---------- ------------------- --------
| IMCS | | POCC | | APS | | |
| STRIP|->| VIDEO |->| EYE-BRAIN-VOICE |------->| POCC |
| CHART| | MATRIX | | | | |
-------- ---------- ------------------- --------
--
-Greg Hennessy, University of Virginia
USPS Mail: Astronomy Department, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2475 USA
Internet: [email protected]
UUCP: ...!uunet!virginia!gsh7w
|
| 611.227 | | 19458::FISHER | I like my species the way it is" "A narrow view... | Mon Dec 10 1990 12:45 | 13 |
| The radio this morning said that the decision to land today would be made by
mid-day, before the commander went to sleep.
BTW, in case anyone was thinking, as I was, about landing again at KSC, back
when they were landing there "regularly" in the pre-Challenger era, they
would not land Spacelab there because of the extra weight. They wanted the
longer runways at EAFB.
Of course they have better brakes now, but I expect they will want to spend
plenty of time analyzing the brakes from Atlantis before commiting to a KSC
landing that they can avoid.
Burns
|
| 611.228 | The toilet | 8826::wherry | Storage Architecture | Mon Dec 10 1990 15:22 | 16 |
|
hehe. this is always one of those fun topics at Space Academy and *always*
a topic that the guest astronauts speak about.
It also turns out that this is a topic of irritation among some of the old
timers (german scientists.) It would seem that the Skylab toilet (of which
there is a full size model at the marshall nasa visitor center) worked
extremely well. (it sort of reminds me of a medieval torture device though).
But the space shuttle engineers figured that they could do it better. Can
anybody say NIH? Why fix something that wasn't broken I suppose is a
good question to ask. It is amusing that the the toilet is one of the first things
that is set up by one of the MS's. Pinky Nelson said that the queue
starts very quickly after they have reached orbit and that rank doth have its
priviledges.
brad
|
| 611.229 | ASTRO status at 8/08:30 MET (the final report) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 10 1990 15:33 | 38 |
| From: [email protected] (Greg Hennessy)
Date: 10 Dec 90 15:33:40 GMT
Organization: University of Virginia
The ASTRO mission is rapidly coming to an end. The last exposures are
being taken now, of Comet Levy. The weather is causing an early
return, which is a disappointment. The instruments are really working
well, and great data is being taken. Shift 16 had observations of
Z-Cam, the erseus cluster, M49, 3C273, M3, M32, M33, Markarian 335, Pi
Aqr, Kappa Cas, and C48D1557. Shift 17 observed Jupiter, NGC1316,
Omega Cen, U-Gem, NGC2146, M81, Betelgeuse, HD200775, HD7252, and
N49A+B.
Shift Scheduled Obtained Percentage Notes
6 345 54 17
7 418 163 38 Startracker patched
8 429 189 44
9 428 247 57
10 36 8 4 2nd DDU died
11 343 187 55
12 397 200 50
13 350 181 51
14 371 216 58
15 256 186 72
16 414 269 71
17 334 289 86
It is apparent that ASTRO kept on getting better as time went on. I
hope that there is another Astro mission. If people would write to
their congressman or to NASA, and tell them that they support the
ASTRO project (after all, the hardware is paid for), there can be a
second mission.
--
-Greg Hennessy, University of Virginia
USPS Mail: Astronomy Department, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2475 USA
Internet: [email protected]
UUCP: ...!uunet!virginia!gsh7w
|
| 611.230 | Thanks... | 8713::J_BUTLER | USAR...and ready... | Mon Dec 10 1990 16:12 | 15 |
| Thanks to all-and-sundry for the ASTRO progress reports and other info
put in here.
It sure seems to me that ASTRO-type missions are one of the best
uses of the SSTS! You can "tailor" an investigation package for a
specific range of targets, and get it back to make improvements
or changes for later flights.
This is straight observational-type astronomy that can't be done
on earth. I suspect that we are going to see some interesting
changes to current hypotheses!
John B.
|
| 611.231 | Astro-1 Status for 12/09/90 (evening) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 10 1990 18:13 | 188 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 10 Dec 90 19:57:48 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Astro 1 Mission Report #42
12:52 p.m. CST, December 9, 1990
7/12:02 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Astro Deputy Mission Scientist Gene Urban reported at this
morning's press briefing that efficiency of the "ground-to-space
and man-in-the-loop control operation" had risen quite rapidly.
The observations reported included both ultraviolet and X-ray
targets. "We are doing exactly what we expected and hoped when
we started these new observations," Urban stated.
Greg Madejski, of the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope team, reported
that they had collected some "fantastic" X-ray data. "When I
came in for my shift, I got a little birthday gift from my
friends, a spectrum of an object that is really, really wonderful
to observe," he said. Madejski explained that the spectrum
indicated that Parkes 2155-304, an active galaxy known as a
BL-Lac object, probably contains a jet of very energetic, hot
material directed toward us. Other X-ray observations included
Seyfert II objects which provided indirect evidence of an
accretion disk surrounding a very massive black hole and clear
spectra of the binary X-ray source (or pulsar) Centaurus X-3,
which continued to be observed even after the orbiter entered the
South Atlantic Anomaly. "We are really excited," concluded
Madejski. "Our instrument is performing even better than we
expected."
Mario Magalhaes, Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter
Experiment project scientist, was equally enthusiastic. "When
you design and build an instrument, you plan for a certain
performance level; then actually it is 95, 90 percent of what you
expected--if you've designed your instrument well. WUPPE has
been a little more sensitive, in fact, than we expected it to
be." He reported that overnight the team had observed 100
percent of the time it was supposed to observe. Accomplished
during the preceding hours were an important calibration
procedure, a study of interstellar dust in the Milky Way galaxy,
a white dwarf star, a quasar, and the Seyfert galaxy also
observed by the X-ray team. The latter, NGC 1068, was described
by Magalhaes as the most highly polarized object that the
Wisconsin telescope has measured thus far. "Im really amazed.
It's an impressive amount of data that's been collected, thanks
again to this collective work of the people on the ground...and
finally to that very special and important link which is the
Payload Specialist. All is going very, very well for WUPPE and
for science."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #41
07:00 p.m. CST, December 9, 1990
7/18:11 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Bob O'Connell, co-investigator for the Ultraviolet Imaging
Telescope, was excited and enthusiastic in reporting his team's
successful findings from observations of the Perseus cluster of
galaxies, Abell 426.
This large cluster, which is composed of about 500 galaxies,
measures one trillion times the mass of our Sun. This mass, which is
in the form of gas with temperatures of over 100 million degrees,
spews out huge quantities of X-rays. The data from these X-Rays
shows gas radiating from the center of this cluster and "cooling" as
it draws inward. Scientists hope to account for the measurement of
this material and its origins based upon Astro-1 observations.
To date, UIT has acquired over 75 astronomical targets. Over 900
exposures have been made of objects such as the elliptical galaxy in
the Fornax, NGC 1399, the edge-on galaxy NGC891 and the impressive
Supernova 1987A.
The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope aboard Columbia records wide-view
photographic images of ultraviolet light of star clusters, galaxies
and other stellar objects. UIT images will be recorded directly onto
a very sensitive astronomical film for later development after
Columbia lands. UIT has enough film to make 2,000 exposures during
this mission. The telescope was developed by the Goddard Space
Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report #24
8:30 p.m. CST, Dec. 9, 1990
7/19:40 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
"Things are functioning rather routinely and everybody's
starting to loosen up," said Astro-1 Mission Scientist Dr.
Ted Gull towards the end of this period (noon to 8 p.m. CST
Sunday). His remark captured the mood at this point in the
mission.
Gull's comment did not imply any slacking off or slowdown in
the scientific effort, however. The pace of activities
continued to be intense as crewmembers aboard Columbia along
with ground-based members of the payload and orbiter support
teams attempted to complete as many astronomical observations
as possible before the end of the mission.
The four specialized telescopes and their pointing systems
continued to operate with virtually no anomalies today, so
that most observations began only a few minutes into the
"window" of observing time. One of the few technical
glitches during this period came when team members for the
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT), working in the science
operations area of Spacelab Mission Operations
Control-Huntsville, saw that their instrument's experiment
computer, the UIT Dedicated Experiment Processor, had
"crashed." Some quick ground commanding brought the
processor back on-line, and since it occurred between
observations, the glitch did not cause any loss of data.
Continuing their efforts to further streamline operations,
crewmembers on Columbia and their ground-support teams used
this shift to try a new combination of procedures for
resuming automatic target acquisition and tracking. Since
loss of the second of two Spacelab data display units or
computer terminals earlier in the mission, acquisition and
tracking have been done by an alternate procedure known as
contingency target acquisition. The automatic acquisition,
or "IDOP," was successful for beginning and maintaining
observation on the star Pi Aquarii shortly after 3 p.m. That
accomplishment allowed mission planners to consider using the
automated procedure more routinely during the remainder of
the mission -- a change which would ease the
telescope-pointing task for the Shuttle crew.
Routine operations of the three ultraviolet instruments and
the separately mounted X-ray telescope resulted in a steady
accumulation of data today. During most of the observational
opportunities. in this period, the ultraviolet telescopes
pointed at one object, while the Broad Band X-ray Telescope
was pointed at a nearby target. The result was a total
approaching 20 successful data-takes for the 8-hour period.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
WUPPE STATUS REPORT NO. 16
PM, Sunday, Dec. 9, 1990
Spacelab Mission Operations Control Center
Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, AL
The WUPPE science team was able to make observations of three
WUPPE high-priority targets this afternoon.
WUPPE was able to acquire and collect scientific data on Kappa
Cassiopeiae, a supergiant star; and Pi Aquarii. Also observed was
the WUPPE primary target P Carinae, a Be star in the constellation
Carina, the Ship's Keel. WUPPE's observation of this target was
abbreviated, however, because the attitude of the Columbia orbiter
was not compatible with observing the star and sending commands at
the same time.
Kappa Cassiopeiae is of interest to the WUPPE science team because
it is one of only two stars whose polarization has ever been
observed in the utraviolet prior to the deployment of the WUPPE
telescope. It was observed by an instrument sent high into the
Earth's atmosphere by balloon in the early 1970s. WUPPE
astronomers are anxious to compare WUPPE's observations with those
made almost 20 years ago. The star was observed by WUPPE for 40
minutes. It is a supergiant used by WUPPE to illuminate the
interstellar medium, but astronomers are also interested in
learning more about how the star sheds mass into its atmosphere.
Pi Aquarii, located in the constellation Aquarius, was observed by
the Wisconsin telescope for 34 minutes. It is 1,500 light years
away from the Earth and is thought to have a gaseous, disk-like
shell of material around it. Its spectrum is known to vary in the
ultraviolet and it shows polarization of its visible light. This
indicates the possibility of a disk-like structure, at least for
the cooler parts of the stellar wind. WUPPE observations should
provide a better picture of the nature of the hotter parts of the
stellar wind.
The WUPPE telescope was also able to successfully co-observe a
number of other celestial objects with the other Astro
instruments.
|
| 611.232 | Astro-1 Status for 12/10/90 (morning) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 10 1990 18:14 | 253 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 10 Dec 90 20:06:53 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Astro 1 Mission Report #43
03:00 a.m. CST, December 10, 1990
8/02:10 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
Today, the HUT team observed the brightest cataclysmic variable star
known -- C48D 1557. "We got a great spectrum with about 500 seconds
of data on this high-mass-transfer object," said HUT Team Replanner
Bill Blair.
And tonight at approximately 11:30 p.m. CST, the Hopkins Ultraviolet
Telescope collected data on U GEM. "This is a very different
spectrum situation from the other two (observations made within the
last 24 hours)," said Blair. The processes that are going on could
be very different. And that is why we want to get data on another
binary, such as this, for comparison."
Because extremely close binary systems consisting of a white dwarf
star and a more "normal" star, like our Sun, interact violently,
they are called cataclysmic binaries.
Blair explained the powerful forces behind this system: "Think of
the Earth. It takes Earth a year to go around the Sun, right? Here
are two stars that are going around each other in three to seven
hours. This is a very close orbit.
"The gravitational attraction is so strong that the primary star
starts to dump matter onto the white dwarf. It doesn't just fall
right onto that star, because of the angular momentum of the
system. As that material spirals in, it heats up and dissipates
energy in the form of lots of ultraviolet and X-ray emission,"
creating a ring called an accretion disc.
"In very high-mass transfer objects, like this," said Blair, "the
flow can be very unstable sometimes. And there are these outbursts
of intense light that we see in them." To understand the physics of
this process called accretion, the Johns Hopkins University team
will study the ultraviolet emissions to pinpoint exactly where in
the system these outbursts of light are coming from.
Since the HUT team already knows the geometry of the cataclysmic
variable star system, after studying the data collected during the
Astro mission they will be able to answer questions on the sources
of ultraviolet light.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro-1 Shift Summary Report #25
4:30 a.m. CST Dec. 10, 1990
8/03:40 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, AL
All four telescopes -- the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope
(HUT), the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT), the Wisconsin
Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE), and the Broad Band
X-ray Telescope (BBXRT) -- continued to unveil images of
planets, stars, and galaxies. All four telescopes operated
without problem throughout the night.
The Hopkins Telescope and the Goddard Space Flight Center's
UIT gathered 45 minutes of spectographic data and images of
Jupiter, beginning approximately 8:15 last night.
All three ultraviolet telescopes -- HUT, UIT, and WUPPE --
performed joint observations on the elliptical, radio-bright
galaxy NGC 1316 at 9:30 p.m.; Omega Centauri, 16,500 light
years away, at approximately 10:50 p.m.; U Geminorum in the
constellation Gemini at 11:30 p.m.; NGC 2146, a galaxy
apparently capturing matter around itself to create new
stars, at 12:40 a.m.; a large, spiral galaxy in the
constellation Ursa Major, M81, at 2:30 a.m.; and
AlphaOrionis, an M-type supergiant better known as
Betelgeuse, at approximately 3:45 a.m.
The BBXRT gathered scientific data on each of its scheduled
targets, including OJ286, an energetic radio source acquired
twice during the night; PHL 8462, a radio-loud quasar;
QX301-2, a massive X-ray binary star sytem; VV Puppis, a
cataclysmic binary system made up of a small white dwarf and
a star similar to our Sun; and M81.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
WUPPE STATUS REPORT NO. 18
AM,MONDAY,DECEMBER 10, 1990
The University of Wisconsin telescope aboard the Shuttle Columbia
ceased operations this morning after the decision was made to land the
orbiter tonight.
The telescope door for the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter
Experiment was closed at 9:19 a.m. CST.
The last observation made by the Wisconsin telescope was Comet Levi.
Unexpectedly, the Wisconsin telescope was able to obtain significant
from the comet. It was thought that the comet would be too faint for
the Wisconsin telescope to detect. The WUPPE science team is
interested in seeing how light is polarized as it is scattered off of
the dust surrounding the nucleus of the comet. WUPPE observations may
help determine the chemical composition of cometary dust. They may
also tell astronomers how similar cometary dust is to interstellar
dust. This is of interest because it may provide new insights to the
birth of our solar system.
Wisconsin astronomers said that despite computer problems early on in
the mission, the Wisconsin telescope performed far better than
expected. Its sensitivity levels were greater than anticipated,
meaning even abbreviated observations would yield useful scientific
information.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #45
11:35 a.m. CST, December 10, 1990
8/10:45 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
There were smiles and hugs in the Astro Science Operations Area as
ultraviolet science gathering for the mission came to an end just
after 9:00 CST this morning. "We just had a wonderful mission,"
said Arthur Davidsen, Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope principal
investigator. "We've spent 13 years getting ready for this
opportunity. There were many times when we feared it would never
come to pass, and other times when we thought it wouldn't work, but
it actually worked spectacularly well. Everybody on the HUT team is
just thrilled with the results."
The observations ended on a high note. The three ultraviolet
telescopes were in the midst of an observation of Comet Levy, just
discovered in May of this year. "Here we are just about ready to
button up the payload and bring it home, and Hopkins Ultraviolet
Telescope is continuing to make an observation in the last moment.
It was the last observation of the mission; the spectrum of the
comet was on the screen; and they were just jumping up and down!"
said Deputy Mission Scientist Gene Urban as he described the elation
of the science teams at the success of the mission.
"We are just delighted at the way the mission played out," said
Mission Manager Jack Jones. "We can only thank the great team we
have working the mission."
Urban reported that Dr. Leonard Fisk, NASA Associate Administrator
for the Office of Space Science and Application, had spoken with the
Astro team shortly after it was announced that the mission would end
a day earlier than hoped. Urban said that Fisk told the group:
"Although we would like to have had more science time on orbit, from
what I have been told the science return is incredible, and I
consider this mission as nothing less than a total success."
Though the Shuttle is scheduled to land at 11:51 CST tonight, the
ultraviolet instruments began to shut down within a few minutes of
the announcement of the rescheduled touch down. Deactivation and
stowing of the telescopes and Instrument Pointing System must begin
around 12 hours prior to landing. Though its motions are restricted
by landing preparations, the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope may take
limited observations up until four hours from the end of the
mission.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astro 1 Mission Report #44
08:50 a.m. CST, December 10, 1990
8/08:00 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
"We can't grab ahold of a piece of the universe or a couple of
galaxies and play with them like physicists or chemists can play
with their experiments. But we can watch them as they are and
figure out what's happening," said Susan Neff, astronomer with the
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope team.
Neff and the UIT team hope data they gathered last night on four
very different prime galaxies will shed new light on galaxy
evolution. "What we're after is understanding how galaxies change
with time in the universe," said Neff. "We're also looking for star
formation, partly as the result of collisions."
One galaxy observed, M81, is a classic spiral galaxy, theorized to
interact with nearby M82. "If we look at the hydrogen, or cold
matter, around these two galaxies, we see a lot of connecting matter
between the two systems," said Neff. In this case both galaxies
have stayed independent.
Another target galaxy, however, NGC 2146, seems to have had a
head-on collision with a smaller galaxy it may have "cannibalized."
"Very large clouds of hydrogen indicate recent interaction," Neff
said.
Neff smiled as she said: "We also got what we expect to be an
absolutely spectacular set of pictures on Omega Centauri, which is a
nearby globular cluster. It appears to be a merge between two
smaller globular clusters."
A fourth target, NGC 1316, is a radio source with faint cloud-like
shells around the galaxy. "This galaxy is possibly the result of
another collision or merger, and the shells around the galaxy may be
where stars are sprayed out and then wrapped up around the galaxy,"
explained Neff.
Over the next few months as the UIT team processes their film taken
aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, they hope to find new connections
between these colliding galaxies and "loner" galaxies that could
lead to a more complete understanding of our universe.
"What we are getting here is more pieces to the big puzzle ...
pieces we have never gotten before," said Neff.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
WUPPE STATUS REPORT NO. 17
AM,MONDAY,DECEMBER 10, 1990
Two WUPPE high-priority targets were observed last night and the
Wisconsin telescope aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia successfully
co-observed all other Astro targets during the course of the night.
Observed for 43 minutes by the Wisconsin telescope was the
reflection nebula NGC 7023. This is the primordial nebula of the hot
young star HD 200775. The nebula is comprised of vast clouds of dust
and gas and supplied the matter from which the star at its core was
formed. The light from the star illuminates the surrounding nebula
and the starlight is reflected by the matter in the nebula. The
reflected light is polarized as it is scattered. WUPPE measurements
of the polarized light will help astronomers understand the dynamics
of primordial nebulae from which stars are formed.
The other WUPPE primary, Alpha Orionis, is a red supergiant.
This star gives out most of its light in the infrared, but it also
radiates in the ultraviolet. Astronomers think that this star is
surrounded by a dust cloud composed in part of magnesium. WUPPE will
look for changes in the polarization of light as it traverses the
cloud to try and firm up ideas as to its chemical composition.
Four other Astro targets were co-observed by the WUPPE telescope,
which continues to perform well. Ground command operations are
running smoothly for the Wisconsin telescope.
|
| 611.233 | Shuttle Status - 12/10/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 11 1990 20:12 | 24 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - Monday, Dec. 10, 1990 11:30 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102)
Due to unfavorable weather conditions tomorrow, landing of
Columbia is planned one day early. Landing is planned for 12:51
a.m. EST tomorrow, Dec. 11, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
The mission management team decided to land one day early after
evaluating weather forecasts at the landing site this morning.
Unfavorable conditions are forecast at Edwards Tuesday and Wed-
nesday night.
KSC turnaround crews are on station at Dryden Flight
Research Facility and are preparing for tonight's landing. After
about six days of turnaround operations, the orbiter will be
ferried back to Florida. The 747 shuttle carrier aircraft/orbiter
will be making several refueling stops across the country because
of the extra weight due to Astro.
|
| 611.234 | Shuttle Status - 12/11/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 11 1990 20:15 | 29 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUES. DEC. 11, 1990 10:25 A.M.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102)
The Space Shuttle Columbia, commanded by veteran astronaut
Vance Brand, landed safely overnight at Edwards Air Force Base,
Calif. Touchdown time was at 12:54 a.m. EST today, with a total
mission duration of 8 days, 23 hours, 5 minutes, and 8 seconds.
The crew underwent routine post-flight physicals before leaving
the orbiter. The data gained from these checkups will be added to
knowledge gained during longer missions as the program moves
toward extended duration orbiter missions. The crew members are
planning to return to Johnson Space Center with their families
today.
At Edwards, KSC turnaround crews had Columbia in the mate-
demate device by 6:55 a.m. today. Sling, jacking, and hoisting
operations are in process. An initial look at the orbiter reveals
about 85 tile "dings" of various sizes. Columbia will be ferried
back to KSC atop the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft within the next
week.
|
| 611.235 | | 32238::FRIEDRICHS | Brand New Private Pilot | Wed Dec 12 1990 09:38 | 14 |
| I was surprised to see that the astronauts had on what appeared to
be "spacesuits" (in the brief clip of them getting out of the shuttle
the outfits looked like they had the rigid collars. The suits
were orange). I realize what they had on was not what they would
use to take spacewalks, but it appeared that they were more formally
clothed that many previous missions where the astronauts only had
on their blue flight suits.
Any idea why the change?? Or have past missions had enough time to
get out of their suits before debarking??
just curious,
jeff
|
| 611.236 | A cool night at Edwards | 34866::ANDERSOND | | Wed Dec 12 1990 10:04 | 4 |
| They were given the "GO" to remove the re-entry suits but elected to
keep them on because of the cold temps at Edwards when they landed. It
was about 30 F. which probably felt cold to those Texas/Florida
types. ;^)
|
| 611.237 | | 32238::FRIEDRICHS | Brand New Private Pilot | Wed Dec 12 1990 10:19 | 6 |
| Ah, thanks! And "re-entry" suits is a much more appropriate word for
what they were wearing.
cheers,
jeff
|
| 611.238 | | 58453::SKLEIN | Nulli Secundus | Wed Dec 12 1990 13:07 | 13 |
| > Ah, thanks! And "re-entry" suits is a much more appropriate word for
> what they were wearing.
The suits are not just for re-entry. The new suits are partial pressure suits
worn during liftoff and reentry. They have been wearing these since STS 26. The
Challager accident raised the issue that the astronauts might have been alive
however had no protection against the loss of pressure. I am sure the a suit
would have made no difference in the end, but since then all astros wear the
suits.
Susan
|
| 611.239 | Shuttle Status for 12/12/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Dec 12 1990 17:59 | 25 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - Wednesday, Dec. 12, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - DRYDEN
KSC turnaround crews at Dryden Flight Research Facility are
preparing the orbiter Columbia for the return trip to Florida.
Pending good weather and no problems in processing activities,
Columbia is scheduled to depart Edwards early Sunday morning.
The 747 shuttle carrier aircraft/orbiter will be making several
refueling stops across the country, including an overnight stay
at Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, because of the extra
weight due to Astro.
Once back at KSC, Columbia will be located in the Vehicle
Assembly Building for about one month, until Discovery is ready
to be transferred out of the OPF.
|
| 611.240 | Astro-1 Status for 12/10/90 [2054 CST] | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Dec 12 1990 18:05 | 56 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 12 Dec 90 01:51:45 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Astro 1 Mission Report #46
8:54 p.m. CST, December 10, 1990
8/20:03 MET
Spacelab Mission Operations Control
Marshall Space Flight Center
The eighth day of the Astro-1 Mission came to a satisfying, yet
emotional end as mission managers and science investigators made
final reports and comments during the afternoon shift summary
briefing at Spacelab Mission Operations Control in Huntsville,
Alabama.
"When you come to the end of an experience like this you're sad."
said Dr. Arthur Code, Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo Polarimeter
principal investigator. "It's an experience that's over with and you
don't want to see it end."
Dr. Code was joined by Principal Investigators Ted Stecher,
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope; Dr. Arthur Davidsen, Hopkins
Ultraviolet Telescope; and Dr. Peter Serlemitsos, Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope as they related preliminary science results and celebrated
the mission's success.
"The telescopes worked flawlessly," beamed a happy Dr. Arthur
Davidsen, HUT principal investigator. Davidsen commented on how well
the universe "cooperated" with his team's expectations in obtaining
good science data from over 75 HUT observations.
"Look, it's not quantity, but quality." explained Mission Scientist
Ted Gull, as he reviewed the total number of observations viewed by
the three ultraviolet telescopes and the BBXRT. A total of 135
unique astronomical sources were observed throughout the eight-day
mission. When including parallel or repeated observations, the
Astro-1 observatory completed 394 acquisitions. Gull was pleased
with the method used by the science teams to select and schedule
targets.
"The science that will come out of this data is going to be
tremendous," continued Gull. "We know we're going to help re-write
textbooks." The work now begins for the Astro-1 science teams as
they analyze and process the data recorded from these observations.
The four science teams were also quick to praise the "teamwork"
efforts of the Columbia astronauts and the ground crews at the
Marshall Space Flight Center, the Johnson Space Center and the
Goddard Space Flight Center throughout the duration of the mission.
Gull summed up the briefing by refering to an earlier analogy of the
mission used by Dr. Davidsen. He asked Davidsen what were the final
results from the "game" between the "Huntsville Astros" and the
"Universal Secrets." Davidson said with a smile, "The Astros
won...by a mile."
|
| 611.241 | Shuttle Status for 12/13/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Dec 13 1990 17:40 | 24 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - Thursday, Dec. 13, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - DRYDEN
Turnaround operations to prepare the orbiter Columbia for
the return trip to Florida are continuing. Pending good weather
and no problems, Columbia is scheduled to depart Edwards early
Sunday morning. The 747 shuttle carrier aircraft/orbiter will be
making several refueling stops across the country, including a
planned overnight stay at Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio,
Texas, because of the extra weight due to Astro.
Once back at KSC, Columbia will be located in the Vehicle
Assembly Building for about one month, until Discovery is ready
to be transferred out of the OPF.
|
| 611.242 | Landing in the Dark? | 7192::SCHWARTZ | Looks more like a grocer than a writer | Thu Dec 13 1990 18:02 | 6 |
| If I read this stuff correctly, they landed the shuttle at night?
In the dark? (12:54am EST = 8:54PM PST, yes?)
Has anyone seen comments about that?
-**Ted**-
|
| 611.243 | | 19458::FISHER | I like my species the way it is" "A narrow view... | Fri Dec 14 1990 12:47 | 13 |
| Yes, it was at night. This will generally be true of the landing for a launch
that takes place at night because of orbital mechanics.
They had huge lights set up to "light up the runway like it was day time"
according to some news reports.
It does make you wonder a bit, though, why they are so picky about the closing
of late afternoon launch windows because of darkness at the Transatlantic
abort sites. Why not just lite 'em. I suppose they don't want to have a bunch
of big lights all around the world set up for every launch???
Burns
|
| 611.244 | Safety first? | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Dec 14 1990 13:25 | 17 |
| >It does make you wonder a bit, though, why they are so picky about the closing
>of late afternoon launch windows because of darkness at the Transatlantic
>abort sites. Why not just lite 'em. I suppose they don't want to have a bunch
>of big lights all around the world set up for every launch???
I'm sure they've practiced at Edwards for days on end - they know the
area, terrain, landmarks, etc. If they had to do a Trans-Atlantic
abort, dealing with darkness at a runway *lighted or not) they've probably
only flown to once or twice (if ever) wouldn't be something I'd like at all.
A "bright as day" lighted runway is just a speck in the darkness from 20
miles away (in a glider, falling like a rock).
Just a guess,
- dave
|
| 611.245 | Dark runway? | 58205::OCONNELL | | Fri Dec 14 1990 13:50 | 12 |
| I watched the deorbit and landing live on the NASA Select channel.
They were using an infrared camera to track it as it got within visual
range; it looked like a small star in a black field. As it approached
and landed, there was enough heat radiating from the shuttle to make it
appear bright white and to illuminate even the cooler parts of it.
The runway did not appear to be lighted any more than any runway would
be for a routine airliner landing. When they shifted briefly to a
standard camera, it was very dark, and almost all their coverage was
with the infrared camera.
-Michael
|
| 611.246 | Shuttle Status for 12/14/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 17 1990 17:47 | 24 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - DRYDEN
Operations are on schedule to ready the shuttle Columbia for
the return trip to Florida on Monday. Pending good weather and
no problems, Columbia is scheduled to depart Edwards early Sunday
morning. The 747 shuttle carrier aircraft/orbiter will be making
several refueling stops across the country, including a planned
overnight stay at Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, be-
cause of the extra weight due to Astro.
Once back at KSC, Columbia will be located in the Vehicle
Assembly Building for about one month, until Discovery is ready
to be transferred out of the OPF.
|
| 611.247 | Shuttle Status for 12/17/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 17 1990 17:48 | 32 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Monday December 17, 1990 9:00 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Dryden
The orbiter Columbia did not depart Dryden Flight Research
Facility, Calif., yesterday as scheduled due to adverse weather
conditions along the cross country flight route. Pending a good
weather forecast, the 747 shuttle carrier aircraft/orbiter flight
team is making plans for a possible departure today. The flight
is a two day trip with several refueling stops. Currently, an
overnight stay is expected at either Kelly Air Force Base, San
Antonio, Texas, or at Biggs Army Air Field, Texas.
Once back at KSC, about four days of deserving is required
to safe the vehicle before ground crews can take time off for the
holidays. After demate from the SCA, Columbia will be transported
to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will remain for about a
month, until Discovery is moved from the Orbiter Processing
Facility to the VAB.
|
| 611.248 | Shuttle Status for 12/18/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 18 1990 18:34 | 35 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Tuesday December 18, 1990 11:00 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102)
The orbiter Columbia atop its 747 shuttle carrier aircraft
departed Dryden Flight Research Facility, Calif., this morning at
10:03 a.m. EST en route to its first refueling stop at Biggs Army
Air Field, El Paso, Tx. Once at Biggs, managers will conduct a
cross country weather assessment to determine if the vehicle can
safely continue its journey to the preferred overnight stop
location at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La., or if it
can only make it as far as Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, Tx.
Arrival at Kennedy Space Center is targeted for early
afternoon Wednesday.
Once back at KSC, about four days of deservicing is required
to safe the vehicle before ground crews can take time off for the
holidays. After demate from the SCA, Columbia will be transported
to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will remain for about a
month, until Discovery is moved from the Orbiter Processing
Facility to the VAB.
|
| 611.249 | Shuttle Status for 12/19/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Dec 21 1990 09:42 | 39 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Wednesday December 19, 1990 10:00 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Kelly AFB, Texas
The orbiter Columbia atop its 747 shuttle carrier aircraft
departed Dryden Flight Research Facility, Calif., yesterday
morning, stopped for fuel at Biggs Army Air Field, El Paso, Tx.,
and continued on to Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, Tx., for
an overnight layover. This morning, managers conducted a weather
assessment and determined that the vehicle should continue its
journey to the preferred refueling stop at Barksdale Air Force
Base, Shreveport, La. Continuation of the ferry flight to Kennedy
Space Center this afternoon will be determined upon arrival at
Barksdale. A frontal system moving across the Florida panhandle
may present a problem.
Arrival at Kennedy Space Center will be no earlier than mid-
afternoon today and possibly as late as Thursday morning.
Once back at KSC, Columbia will be demated from the SCA and
prepared for tow to the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 36 to 48
hours of operation time is required for safing the vehicle and
removing the protective main engine tail cone before Columbia can
be moved to the VAB. About four days of deservicing is required
to safe the vehicle before ground crews can take time off for the
holidays.
|
| 611.250 | Details on ASTRO-1 class | ADVAX::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Fri Dec 21 1990 10:56 | 96 |
| From: [email protected] (MARY SCHLANGENSTEIN)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space
Subject: Astronauts teach orbital lessons
Date: 7 Dec 90 19:45:33 GMT
SPACE CENTER, Houston (UPI) -- Finally realizing Christa McAuliffe's
dream, the shuttle Columbia's crew taught a lesson from orbit Friday,
explaining the wonders of astronomy and urging school kids to study math
and science.
The lessons from space were televised and beamed down to classrooms
across the nation in a project to show students how astronauts live and
work in orbit and to describe the value of studying the entire
electromagnetic spectrum to learn more about the structure and evolution
of the cosmos.
``I'm talking to you from the space shuttle Columbia orbiting 200
miles above the surface of the Earth,'' astronomer Samuel Durrance said
as he began the space lesson from Columbia. ``I'd like to talk to you
today about space, astronomy and the electromagnetic spectrum.
``The universe is playing a kind of symphony in the light that it
produces. Up here in space, telescopes can see all the radiation to
better understand the universe. In the shuttle, we're above the Earth's
atmosphere. This allows the shuttle's telescopes to see the unseen, the
invisible radiation.''
The goal of the 38th shuttle mission is to study X-rays and
ultraviolet light from deep space targets that cannot penetrate Earth's
atmosphere. Such radiation is invisible to the unaided eye and the
astronauts' lesson focused on explaining the value of studying all forms
of light.
``Looking at the stars or other objects in just visible light is sort
of like listening to the piano with only a few working keys,'' Durrance
said. ``You miss most of the song. To understand the stars, we must look
at the invisible as well as the visible radiation.''
Select groups of middle school students -- seventh and eighth graders
-- were gathered at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.,
and the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., to observe the
lesson firsthand.
Students across the nation were able to pick up the lesson through
satellite dishes to watch it live in their classrooms in an
unprecedented effort to highlight science education.
The 20-minute lesson, entitled ``Space Classroom: Assignment the
Stars,'' was taught by Durrance and astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman, who took
their students on a brief tour of the shuttle. Questions from the
students later were answered by astronaut Robert Parker and astronomer
Ronald Parise.
``If you are interested in this sort of work and would like to learn
something about it yourself and perhaps participate in the space age in
the future, my recommendation for all of you students listening is to
continue to study hard ... read a lot about astronomy and space and
maybe you can help answer some of these questions that we've been
talking about,'' said Hoffman, wearing a shirt and tie.
``Some of the things we're studying now are things that a generation
ago, many people didn't even think about. And I'm sure that some of you
will end up studying questions that we don't even think about now.''
In a pre-launch interview, Hoffman said he wanted to ``excite
students about careers in science, engineering and mathematics.''
``We hope this will be a demonstration of the tremendous potential we
have using shuttle flights to really contact students and get them
excited,'' he said.
McAuliffe, who was killed along with six fellow crewmembers in the
1986 Challenger explosion, was selected as NASA's Teacher in Space and
was to have taught several lessons while in orbit.
Although her dream was finally realized through the Columbia lessons,
NASA officials said the idea for the project dated back many years.
``There have been a lot of people within NASA interested in education
for a long time, and it just seems that this was an idea whose time had
finally come,'' said NASA spokesman Dave Drachlis.
Columbia carried aloft a payload of four sophisticated telescopes to
examine space in the ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths.
``The fundamental thing we'd like to get across to students is that
the universe is sending us information in the broad spectrum of
radiation, and we only see the tiniest bit of that when we look at it
from the Earth,'' Hoffman said.
``It opens the students' minds up to the idea of the electromagnetic
spectrum. That is a great vehicle for talking about radioactivity,
microwaves, ultraviolet, X-rays -- things which we know about in other
parts of our lives, but which you might not think of in terms of
astronomy.''
|
| 611.251 | Shuttle Status for 12/21/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Dec 21 1990 17:44 | 30 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Friday December 21, 1990 11:00 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - Shuttle Landing Facility
The orbiter Columbia, riding atop of 747 shuttle carrier
aircraft, arrived yesterday at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility at
1:00 p.m. from Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, La., Thus, Columbia
ends the year's final mission successfully.
The vehicle was demated from the 747 last night and the
protective window covers have been installed. Earlier, crews
planned to remove the protective tail cone from the orbiter at
the SLF. However, this work will now be done in the confines of
high bay 2 of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Columbia was towed
to the VAB this morning.
In the VAB, crews will begin to install OMS/RCS access
platforms. Purges on the vehicle should be initiated Sunday
night. Columbia will remain in the VAB for about a month.
|
| 611.252 | Shuttle Status for 01/02/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jan 03 1991 18:29 | 20 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Wednesday January 2, 1991 10:00 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - VAB High Bay 2
The orbiter Columbia remains in the Vehicle Assembly
Building high bay 2. General purges of the vehicle continue.
Access to the orbiter will be made today. Columbia will remain in
the VAB until Discovery vacates the Orbiter Processing Facility,
around the end of January.
|
| 611.253 | ASTRO-1 mission praised | ADVAX::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Fri Jan 18 1991 17:28 | 75 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Subject: Astro shuttle mission lauded
Date: 18 Jan 91 02:35:17 GMT
Data from a shuttle astronomy mission last month indicates
graphite in vast clouds of interstellar dust may act as a cooling
agent, offsetting extreme temperatures that might otherwise prevent
star formation, scientists reported Thursday.
Despite a balky telescope aiming system and two burned out
computers that reduced the amount of data Columbia's crew could
gather, researchers said they were elated with the results of the
Astro-1 mission, which is providing an unprecedented look at the most
violent stars and galaxies in the universe.
Because of a variety of technical problems, mission scientist
Ted Gull said the four X-ray and ultraviolet telescopes aboard
Columbia were able to gather data on only 30 percent to 35 percent of
their planned targets.
But given that high-energy X-rays and UV radiation cannot
penetrate Earth's atmosphere, the Astro-1 results amount to a gold
mine of new information about the structure and evolution of the cosmos.
``I'm excited, I'm pleased,'' Gull said by telephone from the
American Astronomical Society's annual meeting in Philadelphia. ``Each
of the teams will tell you they got 30 to 35 percent of the data they
planned. But it's certainly an extremely useful 30 to 35 percent. The
cup was a third full, not two-thirds empty.''
Columbia and its seven-man crew blasted off Dec. 2 to kick off
a planned 10-day astronomy mission.
Mounted in the shuttle's 60-foot-long cargo bay were four
sophisticated telescopes, three of them sensitive to ultraviolet
radiation and one sensitive to higher-energy X-rays.
One of the instruments took normal-looking ultraviolet
photographs, three of which were released Thursday at the American
Astronomical Society meeting.
One picture showed hot, young stars burning in the spiral arms
of the galaxy M81; another showed the globular star cluster Omega
Centauri; and the third showed a tenuous veil of gas shocked by the
blast wave from a prehistoric exploding star.
``There are nuggets we're going to have to chew on quite a
while before we really bring out the exciting data,'' Gull said.
``This is a good example where information has come to us and ...
we're going to get a lot more knowledge about the universe.''
The Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment --
WUPPE -- telescope studied a variety of deep space targets, including
interstellar gas and dust.
Such clouds of dust and debris represent the remains of stars
that exploded in the distant past along with other material that
ultimately will go into making new stars. Scientists initially
believed such grains of interstellar dust were spherical in nature.
But data from the WUPPE instrument shows there are two types
of intermingled dust: Graphite-like carbon and irregularly shaped
rock-like silicate material.
Astronomer Kenneth Nordsieck said the WUPPE data appeared to
confirm a 25-year-old theory that graphite plays a key role in star
formation.
``As the vast clouds of dust and gas collapse to form stars,
the interstellar soup can get so hot that the process of star
formation will stop,'' he said in a news release. ``The graphite ...
serves as a cooling agent, absorbing excess thermal radiation and
allowing the process of star formation to continue.''
|
| 611.254 | ASTRO mission to refly | 58453::SKLEIN | Nulli Secundus | Tue May 21 1991 11:20 | 68 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Subject: Astro mission to refly (Forwarded)
Date: 20 May 91 17:19:40 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Paula Cleggett-Haleim May 20, 1991
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
(Phone: 202/453-1547)
RELEASE: 91-76
ASTRO MISSION TO REFLY
NASA today announced that the second Astro mission will fly
aboard the Space Shuttle. "We are delighted to be able to refly this
proven scientific performer," said Dr. Lennard A. Fisk, Associate
Administrator for Space Science and Applications.
The success of the earlier mission and the demonstrated ability
of the instruments to acquire high-quality scientific data are among
the major reasons for reflight of the Astro payload.
Astro-2, like Astro-1 which flew in December of 1990 aboard Space
Shuttle Columbia, will be dedicated to a single scientific discipline -
astrophysics. The following three instruments will fly on Astro-2 and
observe energetic objects in space in the ultraviolet portion of the
electromagnetic spectrum:
o The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT), developed at
Johns Hopkins University, performs spectroscopy, breaking light
into its constituent colors, allowing scientists to analyze the
chemical composition and temperature of the objects HUT observes.
o The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT), developed by
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, produces images of especially
hot components of nebulae, stars and galaxies. These images
help to explain the physical structure of such objects.
o The Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photopolarimeter Experiment
(WUPPE), developed at the University of Wisconsin, measures
a subtle characteristic of light, its polarization. These
measurements probe the orientation and detailed physics of the
distant regions in which the light originates.
Astro-2 complements the much larger Hubble Space Telescope. HUT,
for example, explores a region of the spectrum immediately adjacent to
that studied by Hubble. UIT, because of its very large field of view,
can serve as a "finder" for the powerful imaging devices aboard
Hubble. Finally, WUPPE's precision polarimetry adds another dimension
to the physical understanding of astronomical objects obtained from
Hubble's collection of instruments.
During the Astro-1 mission, new results were obtained at wavelengths
observable only from space. Astronomers gained insights into the
properties of diffuse dust found between stars as well as details of
the formation of new stars in distant galaxies. They also learned that
the predicted decay of certain sub-atomic interstellar particles did
not occur, at least not at the expected level.
Dr. David Huenemoerder, Program Scientist on Astro-1, said, "The
Astro Principal Investigators and their teams will be very pleased.
That first flight was just a taste of the scientific insights they
expect to emerge from Astro-2."
Astro-2 will be managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center,
Huntsville, Ala., for the Office of Space Science and Applications,
NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
|
| 611.255 | Images reveal intense, hot stars in Large Magellanic Cloud | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed May 29 1991 17:26 | 59 |
| RELEASE: 91-84
One of the most exciting discoveries of NASA's Astro-1
mission emerged recently from images obtained by the Ultraviolet
Imaging Telescope (UIT).
During detailed analysis earlier this month, UIT team members
identified hundreds of newly-found young, hot, energetic stars
among the thousands of stars in the vast, central region of the
Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a neighboring galaxy to our Milky
Way galaxy. It is likely that many of the newly-discovered stars
were formed at about the same time as the star which exploded as
Supernova 1987A. The implication is that several could one day
become supernovae, as well.
Using ground-based instruments, astronomers can observe
approximately 10,000 stars in the same area, but it is difficult
to determine which are the supernova candidates because the red
(calm) stars dominate the LMC, hiding the energetic, ultraviolet-
emitting, blue stars from view.
Now, with UIT, scientists are able to identify these young,
hot stars in this extremely crowded field and can isolate the most
energetic. UIT Principal Investigator Ted Stecher of NASA's
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., compared this
discovery to looking into a crowd of 1,000 people and being able
to pick out the 10 who are Nobel Prize winners.
By isolating these stars, UIT is blazing the trail for
detailed follow-up studies using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope
launched in April 1990, the International Ultraviolet Explorer
launched in January 1978 and the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer to
be launched in December 1991.
The LMC is located 169,000 light years from Earth, is visible
from the Earth's southern hemisphere and contains about 15 billion
stars. The region UIT explored centered on the young star cluster
30 Doradus.
These findings were presented today at a press conference
associated with the American Astronomical Society meeting in
Seattle, Wash.
UIT was designed and built at Goddard and flew along with
three other instruments aboard Space Shuttle Columbia's STS-35
Astro-1 mission Dec. 2-11, 1990. The Astro-1 mission was managed
by Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., for NASA's
Office of Space Science and Applications, Washington, D.C.
-end-
NOTE TO MEDIA: Photographs of the ultraviolet image of the LMC
and two other images taken by the UIT are available to media
representatives at the American Astronomical Society newsroom or
by calling NASA Headquarters (202) 453-8373 or Goddard Space
Flight Center, (301) 286-8957. The photographs also will be
telecast on NASA Select TV at 1 p.m. EDT on May 29. NASA Select
TV is available on Satcom F-2R, Transponder 13, located at 72
degrees west longitude; frequency 3960.0 MHz, audio 6.8 MHz.
|