| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 662.1 | Shuttle Status for 10/24/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Oct 29 1990 10:17 | 18 |
| 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-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Deconfiguration of the payload bay from the STS-41 mission
is continuing. Lube oil will be deserviced from the auxiliary
power units today. The forward reaction control systems is
scheduled to be removed early Friday morning and transferred to
the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility for post-flight inspections.
Preparations are underway to offload residual hypergolic propel-
lants from the orbiter this weekend.
|
| 662.2 | Shuttle Status for 10/26/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Oct 29 1990 10:18 | 20 |
| 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-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Power-on testing is scheduled to begin today, followed by
hypergolic offload preparations. Hypergols are scheduled to be
removed from the orbiter's OMS/RCS systems this weekend. The
Forward Reaction Control System has been re-scheduled to be moved
to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility early next week.
|
| 662.3 | Shuttle Status for 11/05/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Nov 06 1990 18:28 | 23 |
| 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-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Operations planned today include pulling the nose cap for
structural inspections, checks of the S-band antenna, a test of
the radar altimeter, and thermal protection system operations.
Last weekend, the right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod
and the forward reaction control system (FRCS) were removed. Both
vehicle components were transferred to the Hypergolic Maintenance
Facility for post-flight inspections.
Heat shield removal is starting today in preparation for
removing the three main engines late this week.
|
| 662.4 | 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-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Operations planned today include pulling the nose cap for
structural inspections and preparations to remove inertial
measurement unit #1. Functional testing of the waste containment
system is scheduled this week.
Preparations are underway to perform tests on the right or-
bital maneuvering system (OMS) pod at the Hypergolic Maintenance
Facility.
Heat shield removal has begun in preparation for removing
the three main engines on Friday. The engines will be transferred
to the engine shop in the Vehicle Assembly Building for refur-
bishment.
|
| 662.5 | Noone sent a memo about this to my desk! | 37448::FMUDGETT | Just how bad was it working? | Wed Nov 07 1990 23:41 | 9 |
| Greetings,
Have I missed something or what? Discovery sounds like it's in
pretty bad shape, 3 engines removed the nosecap removed etc.
Is this a planned refurbishment or something? I seem to recall
the post-flight saying that this last mission had the fewest
problems yet.
Fred Mudgett
|
| 662.6 | Routine Maintenance | 2631::DAHL | Tom Dahl, CDMS | Thu Nov 08 1990 10:19 | 5 |
| RE: <<< Note 662.5 by 37448::FMUDGETT "Just how bad was it working?" >>>
All this sort of stuff is very routine. Especially engine change-outs and
OMS pod switches.
-- Tom
|
| 662.7 | Shuttle Status for 11/09/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Nov 10 1990 12:55 | 27 |
| 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-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Engine drying operations are complete and preparations are
underway to remove the three SSMEs tomorrow. They will be trans-
ferred to the main engine shop in the Vehicle Assembly Building
for refurbishment.
Freon coolant loop number 1 was deserviced last night and
the radiator is scheduled to be removed tonight. Inspections of
the payload bay doors are planned after this work.
Testing is continuing on the right orbital maneuvering sys-
tem (OMS) pod at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. A new test,
called a screen test, to check the propellant tanks' internal
screen is scheduled next week. A dry run of the test was com-
pleted yesterday.
|
| 662.8 | Cargo Manifest | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Nov 10 1990 17:24 | 17 |
| For those of you following along at home...
STS-39 is the former STS-51: Department of Defense Mixed Cargo Flight
I haven't been able to find out much about it, but the following
manifest items may help decode the acronyms:
o Infrared Background Signature Survey
o Air Force Program-675
o Space Test Program
o Multi-Purpose Experiment Canister
Almost back-to-back DOD flights. How dull. At least this one appears
to be less "hush hush".
- dave
|
| 662.9 | It will be interesting for DEC | 37090::KILGORE | Dan @ Washington | Thu Nov 15 1990 17:01 | 13 |
| Ah, but the exciting part of STS-39 is the experiment canister. This
flight will be testing the "SpaceVAX". A modified Raytheon Mil-spec
VAX that will run a robotic experiment with the VAX exposed to the
open cargo bay environment. This is a joint experiment effort between
the National Robotics Lab at Goddard and Digital. I have been working
the past 2 years to get this experiment into space.
The SpaceVAX is configured with Raytheon Model 860.(This is a VAX 6210
technology) It has 16MB, a BI, ethernet controller, SCSI board, and
a 1553B board. It is running VMS and the experiment is written is
VAX Ada.
Dan, (who is GSG SpaceVAX program manager)
|
| 662.10 | | PAXVAX::MAIEWSKI | | Fri Nov 16 1990 13:02 | 10 |
| Dan,
If you are planning any more SpaceVAX activity you might want to consider
using VAX/ELN instead of VMS. It's a real time operating system, as apposed to
a time sharing operating system and it's very easy to use. It's great for
dedicated applications where you want to switch the machine on and have it do
it's thing. You don't have to log in, set up accounts, etc.
Let me know if you need more info,
George
|
| 662.11 | Shuttle Status Report 11/16/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Nov 17 1990 09:55 | 21 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Date: 17-Nov-1990
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, NOV. 16, 1990 10 A.M.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
This week, five new general purpose computers (GPCs) were
installed in the vehicle. STS-39 will be the first use of the
upgraded GPCs. Today, an ammonia boiler and the Ku-Band antenna
drive assembly will be replaced.
A screen test of the fuel tanks on the right orbital
maneuvering system (OMS) pod will be conducted again today. A
retest is necessary because data collected from Wednesday's test
is not fully understood. The pod is located at the Hypergolic
Maintenance Facility.
|
| 662.12 | Upgraded GPCs (before you ask) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sun Nov 18 1990 20:06 | 3 |
| See note 95.1 for a summary of the upgraded GPCs.
- dave
|
| 662.13 | Shuttle Status Report - 11/21/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sun Nov 25 1990 01:58 | 25 |
| From: NASA
Organization: NASA
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Wednesday November 21, 1990 11:00 a.m. EST
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Ammonia boiler decay checks continue today on the orbiter
Discovery in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The left hand
brakes and wheels have been installed on the vehicle and the
freon coolant line will be brazed into place today. The main
engines are scheduled for installation following the Thanksgiving
Holidays.
At the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility, screen tests
continue on the reaction control systems. In the Vehicle Assembly
Building, a small imperfection was discovered on the left forward
solid rocket booster segment between the propellant and the
inhibitor. The segment will be moved outside the VAB where crews
will repair the problem.
|
| 662.14 | Shuttle Status - 10/26/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Nov 27 1990 23:23 | 26 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
Monday November 26, 1990 10:00 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Ammonia boiler freon loop decay checks were performed over
the weekend on the orbiter Discovery in the Orbiter Processing
Facility. Bubble soap leak checks were conducted with several
leaks identified near the cold plate manifold. Work will continue
today to replaced the cold plate manifold seals.
X-rays of the orbiter body flap have been completed and
routine work on the wheels and tires will continue today.
|
| 662.15 | Shuttle Status - 11/27/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Nov 27 1990 23:24 | 26 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
Tuesday November 27, 1990 10:00 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Ammonia boiler freon loop decay checks are continuing today
and work to replace the cold plate manifold seals is underway.
The nose landing gear doors have been lowered and brake and
tire installations are proceeding.
In the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility, a test of the
screens in Discovery's OMS pods was conducted yesterday. A
follow-on test will take place today.
|
| 662.16 | Shuttle Status - 11/29/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Nov 29 1990 18:54 | 27 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, NOV. 29, 1990 11 A.M.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Main engines 1, number 2026, and 2, number 2030, have been
installed in the vehicle. Engine 3, number 2029, will be in-
stalled tomorrow. Seven of 12 seals have been replaced in the
freon cooling system.
A screen test of the right orbital maneuvering system (OMS)
pod is continuing this week at the Hypergolic Maintenance
Facility.
-- STS-39 BOOSTERS - VAB
STS-39 booster stacking operations are continuing in the
VAB. The right aft center segment was transferred to the VAB late
last night and will be lifted to the high bay tomorrow.
|
| 662.17 | Shuttle Status - 12/3/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 04 1990 00:03 | 29 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - Monday, Dec. 3, 1990 9:30 a.m.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Both freon cooling loops passed leak tests this weekend and
freon servicing is planned this week. The three main engines have
been installed in the vehicle. Operations scheduled this week in-
clude tests of the Ku-band antenna, servicing of the water spray
boilers, and a functional test of the waste containment system.
Tests of the right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod to
verify the internal screens in the propellant tanks have been
successful at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility (HMF). Tests
will continue this week with the pod in a horizontal position.
## STS-39 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Stacking operations are continuing in the VAB. The right aft
center segment is being pinned today. The right forward segment
will be transferred from the Rotation Processing and Surge
Facility to the VAB tonight.
|
| 662.18 | Shuttle Status - 12/4/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 04 1990 18:35 | 28 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - Tuesday, Dec. 4, 1990 9:30 a.m.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Freon servicing is planned this week. Operations scheduled
this week include tests of the Ku-band antenna, servicing of the
water spray boilers, and a functional test of the waste contain-
ment system.
Tests of the right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod to
verify the internal screens in the propellant tanks have been
successful at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility (HMF). Tests
will continue this week with the pod in a horizontal position.
## STS-39 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Stacking operations are continuing in the VAB. The right aft
center segment was mated shortly after midnight. The right for-
ward center segment was transferred from the Rotation Processing
and Surge Facility to the VAB and stacking of that segment is
scheduled to begin today.
|
| 662.19 | 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-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Operations scheduled this week include freon servicing,
tests of the Ku-band antenna, Tacan system tests, and tests of
the main propulsion system pneumatic system.
Tests are continuing to verify the internal screens of the
right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) at the Hypergolic Main-
tenance Facility (HMF). Tests are continuing this week with the
pod in a horizontal position.
A getaway special beam is being installed in the payload bay
today. Preparations are underway to braze in gaseous helium check
valves for engines 2 and 3 this week.
|
| 662.20 | Shuttle Status for 12/06/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Dec 06 1990 18:45 | 32 |
| 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-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Servicing of freon loop 2 was completed, and servicing of
loop 1 is scheduled today. Tests of the Ku-band antenna are con-
tinuing. Activation and a self test of the Tacan system is
scheduled. Torque checks of main engine pumps are being per-
formed.
Tests are continuing to verify the internal screens of the
right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) at the Hypergolic Main-
tenance Facility (HMF). A test of the reaction control system
screens is planned today with the pod in a horizontal position.
Installation of a getaway special beam in the payload bay is
continuing. Preparations are underway to braze in gaseous helium
check valves for engines 2 and 3 today.
# STS-39 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Stacking operations are continuing in the VAB. A minor
debond between the inhibitor and case was acceptable on the right
forward center segment. The segment was lifted to the high bay
early this morning for mating.
|
| 662.21 | Shuttle Status Report - 12/07/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 10 1990 09:56 | 32 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, DEC. 7, 1990 10:25 A.M.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The orbiter is scheduled to be powered up later today. Tacan
activation and self-test will continue through tonight. Forward
yoke installation work continues, as does tile maintenance work.
Hydraulic water spray boiler checkouts are scheduled over
the weekend, as are checkouts of the main propulsion system (MPS)
helium system and the Ku-band antenna. Leak and pressurization
tests on various lines in the iquid hydrogen system are also
scheduled.
Several brazing operations were completed overnight on the
main propulsation system. Installation of electronic boxes on
cold plates continues. At the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility
(HMF), screen tests of the right-hand orbital manuevering system
(OMS) continue. Final manifold drain is scheduled for next week.
## STS-39 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Stacking operations continue. Range safety ground support
equipment validations are scheduled for next week.
|
| 662.22 | Shuttle Status - 12/10/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 11 1990 20:13 | 29 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - Monday, Dec. 10, 1990 11:30 a.m.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The orbiter was powered up Friday night and the new general
purpose computers operated without incident. The fourth tank set
for the power reactant storage and distribution system was in-
stalled.
Tests have been successfully completed to verify the inter-
nal screens of the right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) at the
Hypergolic Maintenance Facility (HMF). Routine tests of the pod
will begin soon.
Two of three getaway special canisters have been installed
in the payload bay.
## STS-39 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Stacking operations are continuing in the VAB. The right
forward segment was pinned to the stack this weekend. The left
forward segment was transferred to the VAB and is being prepared
for stacking.
|
| 662.23 | Shuttle Status - 12/11/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 11 1990 20:15 | 20 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUES. DEC. 11, 1990 10:25 A.M.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Powered-up testing was briefly interrupted when a power
supply went down. However, backup power was brought on-line, and
testing continued without furthur incident.
Freon cooling loop #1 is undergoing vacuuming and drying.
Workers are preparing for a main engine Flight Readiness Test
(FRT) on Friday.
|
| 662.24 | Shuttle Status for 12/12/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Dec 12 1990 17:59 | 36 |
| 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-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The fourth oxygen tank set for the power reactant storage
and distribution system has been installed. Checks of the main
propulsion system are continuing. Technicians are scheduled to
install the nose cap today. Checks of the left orbital maneuver-
ing system pod are underway.
A test of the nose wheel steering system and a brake anti-
skid test are planned tomorrow. The orbiter hydraulic system is
being prepared for these tests.
Discovery is being prepared for rollover to the Vehicle As-
sembly Building the end of January.
## STS-39 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Stacking operations are continuing in the VAB. The left for-
ward segment was pinned to the stack. The left forward assembly
is scheduled to be mated today and the right forward assembly is
ready to be mated tomorrow. Closeouts are underway on all joints.
The external tank is scheduled to be mated to the boosters
on Dec. 18.
|
| 662.25 | Shuttle Status for 12/13/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Dec 13 1990 17:40 | 19 |
| 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-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Technicians are scheduled to install the nose cap today.
Checks of the left orbital maneuvering system pod are underway. A
test of the nose wheel steering system is set for today and a
brake anti-skid test is planned tomorrow. Discovery is being
prepared for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building the end of
January.
|
| 662.26 | Shuttle Status for 12/14/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 17 1990 17:47 | 34 |
| 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-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Yesterday, technicians installed the nose cap. Checks of the
left orbital maneuvering system pod are underway. A test of the
nose wheel steering system was conducted yesterday. A brake
anti-skid test is planned today and an engine flight readiness
test is planned this weekend. During this test, the engine valves
will be cycled and sensors will be calibrated. This test is also
conducted after the vehicle arrives at the launch pad.
Discovery's right orbital maneuvering system pod is being
tested at a maintenance facility on base. While that testing con-
tinues, Atlantis' right OMS pod will be installed on Discovery
this weekend. Discovery is being prepared for rollover to the
Vehicle Assembly Building the end of January.
## STS-39 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Booster stacking operations have been completed. Overnight,
the right forward assembly was mated to the stack. Closeouts are
underway on all joints.
The external tank is scheduled to be mated to the boosters
on Dec. 18.
|
| 662.27 | Shuttle Status for 12/17/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Dec 17 1990 17:48 | 33 |
| 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-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
The orbiter Discovery experienced an emergency power down
over the weekend due to a small electrical fire Friday night in
the uninterruptable power source (UPS) relay transformer on the
first floor of the Launch Control Center room 1P4. Power was
restored at about 1:45 p.m. Saturday. No severe damage to the UPS
was reported and orbiter processing with power-on testing
continues today.
The STS-39 payload integration verification test continues
today in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The right hand orbital
maneuvering system pod is scheduled to be installed on the
vehicle tonight and the forward reaction control system will be
positioned and installed later this week. Freon coolant loops one
and two will be sampled today. The main engine frequency response
test has been completed and the nose cap installation is
complete, pending final duct installation.
|
| 662.28 | Shuttle Status for 12/18/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Dec 18 1990 18:34 | 29 |
| 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-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
The STS-39 payload integration verification test continues
in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The right hand orbital
maneuvering system pod was lifted to the vehicle last night and
installation procedures are continuing today. The forward
reaction control system will be positioned and installed Thursday
night. Mass spectrometer leak checks of the main propulsion
system have been completed. Nose cap installation is complete,
pending final duct installation.
In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the STS-39 external tank
is being lifted to the twin solid rocket boosters. Mating
operations will commence late this afternoon.
|
| 662.29 | Shuttle Status for 12/19/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Dec 21 1990 09:42 | 33 |
| 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-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
The right hand orbital maneuvering system pod was attached
to the vehicle last night. Electrical mates are continuing today
and are scheduled to be completed by Friday. The forward reaction
control system will be positioned and installed tomorrow evening.
Nose cap installation is complete. Main engines two and three
helium purge check valves will be installed today. Tile
waterproofing and lazer step and gap operations are in work.
Hydraulic operations to position the aerospace surfaces will be
conducted prior to power down operations, now scheduled for
Friday midnight.
In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the STS-39 external tank
was lifted to the twin solid rocket boosters. Mating operations
to attach the ET to the SRBs were completed last night.
Electrical and mechanical hardmate verification operations will
continue today.
|
| 662.30 | Shuttle Status for 12/21/90 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Dec 21 1990 17:44 | 24 |
| 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-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
The payload bay doors on Discovery were closed earlier this
morning. Hydraulic operations to reconfigure the aerosurfaces and
landing gear have been completed. Electrical checks of the right
hand orbital maneuvering system pod will continue today.
Installation operations of the forward reaction control system on
the nose of the vehicle will continue today. Power down of the
vehicle for the holidays remains scheduled for end of first shift
today.
|
| 662.31 | Some additional details on the mission. | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Dec 27 1990 10:09 | 52 |
| Re: .8
With the help of the mixed-fleet manifest, we get the following
additional information on the STS-39 payload:
AFP-675 (Air Force Program-675)
Collects infrared data to support Strategic Defense Initiative
program. Formerly, Cryogenic Infrared Radiance Instrument for the
Shuttle (CIRRIS).
IBSS (Infrared Background Signature Survey)
Obtains infrared measurements on racket plumes, shortwave infrared
Earth-limb, Shuttle environment, and chemical release from the
payload bay while detached from the Orbiter.
STP-01 (Space Test Program-01)
STP-xx are a series of payloads which included DOD STP secondary
experiments. [This is being carried on a Hitchhiker-M carrier.]
MPEC (Multi-Purpose Experiment Canister)
An extended Hitchhiker-G. Gas can capable of deploying an internally
stowed payload. [Hitchhiker-G is a shuttle cargo bay sidewall
mounted carrier for small experiments, developed by the Goddard
center. Hitchhiker-M is the Marshall version of this concept.]
... And on the mid-deck ...
CLOUDS-1A-1
Hand-held 35mm photography for observations of cloud formation,
dissipation, and opaqueness.
RME IIIP03 (Radiation Monitoring Experiment)
Measures gamma radiation levels in the Shuttle environment.
[I think this is the instrumented human skull -dg]
This flight will be at 140 miles and an inclination of 57 degrees
(would anybody care to comment on the potential visibility in the more
northerly latitudes?).
Crew of 7, duration is 8 days.
CDR: Michael Coats
PLT: Blaine Hammond
MS: Guion Bluford
MS: Gregory Harbaugh
MS: Richard Hieb
MS: Donald McMonagle
MS: Charles Veach
|
| 662.32 | visible <15 degrees from track | 42326::TRAVELL | John T, UK_Remote_Services_Support | Sat Dec 29 1990 11:24 | 24 |
| < Note 662.31 by PRAGMA::GRIFFIN "Dave Griffin" >
> This flight will be at 140 miles and an inclination of 57 degrees
> (would anybody care to comment on the potential visibility in the more
> northerly latitudes?).
According to my (admittedly primitive) satellite visibility program,
something orbitting at 140 miles should be visible on or above the horizon
within 14.9 degrees either side of it's orbital track. This does not cater
for local seeing conditions or terrain.
I believe an approximate calculation is as follows:-
Angle = ArcCOS ( Radius of planet / ( Radius of planet + height of orbit ))
or approx:- 14.9 = ACOS(4000/(4000+140)
As to whether you may be able to see it, you need to know both the
latitude at which it crosses your longitude, and how close to the horizon
can you see objects in space.
i.e. if you are at 50 degrees, & it crosses your latitude at 35 degrees,
tough... the planet gets in the way!
John Travell.
|
| 662.33 | Shuttle Status for 01/02/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jan 03 1991 18:28 | 29 |
| 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-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Power up of Discovery's electrical system is scheduled for
later this afternoon, followed by the opening of the payload bay
doors. The main propulsion system check valves have been
installed and a high pressure test on the MPS system is scheduled
for later this week.
The forward reaction control system was not installed prior
to the holidays as scheduled, but will be mated to the vehicle
later this week.
In the Vehicle Assembly Building, closeouts of the solid
rocket boosters, previously mated with the external tank,
continue today in high bay 1.
|
| 662.34 | Shuttle Status for 01/04/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Jan 08 1991 19:40 | 28 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, JAN. 4, 1991 10 a.m.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The forward reaction control system (FRCS) was installed
overnight. An interface test of the FRCS is planned tomorrow.
Today, the payload bay doors are opened and the Ku-band antenna
is deployed for checks.
Engineers are evaluating a problem with the pilot's attitude
director indicator (ADI), a navigation aid that gives the crew
information about the orbiter's attitude in terms of pitch, yaw
and roll. Exhaust ducts of the three auxiliary power units were
tested and the data are being evaluated.
This weekend, the crossfeed lines between the orbital
maneuvering system pods are scheduled to be connected.
Discovery is being prepared for rollover to the Vehicle As-
sembly Building the end of this month.
|
| 662.35 | Shuttle Status for 01/07/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Jan 08 1991 21:30 | 21 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, JAN. 7, 1991 10 a.m.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Checkout of the forward reaction control system (FRCS) is
underway today. Crossfeed lines between the orbital maneuvering
system pods are being connected this week. Tests of the power
reactant storage and distribution system are scheduled. Heat
shields are being installed around the main engines.
Discovery is being prepared for rollover to the Vehicle As-
sembly Building the end of this month.
|
| 662.36 | Shuttle Status for 01/08/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jan 10 1991 13:18 | 22 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, JAN. 8, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Checkout of the forward reaction control system (FRCS) is
continuing. Checks of the orbital maneuvering system pods are un-
derway. Tests of the power reactant storage and distribution sys-
tem are scheduled. Heat shields are being installed around the
main engines. Tests of the closed circuit television system are
underway.
Discovery is being prepared for rollover to the Vehicle As-
sembly Building the end of this month.
|
| 662.37 | Shuttle Status for 01/09/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jan 10 1991 13:20 | 29 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Leak and functional tests of the three auxiliary power units
are planned. Checkout of the forward reaction control system
(FRCS) is continuing. Checks of the orbital maneuvering system
pods are underway. Tests of the power reactant storage and dis-
tribution system are scheduled. Heat shields are being installed
around the main engines. Tests of the closed circuit television
system were completed.
Interface tests between the Critical Ionization Velocity
system and the Chemical Release Observation have been completed.
These experiments already installed in the payload bay are part
of the Infrared Background Signature Survey for the Strategic
Defense Initiative.
Discovery is being prepared for rollover to the Vehicle As-
sembly Building the end of this month.
|
| 662.38 | Shuttle Status for 01/10/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jan 10 1991 18:01 | 28 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Thursday January 10, 1991 10:00 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Power on testing continues today. The high point bleed valve
on the orbital maneuvering system pods have been checked and
verifications of the electrical connections are continuing. Water
spray boiler servicing and potable water servicing continues
today. The power reactant and storage distribution system's
hydrogen line inspections continue today. Elevon cove leak checks
and auxiliary power unit functional tests will continue today.
Leak checks on the main propulsion system have been completed. S-
band communications systems checks are scheduled for tomorrow.
Members of the STS-39 crew are scheduled to arrive KSC this
weekend for a scheduled crew equipment interface test.
|
| 662.39 | Shuttle Status for 01/11/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jan 14 1991 08:54 | 30 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Friday January 11, 1991 10:00 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Power on testing continues today. Ammonia boiler servicing
is scheduled to resume today. The high bay will be cleared for
this operation. Results of the routine leak checks on the main
propulsion system are reported good. Auxiliary power unit leak
and functional checks indicate possible lube oil seepage around
APU number 2. Repressurization tests and additional analysis will
be performed. Potable water servicing and main engine heatshield
and carrier panel installation continues in work today. Elevon
cove leak checks are complete. OMS pod verifications are
scheduled to continue this weekend. Rollover to the VAB is
scheduled for the end of January.
Members of the STS-39 crew are scheduled to arrive KSC this
weekend for a scheduled crew equipment interface test on Sunday.
|
| 662.40 | Shuttle Status for 01/15/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jan 17 1991 19:21 | 27 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
Tuesday January 15, 1991 9:30 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Scheduled operations continue in the Orbiter Processing
Facility this week. Cross feed lines of the orbital maneuvering
system pods have been connected and leak check operations on
those lines will continue today. Final checks of the power
reactant storage and distribution system (PRSD) and water spray
boiler will also be conducted today. Following final tests on the
auxiliary power units, all three APUs have been cleared for
flight with final pressurization decay checks to continue as
scheduled. Potable water sampling tests will take place today.
Several days of hydraulic operations are scheduled for this week.
Rollout of the vehicle to the VAB is scheduled for no earlier
than January 29.
|
| 662.41 | Shuttle Status for 01/16/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jan 17 1991 19:23 | 26 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
Wednesday January 16, 1991 9:30 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Scheduled operations continue in the Orbiter Processing
Facility this week. Leak and functional tests on the auxiliary
power units have been completed. Checks of Discovery's twin
orbital maneuvering system pods cross feed lines continue today.
The OMS actuator was checked out yesterday without any problems
identified. Extensive integrated orbiter hydraulic operations are
underway and are expected to last throughout the week. Hydraulic
operations today include functional testing of the landing gear,
brakes and nose wheel steering. Rollout of the vehicle to the
Vehicle Assembly Building is scheduled for no earlier than
January 29.
|
| 662.42 | Shuttle Status for 01/17/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jan 17 1991 19:26 | 28 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
Thursday January 17, 1991 9:30 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Scheduled operations continue in the Orbiter Processing
Facility today. Water spray boiler servicing is complete and
hydraulic operations continue in progress. Yesterday, brake anti-
skid tests and landing gear functional tests were completed.
Discovery's twin orbital maneuvering system pods will continue to
be checked today. Sleep station installation operations are
currently in work. During helium purge operations last night,
engineers determined there may have been hydraulic fluid
introduced into the high pressure oxidizer turbopump on main
engine number three. Crews will analyze the potential problem and
make further evaluations tomorrow. Rollout of the vehicle to the
Vehicle Assembly Building remains scheduled for no earlier than
January 29.
|
| 662.43 | Shuttle Status for 01/18/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jan 21 1991 10:14 | 28 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Friday January 18, 1991 9:30 a.m. EST
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Operations continue in the Orbiter Processing Facility today
to prepare the orbiter Discovery for the next Space Shuttle
mission. Crossfeed leak checks between the twin orbital
maneuvering system pods and the forward reaction control system
will be checked today. Final hydraulic checkouts are scheduled to
be completed early today with flight controls and main engines
undergoing final cycling operations. Following this, the main
engine locks will be placed on the three engines to allow workers
an opportunity to further check the high pressure oxidizer
turbopump on engine number 3 for possible hydraulic fluid
contamination. Results of this inspection are expected tonight.
Rollout of the vehicle to the Vehicle Assembly Building is
currently assessed to be near the end of the month.
|
| 662.44 | Payload Status Report - 01/17/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jan 21 1991 10:55 | 24 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 18 Jan 91 18:47:46 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC PAYLOAD STATUS REPORT
January 17, 1991
Mitch Varnes
407/867-2468
FTS 823-2468
----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-39 (Late February 1991)
Pre-flight checkouts and testing of the STS-39 payloads continue
to proceed on schedule in both the Orbiter Processing Facility
(OPF) and the Vertical Processing Facility (VPF). The CRO and
MPEC payloads are mounted in the forward section of Discovery's
payload bay and undergoing checkouts in the OPF. AFP-675,
IBSS/SPAS-2 and STP-1 are hanging vertially in the VPF. The
IBSS/SPAS-2 End-to-End Test and Interface Verification Test and
STP-1 End-to-End test were all satisfactorily completed this
week. These three payloads are scheduled to be transported from
the VPF to the launch pad on February 1.
|
| 662.45 | Shuttle Status for 01/22/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Jan 22 1991 17:19 | 30 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, JAN. 22, 1991
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - FEBRUARY/MARCH 1991
WORK COMPLETED:
- Ku-band antenna stowed for flight.
- Primary and secondary seals in orbital maneuvering system
crossfeed lines replaced after failing leak checks.
- All swab samples taken of main engine drain lines passed.
- Wing structural leak check.
- Forward reaction control system leak checks.
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Tests of orbital maneuvering system crossfeed lines.
- Fitting the thermal barrier between the external tank doors.
- Final tire pressure measurements.
- Potable water servicing.
- Flush of the auxiliary power units lube oil system.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Closeouts to prepare for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly
Building the end of the month
|
| 662.46 | Shuttle Status for 01/23/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Jan 23 1991 17:48 | 43 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23, 1991
STS-39 - DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - FEBRUARY/MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Tests of orbital maneuvering system crossfeed lines.
- Fitting the thermal barrier between the external tank doors.
- Potable water servicing.
- Flush of the auxiliary power units lube oil system.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Auxiliary power unit leak and functional tests.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Structural leak checks of the orbiter this weekend.
- Final payload bay door closure this weekend.
- Closeouts to prepare for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly
Building the end of the month.
## STS-39 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/EXTERNAL TANK - VAB
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Transfer of the right forward segment to the Vehicle Assembly
Building.
- Preparations for mating the right forward segment.
- Closeouts of all booster field joints.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Right forward center stacked and mated.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Mate of the right forward assembly to the booster next week.
|
| 662.47 | Shuttle Status for 01/25/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jan 28 1991 19:03 | 36 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 1991
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - FEBRUARY/MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Leak tests of two orbital maneuvering system thrusters and
checks of the nozzle to body welds on a third thruster.
- New thermal barrier in cure in the nose landing gear area.
- Potable water servicing.
- Flush of the auxiliary power units lube oil system.
- Connections of ordnance devices for the remote manipulator sys-
tem.
- Leak checks of the main engines' hot gas system.
- Cycling of the aerosurfaces, brakes and main engine thrust vec-
tor control system.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Crew hatch cycle and leak check.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Structural leak checks of the orbiter this weekend.
- Final payload bay door closure this weekend.
- Closeouts to prepare for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly
Building the end of the month.
KSC PAYLOAD STATUS REPORT
January 25, 1991
|
| 662.48 | Shuttle Status for 01/25/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jan 28 1991 19:04 | 22 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 1991
STS-39 (Late February 1991)
The STS-39 Payload Readiness Review (PRR) Flight Certification
Review (CFR) was held at KSC on January 24. No major issues were
raised during the meeting, and all members of the STS-39 payload
community agreed that the payloads are ready to be transported to
the launch pad. CLOUDS-1A and RME-III are situated in
Discovery's mid-deck in the Orbiter Processing Facility. CRO,
CIV and MPEC are also in the OPF and mounted inside the forward
section of Discovery's payload bay. AFP-675, IBSS and STP-1 are
in the Vertical Processing Facility and scheduled to be taken to
Pad 39-A on or about February 3.
|
| 662.49 | Shuttle Status for 01/28/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jan 28 1991 19:07 | 35 |
| From: [email protected] (Ron Baalke)
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA.
Nntp-Posting-Host: mars.jpl.nasa.gov
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, JAN. 28, 1991
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - FEBRUARY/MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Assessment of tests of two orbital maneuvering system thrusters
and inspections of the nozzle to body welds on a third thruster.
- Checks of the flipper doors and elevons.
- Cleaning of the payload bay.
- Closeouts of the aft compartment.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Leak tests of two orbital maneuvering system thrusters and weld
checks of a third thruster.
- Connections of ordnance devices for the remote manipulator sys-
tem.
- Auxiliary power unit lube oil flush.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Structural leak checks of the orbiter in the next few days.
- Final payload bay door closure as early as tonight.
- Closeouts to prepare for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly
Building the end of the month.
CONCERNS:
- Thruster leak rate and nozzle to body welds of another
thruster. Possible replacement of thrusters.
|
| 662.50 | Shuttle Status for 01/29/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Jan 29 1991 18:43 | 39 |
| From: [email protected] (Ron Baalke)
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, JAN. 29, 1991
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to replace three thrusters on orbital maneuvering
system pods.
- Main propulsion system gaseous oxygen system leak checks.
- Cleaning of the payload bay.
- Closeouts of the aft compartment.
- External tank door functional test.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Leak tests of two orbital maneuvering system thrusters and weld
checks of a third thruster.
- Water spray boiler steam vent nozzle replaced.
- Check out of the flipper doors.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Installation of three OMS thrusters on Thursday.
- Structural leak checks of the orbiter in the next few days.
- Final payload bay door closure tomorrow.
- Closeouts to prepare for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly
Building next week.
CONCERNS:
- Two thrusters on the left pod will be replaced because of out
of specification leakage. One thruster on the right pod will be
replaced because of suspect nozzle to body welds. New thrusters
are being checked today at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility.
Rollover to the VAB is now targeted for Feb. 7.
|
| 662.51 | Shuttle Status for 01/30/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Jan 30 1991 18:05 | 40 |
| From: [email protected] (Ron Baalke)
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30, 1991
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to replace three thrusters on orbital maneuvering
system pods.
- Main propulsion system gaseous hydrogen system leak checks.
- Cleaning of the payload bay.
- Closeouts of the aft compartment.
- Checks of the inboard flipper doors.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Checks of three orbital maneuvering system thrusters at the Hy-
pergolic Maintenance Facility to be installed on Discovery.
- Main propulsion system gaseous oxygen system leak checks.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Installation of three OMS thrusters on Thursday.
- Structural leak checks of the orbiter in the next few days.
- Final payload bay door closure tonight.
- Closeouts to prepare for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly
Building next week.
CONCERNS:
- Two thrusters on the left pod will be replaced because of out
of specification leakage. One thruster on the right pod will be
replaced because of suspect nozzle to body welds. New thrusters
have been checked and will be delivered to the OPF today. Re-
placement operations are scheduled to begin at midnight and will
continue through tomorrow. Thruster connections and retest ac-
tivities are scheduled to be complete by Sunday. Rollover to the
VAB is targeted for Feb. 7.
|
| 662.52 | Shuttle Status for 01/31/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jan 31 1991 19:46 | 27 |
| From: [email protected] (Ron Baalke)
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, JAN. 31, 1991
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Replacement of three thrusters on orbital maneuvering system
pods. The high bay is cleared of all non-essential personnel for
this activity. The bay will be opened tomorrow morning for normal
work.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Payload bay cleaning and door closure last night.
- Midbody closeouts.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Structural leak checks of the orbiter next week.
- Weight and center of gravity checks.
- Closeouts to prepare for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly
Building on Feb. 7.
|
| 662.53 | Shuttle Status for 02/01/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Feb 04 1991 18:21 | 36 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, FEB. 1, 1991
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Replacement of a third thruster on the right orbital maneuver-
ing system pod. The bay is opened for limited access today and
will be reopened for normal work tomorrow.
- Pressurization of the main landing gear struts.
- Thermal protection system operations.
- As part of the troubleshooting of the waste water dump system
problem experienced on STS-35, technicians removed and replaced
the filter package on Discovery. The three polyurethane filters
in the package removed from Discovery were found to be in various
states of degradation. The degradation appears to be natural
deterioration due to age. The filter package currently installed
in Discovery is new and there are no concerns about its perfor-
mance.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Replacement of two thrusters on the left orbital maneuvering
system pod.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Structural leak checks of the orbital maneuvering system pods
this weekend.
- Structural leak checks of the orbiter next week.
- Weight and center of gravity checks.
|
| 662.54 | Shuttle Status for 02/04/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Feb 05 1991 15:47 | 32 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, FEB. 4, 1991
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Evaluation of a heater on the newly replaced thruster, R3A.
- Thermal protection system operations.
- Removal of platforms in the aft compartment as part of
closeouts.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Replacement and retest of three thrusters on the left and right
orbital maneuvering system pods.
- Successful flushes of the waste water system.
- Removal of the payload bay door strongbacks.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Structural leak checks of the orbital maneuvering system pods
this week.
- Structural leak checks of the orbiter.
- Weight and center of gravity checks.
- Rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building no earlier than
Feb. 7.
|
| 662.55 | Shuttle Status for 02/05/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Feb 05 1991 18:04 | 28 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, FEB. 5, 1991
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Repair of a heater wire for thruster R3A.
- Thermal protection system operations.
- Preparations for the positive pressure structural leak test.
- Vehicle closeouts in preparation for transfer to the VAB.
- Closeouts of the flipper doors which protect elevon actuators
and hinges.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Final tire checks of the nose landing gear.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Structural leak checks of the orbiter.
- Weight and center of gravity checks.
- Rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building targeted for late on
Feb. 8.
|
| 662.56 | Shuttle Status for 02/06/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Feb 06 1991 18:11 | 41 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6, 1991
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Retest of a replaced heater wire for thruster R3A.
- Preparations for the positive pressure structural leak test.
- Vehicle closeouts in preparation for transfer to the VAB.
- Closeouts of the flipper doors which protect elevon actuators
and hinges.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Repair of the heater wire for thruster R3A.
- Replacement of the left hand nose landing gear tire and top off
of the tire pressure.
- Replacement of the thermal barrier near the left external tank
door foward hinge.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Structural leak checks of the orbiter later today.
- Weight and center of gravity checks.
- Rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building targeted for Feb. 9.
## STS-39 BOOSTERS/TANK - VAB
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to mate the orbiter Discovery Saturday.
- Final walkdown for mate.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Retraction of platforms away from the vehicle elements.
- Mating the orbiter Saturday.
|
| 662.57 | Shuttle Status for 02/07/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Feb 07 1991 21:51 | 30 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, FEB. 7, 1991
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Troubleshooting of the heater for one of the thrusters (R3A) on
the right orbital maneuvering system pod. The heater failed
retests.
- Positive pressure structural leak test of the orbiter's aft
compartment.
- Vehicle closeouts in preparation for transfer to the VAB.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Positive pressure structural leak test of the orbital maneuver-
ing system pods.
- Closeouts of the elevon flipper doors.
- Air Force Program 675 payload arrived at Pad A at 3:35 a.m.
today.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Weight and center of gravity checks.
- Rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building targeted for Feb. 9.
|
| 662.58 | Shuttle Status for 02/08/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Feb 08 1991 19:17 | 44 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, FEB. 8, 1991
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Orbiter weight and center of gravity determination.
- Vehicle closeouts in preparation for transfer to the VAB.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Positive pressure structural leak test of the aft compartment.
- Troubleshooting of the heater for a thruster on the right orbi-
tal maneuvering system pod revealed that the heater is good. The
problem has been isolated to a cable harness routed between the
logic control assembly and the thruster. More troubleshooting
work will be performed in the Vehicle Assembly Building once ac-
cess to the aft compartment can be obtained.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Attaching the orbiter to the transporter.
- Rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building tomorrow afternoon
and mate to the external tank.
## STS-39 BOOSTERS/TANK - VAB
WORK COMPLETED:
- Retraction of platforms away from the boosters and tank.
- Preparations to mate the external tank and solid rocket
boosters with the Orbiter Discovery.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Mating the orbiter to the external tank this weekend.
- Shuttle Interface Test next week.
- Rollout to Launch Pad 39-A targeted for Feb. 15.
|
| 662.59 | Shuttle Status for 02/11/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Feb 12 1991 18:55 | 27 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, FEB. 11, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Electrical mates between the orbiter and external tank.
- Preparations for the Shuttle Interface Test which verifies
critical connections between the vehicle elements and the launch
platform.
- Installation of platforms in the aft compartment.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Transferred to the VAB Saturday afternoon.
- Discovery hard mated to the external tank 8:57 p.m. last night.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Troubleshooting cable harness between the orbital maneuvering
system thrusters and the logic control assembly.
- Rollout to Launch Pad 39-A Friday morning.
|
| 662.60 | Shuttle Discovery hauled to launch pad | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Feb 16 1991 14:28 | 46 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Date: 15 Feb 91 12:15:47 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The shuttle Discovery was hauled to its
oceanside launch pad Friday for blastoff March 9 on an unclassified
eight-day ``Star Wars'' research mission to learn more about detecting
missiles in flight.
Mounted atop a ponderous crawler-transporter, Discovery and its
mobile launch stand began the six-hour trip from the Vehicle Assembly
Building to launch pad 39A at 12:43 a.m.
Engineers planned to install experimental Air Force and Strategic
Defense Initiative -- ``Star Wars'' -- instruments in Discovery's cargo
bay Saturday, but deteriorating weather could hamper other weekend work
at the launch complex.
High winds were expected Friday afternoon and temperatures at the
sprawling shuttleport were expected to plunge to 23 degrees by Sunday
morning.
``It's going to be uncomfortable for the people working out there,''
said NASA spokeswoman Lisa Malone.
Nonetheless, Discovery's crew plans to fly to the Kennedy Space
Center on Monday for a dress-rehearsal countdown Tuesday and Wednesday
that will end with the simulated ignition and shutdown of the shuttle's
main engines.
Sources said Vice President Dan Quayle, chairman of the National
Space Council, plans to visit the spaceport Wednesday for a tour of
agency facilities.
An official launch date will not be set until after top NASA managers
hold a flight readiness review Feb. 26 and 27 but engineers are shooting
for a March 9 liftoff at 3:49 a.m. to end a winter lull in shuttle
missions. The last flight came in December.
The goal of the 14th post-Challenger shuttle mission, the first of
seven planned for 1991, is to learn more about how to detect rockets in
flight, a critical element of the Strategic Defense Initiative missile
defense program.
Discovery's seven-man crew will work around the clock in two shifts
throughout the busy mission, launching and retrieving one satellite and
deploying three other smaller ``sub-satellites'' during the course of
the flight.
Commander Michael Coats, 45, a Navy captain, co-pilot Blaine Hammond,
39, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, Richard Hieb, 35, and Charles
Lacy Veach, 46, will staff Discovery during the overnight, or ``red,''
shift.
Gregory Harbaugh, 34, Air Force Col. Guion Bluford, 48, and Air Force
Lt. Col. Donald McMonagle, 38, make up the daytime ``blue'' shift.
Assuming an on-time launch, landing is scheduled for 11:14 a.m. on
March 17 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
|
| 662.61 | Fuel Line Crack? | LANDO::STONE | | Tue Feb 19 1991 12:24 | 4 |
| I heard on the radio this morning that a "crack" was found in a LH2
line. No details were given as to its location or what impact this
was going to have on the schedule. The countdown demonstration test
was going to proceed as planned today.
|
| 662.62 | Shuttle Status for 02/12/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Feb 19 1991 17:36 | 22 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, FEB. 12, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Electrical connections between the orbiter and external tank.
- Preparations to power up the orbiter today.
- Start of the Shuttle Interface Test which verifies critical
connections between the vehicle elements and the launch platform.
- Installation of platforms in the aft compartment.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Troubleshooting cable harness between the orbital maneuvering
system thrusters and the logic control assembly.
- Rollout to Launch Pad 39-A targeted for Friday at 12:01 a.m.
|
| 662.63 | Shuttle Status for 02/13/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Feb 19 1991 17:37 | 27 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Closeouts of the electrical monoball connections between the
orbiter and external tank.
- Replacement of the load control assembly, the electronic box in
the aft compartment, which controls the power load for the orbi-
tal maneuvering system thruster heaters.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Rollout to Launch Pad 39-A targeted for Friday at 12:01 a.m.
- Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test Feb. 19-20.
- Flight Readiness Review Feb. 26-27.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Electrical connections between the orbiter and external tank.
- Critical parts of the Shuttle Interface Test.
|
| 662.64 | Shuttle Status for 02/14/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Feb 19 1991 17:39 | 34 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, FEB. 14, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Power down the orbiter and prepare to roll to the launch pad.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Rollout to Launch Pad 39-A targeted for Friday at 12:01 a.m.
- Install payload in Discovery's payload bay Saturday.
- Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test Feb. 19-20.
- Flight Readiness Review Feb. 26-27.
- Replacement of the load control assembly (LCA), the electronic
box in the aft compartment, which controls the power load for the
orbital maneuvering system thruster heaters. Rails used to lower
the unit out of the aft compartment were not in place by late
yesterday when power up was scheduled. Officials decided to
proceed on with planned power up tests, reconnect the old LCA
unit and replace it on Sunday.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Electrical monoball connections between the orbiter and exter-
nal tank.
- Critical parts of the Shuttle Interface Test.
|
| 662.65 | Multiple cracks found in Discovery fuel line door | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Feb 19 1991 17:42 | 69 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Date: 19 Feb 91 18:26:47 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Three cracked hinges in two critical
fuel line doors threaten a major delay for the shuttle Discovery's
planned March 9 takeoff on an eight-day ``Star Wars'' research mission,
NASA officials said Tuesday.
Agency managers held out hope that Discovery could be launched as is
-- or quickly repaired at the pad -- keeping the year's first shuttle
mission on schedule for liftoff at 3:49 a.m. EST March 9.
But because of concern about verifying the success of any such repair
job, a reliable source said a roll back to the hangar for repairs was
``a strong possibility'' and that launch could be delayed up to a month,
after a mission by the shuttle Atlantis in late March or early April.
Why the cracks were not detected before Discovery's roll out to pad
39A Friday was not immediately clear. In any case, a decision on how to
proceed was expected by late Wednesday or early Thursday.
In the meantime, engineers at the Kennedy Space Center started a two-
day practice countdown for Discovery Tuesday, a major milestone in a
shuttle's launch processing.
The shuttle's seven-man crew -- commander Michael Coats, 45, co-pilot
Blaine Hammond, 39, Gregory Harbaugh, 34, Charles Lacy Veach, 46, Guion
Bluford, 48, Richard Hieb, 35, and Donald McMonagle, 38 -- planned to
strap in aboard the shuttle Wednesday for the final hours of the mock
countdown.
The crack problem, which is unrelated to the fuel leaks that plagued
NASA last year, came to light amid preparations for a visit by Vice
President Dan Quayle, chairman of the National Space Council. Quayle
planned to chat with the astronauts by radio during a visit to the
launch control center Wednesday.
With Discovery already running 11 days behind schedule because of
work to replace three leaky steering rockets, a quality inspector Monday
discovered a 1-inch L-shaped crack in the hinge of a critical 50-inch-
square fuel line door located in the belly of the shuttle.
By early Tuesday, engineers had found that three of four hinges used
with two such doors had cracks, two of them measuring 1 inch long and 0.
1 inch wide. And inspectors found what appeared to be a hairline crack
in one of the fuel line doors used by the shuttle Atlantis.
While Discovery's cracks are small, they involve critical mechanisms.
The doors, which act something like protective gas cap lids, are located
in the belly of the shuttle where 17-inch-wide liquid oxygen and liquid
hydrogen fuel lines from the ship's external tank enter the orbiter's
engine room.
After the shuttle reaches orbit, the external tank is jettisoned and
the doors, which are covered with heat-shield tiles, close over the
openings. Failure of either door to close tightly could prove disastrous
during re-entry, when the shuttle's belly is subjected to extreme heat.
``The linkage of those doors is a pretty big deal,'' said a shuttle
manager. ``The failure mode would be if the door wouldn't close.''
Engineers are trying to determine whether the cracks were present in
earlier flights and whether it might be safe to launch Discovery as is.
Another repair option would be to bolt the cracked hinge mechanisms
together.
But the only way to prove the doors would work properly after any
such repair job would be to close them and check. But that cannot be
done without first removing the shuttle from its external tank, a
procedure that can only be accomplished inside the Vehicle Assembly
Buildling.
In the meantime, Discovery remains tentatively scheduled to take off
at 3:49 a.m. EST March 9 to kick off an eight-day mission devoted to
gathering data about how to detect enemy missiles in flight, a key
element of the Strategic Defense Initiative -- ``Star Wars'' -- missile
defense program.
Working around the clock in two shifts, Discovery's crew plans to
launch and retrieve one satellite and to deploy three small ``sub-
satellites'' before landing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to close
out the 39th shuttle mission.
|
| 662.66 | | 19576::FISHER | Pursuing an untamed ornothoid | Tue Feb 19 1991 18:03 | 8 |
| BTW, I discovered over the weekend that I know the Principal Investigator
for the IR Background Survey experiment! I saw him with an STS-39 sweater
on and asked him about it.
Interesting stuff, even though I'm not an especially gung-ho military-loving
person.
Burns
|
| 662.67 | Shuttle Status for 02/19/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Feb 20 1991 20:17 | 45 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, FEB. 19, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Evaluation of cracks in hinges for the external tank right and
left doors. (See concerns.)
- Helium signature leak test of the three main engines and main
propulsion system.
- Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test Feb. began this morning
and will culminate with a simulated engine cutoff at 11 a.m.
tomorrow.
- Interface verification tests between the payload and the or-
biter.
- Retest of the load control assembly.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Installation of the STS-39 payload into Discovery's bay on
Saturday.
- Replacement of the load control assembly, the electronic box in
the aft compartment, which controls the power load for the orbi-
tal maneuvering system thruster heaters.
- STS-39 flight crew arrived yesterday morning.
- Successful tests of the new gaseous nitrogen hydrogen dispersal
system on the mobile launcher platform.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Flight Readiness Review Feb. 26-27.
CONCERNS:
- During closeout inspections of Discovery's external tank doors
yesterday morning, several cracks were discovered. There are two
hinges per door. Cracks have been detected in three of the four
hinges. Two of the cracks have been described as being 2 inches
long by approximately one-tenth inch wide. Engineers will be
evaluating data over the next few days to determine the best
course of action.
|
| 662.68 | Discovery cracks studied | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Feb 21 1991 19:47 | 81 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Date: 21 Feb 91 17:38:45 GMT
Lines: 78
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- NASA is readying the shuttle Discovery
for takeoff March 9, hopeful tests will show the ship can be safely
launched without time-consuming work to fix cracks in critical hinges,
officials said Thursday.
At least one of two large cracks may have been caused by a bolt
lodged in the hinge mechanism of a critical fuel line door last summer
when Discovery was being prepared for an October flight. But engineers
cannot explain what might have caused a similar crack in a second such
door.
Based on metallurgical analysis, ``They have conclusive evidence that
the cracks have been there for a while,'' said NASA spokesman James
Hartsfield. ``They don't have conclusive evidence that the bolt caught
in the right-hand door caused the problem.''
Engineers are studying a test using the shuttle Columbia in which an
undamaged hinge mechanism would be modified to simulate a worst-case
crack. If the door still works properly, and many engineers believe it
will, NASA managers could elect to launch Discovery as is and on time.
As for NASA's other two shuttles, Columbia and Atlantis, engineers
have found no signs of cracking, although evidence of fatigue and stress
are evident.
In the meantime, engineers continued routine launch processing,
including plans to pump liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen on board
Discovery late Thursday to power the ship's electrical generators.
Pending resolution of the crack issue, launch on an eight-day ``Star
Wars'' research mission, the first of seven flights planned for 1991,
remains scheduled for 3:49 a.m. EST March 9.
The cracks -- there are three in all -- involve eighth-of-an-inch-thick
plates in the hinge mechanisms of two fuel line covers in the belly of
the orbiter. The doors must close properly after the ship's external
fuel tank is jettisoned in space to allow a safe re-entry into Earth's
atmosphere.
The hinge assemblies in question do not hold the doors on the shuttle
and do not bear any weight on the launch pad. Rather, they involve the
drive mechanisms that must shut the doors in the weightlessness of
space.
Troubleshooters and agency officials are debating three options:
launching Discovery as is, attempting an on-the-pad repair job or
ordering a roll back to the hangar, a move that likely would delay
takeoff until after an early-April flight by the shuttle Atlantis.
No decisions on how to proceed are expected until after ground tests
are conducted. Hartsfield said the proposed test using Columbia could
resolve the matter.
``The theory is the door will still open and shut fine,'' Hartsfield
said. ``The test they're doing is real conservative. They're going to
test it as if it completely failed. If you pass that, you've got a lot
of options. But that's not to say a roll back isn't a possibility.
You've still got three options.''
But NASA managers Thursday were clearly more optimistic about
avoiding a schedule-wrecking rollback than when the crack issue first
surfaced Monday.
Hartsfield said the bolt lodged in Discovery's right-side door last
July was noticed when the panel was 20 degrees away from being fully
closed. The door-closing procedure was stopped immediately and the bolt
was removed.
At the time, officials said no damage resulted and Hartsfield said
there was no proof the incident had anything to do with the large crack.
As for the left-side door, engineers had problems getting it closed
during recent processing, before Discovery was attached to its external
tank, and it was slammed shut with more force than usual. But again, no
problems were evident.
``They measured all the hinge mechanisms ... to see if they were
extended or distended and they meet specifications completely,''
Hartsfield said.
Still, proving Discovery can be safely launched without repairs
represents a daunting engineering challenge because the doors cannot be
directly tested at the launch pad.
Before the shuttle reaches orbit, the doors are locked open so 17-
inch fuel lines can enter the ship's engine room. After reaching orbit,
the external tank is jettisoned and the doors, which are covered with
heat-shield tiles, close over the fuel line openings.
Failure of either door to tightly close could result in the
destruction of a shuttle during re-entry, when the belly of the ship is
exposed to extreme temperatures because of atmospheric friction.
With the 17-inch fuel lines in the way, Discovery's doors cannot be
closed to ensure proper operation. The only way to ``cycle'' the doors
is to first remove the ship from the external tank, a move that requires
a trip back to the Vehicle Assembly Building.
|
| 662.69 | Utah State University payload set to launch on Space Shuttle | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Feb 22 1991 18:26 | 61 |
| From: [email protected] (LANCE GURWELL)
Date: 21 Feb 91 23:38:38 GMT
SALT LAKE CITY (UPI) -- One of the payloads the crew of the space
shuttle Discovery will put into orbit next month is composed mostly of
equipment and experiments constructed at Utah State University -- whick
is better known for its agriculture department.
While much of USU's research is on making farm crops grow better, one
NASA official has dubbed it ``Utah Space University.''
While problems might cause a delay on the next launch of the shuttle,
set for March 9, USU students and faculty are excited about one of its
primary payloads.
CIRRIS 1A, an infrared sensor designed and manufactured at the Space
Dynamics Lab at USU for the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, Hanscom Air
Force Base, Mass.
CIRRIS stands for Cryogenic Infrared Radiance Instrument for Shuttle.
A cryogenically-cooled optical instrument, CIRRIS's telescope portion
measures 9 feet in length, and will examine the upper reaches of the
Earth's atmosphere and the aurora so scientists can determine their
makeup and dynamic behavior.
It's one of three experiments built by USU's space lab, and it weighs
about two tons.
The telescope will also have unnamed applications to the nation's
Strategic Defense Initiative, or ``Star Wars'' program, said Frank Redd,
director of the school's Center for Space Engineering.
Also on board will be the Infrared Background Signature Survey and
the Shuttle Kinetic Infrared Test. The IBSS was built in Germany and
calibrated at USU; SKIRT was made by Space Systems Engineering, a USU
spinoff firm located at the university's Research and Technology Park.
IBSS has a purpose similar to CIRRIS, but it will look at the
atmosphere from a vantage point outside the shuttle, while CIRRIS
remains inside the shuttle cargo bay. IBSS will also look at the shuttle
itself to map the infrared emission from shuttle thrusting systems.
SKIRT will measure the infrared signature of the ``shuttle glow''
which was first discovered in 1982 during deployment of a USU experiment
on the third shuttle flight.
Scientists do not know just what causes ``shuttle glow,'' Redd said,
and it ishoped SKIRT will help explain the phenomenon. Additionally,
scientists may learn that objects have unique infrared signatures that
can be measured and used to identify objects in space.
``We're interested in finding out how big it is, how far it extends
beyond the spacecraft,'' Redd said.
CIRRIS will help scientists understand the makeup of the upper
atmosphere, Redd said, and therefore scientists will better understand
the dynamics of atmospheric phenomenon and be able to discriminate
objects in high atmospheric, or low orbits, from their backgrounds.
It is cryogenically cooled to temperatures just degrees above
absolute zero because the infrared sensors are so sensitive that any
heat produced by CIRRIS itself would mask the signals, Redd said.
The aurora borealis is seen in the northern hemisphere and is
believed to be produced by atomic particles striking atoms in the
ionosphere about 35 miles above the Earth.
When scientists can understand details of the upper atmosphere, they
will be able to better detect other objects against that background,
including missiles.
Two teams of scientists from the Space Dynamics Lab and the Air Force
Geophysics Lab will be in Houston and in constant contact with the
shuttle crew during the mission, Redd said.
The experiments will be operated from the shuttle deck by astronauts
Guion S. Bluford, Jr., and Charles L. ``Lacy'' Veach, who have been
trained by the project teams.
|
| 662.70 | Shuttle Status for 02/22/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Feb 22 1991 18:28 | 40 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, FEB. 22, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD A
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Evaluation of cracks in hinges for the external tank right and
left doors. (See concerns.)
- Loading hypergolic propellants onboard the orbiter was delayed
while a hypergolic valve on support equipment was replaced. Hy-
pergolic loading is scheduled to start this morning. The pad will
be cleared of all non-essential personnel for this operation and
will remain closed until Saturday.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Retest of the thruster heater on the right orbital maneuvering
system pod.
- Part two of the hydrogen dispersal system blowdown.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Main engine flight readiness test on Monday.
- Flight Readiness Review Feb. 26-27. The review may begin on the
27th to allow officials time to evaluate data on the cracked
hinges.
CONCERNS:
- Tests are planned this weekend on the orbiter Columbia to try
to duplicate the situation on Discovery. Columbia's external tank
doors will be cycled several times and evaluated. After the test
scheduled this weekend, and analysis of the results by early next
week, officials will determine the best course of action. Pre-
launch activities for STS-39 will continue as scheduled until a
determination is made.
|
| 662.71 | STS-39 Press Kit Available | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Feb 22 1991 19:59 | 13 |
| The STS-39 Press Kit is available from:
Pragma::Public:[NASA]STS-39.ps
This and other NASA press kits are available from this area.
- dave
[I have released the press kit without the mission patch. If all goes well,
the updated document will be there after 10:00 AM monday morning (25-Feb)
with the STS-39 mission logo -dg]
|
| 662.72 | NASA debates Discovery launch | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Feb 25 1991 18:29 | 67 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Date: 25 Feb 91 18:20:36 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Weekend tests involving the shuttle
Columbia went well, officials said Monday, raising hopes the shuttle
Discovery can take off on time March 9, without any time-consuming work
to fix a pair of cracked hinges.
But NASA officials said a final decision on whether to proceed with
Discovery's launch or to delay the flight for repairs, possibly until
after an early April mission by the shuttle Atlantis, would not be made
until after a two-day flight readiness review Wednesday and Thursday.
Still, sources said, agency managers were increasingly hopeful about
the possibility of launching Discovery on time, without any major
repairs.
``We're cautiously optimistic,'' said one manager. ``But we have more
analysis and reviews to get through before we can make that
announcement.''
Engineers planned to hold a cross-country teleconference Monday
afternoon to discuss the tests with Columbia and what to do about the
cracks in the hinge mechanisms of two critical fuel line doors in
Discovery's belly that must close properly before the ship re-enters
Earth's atmosphere.
Three options have been under study: launching Discovery as is,
fixing the cracks at the launch pad or rolling the shuttle back to its
hangar for repairs, a move that would delay the mission until after an
April 4 takeoff by Atlantis.
To find out how serious the problem is, engineers ran a series of
tests over the weekend in which similar hinges on the shuttle Columbia
were modified to simulate a worst-case failure.
While the tests continued Monday, the door in question appeared to
work properly despite the deliberate flaws, officials said.
NASA managers, however, refused to rule out any options until
complete test results were in, saying no final decisions on when
Discovery might be launched would be made until after the flight
readiness review later this week.
In the meantime, engineers and technicians at launch pad 39A pressed
on with work to ready Discovery for blastoff March 9 at 3:49 a.m. EST to
kick off an unclassified eight-day ``Star Wars'' research mission to
learn more about how to detect enemy missiles in flight.
Discovery's flight is the first of seven planned for 1991 and many
agency observers believe a rollback to the hangar for repairs would push
at least one mission into 1992.
But given the critical nature of the fuel line doors, NASA managers
stressed that Discovery will not be cleared for launch until engineers
are satisfied it is safe to do so.
The doors, covered with heat-shield tiles, are folded back and locked
open during launch, allowing 17-inch-wide fuel lines from the external
tank to deliver propellant to Discovery's three main engines.
After the shuttle reaches orbit, the tank is jettisoned and the doors
are closed over the fuel line connectors. Because the belly of the
orbiter bears the brunt of re-entry heating, the doors must close
properly to prevent possibly catastrophic damage to the shuttle
fuselage.
``It's a (major) failure,'' said a NASA manager. ``There's nothing
that we know of that you can go do if that door doesn't close.''
The cracks involve eighth-of-an-inch-thick plates in the hinge
mechanisms of the two doors. The hinge assemblies in question do not
hold the doors on the shuttle and do not bear any weight on the launch
pad. Rather, they involve the drive mechanisms that must shut the doors
in the weightlessness of space.
At least one of two large cracks may have been caused by a bolt
lodged in the hinge mechanism of one of the doors last summer when
Discovery was being prepared for an October mission. But engineers have
no ready explanation for what might have caused a similar crack in the
other door.
Two smaller cracks were found in fuel line doors aboard Columbia but
none was found with Atlantis.
|
| 662.73 | Shuttle Status for 02/25/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Feb 25 1991 18:31 | 35 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, FEB. 25, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD A
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Evaluation of cracks in hinges for the external tank right and
left umbilical doors. (See concerns.)
- Main engine flight readiness test.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Loading of hypergolic propellants on board the orbiter was com-
pleted Saturday.
- Retest of the thruster heater on the right orbital maneuvering
system pod.
- Part two of the hydrogen dispersal system blowdown.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Installation of ordnance devices on Wednesday.
- Flight Readiness Review this week.
CONCERNS:
- Tests are underway on the orbiter Columbia to duplicate the
cracked hinge situation on Discovery. Columbia's external tank
doors will be cycled several times and evaluated. Test results
will be analyzed and officials will determine the best course of
action. Pre-launch activities for STS-39 will continue as
scheduled until a determination is made.
|
| 662.74 | UPI: NASA debates Discovery launch | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Feb 26 1991 18:18 | 64 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Date: 25 Feb 91 20:46:57 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Preliminary test results indicate the
shuttle Discovery can be safely launched March 9 without taking time to
fix cracks in key hinge assemblies, but more study is needed before a
final decision is made, officials said Monday.
Dan Germany, a top manager at the Johnson Space Center in Houston,
said the cracks in two fuel line doors apparently happened as a result
of unexpected metal fatigue due to ground crews repeatedly opening and
closing the panels between missions as part of routine processing.
He said preliminary test results involving the shuttle Columbia
indicate the doors will close propely in orbit despite the cracks,
raising the possibility Discovery can be launched as is, without time-
consuming repairs.
``Right now, from the orbiter project point of view ... we're
starting to feel reasonably comfortable with the recommendation (to
launch Discovery as is),'' Germany told reporters at a televised news
conference. ``But we've still got some more work to do.''
A final decision on whether to proceed with Discovery's launch or to
delay the flight for repairs, possibly until after an early April
mission by the shuttle Atlantis, is not expected until after a two-day
flight readiness review Thursday and Friday.
Engineers held a cross-country teleconference Monday to discuss the
tests with Columbia. The issue is critical because the doors in question
must close properly in space before the ship can safely re-enter Earth's
atmosphere.
Two options were under study: launching Discovery as is or rolling
the shuttle back to its hangar for repairs, a move that would delay the
mission until after an April 4 takeoff by Atlantis. Germany said a third
option, fixing the cracks on the launch pad, had been ruled out.
Engineers ran a series of tests over the weekend in which similar
hinge mechanisms on the shuttle Columbia were modified to simulate a
worst-case failure. The door in question appeared to work properly
despite the deliberate flaws.
``We've been trying to develop an analysis that will demonstrate
whether or not the (cracks are) stable and whether we have enough margin
that in the subsequent flight there will be no problem closing the
doors,'' Germany said.
``From a technical point of view, it looks like we do have a stable
system. There are adequate margins with the existing cracks that we have
noted to safely close the doors.''
In the meantime, engineers and technicians at launch pad 39A pressed
on with work to ready Discovery for blastoff March 9 at 3:49 a.m. EST to
kick off an unclassified eight-day ``Star Wars'' research mission to
learn more about how to detect enemy missiles in flight.
The fuel line doors, covered with heat-shield tiles, are folded back
and locked open during launch, allowing 17-inch-wide fuel lines from the
external tank to deliver propellant to Discovery's three main engines.
After the shuttle reaches orbit, the tank is jettisoned and the doors
are closed over the fuel line connectors. Because the belly of the
orbiter bears the brunt of re-entry heating, the doors must close
properly to prevent possibly catastrophic damage to the shuttle
fuselage.
``It's a (major) failure,'' said a NASA manager. ``There's nothing
that we know of that you can go do if that door doesn't close.''
The cracks involve eighth-of-an-inch-thick plates in the hinge
mechanisms of the two doors. The hinge assemblies in question do not
hold the doors on the shuttle and do not bear any weight on the launch
pad. Rather, they involve the drive mechanisms that must shut the doors
in the weightlessness of space.
Three such cracks were found in lugs that are part of Discovery's
door-closing mechanisms while two smaller cracks were found aboard
Columbia. NASA's third shuttle, Atlantis, appears to be crack-free.
|
| 662.75 | Shuttle Status for 02/26/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Feb 26 1991 18:20 | 27 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, FEB. 26, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD A
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Payload end-to-end test.
- Preparations for ordnance activities.
- Purge of the cavity between the orbiter and external tank liq-
uid hydrogen umbilical.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Main engine flight readiness test.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Installation of ordnance devices on Wednesday.
- On Thursday, installation of two extravehicular space suits for
contingency purposes.
- Flight Readiness Review on Thursday and Friday.
- Purges of the external tank on Friday.
|
| 662.76 | On the new GPCs... | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Feb 27 1991 18:10 | 29 |
| From: [email protected] (John F. Woods)
Date: 27 Feb 91 20:49:42 GMT
The Electronic Engineering Times for 25 February 1991 has an article about
the new shuttle computers which are scheduled to fly on Discovery "next week."
The new AP101S computers use static-RAM memory and Schottky logic, replacing
the old core-memory AP101B computers. A summary of the differences:
Memory First
Memory tech- CPU Size, Shuttle
Computer size nology Speed Weight Power MTBF Flight
AP101S 128Kx2 Radiation 1.2 Mips 1 box, 550W 20,000+ hrs. 3/91 STS-39
32-bit resistant 10x9x18'
words CMOS SRAM 64 pounds
AP101B 104Kx1 Ferrite 0.4 Mips 2 boxes, 650W 5,200 hrs. 4/81 STS-1
32-bit cores 10x8x19'
words 120 pounds
(I'm suspicious of the size figures; I'd expect them to be the same size,
and I have quite carefully preserved the single-tick foot unit indicator,
even though the box obviously does not dwarf the technicians next to it in
the front page photo... :-)
To improve the radiation resistance of the "radiation resistant" SRAMs,
they use 25 check-bits for each 16-bit halfword, and a background task
scrubs out soft ECC errors from all of memory every two seconds.
The article also includes a sidebar on complaints by IBM about how silly
NASA is about specifications and obsolete component qualification methods.
|
| 662.77 | Shuttle Status for 02/27/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Feb 28 1991 12:08 | 34 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD A
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Last part of the retest for the load control assembly.
- Leak checks of the liquid hydrogen monoball connection.
- Payload operations.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Payload end-to-end test.
- Part one of ordnance activities.
- Purge of the cavity between the orbiter and external tank liq-
uid hydrogen umbilical.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Closeouts of the aft compartment for flight.
- On Thursday, installation of two extravehicular space suits for
contingency purposes.
- Flight Readiness Review no earlier than March 4-5.
- Purges of the external tank on Friday.
CONCERNS:
- Managers want more time to continue their analysis of the ex-
ternal tank umbilical door hinges before conducting the Flight
Readiness Review.
|
| 662.78 | | STAR::HUGHES | You knew the job was dangerous when you took it Fred. | Thu Feb 28 1991 13:59 | 5 |
| Clarinet reports that NASA have decided to haul Discovery back to the
VAB to repair the hinges, delaying liftoff until April (after the GRO
mission).
gary
|
| 662.79 | UPI: Discovery shuttle mission delayed | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Feb 28 1991 17:45 | 80 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Date: 28 Feb 91 19:11:38 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Playing it safe, NASA managers Thursday
delayed launch of the shuttle Discovery from next week to late April,
after a flight by the shuttle Atlantis, because of cracked hinges in
critical fuel line doors.
The decision to roll Discovery back to its hangar to fix the cracks
likely will result in reducing the number of space shuttle flights
planned for 1991 from seven to six in another sign of the conservative
post-Challenger shuttle program's difficulty meeting proposed launch
schedules.
But William Lenoir, NASA's associate administrator for space flight,
said the space agency's top priority is safety and that while Discovery
probably could have been launched safely without any time-consuming
repairs, enough unknowns were present to justify caution and delay.
``I don't think it sends a negative message at all,'' Lenoir said of
the decision to move Discovery back to the hangar. ``If anything, I
think it should send a positive message that says we do have a process
that works. We are being careful. We're not taking excessive chances.''
Discovery and its seven-man crew had been scheduled to blast off on
the year's first shuttle mission at 3:49 a.m. EST on March 9 to kick off
an eight-day ``Star Wars'' research mission, NASA's first since early
December.
Instead, agency engineers will haul Discovery off its launch pad next
week and move Atlantis to nearby pad 39B for takeoff at 9:20 a.m. April
4 on a mission to carry the $550 million Gamma Ray Observatory into
orbit, a Hubble Space Telescope-class astronomical satellite.
Space agency managers hope to make another attempt to launch
Discovery roughly three weeks after Atlantis's launch, around April 25,
assuming the hinge problem can be quickly corrected. The shuttle
Columbia then will be launched on a Spacelab life sciences mission in
late May.
The cracks in question were found last week in the hinge assemblies
of two 50-square-inch fuel line doors in Discovery's belly that must
close properly after launch to permit a safe re-entry into Earth's
atmosphere.
Earlier this week, many NASA engineers concluded Discovery could be
safely launched without repairs after tests in which one of the shuttle
Columbia's fuel line doors was modified to simulate a worst-case
failure. The door worked properly.
But in the end, Lenoir said, engineers were unable to prove what
caused the cracks in the first place, although two incidents are under
study. In one incident, a wingnut was found jammed in a hinge. In the
other incident, a door was ordered closed when it was still latched
open.
``We have tried and tried in our safety-oriented process to get
ourselves convinced the analysis says it's OK and it will work (as is),''
he said.
``We have confirmed it with tests but nonetheless, the unknowns of
not knowing exactly what it was that broke these leads us to the
conclusion that prudence calls for us to roll back and fix it.''
On the launch pad and during ascent, the doors, covered with heat-
shield tiles, are folded back against the belly of the orbiter and
locked open to allow 17-inch fuel lines to enter the shuttle from its
external tank.
Electric motors drive the doors closed after the tank is jettisoned
in space. Failure of either door to close properly could result in the
destruction of the shuttle due to extreme heating during re-entry.
Smaller stress cracks have also been found in the hinges used by
Columbia but not in those aboard Atlantis.
At a news conference, Lenoir said he was confident Discovery could
have been safely launched on schedule, without any repairs, had the
mission warranted such action.
``If there were some crtical reason, national defense or some
emergency reason, why we needed to go fly (Discovery), I don't think any
of us would have any hesitiation to go fly this bird,'' he said. ``We're
being conservative.''
To fix Discovery's cracks, the shuttle must first be taken off its
external fuel tank and moved into a special processing hangar. Lenoir
said the repair work, expected to take about a month, will involve
either replacing the cracked parts or the entire hinge mechanism.
Depending on which course of action is selected, parts may be taken
off the new shuttle Endeavour, which has been cannibalized before to
keep NASA's operational shuttles flying. Endeavour is scheduled to be
delivered to the Kennedy Space Center in May for a maiden flight in
1992.
Engineers believe Discovery's cracks grew from small stress fractures
in an aluminum plate where the hinge mechanism is anchored to the
shuttle fuselage.
|
| 662.80 | Shuttle Status for 03/01/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Mar 05 1991 09:18 | 32 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, MAR. 1, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD A
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations for rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building
no earlier than 12:01 a.m. March 7.
- Demate the orbiter midbody umbilical unit.
- Payload electrical demates.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Disconnection of ordnance devices on Monday.
- Transferring the STS-39 Air Force Program 675 payload from
Discovery's payload bay to the Payload Changeout Room on Monday.
- Offloading hypergolic propellants from the orbital maneuvering
system and reaction control system on Tuesday.
CONCERNS:
- Shuttle officials decided yesterday to roll Discovery back for
repairs to the cracked hinges for the external tank umbilical
door drive mechanism. Repairs will be made in the Orbiter
Processing Facility.
|
| 662.81 | Shuttle Status for 03/04/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Mar 05 1991 09:19 | 32 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, MAR. 4, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD A
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations for rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building
at 12:01 a.m. March 7.
- Transferring the STS-39 Air Force Program 675 payload from
Discovery's payload bay to the Payload Changeout Room.
- Preparations to offload hypergolic propellants from the orbital
maneuvering system and reaction control system.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Disconnection of ordnance devices on the vehicle.
- Removed the two spacesuits from the airlock.
- Demated the orbiter midbody umbilical unit.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Offloading oxidizer and fuel from the orbiter's onboard storage
tanks tomorrow. The pad will be closed to all non-essential per-
sonnel during this operation.
|
| 662.82 | Shuttle Status for 03/05/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Mar 05 1991 19:16 | 26 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, MAR. 5, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD A
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations for rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building
no earlier than 2 a.m. March 7.
- Offloading hypergolic propellants from the orbital maneuvering
system and reaction control system on Tuesday.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Disconnection of ordnance devices.
- Transferring the STS-39 Air Force Program 675 payload from
Discovery's payload bay to the Payload Changeout Room on Monday.
|
| 662.83 | Shuttle Status for 03/06/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Mar 07 1991 09:33 | 25 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, MAR. 6, 1991 - 11 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD A
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations for rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building
at 2 a.m. tomorrow.
- Final power down.
- Rotating Service Structure move away from the vehicle at about
5:30 p.m.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Offloading hypergolic propellants from the orbital maneuvering
system and reaction control system.
|
| 662.84 | Shuttle Status for 03/07/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Mar 08 1991 09:33 | 24 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, MAR. 7, 1991 - 11 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Rolling back from pad 39-A. First motion came at 5:14 a.m.
after problems with the crawler transporter's jack and leveling
system were corrected. Orbiter was at the VAB doorway by about
10:30 a.m.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Preparations to demate the orbiter from the external tank. Ac-
tual demate is planned next week after Atlantis is mated.
|
| 662.85 | Shuttle Status for 03/08/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Mar 08 1991 17:39 | 23 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, MAR. 8, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Putting platforms in place around the vehicle.
- Demate preparations.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Rollback from the launch pad. Discovery was hard down in the
VAB by 11:30 a.m. yesterday.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Demate is planned next week after Atlantis is mated.
- Transfer to the OPF is planned next week.
|
| 662.86 | Shuttle Status for 03/12/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Mar 12 1991 18:33 | 32 |
| From: [email protected] (Ron Baalke)
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 1991 --- 10:30 a.m.
_________________________________________________________________
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB HB 1
LAUNCH -- LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
* Installation of aft access doors
* Sling lift and build up for demate scheduled to begin late
this afternoon
WORK COMPLETED:
* Electrical monoball connections and T-0 umbilical demate
operations
WORK SCHEDULED:
* Demate scheduled for late Tuesday afternoon
* Replace flight nose wheel tire with rollover wheel tire in
transfer aisle
* Rollover to Orbiter Processing Facility Thursday morning
* Replace ET door hinge mechanism with one from Endeavour once
in the Orbiter Processing Facility
|
| 662.87 | Shuttle Status - March 13 | ADVAX::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Thu Mar 14 1991 10:41 | 36 |
| From: [email protected] (Ron Baalke)
Newsgroups: sci.space,sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 03/13/91 (Forwarded)
Date: 13 Mar 91 18:38:23 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1991 --- 10:30 a.m.
_________________________________________________________________
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB HB 1
LAUNCH -- LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
* Lifting orbiter to transfer aisle
WORK COMPLETED:
* Installation of aft access doors
* Sling lift and build up and orbiter demate operations
WORK SCHEDULED:
* VAB orbiter hydraulic operations
* Replace flight nose wheel tire with rollover wheel tire in
VAB transfer aisle
* Rollover to Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2 Thursday morning
at 8:30 a.m.
* Replace ET door hinge mechanism with one from Endeavour once
in the Orbiter Processing Facility
___ _____ ___
/_ /| /____/ \ /_ /| Ron Baalke | [email protected]
| | | | __ \ /| | | | Jet Propulsion Lab |
___| | | | |__) |/ | | |___ M/S 301-355 | Change is constant.
/___| | | | ___/ | |/__ /| Pasadena, CA 91109 |
|_____|/ |_|/ |_____|/ |
|
| 662.88 | Shuttle Status - March 14 | ADVAX::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Thu Mar 14 1991 13:37 | 32 |
| From: [email protected] (Ron Baalke)
Newsgroups: sci.space,sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 03/14/91 (Forwarded)
Date: 14 Mar 91 16:21:25 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, MAR. 14, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Installing the roll around tires in place of the nose landing
gear flight tires.
- Preparations for tow to the OPF about midday.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Demate Discovery from the external tank and lower to the trans-
fer aisle.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Removal of the external tank door hinge drive mechanism hous-
ings beginning Sunday.
___ _____ ___
/_ /| /____/ \ /_ /| Ron Baalke | [email protected]
| | | | __ \ /| | | | Jet Propulsion Lab |
___| | | | |__) |/ | | |___ M/S 301-355 | Change is constant.
/___| | | | ___/ | |/__ /| Pasadena, CA 91109 |
|_____|/ |_|/ |_____|/ |
|
| 662.89 | Shuttle Status for 03/18/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Mar 19 1991 09:47 | 20 |
| From: [email protected] (Ron Baalke)
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, MAR. 18, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Replacement of the external tank door hinge housings with
modified beefed up housings from Columbia.
- Thermal protection system operations.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Removal of the external tank door hinge housings on Saturday.
|
| 662.90 | Shuttle Status Reports - 3/19/91 - 3/25/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Mar 26 1991 09:57 | 62 |
|
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, MAR. 19, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Replacement of the external tank door hinge housings with
modified beefed up housings and cycling of the doors to retest.
- Thermal protection system operations.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Roll to the Vehicle Assembly Building early next week.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, MAR. 20, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Rigging of the right hand external tank door hinge housings and
cycling of the doors to retest.
- Thermal protection system operations.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Roll to the Vehicle Assembly Building early next week.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, MAR. 21, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Rigging of the right hand external tank door hinge housings and
cycling of the doors to retest.
- Thermal protection system operations.
- Functional tests of the external tank doors.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Roll to the Vehicle Assembly Building Monday.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, MAR. 25, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building at 6
p.m. tonight.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Functional tests of the external tank doors.
- Weight and center of gravity checks.
- Orbiter attached to transporter.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Mate Discovery to the external tank.
- Rollout to Launch Pad 39-A early next week.
|
| 662.91 | Shuttle Status for 03/26/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Mar 28 1991 17:26 | 30 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1991 --- 10:00 a.m.
_________________________________________________________________
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB High Bay 1
LAUNCH -- LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
* Orbiter lift and mate operations in high bay 1
WORK COMPLETED:
* Orbiter rollover to VAB yesterday evening
WORK SCHEDULED:
* Completion of mating operations to external tank
* Shuttle interface verification tests
* Power on testing Thursday
* Rollout to pad 39-A set for Monday 4:00 a.m.
|
| 662.92 | Shuttle Status for 03/28/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Mar 28 1991 17:36 | 24 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1991 --- 10:00 a.m.
_________________________________________________________________
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB High Bay 1
LAUNCH -- LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
* Orbiter power up operations
* Shuttle interface verification tests
WORK COMPLETED:
* Orbiter to external tank mate operations in high bay 1
* Liquid oxygen electrical closeouts
* Crew hatch functional tests
WORK SCHEDULED:
* Rollout to pad 39-A set for Monday 4:00 a.m.
|
| 662.93 | Shuttle Status for 03/29/91 - 04/02/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Apr 03 1991 01:11 | 67 |
| KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, MAR. 29, 1991 - 11 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Shuttle Interface Test to verify connections between the or-
biter and launch platform and between the vehicle elements.
- Preparations to roll out to Launch Pad 39-A at 4 a.m. EST Mon-
day, April 1.
- Thermal protection system operations.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Retraction of work platforms away from the vehicle tomorrow.
- Rollout to Launch Pad 39-A Monday.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, APR. 1, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD A
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Hooking up ground systems to the vehicle.
- Rotating Service Structure moves around the vehicle at 1 p.m.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Rolled out to Launch Pad 39-A today. Left VAB at 3:16 a.m. and
was harddown on the pad's pedestals at about 9 a.m.
- Shuttle Interface Test to verify connections between the or-
biter and launch platform and between the vehicle elements.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Verification of connections between the launch pad and vehicle
tomorrow.
- Installation of the STS-39 payloads into the payload bay Wed-
nesday.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, APR. 2, 1991 - 11:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Hooking up ground systems to the vehicle.
- Verification of connections between the launch pad and vehicle.
- Opening of the payload bay doors later today.
- Preparations to install the STS-39 payloads.
- Preparations to load hypergolic propellants into the orbiter's
onboard storage tanks.
WORK COMPLETED:
- STS-39 launch platform harddown on the pad's pedestals at about
9 a.m. yesterday.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Installation of the STS-39 payloads into the payload bay Wed-
nesday.
|
| 662.94 | Shuttle Status for 04/03/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Apr 03 1991 18:33 | 25 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, APR. 3, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Adjusting platforms for the installation of the payloads.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Hooking up ground systems to the vehicle.
- Verification of connections between the launch pad and vehicle.
- Opening of the payload bay doors.
- Preparations to load hypergolic propellants into the orbiter's
onboard storage tanks.
- Purges of the 17-inch disconnect cavity between the orbiter and
external tank.
|
| 662.95 | Shuttle Status for 04/04/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Apr 04 1991 19:24 | 23 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, APR. 4, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Installation of the STS-39 payloads.
- Preparations to load hypergolic propellants into the orbiter's
onboard storage tanks.
- Crew compartment hatch functional test today.
WORK COMPLETED:
- High pressure leak checks of the external tank to orbiter
2-inch quick disconnects.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Pad 39-A will be cleared at 10 p.m. tonight until after the
|
| 662.96 | information needed | 58378::R_YURKIW | | Mon Apr 08 1991 12:06 | 16 |
| help...
I will down in florida between april 23 to May 4 and would like to
try to see a launch. I know the launch is tentatively scheduled for
april 25. Is there an information phone number I can call when I am
down there to get updates on the launch. The problem is that I will
be out of touch with this notes conference for a week before the
current launch date and we all now how easy it is to get launch
information from your local news sources!! Any help would be
appreciated..
thanks in advance
Roger
|
| 662.97 | | DECWIN::FISHER | Pursuing an untamed ornothoid | Mon Apr 08 1991 12:51 | 9 |
| I believe there is a Florida-only 800 number for info. Maybe 800-555-1212 would
tell you.
Also, the National Space Society has a tape in DC which has space happenings
in general. They generally update the tape frequently near a launch time.
That number should be here in this conference. If not send mail and I'll look
on my stuff at home.
Burns
|
| 662.98 | Shuttle Status Report - 04/08/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Apr 08 1991 18:30 | 26 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, APR. 8, 1991 - 1:30 p.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - APRIL
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Loading of hypergolic propellants into the orbiter's onboard
storage tanks.
- Reopening of the launch pad for normal work at about noon.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Installation of the STS-39 payloads into Discovery's payload
bay.
- Payload to orbiter interface verification tests.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Main engine flight readiness test Wednesday. Engine valves are
cycled and sensors are calibrated.
- Start aft closeouts later this week.
- Flight Readiness Review April 15-16.
|
| 662.99 | KSC Shuttle Status - 04/09/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Apr 10 1991 09:31 | 29 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, APR. 9, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - APRIL
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Circulation and sampling of the hydraulic fluid in the
orbiter's hydraulic system.
- Servicing payloads.
- Installation of booster thermal curtains.
- Closeouts of the avionics bays.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Loading of hypergolic propellants into the orbiter's onboard
storage tanks.
- Pad reopened for normal work.
- Payload bay doors opened.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Main engine flight readiness test Wednesday. Engine valves are
cycled and sensors are calibrated.
- Start aft closeouts later this week.
- Flight Readiness Review April 15-16.
|
| 662.100 | Shuttle Status for 04/10/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Apr 11 1991 09:35 | 29 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, APR. 10, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - APRIL
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Main engine flight readiness test to cycle valves and calibrate
sensors.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Circulation and sampling of the hydraulic fluid in the
orbiter's hydraulic system.
- Servicing payloads.
- Installation of booster thermal curtains.
- Pad was cleared for several hours last night due to adverse
weather. A tornado was spotted near Playalinda Beach, just north
of the launch pad.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Start aft closeouts later this week.
- First part of ordnance installation Friday.
- Flight Readiness Review April 15-16.
|
| 662.101 | KSC Shuttle Status - 04/15/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Apr 15 1991 20:25 | 22 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, APRIL 15, 1991 - 11 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV-103) - Pad 39-A
LAUNCH-APRIL
The STS-39 Flight Readiness Review began this morning and
may extend into Tuesday. An official launch date for the STS-39
mission will be announced at its conclusion.
At the pad, Discovery was powered up this morning for pre-
launch testing. Aft compartment closeout work and loading of
Mass Memory Units with mission software are in progress.
Replenishment of cryogenic propellants for the pad's main storage
dewars is in work and two waves of tankers with liquid oxygen are
being offloaded today. Payload work in progress includes
cryogenic servicing of AFP-675 and IBSS payloads.
|
| 662.102 | STS-39 DISCOVERY LAUNCH DATE SET (again)
| PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Apr 15 1991 20:27 | 22 |
| STS-39 DISCOVERY LAUNCH DATE SET
Release: 91-54
At the conclusion of today's Flight Readiness Review of mission
STS-39 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, Shuttle and payload managers
targeted April 23 for launch of this Department of Defense- dedicated
mission.
The launch window for STS-39 on April 23 opens at 7:05 a.m. and
extends to 9:35 a.m. EDT, on Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,
Fla.
Commanding the seven-man Discovery crew will be Navy Capt.
Michael L. Coats. Air Force Major L. Blaine Hammond will serve as pilot.
Mission Specialists include Gregory J. Harbaugh; USAF Lt. Col. Don
McMonagle; USAF Col. Guion Bluford; C. Lacy Veach; and Richard J. Hieb.
Two primary payloads will be carried aboard Discovery: Air Force
Program 675 (AFP-675) and the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization's
(SDIO) Infrared Background Signature Survey (IBSS).
|
| 662.103 | Shuttle Status for 04/16/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Apr 17 1991 14:03 | 32 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, APR. 16, 1991 - 11:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - APRIL
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations for the last ordnance operation.
- Preparations for pressurizing the hypergolic propellant system
for flight.
- Closing out the aft compartment for flight.
- Payload closeouts.
- Launch countdown preparations.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Installation of two contingency space suits in Discovery's air-
lock.
- Installation of payload bay cameras.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Final ordnance operations and pressurization of the hypergolic
system for flight tomorrow.
- Launch countdown begins at 8:45 a.m. EDT Saturday, April 20.
- STS-39 flight crew arrival at 6:30 p.m. EDT Saturday.
- Launch at 7:05 a.m. EDT Tuesday, April 23.
|
| 662.104 | Shuttle Status for 04/17/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Apr 17 1991 18:28 | 35 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, APR. 17, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - APRIL
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Final ordnance operations. The pad is cleared for this ac-
tivity.
- Preparations for pressurizing the hypergolic propellant system
for flight.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Aft compartment was closed out for flight. One of the flight
doors was installed and the other will be installed once the pad
reopens.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Pressurization, later today, of the hypergolic system for
flight.
- Purges of the fuel cell storage tanks tomorrow.
- Final payload preparations.
- Launch countdown begins at 8:45 a.m. EDT Saturday, April 20.
- Closing the payload bay doors for flight Sunday.
- STS-39 flight crew arrival at 6:30 p.m. EDT Saturday.
- Launch at 7:05 a.m. EDT Tuesday, April 23.
|
| 662.105 | KSC Shuttle Status - 04/18/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Apr 18 1991 19:17 | 31 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, APR. 18, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - APRIL 23
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Pressurizing the hypergolic propellant system for flight.
- Final payload operations.
- Purging the power reactant storage and distribution system for
flight.
- Launch countdown preparations.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Final ordnance operations.
- Aft compartment doors installed for flight.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Final payload preparations.
- Launch countdown begins at 8:45 a.m. EDT Saturday, April 20.
- Closing the payload bay doors for flight Sunday.
- STS-39 flight crew arrival at 6:30 p.m. EDT Saturday.
- Launch at 7:05 a.m. EDT Tuesday, April 23.
|
| 662.106 | PREDICTED STS-39 ORBITAL ELEMENTS | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Apr 18 1991 19:33 | 24 |
| The planned launch date for STS-39 is now 23 April, 1991, at 11:05 UTC.
The following elements may be used for pre-launch tracking predictions for
approximately the first 4 days after launch. Predictions beyond this time
will be significantly in error because of the several maneuvers planned.
Updates will be provided here during the flight. Landing is planned for
May 1 at 18:30 UTC.
STS-39
1 00039U 91113.52156250 .00280000 00000-0 44539-3 0 15
2 00039 57.0030 277.1989 0009407 267.9459 92.1059 16.05426977 29
Satellite: STS-39
Catalog number: 00039
Epoch time: 91113.52156250 (23 APR 91 12:31:03.000 UTC)
Element set: 1
Inclination: 57.0030 deg
RA of node: 277.1989 deg Space Shuttle Flight STS-39
Eccentricity: .0009407 Keplerian Elements
Arg of perigee: 267.9459 deg Launch: 23 APR 91 11:05 UTC
Mean anomaly: 92.1059 deg
Mean motion: 16.05426977 rev/day
Decay rate: 2.80E-03 rev/day^2
Epoch rev: 2
|
| 662.107 | | DECWIN::FISHER | Pursuing an untamed ornothoid | Fri Apr 19 1991 12:35 | 4 |
| 57 degrees, eh? It ought to be visible here in the northeast if the time works
out right. Has anyone run the element set through a visibility predictor pgm?
Burns
|
| 662.108 | A telescopic view of launch from N.E.? | 6056::GAUDET | Nothing unreal exists | Fri Apr 19 1991 13:10 | 17 |
| Here's a question with a lot of "if's":
If I have a "good" idea in what direction in the sky to look, and
if I have a telescope with "reasonable" resolution, and
if the sky is clear, and
if I happen to be in a nice level field with a clear view of the
south-southeast horizon,
could I see the shuttle through my scope once it comes above the horizon
after launch?
Is it a correct assumption that by the time the shuttle rises above the
horizon as viewed from New England, the SRB's have already burned out? Has MECO
been reached by then?
Am I reaching here? :-)
...Roger...
|
| 662.109 | | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Apr 19 1991 13:24 | 8 |
| If by "seeing the shuttle" you mean a bright dot in the sky - not likely.
If you mean making out the outline of the orbiter/ET - no way.
You'd need a polar launch just to see the dot.
- dave
|
| 662.110 | Now I'll have to come to work! | 6056::GAUDET | Nothing unreal exists | Fri Apr 19 1991 13:34 | 8 |
| RE: .109
Oh well, thanks Dave. The thought just drifted into my head while reading the
notes about launch parameters (the 57 degree inclination sounded "promising"),
so I thought I'd ask. Maybe I was just looking for an excuse to take the day
off! :-)
...Roger...
|
| 662.111 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 04/19/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Apr 22 1991 08:30 | 37 |
| From: NASA Spacelink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, APR. 19, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - APRIL 23
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Launch countdown preparations.
- Removal of service platforms from the deck of the mobile
launcher platform (MLP).
- Removing handrails from the launch platform.
- Preparing the MLP hazardous gas detection system for launch.
- Removal of protective covers from the orbiter's reaction con-
trol system thrusters.
- Removing platforms from the crew cabin.
- Payload servicing operations.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Pressurization of the hypergolic propellant system for flight.
- Purging of the power reactant storage and distribution system
for flight.
- Check of a purge duct clamp in the aft compartment. Aft is
closed out for flight
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Final payload preparations.
- Launch countdown begins at 8:45 a.m. EDT Saturday, April 20.
- Closing the payload bay doors for flight Sunday.
- STS-39 flight crew arrival at 6:30 p.m. EDT Saturday.
- Launch at 7:05 a.m. EDT Tuesday, April 23.
|
| 662.112 | No launch this a.m., drat! :( | 6297::PHILLIPS | Music of the spheres. | Tue Apr 23 1991 08:31 | 4 |
| I caught the tail end of a CNN brief this morning and heard the
launch was scrubbed. Does anyone have the details?
--Eric--
|
| 662.113 | Recollection from the radio on my commute | 30086::REITH | Jim Reith DTN 226-6102 - LTN2-1/F02 | Tue Apr 23 1991 09:00 | 4 |
| NPR had it as a thermal transducer in one of the main engines that
needs replacing. The payload will need to be reserviced so they are
looking at a minimum 5 day standdown. They were hopeful for this
weekend...
|
| 662.114 | Shuttle Status for 04/20/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Apr 23 1991 09:45 | 50 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - SATURDAY, APR. 20, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - APRIL 23
LAUNCH MINUS 3 DAYS
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Launch countdown began on time today at 8:45 a.m at the T-43
hour mark.
- Verification that the data processing system and backup flight
control system are operating.
- Review of flight software.
- Shuttle main engine controllers checked out for flight tonight.
- Final payload servicing operations.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Removal of service platforms from the deck of the mobile
launcher platform (MLP).
- Removing handrails from the launch platform.
- Preparing the MLP hazardous gas detection system for launch.
- Removal of protective covers from the orbiter's reaction con-
trol system thrusters.
- Removing platforms from the crew cabin.
- Payload servicing operations.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- STS-39 flight crew arrival at 6:30 p.m. EDT tonight at the
Shuttle Landing Facility.
- First built-in hold at 12:45 a.m. Sunday at the T-27 hour mark.
Hold will last for 8 hours.
- Closing the payload bay doors for flight Sunday at 5 a.m.
- Launch at 7:05 a.m. EDT Tuesday, April 23.
WEATHER FORECAST:
Probability of launch weather criteria violation at the
beginning of the launch period is 70 percent. For the overall
launch period there is a 50 percent chance for violating weather
criteria.
|
| 662.115 | Launch prep reports (sort of a letdown considering the scrub) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Apr 23 1991 10:12 | 118 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Subject: Shuttle Status for 04/21/91 (Forwarded)
Date: 22 Apr 91 23:48:05 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
SPACE SHUTTLE MISSION STS-39 COUNTDOWN STATUS --- April 21, 1991
LAUNCH MINUS TWO DAYS
Everything at pad 39-A is continuing on schedule today as
launch team members work toward the launch of the Space Shuttle
Discovery at 7:05 a.m. Tuesday, April 23. The launch window
extends through 10:31 a.m.
The countdown clock came out of the T-27 hour planned eight-
hour built-in hold on time this morning at 8:45. The clock will
continue to count down until 4:45 p.m. today at which time it
will enter another planned built in hold.
Last night, final servicing of the STS-39 payloads was
completed and the payload bay doors were closed today at 8:30
a.m.
At the pad today, the Power Reactant and Storage
Distribution System on-board storage tanks are being serviced
with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen reactants. The pad clear
for this hazardous operation was given shortly after 9:00 a.m.
today.
Following PRSD loading operations, the orbiter midbody
umbilical unit is scheduled to be retracted at about 4:45 p.m.
today. Communication activation checks are then targeted to
commence at about 9:00 p.m. this evening. The Rotating Service
Structure is scheduled to be moved away from the vehicle at 11:45
a.m. Monday.
The STS-39 flight crew arrived at Kennedy Space Center at
about 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Today, the seven member crew, already
split into two teams to accommodate a 24-hour in-flight work
schedule, had their final medical exams and flew training
missions in the Shuttle Training Aircraft and T-38 trainer
aircraft.
Weather for Tuesday's liftoff is forecast to be less than
favorable with 70 percent chance of violating launch constraints
at the opening of the windown. There is a 60 percent chance of
violating constraints throughout the entire three-hour, 26-minute
window. A front located through western Florida and into the Gulf
will probably produce low clouds and favorable conditions for
showers.
Wednesday's forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of
violating launch constraints; Thursday's forecast calls for a 40
percent chance of violation.
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Subject: Shuttle Status for 04/22/91 (Forwarded)
Date: 22 Apr 91 23:49:07 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
SPACE SHUTTLE MISSION STS-39 COUNTDOWN STATUS --- April 22, 1991
LAUNCH MINUS ONE DAY
Work at pad 39-A continues to go smoothly today as launch
team members press toward launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery
on Mission STS-39 at 7:05 a.m. Tuesday, April 23. The launch
window extends through 10:31 a.m.
Mission STS-39 is an unclassified Department of Defense
mission featuring two primary payloads: Air Force Program 675 and
the Strategic Defense Initiative's Infrared Background Signature
Survey. There are also two secondary payloads; Space Test Payload
and a Multi-Purpose Experiment Canister.
The countdown clock entered the T-11 hour planned built-in
hold this morning at 4:45. The clock will continue to hold until
resuming the count at 4:45 p.m. today.
Yesterday, the Power Reactant and Storage Distribution
System on-board storage tanks were serviced with liquid hydrogen
and liquid oxygen reactants. Following PRSD loading, the orbiter
midbody umbilical unit was retracted. Communication activation
checks then commenced at about 9:00 p.m. last night.
The Rotating Service Structure is scheduled to be moved away
from the vehicle at 11:45 a.m. today. Also today, final crew
equipment and time critical items will be stowed on the orbiter.
At 7:45 tonight the pad will be cleared of all personnel.
Then at 10:45 p.m., operations will begin to load the external
tank with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants. Tanking
operations should be completed by 1:45 a.m. Tuesday.
The seven member STS-39 flight crew, already split into two
teams to accommodate a 24-hour in-flight work schedule, are today
undergoing weather and systems briefings. Tomorrow for launch,
the crew will be awakened at 2:10 a.m. for breakfast. They will
have a final weather briefing, suit up and at 3:50 a.m. depart
their crew quarters for pad 39-A.
The forecast weather for Tuesday's liftoff shows a 60
percent chance of violating launch constraints at the opening of
the window. There is a 50 percent chance of violating constraints
throughout the entire three-hour, 26-minute window. A front
located through western Florida and into the Gulf could produce
low clouds and favorable conditions for thundershowers.
Wednesday's forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of
violating launch constraints; Thursday's forecast calls for a 30
percent chance of violation.
|
| 662.116 | | DECWIN::FISHER | Pursuing an untamed ornothoid | Tue Apr 23 1991 11:33 | 10 |
| I believe the claim was that if replacing the sensor fixed the problem, they
could launch Sunday. If they had to replace the SSME controller (computer)
it would be longer.
They also said this particular problem was a first, and that it was in the fuel
pump (cryo temp sensor?). That implies that it is not the same sensors that
failed several years back causing the ATO abort. I think those were in the
engine on the "output" side.
Burns
|
| 662.117 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 04/24/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Apr 24 1991 18:01 | 32 |
| From: NASA SpaceLink
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, APRil 24, 1991 - 11:30 AM
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - NO EARLIER THAN APRIL 28
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Replacement of a failed high pressure oxidizer turbopump pres-
sure transducer and its electrical harness for the no. 3 main en-
gine.
- Preparations for payload servicing operations.
- Opening payload bay doors.
- Establishing access to the aft compartment.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Boiloff of liquid hydrogen propellant.
- Draining onboard propellants from the fuel cell storage tanks.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Closing the aft compartment for flight, targeted for tomorrow
afternoon.
- Start of launch countdown tentatively scheduled for tomorrow
morning at 8:45 a.m at the T-43 hour mark.
- Launch no earlier than Sunday, April, 28 pending completion of
planned work.
|
| 662.118 | UPI: Shuttle Discovery's countdown resumes | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Apr 25 1991 16:32 | 79 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Date: 25 Apr 91 16:50:23 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Engineers replaced a faulty fuel pump
sensor, plugged a helium leak and restarted the shuttle Discovery's
countdown Thursday for blastoff Sunday on a ``Star Wars'' flight
grounded Tuesday by an electrical glitch.
``I only have good news this morning,'' NASA test director Albert
Sofge told reporters shortly after countdown clocks began ticking at
8:45 a.m. EDT.
If all goes well, Discovery and its seven-man crew will thunder away
on an unclassified eight-day military mission at 7:01 a.m. Sunday. Air
Force meteorologists called for a 70 percent chance of good weather at
launch time.
Commander Michael Coats, 45, and five of his six crewmates -- co-pilot
Blaine Hammond, 39, Gregory Harbaugh, 35, Charles Lacy Veach, 46,
Richard Hieb, 35, and Donald McMonagle, 38 -- took advantage of the five-
day delay and flew back to Houston for additional training in a shuttle
simulator.
``We going to go back and practice up a little bit more and then come
back,'' Hammond said before departing for the Johnson Space Center.
All six shuttle fliers planned to rejoin crewmate Guion Bluford at
the Kennedy Space Center by Friday afternoon to await liftoff on the
40th shuttle flight, the second of six planned for 1991.
During the course of the flight, Coats and company plan to work in
two shifts, around the clock, to operate a complex battery of
experiments and to launch four small satellites to learn more about how
to detect enemy missiles in flight.
Data from the mission will be used by engineers with the Strategic
Defense Initiative -- ``Star Wars'' -- missile defense project to develop
sensors that can detect incoming missiles so space-based interceptors or
other weapons systems can blast them out of space.
If all goes well, Discovery will glide to an afternoon landing May 6
at Edwards Air Force Base, about 50 miles north of Palmdale, Calif.,
where the new shuttle Endeavour, built to replace Challenger, is being
readied for delivery to NASA.
Running nearly two months behind schedule because of cracks in
critical hinges, NASA attempted to launch Discovery Tuesday at 7:05 a.m.
But six hours before the ship's planned takeoff, the countdown was
stopped when one of two sensors on main engine No. 3's high-pressure
oxygen fuel pump showed higher-than-allowable pressure inside a cavity
that should have reflected sea level readings.
The suspect sensor showed more than 300 pounds per square inch, while
an identical ``transducer'' showed a normal sea level reading of about
15.7 pounds per square inch.
The sensors are in place to detect potentially catastrophic leaks
that would require a quick engine shutdown in flight. All such sensors
on each engine must be operational before a shuttle can be cleared for
takeoff.
After Discovery's external tank was drained of fuel, the suspect
sensor began behaving properly again, leading engineers to conclude the
transducer or its associated electrical cables were at fault, and not
the pump itself or the engine's computer controller.
``We replaced the transducer and the wiring harness that goes to the
transducer and completed that at mid afternoon Wednesday,'' Sofge said.
``We retested that and it retests good.''
The faulty sensor and its cable harness were flown to the Marshall
Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., for tests to pin down exactly
what went wrong.
Sofge said engineers used supercold liquid nitrogen to chill the
sensor to temperatures approaching those of liquid oxygen and once
again, the transducer produced faulty readings.
``They were able to successfully reproduce the failure,'' Sofge said.
``They got the same basic indication we got during launch countdown.
They also installed the transducer on a different wiring harness,
chilled it down and got the same failure. So we're fairly certain it was
the transducer that was the problem.''
Engineers also noticed a small helium leak in the engine room Tuesday
and took advantage of the sensor repair work to fix that problem as
well.
``We're very comfortable with both repairs and things are looking
good,'' Sofge said.
Liftoff originally was scheduled for Feb. 26, but the launch date
slipped to March 9 because of leaking rocket thrusters. The flight then
slipped to April 23 because of cracks in the hinges of doors in the
belly of the shuttle that must close propely in flight to allow a safe
re-entry.
The delay Tuesday marked the crew's third postponement in as many
months.
|
| 662.119 | NASA Select for STS-39 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Apr 27 1991 19:00 | 4 |
| Rev C of the NASA Select television schedule for STS-39 can be
found at pragma::public:[nasa]sts-39.nasa_select
- dave
|
| 662.120 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 04/26/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Apr 27 1991 19:04 | 51 |
| From: NASA Select
Organization: NASA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 1991 - 10 AM
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
LAUNCH - APRIL 28
LAUNCH MINUS 2 DAYS
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Launch countdown continuing with no problems.
- Pad is closed to all non-essential personnel for loading liquid
oxygen and liquid hydrogen reactants in the orbiter's fuel cell
storage tanks.
- Countdown will enter second built-in hold at the T-19 hour mark
at 4:45 p.m. tonight for a duration of 4 hours.
- Orbiter communications will be activated tonight.
- Tail service masts on the mobile launcher platform will be
prepared for launch early tomorrow morning.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Serviced payloads.
- Closed payload bay doors for flight at 2:35 a.m. this morning.
- Closed out the aft compartment for flight at 2:50 a.m. this
morning.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Move Rotating Service Structure away from the orbiter at 11:45
a.m. Saturday.
- Start loading liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants
into the external tank at about 10:40 p.m. EDT Saturday.
- Launch at 7:01 a.m. EDT Sunday, April 28.
FLIGHT CREW:
- STS-39 Commander Michael Coats and Mission Specialist Lacy
Veach are scheduled to arrive at KSC today at 1 p.m. Pilot Blaine
Hammond and Mission Specialists Rick Hieb, Greg Harbaugh and Don
McMonagle returned this morning to KSC. Mission Specialist Guy
Bluford practiced approaches to the Shuttle Landing Facility in
the T-38 jet this morning.
WEATHER FORECAST:
- There is a 30 percent chance of violating weather criteria at
launch time on Sunday and a 20 percent chance for violating
criteria for the duration of the window.
|
| 662.121 | Launched at approx 7:35 am | 58453::SKLEIN | Nulli Secundus | Sun Apr 28 1991 08:22 | 10 |
|
Well they finally launched this morning. They were late by about 35 minutes
because they had a minor problem onboard, I think with a computer. The launch
was good and always a pretty site to see. Interesting that the launch broke
right through clouds about 7 seconds after launch. I wonder what they weather
issue is about. Obviously the clouds cannot cover the landing site, but the
launch and landing site are about 3 miles apart, and the clouds seemed to be
fairly extensive.
Susan
|
| 662.122 | Launch time | 3149::BIRO | | Mon Apr 29 1991 08:54 | 6 |
| lauch took place on Sunday the 28th of April at 11:33:15 UTC
I monitored radio comunications on the normal UHF frequencies
between the Shuttle and Ground Control
jb
|
| 662.123 | additional details on recorder woes | 2319::SAUTER | John Sauter | Mon Apr 29 1991 09:12 | 10 |
| re: .121
They were worried that the problem might be due to a computer
malfunction, but they decided that it must be the tape recorder itself
that glitched, so they launched.
Once in orbit they discovered that two tape recorders weren't working.
I don't think either of these is the one that started by itself before
launch, but I could be mistaken.
John Sauter
|
| 662.124 | Mission Control Center Status Reports #1-4 (Sunday, Monday AM) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Apr 29 1991 09:59 | 205 |
|
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
Status Report #1
Sunday, April 28, 1991, 10:30 a.m. CDT
The Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off this morning at 7:33
a.m. eastern daylight time with its crew of seven to begin eight
full days of operations in low earth orbit. After flying to an
initial altitude of 133 nautical miles, Discovery's big
maneuvering engines were fired to circularize the orbit at
about 140 nautical miles, where Discovery and crew will carry
out their mission to test and verify sensor and tracking
technologies for the Department of Defense.
The launch was delayed for about half an hour to allow flight
controllers to assess any potential effects of a data
recorder which had inadvertently begun to record. It was
quickly determined that the recorder anomaly would have no
effect on a safe launch and, in fact, that it was functioning
normally.
All major systems aboard Discovery are working well, and the
flight crew, including 5 first-time flyers, are working ahead
of the timeline.
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
Status Report #2
Sunday, April 28, 1991, 1:30 p.m. CDT
Discovery's seven-member crew, getting started on a packed
timeline, settled in on-orbit and started work with the
STS-39 payloads.
The seven astronauts on board Discovery will be split into
two teams for the nine-day flight. The Red Team consists of
Pilot Blaine Hammond and mission specialists Lacy Veach and
Richard Hieb while the Blue team is mission specialists Greg
Harbaugh, Don McMonagle and Guion Bluford. Commander Mike
Coats is free to adjust his schedule as the mission merits,
but is expected to closely align it with the Red Team.
During the Red Team's first shift, crewmembers successfully
completed checkout of Discovery's remote manipulator system
arm. The arm will be used later in the flight to deploy and
retrieve the Shuttle Pallet Satellite with the Infrared
Background Signature Survey payload. The Blue Team's first
activity was to start their eight-hour sleep shift.
Activities also began with the Air Force Program-675. Veach
performed a short troubleshooting procedure to open the cover
of the Quadrupole Ion and Neutral Spectrometer which failed
to open on the first attempt. That effort was sucessful.
The payload community also reported that activities are
moving along with the Space Test Program-1 checkout and
activiation.
Sending messages to Discovery via the Text and Graphics
System was temporarily delayed due to a jam indication on the
system. Hammond, however, was able to clear the jam.
All other systems on Discovery are performing well with no
major system anomalies. The orbiter is currently in a 57
degree orbit at an altitude of 140 by 138 nautical miles.
Mission Control Status Report #3
9 p.m. CDT April 28, 1991
Members of the blue team aboard Discovery -- mission specialists
Greg Harbaugh, Don McMonagle and Guy Bluford -- are well into
their first work shift in space, continuing to tune up the
ultraviolet, infrared and X-ray sensors in Discovery's
payload bay.
Activation and alignment of all scientific instruments has
gone well so far, however, the crew has had no success in
activating two tape recorders designed to record observations
by three secondary instruments on Air Force Payload-675.
Three attempts to power on the recorders have been
unsuccessful, and payload controllers are considering further
troubleshooting procedures and alternatives to the onboard
recorders that may be available.
The two recorders are designed to store information obtained
by the Uniformly Redundant Array, an X-ray instrument
designed to study various X-ray sources in the universe; the
Quadrupole Ion-Neutral Mass Spectrometer, an instrument
designed to measure the amount and nature of contamination in
Discovery's payload bay; and the Horizon Ultraviolet Program,
an instrument planned to study the Earth's horizon in
ultraviolet light.
The first planned science observation for the URA, a look at X-
rays from the crab nebula, was replaced with the third
unsuccessful attempt to turn on the recorders. In all other
activities, the crew has been either ahead of or on an ambitious
schedule.
The crew reported an exciting view of the aurora in the
southern hemisphere as Discovery passed below the Cape of
Africa. Auroral activity, a prime target of several of
Discovery's planned scientific observations, has been at a
peak throughout the day and is predicted to be high tomorrow
as well.
Also, the crew reported taking good still photography
of Lake Baikal with both color and infrared film. Lake
Baikal, in the USSR, is of interest due to its geologic area,
the northernmost area of collision of the Indian continental
plate with the Eurasian plate. In addition, the crew was
asked by ground scientists to photograph smoke from Central
American fires that had drifted as far north as Texas and as
far east as Florida, as well as a Class 3 typhoon in the
Indian Ocean's Bay of Bengal with winds gusting to 130 knots.
Discovery's systems are performing very well and flight
controllers are tracking no significant spacecraft problems.
Mission Control Center Status Report #4
Monday, April 29, 1991, 7 a.m. CDT
Discovery crew members were successful in obtaining auroral
emission data with the CIRRIS (Cryogenic Infrared Radiance
Instrumentation for Shuttle) instrument mounted on the Air
Force Program-675 payload in the orbiter's payload bay.
Two attempts were made to run the procedure to collect
auroral data with two successes. The first attempt was ahead
of the timeline with the second as an added bonus.
The payload community was very pleased with the data obtained
by Mission Specialists Guy Bluford and Lacy Veach during the
two "initial airglow" data takes with the CIRRIS because it
is the highest priority experiment on the AFP-675.
The crew is preparing to activate the Far Ultraviolet (FAR
UV) cameras to photograph thruster firings of the orbiter
during a night pass around the Earth.
Mission Specialist Rick Hieb unstowed Discovery's robot arm
to get a closer look at the Arizona Imager Spectrograph in an
attempt to better visualize the postion of the instrument on
its gimbal mechanism. Once that is completed, payload
investigators will center the device in preparation for
tonights start of the IBSS operations.
AIS is used to observe the orbiter's payload environment
during the deployment, retrieval and stow of the IBSS
Activation and alignment of all scientific instruments is
continuing to go well with the exception of activating two
tape recorders designed to record observations by three
secondary instruments on AFP-675.
Attempts to power on the recorders have been unsuccessful,
and payload controllers are investigating what further
troubleshooting procedures could be tried or what alternatives to
the onboard recorders may be available.
The two recorders are designed to store information obtained
by the Uniformly Redundant Array, an X-ray instrument
designed to study various X-ray sources in the universe; and
the Horizon Ultraviolet Program, an instrument planned to
study the Earth's horizon in ultraviolet light.
The two instruments' major activity is planned to take place
after the Infrared Background Signature Survey (IBSS)
operations are complete on flight day 4 which gives the
payload community time to continue troubleshooting the
recorder anomaly.
In all other activities, the crew has been either ahead of
or right on the timeline planned prior to launch.
Auroral activity, a prime target of several of Discovery's
planned scientific observations, was very active throughout
the evening and is predicted to be high tomorrow as well.
In addition, the crew was asked by ground scientists to
photograph smoke from Central American fires that had drifted
as far north as Texas and as far east as Florida, as well as
a typhoon in the Indian Ocean's Bay of Bengal with winds
gusting to 130 knots.
The crew also was asked to photograph the North-Central
Mediterranean, the coastal range of Southern California, and oil
well fires in Kuwait.
All systems aboard Discovery are performing well with no
significant spacecraft problems being tracked by the Mission
Control flight team.
|
| 662.125 | UPI: Shuttle crew like 'kids in a candy store' | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Apr 29 1991 18:55 | 63 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Date: 29 Apr 91 04:47:54 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- Working around the clock, the shuttle
Discovery's crew struggled to fix two balky data recorders Monday amid a
full slate of ``Star Wars'' experiments to learn how to detect enemy
missiles in space.
Using a heat-sensitive infrared telescope and other instruments in
Discovery's cargo bay, the seven astronauts planned to spend most of the
day studying the appearance of Earth's atmosphere as well as recording
high-energy emissions from astronomical bodies in deep space.
Such data is crucial to planners with the Strategic Defense
Initiative, or ``Star Wars,'' project, who are trying to develop sensors
capable of detecting elusive enemy missiles against a variety of
backdrops.
But some of the data could be lost, depending on the outcome of work
to get two apparently balky tape recorders running that are needed by
three of the shuttle's instruments to record scientific data.
If troubleshooting efforts fail, data from at least two of the
experiments could be lost. But officials said instruments making up the
shuttle's major payloads were working properly and that they were
pleased with the progress of the mission.
``As far as the orbiter goes, we're in good shape, there are no
significant problems to report,'' flight director Ron Dittemore said
late Sunday. ``Everything is working fine and we're just looking forward
to the next several days when we have a lot of activities planned.''
On board Discovery are Navy Capt. Michael Coats, 45, he commander;
Air Force Lt. Col. Blaine Hammond, 39, the co-pilot; Gregory Harbaugh,
35; Charles Lacy Veach, 46; Air Force Col. Guion Bluford, 48; Richard
Hieb, 35; and Air Force Lt. Col. Donald McMonagle, 38.
The primary goal of the 40th shuttle mission is to learn how to
distinguish fast-moving missiles in different lighting conditions and
against a variety of space backdrops ranging from the black of space to
the flickering polar auroras.
``We just were fascinated by some aurorae in the Southern Hemisphere
here,'' one of the astronauts radioed as the shuttle sailed over
Australia late Sunday. ``We're seeing some white aurorae that goes well
up above the atmosphere and it's spectacular.''
Running two months late because of technical problems, Discovery took
off on the second shuttle mission this month at 7:33 a.m. EDT Sunday,
five days after the ship was grounded Tuesday by a faulty engine sensor.
Circling the globe every 90 minutes at an altitude of 160 miles, the
astronauts spent the day checking out their $260 million payload, a
battery of experiments primarily devoted to Strategic Defense Initiative
anti-missile research.
The goal of the flight, the first unclassified military mission in
shuttle history, is to gather data about how to locate and track enemy
missiles in flight, a key element of the SDI program.
While critics claim the controversial system could not stop an all-
out Soviet attack, supporters say it could, in fact, protect the nation
from attacks by smaller nations, citing the success of Patriot missiles
in shooting down Iraqi Scuds during the Persian Gulf War.
``What this mission tells us is what do our targets look like in the
realistic space environment where we will have to fight,'' said Michael
Griffin, deputy for technology with the Strategic Defense Initiative
Organization.
``The task of acquiring, tracking, identifying and setting up fire
control, setting up the engagement of our targets, is one of the most
difficult things we in SDI have to do. This mission plays a major part
in understanding how to do that.''
If all goes well, Coats and Hammond will close out the eight-day
voyage with a Mojave Desert landing at 11:57 a.m. PDT on May 6 at
Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
|
| 662.126 | UPI: Shuttle crew marvels at southern lights; Colorful auroras thrill astronauts | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Apr 29 1991 18:57 | 129 |
| From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.bulletin
Date: 29 Apr 91 19:41:43 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The Discovery astronauts beamed down
spectacular television views of Earth's colorful auroras Monday in
unprecedented ``Star Wars'' research to find out how the gossamer
curtains of light might mask enemy missiles.
``We're looking at a long, long curtain of aurora here,'' shuttle
skipper Michael Coats radioed mission control as Discovery approached
the southern edge of Australia. ``It's just like flying through a
curtain of light. This is spectacular!''
Amid work to fix two balky tape recorders needed by three secondary
experiments, the shuttle's hard-charging seven-man crew used an infrared
telescope known as CIRRIS to also study the hard-to-see glow produced by
atomic oxygen smashing into the shuttle as it raced through space.
The eight-day mission, off to a remarkably trouble-free start, moves
into high gear Tuesday with the launch of a small satellite that will
photograph some 60 firings of the shuttle's maneuvering rockets from up
to 6 miles away.
The research from these and a host of other experiments aboard
Discovery is expected to help engineers with the Strategic Defense
Initiative determine how to detect incoming missiles against a variety
of backdrops ranging from the black of space to the brighter hues of the
aurora and planet Earth itself.
Taking a handful of minor problems in stride, including an overheated
instrument and the balky recorders, Discovery's astronauts managed to
stay on or ahead of schedule throughout their second day in space,
photographing a shuttle rocket firing and carrying out a full slate of
experiments.
Television images beamed down from the CIRRIS instrument Monday
showed the aurora australis, or southern lights, snaking like a curtain
across Earth's horizon. The rippling bands of light are generated by
atomic particles from the sun that spiral down magnetic field lines and
smash into the atmosphere.
``Discovery ... that's a landmark measurement, you're right on target
and congratulations,'' payload communicator Roscoe Miller radioed the
shuttle from Houston as data flowed down from CIRRIS.
``There's so much out here, I don't know what to point at,'' said
astronaut Charles Lacy Veach. ``Congratulations to all you guys who
built this thing.''
``You're doing a fine job,'' Miller replied. ``We're elated.''
Joining Veach, 46, and Navy Capt. Coats, 45, aboard Discovery are Air
Force Lt. Col. Blaine Hammond, 39, the co-pilot; Gregory Harbaugh, 35;
Air Force Col. Guion Bluford, 48; Richard Hieb, 35; and Air Force Lt.
Col. Donald McMonagle, 38.
Discovery's two major payloads are the satellite scheduled for launch
Tuesday and a suite of five experiments, including the CIRRIS telescope,
known collectively as Air Force Project 675. The balky tape recorders
are needed by three of those experiments.
Air Force Capt. Lindley Johnson, AFP-675 project manager, said if the
tape recorders cannot be fixed, scientists with the affected experiments
would lose about 15 percent to 20 percent of the data they had hoped to
collect.
But he dismissed news reports about the significance of the problem,
saying CIRRIS was the most important member of the AFP-675 suite of
instruments, the only one gathering data for the Strategic Defense
Initiative.
``That's really fairly minor,'' he said of the tape recorders. ``The
big news that we've got is that CIRRIS is operating quite well. The
aurora was active ... and we've gotten some good aurora data. We expect
to get a lot more.''
Johnson said the tape recorders ``only record data from our secondary
experiments. Yeah, it is a little disappointing to our secondary
experimenters, but as far as overall success of 675, we're still quite
happy with the data that we're getting.''
Castle said the shuttle itself was sailing along in excellent
condition and that work was on schedule for the overnight launch of the
SPAS-2 satellite carrying a battery of sensitive cameras and other
instruments known by the acronym IBSS (pronounced eye'-biss).
The satellite was scheduled to be released from Discovery's 50-foot-
long robot arm about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday to begin a 38-hour space ballet
requiring some of the most complicated shuttle piloting ever attempted.
If all goes well, the satellite will be hauled back aboard Wednesday.
The astronauts also plan to launch three smaller satellites during
the mission -- the first was scheduled for Tuesday night -- to release
various rocket fuels into space that will be studied by instruments
aboard the SPAS-2 satellite, the shuttle and on the ground.
Discovery was launched Sunday into an orbit carrying it 57 degrees to
either side of the equator, giving the crew a bird's eye view of the
auroras at both poles.
If all goes well, Coats and Hammond will close out the eight-day
voyage with a Mojave Desert landing at 11:57 a.m. PDT on May 6 at
Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Subject: Colorful auroras thrill astronauts
Date: 29 Apr 91 19:49:08 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- From the ground, Earth's colorful
auroras appear as flickering walls of light that dance across the night
sky.
But from the shuttle Discovery, the northern and southern lights look
like snaking rivers of color that can stretch from horizon to horizon in
a spectacular display of nature's artistry, the ship's crew said Monday.
During repeated passes over Australia and the southern Indian Ocean,
the astronauts studied the aurora australis, or southern lights, with a
sophisticated ``Star Wars'' camera, marvelling at the view from 160
miles up. Commander Michael Coats was especially impressed.
``It goes from just below us -- in fact we're kind of flying through
it -- all the way up to the horizon, kind of a long, snaking bright line
of aurora,'' he radioed mission controllers.
``We'll be interested to see that on playback,'' replied astronaut
Kathryn Thornton from the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
``I hope so, Kathy,'' Coats said. ``It's just like flying through a
curtain of light up here. This is spectacular. (Astronaut) Rick (Hieb)
says you're going to need your dark glasses to look at this one.''
``We're down here eating it up, probably not as much as you are, but
we're enjoying it too,'' Thornton replied.
A few minutes later, Coats said he could see faint colors in the
display that changed with altitude.
``At the bottom of that curtain, nearest the Earth, you can see some
reds and purples,'' he said. ``All we need is a low-light-level color
TV. This is amazing! From the right wing out to the horizon, all the way
around to the left wing on the horizon is just 180 degrees of a curtain
right now.
``It looks kind of like green in the brightest part ... and then
colorful toward the bottom. As it goes up toward space it kind of
shallows out and disappears.
``But it just snakes around the horizon. It looks like somebody drew
a curtain all the way around the horizon.''
Scientists with the Strategic Defense Initiative -- ``Star Wars'' --
program hope to use data from Discovery's flight to learn more about how
to detect enemy missiles that might otherwise be hard to find in the
glow of an aurora.
|
| 662.127 | MCC Status Reports #5-7 (Monday-Tuesday AM) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Apr 30 1991 09:35 | 136 |
| MISSION CONTROL CENTER
Status Report #5
Monday, April 29, 1991, 1:30 p.m. CDT
Treating their Earth-bound flight controllers to an occasional
look at the spectacular atmospheric phenomenon, crew members on
board Discovery are continuing to gather auroral data for the
Cryogenic Infrared Radiance Instrumentation for Shuttle.
"It's just like flying through a curtain of light," said STS-39
Commander Mike Coats as Discovery floated through an aurora off
the southwestern coast of Australia.
CIRRIS is the highest priority payload on the AFP-675 package.
The instrument gathers infrared characteristics of atmospheric
emissions. Members of the CIRRIS team are enthusiastic about the
results thus far.
Efforts to power on two recorders on AFP-675 were not successful,
but analysis by team members continues. The two recorders, which
operate with the secondary AFP-675 experiments, quit working
after about four hours of operation on Flight Day 1. The anomaly
affects only the recording of data from the Quadropole Ion-
Neutral Mass Spectrometer, the Horizon Ultraviolet Program and
the Uniformly Redundant Array. Some realtime data from those
experiments will be available, but several data takes with URA
have been deleted.
Earlier today, Mission Specialist Rick Hieb used Discovery's
robot arm to look at the Arizona Imager Spectrograph and its
position on the gimbal mechanism. After viewing the downlink of
the AIS, controllers are developing plans to correct the
instrument's position.
The arm will next be used to deploy the Shuttle Pallet Satellite
holding the Infrared Background Signature Survey for its deployed
operations. During that time, the orbiter will perform a manuever
that will take Discovery out of plane of the SPAS groundtrack
while flipping the orbiter's nose 180 degrees before returning to
the original position. The "Malarkey Milkshake," named after
Orbit Two Rendezvous Office John Malarkey, will be performed five
times while the SPAS is away from Discovery.
All orbiter systems are performing well with no significant
spacecraft problems being tracked by the Mission Control
flight team.
MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #6
5:30 p.m. CDT April 29, 1991
Crew members on board Discovery will continue to work with
the AFP-675 payload Tuesday, delaying the planned orbital ballet
with the Infrared Background Signature Survey for 24 hours.
The change in plans was made because the CIRRIS instrument,
collecting data on the Earth's aurora, is using about twice as
much of its liquid helium coolant as expected.
Under the new plan, Discovery's manipulator arm will grapple
and unberth the Shuttle Pallet Satellite carrying the IBSS
during the Red Team's shift on Flight Day 4. After a series of
deployed operations, the Discovery will rendezvous with and
grapple the SPAS. IBSS will begin RMS operations immediately
thereafter.
In the interim, activities with AFP-675 will continue, maximizing
CIRRIS data collection. AFP-675 officials said the instrument has
collected more than 3 hours worth of exciting data, more than has
ever been collected. They expect to collect 85 to 90 percent of
the data hoped for before the SPAS/IBSS deployment, and possibly
more afterward if enough coolant remains.
AFP-675 scientists have established that fuses on the two data
recorders that refused to activate have not been blown, and they
are continuing to troubleshoot the problem.
Also, payload controllers are developing a software patch for the
Arizona Imager/Spectrometer. The patch will compensate for
previous difficulties in gimballing the instrument on SPAS.
MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #7
5:30 a.m. CDT April 30, 1991
Discovery's crew continued getting good auroral and airglow
data using the CIRRIS instrument mounted on the AFP-675
payload during the last eight hours after planners delayed
for 24 hours the start of mission activities related to the
Infrared Background Signature Survey.
The change in plans was a result of higher than expected
usage of cryogenic fuel used by the CIRRIS.
Under the new plan, Discovery's manipulator arm will grapple
and unberth the Shuttle Pallet Satellite carrying the IBSS
during the Red Team's shift on Flight Day Four. Actual
release of the IBSS will occur at approximately 3:24 a.m. CDT
Wednesday -- 2 days 20 hours and 51 minutes into the mission.
The 36-hour deployed operations will conclude with Discovery
closing in and retrieving the SPAS. IBSS will begin RMS
operations immediately threafter.
In the interim, activities with AFP-675 will continue,
maximizing CIRRIS data colletion.
Flight controllers currently are in the process of finalizing
the plan.
Also, payload controllers developed a software patch for the
Arizona Imager/Spectrometer to compensate for previous
difficulities in gimballing the instrument on SPAS. The
success of that software patch has not yet been determined.
An additional troubleshooting procedure for the ESS recorders
mounted on the AFP-675 secondary experiments was performed
with no success in recovering the use of those recorders.
Mission Specialist Guy Bluford did, however, report that the
light on the Command Monitor Panel did flicker several times
giving the payload community a data point to go off and work
with.
The major activities associated with the ESS recorders do not
occur until after the IBSS operations are completed.
|
| 662.128 | Shuttle Status for 04/29/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Apr 30 1991 11:54 | 32 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, APRIL 29, 1991 - 10:30 AM
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - ON ORBIT
Discovery was launched at 7:33:14.07812 a.m. EDT Sunday,
April 28 after a brief delay to analyze the sudden start of an
onboard orbiter and payload recorder. After a discussion, offi-
cials determined that there was no problem with the orbiter's
computers and the countdown was resumed.
Landing is planned on Monday, May 6 at 2:57 p.m. EDT at Ed-
wards Air Force Base, Calif.
Damage to the launch pad was reported as very minimal this
morning.
The solid rocket boosters are being towed by the recovery
ships to Hangar AF. They are scheduled to arrive at the Hangar at
about 5 p.m. today. Safing the boosters is the first order of
business. Afterwards, they will be inspected and washed down.
Thermal foam and exterior cork will be removed with high pressure
water. Disassembly operations are scheduled to take about 10
days.
|
| 662.129 | Shuttle Status for 04/30/91 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Apr 30 1991 18:42 | 21 |
| From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 1991 - 10:30 AM
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - ON ORBIT
The solid rocket boosters arrived at Hangar AF about 5 p.m.
yesterday and have been hoisted out of the water and secured in
stands. The two boosters have been washed down and rinsed. Ther-
mal foam and exterior cork will be removed with high pressure
water. Disassembly operations are scheduled to take about 10
days.
Discovery is scheduled to land on Monday, May 6 at ap-
proximately 2:57 p.m. EDT at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
|
| 662.130 | Mission Control Center Status Report #8 - 1 p.m. CDT April 30, 1991 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Apr 30 1991 18:46 | 34 |
| Mission Control Center Status Report #8
1 p.m. CDT April 30, 1991
Data collection continues with the CIRRIS experiment aboard
Discovery as flight controllers prepare for Wednesday's
operations with the Infrared Background Signature Survey (IBSS).
Efforts to build a software patch to correct the Arizona
Imager/Spectrograph gimbal anomaly have been successful.
Controllers are now in the process of implementing the final
steps of their troubleshooting plan to co-align AIS for IBSS
operations.
The detached operations will begin at about 3:20 a.m. CDT
Wednesday when Discovery moves away from the Shuttle Pallet
Satellite. Five orbital manuevering system engine firings
will take place during the next 38 hours to provide plume
data for the IBSS experiment. Following the retrieval of the
SPAS, IBSS operations with the remote manipulator arm will
commence.
Today, work continues with the Cryogenic Infrared Radiance
Instrumentation for Shuttle. Thus far, 11 of the 17 CIRRIS
catagory-one experiments have been completed sucessfully.
Members of the payload community have expressed enthusiasm
for the quality of data collected during the first three days
of the flight.
All systems on Discovery are performing very well.
No orbiter issues are being worked by flight controllers at
this time.
|
| 662.131 | MCC Status Reports #9, #10 (Tue. P.M, Wed. A.M.) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed May 01 1991 10:16 | 85 |
|
MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #9
9:00 p.m. CDT April 30, 1991
The blue team aboard Discovery -- mission specialists Greg
Harbaugh, Don McMonagle and Guy Bluford -- are in the midst
of another shift of highly productive observations of the
Earth's limb at dawn and dusk using the CIRRIS-1A infrared
sensor.
Observations with the CIRRIS are expected to wrap up later
this evening with a final observation of Discovery's
mechanical arm and a phenomenon known as "shuttle glow," a
well-documented effect caused by the interaction of atomic
oxygen with the spacecraft as it orbits the Earth. Following
that observation, CIRRIS will be calibrated once before being put
aside.
As their work day comes to a close tonight, the blue team members
will be joined by the red team, which will be awakened at 1:23
a.m. CDT Wednesday, to deploy the Infrared Background
Signature Survey experiment mounted on the Shuttle Pallet
Satellite-II. The satellite is scheduled to be released from
Discovery at 3:17 a.m. CDT Wednesday to begin about 38 hours
of rendezvous operations. IBSS will observe Discovery's
engine firings from distances of about eight miles and again
from about one and a half miles to obtain information for the
Strategic Defense Initiative Organization.
Payload controllers were successful today in recovering full
use of the Arizona Imaging Spectrograph (AIS) after one
of several switches used to tell where the instrument is
pointing failed to operate early in the flight. A computer
software patch and remote commands from the ground worked
around the problem, aligning the pointing of the AIS with
that of the IBSS.
The shuttle Discovery is continuing to perform well, and flight
controllers are watching no significant problems.
MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #10
7:30 a.m. CDT May 1, 1991
Discovery's crew checked out and released the Infrared
Background Signature Survey experiment mounted on the Shuttle
Pallet Satellite and maneuvered to a position 6 1/2 miles
behind the satellite in preparation for the plume
observations in support of the Strategic Defense Initiative
Organization.
The satellite was released at 3:17 a.m. CDT
The first plume observation was delayed at least one orbit
when the sun sensor on the IBSS recognized a bright object
and changed the SPAS attitude in order to protect the IBSS
instruments.
Flight and payload controllers are continuing to work
procedures to correct the attitude of the SPAS.
Up until the point of the sun sensor bright object detection,
all activities related to the IBSS operations were going
exactly as predicted. All checkouts of the instruments went
well and Discovery's maneuvering jet burns occurred on time
putting the orbiter in the proper position to support the far
field operations using the IBSS.
Observations with the CIRRIS payload wrapped up last night
with a final observation of Discovery's mechanical arm and a
phenomenon known as "shuttle glow," a well-documented effect
caused by the interaction of atomic oxygen with the
spacecraft as it orbits the Earth that has been seen since
early shuttle flights. Following that observation, CIRRIS
was calibrated before being powered off for the IBSS
operations.
The blue team aboard Discovery was joined by the remaining
crew members during the pre-deploy checkout of the IBSS/SPAS
to prepare for the release and subsequent observation burns.
Discovery continues to perform well.
|
| 662.132 | SpaceVAX Successfully Flys! | 37090::KILGORE | Dan @ Washington | Wed May 01 1991 13:05 | 41 |
| NASA and Digital Successfully tested the FASTEST VAX ever!!!
At 17,000 Miles per hour as it orbited around the earth, the prototype
Raytheon SpaceVAX qualifies as the fastest VAX ever run. It executed
standard VMS 5.1 and standard VAX ADA.
Because of a reshuffle of experiment communication time, due to CIRRIS
coolant problems, our SpaceVAX experiment was allocated 1 hour time the
night of Apr 29 and then a 20 minute window on Tuesday Apr 30. For the
Tuesday experiment (and it will be the last for this mission) we had
both NASA and DEC folks to observe the experiment and had it vidio
taped for a press release at the end of the mission. NASA folks there
included:
Dr. James Trainor, Deputy Dir., Goddard Space Flight Center,
Dr. Don Krueger, Chief, Applied Engineering Division.
Dr. Danny Dalton, Chief, Flight Data Systems Branch.
The experiment tested standard VMS running on the SpaceVAX, in the total
vaccum environment of the open shuttle bay. It was booted and operated
in a wide temperture range. Exact data is not available until the post
mission debrief. It generated commands based on a Artificial
Intellignece Program that solved a 3 dimensional space Robot Arm
Movement problem. The arm was successfully moved across it's working
space while avoiding obstacles in the arms path. The robot arm for the
experiment was located in the Robotics Lab at Goddard not on the
shuttle.
The system is configured with 1 VAX cpu, 16 MB memory, 300 MB erasable
optic disk, SCSI disk controller, 1553A Communication buss, and
ethernet. The 1553 and ethernet were not used in the experiment but
went along for the ride in space. They will be tested when returned to
earth.
A very interesting side note is that the system was launched with the Ada
compiler on the disk. A variation in the experiment required some
"tuning". A source code change developed, compiled, relinked and
executed on the on orbit VAX!. This is a true testimony to the fact
that the SpaceVAX is just as compatible as any other VAX.
The space qualification experiment has been deemed a success!
|
| 662.133 | MCC Status Reports #11-#13 (Wed PM - Thursday) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu May 02 1991 14:43 | 123 |
| MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #11
2 p.m. CDT May 1, 1991
Work with the Infrared Background Signature Survey continues
to progress as astronauts and ground controllers prepare for
the orbital manuevering system plume observations later this
afternoon.
Controllers on the ground have successfully ajusted the
attitude of the Shuttle Pallet Satellite carrying IBSS to the
proper reference attitude. Those activities were necessary
when the sun sensor on SPAS recognized a bright object and
altered its attitude to protect the instruments.
With the attitude refinements completed, crewmembers on
Discovery will pick up the flight plan to perform two
alignment procedures and a Earthlimb data take before
entering the plumes observation sequences. At that time,
current plans call for crewmembers picking up this morning's
OP1 sequence in addition to OP2, OP3 and PRCS.
In those sequences, Discovery will be positioned behind SPAS
with its nose pointing north of the groundtrack and its
payload bay pointing toward SPAS. Discovery will then fire
its right OMS engine to begin the sequence. Shortly after
that burn, crewmembers will input the attitude for the
braking burn. That action will yaw the orbiter 180 degees
performing a fast flip. Following the braking burn, Discovery
will perform a slower flip to return the orbiter to its
original position. This manuever has been nicknamed the
Malarkey Milkshake for its designer Orbit Two Rendezvous
Officer John Malarkey.
The satellite began its 38-hour deployed operations at 3:17
a.m. CDT when the SPAS/IBSS payload was released from
Discovery's remote manipulator arm.
Today's activities focused primarily on IBSS operations.
Observations with the CIRRIS payload closed Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, Discovery continues to perform with little or no
problems.
MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #12
5 a.m. CDT May 2, 1991
The crew of Discovery successfully moved to within 1.5
statute miles of the Shuttle Pallet Satellite and Infrared
Background Signature Survey to remotely command that
satellite to observe two engine firing sequences by the
orbiter. All operations at the near-position were performed
smoothly and on schedule.
Discovery is now more than two miles from the SPAS/IBSS and
continuing to separate at a little over one mile per hour.
Discovery will separate from the SPAS for five orbits before
initiating rendezvous operations to retrieve the satellite at
3:33 p.m. CDT today. As that rendezvous operation commences,
Discovery will be at a distance of about 48,000 feet from the
SPAS/IBSS.
Also yesterday, the crew deployed the CRO C subsatellite at
8:28 p.m. CDT. Currently, the CRO C, a satellite filled with
the rocket propellant nitrogen tetroxide, is about 63
nautical miles behind the SPAS/IBSS. The chemical will be
released from the CRO C at about 9:18 a.m. for attempted
simultaneous observations by the SPAS/IBSS, instruments at
Vandenburg Air Force Base, airborne instruments, and
Discovery. The release is to occur over Vandenburg, when
the CRO C is about 93 nautical miles from Discovery.
Discovery's crew noted about a 15 degree-per-second roll on
the CRO C as it was deployed. Payload controllers
are now checking any problems this may imply for subsequent
observations.
The space shuttle's systems contiue to perform without any
significant problems.
MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #13
11:30 a.m. CDT May 2, 1991
Release of nitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) rocket fuel from a
cannister deployed early this morning was successfully
captured by sensors and cameras located on the Infrared
Background Signature Survey instruments.
The observation was also monitored at the Vandenberg Air
Force Base in California as Discovery, IBSS and the Chemical
Release Observation cannister containing the fuel passed
overhead.
At the time of the fuel release, the cannister was about 112
miles behind the IBSS mounted on the Shuttle Pallet
Satellite.
Before and after the first CRO fuel release, the IBSS
instruments were pointed at the Earth's limb to take
additional aurora data along with learning more about the
levels of carbon dioxide in the upper atmosphere.
All of this activity followed the successful data gathering
of orbiter plume data as Discovery performed many intricate
maneuvers in front of the IBSS so that engine firing data
could be collected.
Discovery is presently 48,000 feet, or nine miles behind the
satellite. Rendezvous operations are scheduled to begin
about an hour prior to the grapple of SPAS using the
orbiter's robot arm.
Discovery and crew continue to perform flawlessly, now half-
way through their eight day mission.
|
| 662.134 | On-Orbit OMS Burns | 2631::DAHL | Tom Dahl, CDMS | Thu May 02 1991 17:24 | 11 |
| RE: <<< Note 662.133 by PRAGMA::GRIFFIN "Dave Griffin" >>>
>Discovery will then fire its right OMS engine...
Does anyone know whether the OMS engines have been fired before to change the
shuttle's orbit (other than the OMS-1, OMS-2, and de-orbit burns of course)?
The OMS engines are relatively powerful; it's slightly surprising to me that
they're being used here. I can imagine the urgency to the "fast flip" maneuver
to re-allign the shuttle for a counter OMS burn to nullify the effect of the
first burn.
-- Tom
|
| 662.135 | | DECWIN::FISHER | "I am NOT a Merry Man"--Worf | Thu May 02 1991 17:57 | 7 |
| I'm reasonably sure they always use the OMS engines for any non-trivial manuvers.
For example during rendezvous with various things like wayward com satellites,
Solar Max, etc. They are powerful, but not THAT powerful. The deorbit burn is
on the order of minutes long, so they are not in immediate danger of dropping
out of orbit.
Burns
|
| 662.136 | MCC Status Reports #14 & 15 (Thursday evening, Friday morning) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri May 03 1991 13:01 | 77 |
| MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #14
7 p.m. CDT May 2, 1991
The Shuttle Pallet Satellite (SPAS) is back in Discovery's payload
bay after the successful completion of the rendezvous
operations.
Discovery's remote manipulator arm grappled the SPAS
carrying the Infrared Bavckground Signature Survey at 5:25
p.m. CDT. Shortly after, the arm maneuvered the SPAS
and berthed the satellite after 38 hours of deployed
operations.
Prior to the SPAS capture, the Infrared Background Signature
Survey observed the release of unsymmetric dimethyl
hydrazine from the second Chemical Release Observation
canister. CRO B was deployed from Discovery at 1:03 p.m.
CDT. Earlier today CRO C was deployed and released its
nitrogen tetroxide. Both chemicals are commonly used as
rocket propellants.
Currently, the Blue Team members, Greg Harbaugh, Don McMonagle
and Guy Bluford, are in the midst of their flight day six
activities. Those activities will consist primarily
of work with AFP-675 and predeploy checkout for the
IBSS remote manipulator system operations.
After analysis of the orbits of the two empty CRO
canisters, flight controllers have opted to wait to
perform height adjust maneuvers with the orbiter. The orbit
adjustment could be performed later in the mission if flight
requirements dictate.
Meanwhile, the Space Shuttle Discovery continues to perform very well.
MCC STATUS REPORT #15
5 a.m. May 3, 1991
The blue team aboard Discovery spent their sixth work shift
in space working with the Far Ultraviolet experiment, making
observations of the Earth, celestial targets, and a
phenomenon known as "shuttle glow," caused by the interaction
of atomic oxygen with the spacecraft.
In Mission Control, flight controllers spent much of the
night assessing tracking data from ground radar sites on the two
CRO subsatellites deployed from Discovery during the past
day and a half. Following those assessments, Discovery will
perform a series of two engine firings to raise its orbit
above that of the subsatellites and avoid any possiblity of
reentering their vicinity during the remainder of the
mission.
To allow for the best possible tracking assessment,
Discovery's altitude-gaining maneuvers were delayed several
hours, and the deployment of a third CRO subsatellite was
postponed until after the engine firings are completed.
Better tracking information is important to determine the
most fuel-efficient method of avoiding the deployed CRO
subsatellites. Fuel economy is extremely important on this
flight due to the mission's large number of engine firings
and the overall length of the flight.
The delay in deployment of the third CRO subsatellite has not
affected plans to conduct a third gas release observation of
that satellite later in the flight. Flight controllers now
anticipate deploy of that third subsatellite at a mission elapsed
time of 5/00:36 or around 7:10 a.m. CDT Friday. Also today, the
crew of Discovery is scheduled to again unberth the Shuttle
Pallet Satellite and Infrared Backgrond Signature Survey for a
series of scientific observations to be conducted with the
instrument while it is held on the end of Discovery's mechanical
arm.
|
| 662.137 | | 2631::DAHL | Tom Dahl, CDMS | Fri May 03 1991 17:24 | 7 |
| RE: <<< Note 662.135 by DECWIN::FISHER ""I am NOT a Merry Man"--Worf" >>>
>They are powerful, but not THAT powerful. The deorbit burn is
>on the order of minutes long...
That's true, I had forgotten the long burn times.
-- Tom
|
| 662.138 | MCC Status Report #16 (12:30 p.m. CDT May 3, 1991) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri May 03 1991 20:17 | 37 |
| MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #16
12:30 p.m. CDT May 3, 1991
Discovery's crew lifted the Shuttle Pallet Satellite out of
the payload bay to support the next phase of the STS-39
mission -- observations using the Infrared Background
Signature Survey instruments while attached to the robot arm.
Once in the observation attitude on the end of the arm,
observations of the Earth's limb and aurora continued as was
done while the SPAS was deployed from the Shuttle during the
last couple of days. Again good data was obtained using the
IBSS instruments with little or no problems encountered.
During the checkout of the IBSS equipment prior to the
unberth of the SPAS, the third and final Chemical Release
Observation (CRO-A) cannister was deployed from Discovery's
payload bay.
Later today, at about 5:00 p.m. CDT, 15 gallons of monomethyl
hydrazine rocket fuel will be released and observed by the
IBSS and the ground as the orbiter and cannister pass over
the Vandenberg AFB tracking site in California.
The deployment of the CRO was delayed while flight
controllers assessed the best possible tracking of the first
two empty CRO cannisters to ensure they were located a
sufficient from the orbiter prior to the two orbital
maneuvering system burns that raised Discovery's orbit to 139
nautical miles.
All systems aboard the orbiter continue to perform very well.
|
| 662.139 | | 8713::TAVARES | Stay low, keep moving | Mon May 06 1991 10:57 | 11 |
| Thanks to NASA select, I've really enjoyed this flight, even
though it has been relatively quiet. Last evening they showed
how the galley worked and rather impressed me with the
difficutly of working in space -- I somehow thought things were
easier in zero G.
What is that pot-bellied stove looking thing with the lights and
a digital clock that they spent long minutes filling the screen
with? Every time the announcer talked about it I was out of the
room or the kids were screaming. It must've been of great
significance to, I figure, about 12 people on this planet.
|
| 662.140 | DISCOVERY to land today | ADVAX::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Mon May 06 1991 11:31 | 81 |
| Article 1263
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Subject: Discovery crew packs for landing
Date: 6 May 91 12:56:48 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The Discovery astronauts were cleared
for a California landing Monday after launching a top-secret Pentagon
satellite to complete the final major objective of a successful ``Star
Wars'' research flight.
Air Force Col. John Armstrong, deputy mission director for the
Strategic Defense Initiative Organization, said researchers were
``absolutely elated with the overall success of this mission.''
With near-perfect weather expected, commander Michael Coats and co-
pilot Blaine Hammond were scheduled to fire Discovery's twin braking
rockets at 1:54 p.m. EDT Monday to drop the ship out of orbit for an
hourlong glide to touchdown at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., at 2:49
p.m. EDT, 11:49 a.m. local time.
``We've accomplished just about everything that we came into space
the last eight days to do, so I think the flight control team and the
crew are all ready to come back home,'' said flight director Robert
Kelso. ``ALl the payloads are buttoned up in the shuttle and ready to
come back home.''
Joining Navy Capt. Coats, 45, and Air Force Lt. Col. Hammond, 39,
aboard Discovery were Gregory Harbaugh, 35, Air Force Col. Guion
Bluford, 48, Richard Hieb, 35, Air Force Lt. Col. Donald McMonagle, 38,
and Charles Lacy Veach, 46.
The astronauts completed the final primary goal of the flight at 4:17
a.m. Monday when they launched a small, top-secret Pentagon satellite.
While the 40th shuttle mission was conducted on an unclassified basis,
details about a satellite were not revealed.
The shuttle crew took a moment Sunday to mark the 30th anniversary of
former astronaut Alan Shepard's pioneering launch aboard a one-man
Mercury capsule May 5, 1961, to become the first American in space.
``Thirty years ago, we were flying one man at a time,'' Coats radioed
mission control in Houston. ``Now, we're flying seven or more. We're all
wondering what it's going to be like 30 years from now, how many people
will be up here and in what kind of vehicle. Happy anniversary from the
(Discovery) crew.''
NASA Administrator Richard Truly said in a message, ``We should
remember that event and all the members of the NASA team that have
worked so hard to make 30 years of manned spaceflight possible. Your
flight is an extension of that great tradition.''
The astronauts worked through the day Sunday and into the night
wrapping up their Pentagon experiments to close out a 3.5 million-mile,
134-orbit mission to help Strategic Defense Initiative researchers learn
more about detecting enemy missiles in space.
One of three secondary experiments that were hot-wired Saturday in a
complex shuttle repair job shut itself off early Sunday because of an
unknown problem. Efforts to revive the instrument, an X-ray sensor built
to verify arms control treaties, were not successful.
The other two instruments, however, were able to complete their
planned observations and given the success of Discovery's two primary
payloads -- a $94 million ``Star Wars'' satellite and an infrared
telescope called CIRRIS -- NASA officials said the flight had
accomplished virtually all of its goals.
With Discovery's flight winding down, engineers at the Kennedy Space
Center are pressing on with work to ready the shuttle Columbia for
blastoff in just 17 days, on May 22. If the schedule holds up, NASA will
chalk up its third shuttle launch in just 47 days, beating a 1985 record
by a full week.
Columbia's four-man, three-woman crew flew to the Kennedy Space
Center on Sunday to review emergency procedures and to participate in
the final hours of a dress-rehearsal countdown Tuesday that will set the
stage for launch on the year's third shuttle flight.
But the Columbia crew will have a difficult time topping the
performance of Discovery's astronauts, who managed to accomplish
virtually all of the themission's major objectives despite one of the
most complex flight plans in shuttle history.
Coats and his six crewmates used the CIRRIS telescope during the
first two days of the mission to make more space-based observations of
Earth's shimmering auroras than had been accomplished in the history of
space flight.
The CIRRIS instrument also completed landmark observations of Earth's
atmosphere in research critical to SDI scientists who must design
sensors capble of spotting incoming missiles against a variety of
natural backdrops.
As for the appearance of such missiles, the astronauts launched the
``SPAS-2'' satellite Wednesday that was used to photograph a spectacular
series of shuttle rocket firings from up to 6 miles away.
|
| 662.141 | Status Report 19 - May 4 | ADVAX::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Mon May 06 1991 11:36 | 56 |
| Article 8026
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Mission Control Status Report for 05/04/91 [#19, 1130 CDT] (Forwarded)
Date: 6 May 91 01:07:19 GMT
Sender: [email protected] (USENET Administration)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #19
11:30 a.m. CDT -- May 4, 1991
Crew members aboard Discovery successfully performed a two
hour operation to bypass the experiment support structure
tape recorders and send data directly to the White Sands, NM
ground station in support of three secondary experiments
mounted on the Air Force Program-675 payload in the payload bay.
The procedure began just before 8 a.m. CDT and data was beginning
to be received and recorded at White Sands at about 10:15.
The procedure involved routing wires through a data tranfer
cable under the command and monitor panel on the aft flight
deck of Discovery and attaching a splice wire to the Ku-band
antenna system for direct transmission of the data from
several secondary payload experiments on the AFP-675.
The experiment data recovered is from the Uniformly Redundant
Array (URA) which studies sources of X-ray radiation; the
Horizon Ultraviolet Program (HUP) which measures spatial and
spectral characteristics of the Earth's horizon in the
ultraviolet wavelength; and the Quadrupole Ion-Neutral Mass
Spectrometer (QINMS) which collects data on the orbiter
environment, specifically levels of hydrogen, oxygen, water
vapor and other gases that may be present.
Before, during and after the in-flight maintenance (IFM)
procedure, data collection continued using the Infrared
Background Signature Survey satellite by maneuvering it to
various positions for observations of the Earth's horizon at
night, dawn and during the daytime.
IBSS also continued collecting data after being restowed in
Discovery's payload bay.
The IBSS also was used to observe three gas releases of Neon,
Xenon, Carbon Dioxde and Nitrous Oxide from the Critcal
Ionizaton Velocity experiment in the payload bay.
After berthing the shuttle pallet satellite (SPAS), the robot
arm was placed in its cradle and powered down for the
remainder of the flight.
All systems aboard Discovery continue to peform well with no
significant problems being worked by flight controllers.
|
| 662.142 | I'm glad they had the manual... | DECWIN::FISHER | "I am NOT a Merry Man"--Worf | Mon May 06 1991 13:24 | 4 |
| How would you like to reach behind the panels of this machine which is
keeping you alive and start clipping wires?
Burns
|
| 662.143 | DISCOVERY lands in Florida | ADVAX::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Mon May 06 1991 18:13 | 88 |
| Article 1268
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Subject: Discovery glides to smooth touchdown
Date: 6 May 91 19:05:41 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The shuttle Discovery plunged
across the heartland of America and glided to a rare Florida landing
Monday to close out a successful ``Star Wars'' flight after high winds
blocked a California touchdown.
Heralded by two shotgun-like sonic booms, commander Michael
Coats and co-pilot Blaine Hammond piloted Discovery through a sweeping
left overhead turn, guiding the ship to a flawless touchdown on the
Kennedy Space Center's 3-mile-long shuttle runway at 2:56 p.m. EDT.
``Houston, Discovery; wheels stopped,'' Coats radioed mission control
after bringing the 100-ton spaceplane to a halt, winding up only the
second Florida landing in six years.
``Roger, Discovery. Welcome back to sunny Florida and congratulations
on an outstanding mission,'' replied astronaut Kenneth Bowersox from
Houston.
Just a few miles away, the crew of the shuttle Columbia reviewed
emergency procedures at launch pad 39B during a dress-rehearsal
countdown that sets the stage for liftoff in just 16 days, on May 22, to
kick off a nine-day Spacelab astronomy mission. But all eyes were on
Discovery Monday.
Despite the last-minute change in landing sites, Air Force Col. John
Armstrong, deputy mission director for the Strategic Defense Initiative
Organization, said researchers were ``absolutely elated with the overall
success of this mission.''
Coats, 45, Hammond, 39, and their crewmates -- Gregory Harbaugh, 35,
Guion Bluford, 48, Richard Hieb, 35, Donald McMonagle, 38, and Charles
Lacy Veach, 46 -- planned to fly back to their homes in Houston later in
the day after brief medical exams and routine de-briefing.
The astronauts had planned to close out the 134-orbit, 3.5-million-
mile voyage with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California's
Mojave Desert. But unexpected high winds, and a forecast of more of the
same Tuesday, prompted flight director Lee Briscoe to divert the crew to
Florida instead.
Discovery's re-entry carried it over parts of Alaska and western
Canada before a steep, high-speed plunge over middle America to only the
seventh Florida touchdown in 40 flights, the second since April 19,
1985, when one of Discovery's landing gear tires blew out.
NASA currently is in the process of testing new carbon brakes
to make landings at the space center safer. The shuttle Atlantis made
a safe Florida landing last November after high winds blocked an
Edwards touchdown.
The goal of Discovery's eight-day flight was to learn how to detect
enemy missiles in space against a variety of natural backdrops including
Earth, it's atmosphere and the shimmering aurora, which can mask an
incoming rocket.
The crew also launched a $94.2 million ``SPAS-2'' satellite to
observe the appearance of repeated shuttle rocket firings that sent
Discovery cartwheeling through space in one of the most complicated
orbital ballets ever attempted.
The astronauts accomplished 32 of 33 planned primary
observations, 18 of 21 secondary observations and 41 of 44 category-3
experiments, a remarkable record for any shuttle flight but especially
so for Discovery's action-packed mission.
``It promises to be a giant step forward for tracking objects, for
our understanding of the aurural effects and how that might disguise any
observations,'' Armstrong said. ``It has tremendous potential.''
Instruments aboard SPAS-2 observed 15 shuttle rocket firings
from up to 6 1/2 miles away. SPAS-2 and other instruments completed
eight unprecedented auroral measurements, 15 atmospheric and Earth
observations and studied the appearance of seven rocket-related
chemicals that were released in space.
Along with making pioneering ultraviolet observations, the astronauts
also hot-wired three experiments that were derailed by faulty tape
recorders. Finally, the crew launched four satellites in addition to
SPAS-2, which was brought back to Earth aboard Discovery.
As Discovery's mission was winding up, engineers at nearby launch pad
39B at the Kennedy Space Center started a dress-rehearsal countdown Monday
for the shuttle Columbia, setting the stage for the year's third mission.
If the schedule holds up, Columbia's launch will mark NASA's
third in just 47 days, beating a record set in 1985 by a full week.
The ship's four-man, three-woman crew planned to strap in aboard the
shuttle early Tuesday for the final hours of the mock countdown.
Columbia's crew will be hard pressed to top the performance of
Discovery's seven astronauts, who accomplished virtually all of their
major objectives despite one of the most complicated flight plans in
shuttle history.
``We're all excited about not only the tremendous data that we've
helped collect for our customers on this flight, but also excited by the
performance of this flight crew and the flight control team,'' said
flight director Robert Kelso. ``In my judgment, this flight has pushed
out new limits for NASA, for what we can achieve for our customers in
the use of the shuttle program.''
|
| 662.144 | DISCOVERY landed "hot" at KSC | 25626::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Thu May 09 1991 10:42 | 69 |
| Article 1281
From: [email protected] (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Subject: Discovery's landing 'hot'
Date: 9 May 91 11:50:45 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The shuttle Discovery touched
down at a blistering 242 mph Monday -- one of the fastest landings on
record -- a scant 168 feet past the threshold of the Kennedy Space
Center's 3-mile-long runway, officials say.
The shuttle Atlantis landed some 600 feet short of its
California runway last month and given Discovery's safe but somewhat
off-balance touchdown Monday, the debate about when shuttles might be
cleared for routine Florida landings likely will intensify.
With commander Michael Coats and co-pilot Blaine Hammond at
the controls, the 210,800-pound Discovery's right-side main landing
gear tires hit the runway first with the left-side gear touching down
215 feet farther along. The shuttle's nose gear touched down 4,723
feet down the landing strip.
Discovery, diverted from a planned California landing because
of high winds, was descending at a routine 2 feet per second when it
landed at 242 mph, one of the fastest shuttle touchdowns on record.
After rolling 6,316 feet along the 3-mile-long runway, Coats
applied 37 million foot pounds of energy to the shuttle's right-side
brakes and another 30 million foot pounds to the left-hand landing
gear, bringing Discovery to a stop 9,152 feet down the runway, one of
the longest ``rollouts'' in shuttle history.
The somewhat off-balance landing resulted in unusual tire
damage, officials said. But a NASA spokesman said Wednesday the crew
was never in any danger of a blowout.
``The landing gear tires contain 16 plies of material,'' said
NASA spokesman Kyle Herring. ``Normally, a blowout or flat could not
occur unless at least eight or more were lost from a tire. The
right-hand main landing gear outboard tire was the most worn, losing
up to three plies of material.''
New , more durable tires made of synthetic rubber are
scheduled to debut later this year.
Discovery's landing marked only the seventh Florida shuttle
touchdown in 40 flights to date and only the second since April 1985
when the ship blew a tire during touchdown in a stiff crosswind.
Since then, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., has been the
shuttle program's prime landing site pending tests of new, beefed up
brakes and other landing systems intended to make touchdowns on
Florida's single runway safer.
Coats conducted a braking test during landing Monday as part of
that program, but whether it contributed to the tire damage was not known.
The shuttle Atlantis landed 600 feet short of a dry lakebed
runway threshold at Edwards April 11, primarily because of shifting
winds. The shuttle runway in Florida has 1,000 feet of load-bearing
``overrun'' at either end and had Coats landed as short as Atlantis,
the ship still would have been safe, officials said.
But landing problems are inherently easier to handle at
Edwards, where numerous dry lakebed runways are available. Given the
unusual nature of the last two shuttle touchdowns, debate about the
safety of using the Kennedy Space Center as the program's prime
landing site is sure to continue.
|
| 662.145 | STS-39 Update - May 8 | 25626::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Thu May 09 1991 10:43 | 28 |
| Article 8069
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 05/08/91 (Forwarded)
Date: 8 May 91 22:23:14 GMT
Sender: [email protected] (USENET Administration)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1991 - 11:30 AM
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Offloading of residual propellant from the fuel cell storage
tanks. (Certain areas are cleared for this operation.)
- Installing access platforms in various areas including the aft
compartment.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Opening of the payload bay doors Friday.
- Post flight inspections
- Replacement of thermal barriers between tiles on the orbiter's
belly. About twice as many fillers as usual will have to be re-
placed because of over-temperature conditions experienced during
this particular re-entry. Initial indications are that about 10
tiles will need to be replaced as a result of the over-
temperature conditions.
|
| 662.146 | VAX 6000 in space aboard Shuttle | 25626::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Thu May 23 1991 18:29 | 47 |
| VNS COMPUTER NEWS: [Tracy Talcott, VNS Computer Desk]
================== [Nashua, NH, USA ]
Digital - VAX in space aboard Discovery shuttle
{Livewire, Worldwide News, 6-May-91}
One of Digital's specially designed VAX computers was aboard the shuttle
Discovery as part of the NASA experiment to test the use of commercial
computer software technology in space. Orbiting the globe in the shuttle's
cargo bay was a militarized version of the VAX 6000 series computer technology
produced by Raytheon Co., a Digital licensee, to meet the rigors of space
travel as part of NASA's Data Systems Experiment (DSE). The DSE project, a
joint effort by Digital and NASA, supports a new initiative for the Space
Shuttle system under the "Hitchhiker" program. The experiment involved a
computer in space generating commands for a robotic system situated at the
Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
The successful tests verified that standard VAX commercial architecture and
standard commercial software, VMS and the ADA Language, can be used in the
harsh environment of space. "This could mean a tremendous cost savings by
eliminating the need for many custom written software programs," said Harvey
Weiss, vice president Government Systems.
The Mil-Spec computer was produced by Raytheon's Equipment Division and
delivered to NASA in October 1989. The computer is a Raytheon Model 860 VAX
computer presently being delivered to the military, but modified to resist the
rigors of space travel, such as the extreme forces of a rocket launch, the
vacuum of space and the temperature extremes of the intended application.
Future NASA projects such as the Space Station Freedom and the Mission to
Planet Earth Observation Satellites will use computer systems that can benefit
from the availability of commercial standard parts and software. The Data
Systems Experiment is one of the first steps to qualify the use of commercial
computer architectures and software in space.
---
Ada Language is a trademark of the Department of Defense.
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|
| 662.147 | Mission Highlights | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri May 31 1991 09:54 | 255 |
| STS-39 Mission Highlights
Space Shuttle Discovery
April 28 - May 6, 1991
Commander: Michael L. Coats, Capt., USN
Pilot: L. Blaine Hammond, Lt. Col., USAF
Mission Specialists:
Gregory J. Harbaugh
Donald R. McMonagle, Lt. Col., USAF
Guion S. Bluford, Col., USAF
C. Lacy Veach
Richard J. Hieb
Major Mission Accomplishments
% Conducted a wide range of experiments supporting the U.S. Air Force's
studies of upper atmospheric phenomena and the Strategic Defense Initiative
Organization's work in characterizing rocket engine exhaust plumes.
% Made the first rocket engine plume observations ever outside Earth's
atmosphere. (Sponsored by the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization.)
% Executed a record 35 firings of the orbital maneuvering and reaction
control systems.
% Conducted extensive studies of upper atmospheric aurora and airglow limb
emissions. (Sponsored by the USAF Systems Command-Space Systems Division.)
% Deployed three Chemical Release Observation (CRO) subsatellites for
simultaneous space and ground observations of gas releases. (Sponsored by
the USAF Systems Command-Space Systems Division.)
% Deployed a classified Multipurpose Experiment Canister. (Sponsored by the
USAF Space Systems Division.)
% Collected infrared, ultraviolet, and visible light data on auroras, solar
spectra, Earth airglow limb, and stellar objects to learn how better to
distinguish natural from human-made phenomena. (Sponsored by the Strategic
Defense Initiative Organization.)
% Took advantage of the high inclination of Discovery's orbit to take color
and infrared pictures of important Earth surface features and phenomena,
including Lake Baikal in the USSR, oil field fires in Kuwait, and the
devastating typhoon in the Indian Ocean.
% First Space Shuttle crew consisting of seven NASA astronauts.
With its touchdown at the Kennedy Space Center on May 6, 1991, the Space
Shuttle Discovery completed one of the most complicated shuttle flights to
date. STS-39 was an unclassified Department of Defense mission that sought
to enhance national security by gathering scientific data essential to the
development of advanced missile detection systems.
The seven-member crew of Discovery conducted a variety of sophisticated
experiments that included the deployment of five spacecraft (SPAS II/IBSS,
Multipurpose Experiment Canister, and three CRO) from the payload bay and
the retrieval of one of these spacecraft later. Because of their high
orbital inclination (57 degrees with respect to Earth's equator) they flew
directly over most major land masses on Earth and were able to take
extensive photos of Earth's resources. One of the major payloads on STS-39
was a cluster of experiments sponsored by the Strategic Defense Initiative
Organization and the Air Force Systems Command's Space Systems Division.
The Air Force Program-675 (AFP-675) payload consisted of five instruments
designed to observe targets--such as the atmosphere, aurora, and stars--in
infrared, far ultraviolet, and X-ray wavelengths. One of the most
important experiments in this cluster was CIRRIS (Cryogenic Infrared
Radiance Instrumentation for Shuttle). Using an infrared detector, which
required chilling with supercold liquid helium to achieve maximum
sensitivity, the CIRRIS instrument studied airglow and auroral emissions in
Earth's upper atmosphere to determine their characteristics in the infrared
region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Due to a faster than anticipated consumption of liquid helium coolant,
early completion of the CIRRIS experiment became a priority and resulted in
delaying the deployment of the SPAS II/IBSS spacecraft by 24 hours. During
the operation of CIRRIS, both STS-39 crew and scientists on the ground were
treated to spectacular and unusually intense auroral displays.
As Discovery passed through the aurora australis (southern lights) over the
South Atlantic Ocean, STS-39 commander Mike Coats reported, "It's just like
flying through a curtain of light." Understanding auroras is important,
because the radiations they produce can interfere with early missile
detection. As a result of the rescheduling and the efforts of the STS-39
crew, CIRRIS scientists were rewarded with 50 percent greater return of
data than they had planned.
Other experiments in the AFP-675 payload included the FAR Ultraviolet
Cameras (FAR UV), Uniformly Redundant Array (URA), Horizon Ultraviolet
Program (HUP), and the Quadrupole Ion-Neutral Mass Spectrometer (QINMS).
URA, HUP, and QINMS were adversely affected after about four hours of
operation on flight day one when two tape recorders gathering data failed.
In a convincing demonstration of the value of a human presence in orbit,
STS-39 crew members, through a complicated bypass repair operation,
successfully rerouted data from these instruments to an orbiter antenna.
The data were then transmitted directly to two Tracking Data Relay
Satellites for relay to the ground, fulfilling the objectives of those four
experiments.
On flight day four, Discovery's remote manipulator system arm was used by
the crew to grasp the SPAS II/IBSS spacecraft. The SPAS II (Shuttle Pallet
Satellite carrier) is a free-flying satellite that can provide support for
a variety of instruments and permit them to be independently flown in space
from the Space Shuttle. When lifted out of the payload bay, it can be
released to operate in orbit at varying distances from the Shuttle. At the
completion of its tasks, it is captured by the arm and replaced in the
payload bay for return to Earth.
On STS-39, the SPAS II spacecraft was a part of the IBSS (Infrared
Background Signature Survey) experiment sponsored by the Strategic Defense
Initiative Organization. Two scientific instruments were mounted on the
SPAS II; an infrared telescope and the Arizona Imaging Spectrometer (AIS).
The infrared telescope contained detectors for creating infrared images and
for spectral analysis. The AIS contained detectors capable of creating
images in the ultraviolet, infrared, and visible parts of the spectrum.
After its deployment on the SPAS II carrier spacecraft, the IBSS experiment
instruments were used to image and measure the spectral nature of rocket
exhaust plumes. Discovery was maneuvered away from IBSS to various
distances ranging from 2 to nearly 11 km. By firing Discovery's reaction
control engines and orbital maneuvering system engines while positioned in
a variety of different attitudes, these experiments permitted scientists to
compare known firing directions, burn durations, and chemical compositions
of Discovery's exhaust gases to the spectral data collected by the
instruments on the IBSS. Such data will aid future missile detection
systems to determine the trajectory of missiles more accurately.
In additional studies with the IBSS, measurements of chemical releases were
made. In one experiment, four different gases were released from containers
in the payload bay and observed by the IBSS sensors looking back at the
orbiter. These gases included xenon, neon, carbon dioxide, and nitrous
oxide. In addition, three small CRO subsatellite canisters carrying
various chemicals were ejected from Discovery's payload bay. After the
canisters had drifted to distances ranging from 50 to 95 km away from
Discovery, they each released short-lived clouds of chemical rocket fuels
and oxidizers. Simultaneous observations of these releases were made by
the IBSS in orbit and with Earth-based instruments at the Vandenburg Air
Force Base in California.
Observation of the third release was made following the SPAS II/IBSS
retrieval. SPASII/IBSS was raised above Discovery's payload bay at the end
of the remote manipulator system arm. A great many other observations were
made with the IBSS instrument in the free-flying mode, attached to the end
of the arm, and from within the payload bay. Included were studies of
Earth limb, aurora, orbiter environment, stars, and Shuttle glow.
During the mission, STS-39 crew members took advantage of their high view
of Earth to take many pictures that can be used by researchers in the study
of environmental problem areas. Astronauts photographed black smoke palls
from the oil field fires in Kuwait and smoke palls from fires in Central
America that had drifted as far north as Texas and as far east as Florida.
They observed, from above, the typhoon in the Indian Ocean's Bay of Bengal
that devastated Bangladesh and left more than 100,000 people dead. Over
the Soviet Union, crew members photographed Lake Baikal, which is of
interest to geologists because of its location in the northernmost part of
the area where the Indian continental plate is colliding with the Eurasian
plate.
Although the STS-39 mission experienced occasional instrument problems
during the flight, teamwork between the crew and mission control permitted
a high rate of data return and the accomplishment of virtually all mission
objectives.
The mission concluded with Discovery's landing at the Kennedy Space Center
in Florida when high crosswinds at the planned landing site in California
prohibited a safe landing there.
Crew Biographies
Commander: Michael L. Coats (Capt., USN). Michael Coats was born in
Sacramento, California but considers Riverside, California his hometown.
He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and earned a master of science
degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Post Graduate
School. Coats was a combat pilot in Southeast Asia and a test pilot before
joining NASA. He served as the pilot of the STS-41D mission and commander
of STS-29.
Pilot: L. Blaine Hammond, Jr. (Lt. Col., USAF). Blaine Hammond was born in
Savannah, Georgia and received a bachelor of science degree from the U.S.
Air Force Academy and a master of science degree from the Georgia Institute
of Technology. Before joining NASA, he was an Air Force pilot and a test
pilot instructor. This was his first flight on the Space Shuttle.
Mission Specialist: Gregory J. Harbaugh. Gregory Harbaugh was born in
Cleveland, Ohio but considers Willoughby, Ohio his hometown. He attended
Purdue University and received a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical
engineering. He also earned a master of science degree in physical
sciences from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Harbaugh served in
engineering and management positions at NASA before becoming an astronaut.
This was his first space flight.
Mission Specialist: Donald R. McMonagle (Lt. Col., USAF). Donald McMonagle
comes from Flint, Michigan and received a bachelor of science degree in
aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Academy and a master of science
degree in mechanical engineering from California State University-Fresno.
He has been an Air Force pilot and test pilot. This was his first space
flight.
Mission Specialist: Guion S. Bluford (Col., USAF). Guion Bluford was born
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and received a bachelor of science degree in
aerospace engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a master of
science degree in the same subject from the Air Force Institute of
Technology. He earned a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the Air
Force Institute of Technology and a master of business administration
degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Bluford has flown on the
STS-8 and STS 61-A missions.
Mission Specialist: C. Lacy Veach. Lacy Veach was born in Chicago, Illinois
but considers Honolulu, Hawaii his hometown. He earned a bachelor of
science degree in engineering management from the Air Force Academy. He has
been a fighter pilot and a member of the Thunderbirds Air Force
Demonstration Squadron. Veach joined NASA as an engineer and research pilot
before becoming an astronaut. This was his first space flight.
Mission Specialist: Richard J. Hieb. Richard Hieb was born in Jamestown,
North Dakota and earned a bachelor of arts degree in math and physics from
Northwest Nazarene College and a master of science degree in aerospace
engineering from the University of Colorado. Before becoming an astronaut,
he worked for NASA in mission control and specialized in rendezvous and
proximity operations.
Mission Facts
Orbiter: Discovery
Mission Dates: April 28-May 6, 1991
Commander: Michael L. Coats, Capt., USN
Pilot: L. Blaine Hammond, Lt. Col., USAF
Mission Specialist: Gregory J. Harbaugh
Mission Specialist: Donald R. McMonagle, Lt. Col., USAF
Mission Specialist: Guion S. Bluford, Col., USAF
Mission Specialist: C. Lacy Veach
Mission Specialist: Richard J. Hieb
Mission Duration: 8 days, 7 hours, 22 minutes
Distance Traveled: 5,594,750 km
Orbit Inclination: 57 degrees
Orbits of Earth: 134
Orbital Altitude: 260 km
Payload Weight Up: 5,102 kg
Orbiter Landing Weight: 96,045 kg
Landed: Kennedy Space Center
Payloads and Experiments:
AFP-675
SPAS-II/IBSS
Space Test Payload-1
Multi-Purpose Experiment Canister
Chemical Release Observation
Critical Ionization Velocity
Radiation Monitoring Experiment-III
Cloud Logic to Optimize the Use of Defense Systems
Educational Activities Educational videotaping
|