| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 628.1 | Discovery's payload bay doors may have been damaged during processing | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Jun 05 1990 00:35 | 67 |
| CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- One of the shuttle Discovery's 60-foot
payload bay doors may have been damaged Monday when it was briefly bent
upward 10 to 12 inches in an accident during routine ground processing,
officials said.
Forrest McCartney, director of the Kennedy Space Center, said it
was too early to say what impact, if any, the incident might have on
Discovery's flight processing.
``I'm not a happy camper about it, obviously,'' he said. ``They
tell me there is no visible damage, but that's not good enough. We're
going to have to get in there and re-create what happened ... and try to
respond.''
The doors are designed to flex somewhat in space and NASA managers
were hopeful the panel was not damaged. Discovery is scheduled to carry
the European-built Ulysses solar probe into space Oct. 5 on a
high-priority mission that will be delayed 13 months if the shuttle does
not make it off the pad during an 18-day launch period.
With the shuttle Columbia grounded on pad 39A with a fuel leak, the
incident happened about 8:30 a.m. EDT in Discovery's hangar, where the
spaceplane is being prepared for blastoff, according to a NASA
statement.
Engineers were getting ready to close Discovery's clamshell-like
payload bay doors when an overhead bridge crane was accidentally moved.
Cables attached the crane were hooked onto special fixtures used to
close the doors and when the crane moved, one end of the right-side door
was pulled upward 10 to 12 inches.
A top NASA engineer said there was no clear evidence of any damage,
although a structural inspection will need to be conducted to make sure.
``The most annoying thing to me is it's going to take some time and
valuable resources to look into this,'' he said.
The payload bay doors were designed to open and close in the
weightless environment of space. To shut the doors in Earth's gravity,
an overhead crane and an elaborate counterbalance system is used to
minimize the forces acting on the fragile panels.
The overhead crane also is equipped with telescoping work platforms
that can be lowered into the shuttle's cargo bay to give engineers
access to payloads or other systems. By moving the crane along its
tracks, the platforms can be positioned anywhere in the shuttle's cargo
hold.
Officials said the incident Monday happened when a worker
mistakenly moved the overhead crane to reposition a work ``bucket.''
That, in turn, put tension on the payload bay door support cables,
causing one end of the right-side door to pull up.
Other officials said a ``popping'' noise was heard but that the
door returned to its proper shape after the incident occurred.
``Possible damage to flight hardware and ground support equipment
is being assessed,'' the statement said.
NASA spokeswoman Lisa Malone said details were sketchy, and ``there
may not be any damage to flight hardware.'' But she added, ``I think
there is some to the ground support equipment, pulleys or cables or
something.''
Discovery's payload, the Ulysses probe, was built to fly over the
north and south poles of the sun. To reach such an orbit, Ulysses first
must be fired to Jupiter so it can utilize the giant planet's gravity
for a slingshot assist up and out of the plane of the solar system and
back toward the sun.
Because of the positions of Earth and Jupiter, NASA only has 18
days to launch Ulysses, starting Oct. 5, or the flight will have to be
delayed for 13 months while the planets return to favorable positions.
For that reason, NASA can ill-afford any major problems with
Discovery.
From: clarinews@clarinet.com (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Newsgroups: clari.tw.space,clari.news.aviation,clari.news.military
Subject: NASA assesses possible shuttle damage
Keywords: space, science, air transport, transportation, air force,
Date: 4 Jun 90 21:17:41 GMT
|
| 628.2 | Small mistakes = lots of paperwork -- Large mistakes, well.... | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jun 07 1990 15:43 | 54 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Board appointed to investigate improper raising of Discovery's payload bay door (Forwarded)
Date: 6 Jun 90 21:28:42 GMT
rganization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lisa Malone June 6, 1990
(407) 867-2468
KSC Release No. 99-90
BOARD APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE IMPROPER RAISING OF DISCOVERY'S
PAYLOAD BAY DOOR
An investigation board has been named by Center Director
Forrest McCartney to examine the circumstances surrounding the
June 4, 1990 mishap which involved improper raising of the or-
biter Discovery's right hand payload bay door. Discovery is lo-
cated in Orbiter Processing Facility high bay 1 undergoing
processing for the STS-41 Ulysses mission, scheduled for launch
in October 1990.
Chairman of the board is Paul Myers, Technical Assistant to
KSC's Director of Engineering Development. Hector Delgado, of the
Systems Assurance Office, Reliability and Quality Assurance
Directorate is the deputy chairman. Other members of the board
are: Charles Stevenson, chief, External Tank Section, Vehicle En-
gineering; and Tim Yang, facilities systems engineer, Mechanical
and Electrical Systems Branch, Facilities and Systems Operations
Division, Center Support Operation Directorate. Two additional
board advisors are: Laurie Walls, engineer, Structures, Handling
and Access Systems Section, Vehicle Engineering, and Larry Ir-
minger, Lockheed Space Operations Company.
Ex-officio board members are Elizabeth Gruhler, safety ad-
visor, Douglas Hendricksen, legal advisor and Lisa Malone, public
affairs advisor. Elliot Kicklighter, primary assistant to the
Deputy Director, National Space Shuttle Operations, has been ap-
pointed as a level II observer.
On June 4, at about 8:30 a.m., Discovery's right hand
payload bay door was configured for closure. Special fixtures
used to handle orbiter doors in the earth's gravity were in place
for the operation. The fixtures are attached to and controlled by
the overhead bridge. An accidental movement of the overhead
bridge caused the payload bay door to flex for a short period of
time.
Board functions include investigating the facts surrounding
the mishap, determination of its probable cause, assessments of
the possibility of a recurrence, and recommendations on correc-
tive actions. A final report is due by mid-July.
|
| 628.3 | Shuttle Status for 06/11/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Jun 12 1990 17:04 | 23 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 11 Jun 90 18:57:53 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY JUNE 11, 1990 11:30 A.M.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Discovery's payload bay doors were closed this weekend for
inspections. The vendor was here this weekend and made assess-
ments of both the right and left payload bay doors. Nothing un-
usual was noted during their inspections. A decision about pos-
sible inspections or tests of the radiator, located near the
door, will be made tomorrow. Discovery's right door was inadver-
tantly flexed for a short period of time last week and an inves-
tigation board is examining the issues surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, orbiter systems are being tested and verified for
the STS-41 flight scheduled for launch in October.
|
| 628.4 | Status reports - 6/13,6/14 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Jun 15 1990 14:00 | 54 |
|
Wednesday June 13, 1990 10:00 a.m.
KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
STS-41 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, technicians have
installed the RTG valve panel on the orbiter Discovery. Work is
also underway to continue drying Freon coolant loop number 1 to
support work on the right-hand payload bay doors. The power
reactant storage and distribution system test is in work. Water
spray boiler checkouts and servicing will be picked up later this
morning.
Discovery's next mission is Ulysses, an international
project to study the polar regions of the Sun. Launch is
scheduled for October 5, 1990 from pad 39-B.
STS-40/41 Solid Rocket Boosters -- Pad B
The STS-41 booster stack (the total left-hand side and the
right aft segment) was transferred to Launch Pad 39-B Monday to
make room for the Shuttle Columbia's return to the VAB. Following
rollout of Atlantis to Pad A, the stack will be returned to the
VAB for a continuation of stacking operations.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY JUNE 14, 1990 9:30 A.M
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Preparations are underway to remove the right aft radiator,
located adjacent to the payload bay door, to allow more detailed
inspections of the door. Discovery's right door was inadvertently
flexed for a short period of time and an investigation board is
examining the issues surrounding the incident. The vendor will be
at the center this weekend to examine the door.
Meanwhile, orbiter systems such as main propulsion, power
reactant storage and distribution, and water spray boilers are
being tested and verified for the STS-41 flight, scheduled for
launch in October.
From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 14 Jun 90 20:28:38 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 628.5 | Shuttle Status for 06/18/90, 06/19/90. | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Jun 20 1990 14:15 | 38 |
|
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY JUNE 18, 1990 11:30 A.M
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The brakes were installed this weekend. Detailed inspections
of the right aft payload door were performed by the vendor this
weekend. Officials are analyzing the data.
Orbiter systems such as main propulsion and environmental
life control systems are being tested and verified for the STS-
41 flight, scheduled for launch in October.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY JUNE 19, 1990 10 A.M
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The main landing gear wheels and tires have been installed.
Detailed inspections of the right aft payload door have not
revealed any anomalies associated with the inadvertent flexing a
few weeks ago.
Orbiter systems such as main propulsion and environmental
life control systems are being tested and verified for the STS-
41 flight, scheduled for launch in October.
STS-41 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - Pad 39-B
The STS-41 booster stack is scheduled to be transferred back
to the VAB on Wednesday with first motion at 4 a.m. Stacking
operations will continue once back in the VAB.
From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 19 Jun 90 18:37:51 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 628.6 | Shuttle Status for 06/26/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Jun 27 1990 14:17 | 30 |
| KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY JUNE 26, 1990 11 a.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
A functional test of the star tracker is complete. Checkout
of the main propulsion system liquid hydrogen system is scheduled
to start today. Orbiter structural inspections and routine test-
ing of all the orbiter's systems are continuing this week. Ther-
mal protection system operations are underway on all areas of the
vehicle. The nose landing gear tire and wheel assemblies are
scheduled to be installed this week.
Tests are continuing on the two orbital maneuvering system
pods at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. Discovery is being
prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses flight, scheduled for launch in
October.
STS-41 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Stacking operations for the right aft center segment are on
hold due to a crane problem. The right forward center segment is
scheduled to be transferred to the VAB in the next few days.
From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 26 Jun 90 17:59:43 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
|
| 628.7 | Shuttle Status for 06/29/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Jun 30 1990 00:29 | 31 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 29 Jun 90 22:00:20 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - FRIDAY JUNE 29, 1990 4 p.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Preparations are underway to install the three main engines
next week. Repairs to one of the ribs or intercostals in
Discovery's right payload bay door are continuing. A worker fell
on the intercostal while cleaning the door. Orbiter structural
inspections and routine testing of all the orbiter's systems were
among the activities worked this week. Thermal protection system
operations are underway on all areas of the vehicle.
Tests are continuing on the two orbital maneuvering system
pods at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. Discovery is being
prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses flight, scheduled for launch in
October.
STS-41 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Stacking operations for the right aft center segment are
complete. The next segment, the right forward center, is
scheduled to be mated to the stack next week.
[Any bets that they'll be checking the disconnect valve soon? -dg]
|
| 628.8 | Status reports - 7/2/90, 7/3/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jul 05 1990 15:25 | 54 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 2 Jul 90 18:07:48 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY JULY 2, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Main engine 1 is being installed today. The other two en-
gines are scheduled to be installed today and tomorrow. Repairs
to Discovery's right payload bay door are continuing. Orbiter
structural inspections and routine testing of all the orbiter's
systems were among the activities worked this week. Thermal
protection system operations are underway on all areas of the
vehicle.
Tests are continuing on the two orbital maneuvering system
pods at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. Discovery is being
prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses flight, scheduled for launch in
October.
STS-41 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
The right forward center segment is scheduled to be trans-
ferred to the Vehicle Assembly Building tomorrow for mate to the
stack in the next few days.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY JULY 3, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Main engines 1 and 3 were installed yesterday. The number 2
main engine is scheduled to be installed today. Repairs to
Discovery's right payload bay door are continuing. Orbiter struc-
tural inspections and routine testing of all the orbiter's sys-
tems were among the activities worked this week. Thermal protec-
tion system operations are underway on all areas of the vehicle.
Tests are continuing on the two orbital maneuvering system
pods at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. Discovery is being
prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses flight, scheduled for launch in
October.
STS-41 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
The right forward center segment is scheduled to be trans-
ferred to the Vehicle Assembly Building next week for mate to the
stack in the next few days. Closeout operations of the boosters
are scheduled.
|
| 628.9 | Shuttle Status for 07/05/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Jul 05 1990 22:41 | 26 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY JULY 5, 1990 11 a.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
All three shuttle main engines have been installed and
hookups and leak checks are underway. Repairs to Discovery's
right payload bay door are continuing. Tests of the orbiter's
systems are continuing today. Thermal protection system opera-
tions are underway on all areas of the vehicle.
Tests are continuing on the two orbital maneuvering system
pods at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. About 50 tiles were
removed from the right pod after a small oxidizer leak last
month. Replacement of the tiles is underway in parallel with
other testing. Discovery is being prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses
flight, scheduled for launch in October.
STS-41 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
The right forward center segment is being transferred to the
Vehicle Assembly Building today for mate to the stack in the next
few days. Closeout operations of the boosters are scheduled.
|
| 628.10 | Shuttle Status for 7/6/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Jul 06 1990 22:12 | 27 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 6 Jul 90 16:26:16 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - FRIDAY JULY 6, 1990 11 a.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Final hookups of the newly installed shuttle main engines
are underway. Technicians are installing one of right hand
radiators and testing the orbiter's systems today. Thermal
protection system operations are underway on all areas of the
vehicle.
Tests are continuing on the two orbital maneuvering system
pods and forward reaction control system at the Hypergolic Main-
tenance Facility. Discovery is being prepared for the STS-
41/Ulysses flight, scheduled for launch in October.
STS-41 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
The right forward center segment was lifted to the high bay
today and will be pinned to the booster stack tomorrow. The right
forward segment, the last motor segment, is scheduled to be
transferred to the Vehicle Assembly Building tomorrow. Closeout
operations of the boosters are scheduled.
|
| 628.11 | Shuttle Status Reports (7/9-> 7/12) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jul 16 1990 22:07 | 45 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Tests of the orbiter's systems are continuing today. Tech-
nicians are scheduled to begin installing heat shields around the
three main engines today. Leak checks of the engines have been
completed. The nose cap is scheduled to be removed tonight for
routine inspections. Thermal protection system operations are un-
derway on all areas of the vehicle.
Tests and thruster replacements are continuing on the two
orbital maneuvering system pods and forward reaction control sys-
tem at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. Discovery is being
prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses flight, scheduled for launch in
October.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY JULY 12, 1990 11 a.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Tests of the orbiter's systems are continuing today.
Preparations are underway for servicing the freon cooling system
to prepare the orbiter's hydraulic system for tests this weekend
of the flight control aerosurfaces and hydraulically operated
valves on the main engines. Technicians are scheduled to begin
installing heat shields around the three main engines today.
Thermal protection system operations are underway on all areas of
the vehicle.
Leak tests and thruster replacements are continuing on the
two orbital maneuvering system pods and forward reaction control
system at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. Discovery is being
prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses flight, scheduled for launch in
October.
STS-41 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Closeout operations of the boosters are underway.
|
| 628.12 | Shuttle Status for 07/16/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Jul 18 1990 18:21 | 48 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY JULY 16, 1990 11:30 a.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Hydraulic operations completed this weekend include filling
and bleeding the system and a test of the flight control aerosur-
faces. The main engine Flight Readiness Test was successfully
conducted. During this test, the engine valves are opened and
closed in order and on time. In addition, the engine controllers
receive a complete electrical test. Technicians are continuing to
install heat shields around the three main engines today. Thermal
protection system operations are underway on all areas of the
vehicle.
Leak tests and thruster replacements are continuing on the
two orbital maneuvering system pods and forward reaction control
system at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. Discovery is being
prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses flight, scheduled for launch in
October.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY JULY 17, 1990 11 a.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
A brake anti-skid test is planned today. Technicians are
continuing to install heat shields around the three main engines
today. Thermal protection system operations are underway on all
areas of the vehicle. Pre-flight tests are continuing on the
other systems.
Final operations are underway to prepare the left orbital
maneuvering system pod for transfer to the OPF tomorrow morning.
Leak tests and thruster replacements are continuing on the right
orbital maneuvering system pod and forward reaction control sys-
tem (FRCS) at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. The FRCS is
scheduled to be delivered to the OPF Saturday for installation on
Monday. Discovery is being prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses
flight, scheduled for launch in October.
STS-41 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Closeout operations of the boosters are underway.
|
| 628.13 | Shuttle Status for 07/18/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Jul 20 1990 16:51 | 46 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY JULY 18, 1990 11 a.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Rigging of the main landing gear doors is underway. Work is
beginning to install RTG water lines and wiring in the aft com-
partment. Thermal protection system operations are underway on
all areas of the vehicle. Pre-flight tests are continuing on the
other systems.
The left orbital maneuvering system pod is being rotated and
installed in the transporter for transfer to the OPF on second
shift tonight. Leak tests and thruster replacements are continu-
ing on the right orbital maneuvering system pod and forward reac-
tion control system (FRCS) at the Hypergolic Maintenance
Facility. The FRCS is scheduled to be delivered to the OPF Satur-
day for installation on Monday. Discovery is being prepared for
the STS-41/Ulysses flight, scheduled for launch in October.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY JULY 19, 1990 11:30 a.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The left orbital maneuvering system pod arrived at the OPF
last night and preparations are underway to install the pod
tomorrow. Checks of the RTG system are continuing. Thermal
protection system operations are underway on all areas of the
vehicle. Pre-flight tests are continuing on the other systems.
Leak tests and thruster replacements are continuing on the
right orbital maneuvering system pod and forward reaction control
system (FRCS) at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. The FRCS is
scheduled to be delivered to the OPF Saturday for installation on
Monday.
A thruster, removed from the right OMS pod for inspection of
its dynatube, was damaged last night when it fell from the test
support stand. The unit was not secured properly in the test
stand. A spare thruster will be used in its place. An evaluation
of the damaged thruster is underway to determine if repairs can
be made. Discovery is being prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses
flight, scheduled for launch in October.
|
| 628.14 | Shuttle Status for 07/20/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sun Jul 22 1990 22:22 | 36 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 21 Jul 90 01:24:14 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - FRIDAY JULY 20, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The left orbital maneuvering system pod is scheduled to be
installed tomorrow. Engineers are evaluating one of the uppermost
aft fittings on the pod. Checks of the RTG system are continu-
ing. Thermal protection system operations are underway on all
areas of the vehicle. Pre-flight tests are continuing on the
other systems.
Leak tests and thruster replacements are continuing on the
right orbital maneuvering system pod and forward reaction control
system (FRCS) at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. The FRCS is
scheduled to be delivered to the OPF tomorrow for installation on
Monday.
Work is underway to prepare a thruster for installation of
the right OMS pod. The original thruster was damaged on Wednesday
when it fell from a work stand at the HMF. A leaking dynatube in
the thruster was being inspected in the work stand. An evaluation
of the damaged thruster is underway to determine if repairs can
be made. Discovery is being prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses
flight, scheduled for launch in October.
STS-41 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Closeout operations are underway on the solid rocket
boosters.
|
| 628.15 | Shuttle Status for 07/24/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Jul 24 1990 22:04 | 22 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 24 Jul 90 19:00:42 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Tuesday July 24, 1990 9:30 a.m.
KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-41 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Discovery's forward reaction control system was moved to the
Orbiter Processing Facility's transfer aisle last night and
operations are underway for its installation on the orbiter later
tonight. The left OMS pod will be electrically disconnected today
to allow workers to repair a thermal barrier. Also, work on the
right hand main landing gear is continuing.
Discovery's next mission is Ulysses. Launch of STS-41 is
scheduled for October 5, 1990, from pad 39-B.
|
| 628.16 | Re: .2 Mishap investigation board completes report on improper raising of Discovery's payload bay door | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Aug 01 1990 00:16 | 64 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Date: 31 Jul 90 19:00:52 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lisa Malone July 31, 1990
(407) 867-2468
KSC Release No. 133-90
MISHAP INVESTIGATION BOARD COMPLETES REPORT ON IMPROPER RAISING
OF DISCOVERY'S PAYLOAD BAY DOOR
Movement of an overhead access bridge while connected to a
payload bay door was the primary cause cited by an investigation
board for the improper raising of a payload bay door on the Space
Shuttle Orbiter Discovery on June 4, 1990. Contributing causes to
the improper raising included failure to follow the approved pro-
cedure, deficient work control systems to preclude bridge move-
ment while connected to a payload bay door, and deficient work
scheduling.
Discovery was located in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1
undergoing pre-launch preparations for its next mission, STS-
41/Ulysses, when the incident occurred. The aft portion of
Discovery's right hand payload bay door was raised improperly ap-
proximately 31 to 33 inches. The right hand payload bay door
Zero-G system, which is attached to overhead access bridges, was
configured to support a scheduled door closing operation when an
overhead access bridge was moved for another use, causing damage
to support equipment and improper raising of the payload bay
door.
A pulley and wire cable used in the Zero-G system were
damaged in the process. The cost of the mishap, including inspec-
tion of the payload bay door and repair of the support equipment,
was estimated at $120,000.
The board, which was chaired by Paul Myers, technical assis-
tant to KSC's director of Engineering Development, was not
charged with determining any damage to flight hardware. However,
thorough inspections have been performed and it has been deter-
mined that there was no damage to Discovery's payload bay door
from this mishap.
Board members included Hector Delgado, Systems Assurance Of-
fice, Reliability and Quality Assurance Directorate, who served
as deputy chairman; Charles Stevenson, chief, Orbiter Mechanical
Systems Branch, Vehicle Engineering; Tim Yang, facilities systems
engineer, Mechanical and Electrical Systems Branch, Center Sup-
port Operations Directorate; and Laurie Walls, orbiter ground
support equipment and facilities engineer, Structures, Handling
and Access Systems Section, Vehicle Engineering. Elliot Kick-
lighter of the National Space Transportation System Operations
office was the appointed Level II observer. Ex-officio Board mem-
bers included Elizabeth Gruhler, safety advisor; Douglas G.
Hendriksen, legal advisor and Lisa Malone, public affairs ad-
visor.
# # # #
Editor's Note: A copy of the board's report is available for
review in the newsroom at the Kennedy Space Center.
|
| 628.17 | Shuttle Status for 08/13/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Aug 13 1990 23:06 | 16 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Subject: Shuttle Status for 08/13/90 (Forwarded)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 1990 11 A.M.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The freon cooling system was serviced this weekend and sam-
pling and adjusting is planned in the next few days. The payload
bay doors were closed for thermal protection system operations.
Closeouts are underway on all areas of the vehicle. Pyrotechnic
devices for the robot arm and the RTG system will be installed
after the RTG system is serviced with water. The date of Aug. 18
for rolling the vehicle over to the VAB is being evaluated. The
routine rollover review meeting will be held Friday.
|
| 628.18 | Shuttle Status for 08/15/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Aug 16 1990 17:29 | 15 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 1990 11 A.M.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The payload bay doors were opened yesterday and the robot
arm was deployed for installation of witness plates which monitor
debris. Rigging of the main landing gear doors and tile opera-
tions around the doors are underway. All areas of the vehicle are
being closed out for roll to the VAB. Work to install the galley
is underway. The date for rolling the vehicle over to the VAB is
being evaluated. The routine rollover review meeting will be held
Friday.
|
| 628.19 | Shuttle Status for 08/20/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Aug 21 1990 14:25 | 20 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Monday August 20, 1990 10:00 a.m. EDT
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-41 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1
Orbiter power up occurred at 8:00 a.m. this morning as
workers continue to prepare the vehicle for rollover to the
Vehicle Assembly Building by the end of this week. Window number
six on the starboard side of the orbiter which had a small
impairment was removed and a new window has been installed.
Window sealing operations are in work today. Hydraulic operations
are also currently underway today to cycle the landing gear
closed. Thermal protection work is being conducted in parallel
with other jobs on the vehicle.
|
| 628.20 | Shuttle Status Reports 8/21 - 8/24 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Aug 29 1990 00:12 | 49 |
| From: yee@scam.Berkeley.EDU (Peter Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22 1990 11 A.M.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Preparations to begin cleaning the payload bay are underway
today. Cleaning operations are scheduled to begin late this af-
ternoon. The Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SSBUV) ex-
periment in the payload bay was cleaned overnight. Tile opera-
tions around the main landing gear doors are continuing. All
areas of the vehicle are being closed out for roll to the VAB,
now targeted for this weekend. The routine rollover review meet-
ing is planned for Thursday.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 1990 10 A.M.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Technicians are scheduled to begin cleaning operations in
the payload today in preparation for rollover to the Vehicle As-
sembly Building. A structural leak check of the aft compartment
is planned after the payload bay doors are closed. Tomorrow, the
tires and landing gear struts will be pressurized for flight. All
areas of the vehicle are being closed out for roll to the VAB,
now targeted for this weekend. The routine rollover review meet-
ing will be held this afternoon.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 1990 11 A.M.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The payload bay doors were closed last night after cleaning
activities were completed. Primary and secondary seals for both
liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen external tank disconnect valves
are being installed. Work to ready the main landing gear is con-
tinuing. Today, a structural leak check of the orbiter is planned
and the tires and landing gear struts will be pressurized for
flight. All areas of the vehicle are being closed out for roll to
the VAB, now targeted for Sunday.
While in the VAB, Discovery will be mated with its external
tank and solid rocket boosters. Some of the testing of those con-
nections will be conducted after the vehicle arrives at Launch
Pad 39-B.
|
| 628.21 | Shuttle Status for 08/27/90, 8/28/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Aug 29 1990 17:00 | 28 |
| From: yee@scam.Berkeley.EDU (Peter Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, AUGUST 27 1990 11 A.M.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Discovery was spotted in the VAB transfer aisle at 2:35 a.m.
today. The lifting sling is being attached to the orbiter to
hoist the 100-ton spaceplane into position next to the external
tank and solid rocket boosters. The vehicle is scheduled to be
hard mated to the tank by tomorrow morning. Some of the testing
of those connections will be conducted after the vehicle arrives
at Launch Pad 39-B.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, AUGUST 28 1990 11 A.M.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Discovery was softmated to the external tank at 3:54 a.m.
today. Hard mate is targeted for this morning. Electrical connec-
tions will commence today. Power up testing is planned on
Thursday. Some of the testing of those connections will be con-
ducted after the vehicle arrives at Launch Pad 39-B.
The schedules for Discovery and Columbia are being
evaluated, however, Discovery's rollout to the Launch Pad is tar-
geted for Friday midnight.
|
| 628.22 | Budget crunch limits shuttle viewing | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Aug 29 1990 17:11 | 53 |
| From: clarinews@clarinet.com (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Date: 27 Aug 90 19:04:34 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- NASA is shutting down its on-site
guest viewing for the shuttle Discovery's Oct. 5 launch because of
concern about the budget, a move that will knock nearly 20,000 VIPs and
members of the public out of a ringside seat, officials said Monday.
The decision by NASA Administrator Richard Truly marks the first
time since the Apollo moon program that official guests and members of
the public will be barred from the Kennedy Space Center for an
unclassified manned launch.
The issue, agency officials say, is simple: money and the
possibility that Congress will not resolve the federal budget before the
Oct. 1 start of the new fiscal year, raising the possibility that
non-essential government workers will be briefly furloughed.
Given that environment, officials said, NASA managers decided to
save money -- how much is uncertain -- by canceling shuttle guest
operations in October.
For a typical shuttle launch, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration issues about 15,000 car passes allowing spectators to
park and view liftoff from a causeway south of the shuttle pads.
Another 3,000 to 4,000 ``official guests'' -- congressmen, industry
leaders and others -- watch the launch from two VIP viewing sites,
requiring the use of some 40 buses. Finally, about 250 members of the
astronauts' families watch launches from one of the VIP sites.
For Discovery's launch, NASA officials had planned to charter an
airplane, for about $50,000, to fly guests and VIPs to Florida from
Washington. Those plans have been canceled.
NASA officials now plan to accommodate only the astronauts'
immediate and extended families. Causeway car passes will not be issued.
``I think it's the first time since I've been doing these launches,
and that goes all the way back to the start of the Apollo program, that
we've ever had to cancel a guest operation,'' said Eugene Marianetti at
NASA headquarters in Washington.
Discovery's payload is the Ulysses solar probe, built by the
European Space Agency. Marianetti said ESA guests will be accommodated
at the Kennedy Space Center.
``This is a joint NASA-ESA launch,'' he said. ``Our agreement with
ESA was their guests will be accommodated. They'll provide their own
buses.''
The Ulysses probe is powered by a single ``radioisotope
thermoelectric generator'' loaded with about 24 pounds of radioactive
plutonium 238. Anti-nuclear activists have charged that Discovery should
be grounded because of the possibility of a radiation release in the
event of a launch accident.
But NASA officials say extensive tests show the powerpack can
withstand even a Challenger-class disaster intact and that in any case,
the decision to cancel the guest operation had nothing to do with
Discovery's payload.
``That didn't have a thing to do with it,'' Marianetti said. ``We
just started looking at the possibility of sequestration and the impact
(of that). It's kind of hard to justify a grandiose guest operation when
you're laying people off or furloughing people for one or two days.''
|
| 628.23 | Shuttle Status for 09/11/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Sep 14 1990 13:42 | 41 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
This KSC status report was prepared at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept.11th.
The countdown dress rehearsal for the STS-41 Discovery/Ulysses
mission concluded at 11:07 with a planned simulated cutoff of
Discovery's main engines. The astronauts are now scheduled to
simulate an emergency egress from the orbiter. Today's successful
countdown dress rehearsal is primarily an electrical test of the
Space Shuttle systems and launch complex systems, and a procedural
exercise for the astronauts working together with the launch team.
In parallel, the payload test team conducted an exercise to
simulate problems which could arise during the actual countdown. The
test team's decisions on managing unexpected problems which could
arise with Ulysses, the Inertial Upper Stage, or the Payload Assist
Module will now be discussed.
Data from the testing of Discovery's cooling system over the
weekend shows that the small freon leak is not likely to worsen and
that flying as is will be the KSC recommendation. The leak will
continue to monitored, however, the leakage rate of about 1% per day
is believed not likely to change.
The next major step toward launch begins this afternoon with the
Interface Verification Test between Ulysses with its attached upper
stages and Discovery. This test verifies the electrical connections
established between the payload and the orbiter, and also connections
with the payload control panel and the associated computers on the
flight deck.
On Pad 39-A the work to install the liquid hydrogen
recirculation pump package has been completed. Because the work took
longer than scheduled to complete, the helium signature leak test of
the hydrogen side of the main engines and main propulsion system was
rescheduled from last night to second shift today. Launch is still
targeted to occur toward the early part of next week.
From the NASA Kennedy Space Center, this is George Diller.
|
| 628.24 | Status reports, launch advisory (9/12-9/14) | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Sep 17 1990 15:01 | 80 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 12, 1990 12 PM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
An interface verification test for the Ulysses payload has
been completed and preparations for the end-to-end test are un-
derway. That test is planned tomorrow.
Preparations are underway to load hypergolic propellants
aboard the orbiter this weekend. The pad will be closed to all
non-essential personnel for this operation.
The Countdown Demonstration Test was successfully conducted
yesterday.
Mark Hess/Ed Campion
Headquarters, Washington, D.C. September 12, 1990
(Phone: 202/453-8536)
Lisa Malone
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Phone: 407/867-2468)
LAUNCH ADVISORY FOR SHUTTLE MISSIONS STS-35 AND STS-41
[STS-35 information in its own note... -dg]
Space Shuttle Discovery and the STS-41 mission will be launched
as early in the launch window (Oct. 5-23, 1990) as possible.
Current scheduling indicates a likelihood of launching on Oct. 8 or
9, but a few days either side are possible, depending on actual test
and preparation times needed. The actual launch date for Shuttle
mission STS-41 will be set at the flight readiness review, currently
scheduled for Sept. 24-25.
Discovery's freon cooling loop #1, which has given indications
of a small leak since leaving the Orbiter Processing Facility, has
undergone special testing. After review of the test data, Shuttle
managers have determined that this condition can be safely flown in
its present state. Launch preparations will include topping off the
freon system of Discovery a few days before launch which will keep
the freon level well above the amount needed to support Shuttle
operations during the 4-day mission.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, SEPT. 13, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Preparations are underway to load hypergolic propel-
lants aboard the orbiter this weekend. Quick disconnects are
being hooked up to the orbiter today and leak checks will follow.
The pad will be closed to all non-essential personnel for this
operation which begins Friday night.
An end-to-end test of the Ulysses payload is scheduled
today.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, SEPT. 14, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Preparations are underway to load hypergolic propel-
lants aboard the orbiter this weekend. Later tonight, the pad
will be closed to all non-essential personnel for this operation
which extends until Sunday night.
An end-to-end test of the Ulysses payload was completed yes-
terday. Engineers are reviewing the data from the test today.
|
| 628.25 | STS-41 Press Kit | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Sep 18 1990 19:49 | 14 |
| The STS-41 Press Kit has arrived, and is available at:
PRAGMA::PUBLIC:[NASA]STS-41.ps
Other press kits are located in this public directory.
I've included two graphics in this press kit, but this mission sort of snuck
up on me and I didn't get them completely finished. Some minor editing
may occur within the next week or so - both on the graphics and text. I try
to get them out initially as soon as possible.
- dave
|
| 628.26 | Shuttle Status for 09/18/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Sep 18 1990 21:36 | 17 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, SEPT. 18, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Hypergolic propellants were loaded aboard the orbiter this
past weekend. Work to replace a fuel duct on main engine 2 is
continuing today. This activity is scheduled to be complete later
this week. A flight readiness test of the main engines is
planned Thursday and a partial helium signature test is set for
late Friday to check the new duct.
Flight batteries for the Ulysses Inertial Upper Stage are
scheduled to be installed Thursday.
|
| 628.27 | Press kit update | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Sep 19 1990 17:24 | 6 |
| An update to the STS-41 press kit (pragma::public:[nasa]sts-41.ps) is
available. It corrects numerous transcription errors and includes a
cross reference of scientific instruments to the diagram. Any further
updates (if any) will just make it look prettier.
- dave
|
| 628.28 | Shuttle status for 9/19, 9/20 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Sep 22 1990 00:24 | 59 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Wednesday September 19, 1990 11:00 a.m. EDT
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-41 -- Discovery (OV 103) - Pad 39-B
Work at pad B is underway for a planned main engine flight
readiness test. Call to stations for the test will occur at 8:00
a.m. Thursday. This operation will allow technicians an
opportunity to test the main propulsion system aerosurfaces and
cycle the main engines in the manner used for flight.
Today at the pad, workers are in the process of removing the
high pressure fuel duct and bleed valve on main engine number 2.
Operations should be complete by end of shift tonight in time for
the flight readiness test tomorrow.
Engineers are currently planning a helium signature test on
the shuttle's liquid fuel feed lines on Saturday.
The Launch Readiness Review is on going this morning at KSC
to discuss the readiness of the STS-41 launch team. The Flight
Readiness Review is scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday.
Following this review, release of a specific launch date is
expected.
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, SEPT. 20, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Final securing of the high pressure turbo pump fuel duct on
main engine 2 is scheduled to be completed later this afternoon.
A flight readiness test of the main engines is planned later this
evening and a partial helium signature test is set for late
Friday or early Saturday to check the new duct.
Flight batteries for the Ulysses Inertial Upper Stage are
scheduled to be installed today.
As a precautionary measure, leak checks and inspections of
cover seals for the engine pre-valves are planned later today.
These seals were replaced as required since Discovery's last
flight.
Discovery and the Ulysses spacecraft are being prepared for
an Oct. 5 launch.
|
| 628.29 | Ulysses RTG safety report | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Sep 24 1990 23:54 | 122 |
| From: pjs@aristotle.JPL.NASA.gov (Peter Scott)
Subject: Ulysses RTG safety report (was Re: Clowns in Space)
Date: 24 Sep 90 22:09:50 GMT
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA/Caltech
Thanks greatly to Jonathan Leech for resurrecting this for me. I
think it will be of interest to those who were reading this thread.
- - - - - - -
I have a report from NUS Corporation, prepared for the DoE, titled
Safety Status Report for the Ulysses Mission: Risk Analysis (Book 1).
Document number is NUS 5235; there is no GPO #; published Jan 31, 1990.
It's too lengthy to reproduce here, so I'll go into some highlights
since the RTG issue is surfacing again.
Mission phases 0 and 1 are on the launch pad or during early ascent in trhe
KSC area. Phase 2 involves the possibility of a failure during later
ascent with a reentry and impact along an African ground track. An accident
during phases 3 & 4 can result in a reentry anywhere wihtin the 28 deg.
latitude bands.
No accident cases resulting in release in phase 0. Launch and ascent
source terms calculated using LASEP-3 program, using a Monte Carlo approach
to simulate RTG response to a given accident environment. 100,000 trials
for each scenario or sub-scenario. The LASEP-3 model directs calculations
to arrive at fueled clad distortion,... fueled clad crack size, fuel release
quantity, and particle size distribution of the release.
Integrated risk analysis constructed 5- and 95-%ile bounds on radiological
consequences & risks.
Based on NCRP report #91 denotes Negligible Individual Risk Level of 1e-7 per
yr, == 1 millirem/yr. Also referred to as a "de minimis dose". Dosage
considered As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) is 25 mrem/yr, and
100 mrem/yr
as requiring remedial action.
(Page missing) ... GPHS (General Purpose Heat Source) module are independent
reentry bodies... resulting in broad footprint of impact points.
No credit for dose reduction was taken for possible measures such as
sheltering, clean-up, food restrictions.
Because of the nature of the "weathering" process for ground deposited material,
its availability for resuspension inhalation (the dominant long-term
dose pathway) decreases dramatically over the first 2 years after an accident.
... Since the dose related deposition criteria of DoE and EPA are intended
to ensure population protection over extended periods of time when
administrative controls might not be assured, the ground deposition isopleths
have been calculated for the second year after an accident when the weathering
process has slowed considerably.
Phase 1: begins with lift-off and ends with SRB burn-out and jettison.
Accidents during this phase include SRB failures, RSS destruct, aft
compartment explosion, vehicle breakup, and those leading to crash landing
or ocean ditch. These accidents have a total probability of occurrence of
4.36e-3. Analysis shows that given an accident, a release of RTG fuel will
occur about 4 times in 100,000.
The radiological consequences of Phase 1 accidents are such that individual
doses are < 10mrem, no collective dose will exceed de minimis, and therefore
no health effects are calculated. No areas would have dose rates exceeding the
EPA/DoE criteria, except for localized areas onsite near any ground-level
releases.
Phase 2: T+128 sec thru MECO, ET sep, until first OMS burn. Accidents
occur above 150,000 ft & all scenarios considered result in vehicle breakup
and release of GHPS modules. Fuel release can occur if GHPS modules impact
hard rock along the trajectory over Africa. This can only occur if the
accident occurs during a 5.5-sec interval near the end of the 404-sec phase.
Accidents prior would result in RTG or GHPS modules impacting water with no
release. The iridium fuel capsules are resistant to corrosion, and the
solubility of PuO2 is very small. No measurable concentrations would be
expected in water, even over very long time periods. Total initiating
accident probability is 1.15e-3. Given an accident, a rock impact and fuel
release involving one module would occur about 15 times in 10,000 with 0.834 Ci
released. Total probability of 2.31e-6.
Radiological consequences: individual doses <~20mrem, collective dose about
0.03 person-rem above de minimis. No areas have dose rates > EPA/DoE draft
criteria, except perhaps localized area around impact locations. Calculated
health effects essentially zero and risk near zero. An average population
density is assumed in determining the separation distance between the release
and the nearest people.
Phase 3: T+532 sec thru IUS/PAM-S deployment. Accidents result in
uncontrolled orbital decay re-entry of Orbiter, followed by Orbiter break-up
and independent re-entry of the 18 individual GHPS modules. This could only
occur if the failure was of such a nature that a mission abort from orbit
to a safe landing was not possible. Fuel release would occur only if one or
more GHPS modules impacted hard rock. Modules impacting oceans would
not release fuel over long periods of time. The initiating accident probability
is 1.58e-4. Given the accident, a rock impact and fuel release involving one
module would occur about 4 times in 100 with an average release of 0.477 Ci.
Total prob. 6.16e-6.
Radiological consequences: individual doses < 40mrem, collective dose above
de minimis < 1 person-rem. No areas exceed DoE/EPA, except localized etc.
Calculated health effects & risk essentially zero. Consequences are higher
due to increase in average population density, even though source term is
lower [as shown in tables & failure trees, not included here].
Phase 4: IUS deploy thru escape velocity. Accidents resulting from IUS
malfunctions lead to spacecraft reentry, breakup, and independent reentry of
GHPS modules. Same as phase 3 with total initiating accident probability for
a reentry of 6.16e-3. Given an accident, rock impact and fuel release
involving
1 or more modules would occur about 4 times in 100. Identical radiological
consequences. Total prob. 2.40e-4.
- - - -
Elision of scientific justification in the above should not be construed as
meaning it wasn't done: I just summarized in a very rough fashion. I think
it's interesting that the RTG modules would apparently survive intact any
reentry, and only break when they hit rock. I don't expect this will convince
the fanatics, but there's some interesting information for the rest of us.
--
This is news. This is your | Peter Scott, NASA/JPL/Caltech
brain on news. Any questions? | (pjs@aristotle.jpl.nasa.gov)
|
| 628.30 | Shuttle Status for 09/24/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Sep 24 1990 23:55 | 33 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Monday September 24, 1990 11:00 a.m. EDT
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STS-41 -- Discovery (OV 103) - Pad 39-B
Mission managers are meeting this morning at Kennedy Space
Center for the Flight Readiness Review. The meeting is scheduled
to conclude tomorrow and be followed by an announcement
establishing the target launch date for Discovery and the
spacecraft Ulysses.
Over the weekend at Pad B, the flight readiness test was
completed successfully. An igniter on main engine number 1 failed
during the test and was replaced. The new part was tested and
checked out successfully. Following the FRT, a delta helium
signature test was performed on the main propulsion system. No
leaks in the system were identified. Today, work has begun to
close out the aft compartment with final main propulsion system
checks.
The spacecraft Ulysses and its attached upper stage booster
are undergoing final launch preparations. Today, the spacecraft
is scheduled for flight readiness checks and the Inertial Upper
Stage is having its computer memory loaded. The installation of
the PAM-S flight batteries is scheduled for this afternoon.
Installation of the remaining 20 percent of the IUS flight
batteries is targeted for tomorrow.
|
| 628.31 | Shuttle Status for 09/25/90, Launch Advisory | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Sep 26 1990 13:34 | 66 |
| From: yee@scam.Berkeley.EDU (Peter Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, SEPT. 25, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
The two space suits carried aboard Discovery for contingency
purposes will be installed in the airlock tomorrow. Also tomor-
row, the Inertial Upper Stage for the Ulysses spacecraft will be
tested to simulate events of launch day.
On Friday, hypergolic propellant tanks on board the orbiter
will be pressurized and closed out, and ordnance devices will be
installed and firing circuits will be checked.
Closeouts of the orbiter's aft compartment are underway.
This work includes applying foam to various areas of the main
propulsion system, final inspections of various components, main
engine closeouts, cleaning and removing platforms for flight.
Discovery and the Ulysses spacecraft are being prepared for
an October 6 launch date. The launch countdown will begin at 3:30
a.m. EDT Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the T-43 hour mark, leading up to
the liftoff at 7:35 a.m. EDT.
Mark Hess/Ed Campion
Headquarters, Washington, D.C. September 25, 1990
(Phone: 202/453-8536)
Lisa Malone
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Phone: 407/867-2468)
LAUNCH ADVISORY: STS-41/ULYSSES LAUNCH DATE SELECTED
NASA managers today selected Oct. 6, 1990, as the launch
date for Space Shuttle mission STS-41 to deploy the European
Space Agency's Ulysses probe on a 5-year journey to study the
sun.
"This date is a little success oriented and is dependent on
not encountering any unusual problems," said Space Shuttle
Director Robert L. Crippen. "But I think the Shuttle team has a
good chance of making the 6th."
The launch window for Oct. 6th extends from 7:35 a.m. to
10:05 a.m. EDT.
NASA received Office of Science and Technology Policy
nuclear launch safety approval for the Ulysses mission on Monday,
Sept. 24, 1990.
STS-41 will be the 36th Space Shuttle mission and the 11th
of the orbiter Discovery. The mission is slated to last just
over 4 days with a planned landing at Edwards Air Force Base,
Calif.
The flight crew for STS-41 is Commander Richard N. Richards,
Pilot Robert D. Cabana and Mission Specialists William M.
Shepherd, Bruce E. Melnick and Thomas D. Akers.
|
| 628.32 | Shuttle Status for 09/26/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Sep 26 1990 21:52 | 32 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
The two space suits carried aboard Discovery for contingency
purposes are being installed in the airlock today. Later today, a
test to simulate launch day events for the Inertial Upper Stage
will begin. The test is planned to start at about 5 p.m. tonight
and will end with a simulated T-0 at about 7:30 tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow, a purge of the external tank is planned and the
freon system will be topped off for launch.
On Friday, hypergolic propellant tanks on board the orbiter
will be pressurized and closed out, and ordnance devices will be
installed and firing circuits will be checked.
Closeouts of the orbiter's aft compartment are underway.
This work includes applying foam to various areas of the main
propulsion system, final inspections of various components, main
engine closeouts, cleaning and removing platforms for flight. The
aft is scheduled to be closed out for flight on Sunday.
Discovery and the Ulysses spacecraft are being prepared for
an October 6 launch date. The launch countdown will begin at 3:30
a.m. EDT Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the T-43 hour mark, leading up to
the liftoff at 7:35 a.m. EDT.
|
| 628.33 | Shuttle Status for 09/28/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Oct 02 1990 11:58 | 34 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, SEPT. 28, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
A purge of the external tank was completed yesterday and the
freon system has been topped off for flight.
The pad is closed for ordnance operations. These explosive
devices have been loaded and the firing circuits are being
checked. Tonight, the orbiter's hypergolic propellant tanks will
be pressurized and closed out.
The team is evaluating an increase in the hydraulic fluid
system reservoirs located on the right solid rocket booster aft
skirt.
Closeouts of the orbiter's aft compartment are underway.
This work includes applying foam to various areas of the main
propulsion system, final inspections of various components, main
engine closeouts, cleaning and removing platforms for flight. The
aft is scheduled to be closed out for flight late Saturday or
early Sunday.
Discovery and the Ulysses spacecraft are being prepared for
an October 6 launch date. The launch countdown will begin at 3:30
a.m. EDT Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the T-43 hour mark, leading up to
the liftoff at 7:35 a.m. EDT.
|
| 628.34 | Shuttle Status for 10/02/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Oct 02 1990 20:10 | 31 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, OCT. 2, 1990 10 AM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Overnight, technicians repaired a broken wire in the
orbiter's aft compartment. This broken wire did not allow power
to the main propulsion system engine 2 liquid oxygen prevalve.
Electrical tests have been successfully conducted and the aft
compartment was closed out for flight at about midnight last
night. Closeouts of the right solid rocket booster aft skirt are
continuing.
The radioisotope thermoelectric generator was successfully
installed today. The payload bay doors are scheduled to be closed
for flight tomorrow morning.
Launch countdown preparations are underway to pick up the
count on time at 3:30 a.m. EDT tomorrow at the T-43 hour mark.
Today, inspectors will make assessments of the launch pad as part
of countdown preparations.
Discovery and the Ulysses spacecraft are being prepared for
liftoff at 7:35 a.m. EDT, Saturday Oct. 6. The STS-41 five-member
flight crew is scheduled to arrive at KSC at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
|
| 628.35 | Shuttle Status for 10/03/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Oct 04 1990 13:15 | 50 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3, 1990 11 AM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
The countdown clock for Discovery's 11th flight began on
time today at 3:30 a.m. EDT. The launch team in firing room 3 is
now preparing to check out the main engines for tanking and for
flight. Flight software in the orbiter's twin memory banks has
been reviewed and computer controlled display systems have been
activated.
An eight-hour built-in hold is planned at the T-27 hour mark
which comes at 7:30 p.m. tonight. This hold will give the launch
team time to resolve any issues or catch up with countdown opera-
tions prior to loading the power reactant storage and distribu-
tion (PRSD) system supply tanks with liquid hydrogen and liquid
oxygen reactants. Loading operations are scheduled to start at
about 5:30 a.m. tomorrow.
After final closeouts of the Ulysses spacecraft, the
payload bay doors were closed for flight at about 8:17 a.m. this
morning.
The STS-41 five-member flight crew is scheduled to arrive at
KSC at about 3:30 p.m. this afternoon.
Weather predictions for launch time on Saturday indicate
there is a 70 percent chance of meeting the criteria to launch.
Winds are expected to be out of the east to southeast at 10 knots
with occasional gusts to 16 knots. The predicted temperature is
80 degrees. Weather is not expected to be a factor in loading the
external tank for flight.
The launch team will begin loading the external tank with
liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants at 11:15 p.m. EDT
Friday. The process takes about 3 hours and should be complete by
2:15 a.m. Saturday.
Discovery and the Ulysses spacecraft are being prepared for
liftoff at 7:35 a.m. EDT, Saturday, Oct. 6.
|
| 628.36 | Shuttle Status for 10/04/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Oct 04 1990 21:10 | 58 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, OCT. 4, 1990 12 noon
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
All countdown operations are proceeding smoothly and the
launch team has not encountered any problems since the countdown
clock began at 3:30 a.m. EDT yesterday.
The team is currently finishing up with loading Discovery's
power reactant storage and distribution (PRSD) system supply
tanks with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen reactants. Loading
operations began early this morning and are scheduled to be com-
plete later today.
The countdown entered the second built-in hold at the T-19
hour mark at 11:30 a.m. today. One of the major activities during
this hold will be demating the Orbiter Midbody Umbilical Unit
from the orbiter. This unit is used to service the orbiter's fuel
cell storage tanks with reactants. In addition, this hold will
give the launch team time to catch up with countdown operations.
The countdown will resume at 7:30 p.m. tonight and the
orbiter's communications systems will be activated and the
navigation aids will be tested. Overnight, the tail service masts
on the mobile launcher platform will be closed out for flight.
Routine state-of-health checks are being conducted on the
Ulysses spacecraft this afternoon. The payload bay doors were
closed for flight yesterday morning.
The STS-41 five-member flight crew arrived at KSC yesterday
afternoon. This morning, Commander Dick Richards and Pilot Robert
Cabana flew in the Shuttle Training Aircraft. The whole crew has
performed fit checks with equipment they will use during the
flight.
Weather predictions for launch time on Saturday indicate
there is a 70 percent chance of meeting the criteria to launch.
Winds are expected to be out of the east at 10 knots with pos-
sible gusts to 18 knots. The predicted temperature is 80 degrees.
Weather is not expected to be a factor in loading the external
tank for flight.
The launch team will begin loading the external tank with
liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants at 11:15 p.m. EDT
Friday. The process takes about 3 hours and should be complete by
2:15 a.m. Saturday.
Discovery and the Ulysses spacecraft are being prepared for
liftoff at 7:35 a.m. EDT, Saturday, Oct. 6.
|
| 628.37 | Shuttle Status for 10/04/90 [Afternoon] (Forwarded | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Oct 05 1990 14:51 | 55 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, OCT. 4, 1990 5 p.m.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
The launch minus 2 day briefing was held today and no major
issues were identified. The Mission Management Team stated their
readiness to launch Discovery and the Ulysses spacecraft at 7:30
a.m. EDT Saturday.
Due to the incident to Atlantis, the shuttle team is con-
ducting an extensive review of the paper work, photos, and inven-
tory, by part number, all equipment and platforms used in the aft
compartment to make sure nothing was overlooked.
Brewster Shaw, Deputy Director of Space Shuttle Operations,
said, "We're confident there will not be any concerns with Dis-
covery and don't expect to have to go back into the aft compart-
ment for any reason."
Loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen reactants into
Discovery's power reactant storage and distribution (PRSD) system
supply tanks was completed earlier today.
The countdown entered the second built-in hold at the T-19
hour mark at 11:30 a.m. today. The countdown will resume at 7:30
p.m. tonight and the orbiter's communications systems will be ac-
tivated and the navigation aids will be tested. Overnight, the
tail service masts on the mobile launcher platform will be closed
out for flight.
Payload launch team members are re-loading fault-protection
software into the Ulysses spacecraft. They expect to complete
this operation by early evening. Routine state-of-health checks
were conducted on the Ulysses spacecraft this afternoon. The
payload bay doors were closed for flight yesterday morning.
Weather predictions for launch time on Saturday indicate
there is a 60 percent chance of meeting the criteria to launch.
There is a possibility of rainshowers in the area and predicted
cloud cover in the area will be closely monitored.
The launch team will begin loading the external tank with
liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants at 11:15 p.m. EDT
Friday. The process takes about 3 hours and should be complete by
2:15 a.m. Saturday.
Discovery and the Ulysses spacecraft are being prepared for
liftoff at 7:35 a.m. EDT, Saturday, Oct. 6.
|
| 628.38 | | 19458::FISHER | I like my species the way it is" "A narrow view... | Fri Oct 05 1990 19:08 | 7 |
| I heard on the radio this afternoon that a Federal judge in Washington refused
to issue an injunction against the launch which had been requested by a
coalition of anti-nuclear groups.
All right!
Burns
|
| 628.39 | They're off!!!!!!! | 6297::PHILLIPS | Music of the spheres. | Sat Oct 06 1990 10:54 | 6 |
| WBZ radio:
Discovery has lifted off, just staged as I enter this.
Yahoo!
--Eric--
|
| 628.40 | Away it goes | 52331::ANDRADE | The sentinel (.)(.) | Mon Oct 08 1990 06:59 | 8 |
| Sky News
Ulysses launched and already past the orbit of the Moon.
Like the NASA man said "I don't know if it is elation or relief,
but in any case its great to be back in space again."
Gil
|
| 628.41 | ULYSSES Update - October 6 | ADVAX::KLAES | All the Universe, or nothing! | Mon Oct 08 1990 14:05 | 96 |
| Date: 7 Oct 90 05:07:58 GMT
From: (Ron Baalke)
Subject: Ulysses Update - 10/06/90
Ulysses Status Report
October 6, 1990
The Ulysses Spacecraft has been successfully launched and
deployed from the Space Shuttle Discovery. Launch time of the Space
Shuttle was at 04:47:16 PDT, and it reached a circular orbit of 160
nautical miles. The payload bay doors were opened, and a thorough
checkout of Ulysses was made by the ESA Control Team located within
the UPOCC (Ulysses Payload Operations Control Center) at the Jet
Propulsion Lab. The tilt table holding the Ulysses spacecraft was
raised to 29 degress at +5 hours 21 minutes (elapsed time since
launch). After a final IUS/PAM-S checkout, the crew aboard Discovery
received GO for deployment. The deployment window for this orbit is
only 19 minutes. The IUS umbilical was released, and at +5 hours 45
minutes, the tilt table was further raised to the deployment angle of
58 degrees, which took a nominal 3 minutes 20 seconds. The Discovery
crew then activated the nozzle heaters and purged the RTG cooling
lines. A misfiring of one of the heaters was reported, as the
signature observed did not match what was seen in simulator tests;
however, indications did show that the purge did occur.
At +6 hours 0 minutes 59 seconds, Ulysses was deployed from the
Space Shuttle on its 6th orbit, over the Pacific Ocean between Guam
and Hawaii. Springs pushed Ulysses clear of the Shuttle at a speed of
0.5 feet/second. Three IUS payload alerts were received in the IUS
telemetry by the tracking team in Sunnyvale, California; however, they
were considered to be nominal. One of the alerts was a Mission Phase
alert, similiar to the one detected during Galileo's deployment from
the Space Shuttle last year. The shuttle crew then lowered the tilt
table to its original -6 degree position and performed a Shuttle OMS
burn for 34 seconds to further separate the Shuttle from the Ulysses
spacecraft.
At this point, Ulysses is traveling at 17,300 mph relative to
Earth. The next three crucial burns of the IUS and PAM-S are needed to
place Ulysses on its way to Jupiter, and also would make Ulysses the
fastest object ever to leave Earth orbit. At +7 hours 5 minutes 58
seconds, the first burn of the IUS (SRM-1) ignited for 149 seconds,
and increased Ulysses's speed to 22,550 mph. SRM-2 then occurred at
+7 hours 10 minutes 27 seconds and ignited for 106 seconds, further
increasing the speed of the spacecraft to 25,580 mph. The IUS then
automatically separated from the PAM-S. Since the PAM-S does not have
a built-in navigation system like the IUS, the PAM-S had to be spun up
to 70 rpm using thrusters to keep it stablized. After spinup, the
PAM-S motor was then fired for 88 seconds, giving Ulysses the
necessary speed of 34,130 mph to reach Jupiter. After the PAM-S burn,
the spacecraft was then despun to 7 rpm by using a system of two
weights on wires which were uncoiled to slow the spin in the same way
ice skaters use to slow their spins by extending their arms. After
the despin, the PAM-S was separated from Ulysses by the firing of
release bolts on the four legs of the spacecraft.
The Air Force's Guam station were the first station to pick up a
downlink from Ulysses, confirming that the PAM-S burn was performed
successfully. The DSN's (Deep Space Network) tracking station in
Canberra, Australia, picked up the telemetry from Ulysses about 5
minutes later, and at this point the control of the mission was handed
over to the UPOCC in JPL.
Over the next 9 days, Ulysses will go through a series of
checkouts. TCM-1 (Trajectory Course Maneuver) will be performed on
October 16 if it is determined to be necessary. After TCM-1, the
Payload Switch-on phase will commence for about 50 days, which
includes a TCM-2 around November 3. If everthing goes well, Ulysses
will be operational around December 6 and will collecting continuous
data requiring 8 hours of DSN coverage every day.
Key Dates for the Ulysses Mission
---------------------------------
10/06/90 - Launch from Space Shuttle
10/16/90 - TCM-1
11/03/90 - TCM-2
12/31/90 - First Opposition
08/21/91 - First Conjunction
02/08/92 - Jupiter Encounter
02/27/92 - Second Opposition
09/02/92 - Second Conjunction
03/01/93 - Third Opposition
05/30/94 - Beginning of First Solar Pass (South Pole)
10/05/94 - End of First Solar Pass
02/05/95 - Perihelion
05/30/95 - Beginning of Second Solar Pass (North Pole)
09/14/95 - End of Second Solar Pass
09/30/95 - End of Primary Mission
___ _____ ___
/_ /| /____/ \ /_ /|
| | | | __ \ /| | | | Ron Baalke | baalke@mars.jpl.nasa.gov
___| | | | |__) |/ | | |___ Jet Propulsion Lab | baalke@jems.jpl.nasa.gov
/___| | | | ___/ | |/__ /| M/S 301-355 |
|_____|/ |_|/ |_____|/ Pasadena, CA 91109 |
|
| 628.42 | | 19458::FISHER | I like my species the way it is" "A narrow view... | Mon Oct 08 1990 15:47 | 3 |
| A nozzle heater "misfired"?? Are nozzle heaters pyrotechnic in nature?
Burns
|
| 628.43 | Astronauts spend last full day in space | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Oct 09 1990 11:40 | 62 |
| From: clarinews@clarinet.com (ROB STEIN, UPI Science Editor)
Date: 9 Oct 90 07:37:55 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The shuttle Discovery astronauts began
their last full day in space Tuesday facing a full schedule, including
finishing science experiments and readying their ship to return to Earth
Wednesday.
The five-member crew was awakened at 1:47 a.m. EDT by the song
Fanfare to a Common Man, one of co-pilot Robert Cabana's favorites, and
the Fight Song of the University of Missouri, commander Richard Richards
alma mater.
``You've been so good to us we thought we'd give you two (songs) for
the price of one,'' radioed astronaut Story Musgrave from mission
control in Houston.
``We really feel honored,'' responded Richards.
After breakfast and exercise, Richards, 44, Cabana, 41, and
astronauts Thomas Akers, 39, William Shepherd, 41, and Bruce Melnick,
40, planned to begin work doing routine maintenance and checking out
their spaceship.
With the Ulysses solar probe 1.5 million miles away and continuing to
speed safely into deep space, the astronauts were scheduled to retract
the shuttle's robot arm.
The arm had been extended to expose solar cells to space to find out
how well a stranded satellite will hold up until a rescue mission can be
mounted in 1992.
Shepherd and Cabana were then slated to test the spaceship's steering
and other systems in preparation for their fiery landing at 6:57 a.m.
PDT at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Discovery blasted off Saturday from the Kennedy Space Center and the
crew quickly completed their main goal -- sending Ulysses on a five-year
mission to give scientists their first three-dimensional view of Earth's
star.
The launch was the first successful shuttle blastoff in more than
five months. The shuttles Atlantis and Columbia were grounded by
hydrogen fuel leaks in May, September and August.
In contrast, the 36th shuttle mission, has proceeded extremely
smoothly.
``This one has been pretty much on the money,'' said flight director
Gary Coen by telephone from Houston. ``Everything has worked just fine.''
Circling Earth every 90 minutes at a speed of 17,500 mph, the
astronauts have been unusually quiet, interrupting their silence rarely
and usually only to give ground controllers terse updates on their work.
The crew has completed a series of experiments, including igniting a
small fire to see how flames act in space, testing a voice-controlled
camera system and collecting data to help scientists study Earth's
fragile ozone layer.
In one of their rare television appearances Monday, the five shuttle
fliers sang ``Happy Birthday'' to astronaut Akers' wife, Kaye, before
getting back to work.
Ulysses will reach Jupiter in 1992 and use the planet's gravity to
fling back to the sun, reaching Earth's star by 1994 and exploring the
vast power source's polar regions for the first time.
Meanwhile, engineers at the Kennedy Space Center Monday moved
Columbia to Discovery's vacant firing stand to clear the way for
Atlantis's trip later this week to pad 39A for blastoff around Nov. 7 on
a secret military mission.
Technicians believe Atlantis's hydrogen leak has been fixed. The ship
was damaged last week when a 70-pound beam fell through the ship's
engine compartment, but engineers believed the damage was minimal.
Columbia's future is less clear. Despite on-going tests, engineers
have been unable to find the hydrogen leaks blamed for grounding the
ship's 10-day astronomy mission.
|
| 628.44 | Shuttle Status for 10/09/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Oct 09 1990 20:09 | 29 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, OCT. 9, 1990 11 A.M.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Launch of Discovery occurred at 7:47 a.m. EDT Saturday, Oct.
6. Landing is planned tomorrow at 9:57 a.m. EDT on the concrete
runway at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Clear weather is ex-
pected with light and variable winds. The deorbit burn will occur
at 8:59 a.m. EDT tomorrow.
The two solid rocket boosters retrieved after launch are
being washed down at Hangar AF on the Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station. Booster ordnance devices have been safed and foam will
be removed tomorrow. The motor segments will be taken apart and
sent to Thiokol for refurbishment. The aft skirts and nose cones
will be refurbished at the USBI facility here at KSC.
The launch pad sustained minimal damage from the launch.
Mobile launcher platform 2 was moved to the refurbishment site
yesterday.
|
| 628.45 | | STAR::HUGHES | You knew the job was dangerous when you took it Fred. | Wed Oct 10 1990 19:35 | 8 |
| Reentry/landing went fine, although I did not wait to hear what
the exact times etc were.
The landing occured around sunrise; the orbiter looked beautiful
illuminated by the low angle, orange tinted light against an otherwise
dark sky.
gary
|
| 628.46 | Shuttle Status for 10/10/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Oct 11 1990 12:15 | 28 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10, 1990 10:30 A.M.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - DRYDEN
Discovery touched down at 9:57 a.m. EDT on the concrete run-
way at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. ending a 4 day, 2 hour, 10
minute and 54 second mission. Over the next 5 days, KSC recovery
team members will perform turnaround operations to ready the
vehicle for the ferry flight back to KSC. If operations go as
planned, and weather conditions permit, Discovery could be back
at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility by Monday (Oct. 15) evening. A
one-day ferry flight is planned with a stopover at Kelly Air
Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
Booster disassembly operations are continuing at Hangar AF
on the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Foam is being removed
from the boosters today. The motor segments will be taken apart
and sent to Thiokol for refurbishment. The aft skirts and nose
cones will be refurbished at the USBI facility here at KSC.
|
| 628.47 | Shuttle Status for 10/11/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Oct 13 1990 14:17 | 26 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, OCT. 11, 1990 10:30 A.M.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - DRYDEN
Discovery was towed into the Mate Demate Device yesterday at
about 6:03 p.m. EDT. Workers are establishing access to various
parts of the vehicle today and continuing with post-landing as-
sessments.
If operations go as planned, and weather conditions permit,
Discovery could be back at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility by Mon-
day (Oct. 15) evening. A one-day ferry flight is planned with a
stopover at Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
Booster disassembly operations are underway at Hangar AF on
the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with foam removal activities
continuing today. The motor segments will be taken apart and sent
to Thiokol for refurbishment. The aft skirts and nose cones will
be refurbished at the USBI facility here at KSC.
|
| 628.48 | Shuttle Status for 10/12/90 | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sat Oct 13 1990 14:18 | 24 |
| From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, OCT. 12, 1990 11:30 A.M.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - DRYDEN
Turnaround operations are continuing at Dryden to prepare
Discovery for the return trip to Florida. If operations go as
planned, and weather conditions permit, Discovery could be back
at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility by Monday (Oct. 15) evening. A
one-day ferry flight is planned with a stopover at Kelly Air
Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
Booster disassembly operations are underway at Hangar AF on
the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with foam removal activities
continuing today. The motor segments will be taken apart and sent
to Thiokol for refurbishment. The aft skirts and nose cones will
be refurbished at the USBI facility here at KSC.
|
| 628.49 | Shuttle Atlantis ready for launch | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Oct 26 1990 17:11 | 66 |
| From: clarinews@clarinet.com (WILLIAM HARWOOD, UPI Science Writer)
Date: 25 Oct 90 04:04:36 GMT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (UPI) -- The shuttle Atlantis passed a critical
fueling test without any signs of dangerous hydrogen leaks, clearing the
way for launch around Nov. 10 on a classified mission to put a spy
satellite in orbit.
The successful fueling test Wednesday marked a major milestone for
NASA after a summer of setbacks and delays blamed on elusive hydrogen
fuel leaks that grounded Atlantis in July and the shuttle Columbia in
May and September.
Columbia, mounted atop launch pad 39B, remains grounded pending the
results of yet another fueling test next week. But Atlantis finally
appears ready for takeoff, four months behind schedule.
``We conducted a very successful test,'' said Forrest McCartney,
director of the Kennedy Space Center. ``We saw exactly what we expected
to see, a good, tight system both externally and internally. I think
we're ready to fly.''
Relieved NASA managers plan to hold a two-day flight readiness review
Monday and Tuesday to discuss the status of launch processing and to set
an official launch date for the 37th shuttle mission, the fifth so far
this year.
As usual with such military flights, the exact launch time will
remain classified until nine minutes before liftoff. But sources who
requested anonymity said takeoff is planned for 6:47 p.m. EST on Nov.
10, possibly as early as Nov. 9 if work at launch pad 39A continues to
go well.
The goal of the flight, according to Aviation Week & Space Technology
magazine, is the launch of a photo-reconnaissance spy satellite into an
orbit that will repeatedly carry it over the Persian Gulf.
The duration of the shuttle flight also is classified, but sources
told United Press International the mission will last three days, 23
hours and 55 minutes, resulting in a landing at Edwards Air Force Base,
Calif., at 3:42 p.m. PST on Nov. 14.
Atlantis has been grounded for more than four months because of a
tiny hydrogen leak that was detected during a fueling test June 29. But
with the successful test Wednesday, ``it appears we have licked the
problem ... and it appears we have a very clean vehicle,'' said NASA
spokesman Bruce Buckingham.
Launch originally was scheduled for mid July, but the flight was put
on hold when sensors detected explosive hydrogen gas in the area where
fuel lines from the external tank enter the belly of the orbiter.
That test was conducted after Columbia was grounded the night before
a planned May 30 liftoff because of a similar leak.
But Columbia also showed signs of leakage inside its engine room and
NASA officials now believe the spaceplane was the victim of two separate
leaks, one of which has yet to be pinpointed.
Atlantis's problem was traced to damaged seals inside a 17-inch-wide
``disconnect'' fitting that allows the external tank to be jettisoned in
space. The seals were replaced and NASA managers were confident Atlantis
was ready for flight.
To make sure, engineers began pumping supercold liquid hydrogen
rocket fuel through Atlantis's engine room plumbing shortly after 1 p.m.
EDT Wednesday.
At 1:24 p.m., high-speed hydrogen loading began. It was at this point
during three previous fueling tests that explosive hydrogen gas was
detected near the disconnect fitting.
But this time around, no significant leaks were detected externally
around the fuel line fittings and concentrations in Atlantis's engine
room amounted to just 175 parts per million, well below NASA's
conservative redline of 500 parts per million. The test ended about 1:50
p.m.
``We seem to have a very tight vehicle at the pad this afternoon,''
Buckingham said. ``We have just very minor indications of liquid
hydrogen seeping into the aft compartment near our sensors, but it's
well within limitations.''
|
| 628.50 | Solid Surface Combustion Experiment - Post-Flight | 4347::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Sun Nov 25 1990 05:01 | 57 |
| The Solid Surface Combustion Experiment
STS-41: October 6-10, 1990
Principal Investigator: Professor Robert A. Altenkirch, Mississippi St. Univ.
Project Manager: Ralph J. Zavesky, NASA Lewis Research Center
Project Scientist: Kurt R. Sacksteder, NASA Lewis Research Center
The Solid Surface Combustion Experiment (SSCE) was flown for the first time
aboard the STS-41 Shuttle Mission on October 6-10, 1990. The SSCE is the first
combustion experiment to fly in the Shuttle, and first in the NASA spaceflight
program since Skylab. It was conceived by Professor Robert A. Altenkirch, Dean
of Engineering at Mississippi State University, and built by the NASA Lewis
Research Center. The project is supported by the NASA Headquarters Microgravity
Sciences and Applications Division of OSSA.
The purpose of the SSCE is to study the physical and chemical mechanisms of
flame spread over solid fuels in the absence of gravity-driven buoyant or
externally-imposed airflows. The controlling mechanisms of flame spread are
different in low-gravity and normal-gravity; thus the results of the SSCE
experiment have a practical application in the evaluation of spacecraft fire
hazards. In this first flight the fuel sample - ashless filter paper
instrumented with three thermocouples - was mounted in a sealed chamber filled
with a 1:1 mixture of Oxygen/Nitrogen at a pressure of 1.5 atmospheres and
ignited with an incandescent wire. Two 16mm cine cameras photographed the
experiment from perpendicular perspectives, and thermocouple temperature and
chamber pressure measurements were recorded with a digital data acquisition and
control system. The SSCE is self contained and battery operated, and can be
flown either on the Shuttle Middeck or in the Spacelab module. For safety and
simplicity, only one specimen is burnt in the test chamber during each mission.
The SSCE hardware performed without incident during the second day of the
STS-41 mission, igniting the test specimen and recording transducer and imaging
data precisely as designed. The Shuttle crew spontaneously attached a video
camera to the experiment for a welcomed early downlinking of preliminary
results. The crew verbally reported evidence of a flame sustained for 70
seconds. The cine films showed that the initial spreading of the flame occured
during the first 23-27 seconds, and fuel not consumed during the spreading
burned sporadically thereafter. Preliminary assessments of the thermocouple
data indicate that the profile shapes are consistent with theoretical
expectations. An integrated analysis of the temperature, pressure and imaging
data will be performed over the next few weeks.
The Principal Investigator, Professor Altenkirch, has developed a numerical
simulation of the flame spreading process from first principles (of fluid
mechanics, heat transfer and reaction kinetics.) The spread rates, flame shape
and thermodynamic data from the SSCE flight will be compared directly with the
results of the computational model.
The SSCE project is currently scheduled for a total of eight flights. Ashless
filer paper will be tested on the next four flights in different mixtures of
oxygen and nitrogen and pressure; the final three tests will use PMMA
(polymethylmethacrylate), commonly known as Plexiglas~. The SSCE is currently
manifested aboard the SLS-1 Spacelab mission (April 1991), in the Middeck on
STS-43 (May 1991) and again aboard the USML-1 Spacelab mission (March 1992).
K. Sacksteder, October 19, 1990
|