Conference 7.286::space

       KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, FEB. 18, 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to open the payload bay doors.
- Preparations to remove the tail cone.
- Preparations to power up the orbiter.
- Post-flight inspections and deservicing operations.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Orbiter returned from ferry flight on Sunday at 1:45 p.m.
- Towed the orbiter to the OPF yesterday.

WORK SCHEDULED:
- Removal of the International Microgravity Laboratory payload on
Sunday.

   KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, FEB. 20, 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Disconnecting the International  Microgravity  Laboratory  from
the orbiter.
- Post-flight inspections and deservicing operations.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Powered up the orbiter.
- Removed the tail cone.
- Opened the payload bay doors.

WORK SCHEDULED:
- Removal of the International Microgravity Laboratory payload on
Sunday.

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, MAR. 3, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Offloading residual fluids.
- Beginning of extensive structural inspections in the midbody.
WORK COMPLETED:
-  Removed the forward reaction control system and transferred it
to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility.
- Removed the heat shields from around the three main engines.

  KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, MAR. 5, 1992  11:30 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Offloading residual fluids.
- Extensive structural inspections in the midbody.

WORK SCHEDULED:
- Removal of the three main engines next week.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Drying operations for the main engines.
- Deserviced the water coolant loop No. 1.

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, MAR. 13, 1992  11 AM
 
 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
 
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Removal of the main engines.
- Extensive structural inspections.
 
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Removal of the left orbital maneuvering system pod next week.
 
WORK COMPLETED:
- Final power down of the orbiter for the modification period.
- Removed the right orbital maneuvering system pod yesterday.
- Removed the No. 2 main engine.
- Deserviced freon coolant loop No. 2.
 
 

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, MAR. 16, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Extensive structural inspections.
- Preparations to remove the left orbital maneuvering system pod.
- Deservicing of freon coolant loop No. 1.
- Inspecting the radiators.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Removed the main engines.
 

   KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, MAR. 18, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Extensive structural inspections.
- Inspecting the radiators.
- Orbiter modifications.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Removed the left orbital maneuvering system pod.
- Deserviced freon coolant loop No. 1.

	The crew list for STS 53 is as follows:

	- Commander: David Walker (3)
	- Pilot: Robert Cabana (2)
	- MS1: Guion Bluford (4)
	- MS2: James Voss (2)
	- MS3: Michael Clifford+


	David Walker is also returning to flight for the 3rd time after being
	grounded. Bluford is making his fourth flight, Cabana and Voss, their
	second and Clifford is a rookie. He is the first astronaut from the 
	Group 13 class of 1990 to fly.

	Susan

     KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, APR. 3, 1992  11 AM

          STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Extensive structural inspections using x-rays.
- Orbiter modifications.
- Modifications for the drag chute.

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, APR. 6, 1992  2:30 PM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Orbiter modifications.
- Modifications for the drag chute.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Structural inspections of the vehicle.


 

   KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, APR. 7, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Orbiter modifications.
- Installation of the drag chute.
- Preparations to install the radiators.

 

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, APR. 21, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Removal of the helium tanks for the main propulsion system.
- Removal of the PRSD tanks.
- Leak checks of the freon coolant loops.
- Orbiter modifications.
- Structural inspections.


 

  KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1992 -- 12:00 NOON
-----------------------------------------------------------------
 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Orbiter modifications
*  Freon coolant loop leak and decay checks

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Main propulsion system helium tank removal
*  Power reactant and Storage Distribution tank removal

 
      KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, MAY 1 1992  10 AM
 
 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
 
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Removal of the PRSD tanks.
- Leak checks of the freon coolant loops.
- Orbiter modifications.
- Structural inspections.
 
 

      KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1992 -- 12:00 NOON
  -----------------------------------------------------------------
 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Orbiter modifications
*  Freon coolant loop leak and decay checks
*  Window installations

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Power Reactant and Storage Distribution tank installation

   KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, MAY 19 1992  12:30 PM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to power up the orbiter this week.
- Installation of electronic boxes.
- Orbiter modifications.
- Vacuum drying the freon coolant loops.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Serviced freon coolant loop No. 2 with freon.

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, MAY 21 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to stow the radiators.
- Orbiter modifications.
- Leak checks of the freon coolant loops.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Powered up the orbiter yesterday - a milestone in the modifica-
tion period.
 

     KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, MAY 26 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Orbiter modifications.
- Leak checks of the freon coolant loops.
- Installation of thermal blankets and thermal barriers.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Functional test of the radiators.

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
-  Orbiter  systems testing including the main propulsion system,
communications and instrumentation system.
- Orbiter modifications and inspections.
- Servicing of the water coolant loop No. 2.
- Inspections of the payload bay door hinges.

     KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1992 -- 10:00 A.M.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Orbiter electrical system validations checks
*  Water spray boiler leak and functional tests
*  Freon coolant loop servicing

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Fuel cell single volt test

 KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992 -- 11:30 A.M.
-----------------------------------------------------------------


 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Orbiter electrical system validations checks
*  Water spray boiler leak and functional tests

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Freon coolant loop servicing (complete to date)
*  Fuel cell single volt test

KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992 -- 10:30 A.M.
-----------------------------------------------------------------


 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Orbiter electrical system validations checks
*  Water spray boiler leak and functional tests
*  Main propulsion system leak and functional test
*  Power Reactant and Storage Distribution system tests

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Freon coolant loop servicing (complete to date)
*  Auxiliary Power Unit lube oil and hot oil flush

 

 KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1992 -- 10:30 A.M.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Orbiter electrical system validations checks
*  Water spray boiler leak and functional tests
*  Main propulsion system leak and functional test
*  Power Reactant and Storage Distribution system tests

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Freon coolant loop servicing (complete to date)
*  Auxiliary Power Unit lube oil and hot oil flush
*  Payload bay door strongback installation

WORK SCHEDULED:
*  Open payload bay doors later tonight

KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992 -- 10:30 A.M.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Orbiter electrical system validations checks
*  Water spray boiler leak and functional tests

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Power Reactant and Storage Distribution system tests
*  Freon coolant loop servicing (complete to date)
*  Payload bay doors opened



 

KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992 -- 10:30 A.M.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Power Reactant and Storage Distribution system tests
*  Orbiter electrical system validations checks
*  Water spray boiler leak and functional tests
*  Auxiliary Power Unit hot oil flush
*  Main propulsion system leak and functional tests

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Freon coolant loop servicing (complete to date)
*  Payload bay doors opened

KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992 -- 10:30 A.M.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Power Reactant and Storage Distribution system tests
*  Orbiter electrical system validations checks
*  Water spray boiler leak and functional tests
*  Auxiliary Power Unit hot oil flush
*  Main propulsion system leak and functional tests

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Freon coolant loop servicing (complete to date)
*  Payload bay doors opened



 

 KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992 -- 10:30 A.M.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Power Reactant and Storage Distribution system checks
*  Orbiter electrical system validations tests
*  Water spray boiler leak and functional tests
*  Auxiliary Power Unit hot oil flush
*  Main propulsion system leak and functional checks

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Freon coolant loop servicing (complete to date)
*  Payload bay doors opened

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Leak and functional tests of the water spray boilers.
- Inspections of the main propulsion system.
- Connecting auxiliary power unit. No. 3.
- Flushing the ammonia system.

KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992 -- 9:30 A.M.
-----------------------------------------------------------------


 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Power Reactant and Storage Distribution system tests
*  Main propulsion system leak and functional checks
*  Installation of onboard helium tanks
*  Structural corrosion inspections

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Delivery of Orbital Maneuvering System pod to OPF

WORK SCHEDULED:
*  Orbital Maneuvering System pod installation tonight
 

 KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1992 -- 9:30 A.M.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Mechanical and electrical mates of Orbital Maneuvering System
   pod to orbiter
*  Main propulsion system leak and functional checks
*  Installation of onboard helium tanks
*  Installation of hydraulic lines and equipment
*  Structural corrosion inspections

WORK COMPLETED:
*  OMS pod delivery to OPF
*  Elevon cove and flipper door closeouts

     KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, JULY 6, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to install the right OMS pod next week.
- Tests of the Ku-band antenna.
- Inspections of the main propulsion system.
- Flushing the ammonia system.

                     EXTERNAL TANK - STS-53

     The   external  tank  designated  for  Discovery's  upcoming
flight,  Mission STS-53,  is scheduled to arrive  at  KSC's  turn
basin tomorrow.  Workers will transfer the tank from the barge to
the Vehicle Assembly Building for storage and testing.

     KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
-  Preparations  to  install  the left orbital maneuvering system
(OMS) pod.
- Leak and functional tests of the main propulsion system.
- Filling and bleeding of the hydraulic system.
- Testing of the right OMS pod.

   KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Leak checks of the auxiliary power unit system.
- Preparations to install the  left  orbital  maneuvering  system
(OMS) pod.
- Leak and functional tests of the main propulsion system.
- Filling and bleeding of the hydraulic system.
- Testing of the right OMS pod.

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Tests of the waste containment system.
- Leak checks of the auxiliary power unit system.
- Preparations to install the  left  orbital  maneuvering  system
(OMS) pod.
- Leak and functional tests of the main propulsion system.
- Filling and bleeding of the hydraulic system.

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Tests of the forward reaction control system and the left orbi-
tal  maneuvering  system  pod  at  the   Hypergolic   Maintenance
Facility.
- Leak checks of the auxiliary power unit system.
-  Preparations  to  install  the left orbital maneuvering system
(OMS) pod.
- Leak and functional tests of the main propulsion system.
- Hydraulic system testing.
- Leak checks of the galley.
- Painting areas of the midbody.

WORK SCHEDULED:
- Installation of the left OMS pod on Thursday.




 

   KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
-  Preparations  to  install  the left orbital maneuvering system
pod.
- Leak and functional tests of the main propulsion system.
- Hydraulic system testing.
- Painting areas of the midbody.


WORK COMPLETED:
- Tests of the power reactant storage and distribution system.
- Leak checks of the galley.

Article: 1547
Newsgroups: sci.space.news
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Subject: Shuttle Status for 07/24/92 (Forwarded)
Sender: [email protected]
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1992 01:10:37 GMT
 
              KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1992  10 AM
 
                     STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
 
          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          -  Preparations to install the left orbital maneuvering system pod.
          - Leak and functional tests of the main propulsion system.
          - Filling and bleeding of the hydraulic system testing.
          - Painting areas of the midbody.
          - Leak and functional tests of the auxiliary power units.
 
          WORK SCHEDULED:
          - Installation of the left orbital maneuvering  system  pod  this
          weekend.
          - Installation of the three main engines begins on Monday.
 

Article: 1569
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.news
Subject: Shuttle Status for 07/27/92 (Forwarded)
Date: 29 Jul 92 19:13:55 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
 
              KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, JULY 27, 1992  10 AM
 
                     STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
 
          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Installing main engine number 1.
          - Final connections of the left orbital maneuvering system pod.
          - Filling and bleeding of the hydraulic system.
          - Leak and functional tests of the auxiliary power units.
 
          WORK COMPLETED:
          -  Installed  the left orbital maneuvering system pod this Saturday.
          - Deserviced the freon coolant loops.


Article: 1572
From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.news
Subject: Shuttle Status for 07/29/92 (Forwarded)
Date: 29 Jul 92 19:14:29 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
 
             KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 1992  10 AM
 
                     STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
 
          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Connections of the main engines.
          - Preparations to install heat shields around the engines.
          - Tests of a thruster on the left orbital maneuvering system pod.
          - Preparations to install the forward reaction control system.
          - Filling and bleeding of the hydraulic system.
          - Leak and functional tests of the auxiliary power units.
 
          WORK COMPLETED:
          - Installed the three main engines.
 
          WORK SCHEDULED:
          - Installation of the forward reaction control system.

     KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, AUG. 3 1992  10 AM
 
 
 
          STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
 
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to close the payload bay doors.
- Close outs of the vehicle.
- Preparations to move to the VAB.
 
WORK COMPLETED:
-  Installed  and electrically mated the forward reaction control
system.
- Removed the left orbital maneuvering system pod.  The pod  will
be  transferred to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility to perform
work on a faulty connector.
 
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Transfer the orbiter to the VAB high  bay  2  on  Thursday  for
about  10  days  to  make room for Atlantis' end of mission check
out. Discovery will move into OPF bay 3 after Endeavour is trans-
ferred to the VAB later this month.

     KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, AUG. 4 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to close the payload bay doors.
- Close outs of the vehicle.
- Preparations to move to the VAB.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Transferred the left orbital maneuvering system pod to the  Hy-
pergolic Maintenance Facility to perform work on a faulty connec-
tor.
- Installed the roll-around tires.

WORK SCHEDULED:
-  Transfer  the  orbiter  to  the VAB high bay 2 on Thursday for
about 10 days to make room for Atlantis'  end  of  mission  check
out. Discovery will move into OPF bay 3 after Endeavour is trans-
ferred to the VAB later this month.




 

      KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, AUG. 6 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to move to the VAB.
- Disconnecting the T zero umbilicals from facility hookups.
- Removing platforms from the aft compartment.
- Functional test of the crew cabin hatch.
- Close outs of the vehicle.


WORK COMPLETED:
- Closed payload bay doors yesterday afternoon.

WORK SCHEDULED:
- Transfer the orbiter to the VAB high bay  2  when  the  deorbit
  burn occurs for Atlantis to land in Florida. This will free bay 2
  for  necessary  post-flight  deservicing  operations on Atlantis.
  Discovery will remain in the VAB until Endeavour  is  transferred
  from bay 3 to the VAB later this month.

     KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, AUG. 10 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Gaining access to the wings  to  perform  structural  modifica-
tions.

WORK COMPLETED:
-  Transferred  the orbiter to VAB high bay 2 Saturday morning to
make room for Atlantis which just  returned  from  space  flight.
Discovery  will  remain in the VAB until Endeavour is transferred
from bay 3 to the VAB later this month.



 

      KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, AUG. 18, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Gaining access to the vehicle.
- Preparations to open the payload bay doors.
- Preparations to power up the vehicle.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Discovery was transferred from the VAB to OPF bay  3  yesterday
by 10 a.m. for continued work toward the STS-53 mission.

 

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, AUG. 24, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Connections of the left orbital maneuvering system pod.
- Integrated testing the main propulsion system.
- Tests of the Microwave Scanning Beam Landing System.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Installed the left OMS pod this weekend.

 

       KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26, 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Installing the main landing gear tires.
- Preparations to service freon coolant loop No. 2.
- Tests of the left orbital maneuvering system pod.
- Integrated testing the main propulsion system.
- Preparations for the CEIT test this weekend.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Installed the nose landing gear tires.
- Installed the brakes.


 

       KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, AUG. 28, 1992  11 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Installing heat shields around the main engines.
- Outfitting the crew module for flight.
- Tests of the left orbital maneuvering system pod.
- Integrated testing the main propulsion system.
- Preparations for the CEIT test this weekend.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Serviced freon coolant loop No. 2.



 

KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 1992 -- 12:30 P.M.
 --------------------------------------------------------------

 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Raise main landing gear for tile work
*  Crew module leak checks
*  Deservicing freon coolant loop #1

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Crew Equipment Interface Test

 

 KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY, SEPT. 1, 1992 -- 10:00 A.M.
 --------------------------------------------------------------

 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Deservicing freon coolant loop #1
*  Hydraulic line fill and bleed operations

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Crew module leak checks
*  Crew Equipment Interface Test
*  Raise main landing gear for tile work


 

      KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2, 1992 -- 10:00 A.M.
        --------------------------------------------------------------

 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Deservicing freon coolant loop #1
*  Hydraulic line fill and bleed operations
*  Main propulsion system leak checks
*  Auxiliary Power Unit leak checks
*  Cabin vent valve replacement

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Crew Equipment Interface Test
*  Crew module leak checks


 

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 1992  11 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Leak and functional tests of the auxiliary power units.
- Installation of the drag chute.
- Integrated testing the main propulsion system.
- Testing of the Ku-band antenna.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Leak tests of the crew module.



 

KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 1992 -- 10:00 A.M.
 --------------------------------------------------------------

 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Deservicing freon coolant loop #1
*  Payload interface verification tests
*  KU band testing

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Drag chute electrical connections
*  Main propulsion system leak checks

WORK SCHEDULED:
*  Auxiliary Power Unit leak and functional checks

 

   KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Electrical redundancy testing of the orbital maneuvering system
and reaction control system.
- Leak and functional tests of the auxiliary power units.
- Integrated testing the main propulsion system.
- Testing of the Ku-band antenna.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Installed the drag chute door.


 

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Electrical redundancy testing of the orbital maneuvering system
and reaction control system.
- Leak and functional tests of the auxiliary power units.
- Integrated testing the main propulsion system.
- Testing of the Ku-band antenna.

   ##     STS-53 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB HIGH BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Stacking the left aft booster on the mobile launcher platform.

 
       MODIFICATION PERIOD - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Installing auxiliary power unit simulators.)          - Preparations to
deserv
ice

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 1992  11 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to remove the left orbital maneuvering system  pod
for  repairs  of  an  oxidizer  isolation valve.  The pod will be
transferred to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility where  repairs
will be made.
- Servicing of the potable water.
- Testing of the Ku-band antenna.
- Replacement of a regulator for a water spray boiler.

   ##     STS-53 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB HIGH BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
-  Stacking  the  right  aft  center  booster  segment  on mobile
launcher platform No. 1.

 

   KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16, 1992  11 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
-  Preparations  to  remove  the  left orbital maneuvering system
(OMS) pod for repairs of an oxidizer  isolation  valve.  The  pod
will  be transferred to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility where
repairs will be made.
- Tests of the Ku-band antenna.
- Electrical redundancy tests of the  OMS  and  reaction  control
systems.
- Leak and functional tests of the ammonia system.
- Preparations to connect the auxiliary power unit lines.
- Servicing of freon coolant loop No. 1.
- Servicing of the potable water.

   STS-53 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/ MLP-1 - VAB HIGH BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
-  Connecting  the  right  forward  center booster segment to the
right booster.

 

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, SEPT. 21, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to remove  the  left  orbital  maneuvering  system
(OMS)  pod  for  repairs of an oxidizer isolation valve.  The pod
will be transferred to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility  where
repairs will be made.
- Pressurizing the landing gear struts for flight.
- Installing the main landing gear wheels and tires.
- Leak checks of the liquid hydrogen main propulsion system.


   STS-53 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/ MLP-1 - VAB HIGH BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Destacking the right forward booster  from  the  right  forward
center  segment.  A  leak  at this joint was revealed last Friday
during tests. The o-ring will be replaced.

WORK SCHEDULED:
- Attaching the right forward/nose  cone  segment  to  the  right
booster.
 
 

  KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23, 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Servicing the potable water system.
- Leak checks of the liquid hydrogen main propulsion system.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Transferred the left orbital maneuvering system  (OMS)  pod  to
the  Hypergolic  Maintenance  Facility for repairs of an oxidizer
isolation valve.

    STS-53 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/ MLP-1 - VAB HIGH BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Destacking the right forward center segment from the right  aft
center  segment.  A  pinhole leak was revealed last Friday during
leak testing of the field joint.  The joint area,  including  the
three  o-rings,  will  be  thoroughly  inspected and evaluated to
determine the cause of the leak.  All three  o-rings will be  re-
placed, a routine procedure when solid segments are demated.

     The  STS-53 mission is currently targeted for a mid-November
launch.  The impact of the destacking and o-ring  replacement  on
the target launch date, if any, is still being assessed.


 

   KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, SEPT. 24, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Connecting auxiliary power unit fuel tank lines.
- Servicing the potable water system.
- Leak checks of the liquid hydrogen main propulsion system.
- Draining ammonia from the ammonia system.
- Close outs of the body flap.



    STS-53 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/ MLP-1 - VAB HIGH BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Inspections of the demated segments on the right booster.  Pre-
mating operations will follow.


WORK COMPLETED:
- Destacked the right forward center segment from the  right  aft
center segment.  Inspections and pre-mate operations are underway
of both segments.

     Officials determined that a section of the  rubber  V-filler
was  the  cause  of  a pinhole leak that was revealed last Friday
during routine leak testing.

     The rubber V sections will be replaced along with all  three
o-rings  before  remating  the  segments.  After the segments are
mated,  a leak check will be performed to  ensure  there  are  no
leaks.

     The  STS-53 mission is currently targeted for a mid-November
launch.  The impact of the destacking on the target launch  date,
if any, is still being assessed.


         ***** STS-53 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTER UPDATE *****

9/23/92
2 p.m.


     In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 3,  workers  began
demating  the two booster segments designated for the STS-53 mis-
sion last night.  When  the  right  forward  center  segment  was
demated  from  the right aft center segment this morning,  a one-
inch piece of one of the V-2 filler sections  was  found  pinched
between the tang and clevis.

     Officials  have  determined  that this V-2 filler caused the
leak that was detected last Friday.  Today's  inspection  of  the
three o-rings proved they were intact and undisturbed. No foreign
debris or contamination was present in the joint.

     There  are  8  sections  of the V-2 filler sections that are
held in position with grease  and  are  press-fitted  into  place
within  the joint.  The rubber V-2 filler sections are about four
feet long, about a half inch wide and "U" shaped.

     The right forward center segment has been lowered down  into
the transfer aisle.  Both joints are being cleaned, inspected and
prepared for re-mate. New o-rings and V-2 filler sections will be
installed.  A leak check of the joint will be performed after the
segments have been remated.

     The  STS-53 mission is currently targeted for a mid-November
launch.  Impact of the destacking activities on the target launch
date, if any, is still being assessed.


 

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, SEPT. 25, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Connecting auxiliary power unit fuel tank lines.
- Servicing the potable water system.
- Leak checks of the liquid hydrogen main propulsion system.
- Preparations to replace a relief valve in the ammonia system.
- Inspections of the main propulsion system solenoid valves.


    STS-53 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/ MLP-1 - VAB HIGH BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
-  Lifting  the  right forward center segment to the high bay for
mate to the right aft center segment.  The two segments  are  ex-
pected to be re-mated by tomorrow and a leak check will follow.

     The  STS-53 mission is currently targeted for a mid-November
launch.  The impact of the destacking on the target launch  date,
if any, is still being assessed.

 

          KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, SEPT. 28, 1992  10 AM


 
      STS-53 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/ MLP-1 - VAB HIGH BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Transfer of the right forward segment to VAB for mate.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Successfully mated the right  forward  center  segment  to  the
right  aft  center segment.  A successful leak check of the field
joint was conducted yesterday.

  

       KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY, SEPT. 29, 1992 -- 10:00 A.M.
        --------------------------------------------------------------

 
         STS-53/DOD  -  DISCOVERY (0V 103) -- OPF Bay 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
*  Checks on right hand Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod
*  Body flap closeouts
*  Transport to VAB right forward SRB segment for stacking

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Auxiliary Power Unit lube oil pressurization

WORK SCHEDULED:
*  Install left hand OMS pod tonight


 

        KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30, 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Electrically connecting the  left  orbital  maneuvering  system (OMS) pod.
- Check out of the body flap.
- Tests of the waste collection system.
- Tests of the flight control system.
- Purging the main propulsion helium system.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Installed the left orbital maneuvering system pod.


  STS-53 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/ MLP-1 - VAB HIGH BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Attaching the right forward segment to booster.

WORK SCHEDULED:
- Preparing the right forward assembly/nose cone for mate.

 
 

   KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, OCT. 1, 1992  10 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Interface verification testing of the left orbital  maneuvering system (OMS)
pod.
- Check out of the body flap.
- Tests of the waste collection system.
- Tests of the flight control system.
- Communications testing.
- Final payload bay cleaning.

   STS-53 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/ MLP-1 - VAB HIGH BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Attaching the right forward assembly/nose cone to booster.
- Joint close outs.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Successfully mated the right forward center segment last night.

WORK SCHEDULED:
- Preparing the left aft center segment for mating  to  the  left booster.


 

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, OCT. 5, 1992  11 AM


 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Leak checks of the auxiliary power units.
- Brake anti-skid test.
- Functional test of the landing gear.
- Tests of the main propulsion system.
- Final payload bay cleaning.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Replaced a thruster on the  right  orbital  maneuvering  system
pod.

  STS-53 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/ MLP-1 - VAB HIGH BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Mating the left forward center segment to the left booster.
- Joint close outs.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Mated the left aft center segment to the left booster.


 

               SPACE SHUTTLE WEEKLY STATUS SUMMARY
               Friday, October 9, 1992

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center


 
                       STS-53

Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery/OV-103
Location: OPF Bay 3
Mission: STS-53 DoD
Launch timeframe: November, wk 3
Mission duration: 6 days
Landing Site: KSC


IN WORK:

- Auxilary power unit leak checks
- Left OMS pod installation
- Test cycle right payload bay door
- Preparations in the VAB for ET/SRB mate on Tuesday
- Solid rocket booster joint closeouts in the VAB


STS-53 WORK COMPLETED:

- Solid rocket booster stacking in the VAB
- Hydrogen and Oxygen deliverd to Pad A storage spheres
- Ammonia boiler servicing
- Water spray boiler servicing
- Potable water servicing
- Potable water loop leak checks


WORK SCHEDULED:

- Preparations for APU thruster changeout on Sunday
- Hydraulic system testing
- OMS electrical redundancy testing
- OMS pod leak checks
- Load mass memory units
- Aft structural leak checks
- Orbiter positive pressure checks
- Position flight control surfaces for rollover to VAB
- Rollover to VAB and mate to ET/SRB stack on 10/20


 

               SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
               Thursday, October 15, 1992

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center

 
                                STS-53

ISSUES AND CONCERNS:

Discovery/OPF Bay 3

     Testing indicates a power bus within a signal conditioner
has failed on Discovery's left OMS pod.  There are  two busses
within each signal conditioner, and there are two signal
conditioners on each pod.  While the signal conditioner does not
affect the performance of the pod, it provides half of the
instrumentation data available from the pod.  Should the second
power bus which does work fail in flight, half of the
instrumentation on the pod could not be monitored, leaving flight
controllers without data.

     The signal conditioner cannot be replaced while the  pod is
on the orbiter. A final test confirming the failure is planned
before a decision is made to remove the pod.  However, should
this course of action be adopted,  a schedule impact of more than
a few days is possible.

     Whether to replace the pod with another, or whether to
remove the pod and replace the signal conditioner at the orbiter
processing facility, and the schedule impact of each, is under
discussion should the failure be confirmed.

               SPACE SHUTTLE WEEKLY STATUS SUMMARY
               Friday, October 16, 1992


George Diller/Mitch Varnes
Kennedy Space Center

 
                              STS-53

Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery/OV-103
Location: OPF Bay 3
Mission: STS-53 DoD
Launch timeframe: November, wk 3
Mission duration: 6 days
Landing Site: KSC


IN WORK:

- Vibration testing
- Nose wheel steering test
- Auxiliary power unit closeouts
- Left OMS Pod electrical troubleshooting
- IUS/TDRS End-to-End communications test in the VPF
- Aft section closeouts


STS-53 WORK COMPLETED:


- Solid rocket booster stacking in the VAB
- ET/SRB mate
- IUS/TDRS Interface Verification Test


WORK SCHEDULED:

- Disconnect left hand orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod
  crossfeed lines on Monday
- Remove and inspect left hand OMS pod on Tuesday

- Replace lefthand OMS pod on Thursday (a decision has not yet
been made on whether to repair and use pod now on Discovery or to
use another pod now at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility)

 

               SPACE SHUTTLE WEEKLY STATUS SUMMARY
                  Friday, October 23, 1992

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center
407/867-2468

 
                            STS-53

Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery/OV-103
Location: OPF Bay 3
Mission: STS-53 DoD
Launch timeframe: TBD
Mission duration: 1 week
Landing Site: KSC


STS-53 IN WORK:

- Left OMS pod electrical hookups
- Aft compartment closeouts
- Nose wheel hydraulic actuator trouble shooting
- Galley water supply functional testing
- Solid rocket booster joint leak checks in the VAB


STS-53 WORK COMPLETED:

- Left OMS pod changeout
- Galley water tank installation
- Vibration testing


STS-53 WORK SCHEDULED:
- Left OMS pod electrical IVT
- Left OMS pod leak check
- Left OMS pod functional test
- Nosewheel steering retest
- Aft compartment positive pressure check
- Orbiter positive pressure check
- Crew module closeouts
- Weight and Center of Gravity determination

STS-53 SPECIAL TOPICS:

Rollover of Discovery to the VAB is targeted for November 1.
While a new launch date has not yet been established, it has been
decided by NASA managers that there will not be an attempt to
launch during the week of Thanksgiving.


 

    KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, OCT. 26, 1992  10 AM

 
           STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 3

WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Tests of the nose wheel steering system.
- Closing out the aft compartment.
- Close outs of the left orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod.

WORK COMPLETED:
- Functional test of the galley.
- Inspections of the left OMS pod thrusters.
- Prepared the main propulsion system and the  main  engines  for
transfer to the VAB.

WORK SCHEDULED:
- Roll to the VAB targeted for Nov. 1.

 

             KSC SHUTTLE STATUS 10/27/92

 
                   STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Orbiter Discovery
Location: OPF Bay 3
Mission: STS-53/DoD
Launch timeframe: December, wk 1
Mission duration: 1 week
Landing Site: KSC

IN WORK:

- Left OMS Pod closeouts
- Aft main engine compartment closeouts
- Nose wheel steering hydraulic trouble shooting
- Thermal protection system closeouts
- Crew module closeouts


WORK SCHEDULED:

- Aft compartment positive pressure check
- Orbiter positive pressure check
- Nosewheel steering retest
- Weight and center of gravity determination
- Rollover to the VAB on Sunday, Nov. 1


WORK COMPLETED:

- Left OMS Pod functional test
- Left OMS Pod structural leak check
- Left OMS Pod electrical checks
- Galley functional test

                      SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                      Wednesday, October 28, 1992

 
                                STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Orbiter Discovery
Location: OPF Bay 3
Mission: STS-53/DoD
Launch timeframe: December, wk 1
Mission duration: 1 week
Landing Site: KSC

IN WORK:

- Left OMS Pod leak check
- Aft main engine compartment closeouts
- Aft main engine compartment positive pressure check (tonight)
- Nose wheel steering hydraulic trouble shooting
- Wheel well inspections
- Thermal protection system closeouts


WORK SCHEDULED:

- Orbiter positive pressure check
- Nosewheel steering retest
- Cockpit CRT #1 remove and replace
- Weight and center of gravity determination
- Rollover to the VAB on Sunday morning, Nov. 1


WORK COMPLETED:

- Left OMS Pod functional test
- Left OMS Pod electrical checks

                      SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                      Thursday, October 29, 1992

 
                              STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Orbiter Discovery
Location: OPF Bay 3
Mission: STS-53/DoD
Launch timeframe: December, wk 1
Mission duration: 1 week
Landing Site: KSC

IN WORK:

- Left OMS pod closeout
- Orbiter positive pressure check
- Aft main engine compartment closeouts
- Aft main engine compartment leak check (tonight)
- Top off tire pressures
- Thermal protection system closeouts
- Cockpit CRT #1 retest


WORK SCHEDULED:

- Crew compartment closeouts on Friday
- Weight and center of gravity determination on Friday
- Install on orbiter transporter on Saturday
- Rollover to the VAB on Sunday morning, Nov. 1
- Mate to external tank/solid rocket boosters Nov. 1
- Rollout to Pad 39-A on Friday, Nov. 6


WORK COMPLETED:

- Nose wheel steering troubleshooting and retest
- Cockpit CRT #1 remove and replace
- Left OMS Pod structural leak check

              SPACE SHUTTLE WEEKLY STATUS SUMMARY
                    Friday, October 30, 1992

 
                          STS-53

Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery/OV-103
Location: OPF Bay 3
Mission: STS-53 DoD
Launch timeframe: Dec. wk 1
Mission duration: 7 days
Landing Site: KSC


STS-53 IN WORK:

- Aft main engine compartment leak check
- Crew compartment closeouts
- Thermal protection system closeouts
- Nose wheel steering troubleshooting


STS-53 WORK COMPLETED:

- orbiter composite pressure check
- aft main engine compartment closeouts
- Left OMS pod closeouts
- Tire pressure checks and topoff


STS-53 WORK SCHEDULED:

- Nosewheel steering retest
- Weight and center of gravity determination
- Install orbiter on transporter
- Rollover to VAB no earlier than Monday.


ISSUES AND CONCERNS: During a retest of the nosewheel steering
system yesterday an intermittent erratic control anomaly
reappeared. Contingency time will be used to allow further
troubleshooting.


 

The press kit for STS-53 is available:

   pragma::public:[nasa]sts-53.ps


12 pages.   (Primary payload is classified, so they don't have much to chat
             about).


Other than the mission patch, no other editing is planned.


- dave

                                SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                                 Tuesday, November 3, 1992

 
                                      STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Orbiter Discovery
Location: Vehicle Assembly Building (transfer isle)
Mission: STS-53/DoD
Launch timeframe: December, wk 1
Mission duration: 7 days
Landing Site: KSC


IN WORK TODAY:
- attachment of lifting sling
- mating to external tank/solid rocket booster stack in Bay 3


WORK SCHEDULED:

- establish electrical connections on Wednesday
- begin Shuttle Interface Test on Thursday
- rollout to Pad 39-A on Sunday Nov. 8 at 12:30 a.m.
- countdown dress rehearsal (TCDT) Nov. 12-13


WORK COMPLETED:

- mate to orbiter transporter
- rollover to the VAB transfer isle  (first motion 8:15 a.m.)

                     SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                      Wednesday, November 4, 1992

 
                             STS-53
George Diller
Kennedy Space Center

Vehicle: OV-103/Orbiter Discovery
Location: Vehicle Assembly Building (High Bay 3)
Mission: STS-53/DoD
Launch timeframe: December, wk 1
Mission duration: 7 days
Landing Site: KSC


IN WORK TODAY:

- remove lifting sling
- establish electrical connections between Discovery and stack
- preparations for Shuttle Interface Test (SIT)


WORK SCHEDULED:

- Shuttle Interface Test (mechanical) on Thursday
- Shuttle Interface Test (electrical) on Friday
- remove access platforms, position crawler transporter Saturday
- rollout to Pad 39-A on Sunday Nov. 8 at 12:01 a.m.
- countdown dress rehearsal (TCDT) Nov. 12-13


WORK COMPLETED:

- hard mating to external tank/solid rocket booster stack
- rollover to the VAB transfer aisle (8:15 a.m. Tuesday)

                   SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                    Thursday, November 5, 1992

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center

 
                         STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Orbiter Discovery
Current Location: Vehicle Assembly Building (High Bay 3)
Mission: STS-53/DoD   Inclination: 57 degrees
Launch timeframe: December, wk 1   Landing Site: KSC
Mission duration: 7 days 5 hours 54 minutes


IN WORK TODAY:

- Shuttle Interface Test (mechanical portion)


WORK SCHEDULED:

- Shuttle Interface Test (electrical portion) on Friday
- remove access platforms, position crawler transporter Saturday
- rollout to Pad 39-A on Sunday Nov. 8 at 12:01 a.m.
- countdown dress rehearsal (TCDT) Nov. 12-13
- Flight Readiness Review Nov. 19


WORK COMPLETED:

- removal of lifting sling
- mechanical and electrical mate between Discovery and stack
- tail service mast connections to Discovery

 

               SPACE SHUTTLE WEEKLY STATUS SUMMARY
                    Friday, November 6, 1992

 
                        STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Space Shuttle Discovery
Current Location: Vehicle Assembly Building, High Bay 3
Mission: STS-53 DoD   Inclination: 57 degrees
Launch timeframe: Dec. wk 1   Nominal Landing Site: KSC
Mission duration: 7 days 5 hours 54 minutes  Crew Size: 5


STS-53 IN WORK TODAY:

- Shuttle Interface Test (electrical portion)


STS-53 WORK COMPLETED:

- mating Discovery to external tank/solid rocket booster stack


STS-53 WORK SCHEDULED NEXT WEEK:

- rollout to Pad 39-A on Sunday at 8 a.m.
- anticipated hard down at Pad 39-A at 2:45 p.m. Sunday
- auxiliary power unit hot fire early Monday morning
- begin Inertial Measurement Unit calibration on Monday
- main engine Flight Readiness Test on Tuesday
- helium signature leak test on Wednesday
- TCDT on Thursday and Friday


 

                     SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                     Monday, November 9, 1992

George H. Diller
NASA-Kennedy Space Center

 
                          STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Space Shuttle Discovery
Current Location: Launch Pad 39-A
Mission: STS-53/DoD   Inclination: 57 degrees
Launch timeframe: December, wk 1    Nominal Landing Site: KSC
Mission duration: 7 days 5 hours 54 minutes    Crew Size: 5

IN WORK TODAY:

- Launch pad validations
- Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) calibrations
- X-rays of reaction control system bellows
- Solid rocket booster Flight Readiness Test


WORK SCHEDULED:

- main engine Flight Readiness Test on Tuesday
- STS-53 astronaut arrival at SLF on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
- helium signature leak test on Wednesday
- TCDT on Thursday and Friday
- Auxiliary power unit hot fire next weekend


WORK COMPLETED:

-  Rollout to Pad 39-A Sunday at 7:20 a.m.  (Hard down 1:07 p.m.)
-  Close rotating service structure
-  Space Shuttle power-up

 

                    SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                     Tuesday, November 10, 1992
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
 
                             STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Space Shuttle Discovery
Current Location: Launch Pad 39-A
Mission: STS-53/DoD   Inclination: 57 degrees
Launch timeframe: December, wk 1    Nominal Landing Site: KSC
Mission duration: 7 days 5 hours 54 minutes    Crew Size: 5

IN WORK TODAY:

-  Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) calibrations
-  X-rays of reaction control system bellows
-  main engine Flight Readiness Test
-  Changeout right booster Integrated Electronics Assembly (IEA)
-  STS-53 astronaut arrival at SLF today at 4:30 p.m.


WORK SCHEDULED:

- helium signature leak check of main propulsion system Wednesday
- retest right booster hydraulics and IEA on Wednesday night
- astronaut emergency egress training on Wednesday and Thursday
- Shuttle Training Aircraft flights on Wednesday and Thursday
- TCDT count begins 8 a.m. on Thursday, T-0 at 11 a.m. on Friday
- Changeout SRB fuel isolation valves on Friday
- Auxiliary power unit hot fire next weekend


WORK COMPLETED:

- launch pad validations
- solid rocket booster Flight Readiness Test

                     SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                     Thursday, November 12, 1992
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
 
                             STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Space Shuttle Discovery
Current Location: Launch Pad 39-A
Mission: STS-53/DoD   Inclination: 57 degrees
Launch timeframe: December, wk 1    Nominal Landing Site: KSC
Mission duration: 7 days 5 hours 54 minutes    Crew Size: 5

IN WORK TODAY:

-  Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT)
-  X-rays of reaction control system bellows
-  star tracker inspection
-  astronaut emergency egress training at Pad 39-A
-  Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) flights


WORK SCHEDULED:

- conclude TCDT at 11 a.m. on Friday
- changeout left and right SRB fuel isolation valves on Friday
- OMS/RCS hypergolic propellant loading activities Sa./Su./Mo.
- retract rotating service structure/perform APU hot fire Monday


WORK COMPLETED:

- Inertial Measurement Unit Calibrations
- changeout/retest right booster Integrated Electronics Assembly
- Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Flight Readiness Test (FRT)
- main propulsion system helium signature leak check
- leak checks of orbiter/external tank quick disconnects

 

              SPACE SHUTTLE WEEKLY STATUS SUMMARY
                    Friday, November 13, 1992

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
 
                             STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Space Shuttle Discovery
Current Location: Vehicle Assembly Building, High Bay 3
Mission: STS-53 DoD   Inclination: 57 degrees
Launch timeframe: Dec. wk 1   Nominal Landing Site: KSC
Mission duration: 7 days 5 hours 54 minutes   Crew Size: 5


STS-53 IN WORK TODAY:

- Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT)
- changeout left and right SRB fuel isolation valves
- KSC Launch Readiness Review (LRR)


STS-53 WORK COMPLETED:

- X-rays of reaction control system bellows
- star tracker inspection


STS-53 WORK SCHEDULED:

- OMS/RCS propellant loading activities Saturday and Sunday
- retract rotating service structure/perform APU hot fire Monday

 

                  SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                    Tuesday, November 17, 1992

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
 
                        STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Space Shuttle Discovery
Current Location: Launch Pad 39-A
Mission: STS-53/DoD   Inclination: 57 degrees
Launch timeframe: December, wk 1    Nominal Landing Site: KSC
Mission duration: 7 days 5 hours 54 minutes    Crew Size: 5

IN WORK TODAY:

- connection of orbiter mid-body umbilical (OMBU)
- liquid oxygen pump leak checks
- aft main engine compartment and crew compartment cleaning


WORK SCHEDULED:

- vehicle power-up on Wednesday
- OMBU leak checks on Wednesday
- begin SRB closeouts and orbiter aft closeouts on Wednesday
- begin installation of contingency EVA space suits on Wednesday
- install primary payload on Thursday
- orbiter/payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) on Friday
- final ordnance work next Sunday


WORK COMPLETED:

- auxiliary power unit 1/2/3 hot fire
- primary payload delivery to Pad A


ISSUES AND CONCERNS:  #1 APU Hot Fire test results
     Post test analysis of APU Hot Fire data shows that the #1 fuel pump inlet
pressure transducer had a higher than acceptable reading.  This device
furnishes APU fuel pressure information.  Whether the unit will require a
change out is under discussion.  If this work is done, about a day of two of
the remaining days of contingency time will be necessary to complete the
activity.

                         SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                        Wednesday, November 18, 1992
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
 
                               STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Space Shuttle Discovery
Current Location: Launch Pad 39-A
Mission: STS-53/DoD   Inclination: 57 degrees
Launch timeframe: December, wk 1    Nominal Landing Site: KSC
Mission duration: 7 days 5 hours 54 minutes    Crew Size: 5

IN WORK TODAY:

- close rotating service structure
- power-up of the Space Shuttle vehicle
- leak checks of the orbiter mid-body umbilical (OMBU)
- begin solid rocket booster closeouts
- begin avionics bay closeouts
- begin orbiter aft main engine compartment closeouts
- continue aft main engine compartment/crew compartment cleaning
- troubleshooting APU #1 fuel pump inlet pressure transducer

WORK SCHEDULED:

- installation of contingency EVA space suits on Thursday
- install primary payload on Thursday
- Flight Readiness Review on Thursday
- orbiter/payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) on Friday
- final ordnance work on Sunday

WORK COMPLETED:

- mating of orbiter mid-body umbilical


ISSUES AND CONCERNS: The decision on whether to change out the #1 fuel pump
inlet pressure transducer will be made at the Flight Readiness Review. A
fly-as-is option is under assessment.  If the changeout is made, contingency
time on Saturday could be used for the activity.

Jim Cast
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.              November 19, 1992

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.



EDITORS NOTE:  N92-99


        Managers today officially targeted Dec. 2 for launch of the Space
Shuttle Discovery on its 15th mission.  The decision was made at the conclusion
of today's STS-53 Flight Readiness Review at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
The launch window opens at 6:59 a.m.  EST.

        The primary payload for this ninth dedicated Department of Defense
(DoD) mission is designated DoD-1 and is classified.  Although there will be no
public discussion of the identity or purpose of DoD-1 operations before, during
or after the mission, a number of secondary experiments in the cargo bay and in
Discovery's cabin will be conducted openly throughout the planned 7-day, 5-hour
flight.

        Commanding this 53rd Space Shuttle mission aboard the newly-
refurbished Discovery will be 48-year-old Navy Captain David Walker, making his
third Shuttle flight.  Sitting in the right seat will be Pilot Robert Cabana,
43, a Marine Colonel making his second flight.

        Three mission specialists will round out the five-man STS-53 crew: Air
Force Colonel Guion Bluford, 50, making his fourth flight; and two Army Lt.
Colonels -- James Voss, 43, making his second flight, and Michael Richard
Clifford, 40, flying into space for the first time.

              SPACE SHUTTLE WEEKLY STATUS SUMMARY
                    Friday, November 20, 1992

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
 
                       STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Space Shuttle Discovery
Current Location: Launch Pad 39-A
Mission: STS-53 DoD   Inclination: 57 degrees
Launch Date: Dec. 2   06:59 a.m. EST   Nominal Landing Site: KSC
Mission duration: 7 days 5 hours 54 minutes   Crew Size: 5


STS-53 IN WORK TODAY:

- aft main engine compartment closeouts
- main propulsion system insulation foaming
- solid rocket booster closeouts
- changeout of #1 Data Display Unit
- payload interface verification test (IVT)
- OMBU leak checks


STS-53 WORK COMPLETED:

- payload installation
- avionics bay closeouts
- orbiter aft confidence test
- disconnect/closeout APU #1 fuel pump inlet pressure transducer


STS-53 WORK SCHEDULED:

- final ordnance work Sunday
- OMS/RCS fuel tank pressurization Sunday
- load mass memory units on Monday
- external tank purges on Tuesday


ISSUES & CONCERNS: None

 

                     SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                      Monday, November 23, 1992
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
 
                       STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Space Shuttle Discovery
Current Location: Launch Pad 39-A
Mission: STS-53/DoD   Inclination: 57 degrees
Launch:  Dec. 2  6:59 a.m.  Landing: KSC  Dec. 9  12:53 p.m.
Mission duration: 7 days 5 hours 54 minutes    Crew Size: 5

IN WORK TODAY:

- auxiliary power unit tank pressurization and closeouts
- load mass memory units (MMU)
- main engine sensor calibrations
- aft main engine compartment closeouts
- solid rocket booster closeouts
- payload closeouts


WORK SCHEDULED:

- external tank purges Tuesday
- close payload bay doors Tuesday night
- retest Data Display Unit (DDU #1) Tuesday
- orbiter aft systems confidence test Wednesday
- pick up countdown 11 a.m. on Sunday for launch on Dec. 2


WORK COMPLETED:

- final ordnance operations
- OMS/RCS tank pressurization
- change out of DDU #1


SPECIAL TOPICS: Thursday and Friday are Thanksgiving holidays for the launch
team and no work is scheduled.  Saturday is a contingency day for any catch-up
or unscheduled work.

Jim Cast
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.             November 23, 1992

Jeff Carr
Johnson Space Center, Houston

Maj. Dave Thurston
U.S. Air Force

EDITORS NOTE:  N92-100


     STS-53, NASA's 52nd Space Shuttle flight, currently is scheduled for
liftoff at 6:59 a.m.  EST, Dec. 2.  The primary payload flying aboard Discovery
is designated Department of Defense-1 (DoD-1) and is classified.  No public
discussion will take place before, during or after the mission concerning the
identity and purpose of DoD-1.

     At the request of the DoD, slight alterations will be made as to how
"normal" public affairs activities will take place during the first few hours
of the mission.  The major changes are:

   o At no time during the mission will television images of the payload bay be
transmitted.

   o In-cabin television will be shown only after completion of DoD-1
operations.

   o After the flight crew is given a "go" for orbital operations (following
Payload Bay door opening), periodic mission control public affairs commentary
will be restricted to orbiter/crew status until DoD-1 operations are complete.
Television transmissions via NASA Select during this time will not include
images revealing or relating to DoD-1 operations.

   o DoD-1 operations are scheduled to begin approximately 6 hours into the
flight.  When these activities are completed, normal mission commentary and
television coverage will commence and continue throughout the remainder of the
flight.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

11/24/92:  SPACE SHUTTLE STS-53 PRELAUNCH BRIEFINGS SCHEDULED

HQ N92-102/STS-53 KSC BRIEFINGS

Jim Cast
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.             November 24, 1992

Karl Kristofferson
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Maj. Dave Thurston
U.S. Air Force



EDITORS NOTE:  N92-102

       The STS-53 prelaunch briefing, originating from NASA's Kennedy Space
Center, Fla., will be carried live on NASA Select television.  The launch
countdown is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29.  Launch of
STS-53/Discovery is Dec. 2 at 6:59 a.m.  EST.

        The primary Department of Defense payload for STS-53 is classified and
will not be briefed.  All briefing times are EST.

Sunday, Nov. 29 (L-3)

11:30 a.m.  Countdown status report by NASA Test Director Bill Dowdell, and
payload status report by Bill Parsons, STS-53 Launch Site Support Manager (to
be followed by the STS-53 Flight Crew arrival at approximately 1 p.m.)

Monday, Nov. 30 (L-2)

9 a.m.  Countdown status report by Mike Leinbach, Shuttle Test Director;
payload status by Bill Parsons and weather status by Ed Priselac, Shuttle
Weather Officer, USAF.


Tuesday, Dec. 1 (L-1)

8:30 a.m.  Countdown Status Report by Al Sofge, Shuttle Test Director and
payload status by Bill Parsons

8:45 - 10:15 a.m.  DoD secondary experiments panel chaired by Lt. Col. James
McLeroy, USAF, STS-53 Deputy Mission Director.

10:15 - 11 a.m.  NASA secondary experiment briefings on ODERACS by George
Levin, Orbital Debris Program Manager, NASA HQ, and Susan Driscoll, Marshall
Space Flight Center Project Manager for FARE.

11 a.m.  STS-53 prelaunch news conference with Leonard Nicholson, Space Shuttle
Program Manager; Robert Sieck, Kennedy Space Center Launch Director, and Capt.
Dean Hazen, USAF/KSC Weather LiaisonOfficer.

Wednesday, Dec. 2 (Launch Day)

        NASA Select commentary and television coverage of the launch of
Discovery is scheduled to begin at approximately 2 a.m.  NASA Select television
is available on Satcom F-2R, Transponder 13, located at 72 degrees west
longitude, frequency 3960.0 MHz, audio 6.8 MHz.

                     SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                      Monday, November 30, 1992

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
 
                          STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103/Space Shuttle Discovery
Current Location: Launch Pad 39-A
Mission: STS-53/DoD   Inclination: 57 degrees
Launch:  Dec. 2  6:59 a.m.  Landing: KSC  Dec. 9  12:53 p.m.
Mission duration: 7 days 5 hours 54 minutes    Crew Size: 5


IN WORK TODAY:

- launch countdown in LCC Firing Room 1
- loading fuel cell cryogenic reactants
- activating orbiter navigation system
- troubleshooting pyrotechnic initiator cable on left-hand booster holddown
  post
- preparations to retract rotating service structure


WORK SCHEDULED:

- remove and replace holddown post initiator cable this afternoon
- re-test holddown post initiator cable tomorrow morning
- retract orbiter midbody umbilical tonight
- astronaut T-38 flights Tuesday morning
- retract rotating service structure Tuesday at 11 a.m.


WORK COMPLETED:

- orbiter potable water sampling
- crew arrival Sunday afternoon
- crew medical exams and flight suit fit check this a.m.
- commander and pilot Shuttle Training Aircraft flights this a.m.


ISSUES AND CONCERNS: The weather forecast calls for a 60% chance of violating
the weather rule prohibiting launch if there is a steady-state wind below 5
knots with a temperature less than 47 degrees for longer than 30 consecutive
minutes.

SPECIAL TOPICS: In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the Space Shuttle Endeavour
was powered up this morning to begin the Shuttle Interface Test. The rollout to
Pad 39-B is scheduled for Thursday morning at 8 a.m. if Discovery is launched
on Wednesday.

[Pretty sparse for an 8 day flight.  -dg]

pragma::public:[nasa]sts-53.nasa_select


- dave

STS-53 launched around 8:24 Eastern Time.  The launch was delayed an hour or
so due to cold temperatures at the pad and ice buildup on the external tank.

Launch controllers delayed the launch so that the sun would warm up the
area and melt away the ice to normal levels.

All other aspects of the launch looked normal.  CNN cut away before MECO.


- dave

                     SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                       Tuesday, December 1, 1992

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center


Vehicle: OV-103/Space Shuttle Discovery
Current Location: Launch Pad 39-A
Mission: STS-53/DoD   Inclination: 57 degrees
Launch:  Dec. 2  6:59 a.m.  Landing: KSC  Dec. 9  12:53 p.m.
Mission duration: 7 days 5 hours 54 minutes    Crew Size: 5


IN WORK TODAY:

- launch countdown in LCC Firing Room 1
- troubleshooting orbiter Electronics Interface Unit (EIU)
- astronaut T-38 flights
- astronaut status briefings on countdown, Discovery, payload, Wx
- retract rotating service structure
- load Space Tissue Loss experiment
- configure cockpit switches for launch
- activation of orbiter fuel cells


WORK SCHEDULED:

- re-test left booster holddown post pyrotechnic initiator cable


WORK COMPLETED:

- remove/replace left booster holddown post pyro initiator cable
- loading cryogenic reactants
- activating orbiter navigation and communications system
- retract orbiter midbody umbilical
- final astronaut medical exams and flight suit fit check



ISSUES AND CONCERNS: The weather forecast calls for a 40% chance of violating
the weather rule prohibiting launch if there is a steady-state wind below 5
knots with a temperature less than 47 degrees for longer than 30 consecutive
minutes.


SPECIAL TOPICS: Launch Weather Conditions

At 6:59 a.m. on Tuesday at the beginning of the launch opportunity the
conditions are predicted to be:

Temperature: 47 degrees
Dewpoint: 41 degrees
Humidity: 80%
Wind: WNW/4-6 knots
Visibility: 7+ miles
Significant clouds or weather: None

Article: 2839
From: [email protected] (IRENE BROWN)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Subject: Discovery rockets into orbit
Date: Wed, 2 Dec 92 6:07:40 PST
 
	CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The shuttle Discovery rocketed into
orbit Wednesday to begin a week-long mission highlighted by the last
planned deployment of a secret military satellite by astronauts.

	Discovery's five-man crew also planned to carry out a smorgasbord of
space technology, medical and engineering experiments including a
tracking exercise for radar and telecopes that hunt for potentially
dangerous space debris in Earth orbit.

	The 52nd shuttle mission and the final flight of 1992 began at 8:24
a.m. EST with a spectacular ground-shaking launch from the Kennedy Space
Center's launch pad 39-A. Liftoff came 85 minutes late because of ice on
the ship's external fuel tank.

	``Liftoff! Liftoff of space shuttle Discovery on a seven-day mission
for the Department of Defense,'' said NASA commentator Bruce Buckingham.

	Trailing a 600-foot-long column of flame from its twin solid-fuel
boosters, the $2 billion spaceship climbed majestically into a partly
cloudy sky, arcing east over the Atlantic Ocean and skirting above the
East Coast.

	Eight-and-a-half minutes after liftoff, Discovery's three main
engines shut down, putting the ship in an orbit about 230 miles above
the planet. A half-hour later, commander David Walker, 48, and co-pilot
Robert Cabana, 43, fired the spaceships two maneuvering engines for
about three minutes to circularize its orbit.

	Also aboard are flight engineer James Voss, 43, Guion Bluford Jr.,
50, and Michael Richard Clifford, 40.

	All the astronauts are military officers. Walker, who is making his
third spaceflight, is a Navy captain; Cabana, making his second flight,
is a Marine colonel; Voss, also making his second flight, is a
lieutenant colonel in the Army; Bluford, who has flown three previous
missions, is an Air Force colonel; and Clifford, the crew's only rookie,
is an Army lieutenant colonel.

	The crew faced a busy first day in orbit. Their first job is to
deploy a classified military satellite, which was expected to be
released six hours after liftoff.

	During deployment operations, NASA planned to impose a news blackout
of activities aboard the shuttle, as it has done during seven previous
classified flights for the military.

	But once the satellite is released into space, NASA planned to break
with tradition and resume full coverage of both military and civilian
research experiments and activities scheduled during Discovery's week-
long voyage. The reason for the change of policy is largely financial.
The military, which has no future classified payloads scheduled for
flight on the space shuttles, opted to pass on total shuttle security
and the $50 million to $70 million annual bill for its secrecy.

	Among the medical, engineering and technology tests planned for the
flight is a calibration exercise for ground-based radar and optical
telescopes that hunt and track potentially dangerous debris in Earth
orbit. Walker and Cabana planned to lower Discovery's 230-mile-high
orbit for the deployment of six small metal balls, ranging in size from
2 inches to 6 inches in diameter, on the third day of the flight. The
solid spheres, which are made of steel and aluminum, are intended to
serve as targets for the radar and telescopes, which keep track of more
than 7,000 rocket casings, spent satellites and other unwanted relics of
the space age.

	But to safeguard the planned space station and other pricy
spacecraft, NASA and the Air Force will need to map even more of the
estimated 8 million pounds of space debris circling the planet.

	``We want to know what the risk is for (the space) station so we can
develop protection,'' said George Levin, chief of NASA's advanced space
systems office. ``We're using this mission to train the ground sites to
track the small spheres.''

	A follow-up experiment using wires rather than balls as targets is
planned for a shuttle mission in March.

	Other space technology experiments aboard Discovery include tests of
an electronic camera equipped with computerized gyroscopes to pinpoint
locations of photographed targets; and a laser communications system
that might have applications for search-and-rescue missions, as well as
for combat.

	The Discovery astronauts planned a battery of medical tests and
experiments as well, including the production of a time-release
antibotic that might eliminate the need for daily doses of medicine for
specific ailments.

	Landing was scheduled for 12:53 p.m., Dec. 9, at the three-mile-long
Kennedy Space Center runway. The mission is the 15th for shuttle
Discovery and the first since the shuttle underwent a major inspection
and overhaul, which included several equipment upgrades and the
installation of a drag chute for landing.

So will they collect the balls and wires after the test, or leave them around
to run into another shuttle some time?

Burns

  It said that they were going to lower the shuttle's 230 mile high orbit
before releasing the material. As I understand, anything under 200 miles agl
will not stay up there very long. 

  George

    
here is the latest element set for sts-53
    enjoy john
    
    STS 53          30.0  0.0  0.0 (Launch 99-953-  A)  Set:    2, Obj:  99953
          Epoch Year: 1992  Day: 337.619144220    Orbit #       2
          Inclination  =  56.99870000     R.A.A.N      = 171.50970000
          Eccentricity =   0.00034350     Arg of Per   = 263.17840000
          Mean Anomaly =  96.84390000     Mean Motion  =  15.65964837
          Drag         =  0.15200E-03     Frequency    =        0.000
          S.M.A.       =    6748.5598     Anom Period  =      91.9561
          Apogee Ht    =     372.7179     Perigee Ht   =     368.0817

    

    He is a useful hint for anyone trying to do a visual observation 
    of STS-53 and its payload, normally the STS is white and the bird
    with have some color...
    
>regarding sts 53, it is planned to lower the orbit by about 50 km later on
>flight day 1. i do not know when, or if this is the same as the payload
>separation manoeuvre. in any case, it would be prudent to assume that the
>orbiter will be ahead of the payload, especially as we get beyond 6 h 30 m
>into the mission. the payload is what is most important, so it is best to
>stick with the elements for the orbit of deployment.
 
>the delay in launch may result in the payload delaying its final manoeuvres
>for about 12 hours, so that its orbit can precess to the desired 
>ascending node.
 
    

re .94

>So will they collect the balls and wires after the test, or leave them around
>to run into another shuttle some time?
    
    From the Press Kit...
[
    Orbital Debris Radar Calibration System (ODERACS)
    
    The spheres -- two 6" in diameter, two 4" in diameter and two 2" in
    diameter will be placed in a 377 km (175 n. mi.) high orbit. The
    Haystack radar can observe objects as small as 1 centimeter in
    diameter at ranges greater than [sic] 1000 km. The six spheres are
    planned to be ejected from Discovery on its 31st orbit.
    
    The four-inch spheres' useful life is about 70 days and they will
    reenter the atmosphere after approximately 120 days. The 2-inch and
    6-inch spheres have a useful life of about 45 days and will reenter
    after approximately 65 days. When they reenter the atmosphere, the
    spheres will be destroyed before they reach the ground.
    
    The 2" spheres are made of solid stainless steel and weigh 0.532 kg
    (1.17 lbs); the 4" spheres, also solid stainless steel, weigh 4.256 kg
    (9.36 lbs); and the 6" spheres, made of solid aluminium, weigh 5kg (11
    lbs).
]
    
    So it would appear that all of the spheres will still be in orbit
    when the next mission launches.
    
    P.S. The wires are next year.

>    From the Press Kit...
>[
>    Orbital Debris Radar Calibration System (ODERACS)
>
>    The spheres -- two 6" in diameter, two 4" in diameter and two 2" in
>    diameter will be placed in a 377 km (175 n. mi.) high orbit. The
>    Haystack radar can observe objects as small as 1 centimeter in
>    diameter at ranges greater than [sic] 1000 km. The six spheres are
>    planned to be ejected from Discovery on its 31st orbit.


     Is the "Haystack radar" mentioned the one that is on the
     Westford/Groton/Tyngsboro border in Mass?  This is about a half mile
     from my house.  Does anyone know if they have any way for non-military
     non-employees to get a look?

     ---Phil

STS-53 Status Report #1
Mission Control Center

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1992, 9:30 a.m. CST


The Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off at 7:24 a.m.  JSC time today after a
lengthy hold at the T-9 minute mark in the countdown to allow the sun to melt
ice that had formed on Discovery's external tank and to analyze upper-level
wind data from a weather balloon sent up at 6:26 a.m.  CST.

The countdown went smoothly with no technical problems encountered.  The ascent
phase of the STS-53 mission was near-perfect with only one minor sensor failure
noted.  A sensor on the Shuttle's center main engine gave an erroneous
low-pressure reading, but correct data was available from other sensors in the
same area.

Discovery's payload bay doors were opened a few minutes after 9 this morning
and the crew was given a "go" for orbit operations.  Air-to-ground
communications broadcasts are disconnected for the classified Department of
Defense payload operations.  During the primary payload operations, television
transmissions from Mission Control are restricted to the world map and public
affairs mission commentary will be limited to Orbiter, systems and crew status
updates.  Standard transmission of air-to-ground communications and mission
commentary will resume when primary payload operations are completed later
today.

Discovery is in a 200 nautical mile orbit around Earth at a 57-degree
inclination.  All systems aboard the spacecraft are performing normally.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STS-53 Status Report #2
MISSION CONTROL CENTER

Wednesday, December 2, 1992, 5 p.m. CST

Discovery is orbiting Earthin flawless shape with the crew -- Commander Dave
Walker, Pilot Bob Cabana, and Mission Specialists Guy Bluford, Jim Voss and
Rich Clifford -- winding down their first day in space.

The crew deployed the DOD-1 payload on time at 1:18 p.m.  CST today.  All
activities proceeded exactly as planned.

Later, the crew began activating several secondary experiments aboard
Discovery, including the Cosmic Radiation Effects and Activation Monitor, or
CREAM, and the Radiation Monitoring Equipment, or RME, two devices that make
complementary measurements of the amounts of radiation in the crew cabin.  The
crew also began a series of medical tests performed on many shuttle flights to
study the effects of weightlessness on humans.  The two tests performed today
photographed the retina in the eye and measured pressure within the eye.

Discovery's crew will go to sleep at 6:24 p.m.  CST and awaken at 2:24 a.m.
CST tomorrow to begin their second day in space.  Discovery remains in a 200
nautical mile high circular orbit.

re .99
    
>     Is the "Haystack radar" mentioned the one that is on the
>     Westford/Groton/Tyngsboro border in Mass?
    
    Yes. That's the one. Tyngsboro, Mass. according to the press kit.

MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-53 STATUS REPORT #4

Thursday, December 3, 1992, noon CST


The Discovery crew members, now midway through their second day in space, spent
the morning working with several experiments and making observations of the
Earth from their high-inclination 57-degree orbit.

On this 15th flight of the Orbiter Discovery, the crew began the Flight Day 2
activities by activating the HERCULES experiment, a modified camera system
designed to enable an astronaut to more precisely determine the latitude and
longitude of various features on the Earth as they are being photographed from
space.  This is the first flight of HERCULES, an experiment designed by
scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. as part of a
joint NASA/Navy/Army project.

Sites observed this morning included Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, Minch
Peninsula in Denmark and Galveston Island, Texas.

The Battlefield Laser Acquisition Sensor Test or BLAST, will use a laser
receiver to detect laser energy from ground-based test locations to help in
developing Department of Defense sensor technology.  The two BLAST
opportunities during the crew's morning shift were unsuccessful due to problems
at ground sites.

FARE, a third experiment the crew worked with today, stands for Fluid
Acquisition and Resupply Equipment and is intended to investigate the dynamics
of fluid transfer in the microgravity environment of space.  Data collected
during the STS-53 mission may help scientists better understand how to
replenish on-board fluids and prolong the life of space vehicles such as
Space Station Freedom, satellites and extended duration orbiters.
 

STS-53     2-LINE ORBITAL ELEMENTS

1 22259U 92 86  A 92338.19420973 0.00024683  00000-0  25599-3 0    48
2 22259  56.9972 169.9930 0007588 310.3300  49.7101 15.64582778   112

Satellite: STS-53
Catalog number: 22259
Epoch time:      92338.19420973         (03 DEC 92   04:39:39.72 UTC)
Element set:     GSFC-004
Inclination:       56.9972 deg
RA of node:       169.9930 deg          Space Shuttle Flight STS-53
Eccentricity:    0.0007588                  Keplerian Elements
Arg of perigee:   310.3300 deg
Mean anomaly:      49.7101 deg
Mean motion:   15.64582778 rev/day      Semi-major Axis: 6752.5711 Km
Decay rate:       0.25E-03 rev/day*2    Apogee  Alt:        379.31 Km
Epoch rev:              11              Perigee Alt:        369.06 Km


NOTE - This element set is based on NORAD element set # 004.
       The spacecraft has been propagated to the next ascending
       node, and the orbit number has been adjusted to bring it
       into agreement with the NASA numbering convention.

R.A. Parise, Goddard Space Flight Center

Mark T. Severance
VG/Orbiter Engineering Office
NASA-JSC




                                STS-53
           FLIGHT DAY 3 STATE VECTOR (PREDICTED POST OMS-4)
                          ON ORBIT OPERATIONS
                  (Posted 12/03/92 by Roger Simpson)

 The following vector for the flight of STS-53 is provided by NASA
 Johnson Space Center Flight Design and Dynamics Division for use in
 ground track plotting programs.  The vector is not valid until Post
 OMS-4 (scheduled for execution around 1430 cst, Thursday, Dec. 03),
 flight day two/three.  The vector represents the predictied
 trajectory of Discovery during on orbit operations. Questions
 regarding these postings may be addressed to Roger Simpson, Mail
 Code DM4, L.  B. J.  Space Center, Houston, Texas 77058, Telephone
 (713) 483-1928.


 Lift off Time : 1992/337:13:23:59.957
 Lift off Date : 12/02/92

 Vector Time (GMT) : 338/20:53:59.957
 Vector Time (MET) : 001/07:30:00.000
 Orbit Count : 21
 Weight : 206717.0 LBS
 Drag Coefficient : 2.00
 Drag Area : 2751.0 SQ FT

      M50 Elements                           Keplerian Elements
 -----------------------                 --------------------------
 X    =    19145014.6  FT                A          = 3620.2056 NM
 Y    =     2370570.5  FT                E          = 0.000466
 Z    =   -10551666.6  FT                I  (M50)   =  57.06003 DEG
 Xdot = -11391.260973  FT/S              Wp (M50)   = 249.74073 DEG
 Ydot =  14393.902614  FT/S              RAAN (M50) = 166.30245 DEG
 Zdot = -17420.566215  FT/S            / N (True)   = 325.13484 DEG
                            Anomalies  \ M (Mean)   = 325.16534 DEG

                                         Ha         = 176.6340  NM
                                         Hp         = 174.3600  NM

 Mean of 1950 (M50)   : Inertial, right-handed Cartesian system whose
 Coordinate System      origin is the center of the earth.  The epoch
                        is the beginning of the Besselian year 1950.
                        X axis: Mean vernal equinox of epoch
                        Z axis: Earth's mean rotational axis of epoch
                        Y axis: Completes right-hand system
 A:    Semi-major axis
 E:    Eccentricity                         N:    True anomaly
 I:    Inclination                          M:    Mean anomaly
 Wp:   Argument of perigee                  Ha:   Height of apogee
 RAAN: Right ascension of ascending node    Hp:   Height of perigee

                  SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                   Thursday, December 3, 1992

Mitch Varnes
Kennedy Space Center

 
                         STS-53

Vehicle: OV-103
Current location: approx. 200 miles up and in Earth orbit
Mission: STS-53/DoD

-- Launch of STS-53 occurred at 8:24  a.m.  EST  on  December  2.
Launch  was  delayed  85  minutes  because of cool weather at the
launch pad.

-- The prime payload,  DoD-1,  was deployed several  hours  after
launch, and the crew and Shuttle orbiter are in good shape.

-- Landing is planned for December 9 at the Kennedy Space Center.

 

re .99
    
>Does anyone know if they have any way for non-military non-employees to get a
>look?
    
    Check out the ASTRONOMY conference where several times people have
    mentioned being able to get a tour. It seems it may depend on having
    the right connections though.
    
    Notes: 25.0, 450.1, 568.0, 731.2, 879.4, 947.7, 956.14 (e.&o.e.)

    from visual observaion it looks like usa-87 has about a 3 sec
    flash rate, anyone seeing it please post any observations
    
    thanks john
    
    STS 53          30.0  0.0  0.0 (Launch 92-86-  A)   Set:    7, Obj:  22259
          Epoch Year: 1992  Day: 339.112155090    Orbit #      24
          Inclination  =  56.99700000     R.A.A.N      = 165.87880000
          Eccentricity =   0.00102530     Arg of Per   = 263.61360000
          Mean Anomaly = 246.00120000     Mean Motion  =  15.82183490
          Drag         =  0.53286E-03     Frequency    =        0.000
          S.M.A.       =    6702.3619     Anom Period  =      91.0135
          Apogee Ht    =     331.0738     Perigee Ht   =     317.3299

    USA 87          10.0  3.0  0.0 (Launch 92-86-  B)   Set:    2, Obj:  22260
          Epoch Year: 1992  Day: 337.729166660    Orbit #       2
          Inclination  =  56.99870000     R.A.A.N      = 172.05830000
          Eccentricity =   0.00086910     Arg of Per   = 277.20760000
          Mean Anomaly = 342.19920000     Mean Motion  =  15.65555118
          Drag         =  0.25686E-03     Frequency    =        0.000
          S.M.A.       =    6749.7372     Anom Period  =      91.9802
          Apogee Ht    =     377.4434     Perigee Ht   =     365.7110

STS-53 Status Report #5
Mission Control Status Report


Thursday, December 3, 1992, 5 p.m. CST

Discovery's crew lowered the spacecraft's orbit by about 40 statute miles this
afternoon in preparation for tomorrow's release of six Orbital Debris Radar
Calibration Spheres from the cargo bay.

The ODERACS spheres are in two sets, one solid stainless steel and one solid
aluminum.  Three spheres, two-, four-, and six-inch diameters, are in each set.
The six spheres will be released from Discovery about 5:22 a.m.  CST Thursday
and will be tracked by radars worldwide to assist in fine-tuning the methods
used to track space debris.

This afternoon the crew wrapped up the day's work with two test runs of the
Fluid Aquisition and Resupply Experiment, or FARE, an investigation in new
methods of transporting fluids in wieghtlessness from tank to tank without
large amounts of gas bubbles.  The technology being explored may prove useful
in the designs of propellant tanks and other fluid systems aboard future
spacecraft and Space Station Freedom to allow refueling in space.

Two engine firings were accomplished exactly as planned by the crew to drop
Discovery from a 200 nautical mile orbit to its present 175 nautical mile orbit
in preparation for tomorrow's release of the ODERACS spheres.

Discovery is now circling Earth every 90 minutes and zero seconds.  The crew
will go to sleep at 6:24 p.m.  CST and awaken at 2:24 a.m.  CST tomorrow to
start their third day in orbit.

STS-53 Status Report #6
MISSION CONTROL CENTER

Friday, December 4, 1992, 7 a.m. CST

Discovery's crew will wait for a second attempt to deploy six stainless steel
and aluminum balls after a glitch postponed today's ejection of the Orbital
Debris Radar Calibration Spheres.

Discovery's crew awoke at 2:30 this morning and quickly began their work with
the secondary payloads.  The six ODERACS spheres -- two each of the six-, four-
and two- inch in diameter balls -- were scheduled to be released from a small
canister mounted in the orbiter's payload bay at about 5:20 this morning.
However, about 10 minutes before the 20-minute deploy window, crew members
reported they were not getting good signals through the deploy mechanism
electronics.  After plugging in the hand- held controller at a second location
and checking switch positions, the expected electronics readouts were not
received.  Flight controllers are assessing the electrical pathways.  The next
opportunity to deploy the six spheres could come on Sunday evening.

During their third day in space, the crew is scheduled to work with several
other experiments including the BLAST, FARE and HERCULES payloads.

The Battlefield Laser Acquisition Sensor Test or BLAST, uses a laser receiver
to detect laser energy from ground-based test locations to help in developing
Department of Defense sensor technology.

FARE stands for Fluid Acquisition and Resupply Equipment and will investigate
fluid transfer in the microgravity environment of space.  Data collected may
assist scientists to understand how to replenish or transfer fluids in space
and prolong the life of space vehicles such as Space Station Freedom,
satellites and extended duration orbiters.

Crew members will use a modified camera to more precisely determine the
latitude and longitude of various features on the Earth as part of the HERCULES
experiment.  This experiment was developed to provide an observation system for
military, environmental, oceanographic and meteorological applications.

Discovery is now circling Earth every 90 minutes at an altitude of 175 nautical
miles.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mission Control Center
STS-53 Status Report #7

Friday, December 4, 1992, 1:30 p.m. CST

Payload operations continued aboard the Orbiter Discovery today as vehicle and
crew entered a third flight day on orbit.

The day began with an unsuccessful attempt to deploy six small metal spheres
for the ODERACS experiment.  ODERACS, which stands for Orbital Debris Radar
Calibration Spheres, is intended to provide targets for use by ground radar
sites to hone their ability to track orbital debris.  As the crew neared the
intended deploy time, they found that the controller used to send commands to
the payload was not receiving the expected feedback from the ODERACS cannister.

After trying several configurations, Mission Control opted not to attempt the
deploy because without feedback from the payload, the current state of the
experiment could not be determined and commands sent to the equipment could not
be verified.

Mission Control is continuing to analyze and trouble shoot the problem.  The
next opportunity to attempt the ODERACS sphere deploys will come on Sunday
afternoon.

Meanwhile, all of the other secondary payloads are up and operating aboard
Discovery.

Also on Friday, the five crew members recorded a short video message which may
be aired during the annual Army-Navy game on Saturday.

The Discovery continues to operate nearly flawlessly and is circling the Earth
every 90 minutes at an altitude of about 175 nautical miles.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-53 Status Report #8

Friday, December 4, 1992, 6 p.m. CST

Discovery's crew completed a busy day of experiments using the HERCULES camera,
to automatically imprint the location being photographed on the film, and
excercising on a rowing machine in the spacecraft's middeck.  Earlier today,
the crew - two in the Army, two in the Navy, and one in the Air Force - sent
down greetings for participants in the annual Army-Navy football game to be
held this weekend.

In Mission Control flight controllers continued to evaluate problems
experienced during this morning's attempt to deploy the orbital debris and
calibration system spheres, six metal balls to be released from Discovery's
cargo bay to help fine tune ground based radars that track space junk.  A
release of the spheres was ruled out when information that was supposed to be
relayed from the deploy equipment in the cargo bay was not received in
Discovery's crew cabin.

This afternoon the crew checked connections in the cabin using an electrical
test meter that is part of the standard Shuttle tool kit and relayed their
findings to Mission Control. Payload controllers will continue to evaluate the
problems and possible solutions, and the earliest another attempt to deploy the
spheres could be tried is around 5 p.m.  CST, Sunday, December 6, 1992.
Shuttle managers are expected to continue an evaluation of the possibility of
attempting another release for the next few days.

Discovery's crew will go to sleep today at 7:24 p.m.  CST and awaken for their
fourth day in space tomorrow at 3:24 a.m.  CST. The spacecraft is in a 175
nautical mile orbit, circling the earth every ninty minutes, fifty-two seconds.

MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #9
6 a.m. CST   Saturday, December 5, 1992

In honor of Commander Dave Walker, the sound of bagpipes awakened the crew of
Discovery to begin its fourth day in space.  The medley was performed by the
Houston Highlanders Pipe Band (Medley: Bonnie Dundee, Gary Green and The Eyes
of Texas).

Once awake, the crew began work on several of the secondary experiments
including BLAST, FARE, HERCULES and GCP.

The Battlefield Laser Acquisition Test is an Army space project that uses a
spaceborne laser receiver to detect laser energy from ground-based test
locations.  Data obtained will be used to develop Department of Defense sensor
technology.  Thus far the experiment has been hampered by poor weather
conditions at the various ground sites.

Crew members will continue work with the Fluid Acquisition and Resupply
Equipment investigating the transfer of fluids from one container to another in
hopes of developing the technology to prolong the life of space vehicles such
as Space Station Freedom, satellites and long-duration flights aboard the
Shuttle.

The equipment called HERCULES is designed to pinpoint locations on the Earth's
surface using a modified camera system that can find locations within about two
nautical miles.  Hopes are that a system similar to this can be used as a
valuable tool in more precisely locating military troops or environmental,
oceanographic and meteorological points of interest.

The Shuttle Glow/Cryogenic Heat Pipe Experiment or GCP continues to gather data
for scientists on Shuttle surface interaction with atomic oxygen as well as
testing advanced ways of removing excess heat from sensors, instruments and
space vehicles.  The heat pipe is a simple, but dependable way of rejecting
heat away from instruments by using liquids to absorb heat and then releasing
that heat to space when the liquids condense.

Flight controllers continue to evaluate the problem preventing deploy of the
six calibration spheres in support of the Orbital Debris Radar Calibration
System. The deploy was put off when data that was supposed to be relayed from
the equipment in the payload bay was not received on the flight deck of
Discovery during Friday's release attempt.  The next opportunity to release the
spheres is about 5 p.m. tomorrow.

Discovery's 15th flight continues to go smoothly as the orbiter and crew circle
the Earth every 90 minutes at an altitude of 175 nautical miles.  Landing
remains scheduled for Wednesday afternoon in Florida or California.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STS-53 Status Report #10
4pm CST   Saturday, December 5, 1992
Mission Control Center

The five man military crew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery continued their
work with a variety of science and technology investigations on behalf of the
Department of Defense and NASA today.

The crew conducted a number of successful observations and data takes with the
HERCULES electronic still imaging device, locating and documenting precise
targets on the ground below.  The system produces an electronic image of the
ground target and correlates the latitude and longitude of it's position on the
globe.

In a pretaped television broadcast, the crew also demonstrated the transfer of
fluids from one container to another in microgravity.  The experiment, called
FARE, is designed to investigate the dynamics of fueling spacecraft in orbit
and should provide valuable information for the design of fueling systems for
the Space Station and other extended duration spacecraft.

The decision was made today not to pursue the deployment of the Orbital Debris
Radar Calibration Spheres any further.  The deployment was halted yesterday,
when the experiment, located in a canister in the payload bay, failed to
communicate with the payload controller on the flight deck of Discovery. After
extensive review of all available data, including manufacturing and processing
records, it was determined that the likely cause is a dead battery - however it
will be impossible to verify that theory until the hardware is returned to the
investigators.

Throughout the early afternoon, flight controllers in Houston, kept the
military crew well informed of the progress of the traditional annual Army/Navy
football game.  Discovery's all-military crew consists of two Army officers,
one Navy, one Marine, and one Air Force officer.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STS-53 MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #11
6 A.M. CST
Sunday, Dec. 6, 1992

The United States Air Force theme song awoke Colonel Guy Bluford and the rest
of Discovery's crew to begin their fifth day in space.

Today they will continue work with several of the secondary experiments
including BLAST, FARE, HERCULES and GCP. The Battlefield Laser Acquisition Test
is an Army space project designed to use a spaceborne laser receiver to detect
laser energy from ground-based test locations.  FARE, or Fluid Acquisition and
Resupply Equipment investigates the transfer of fluids from one container to
another in hopes of developing the technology to prolong the life of space
vehicles on long missions, such as Space Station Freedom. HERCULES pinpoints
locations on the Earth using a modified camera system that can find locations
within about two nautical miles to more precisely locate military troops or
environmental, oceanographic and meteorological points of interest.  The
Shuttle Glow/Cryogenic Heat Pipe Experiment or GCP continues to gather data for
scientists on orbiter surface interaction with atomic oxygen and also on
testing advanced ways of removing excess heat from space vehicles.

Also today, the crew will participate in a press conference with news media
located at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the Johnson Space Center in
Houston. The press conference is scheduled to begin at 1:39 p.m.  CST.

Discovery is performing exceptionally well as it circles the Earth every 90
minutes at an altitude of 175 nautical miles, allowing the crew to devote its
full attention to the experiments on board.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STS-53 MCC Report #12
3 p.m. CST
Sunday, December 6, 1992

The Discovery crew continued a variety of scientific and engineering studies on
their fifth day in space and also took time out to speak with reporters in a
press conference from low Earth orbit.

Meanwhile, with an eye on marginal landing weather predictions for mid-week,
Mission Control asked the crew to perform a power-down of non-critical
equipment to save electricity.  This will add to Discovery's power margins in
the event that a landing waveoff is required, but Mission Control has made no
decision to extend the flight and all planning is centered on a nominal end of
mission with a Wednesday landing.

"We'd like to bank some cryo margin," spacecraft communicator Sam Gemar
explained to the crew Sunday afternoon.  The amount of electricity available
aboard a Space Shuttle is directly tied to the amount of supercold (or
cryogenic) hydrogen and oxygen stored in tanks located beneath the cargo bay.
Those tanks supply cryogenic hydrogen and oxygen to the three fuel cells, which
employ a chemical reaction to produce all of the electrical power the vehicle
uses in flight.  The hydrogen and oxygen are stored in their respective tanks
at cryogenic temperatures and supercritical pressures.  The storage temperature
for liquid oxygen is minus 285 degrees F and the temperature for the liquid
hydrogen is minus 420 degrees F. The powerdown performed by the Discovery crew
will lower the rate at which those fuels are used to produce electricity.
Mission Control estimated the powerdown would account for a savings of about
1.6 Kilowatts below the normal usage.

During their press conference, Commander Dave Walker reflected on Discovery's
15th flight, the first since a major overhaul was performed on the orbiter
earlier this year. "As an old Navy guy, I've taken ships out of the yard
before, but never one in better shape than Discovery," Walker said.

MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STATUS REPORT #13

Monday, December 7, 1992, 7 a.m. CST

  "Anchor's Aweigh" was played for crew members Dave Walker and Bob Cabana,
both graduates of the U. S. Naval Academy, as the STS-53 crew began their sixth
flight day in space.

Much of the planned crew day involves work with the many site acquisition and
life sciences projects being flown aboard Discovery.

In addition to continued operations with the secondary experiments by Mission
Specialists Guy Bluford, Jim Voss and Rich Clifford, routine pre-landing
orbiter checkouts will be conducted in preparation for Wednesday's planned
return to Earth.

Walker and Cabana will make sure the vehicle's flight control surfaces on the
wings and tail are in proper working order for the landing phase when the
spacecraft begins entering the atmosphere.  The two also will fire all of the
small thruster jets in the nose and tail to ensure they are ready for the entry
phase.  The checkout is scheduled to begin about 10 this morning.

Checking out the orbiter systems is usually done the day before landing, but
was moved up to ensure uninterrupted data gathering in support of the orbiter
glow experiment on Tuesday, the first day that the orbiter will actually pass
into darkness due to the time of launch last week.

After the FCS checkout and RCS hotfire, a small eight foot per second burn of
one of the orbital maneuvering system engines also will be performed today to
add a second landing opportunity on Thursday at the Kennedy Space Center should
weather conditions delay landing until then.  The orbit adjust burn is
scheduled for 1:15 CST this afternoon.

 All systems aboard Discovery continue to perform well on its fifteenth
mission.  The latest projected landing time for Wednesday's opportunity at KSC
is 1:16 p.m.  Central completing the 114th orbit.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-53 Status Report #14

Monday, December 7, 1992, 3 p.m. CST

It was a busy morning for the Discovery crew as they continued with payload
operations and performed a series of tests that verified the vehicle's
readiness to return to Earth Wednesday.

Today's activities included a Flight Control System checkout.  This test is
conducted to check out mechanical and hydraulic systems which are required for
landing.  The FCS checkout also tests various displays and sensors the crew
will use during the entry.  Later in the morning, the crew conducted a Reaction
Control System hot fire test, which is a test of various thrusters and of the
plumbing and other mechanisms associated with that system.

Following the crew's midday meal, a fifth orbital maneuvering system burn was
performed to lower Discovery's orbit and set up the geometry that will provide
an extra landing opportunity at Kennedy Space Center on Thursday. The orbital
adjustment was performed to maximize Discovery's landing options given marginal
weather forecasts for each of the three Shuttle landing sites in the United
States.

NASA still plans to bring Discovery home to Kennedy Space Center at the nominal
time on Wednesday with a deorbit burn at 12:16 p.m.  CST and a landing at 1:16
p.m.  CST.

The orbiter systems continue to function very well with only minor problems
reported on this 15th flight of the vehicle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-53 STATUS REPORT # 15

Tuesday, December 8, 1992, 6:30 a.m. CST

In honor of Army Lieutenant Colonels Jim Voss and Rich Clifford aboard
Discovery, "Caissons Go Rolling Along" by Bob Sharples and His Military Band
was played as the morning wake up call.

 Most of the crew's schedule today involves data gathering using the Arizona
Imaging Spectrograph mounted in the payload bay as part of the orbiter glow
experiment when Discovery is on the dark side of the Earth. Commander Dave
Walker and Pilot Bob Cabana will fire the onboard thruster jets to create air
glow around the nose and tail of the Discovery for the experiment.

The AIS will also collect data as the fuel cells are purged and the supply
water is dumped overboard -- both routine operations aboard the spacecraft each
day.

 Now that Discovery's mechanical systems have been checked for the return home
tomorrow, Guy Bluford and the rest of the STS-53 crew will spend the latter
part of the day deactivating experiments and stowing equipment in the cabin.

 The latest weather forecast for the two landing opportunities at the Kennedy
Space Center calls for scattered clouds and good visibility with light winds
out of the southeast.

Should all remain on schedule, the crew will fire Discovery's orbital
maneuvering system engines about 12:16 CST tomorrow afternoon dropping the
spaceplane out of orbit for the hour-long glide to Kennedy Space Center's
Shuttle Landing Facility runway.  Landing is set for 1 :16 p.m.  Central.

 Flight controllers made minimal changes to the crew's schedule today and are
tracking no systems problems on the orbiter as it circles the Earth every 91
minutes at an altitude of 175 nautical miles.

STS-53 Status Report #16
MISSION CONTROL CENTER


Tuesday, December 8, 1992, 5:30 p.m. CST

Discovery's crew finished their experimental work today and stowed their gear
in anticipation of a return home tomorrow.

All of the experiments aboard Discovery met their objectives during the flight
except for the Orbital Debris Radar Calibration System, or ODERACS, spheres,
which were not released as planned due to a power problem in their cargo bay
canister.  The metal spheres may now be scheduled for release from a March 1993
shuttle flight.

Today, the crew stowed the Fluid Aquisition and Resupply Equipment, or FARE,
after completing an eighth and final run of the experiment, which studies how
to move fluids from tank to tank in weightlessness without creating bubbles.
FARE could aid in developing technology to refuel Space Station Freedom. After
taking more than 200 photos, eight times as many as required, the crew stowed
the HERCULES camera, a specially adapted camera designed to automatically
imprint the latitude and longitude of the subject photographed on the film when
the picture is taken.  The crew stowed the Battlefield Laser Aquisition Sensor
Test, or BLAST, after completing the 20 required attempts with the device,
designed to send position information from a ground laser beam to a receiver in
the shuttle window.  Hoped to lead to a future technology that a field soldier
or downed pilot could use to secretly send his position to an overhead
satellite, BLAST was received twice by the shuttle.  The other attempts were
thwarted by bad weather, ground problems or will require more analysis after
landing.

In the cargo bay, the Orbiter Glow Experiment, or GLO, is continuing to study
the fluorescent effect created as the shuttle encounters atomic oxygen in
orbit.  By the time it is finished prior to landing tomorrow, GLO will have
completed 20 of the 23 planned studies.  GLO's studies involved watching the
glowing effect as it is intensified by various steering jet firings, water
dumps and orientations of Discovery. Also in the cargo bay, the Cryogenic Heat
Pipe Experiment, or CRYO H P, a study of a new cooling system with no moving
parts that may be used in future spacecraft, completed a number of test runs in
excess of what had been planned.

Other experiments -- two studying radiation in the shuttle cabin, called CREAM
and RME; one studying cloud formations by photography called CLOUDS; one
studying the effect of weightlessness on human body tissue, called STL or Space
Tissue Loss; and one studying the composition of tiny timed-release medication
capsules manufactured aboard Discovery, called MIS -- all went as planned and
are now stowed.

In addition the crew has completed many standard medical tests performed on
every shuttle flight that study the effect of weightlessness on the body.
Today, the crew will go to sleep at 8:54 p.m. central and awaken at 4:54 a.m.
Wednesday. The crew will start preparations to leave orbit at about 8:11 a.m.
central; close Discovery's cargo bay doors at about 9:30 a.m.; and fire the
engines to begin a freefall to Earth at 12:11 p.m., aiming for a touchdown at
the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, shuttle runway at 1:16 p.m. central time.

At present, the weather forecast for Kennedy is favorable for landing, however,
there is a possibility it could deteriorate.  If so, flight controllers would
likely choose to attempt a landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, at
about 2:44 p.m.  CST Wednesday.

If weather proved poor at both locations, Discovery could easily stay in space
an extra day and flight controllers would lilely aim for a landing at Edwards
at about 2:59 p.m.  CST Thursday.

After almost seven days in space, Discovery remains in excellent mechanical
condition, circling Earth every one hour, 31 minutes in an orbit with a high
point of 174 nautical miles and a low point of 170 nautical miles.

-end-

Mitch Varnes                                     December 8, 1992
407/867-2468

KSC Release No. 169-92

One week to the day after being launched into space,  the orbiter
Discovery  and  five  astronauts  are scheduled to return home to
America's Spaceport on the afternoon of  Wednesday,  December  9.
The  KSC  landing will conclude the 15th mission of Discovery and
close out a busy year during which eight Space  Shuttle  missions
were successfully conducted.

Discovery  is  now  scheduled  to  land  at  the  Shuttle Landing
Facility (SLF) at 2:16 p.m. EST.   The deorbit burn to bring Dis-
covery back down to Earth will occur at 1:11 p.m. EST.

The  second of KSC's two landing opportunities on Wednesday is at
3:50 p.m. EST.  Discovery also has two chances to land at Edwards
Air Force Base,  Calif.,  on Wednesday afternoon.   The potential
West  Coast  landing times are at 3:43 p.m.  EST and at 5:18 p.m.
EST.

If the first KSC landing opportunity is selected,  Discovery will
cross over Alaska,  the Great Lakes and the central United States
on its southbound journey.   Discovery will  then  continue  over
southeastern  Georgia  and  along Florida's Atlantic coast before
landing.   The orbiter's twin sonic booms should occur  over  the
Daytona  Beach  area  and be audible across much of north central
Florida.

SHUTTLE LANDING FACILITY

The SLF was built in 1975 and is about 3 miles northwest  of  the
Vehicle Assembly Building.   The runway is 300 feet wide,  15,000
feet long and has 1,000-foot-long overruns on each end.

There have been 13  Space  Shuttle  landings  at  KSC  since  the
program  began  in April 1981.   The last KSC landing occurred on
November 1,  1992 when the orbiter Columbia ended Shuttle mission
STS-52.

LANDING WEATHER CONSTRAINTS

General  weather  restrictions for a KSC landing are specified in
part as:

* Surface winds must be less than 20 knots in any  direction  and
less than 12 knots for crosswinds.

*  The cloud ceiling must be greater than 10,000 feet.  For scat-
tered  clouds below 10,000 feet,  cloud cover must be observed to
be less than 20 percent at the deorbit  burn  go/no  go  decision
time.

*  Visibility must be seven miles or greater.

*    There can be no precipitation at the surface or aloft in the
proximity of the orbiter.

*  Thunderstorms,  rain or the potential for lightning cannot ex-
ist within 30 nautical miles of the landing site.

*  Vertical cloud clearance at the 30 nautical mile range must be
greater than 2 nautical miles.

KSC GROUND OPERATIONS

Once  the  orbiter is on the ground,  safing operations will com-
mence and the flight crew will  prepare  the  vehicle  for  post-
landing operations.  A specially equipped vehicle will be used to
transport  the  crew  from the orbiter to their quarters at KSC's
Operations and Checkout Building.

The KSC landing support team has been  in  an  "on  call"  status
since  Discovery  was launched on December 2.   The primary func-
tions of the landing recovery team are to provide immediate serv-
ice to the orbiter after  landing,  assist  the  astroanuts  with
egress  from Discovery and to prepare the orbiter for towing from
the SLF to the Orbiter Processing Facility.

Convoy vehicles are stationed at the SLF's  mid-point.    Shortly
before  landing,  members of the recovery team don Self Contained
Atmospheric Pressure Ensemble (SCAPE) suits to protect them while
conducting preliminary checks of Discovery.

Nearly two dozen convoy vehicles move onto the SLF once  the  or-
biter  has  braked  to  a  stop.   After inspecting Discovery and
determining it to be free of escaping gases or other hazards, the
recovery crew will begin purge and coolant operations.

The crew will leave  Discovery  about  one  hour  after  landing,
taking a 15 minute ride to their quarters.   Post-landing medical
examinations of the crew will be made at KSC,  and the astronauts
will return to the Johnson Space Center on Thursday.

Several  hours  after landing,  Discovery will be towed to an Or-
biter Processing Facility hangar  where  it  will  undergo  post-
flight  deservicing  and preparations for a future flight.   Dis-
covery is next scheduled to fly in the spring of 1993 on  mission
STS-56.

MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-53 STATUS REPORT #17

Wednesday, December 9, 1992, 7:30 a.m. CST
  The Marine Corps Hymn awoke Discovery's five-member crew to prepare for the
trip home after seven days in space.

With weather conditions appearing to be favorable this morning, the crew will
pilot Discovery through a deorbit burn and hour-long glide back to Earth,
landing at the Kennedy Space Center at 1:16 this afternoon central time
completing 115 orbits around the world.

Before going to bed last night, the crew performed a small two foot-per-second
thruster jet burn to avoid a piece of space debris.  The collision avoidance
maneuver did not impact the landing time today.

With all of the payload activity completed aboard the orbiter, the crew will
transition from its on-orbit flight plan to the deorbit preparation timeline
about 8:15 this morning before closing the payload bay doors at 9:30.

Once strapped into their seats, Discovery's crew will manuever the orbiter and
fire the twin orbital maneuvering system engines just after noon for the final
glide across the central United States on the way to the landing at the launch
site on Florida's east coast.

Weather forecasters predict only scattered clouds and moderate winds at KSC at
the time of landing.  Some lower clouds offshore are not expected to impact
today's landing opportunities.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STS-53 Status Report #18, Landing
MISSION CONTROL CENTER

Wednesday, December 9, 1992, 3:30 p.m. CST


Discovery touched down at 2:43:17 p.m. CST today at Edwards Air
Force Base, California, to complete shuttle mission STS-53.  The
mission was a total of seven days, seven hours, nineteen minutes
and seventeen seconds in length.

Landing was trouble-free, although Mission Control waived an earlier
opportunity to land at the Kennedy Space Center because of a low
ceiling at the shuttle runway. Discovery's main landing gear touched
down on Edwards' concrete runway 22 at 2:43:17 p.m. central.
Nose gear touchdown was at 2:44:04 p.m. and Discovery's wheels
stopped at 2:45 p.m.

Discovery's crew will return to Houston tonight, arriving at Ellington
Field's NASA Hangar 990 between 10:30 and 11 p.m. central.

According to news reports I heard yesterday, the crew was forced to stay
in the cabin a bit longer than usual due to a (fuel?) leak that developed
(or was detected) after landing.   The leak generated toxic fumes in the
area of the shuttle.

Ground crews quickly took care of the problem and dissipated the fumes with
fans.


- dave

                KSC SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                    Friday, December 11, 1992

Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center
 
                      STS-53

 NOTE ON DISCOVERY: MISSION STS-53/DOD -- DRYDEN FLIGHT RESEARCH
                       CENTER, CALIFORNIA

     Discovery remains in the Mate-Demate Device at the Dryden Flight Research
Center following its landing at 3:43 pm EST Wednesday, Dec. 9.  The vehicle has
been jacked and leveled and operations are continuing to prepare it for ferry
flight beginning Dec. 15.  Discovery is slated for a two-day cross-country
flight atop the modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. If weather allows,
arrival at KSC is targeted for mid-afternoon Dec. 16.

 

                   SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                   Kennedy Space Center
                   December 14, 1992

George H. Diller
 
                           STS-53

SPECIAL TOPICS: At NASA's Dryden Flight Research Facility at Edwards Air Force
Base, the ferry flight tail cone is being attached to Discovery. The orbiter
will be mated to the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft tonight.  Departure from
Edwards is scheduled for local sunrise on Tuesday, with arrival at KSC at Noon
Wednesday. Weather is marginal in east Texas and Louisiana which could extend
the ferry flight.

                     SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                    Kennedy Space Center, Florida

                         December 15, 1992
George H. Diller
 
                      STS-53

SPECIAL TOPICS:

Discovery Ferry Flight: At NASA's Dryden Flight Research Facility at Edwards
Air Force Base, mating Discovery to the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is in
work.  Difficulty retracting the orbiter's landing gear has delayed departure
until no earlier than 1 p.m.  PST. If departure occurs today, the destination
will be Biggs Army Air Field in El Paso, Texas for an overnight stop.
Regardless, weather continues to be poor in east Texas and Louisiana which
likely will extend the ferry flight.  The arrival of Discovery at KSC is
expected to occur on approximately Friday.

 

                  SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                 Kennedy Space Center, Florida

                      December 16, 1992

George H. Diller
 
                           STS-53

SPECIAL TOPICS:

Discovery Ferry Flight: Discovery atop the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft landed
at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas last night at 8:14 p.m.  EST.
Departure is planned for tomorrow with a likely overnight stop in Mississippi
and arrival at KSC on Friday. Weather conditions are unacceptable in East Texas
and Louisiana for continuing the ferry flight today.

 

SPACE SHUTTLE WEEKLY                           Friday, December 18, 1992

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
 
 

              SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
             Kennedy Space Center, Florida

              Monday, December 21, 1992


George H. Diller
 
                              STS-53


SPECIAL TOPICS:

     OV-103/Discovery atop the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft arrived at KSC at
2:41 p.m.  EST on Friday. It was demated from the 747 and arrived at OPF Bay 3
at 7:25 a.m. on Saturday. The orbiter has been jacked and leveled.  The forward
reaction control system (FRCS) has been removed and is to be transported to the
Hypergolic Maintenance Facilty (HMF) today.  Also in work today is the removal
of the ferry flight tail cone.  The payload bay doors are being opened for
removal of the airborne support equipment which will be followed by
troubleshooting of ODERACS.

 

Space Shuttle Discovery
December 2-9, 1992

Commander: David M. Walker (CAPT, USN)
Pilot: Robert D. Cabana (COL, USMC)
Mission Specialists: Guion S. Bluford, Jr. (COL, USAF)
                     James S. Voss (LTC, USA)
                     M. Richard Clifford (LTC, USA)

Space Shuttle Discovery

Major Mission Accomplishments

* Completed the eighth Space Shuttle flight of 1992 and the last planned
mission dedicated to the Department of Defense.

* Deployed the Department of Defense-1 satellite.

* Achieved excellent results on the HERCULES (Hand-held, Earth-oriented,
Real-time, Cooperative targeting, and Environmental System) and the
Glow/Cryogenic Heat Pipe experiment.

* Tested new fluid handling devices in the Fluid Acquisition and Resupply
Experiment designed to improve the ability to capture and transfer liquids from
a tank.

* Successfully locked onto a laser during the BLAST experiment which tested the
concept of communications between ground personnel and orbiting spacecraft
through lasers.

* Performed medical experiments to learn about how the human body adapts to
microgravity and readapts to the normal gravity environment after landing.

* Operated an experiment designed to demonstrate the ability to produce better
pharmaceutical products in space than on Earth.


During the early morning hours of December 2, the Space Shuttle Discovery began
its 15th mission by thundering off the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center
(KSC) in Florida. The launch control team held the launch countdown at the T-9
minutes mark for over an hour to allow the sun to melt a layer of ice that had
formed around the Shuttle's external tank.  Launch con- trollers were concerned
about ice on the external tank because the ice could shake loose during launch
and damage the fragile tiles on the underside of the Shuttle.

        STS-53 was the last planned Shuttle mission dedicated to the Department
of Defense (DOD).  The primary payload in Discovery's payload bay was the
classified deployable satellite called Department of Defense-1 (DOD-1).  The
all military crew of five included astronauts from the Army, Navy, Air Force,
and Marines.

        The Space Shuttle launched into a 57 degree orbit 370 kilometers high.
After deployment of the DOD-1 satellite at 1:18 P.M. CST, the crew fired the
Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) engines to lower Discovery to a 324 km
altitude where it stayed for the remainder of the mission.

        The first part of the STS-53 mission was classified while the crew
worked on deployment of the DOD-1 satellite.  After the satellite was
successfully deployed on the first day, the rest of the mission was
unclassified.  The unclassified secondary payloads on the flight, became top
priority for the remainder of the seven day mission.

        The crew unpacked and activated the Radiation Monitoring Experiment
(RME) and the Cosmic Radiation Effects and Activation Monitor (CREAM) before
they went to sleep on the first day.  Both of these experiments measured the
radiation environment of low-Earth orbit.  With a better understanding of the
radiation environment, engineers will be able to design more effective
radiation shields for both the people and the electronic equipment in future
spacecraft.

        An experiment in the middeck of Discovery, called the Fluid Acquisition
and Resupply Experiment (FARE), tested some new devices made to efficiently
collect and expel liquids from tanks in microgravity.  While in orbit
(free-fall), liquids can float around inside tanks unpredictably, which makes
it difficult to capture and transfer all of the fluid out of the tank.  On
STS-53, the crew transferred colored water between two clear acrylic tanks
eight times at various pressures and flow rates while taping the fluid motion
with video camcorders.  The images on the videotapes will be evaluated by
scientists after the mission to determine how well the new fluid acquisition
devices performed and to see how they can improve on their design.  This
research will help to lower the cost of servicing long duration spacecraft such
as Space Station Freedom by improving our ability to transfer liquids in
microgravity without leaving excess liquid in the supply tanks.

        The high vantage point of space could be used to covertly communicate
with people on the ground such as troops, ships, or even downed pilots through
the use of lasers.  The Battlefield Laser Acquisition Sensor Test (BLAST) was
flown on STS-53 to test that concept.  Two stationary and three mobile ground
laser sites aimed their lasers at Discovery as it passed overhead.

        By coordinating the efforts of the crew of Discovery and the laser
sites, the crew successfully locked onto the ground laser on two separate
occasions.  Several additional attempts were made during the mission, but
problems with the ground stations and poor weather conditions thwarted those
attempts.

        The Orbital Debris Radar Calibration Spheres (ODERACS) shared the
payload bay with the DOD-1 satellite, but was not deployed.  Six metal spheres
were planned to be released from ODERACS which would have remained in orbit
after Discovery returned to Earth. Engineers would have used the spheres to
calibrate instruments on Earth which track orbital debris.  However, when the
crew attempted to communicate with the experiment through a small computer,
the experiment did not respond as expected.  Ground controllers and the crew
investigated the problem and determined that a battery had been drained prior
to launch.  Without this battery, it was impossible to deploy the spheres.
ODERACS will fly again on a future Shuttle mission after the battery problem is
resolved.

        The Glow experiment/Cryogenic Heat Pipe experiment (GCP) in the cargo
bay of Discovery worked as planned.  The Glow experiment measured the extreme
ultraviolet light energy produced as the orbiter raced through the upper
reaches of the atmosphere at 28,000 km/hr.  The Cryogenic Heat Pipe experiment
measured the performance of liquid oxygen heat pipes in microgravity.

        The Discovery crew also operated three DOD sponsored medical
experiments.  The Visual Function Tester-2 experiment tested the changes in
visual acuity brought on by space flight.  The Space Tissue Loss experiment
studied the changes in the amount of bone and muscle cell degradation that
occurs while in orbit.  The crew also completed the Microcapsules In Space
experiment to demonstrate that better pharmaceutical microcapsules can be
produced in a microgravity environment than is possible on Earth.

        Two photographic experiments sponsored by DOD performed well during the
mission.  The Cloud Logic to Optimize the Use of Defense Systems was used to
photograph several cloud formations for analysis after the mission.  The
Hand-held, Earth-oriented, Real-time, Cooperative, User-friendly, Location
targeting, and Environmental System (HERCULES) was designed to calculate the
latitude and longitude of an Earth viewing site.  This data was recorded
digitally along with the image and could be viewed later on the Shuttle's
closed circuit television system.  HERCULES was used to photograph over 200
subjects--more than eight times what was required.

        Discovery was scheduled to land at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle
Landing Facility at the end of the seven day flight, but because of low clouds
at KSC, the Mission Control Center decided to land at Edwards Air Force Base in
California after the Shuttle made one more lap around the Earth. The Shuttle
touched down at Edwards at 2:43 P.M. CST on Wednesday, December 9, ending the
last Shuttle flight dedicated to the DOD.

Mission Facts

Orbiter:  Discovery
Mission Dates: December 2 - 9, 1992
Commander:  David M. Walker (CAPT, USN)
Pilot:  Robert D. Cabana (COL, USMC)
Mission Specialist:  Guion S. Bluford, Jr. (COL, USAF)
Mission Specialist:  James S. Voss (LTC, USA)
Mission Specialist:  M. Richard Clifford (LTC, USA)
Mission Duration:  7 days, 7 hours, 19 minutes
Kilometers Traveled:  4,885,835 km
Orbit Inclination:  57 degrees
Orbits of Earth:  116
Orbital Altitude:  370 km
Payload Weight Up: 11,893 kg
Orbiter Landing Weight:  87,825 kg
Landed:  Edwards Air Force Base Runway 22


Payloads and Experiments:

DOD - 1  - Department of Defense - 1
BLAST - Battlefield Laser Acquisition Sensor Test
CLOUDS - Cloud Logic to Optimize Use of Defense Systems
CREAM - Cosmic Radiation Effects and Activation Monitor
FARE - Fluid Acquisition and Resupply Experiment
GCP - Glow experiment/Cryogenic Heat Pipe experiment Payload
HERCULES - Hand-held, Earth-oriented, Real-time, Cooperative, User-friendly,
Location targeting, and Environmental System
MIS - Microcapsules In Space
ODERACS - Orbital Debris Radar Calibration Spheres Project
RME III - Radiation Monitoring Experiment III
STL - Space Tissue Loss Experiment
VFT-2 - Visual Function Tester-2

Article: 21817
From: [email protected]
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: RE: STS-53
Date: Sun, 21 Aug 94 20:26:23 GMT
Organization: IDS World Network Internet Access Service, (401)
              884-9002 GUEST [telnet ids.net] 
 
Hmmm - where should I start....
 
Way back when they had classified shuttle missions where
very little information was publicly available.  The launch time
inclination, altitude, and other information were all classified
as was things of minor importance - like the payloads.  I jokingly
asked Kathy Thorton, the only civilian with no military experience
to fly on a classified mission, what happened on her flight (STS-33)
and she said that she couldn't remember a single thing.  Right Kathy.
 
When NASA upgraded their communications systems the DoD had the
option to pay zillions of dollars to upgrade their systems to keep
the capability to run 'control mode' operations and decided not to.
The STS-44 payload, a DSP-647 (Defense Support Program) infrared
telescope used to detect missile launches was benign enough that it
could easily be declassified without any concerns.  The STS-54
payload was a different story - it needed to remain black.  So NASA
and the DoD only referred to it as "DoD-1" in all unclassfied
documents.  Little by little details leaked out, innocent stuff which
would come out anyway (e.g. inclination, duration, altitude, etc.)
 
In November 1992 the standard L-30 press conference was held.  Lead
flight director Rob Kelso said that he thought that he might have to
say "Hi I'm Rob Kelso, the lead flight director of STS-53.  Do you
have any questions?"  It turned out that some information was
declassfied - enough to give a mission overview, without any specifics
on the payload.  He did confirm that Discovery did not have the RMS
(Remote Mainpulating System - the shuttle's robot arm) installed.
 
The astronauts held their normal interviews but, of course, could not
talk about DoD-1.
 
One of the innocent things which JSC Public Affairs gave out was the
launch windows for the planned late November launch.  It turned out
that the mission delayed to early December and a new set of launch
windows were released.
 
A friend (Sean Sullivan) and myself looked at all of the information we
had from many different sources and speculations and felt that we
had to have enough information to determine what the payload was - if
we could put all of it together.  We went through many different
possibilties, given the known inclination, weight, and other
characteristics.  We ignored speculation from media pundits and others
were no physics knowledge.  One key item kept coming up - the launch
windows.  The window for a November launch decreased by 4.46 minutes
each day.  In hindsight I'm surprised we didn't realize it earlier!
 
In the back of a car on the way to a Delta launch I casually suggested
"Molniya" (Russian for 'Lightning' and the name of a series of
highly elliptical orbit communications satellites).  Sean ran the
numbers through his computer program that night and called me with
the information that it was accurate to within a couple of seconds
in an entire day!  There was no doubt that we had the correct
solution, and we verified it with Ted Molczan - probably the best
amateur satellite tracker.
 
Unfortunately we couldn't find any news media which wanted to pay
for that information.  As Florida Radio Network reporter Alan
McBride put it "Phil, that's why they call it the free press"  A
more important reason for us to keep the information close to the
vest was that we didn't want John Pike (see other thread for info
on John Pike) to find out.  With no information to go from he claimed
that his sources told him that it was another Lacrosse radar
satellite.  (First rule of John Pike - when in doubt call it a
Lacrosse).  We had no intention of keeping the information closed
forever and three days before the launch we gave the information out
to everybody we could contact, posting everything we had deduced to
Celestial BBS, the Canadian Space Society Board, etc.  Many media
believed us, most notably the Orlando Sentinel and Miami Herald.  Others
took the feeling that we had one theory and Pike had another so who
was to say which theory was correct.  (reminds me of evolution vs.
creationism 'theory' arguements - but that thread belongs elsewhere).
 
Sean and I made it quite clear that there were three provable indications
post-launch which would prove that we were correct.  They were:

a) the satellite would appear as a flashing object, indicating that it
was spin stabilized.  Lacrosse appears as a steady red object.

b) after a period the satellite would 'disappear' because its perigee
kick motor would fire to put it into a Molniya transfer orbit.  Some
time after that an additional tracked object from that mission would
show up in the NORAD catalog.  Lacrosse, of course has no upper
stage and would not go into a different orbit.  Four years after its
launch the original Lacrosse satellite is still enthusiastically
tracked by amateurs around the world.

c) the payload would appear virturally identical to the STS-28
payload launched in 1989.
 
This was actually one of our best unexpected side benefits from the
DoD-1 analysis.  We suddenly noticed that the two missions were
virturally identical - same altitude, almost identical payload mass,
etc.  The STS-28 payload had been referred to as an Advanced KH-11
follow-on satellite by the media, but nobody in the industry or the
amateur satellite watchers believed that - because it didn't match
any KH-11 characteristics.  It was in the wrong orbit, it flashed, it
had an upper stage, etc.  Since the two missions were virturally
identical it seemed guaranteed that the payloads were identical.
 
Allen Thompson had translated a Russian military document which called
the STS-28 payload the SDS 2-1 satellite, which confirmed what we
believed.  The SDS satellites are highly classified Molniya orbit
communications satellites which have long viewing periods over the
arctic regions not covered by conventional geostationary satellites.
 
Within hours after DoD-1 was deployed from the shuttle observers
from around the world, one in South Africa, Jay Respler in New Jersey,
and of course Sean Sullivan in Florida reported seeing DoD-1 in orbit.
There was no doubt that the object in site had to be the payload from
Discovery's cargo bay, and all of the observer's observed characteristics
matched our predictions.  On the day Discovery was scheduled to land
I got to see it myself in an almost perfect overhead pass.  Within
a couple of hours Sean showed me a time exposure photo he had taken -
showing the DoD-1 satellite's pass over his viewing site!
 
As predicted a couple of weeks later DoD-1 disappeared and many
observers around the world confirmed that it was no longer in its
parking orbit.  Within a couple of months the new NORAD catalog had
confirmed that an additional object (e.g. upper stage) had been
tracked from that launch.
 
This was certainly one of the great highlights of my satellite
analysis work and Sean's orbit prediction work.  And as for John
Pike - well strangely he continues to give out his predictions and
thoughts to anybody who asks - even though he was absolutely incorrect
on this (and many other) speculations.
 
Postscript.  While talking to one of the astronauts (whos name will
remain anonymous for obvious reasons) from the STS-28 mission he
casually mentioned that he had not seen any media description of his
payload which was correct.  I sent him an article which I wrote
describing the SDS payload for STS-28 and STS-53. ;)
 
And I've shown Sean's photo to some of the astronauts who flew on
the STS-53 mission and they've been amused/impressed (I'm not sure
which).  Since they're still active they cannot confirm or deny
what's in Sean's photo.  I did try to convince the Air Force pulic
affairs officer at the Cape that I'd trade him a copy of my photo
for a copy of a photo on the ground before the launch - but he didn't
take me up on my offer.  *sigh*
 
Philip Chien
no sig yet
 
In Article <[email protected]>
[email protected] writes:

>I am curious about the reference to the "infamous" payload on sts-53/DoD-1?
>can anyone fill me in?  Thanks... Ted Phillips

Article: 21895
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
From: Mike Chan <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: STS-53
Sender: [email protected] (chan_michael)
Organization: Tandem Computers Inc.
Date: Wed, 24 Aug 1994 07:08:07 GMT
 
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] writes:
 
[snip - informative and detailed article on STS-53 payload.]
 
That is some great research in Chien's article.  What I found
particulary interesting is the reference SDS 2-1 in the Russian
document.  This implies SDS 2nd series, vehicle 1.  I had done a
little bit of digging in the past on US Molniya types.  SDS was
budgeted openly from around 1975 to the late 1980s with named line
items.  Then all mention of it disappeared from USAF space R&D
and procurement breakouts.  Even the glossaries began referring
to SDS as Space Defense System rather than Satellite Data System.
 
A few items from a rusty memory.  In one of the Congressional hearing
transcripts from the early 1980s, there was some testimony that gave
the status of the SDS program.  Specifically, there were references
to vehicles 4 and 5 awaiting launch and a request for an additional
vehicle.  This was interesting at the time, since there had been no
mention in the open press of Jumpseat yet.  Working backwards from
the date, I could see there were more than 3 US launches to
Molniya orbits.  AvWeek in about 1975 or so had an article that 
discussed SDS (built by Hughes, 1st launch in 1975?).  Looking at
the space logs, there were a couple of launches prior to this.
Were they SDS or pre-SDS or Jumpseat?
 
I had wondered whether SDS could have been a cover for Jumpseat,
but I think that they are two separate programs.  There was a
discussion in a DOE hearing around 1980 on spacecraft nuclear
detonation detection sensors.  This was before it was generally
known that DSP carried them, so I attributed one of the "[deleted]"
systems as DSP.  Then there was some discussion on how there
were technological challenges on the "[deleted] because of the
repeated crossing of the Van Allen belts."  A few sentences later,
there was mention that one of the newly developed sensors would
be provided to the Satellite Data System program.  This seemed
to imply that there were two programs that used the highly
elliptical orbits.
 
As to why SDS series 2 (if that's what it is) disappeared from
the open budget, I think it may be because AFSATCOM was supposed to
have given way to Milstars in Molniya orbits.  This was of course
before cutbacks put paid to that idea.  Still, platforms were needed
to support AFSATCOM over the north polar region.  In the past, SDS
was justified on that mission alone.  The AFSATCOM payload covered
SDS's other role as a data relay for low orbit imaging spacecraft
("critical support for national security programs" is how some
documents described it).  I don't think the AFSATCOM role could be
used to justify a dedicated platform in the recent budgets, so SDS
quietly went back to the black world where it continues as a data
relay program for the low orbit recon platforms (and also supporting
AFSATCOM transponders as a secondary payload).
 
Some other tidbits.  Philip Klass wrote an AvWeek article on Jumpseat
that, if memory serves, identified the early US Molniya types as
Jumpseats.  An observation here is that the first US Molniya type
came very soon after the first USSR Molniya.  However, coincidentally,
this was also around the time (1971) that the first Titan 3D launched
25,000 lb class imaging recon spacecraft went into orbit.  This class
supposedly could transmit low resolution images directly back without
film capsules.  An SDS would support this capability.
 
One more item.  When I had access to orbit track programs and
databases, I looked up the two US Molniya types in the database.
The orbits had RAAN's, arguments of perigee's, and time of passage
very close to USSR Molniya's in the database.  This would put the
US Molniya types (presumably Jumpseat) in the same general line of
sight as that from the USSR Molniyas to the USSR ground stations.
What would be very interesting is to take the orbit information for
_all_ the US Molniya types and see if there are differences in the
RAAN in particular.  My speculation here that if SDS has a mission
(data relay for low orbit platforms) that is quite different from
that of Jumpseat (SIGINT), then this may show in the orbit parameters.
It may be possible to identify all past US Molniya types as either
SDS or Jumpseat.
_________
Mike Chan
My speculations are my own, not my employer's.