| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 904.1 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 05/17/94 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed May 18 1994 15:02 | 35 |
| _______________________________________________________________
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Tuesday, May 17, 1994
_______________________________________________________________
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham 407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
_________________________________________________
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105 ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: OPF bay 1 INCLINATION: 57 degrees
TARGET LAUNCH PERIOD: mid-August CREW SIZE: 6
APPROX. LAUNCH TIME: early morning LANDING LOCATION: KSC
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
MISSION DURATION: 9 days/5 hours (+ 1 day)
IN WORK TODAY:
* Remove main engines
* Solid rocket booster stacking in VAB
WORK SCHEDULED:
* Complete hypergolic fuel off loading
* Remove radiators
WORK COMPLETED:
* Checkout of the forward reaction control system
* Freon coolant loop deservicing
* Remove main engine heat shields and carrier panels
___________________________________________________________
|
| 904.2 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 05/24/94 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed May 25 1994 13:10 | 32 |
| KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Tuesday, May 24, 1994
_______________________________________________________________
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham 407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
_________________________________________________
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105 ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: OPF bay 1 INCLINATION: 57 degrees
TARGET LAUNCH PERIOD: mid-August CREW SIZE: 6
APPROX. LAUNCH TIME: early morning LANDING LOCATION: KSC
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
MISSION DURATION: 9 days/5 hours (+ 1 day)
IN WORK TODAY:
* Orbital maneuvering system functional checks
* Remove aft radiators
* Solid rocket booster stacking in Vehicle Assembly Building
WORK SCHEDULED:
* Install and checkout drag chute
WORK COMPLETED:
* Deservice auxiliary power units
* Orbiter power system validations
* Structural inspections
|
| 904.3 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 05/27/94 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri May 27 1994 22:26 | 31 |
| KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Friday, May 27, 1994
_______________________________________________________________
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham 407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
_________________________________________________
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105 ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: OPF bay 1 INCLINATION: 57 degrees
TARGET LAUNCH PERIOD: mid-August CREW SIZE: 6
APPROX. LAUNCH TIME: early morning LANDING LOCATION: KSC
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
MISSION DURATION: 9 days/5 hours (+ 1 day)
IN WORK TODAY:
* Install and checkout drag chute
* Orbital maneuvering system functional checks
* Install power reactant storage and distribution helium tank
* Solid rocket booster stacking in Vehicle Assembly Building
WORK SCHEDULED NEXT WEEK:
* Preparations to install main engines
* Continue OMS pod functional checks
WORK COMPLETED:
* Water spray boiler functional checks
|
| 904.4 | Crew List | TROOA::SKLEIN | Nulli Secundus | Mon May 30 1994 20:23 | 11 |
|
The following is the crew list for this mission:
STS 68 - Endeavour (7) August 18 1994
- SRL-2
- Commander: Michael Baker (3)
- Pilot: Terrence Wilcutt
- PC/MS1: Thomas Jones (2)
- FE/MS2: Steven Smith
- MS3: Peter Wisoff (2)
- MS4: Daniel Bursch (2)
|
| 904.5 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 06/13/94 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Mon Jun 13 1994 22:44 | 33 |
|
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Monday, June 13, 1994
_______________________________________________________________
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham 407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
_________________________________________________
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105 ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: OPF bay 1 INCLINATION: 57 degrees
TARGET LAUNCH PERIOD: mid-August CREW SIZE: 6
APPROX. LAUNCH TIME: early morning LANDING LOCATION: KSC
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
MISSION DURATION: 9 days/5 hours (+ 1 day)
IN WORK TODAY:
* Orbiter midbody closeouts
* Main engine securing
* Preparations to remove auxiliary power unit no. 1
WORK SCHEDULED:
* Brake tests
* Remove auxiliary power unit no. 1
* Mate external tank with solid rocket boosters in VAB
WORK COMPLETED:
* Install main engines
* Solid rocket booster stacking in Vehicle Assembly Building
|
| 904.6 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 06/28/94 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Jun 29 1994 23:06 | 35 |
|
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Tuesday, June 28, 1994
_______________________________________________________________
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham 407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
_________________________________________________
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105 ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: OPF bay 1 INCLINATION: 57 degrees
TARGET LAUNCH PERIOD: mid-August CREW SIZE: 6
APPROX. LAUNCH TIME: early morning LANDING LOCATION: KSC
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
MISSION DURATION: 9 days/5 hours (+ 1 day)
IN WORK TODAY:
* Heatshield installation
* Install and leak check auxiliary power unit no. 1
* Orbiter aft engine compartment closeouts
* External tank door functional checks
* Transfer Space Radar Lab. payload to OPF tonight
WORK SCHEDULED:
* Install SRL payload into orbiter payload bay
* Main engine and aerosurface cycle and checks
WORK COMPLETED:
* Payload bay door cycle checks
* Remote manipulator system verifications
|
| 904.7 | SRL-2 ready for installation into Endeavour | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Jul 01 1994 21:50 | 48 |
|
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
(Phone: 407/867-2468) June 24, 1994
Mary Hardin
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(Phone: 818/354-5011)
KSC Release No. 67-94
SPACE RADAR LABORATORY-2 READY FOR INSTALLATION INTO ENDEAVOUR
Space Radar Laboratory 2 (SRL-2), the primary payload for
STS-68, is ready to be transported from the Operations and
Checkout Building (O&C) to the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF).
This is a significant event in preparation for Endeavour's
planned launch in August. In OPF bay 1 SRL-2 will be installed
into the payload bay of Endeavour.
Today testing was completed which functionally verified the
radar antenna and the associated experiments mounted on the
Spacelab pallet.
SRL-2 will be installed into the payload bay of Endeavour on
June 29. This will be followed by a two-day Interface
Verification Test on July 6 to verify electrical connections and
payload readiness. A final test of the X-SAR instrument is
scheduled to be conducted on July 11. This will complete the
major prelaunch tests.
SIR-C/X-SAR will again provide images and geophysical
measurements of topography, vegetation, deforestation and soil
errosion, ocean dynamics, wave fields and wind fields, volcanism
and tectonic activity. Approximately 30 million square miles of
the Earth will be surveyed using C-band, X-band and L-band radar
instruments. Also flying together again with the SIR-C/X-SAR
instruments is the Measurement of Atmospheric Pollution from
Satellites (MAPS) instrument which will study carbon monoxide
concentrations in the middle troposphere on a global scale.
Launch of STS-68 is targeted for the third week of August.
The C-band, X-band and L-band instruments are a joint
project between NASA, the German Space Agency and the Italian
Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
manages the SIR-C/X-SAR project for NASA. The Langley Research
Center in Hampton, Va., is responsible for the MAPS instrument.
Both are sponsored by NASA's Office of Mission to Planet Earth.
|
| 904.8 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 07/01/94 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Jul 05 1994 23:12 | 35 |
|
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Friday, July 1, 1994
_______________________________________________________________
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham 407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
_________________________________________________
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105 ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: OPF bay 1 INCLINATION: 57 degrees
TARGET LAUNCH PERIOD: mid-August CREW SIZE: 6
APPROX. LAUNCH TIME: early morning LANDING LOCATION: KSC
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
MISSION DURATION: 10 days/5 hours
IN WORK TODAY:
* Space Radar Laboratory electrical and mechanical mate checks
* Auxiliary power unit no. 1 servicing
* Flight control checks
* Landing gear functional checks
* Orbiter aft engine compartment closeouts
WORK SCHEDULED NEXT WEEK:
* Main engine and aerosurface cycle and checks
* Orbiter/SRL interface verification test
* Crew equipment interface test (CEIT)
WORK COMPLETED:
* External tank door functional checks
* Install SRL payload into orbiter payload bay
|
| 904.9 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 08/03/94 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Aug 04 1994 17:43 | 37 |
| KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Wednesday, August 3, 1994
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: Pad 39A
INCLINATION: 57 degrees
TARGET LAUNCH DATE: August 18 CREW SIZE: 6
LAUNCH TIME: 6:54 a.m.
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: August 28/11:36 a.m. EDT
MISSION DURATION: 10 days/5 hours
IN WORK TODAY:
o Prelaunch propellant load
o Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (simulated T-0 occurred at 11
a.m.
today)
WORK SCHEDULED:
o Flight Readiness Review (Thursday)
WORK COMPLETED:
o Helium signature test
o STS-68 crew arrival for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test
o KSCs launch readiness review
o Launch pad validations
o Main engine leak checks
o Preparations for prelaunch propellant loads
|
| 904.10 | Web press kit available (content, not style) | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Thu Aug 04 1994 17:48 | 11 |
| Press Kit available on the Web... (well, an early cut of one..)
http://www-space.lkg.dec.com/space-archives.html
I'll ready a postscript version over the weekend. Doing it this way was
faster given my workload, etc.
- dave
|
| 904.11 | STS-68 status | 4371::BATTERSBY | | Tue Aug 09 1994 18:38 | 51 |
| Article: 6211
Path: nntpd.lkg.dec.com!crl.dec.com!crl.dec.com!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!paperboy.osf.org!think.com!hsdndev!purdue!ames!dont-send-mail-to-path-lines
From: yee@atlas.arc.nasa.gov (Peter Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.news
Subject: Launch Advisory: STS-68 Launch Date Set for August 18 [Release 92-94/KSC] (Forwarded)
Date: 4 Aug 1994 12:40:29 -0700
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lines: 35
Sender: daemon@news.arc.nasa.gov
Approved: sci-space-news@ames.arc.nasa.gov
Distribution: world
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Reply-To: yee@atlas.arc.nasa.gov (Peter Yee)
NNTP-Posting-Host: news.arc.nasa.gov
Originator: yee@atlas.arc.nasa.gov
Mark Hess Aug. 4, 1994
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Phone: 202/358-1776
Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Phone: 407/867-2468
KSC RELEASE NO. 92 -- 94
Launch Advisory
STS-68 Launch Date Set for August 18
NASA managers today selected August 18 as the official
launch date for Shuttle mission STS-68, the second Space
Radar Laboratory flight, following the Flight Readiness
Review held at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Liftoff is planned for 6:54 a.m. EDT at the opening of
a two hour, 30 minute window. The mission is scheduled for
10 days, with a planned landing on August 28.
STS-68 will be the seventh flight of orbiter Endeavour,
and the 64th mission of the Space Shuttle program. Commander
Mike Baker heads a six person crew which will operate in two
shifts for continuous scientific data gathering during the
mission. Other crew members are pilot Terry Wilcutt, and
mission specialists Steve Smith, Dan Bursch, Jeff Wisoff and
Tom Jones who flew on the first successful SRL mission in
April.
Endeavour's primary payload will be the Space Radar
Laboratory, part of a comprehensive effort under NASA's
Mission to Planet Earth program, to understand how the
Earth's environment is changing.
|
| 904.12 | More STS-68 status.... | 4371::BATTERSBY | | Tue Aug 09 1994 18:44 | 50 |
| Article: 6213
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From: yee@atlas.arc.nasa.gov (Peter Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.news
Subject: Shuttle Status for 08/04/94 (Forwarded)
Date: 4 Aug 1994 12:42:17 -0700
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lines: 103
Sender: daemon@news.arc.nasa.gov
Approved: sci-space-news@ames.arc.nasa.gov
Distribution: world
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Reply-To: yee@atlas.arc.nasa.gov (Peter Yee)
NNTP-Posting-Host: news.arc.nasa.gov
Originator: yee@atlas.arc.nasa.gov
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Thursday, August 4, 1994
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: Pad 39A
INCLINATION: 57 degrees
TARGET LAUNCH DATE: August 18 CREW SIZE: 6
LAUNCH TIME: 6:54 a.m.
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: August 28/11:36 a.m. EDT
MISSION DURATION: 10 days/5 hours
IN WORK TODAY:
o Flight Readiness Review
o Prelaunch propellant load (clear pad at 2 p.m.)
WORK SCHEDULED:
o Orbiter aft engine compartment close-outs
o Install contingency spacesuits
WORK COMPLETED:
o Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test
o Helium signature test
o Launch pad validations
o Inertial measurement unit calibrations
o Preparations for prelaunch propellant loads
o Remove and replace radar altimeter
|
| 904.13 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 08/11/94 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Aug 12 1994 21:43 | 32 |
| KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Thursday, August 11, 1994
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: Pad 39A
INCLINATION: 57 degrees
LAUNCH DATE and TIME: August 18 at 6:54 a.m.
CREW SIZE: 6
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
KSC LANDING DATE and TIME: August 28 at 11:36 a.m. EDT
MISSION DURATION: 10 days/4 hours/40 minutes
IN WORK TODAY:
o Orbiter aft engine compartment close-outs
o Purge external tank
o Countdown preparations
WORK SCHEDULED:
o Install aft engine compartment doors (Friday)
o Crew arrival (8:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15)
o Countdown begins (11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15)
WORK COMPLETED:
o Install ordnance and pressurize hypergolic reactants
o Check-out contingency spacesuits and close airlock
|
| 904.14 | Flight Control of STS-68 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Fri Aug 12 1994 21:51 | 307 |
|
James Hartsfield August 11, 1994
RELEASE: 94-053
FLIGHT CONTROL OF STS-68
Flight control for STS-68, the seventh flight of Endeavour, will follow the
procedures and traditions common to U.S. manned space flights since 1965, when
the Mission Control Center (MCC) was first used.
The responsibility for Shuttle operations will revert to the MCC, Houston, once
Endeavour's two solid rocket boosters ignite. Mission support in the MCC will
begin 5 hours prior to launch and continue through landing.
The primary objective of STS-68 is the around-the-clock operation of the second
Space Radar Laboratory.
The Space Shuttle orbiter's operations will be conducted from Flight Control
Room One (FCR-1) on the second floor of the MCC, located in Bldg. 30 at the
Johnson Space Center. Voice communications with the Orbiter will be as standard
from the MCC using the call signs "Houston" and "Endeavour."
The teams of MCC flight controllers will alternate shifts in the control center
and in nearby analysis and support facilities. The handover between each team
takes about an hour and allows each flight controller to brief his or her
replacement on developments during the previous two shifts.
The MCC flight control teams for this mission will be referred to as the
Ascent/Entry Team, the Orbit 1 Team, Orbit 2 Team and Orbit 3 Team. The
Ascent/Entry Teams and the Orbit 1 Team will be led by Flight Director Rich
Jackson. The Orbit 2 shift will be conducted by Lead STS-68 Flight Director
Chuck Shaw. The Orbit 3 Team will be led by Flight Director Al Pennington.
###
MCC POSITIONS AND CALL SIGNS FOR STS-68
The flight control positions in the MCC, and their responsibilities, are:
Flight Director (FLIGHT)
Has overall responsibility for the conduct of the mission.
Spacecraft Communicator (CAPCOM)
By tradition an astronaut; responsible for all voice contact with the flight
crew.
Flight Activities Officer (FAO)
Responsible for procedures and crew timelines; provides expertise on flight
documentation and checklists; prepares messages and maintains all teleprinter
and/or Text and Graphics System traffic to the vehicle.
Integrated Communications Officer (INCO)
Responsible for all Orbiter data, voice and video communications systems;
monitors the telemetry link between the vehicle and the ground; oversees the
uplink command and control processes.
Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO)
Responsible for monitoring vehicle performance during the powered flight
phase and assessing abort modes; calculating orbital maneuvers and resulting
trajectories; and monitoring vehicle flight profile and energy levels during
reentry.
Trajectory Officer (TRAJECTORY)
Also known as "TRAJ," this operator aids the FDO during dynamic flight phases
and is responsible for maintaining the trajectory processors in the MCC and
for trajectory inputs made to the Mission Operations Computer.
Guidance, Navigation & Control Systems Engineer (GNC)
Responsible for all inertial navigational systems hardware such as star
trackers, radar altimeters and the inertial measurement units; monitors radio
navigation and digital autopilot hardware systems.
Guidance & Procedures Officer (GPO)
Responsible for the onboard navigation software and for maintenance of the
Orbiter's navigation state, known as the state vector. Also responsible for
monitoring crew vehicle control during ascent, entry, or rendezvous.
Rendezvous Guidance and Procedures Officer (RENDEZVOUS)
The RENDEZVOUS GPO is a specialist who monitors onboard navigation of the
Orbiter during rendezvous and proximity operations.
Environmental Engineer & Consumables Manager (EECOM)
Responsible for all life support systems, cabin pressure, thermal control and
supply and waste water management; manages consumables such as oxygen and
hydrogen.
Electrical Generation and Illumination Officer (EGIL)
Responsible for power management, fuel cell operation, vehicle lighting and
the master caution and warning system.
Payloads Officer (PAYLOADS)
Coordinates all payload activities; serves as principal interface with remote
payload operations facilities.
Data Processing Systems Engineer (DPS)
Responsible for all onboard mass memory and data processing hardware;
monitors primary and backup flight software systems; manages operating
routines and multi-computer configurations.
Propulsion Engineer (PROP)
Manages the reaction control and orbital maneuvering thrusters during all
phases of flight; monitors fuel usage and storage tank status; calculates
optimal sequences for thruster firings.
Booster Systems Engineer (BOOSTER)
Monitors main engine and solid rocket booster performance during ascent
phase.
Ground Controller (GC)
Coordinates operation of ground stations and other elements of worldwide
space tracking and data network; responsible for MCC computer support and
displays.
Maintenance, Mechanical, Arm & Crew Systems (MMACS)
Monitors auxiliary power units and hydraulic systems; manages payload bay
and vent door operations; handles in-flight maintenance planning; oversees
orbiter structure, tiles, blankets, etc.
Extravehicular Activities (EVA)
A specialist responsible for monitoring and coordinating preparations for
and execution of space walks. Responsibilities include monitoring suit
and EVA hardware performance when applicable.
Payload Deployment & Retrieval Systems (PDRS)
A specialist responsible for monitoring and coordinating the operation of
the remote manipulator system when it is carried aboard the Orbiter.
Flight Surgeon (SURGEON)
Monitors health of flight crew; provides procedures and guidance on all
health-related matters.
Public Affairs Officer (PAO)
Provides real-time explanation of mission events during all phases of
flight.
STS-65 FLIGHT CONTROL TEAM STAFFING
POSITION
ASCENT/ENTRY
ORBIT 1
ORBIT 2
ORBIT 3/
ORBIT 4
FLIGHT
Jeff Bantle
Jeff Bantle
Milt Heflin
Bob Castle/
Phil Engelauf
CAPCOM
Charlie Precourt
Mario Runco
Bill McArthur
Marc Garneau/
Dave Wolf-Story Musgrave
PAO
James Hartsfield (A)
Kyle Herring (E)
Kyle Herring
Kari Fluegel
Kelly Humphries
FAO
Clare Kingsford
Clare Kingsford
John Tolle
Greg Smith/
Tracy Calhoun
INCO
Chris Counts
Chris Counts
Richard LaBrode
Gary Horlacher/
Allen Morrison
FDO
Carson Sparks (A)
Keith Fletcher (E)
Richard Theis
Bill Tracy
Bill Britz/
Dan Adamo
TRAJ
Deborah Kessler (A)
Roger Simpson (E)
Roger Simpson
Lisa Shore
Robert Stein/
Pamela McCraw
GPO
Dennis Bentley (A)
Glenn Pogue (E)
N/A
N/A
N/A
GNC
Ken Bain
Ken Bain
Ed Trlica
Jeff Davis/
Stanley Schaeffer
EECOM
Leonard Riche
Leonard Riche
Quinn Carelock
Jimmy Spivey/
Kathy Messersmith
EGIL
Benjamin Pawlik
Larry Minter
Ray Miessler
Jim Azbell
PAYLOADS
Rebecca Swanson
Rebecca Swanson
Kenneth Edwards
Timothy Baum/
Joseph Cavallaro
DPS
Gloria Araiza Young
Gloria Araiza Young
Jeffrey Wyrick
Terry Keeler/
Robert Walton
PROP
Bill Powers
Robbie Gest
Larry Schmitt
Thomas Lazo/
Nantel Suzuki
BOOSTER
John Calhoun (A)
Jon Reding (E)
N/A
N/A
Franklin Markle
GC
Chuck Capps
Johnnie Brothers
John Snyder
Frank Stolarski
Terry Quick
Melissa Blizzard
Mike Marsh/
Ed Klein
MMACS
Karl Pohl
Karl Pohl
Bill Anderson
Ladessa Hicks/
Robert Doremus
EVA
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
PDRS
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
|
| 904.15 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 08/15/94 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Tue Aug 16 1994 21:48 | 106 |
| KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Monday, August 15, 1994
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: Pad 39A
INCLINATION: 57 degrees
LAUNCH DATE and TIME: August 18 at 6:54 a.m. CREW SIZE: 6
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
KSC LANDING DATE and TIME: August 28 at 11:36 a.m. EDT
MISSION DURATION: 10 days/4 hours/40 minutes
NOTE: The countdown for mission STS-68 began today at 11 a.m. EDT
at the T-43 hour mark for a planned launch of Space Shuttle
Endeavour at 6:54 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18. The weather forecast
indicated a 40 percent probability of weather prohibiting launch
on Thursday with the primary concerns being the undetermined
positioning of two weather systems. Tropical Storm Beryl with its
40 knot winds is located in the Gulf of Mexico off the west coast
of Florida and drifting. Another system is developing in the
Atlantic Ocean east of the Bahamas and is apparently drifting
slowly westward toward Florida. There are no impacts to
continuing preparations for launch at this time.
IN WORK TODAY:
7 Countdown began at 11 a.m.
7 Crew arrived at 8:30 a.m.
7 Start preparations for servicing fuel cell storage tanks
7 Begin final vehicle and facility close-outs for launch
WORK SCHEDULED:
7 Begin stowage of flight crew equipment
7 Pyrotechnic initiator controller tests
7 Load cryogenic reactants into Endeavours fuel cell storage
tanks (9 a.m. Tuesday)
7 Retract rotating service structure (11 a.m. Wednesday)
7 External tank loading operations (10:34 p.m. Wednesday)
WORK COMPLETED:
7 Countdown preparations
7 Install aft engine compartment doors
MISSION: STS-64 -- LIDAR IN-SPACE TECHNOLOGY EXPERIMENT (LITE)
VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 161 sm
LOCATION: VAB high bay 1
INCLINATION: 57 degrees
TARGET LAUNCH DATE: September 9
CREW SIZE: 6
APPROX. LAUNCH TIME: late afternoon
LANDING LOCATION: KSC
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
MISSION DURATION: 9 days
NOTE: The Space Shuttle Discovery will remain in the VAB until
after the launch of Endeavour. Rollout to pad 39B is targeted for
11:30 p.m. Thursday. Today, the Shuttle interface test is being
conducting on the mechanical and electrical connections between
the orbiter, the external tank and the solid rocket boosters.
SUMMARY OF BUILT-IN HOLDS FOR STS-68
T-TIME ------------- LENGTH OF HOLD -------- HOLD BEGINS -------- HOLD ENDS
T-27 hours ------- 4 hours --------------- 3 a.m. Tues.-------- 7 a.m. Tues.
T-19 hours ------- 4 hours --------------- 3 p.m. Tues.-------- 7 p.m. Tues.
T-11 hours ------ 13 hrs.,34 mins. ------- 3 a.m. Wed.-------- 4:34 p.m. Wed.
T-6 hours --------- 1 hour --------------- 9:34 p.m.Wed.----- 10:34 p.m. Wed.
T-3 hours --------- 2 hours ------------- 1:34 a.m.Thurs.----- 3:34 a.m. Thurs.
T-20 minutes ---- 10 minutes ------------ 6:14 a.m. Thurs.----- 6:24 a.m. Thurs.
T-9 minutes ----- 10 minutes ----------- 6:35 a.m.Thurs.------ 6:45 a.m. Thurs.
CREW FOR MISSION STS-68
Commander (CDR): Michael Baker (Red team)
Pilot (PLT): Terrence Wilcutt (Red team)
Mission Specialist (MS1): Steve Smith (Blue team)
Mission Specialist (MS2): Dan Bursch (Blue team)
Mission Specialist (MS3): Peter Wisoff (Red team)
Mission Specialist (MS4): Thomas Jones (Blue team)
SUMMARY OF STS-68 LAUNCH DAY CREW ACTIVITIES
Wednesday, Aug. 17, 1994
5:00 p.m. Wake up (Blue team)
5:30 p.m. Breakfast (Blue Team)
5:30 p.m. Sleep (Red team)
10:30 p.m. Lunch (Blue Team)
Thursday, Aug. 18, 1994
1:30 a.m. Wake up (Red team)
2:00 a.m. Breakfast (Red team)
2:29 a.m. Crew Photo and Dinner (Blue Team)
2:59 a.m. Weather briefing (CDR, PLT, MS2)
2:59 a.m. Don flight equipment (MS1, MS3, MS4)
3:09 a.m. Don flight equipment (CDR, PLT, MS2)
3:39 a.m. Depart for launch pad 39A
4:09 a.m. Arrive at white room and begin ingress
5:24 a.m. Close crew hatch
|
| 904.16 | sts-68 launch status | 4371::BATTERSBY | | Wed Aug 17 1994 16:29 | 52 |
|
STS-68 LAUNCH WEATHER FORECAST
FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
Prepared on L-2 day, August 16, 1994
George H. Diller
NASA-Kennedy Space Center
407/867-2468
Synopsis: Tropcial Storm Beryl is over southern Georgia moving
northeastward and will not affect Thursday's launch weather. The
low pressure system over the Bahamas and Caribbean is nearly
stationary. The upper level wind pattern is expected to direct
weather associated with this system away from Florida.
Between 6:54 a.m. - 9:24 a.m. on Thursday forecast conditions
will range from:
Clouds: 2,000-6,000 feet scattered cumulus (30% coverage)
8,000-11,000 feet scattered altocumulus (40% coverage)
25,000-28,000 feet broken cirrostratus (60% coverage)
Visibility: 7 miles
Wind - Pad 39A: S/7-12 knots
Temperature: 74-78 degrees
Dewpoint: 71 degrees
Humidity: 90-79%
Precipitation: chance of showers in the vicinity
Other weather concerns: chance of ceiling below 8,000 feet, thick
layered clouds, thunderstorm debris clouds
Probability of launch weather criteria violation on Thursday: 40%
Probability of launch weather criteria violation on Friday: 40%
Probability of launch weather criteria violation on Saturday: 30%
Sunrise Thursday: 6:53 a.m.
Sunset Thursday: 7:58 p.m.
Todays's minimum temperture at KSC: 74 degrees
Yesterday's maximum temperature: 90 degrees
Peak wind at KSC yesterday: SW-29 mph
Lowest humidity yesterday: 62%
24 hr. precipitation through 7 a.m. today: 0 inches
Total August rainfall: 1.84 inches
|
| 904.17 | STS-68 status report | 4371::BATTERSBY | | Wed Aug 17 1994 16:30 | 102 |
|
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Tuesday, August 16, 1994
LAUNCH MINUS 2 DAYS
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: Pad 39A
INCLINATION: 57 degrees
LAUNCH DATE and TIME: August 18 at 6:54 a.m.
CREW SIZE: 6
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
KSC LANDING DATE and TIME: August 28 at 11:36 a.m. EDT
MISSION DURATION: 10 days/4 hours/40 minutes
The countdown for mission STS-68 and the launch of Endeavour on Thursday
continues as planned today. No serious technical issues are being worked. One
minor problem is being reported regarding the radar altimeter in the crew
module. However, engineers feel the problem can be resolved or, if not, the
altimeter can be replaced with no impact to the schedule.
The pad was cleared today at about 4:30 a.m. for the planned pyrotechnic
initiator controller resistance test and for loading the onboard cryogenic
tanks with the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen reactants. Reactant loading
is expected to continue until about 3 p.m. today. The reactants will provide
electricity for the orbiter and crew while in space and drinking water as a by-
product during their 10 day mission.
After the cryogenic reactants are loaded, the orbiters mid- body umbilical
unit will be demated and retracted into the fixed service structure. Final
vehicle and facility close-outs will also be underway.
Tomorrow, preparations will be made to retract the rotating service structure
to launch position at about 11 a.m. Loading of the external tank with
cryogenic propellants is scheduled to begin at about 10:34 p.m. Wednesday.
Air Force weather forecasters are currently indicating a 40 percent
probability of weather prohibiting launch on Thursday. The primary concerns are
for a chance of showers, low clouds and possible thunderstorm debris clouds.
Tropical Storm Beryl is located over the Florida panhandle and Georgia and is
not expected to pose a threat to launch activities. Another system developing
in the Atlantic Ocean east of the Bahamas is nearly stationary. During
Thursdays launch window, the winds at pad A are expected to be from the south
at 7-12 knots; temperature 74- 78 degrees F; visibility 7 miles; and clouds
scattered at 2,000- 6,000 feet, 8,000-11,000 feet, and broken from
25,000-28,000 feet. The 24-hour and 48-hour-delay forecast reveals similar
conditions and forecasters list a 40 percent and 30 percent chance of violation
respectively.
The six-member astronaut crew arrived at KSCs Shuttle Landing Facility at
about 8:30 a.m. Monday. Today they will be involved with checking out their
mission plans and fit checks of their equipment.
CREW FOR MISSION STS-68
Commander (CDR): Michael Baker (Red team)
Pilot (PLT): Terrence Wilcutt (Red team)
Mission Specialist (MS1): Steve Smith (Blue team)
Mission Specialist (MS2): Dan Bursch (Blue team)
Mission Specialist (MS3): Peter Wisoff (Red team)
Mission Specialist (MS4): Thomas Jones (Blue team)
SUMMARY OF STS-68 LAUNCH DAY CREW ACTIVITIES
Wednesday, Aug. 17, 1994
5:00 p.m. Wake up (Blue team)
5:30 p.m. Breakfast (Blue Team)
5:30 p.m. Sleep (Red team)
10:30 p.m.Lunch (Blue Team)
Thursday, Aug. 18, 1994
1:30 a.m. Wake up (Red team)
2:00 a.m. Breakfast (Red team)
2:29 a.m. Crew Photo and Dinner (Blue Team)
2:59 a.m. Weather briefing (CDR, PLT, MS2)
2:59 a.m. Don flight equipment (MS1, MS3, MS4)
3:09 a.m. Don flight equipment (CDR, PLT, MS2)
3:39 a.m. Depart for launch pad 39A
4:09 a.m. Arrive at white room and begin ingress
5:24 a.m. Close crew hatch
6:54 a.m. Launch
SUMMARY OF BUILT-IN HOLDS FOR STS-68
T-TIME ------------- LENGTH OF HOLD -------- HOLD BEGINS --------HOLD ENDS
T-27 hours ------- 4 hours ----------------3 a.m. Tues.-----7 a.m. Tues.
T-19 hours ------- 4 hours ----------------3 p.m. Tues.-----7 p.m. Tues.
T-11 hours ------ 13 hrs.,34 mins. --------3 a.m. Wed.----- 4:34 p.m.Wed.
T-6 hours --------- 1 hour ----------------9:34 p.m.Wed.---10:34 p.m. Wed.
T-3 hours --------- 2 hours ---------------1:34 a.m.Thurs.--3:34 a.m.Thurs.
T-20 minutes ---- 10 minutes -------------- 6:14 a.m.Thurs.--6:24 a.m.Thurs.
T-9 minutes ----- 10 minutes ------------- 6:35 a.m.Thurs.--6:45 a.m.Thurs.
|
| 904.18 | EL sets please, | 42441::TRAVELL | John T, UK VMS System Support | Wed Aug 17 1994 21:46 | 4 |
| This one should be visible from most of the inhabited areas of the planet,
provided the timing is right.
John Travell.
|
| 904.19 | Heart Stopper | PCBUOA::JSTONE | | Thu Aug 18 1994 11:43 | 6 |
| re:-1 Endevour won't be seen for at least another 3 weeks given today's
launch abort. I don't know about the rest of you, but this was a heart
stopper. It had to be scant milli seconds before SRB ignition. In
fact, of the 5 pad aborts in the program to date, this is the first one
that I can recall where all 3 engines had started and were running.
Early indications are that it was #3 turbopump that was suspect.
|
| 904.20 | Sure looked like a close call from this viewers eyes! | 4371::BATTERSBY | | Thu Aug 18 1994 12:44 | 18 |
| Yup, it's got to be the latest shutdown, or close to it. Clock
showed t-minus=0, all three engines had lit and from what they
said on NASA Select, gave all indications of being throttled up
or damn close to it before shutdown. The preliminary diagnosis
was that a thermal sensor in engine #3's high pressure oxidizer
turbo-pump was indicating over temp on one of the two channels.
The second channel was close to being over temp. The shuttle computers
did what they are supposed to do and shut down <thank God>. They're
going to have a press conf at 11:00am EST to discuss what they've
found by that time. My personal observation was that the three main
engines were in fact throttled up because they appeared to stabilize
in gimbal position after ignition, but also in color and shape of their
exhaust.
When the astronauts emerged from the hatch, they all appeared to show
a look of relief, especially the Commander.
Bob
|
| 904.21 | High school student participation | 30254::KLAES | No Guts, No Galaxy | Fri Aug 19 1994 18:37 | 100 |
| From: US1RMC::"rebrady@acpub.duke.edu" "Robert Brady Jr." 19-AUG-1994
To: sci-space-science@uunet.uu.net
CC:
Subj: High School Students to Help Astronauts
Brought to you as a service of the Duke University News Service,
Box 90563, Durham, NC 27708-0563, Phone: (919) 684-2823, Fax: (919)
684-5760/681-7334.
This and other stories and information can be found on Duke
University's gopher server DIABLO. Point your gopher client to
DIABLO.DUKE.EDU.
===================================================================
For immediate release Contact: Monte Basgall
Aug. 16, 1994 (919) 556-1824
BasgallM@
mail01.adm.duke.edu
DUKE SCIENTISTS, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
TO HELP ASTRONAUTS MONITOR SEASONAL CHANGES
DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke University scientists and local high
school students will again assist astronauts aboard NASA's
orbiting Space Radar Laboratory in a repeat of an April
environmental mapping mission by the space shuttle Endeavour.
As it did April 9-20, Endeavour is scheduled later this week
to begin aiming three different kinds of radar on the trees,
clearings and bogs of university-owned Duke Forest as part of a
global study of Earth's environment.
The new mission, scheduled for Aug. 18-27, will try to
document seasonal changes in leaf and soil conditions there since
the Space Radar Laboratory last flew over the Piedmont North
Carolina forest.
Elsewhere on Earth, the lab will focus on other changes that
can also be detected with special detail by using radar. Examples
are the extensiveness of snowpacks, the distribution of volcanic
activity, and the locations of jungle tree-clearing activities.
Duke Forest -- a 7,700-acre research reserve overseen by
Duke's School of the Environment -- is one of 19 "supersites"
picked by NASA for the two flights. Scientists from NASA and
elsewhere are using the supersites to evaluate radar's effectiveness.
While the astronauts are in orbit, the university
researchers and the students from Durham's Riverside High School
will observe and measure some of the Duke Forest plants and soils
being targeted by the radar units. The information they collect
will then be matched with the radar images.
During a visit to Duke on June 16, Endeavour astronaut Peter
"Jeff" Wisoff said such ground assistance around the world is
vital to "make sure our interpretations on the radar correspond
to the truth."
Another visiting Endeavour astronaut, Thomas Jones, added
that the two 1994 Space Radar Laboratory missions are serving as
"test beds" for unmanned satellite technology that may begin
monitoring Earth's environment by about the year 2000.
Eric Kasischke, an assistant research professor at Duke's
School of the Environment, enlisted about 15 Riverside students
to assist the scientists during the April shuttle flight.
Kasischke has since hired five of those students for the summer
to both help process the data from the first mission and collect
new information for the second.
During the first Endeavour mission, teams of scientists and
students collected more than 1,000 soil samples, measured 400
different trees and took several hundred photographs of treetops
within Duke Forest and other area holdings owned by a timber company.
This time, they will "basically be doing the same sort of
things," Kasischke said. "We've been extremely pleased with our
high school students and the help they have provided us this
summer. We hope they gained a new perspective on earth science
and global change by working with us."
Radar is a method of transmitting, receiving and
electronically analyzing radio beams bounced off a target object.
Unlike optical photography, radar can see through clouds and
darkness. It can also reveal details about vegetation and soil
characteristics that optical cameras can't.
For instance, each of the Space Radar Laboratory's three
radar wavelengths specialize in different parts of trees. The
shortest wavelength, called the "X-band," discerns details about
leaves. The intermediate "C-band" is adept in detecting twigs and
branches. The longer "L-band" specializes in tree trunks.
The shuttle's combined C and L band unit, called SIR-C, was
built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. The
X-band unit, called X-SAR, was constructed by the German and
Italian space agencies.
|
| 904.22 | Computer: Do NOT flick that Bic! | 4370::GAUDET | | Fri Aug 19 1994 20:02 | 23 |
| The good news is that according to the boys at the press conference,
there was actually almost 2 seconds before SRB ignition (which is tons
of time for the computers to go through the abort sequence). One of
the gentlemen said that the visual clock we all see during the
countdown is not really in sync with the actual event clock(s) within
the orbiter.
It was interesting listening to the questions at the press conference.
One the reporters asked if the temperature sensors measure in
Fahrenheit or Celcius. The panelist replied, "Ranken" which surprised
the audience. Of course, a simple 'subtract 460' from a Ranken
measurement will give you the Fahrenheit temp. The "redline" for these
sensors is 1560 R at 100% engine operation. There's a second limit of
1760 R to allow for 109% engine operation should that become necessary,
and to account for various turbopump components which may run more or
less efficiently with one another.
Whew! That's about as close as I wanna see them get.
...Roger...
P.S. I'll bet the folks that wrote the abort sequence and safing code
are partying today!
|
| 904.23 | Launch attempt report | 4371::BATTERSBY | | Fri Aug 19 1994 22:20 | 180 |
|
STS-68 LAUNCH ATTEMPT REPORT
AUGUST 18, 1994
GEORGE C. MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
Cynthia A. Snoddy
Chairman, MSFC Space Shuttle
Flight Evaluation Team
STS-65 MISSION DATA SUMMARY
PAYLOAD MANIFEST:
PAYLOAD BAY Space Radar Laboratory-2 (SRL-2),
Get Away Specials (5) (GAS)
MID-DECK Commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG),
Chromosome and Plant Cell Division in Space Experiment
(CHROMEX),
Biological Research in Canister (BRIC),
Cosmic Radiation Effects and Activation Monitor (CREAM),
Military Applications of Ship Tracks (MAST)
INSTRUMENTATION: None
ON-PAD ABORT DATE: August 18, 1994
LAUNCH WINDOW: 5:54 am - 9:24 am CDT
ON-PAD ABORT TIME: 94:230:10:53:58.157 GMT
5:54 am CDT
NSTS DATABASE T-REF: 94:230:10:54:00.000
SSME#3 START TIME: 94:230:10:53:53.437
SSME#2 START TIME: 94:230:10:53:53.558
SSME#1 START TIME: 94:230:10:53:53.679
SSME#3 SHUTDOWN TIME: 94:230:10:53:58.157
SSME#2 SHUTDOWN TIME: 94:230:10:53:59.358
SSME#1 SHUTDOWN TIME: 94:230:10:54:00.638
LAUNCH SITE: KSC Pad 39A
MOBILE LAUNCH PLATFORM: MLP-1
ORBITAL INCLINATION: 57 degrees
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 120 nautical miles
INSERTION MODE: Direct
MISSION DURATION: 10 days nominal
PRIMARY LANDING SITE: Kennedy Space Center, FL
ABORT LANDING SITES: TAL (Prime) - Zaragoza, Spain
TAL Alternate - Moron, Spain
Ben Guerir, Morocco
VEHICLE DATA
ORBITER: Columbia OV-105 (7th Flight)
EXTERNAL TANK: ET-65
MAIN ENGINES: 2012, 2034, 2032
POWER LEVEL: Nominal...........104%
Abort....................104%
To Avoid Ditching........109%
SRBs: BI-067
SRM Set Nr.: Left - 360W040A
Right - 360W040B
SRM Cases: Lightweight/Redesigned
CREW
COMMANDER: Michael Baker
SHUTTLE PILOT: Terrence Wilcutt
PAYLOAD COMMANDER: Thomas Jones
MISSION SPECIALIST: Steven Smith
MISSION SPECIALIST: Daniel Bursch
MISSION SPECIALIST: Jeff Wisoff
1.0 STS-68 LAUNCH ATTEMPT SUMMARY
The scheduled launch of STS-68 on August 18, 1994 was aborted on Launch Pad 39A
(MLP-1) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) shortly after the main engine start
command was issued. The on-pad abort occurred at approximately 5:54 A.M.
Central Daylight Time (CDT) (094:230:10:53:58.157 GMT). The abort was executed
because of a ME-3 Failure Identification (FID) due to the High Pressure
Oxidizer Turbopump discharge temperature exceeding a redline. The
investigation of the abort is discussed in section 2.3.
2.0 LAUNCH COUNTDOWN AND ON-PAD ABORT
2.1 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - SRBs BI-067, RSRMs 360W040A, 360W040B
The SRB prelaunch countdown was normal. There were no SRB Launch Commit
Criteria (LCC) violations. There were no SRB Operational Maintenance
Requirements Specification Document (OMRSD) violations other than the left hand
system 'A' Range Safety battery temperature dropped off scale low. All other
Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) systems performed as expected.
No RSRM Launch Commit Criteria (LCC) or Operational Maintenance Requirements
Specification Document (OMRSD) violations occurred. Power up and operation of
all igniter, and field joint heaters was accomplished routinely. All RSRM
temperatures were maintained within acceptable limits throughout the countdown.
2.2 EXTERNAL TANK - ET-65
All objectives and requirements associated with External Tank (ET) propellant
loading and were met. All ET electrical equipment and instrumentation operated
satisfactorily. ET purge and heater operations were monitored and all
performed properly. No ET LCC or OMRSD violations were identified.
Typical ice/frost formations were observed on the ET during the countdown.
There was no observed ice or frost on the acreage areas of the ET. Normal
quantities of ice or frost were present on the LO2 and LH2 feedlines and on the
pressurization line brackets. These observations are acceptable per NSTS
08303. The Ice/Frost "Red Team" was not used based on a recent change to the
LCC. The Debris team reported nothing unusual on the ET.
The ET pressurization system functioned properly throughout engine start.
2.3 SPACE SHUTTLE MAIN ENGINE - SSMEs 2012, 2034, 2032
All SSME parameters appeared to be normal throughout the prelaunch countdown
and were typical of prelaunch parameters observed on previous flights. Engine
"Ready" was achieved at the proper time and all LCC were met.
2.3 SPACE SHUTTLE MAIN ENGINE - SSMEs 2012, 2034, 2032 (cont)
The on-pad launch abort occurred because the ME-3 (E2032) High Pressure
Oxidizer Turbine (HPOT) discharge temperature Channel A exceeded a pre-liftoff
redline check resulting in a Failure Identification (FID) and subsequent engine
shutdown. At Engine Start Command (ESC) plus 2.3 seconds through ESC plus 5.8
seconds the HPOT discharge temperature must not exceed 1560 R. The ME-3 HPOT
discharge temperature Channel A was 1576 R. The Channel B measurement was 1530
R which was also higher than predicted. Instrumentation/data appears to be
valid.
ME-3 was commanded to shutdown at ESC plus 4.72 seconds. ME-2 and ME-1
subsequently shutdown at ESC plus 5.80 seconds and 6.96 seconds respectively.
The shutdowns were all nominal and placed the vehicle in a safe status.
The cause of the high turbine discharge temperature is under investigation and
a number of factors could in combination have led to the overshoot temperature
response (e.g. fuel side build-up characteristics, sequencing changes prior to
STS-68, turbopump efficiencies, hardware degradation, etc.). The current plan
of action is to establish investigation teams, perform fault tree analysis,
engine inspections and detailed data and film evaluation.
2.4 MAIN PROPULSION SYSTEM - MPS OV-105
The overall performance of the Main Propulsion System (MPS) was as expected.
LO2 and LH2 loading were performed as planned with no stop flows or reverts.
There were no OMRSD or LCC violations.
Throughout the period of preflight operations, no significant hazardous gas
concentrations were detected. The maximum hydrogen concentration level in the
Orbiter aft compartment (which occurred shortly after the start of fastfill)
was approximately 153 ppm, which compares favorably with previous data for this
vehicle.
A comparison of the calculated propellant loads at the end of replenish, versus
the inventory loads, results in a loading accuracy of -0.026 percent for LH2,
and +0.035 percent for LO2.
MPS performance during engine start and shutdown appeared to be as expected.
2.5 SHUTTLE RANGE SAFETY SYSTEM - SRSS
Shuttle Range Safety System (SRSS) closed loop testing was completed as
scheduled during the launch countdown. All SRSS Safe and Arm (S&A) devices
were armed and system inhibits turned off at the appropriate times. All SRSS
measurements indicated that the system operated as expected throughout the
countdown with the exception of the left hand system A battery temperature.
The system A battery temperature was erratic between nominal (approximately 78
degrees F and off scale low (18 degrees F). An exception was written to the
OMRSD requirement of 34.6 to 103.4 degrees F.
All SRSS devices performed as planned for an on-pad launch abort.
3.0 CANDIDATE IN-FLIGHT ANOMALIES AND SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS
The ME-3 (E2032) redline exceedance discussed in paragraph 2.3 is the only
candidate MSFC In-Flight Anomaly (IFA) associated with MSFC hardware identified
at this time.
|
| 904.24 | Status report.... | 4371::BATTERSBY | | Fri Aug 19 1994 22:23 | 37 |
|
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Thursday, August 18, 1994
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: Pad 39A
INCLINATION: 57 degrees
LAUNCH DATE and TIME: TBD CREW
SIZE: 6
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
KSC LANDING DATE and TIME: TBD
MISSION DURATION: 10 days/4 hours/40 minutes
The countdown for mission STS-68 and the launch of Endeavour
was halted with zero seconds showing on the countdown clock
today. Launch was about to occur on time at 6:54 a.m. EDT when
the orbiter computers triggered a main engine abort. The abort
was caused when red line limits were exceeded on the high
pressure oxidizer turbo pump turbine discharge temperatures on
engine no. 3. Managers determined the engine cut-off was signaled
and the solid rocket boosters inhibited from igniting at about
1.9 seconds before liftoff time. With the solid rocket boosters
inhibited from firing, there was no potential for launch while
the engines were in the processing of shutting down.
Following the abort, the six-member astronaut crew safely left
the vehicle and returned to their quarters at KSC. They are
scheduled to departed for Houston tomorrow morning.
Mission managers are today discussing various options available
before rescheduling the launch of mission STS-68.
|
| 904.25 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 08/23/94 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Aug 24 1994 12:50 | 35 |
| KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Tuesday, August 23, 1994
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: Pad 39A
INCLINATION: 57 degrees
TARGET LAUNCH PERIOD: Early October CREW SIZE: 6
APPROX LAUNCH TIME: Early morning LAUNCH
WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
MISSION DURATION: 10 days/4 hours/40 minutes KSC LANDING
DATE/TIME: TBD
IN WORK TODAY:
o Roll back preparations (first motion set for 12:01 a.m. Wednesday)
o Retract rotating service structure (1 p.m.)
WORK SCHEDULED:
o Roll back to VAB (Wednesday)
o Begin removal of three main engines in VAB (Friday)
WORK COMPLETED:
o Deservice hypergolic reactants and disconnect ordnance
o Thruster drying
o Disconnect orbiter mid-body umbilical unit from vehicle
o Off load cryogenic reactants
|
| 904.26 | a miss is as good as a mile? | AUSSIE::GARSON | achtentachtig kacheltjes | Tue Aug 30 1994 03:32 | 16 |
| re .19
> -< Heart Stopper >-
>I don't know about the rest of you, but this was a heart
>stopper. It had to be scant milli seconds before SRB ignition.
I was on hols last week and missed this one. I can imagine that it was
heart stopping for the watching humans. My understanding of the launch
sequence though is that it wouldn't matter if the abort occurred only
one instruction (if interrupt driven) or a handful of instructions (if
not) before the instructions that will (irreversibly) initiate SRB
ignition. In any case even milli-seconds are a long time for a computer
even the slow GPCs on the shuttle. (That said, the various sensors may
not be checked frequently enough for a parameter out of range milli-seconds
before SRB ignition to abort the launch. Anyone know the polling frequency
if indeed polling occurs?)
|
| 904.27 | | WRKSYS::REITH | Jim WRKSYS::Reith MLO1-2/c37 223-2021 | Tue Aug 30 1994 12:07 | 3 |
| I'm pretty sure polling is used in order to detect an open circuit rather than
waiting for an interrupt that will never arrive. There used to be a bunch of
Shuttle technical facts in one of the topics in here...
|
| 904.28 | Code worked....timing of fault was close.. | PCBUOA::JSTONE | | Tue Aug 30 1994 17:01 | 12 |
| The latest issue of Air and Space Magazine (ofNASM) has a very good
article about the art of programming. It is a three step process to
get to machine code. There have been interesting code faults
(thankfully this was not one of them) with the last "big" one being
the ranging code for the Intelsat mission.
The closeness of the abort was more interesting due to the timing of
the out of tolorance temp reading on the turbopump. Note that the
second channel had not gone beyond limits at that time. A little
slower rise time and who knows?
I was hoping to see a more comprehensive failure analysis by now....
|
| 904.29 | | RUSURE::MCCARTHY | | Tue Aug 30 1994 21:23 | 13 |
|
> I was on hols last week and missed this one. I can imagine that it was
> heart stopping for the watching humans.
It certainly was for me. This was the first launch I was actually
able to get to (I've been waiting 33 years for this). From our
vantage, the cloud from main engine ignition completely obscured
the view of the stack at about T-1.5. at about T+.4, when I hadn't
seen any motion, and just before the shutdown announcement, I had
already started to be quite frustrated. Oh well, after having been
that close, I now feel obligated to try again.
-Brian
|
| 904.30 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 08/30/94 | PRAGMA::GRIFFIN | Dave Griffin | Wed Aug 31 1994 19:23 | 35 |
| KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Tuesday, August 30, 1994
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: VAB high bay 1
INCLINATION: 57 degrees
TARGET LAUNCH DATE: October 2 CREW
SIZE: 6
LAUNCH TIME: 7:17 a.m.
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
TARGET KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: Oct. 12/11:57 a.m.
MISSION DURATION: 10 days/4 hours/40 minutes
IN WORK TODAY:
o Remove and replace space shuttle main engine no. 1 in
Vehicle Assembly Building
WORK SCHEDULED:
o Replacement main engine securing
WORK COMPLETED:
o Send main engine no. 3 to Stennis Space Center, Miss., for
test stand firing (Main engine was shipped by truck to Stennis on
Sunday. Test stand firing is set for later this week.)
o Remove main engines no. 3 and 2
|
| 904.31 | KSC Shuttle Status Report - 9/20/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Wed Sep 21 1994 21:39 | 35 |
| KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Tuesday, September 20, 1994 (11:08 AM)
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: Pad 39A
INCLINATION: 57 degrees
TARGET LAUNCH DATE: Sept. 30
CREW SIZE: 6
LAUNCH TIME: 7:16 a.m. EDT
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours/30 minutes
TARGET KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: Oct. 10/11:58 a.m.
MISSION DURATION: 10 days/4 hours/42 minutes
IN WORK TODAY:
- Helium signature test
- Install main engine heatshields
- Preparations to begin countdown
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Pressurize hypergolic propellant tanks
- Purge onboard cryogenic reactant tanks
- Install contingency spacesuits
- Begin orbiter aft engine compartment close-outs
WORK COMPLETED:
- Landing aid tests
- Pad validations
- Main engine flight readiness test
|
| 904.32 | On orbit | skylab.zko.dec.com::FISHER | Indecision is the key to flexibility! | Fri Sep 30 1994 11:31 | 17 |
| Liftoff was exactly one time. CNN kept it through SRB SEP (don't want to miss a
good disaster, huh guys?) and then pulled away, but the 8:00 news said all was
well, so I assume OMS-2 was done on schedule.
The jerk on CNN mentioned that it was a high inclination launch ("as close to
the north pole as possible") so it would be going up along the coastline. Then
he said (at about T+3:00) "...so if you live anywhere along the east coast you
might want to look up and see if you can see the plumes from the SRBs. If you
are in ***Europe***, you should look west."
Right. Let's see. In Eurpoe is would have been about noon. Nice bright sun.
And the SRBs go up to what, 30 or 40K feet? I'm sure that is visible from 3000
miles east. Not to mention 2000 miles north.
Jeez. I suppose I should be happy that they showed it.
Burns
|
| 904.33 | SRB Separation Altitude? | LHOTSE::DAHL | | Fri Sep 30 1994 12:15 | 12 |
| RE: <<< Note 904.32 by skylab.zko.dec.com::FISHER "Indecision is the key to flexibility!" >>>
>"...If you are in ***Europe***, you should look west."
That's a good one. At least the direction was correct, even though the
possibility of seeing it is exactly zero.
>And the SRBs go up to what, 30 or 40K feet?
Minor point: Much higher, I think. I seem to recall more like between 100K to
200K feet.
-- Tom
|
| 904.34 | Saw launch this am....was a clean liftoff | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Fri Sep 30 1994 16:13 | 19 |
| The dorks on CNN & most news outlets just don't have the brains
of a mole....
I was off site until yesterday, so haven't been able to pull
any sts-68 status off of USENET. Our extended LAN herer in LKG
has been having problems, IE: type some text, go get some coffee,
come back and see if the echo came back yet. So I haven't had too
much luck today navigating thru sci.space.* newsgroups to pull
down articles on sts-68 to post here. I'll try later today or
over the weekend. Maybe someone else has a better behaved network...
(Burns???) :-)
Bob
PS: I've been fortunate that our cable has been airing NASA-TV
since July on our town's Educational access channel. It seems
that the satellite feed for the SCOLA? educational feed is down/broken
for some indetermined time. So for now I'm happy to get NASA
without having to spend any cash for a TVRO dish system.
|
| 904.35 | | skylab.zko.dec.com::FISHER | Indecision is the key to flexibility! | Fri Sep 30 1994 20:14 | 3 |
| My network is fine, but I don't see any shuttle statuses in sci.space.news.
Burns
|
| 904.36 | When's the info sunami going to hit us :-) | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Fri Sep 30 1994 20:52 | 9 |
| Yeah....I just checked too (our LAN seems to be a little better
at this time of the day). Someone out there in the USENET hinterlands
posted an article also mentioning that he hadn't seen any postings
in a while either. As a matter of fact someone in another closly
related newsgroup mentioned that he hadn't seen a posting of NORAD
element sets since Sept 8,94. The other newsgroup sci.space.shuttle
has also been quiet.
Bob
|
| 904.37 | Mission Status Report #1 - 9/30/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Sat Oct 01 1994 12:56 | 21 |
| STS-68 MISSION CONTROL STATUS REPORT #1
9 a.m. CDT, Sept. 30, 1994
Space Shuttle Endeavour was launched on time at 6:16 a.m. CDT today to
begin the STS-68 mission. Despite poor weather for several days earlier
this week, skies cleared this morning at the Kennedy Space Center allowing
the six-member crew to begin its 10-day mission. The Flight Control team
in Houston gave the "Go for Orbit Operations" just before 8 a..m. The
crew then began setting up the experiment and systems hardware aboard
Endeavour. The primary payload on this flight is the Space Radar
Laboratory, making its second flight to study the Earth's environment.
Experiment operations will be conducted around the clock on this flight,
with the astronauts divided into two teams. Commander Michael Baker, pilot
Terrence Wilcutt and mission specialist Jeff Wisoff are the "red team."
Mission specialists Daniel Bursch, Thomas Jones and Steven Smith are the
"blue team."
Landing for STS-68 is planned for just before 11 a.m. CDT October 10 at
Kennedy Space Center.
|
| 904.38 | Mission Status Report #2 - 9/30/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Sat Oct 01 1994 12:58 | 37 |
| [Downloaded from ftp.hq.nasa.gov]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-68 STATUS REPORT #2
Friday, Sept. 30, 1994, 5 p.m. CDT,
The crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour successfully activated the Space
Radar Laboratory-2 instruments this afternoon, following an on-time
launch at 6:16 a.m. Central Time.
Shortly after 4 p.m. today, flight controllers reported that the on-orbit
checkout of the Spaceborne Imaging Radar (SIR-C) and the Synthetic
Aperture Radar (X-SAR) had been completed, and that the primary SRL-2
instruments were ready for operation. Throughout the checkout, data takes
were recorded over a number of sites, including Raco, Michigan; Bermuda;
Bebedouro, Brazil; the Northeast Pacific Ocean and the Juan de Fuca
Strait, between the United States and Canada.
The Red Team -- consisting of Commander Mike Baker, Pilot Terry
Wilcutt and Mission Specialist Jeff Wisoff -- is preparing to hand over to
the Blue Team, which began its six-hour sleep shift about 10 a.m. today.
The Blue Team -- Payload Commander Tom Jones and Mission Specialists
Dan Bursch and Steve Smith -- will continue to support the round-the-
clock observations of the SRL-2 instruments as the Red Team sleeps.
In addition to the prime payload, Wilcutt also activated the Commercial
Protein Crystal Growth Experiment, the Cosmic Radiation Effects and
Activation Monitor, and checked on the mouse-ear cress seedlings growing
in the CHROMEX-05 experiment. The crew successfully engineered an in-
flight maintenance procedure to get additional cooling air to the CPCG
apparatus after higher than desired temperatures were noted by crystal
growth sensors.
All systems aboard Endeavour are functioning well as the orbiter circles the
globe at an altitude of 120 nautical miles every 90 minutes.
|
| 904.39 | STS-68 NASA Select TV Schedule - Rev A | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Sat Oct 01 1994 13:00 | 480 |
| [Downloaded from NASA Spacelink]
NASA TELEVISION SCHEDULE
STS-68/SPACE RADAR LABORATORY-2
9/27/94
***********************************************************************
NASA Select programming can be accessed through GTE Spacenet 2,
transponder 5. The frequency is 3880 MHz with an orbital position
of 69 degrees West Longitude, with audio at 6.8 MHz. This is a full
transponder service and will be operational 24 hours a day.
This NASA Select television schedule of mission coverage is available
on Comstore, the mission TV schedule computer bulletin board service.
Call 713/483-5817, and follow the prompts to access this service. The
schedule also is available via the Internet at FTP.HQ.NASA.GOV. Change
directories to /PUB/PAO/STATRPT/JSC.
A two-hour package of daily highlights will be played for Alaska and
Hawaii each Flight Day at 11 p.m. Central time. The highlights will
begin on launch day and continue through landing. The satellite
carrier will be Galaxy 6, transponder 19 with an orbital position of
103 degrees West Longitude.
SUBJECT SITE CDT
-------- ---- ---
---------------------- Wednesday, September 28 ------------------------
Launch -2 Days
STS-68 COUNTDOWN STATUS BRIEFING KSC 7:30 AM
---------------------- Thursday, September 29 -------------------------
Launch -1 Day
STS-68 PRE-LAUNCH PRESS CONFERENCE KSC 8:00 AM
(TIME SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
SRL-1 SCIENCE RESULTS BRIEFING KSC 9:00 AM
HUBBLE ASTRONOMY UPDATE HQ 12:00 PM
REPLAY OF STS-64 EMPLOYEE JSC 2:00 PM
PRESENTATION
---------------------- Friday, September 30 ---------------------------
FD 1
ORBIT SUBJECT SITE MET CDT
----- ------- ---- --- ---
NASA SELECT COVERAGE BEGINS KSC 01:00 AM
LAUNCH KSC 00/00:00 06:16 AM
NASA SELECT ORIGINATION SWITCHED JSC 00/00:06 06:22 AM
TO JSC
MECO 00/00:08 06:24 AM
1 NASA SELECT ORIGINATION SWITCHED KSC 00/00:14 06:30 AM
TO KSC
1 LAUNCH REPLAYS KSC 00/00:14 06:30 AM
(APPROX. 5 MINUTES AFTER MECO)
T=30:00
1 NASA SELECT ORIGINATION SWITCHED JSC 00/00:44 07:00 AM
TO JSC
1 NASA SELECT ORIGINATION SWITCHED KSC 00/00:59 07:15 AM
TO KSC
2 POST-LAUNCH PRESS CONFERENCE KSC 00/00:59 07:15 AM
2 NASA SELECT ORIGINATION SWITCHED JSC 00/01:29 07:45 AM
TO JSC
2 Ku BAND ANTENNA DEPLOY 00/02:10 08:26 AM
(NOT TELEVISED)
3 SRL-2 ACTIVATION 00/02:45 09:01 AM
(NOT TELEVISED)
3 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 00/03:02 09:18 AM
T=6:00
3 PAYLOAD BAY VIEWS TDRE 00/03:30 09:46 AM
T=30:00
3 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 00/03:44 10:00 AM
4 NASA SELECT ORIGINATION SWITCHED KSC 00/04:59 11:15 AM
TO KSC
4 LAUNCH ENGINEERING REPLAYS KSC 00/04:59 11:15 AM
T=30:00
5 NASA SELECT ORIGINATION SWITCHED JSC 00/05:29 11:45 AM
TO JSC
6 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 00/07:52 02:08 PM
T=4:00
7 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 00/09:22 03:38 PM
T=7:30
8 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 00/10:15 04:31 PM
8 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 00/10:48 05:04 PM
T=6:18
8 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 00/11:14 05:30 PM
---------------------- Saturday, October 1 ----------------------------
FD 2
16 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 00/21:05 03:21 AM
17 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 00/23:43 05:59 AM
T=7:41
19 GSTDN TELEVISON OPPORTUNITY GDS 01/02:44 09:00 AM
T=6:20
20 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 01/03:44 10:00 AM
22 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 01/06:14 12:30 PM
22 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 01/07:33 01:49 PM
T=4:12
23 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 01/09:04 03:20 PM
T=7:30
24 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 01/10:30 04:46 PM
T=6:23
24 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 01/10:44 05:00 PM
24 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 01/11:00 05:16 PM
26 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 01/14:14 08:30 PM
------------------------ Sunday, October 2 ----------------------------
FD 3
32 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRW 01/22:40 04:56 AM
T=20:00
32 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 01/23:00 05:16 AM
33 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 01/23:24 05:40 AM
T=7:39
35 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 02/02:26 08:42 AM
T=5:44
36 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 02/03:44 10:00 AM
38 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 02/07:44 02:00 PM
39 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 02/08:45 03:01 PM
T=5:21
40 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 02/10:11 04:27 PM
T=6:28
40 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 02/10:44 05:00 PM
41 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 02/11:45 06:01 PM
42 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 02/13:14 07:30 PM
43 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRW 02/14:55 09:11 PM
T=20:00
-------------------------- Monday, October 3 --------------------------
FD 4
49 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 02/22:45 05:01 AM
49 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 02/23:06 05:22 AM
T=7:35
51 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 03/02:07 08:23 AM
T=5:57
53 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 03/05:14 11:30 AM
54 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 03/06:56 01:12 PM
T=3:55
54 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 03/07:14 01:30 PM
55 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 03/08:26 02:42 PM
T=5:14
56 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 03/09:52 04:08 PM
T=6:32
57 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 03/10:44 05:00 PM
57 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 03/11:45 06:01 PM
59 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 03/14:14 08:30 PM
------------------------ Tuesday, October 4 ---------------------------
FD 5
65 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 03/22:46 05:02 AM
T=7:31
66 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 03/23:45 06:01 AM
67 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 04/01:48 08:04 AM
T=6:12
68 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 04/03:44 10:00 AM
70 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 04/06:37 12:53 PM
T=3:42
70 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 04/07:14 01:30 PM
71 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 04/08:07 02:23 PM
T=5:14
72 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 04/09:33 03:49 PM
T=6:34
73 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 04/11:14 05:30 PM
74 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 04/11:45 06:01 PM
76 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 04/15:14 09:30 PM
----------------------- Wednesday, October 5 --------------------------
FD 6
80 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 04/20:57 03:13 AM
T=3:06
81 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 04/22:28 04:44 AM
T=6:50
82 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 04/23:45 06:01 AM
83 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 05/01:28 07:44 AM
T=6:09
84 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 05/03:44 10:00 AM
85 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 05/05:00 11:16 AM
T=20:00
86 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 05/06:18 12:34 PM
T=3:33
87 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 05/06:44 01:00 PM
87 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 05/07:48 02:04 PM
T=5:21
88 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 05/09:13 03:29 PM
T=6:29
89 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 05/10:44 05:00 PM
90 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 05/12:00 06:16 PM
91 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 05/14:14 08:30 PM
------------------------ Thursday, October 6 --------------------------
FD 7
96 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 05/20:38 02:54 AM
T=3:21
97 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 05/22:09 04:25 AM
T=6:19
99 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 06/00:10 06:26 AM
99 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 06/01:08 07:24 AM
T=6:06
101 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 06/03:44 10:00 AM
102 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 06/05:58 12:14 PM
T=3:31
103 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 06/07:28 01:44 PM
T=5:23
103 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 06/07:44 02:00 PM
104 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 06/08:54 03:10 PM
T=6:23
104 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 06/09:25 03:41 PM
T=15:00
105 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 06/10:44 05:00 PM
106 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 06/12:45 07:01 PM
107 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 06/14:14 08:30 PM
------------------------ Friday, October 7 ----------------------------
FD 8
112 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 06/20:18 02:34 AM
T=3:34
112 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 06/21:30 03:46 AM
T=20:00
113 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 06/21:48 04:04 AM
T=6:33
114 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 06/23:18 05:34 AM
T=3:19
114 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 07/00:30 06:46 AM
115 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 07/00:48 07:04 AM
T=6:03
117 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 07/03:44 10:00 AM
118 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 07/05:38 11:54 AM
T=3:23
119 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 07/07:08 01:24 PM
T=5:18
119 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 07/07:44 02:00 PM
120 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 07/08:33 02:49 PM
T=6:09
121 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 07/09:45 04:01 PM
T=15:00
122 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 07/10:44 05:00 PM
123 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 07/13:30 07:46 PM
124 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 07/14:14 08:30 PM
----------------------- Saturday, October 8 ---------------------------
FD 9
128 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 07/19:55 02:11 AM
T=3:27
128 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 07/21:20 03:36 AM
T=25:00
130 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 07/22:56 05:12 AM
T=3:16
131 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 08/00:26 06:42 AM
T=5:55
131 CREW NEWS CONFERENCE TDRW 08/01:20 07:36 AM
T=30:00
132 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 08/02:15 08:31 AM
133 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 08/03:44 10:00 AM
134 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 08/05:15 11:31 AM
T=3:23
135 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 08/06:45 01:01 PM
T=5:18
135 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 08/07:14 01:30 PM
136 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 08/08:10 02:26 PM
T=6:09
138 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 08/10:44 05:00 PM
140 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 08/14:14 08:30 PM
140 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 08/14:15 08:31 PM
------------------------ Sunday, October 9 ----------------------------
FD 10
147 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 09/00:45 07:01 AM
149 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 09/03:44 10:00 AM
152 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 09/07:44 02:00 PM
155 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 09/12:14 06:30 PM
155 X-SAR DEACTIVATION 09/12:15 06:31 PM
(NOT TELEVISED)
155 Ku ANTENNA STOW 09/12:35 06:51 PM
(NOT TELEVISED)
156 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 09/14:14 08:30 PM
156 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 09/14:30 08:46 PM
-------------------------- Monday, October 10 -------------------------
FD 11
157 SIR-C AND SRL-2 DEACTIVATION 09/18:40 12:56 AM
(NOT TELEVISED)
165 DEORBIT BURN 10/03:54 10:10 AM
(NOT TELEVISED)
166 KSC LANDING KSC 10/04:42 10:58 AM
LANDING REPLAYS KSC L + 20 MIN
POST-LANDING PRESS CONFERENCE JSC L + 60 MIN
ASTRONAUT POST-LANDING PRESS
CONFERENCE (COMMANDER AND
AVAILABLE CREW MEMBERS) KSC L + 5 HOURS
***********************************************************************
DEFINITION OF TERMS
***********************************************************************
CDT: Central Daylight Time
FD: Flight Day
GDS: Goldstone Tracking Station
GSTDN: Ground Station Tracking and Data Network
JSC: Johnson Space Center
KSC: Kennedy Space Center
MECO: Main Engine Cut Off
MET: Mission Elapsed Time: the time which begins at the moment
of launch and is read: days/hours:minutes. Launch=00/00:00
MLA: Merritt Island Tracking Station
SIR-C: Spaceborne Imaging Radar
SRL-2: Space Radar Laboratory
STS: Space Transportation System
T=: Time equivalent; used for duration of event
TDRE,W: Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, East and West longitudes
VTR: Videotape recorder
X-SAR: X-band Synthetic Aperature Radar
|
| 904.40 | STS-68 Element Set JSC-004 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Sat Oct 01 1994 13:03 | 26 |
| [Downloaded from NASA Spacelink]
STS-68 element set JSC-004
STS-68
1 23285U 94062A 94273.71398473 .00126891 00000-0 63979-4 0 40
2 23285 57.0074 76.9956 0009327 267.4500 92.5492 16.19853975 52
Satellite: STS-68
Catalog number: 23285
Epoch time: 94273.71398473 = (30 SEP 94 17:08:08.28 UTC)
Element set: 004
Inclination: 57.0074 deg
RA of node: 76.9956 deg Space Shuttle Flight STS-68
Eccentricity: .0009327 Keplerian element set JSC-004
Arg of perigee: 267.4500 deg from NASA flight Day 1 vector
Mean anomaly: 92.5492 deg
Mean motion: 16.19853975 rev/day Gil Carman
Decay rate: 1.26891e-03 rev/day^2 NASA Johnson Space Center
Epoch rev: 5
Checksum: 339
Gil Carman, WA5NOM
NASA Johnson Space Center
|
| 904.41 | STS-68 Mission Status - 10/1/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Mon Oct 03 1994 15:04 | 50 |
| [Downloaded from NASA Spacelink]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS -68 STATUS REPORT #3
Saturday, October 1, 1994, 9 a.m. Central
Environmental studies continued throughout Saturday morning aboard
Endeavour as six astronauts working around the clock in two shifts
assisted the Space Radar Laboratory science team on the ground with
real-time observations from space.
While Commander Mike Baker and Pilot Terry Wilcutt made attitude
adjustments of the orbiter to assist in precisely pointing the radar
systems, Mission Specialist Jeff Wisoff provided running commentary and
tape recording assistance for the many ground sites as Endeavour passed
overhead at an altitude of 119 nautical miles.
The STS-68 mission's three other crew members -- Steve Smith, Dan Bursch
and Tom Jones -- perform the same duties on the opposite shift, beginning
at about 4:30 this afternoon.
Late Friday night, Tom Jones sent down some video of a volcano erupting in
Kamchatka. The experiment scientists reported the volcano began erupting
a couple of weeks ago, but the latest "burst" from the Kliuchevskoi
(pronounced clue-chev-skoy) volcano occurred about eight hours after
Endeavour's 6:16 a.m. launch Friday.
The SRL team is planning a series of data takes using the radar equipment
as Endeavour moves over that area of the world. Those images will be
compared with similar radar images gathered during the STS-59 mission in
April, prior to the volcanic activity.
Other radar data gathering of the Earth's surface today included the
desert regions of Africa, both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and
mountainous regions of the East and West coasts of the United States.
Early Saturday, Mike Baker sent down a short video tape of smudges and
streaks he noticed shortly after launch on several of the forward flight
deck windows. None of the streaks would hamper visual observations during
entry and landing slated for Monday, Oct. 10.
All systems remain stable aboard Endeavour with no problems being tracked
by the flight control teams in Mission Control. The current orbit is 119
by 117 nautical miles.
Weather conditions have delayed the start of Columbia's ferry flight from
Florida which was planned for this weekend. The flight is not expected
before Monday at the earliest.
|
| 904.42 | STS-68 Mission Status - 10/2/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Mon Oct 03 1994 15:05 | 30 |
| [Downloaded from ftp.hq.nasa.gov]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-68 STATUS REPORT #4
Sunday, October 2, 1994, 9 a.m. Central
Around the clock observations continue by Endeavour's crew in support of
the second mission this year dedicated to radar mapping of environmental
changes around the world.
Split into two three-member teams, the astronauts divide their time between
monitoring orbiter systems and providing assistance with the data takes of
the science instruments that make up the Space Radar Laboratory.
The Red Team of Mike Baker, Terry Wilcutt and Jeff Wisoff will be on duty
throughout much of the day while the Blue Team of Steve Smith, Dan Bursch
and Tom Jones rests.
Radar data gathering today included forest areas of North Carolina, ocean
current patterns in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, desert areas in Africa,
and mountainous regions of the East and West coasts of the United States.
There are no systems problems aboard Endeavour on its seventh mission in
space as the orbiter circles the Earth every 90 minutes at an altitude of
119 nautical miles.
The start of Columbia's ferry flight from Florida to California has been
delayed until later this week.
|
| 904.43 | STS-68 Updated Element Set | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Mon Oct 03 1994 15:07 | 31 |
| Article: 6505
Newsgroups: sci.space.news,rec.radio.info,rec.radio.amateur.space
From: elements-request@alsys.com (Shuttle Elements)
Subject: STS-68 Element Set (94274.824)
Sender: garym@alsys.com (Gary Morris)
Organization: Alsys, San Diego, CA, USA
Date: Sat, 1 Oct 1994 21:15:53 GMT
STS-68
1 23285U 94 62 A 94274.82461727 .00202885 22808-3 11661-3 0 58
2 23285 57.0042 71.6434 0008860 272.7255 87.2792 16.20264410 233
Satellite: STS-68
Catalog number: 23285
Epoch time: 94274.82461727 = (01 OCT 94 19:47:26.93 UTC)
Element set: 005
Inclination: 57.0042 deg
RA of node: 71.6434 deg Space Shuttle Flight STS-68
Eccentricity: .0008860 Keplerian element set JSC-005
Arg of perigee: 272.7255 deg from NASA flight Day 2 vector
Mean anomaly: 87.2792 deg
Mean motion: 16.20264410 rev/day Gil Carman
Decay rate: 2.02885e-03 rev/day^2 NASA Johnson Space Center
Epoch rev: 23
--
--
Gary Morris Internet: garym@alsys.com
Alsys Inc. Packet: KK6YB @ N0ARY.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NA
San Diego, CA, USA Phone: +1 619-457-2700 x128 (voice/fax)
|
| 904.44 | Updated TV schedule Rev C | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Mon Oct 03 1994 15:08 | 370 |
| [Downloaded from NASA Spacelink]
NASA TELEVISION SCHEDULE
STS-68/SPACE RADAR LABORATORY-2
10/02/94
REV C
***********************************************************************
NASA TV programming can be accessed through GTE Spacenet 2,
transponder 5. The frequency is 3880 MHz with an orbital position
of 69 degrees West Longitude, with audio at 6.8 MHz. This is a full
transponder service and will be operational 24 hours a day.
This NASA TV schedule of mission coverage is available on
Comstore, the mission TV schedule computer bulletin board service.
Call 713/483-5817, and follow the prompts to access this service.
The schedule is also available via the Internet. The address is
FTP.HQ.NASA.GOV. Change directories to /PUB/PAO/STATRPT/JSC.
A two-hour package of daily highlights will be played for Alaska and
Hawaii each Flight Day at 11 p.m. Central time. The highlights will
begin on launch day and continue through landing. The satellite carrier
will be Galaxy 6, transponder 19 with an orbital position of 103
degrees West Longitude.
--------- LAUNCH OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 30 AT 6:16 AM CT ---------
* DENOTES CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS TV SCHEDULE REVISION
ORBIT SUBJECT SITE MET CDT
----- ------- ---- --- ---
------------------------ Sunday, October 2 ----------------------------
FD 3
38 CNN INTERVIEW TDRW 02/06:55 01:11 PM
T=15:00
38 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 02/07:44 02:00 PM
39 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 02/08:45 03:01 PM
T=5:21
40 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 02/10:11 04:27 PM
T=6:28
40 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 02/10:44 05:00 PM
41 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 02/11:45 06:01 PM
42 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 02/13:14 07:30 PM
43 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRW 02/14:55 09:11 PM
T=20:00
-------------------------- Monday, October 3 --------------------------
FD 4
49 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 02/22:45 05:01 AM
49 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 02/23:06 05:22 AM
T=7:35
51 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 03/02:07 08:23 AM
T=5:57
52 WAVE-TV INTERVIEW TDRE 03/04:10 10:26 AM
T=15:00
53 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 03/05:14 11:30 AM
54 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 03/06:56 01:12 PM
T=3:55
54 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 03/07:14 01:30 PM
55 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 03/08:26 02:42 PM
T=5:14
56 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 03/09:52 04:08 PM
T=6:32
57 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 03/10:44 05:00 PM
57 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 03/11:45 06:01 PM
59 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 03/14:14 08:30 PM
------------------------ Tuesday, October 4 ---------------------------
FD 5
64 GOOD MORNING AMERICA INTERVIEW TDRW 03/22:10 04:26 AM
T=15:00
65 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 03/22:46 05:02 AM
T=7:31
66 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 03/23:45 06:01 AM
67 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 04/01:48 08:04 AM
T=6:12
68 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 04/03:44 10:00 AM
70 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 04/06:37 12:53 PM
T=3:42
70 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 04/07:14 01:30 PM
71 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 04/08:07 02:23 PM
T=5:14
72 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 04/09:33 03:49 PM
T=6:34
72 CONUS COMMUNICATIONS INTERVIEW TDRE 04/10:05 04:21 PM
T=15:00
73 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 04/11:14 05:30 PM
74 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 04/11:45 06:01 PM
76 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 04/15:14 09:30 PM
----------------------- Wednesday, October 5 --------------------------
FD 6
80 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 04/20:57 03:13 AM
T=3:06
81 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 04/22:28 04:44 AM
T=6:50
82 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 04/23:45 06:01 AM
83 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 05/01:28 07:44 AM
T=6:09
84 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 05/03:44 10:00 AM
85 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 05/05:00 11:16 AM
T=20:00
86 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 05/06:18 12:34 PM
T=3:33
87 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 05/06:44 01:00 PM
87 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 05/07:48 02:04 PM
T=5:21
88 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 05/09:13 03:29 PM
T=6:29
89 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 05/10:44 05:00 PM
90 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 05/12:00 06:16 PM
91 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 05/14:14 08:30 PM
------------------------ Thursday, October 6 --------------------------
FD 7
96 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 05/20:38 02:54 AM
T=3:21
96 NBC NIGHTSIDE INTERVIEW TDRE 05/21:50 04:06 AM
T=15:00
97 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 05/22:09 04:25 AM
T=6:19
99 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 06/00:10 06:26 AM
99 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 06/01:08 07:24 AM
T=6:06
101 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 06/03:44 10:00 AM
102 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 06/05:58 12:14 PM
T=3:31
102 MAGELLAN MISSION FINALE BRIEFING JPL 06/06:14 12:30 PM
103 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 06/07:28 01:44 PM
T=5:23
103 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 06/07:44 02:00 PM
104 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 06/08:54 03:10 PM
T=6:23
104 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 06/09:25 03:41 PM
T=15:00
105 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 06/10:44 05:00 PM
106 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 06/12:45 07:01 PM
107 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 06/14:14 08:30 PM
------------------------ Friday, October 7 ----------------------------
FD 8
112 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 06/20:18 02:34 AM
T=3:34
112 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 06/21:30 03:46 AM
T=20:00
113 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 06/21:48 04:04 AM
T=6:33
114 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 06/23:18 05:34 AM
T=3:19
114 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 07/00:30 06:46 AM
115 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 07/00:48 07:04 AM
T=6:03
117 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 07/03:44 10:00 AM
118 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 07/05:38 11:54 AM
T=3:23
119 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 07/07:08 01:24 PM
T=5:18
119 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 07/07:44 02:00 PM
120 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 07/08:33 02:49 PM
T=6:09
121 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 07/09:45 04:01 PM
T=15:00
122 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 07/10:44 05:00 PM
123 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 07/13:30 07:46 PM
124 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 07/14:14 08:30 PM
----------------------- Saturday, October 8 ---------------------------
FD 9
128 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 07/19:55 02:11 AM
T=3:27
128 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 07/21:20 03:36 AM
T=25:00
130 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 07/22:56 05:12 AM
T=3:16
131 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 08/00:26 06:42 AM
T=5:55
131 CREW NEWS CONFERENCE TDRW 08/01:20 07:36 AM
T=30:00
132 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 08/02:15 08:31 AM
133 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 08/03:44 10:00 AM
134 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 08/05:15 11:31 AM
T=3:23
135 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 08/06:45 01:01 PM
T=5:18
135 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 08/07:14 01:30 PM
136 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 08/08:10 02:26 PM
T=6:09
138 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 08/10:44 05:00 PM
140 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 08/14:14 08:30 PM
140 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 08/14:15 08:31 PM
------------------------ Sunday, October 9 ----------------------------
FD 10
143 KGO RADIO INTERVIEW TDRE 08/18:05 12:21 AM
T=15:00
147 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 09/00:45 07:01 AM
149 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 09/03:44 10:00 AM
152 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 09/07:44 02:00 PM
155 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 09/10:44 05:00 PM
155 X-SAR DEACTIVATION 09/12:15 06:31 PM
(NOT TELEVISED)
155 Ku ANTENNA STOW 09/12:35 06:51 PM
(NOT TELEVISED)
156 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 09/14:14 08:30 PM
156 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 09/14:30 08:46 PM
-------------------------- Monday, October 10 -------------------------
FD 11
157 SIR-C AND SRL-2 DEACTIVATION 09/18:40 12:56 AM
(NOT TELEVISED)
165 DEORBIT BURN 10/03:54 10:10 AM
(NOT TELEVISED)
166 KSC LANDING KSC 10/04:42 10:58 AM
LANDING REPLAYS KSC L + 20 MIN
POST-LANDING PRESS CONFERENCE JSC L + 60 MIN
ASTRONAUT POST-LANDING PRESS
CONFERENCE (COMMANDER AND
AVAILABLE CREW MEMBERS) KSC L + 5 HOURS
***********************************************************************
DEFINITION OF TERMS
***********************************************************************
CDT: Central Daylight Time
FD: Flight Day
GDS: Goldstone Tracking Station
GSTDN: Ground Station Tracking and Data Network
JSC: Johnson Space Center
KSC: Kennedy Space Center
MECO: Main Engine Cut Off
MET: Mission Elapsed Time: the time which begins at the moment
of launch and is read: days/hours:minutes. Launch=00/00:00
MLA: Merritt Island Tracking Station
SIR-C: Spaceborne Imaging Radar
SRL-2: Space Radar Laboratory
STS: Space Transportation System
T=: Time equivalent; used for duration of event
TDRE,W: Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, East and West longitudes
VTR: Videotape recorder
X-SAR: X-band Synthetic Aperature Radar
|
| 904.45 | Visual Sighting | LHOTSE::DAHL | | Tue Oct 04 1994 12:07 | 11 |
| 904.46 | I saw that! | 19472::petert | rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty | Tue Oct 04 1994 13:16 | 14 |
| We must have been watching the same news! I wasn't sure I'd be able to see it
due to the trees I have surrounding my property, but as I was trying to
figure out which stars I COULD still see, I noticed something moving fast
a bit to the west (right) of Orion. Hmmm, no blinking lights, no engine
sound accompanying it, pretty darn bright, must be a shuttle! It seemed to
be moving fast and disappeared within the trees in what seemed less than a
minute, but could have just been my perception. I caught a few more glimpses
through gaps in the tree, and then went inside to exercise and watch the morning
news. The weather reporter showed a picture of the shuttle moving overhead,
but it was basically just a white dot against a blackish background. Much
more dramatic watching the real thing against a mostly blue sky with a
few stars left in the sky. Didn't get a chance to watch it fade though.
PeterT
|
| 904.47 | STS 68 Launch Data Summary | TROOA::SKLEIN | Nulli Secundus | Tue Oct 04 1994 14:39 | 212 |
|
STS-68 LAUNCH DATA SUMMARY
Cynthia A. Snoddy
Chairman, MSFC Space Shuttle
Flight Evaluation Team
PAYLOAD MANIFEST:
PAYLOAD BAY Space Radar Laboratory-2 (SRL-2),
Get Away Specials (5) (GAS)
MID-DECK Commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG),
Chromosome and Plant Cell Division in
Space Experiment
(CHROMEX),
Biological Research in Canister (BRIC),
Cosmic Radiation Effects and Activation
Monitor (CREAM),
Military Applications of Ship Tracks
(MAST)
INSTRUMENTATION: None
LAUNCH DATE: September 30, 1994
LAUNCH WINDOW: 6:16 am - 8:46 am CDT
LAUNCH TIME: 94:273:11:16:00.011 GMT
6:16 am CDT
SSME#3 START TIME: 94:273:11:15:53.459
SSME#2 START TIME: 94:273:11:15:53.585
SSME#1 START TIME: 94:273:11:15:53.703
LAUNCH SITE: KSC Pad 39A
MOBILE LAUNCH PLATFORM: MLP-1
ORBITAL INCLINATION: 57 degrees
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 120 nautical miles
INSERTION MODE: Direct
MISSION DURATION: 10 days nominal
PRIMARY LANDING SITE: Kennedy Space Center, FL
ABORT LANDING SITES: TAL (Prime) - Zaragoza, Spain
TAL Alternate - Moron, Spain
Ben Guerir, Morocco
VEHICLE DATA
ORBITER: Columbia OV-105 (7th Flight)
EXTERNAL TANK: ET-65
MAIN ENGINES: 2028, 2033, 2026
POWER LEVEL: Nominal...........100/67/104%
Abort....................104%
To Avoid Ditching........109%
SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS:
SRBs: BI-067
SRM Set Nr.: Left - 360W040A
Right - 360W040B
SRM Cases: Lightweight/Redesigned
Burnrate (Delivered): LH - 0.370 IPS at 60 deg F
RH - 0.369 IPS at 60 deg F
CREW
COMMANDER: Michael Baker
SHUTTLE PILOT: Terrence Wilcutt
PAYLOAD COMMANDER: Thomas Jones
MISSION SPECIALIST: Steven Smith
MISSION SPECIALIST: Daniel Bursch
MISSION SPECIALIST: Jeff Wisoff
1.0 STS-68 FLIGHT SUMMARY
The STS-68 mission was successfully flown from Launch Pad 39A (MLP-1) at
the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on August 18, 1994. This is a civilian
mission of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with
the primary objective of placing the Space Radar Laboratory 2 (SRL-2) into
a 120 nautical mile earth orbit at an inclination of 57 degrees. Several
other payloads will also fly on the Orbiter in the payload bay and on the
middeck.
This was the sixty sixth (66th) flight of the Space Shuttle program. RSRM
ignition occurred at approximately 6:16 A.M. Central Daylight Time (CDT)
(94:273:11:16:00.011 GMT). Winds at liftoff were from approximately 72
degrees at 10 knots; the ambient temperature was 78.4 degrees F; the
barometric pressure was 30.02 in. Hg; and the relative humidity was 75%.
The successful launch of STS-68 followed a vehicle abort on August 18,
1994. The vehicle abort on August 18th occurred at approximately T-2
seconds as a result of a ME-3 (E2032) Failure Identification (FID) due to
the High Pressure Oxidizer Turbopump discharge temperature exceeding a
redline. Main engines E2012, E2034, and E2032 were removed and replaced
with main engines E2028, E2033, E2026 during the abort turnaround.
2.0 FLIGHT RESULTS
2.1 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - SRBs BI-067, RSRMs 360W040A, 360W040B
All Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) systems performed as expected. The SRB
prelaunch countdown was normal, and no SRB or RSRM Launch Commit Criteria
(LCC) or Operational Maintenance Requirements Specification Document
(OMRSD) violations occurred.
Power up and operation of all igniter, and field joint heaters was
accomplished routinely. All RSRM temperatures were maintained within
acceptable limits throughout the countdown. For this flight, the low
pressure heated ground purge in the SRB aft skirt was used to maintain the
case/nozzle joint temperatures within the required LCC ranges. At T- 25
minutes, the purge was activated at high pressure to inert the SRB aft
skirt.
Preliminary data indicates that the flight performance of both RSRMs was
well within the allowable performance envelopes, and was typical of the
performance observed on previous flights. The RSRM propellant mean bulk
temperature (PMBT) was 78 degrees F at liftoff.
Both SRBs were successfully separated from the External Tank (ET) at T +
123.96 seconds, and reports from the recovery area, based on visual
sightings, indicate that the deceleration subsystems performed as
designed. Both SRBs were observed during descent, and were floating
approximately 15 miles from the retrieval ships.
2.2 EXTERNAL TANK - ET-65
All objectives and requirements associated with External Tank (ET)
propellant loading and flight operations were met. All ET electrical
equipment and instrumentation operated satisfactorily. ET purge and
heater operations were monitored and all performed properly. No ET LCC or
OMRSD violations were identified.
Typical ice/frost formations were observed on the ET during the countdown.
There was no observed ice or frost on the acreage areas of the ET. Normal
quantities of ice or frost were present on the LO2 and LH2 feedlines and
on the pressurization line brackets, and some frost or ice was present
along the LH2 PAL ramps. These observations are acceptable per NSTS
08303. The Ice/Frost "Red Team" reported that there were no anomalous TPS
conditions.
The ET pressurization system functioned properly throughout engine start
and flight. The minimum LO2 ullage pressure experienced during the ullage
pressure slump was 14.1 psid.
ET separation was confirmed, and since Main Engine Cutoff (MECO) occurred
within expected tolerances, ET reentry and breakup is expected to be
within the predicted footprint.
2.3 SPACE SHUTTLE MAIN ENGINE - SSMEs 2028, 2033, 2026
All SSME parameters appeared to be normal throughout the prelaunch
countdown and were typical of prelaunch parameters observed on previous
flights. Engine "Ready" was achieved at the proper time; all LCC were
met; and engine start and thrust buildup were normal.
Preliminary flight data indicate that SSME performance during mainstage,
throttling, shutdown and propellant dump operations was normal. HPOTP and
HPFTP temperatures appeared to be well within specification throughout
engine operation. Space Shuttle Main Engine Cutoff (MECO) occurred at T +
513.4 seconds. There were no Failure IDs (FIDs), and no significant SSME
problems have been identified.
2.4 MAIN PROPULSION SYSTEM - MPS OV-105
The overall performance of the Main Propulsion System (MPS) was as
expected. LO2 and LH2 loading were performed as planned with no stop
flows or reverts. There were no OMRSD or LCC violations.
Throughout the period of preflight operations, no significant hazardous
gas concentrations were detected. The maximum hydrogen concentration level
in the Orbiter aft compartment (which occurred shortly after the start of
fastfill) was approximately 130 ppm, which compares favorably with
previous data for this vehicle.
A comparison of the calculated propellant loads at the end of replenish,
versus the inventory loads, results in a loading accuracy of -0.0224
percent for LH2, and +0.0469 percent for LO2.
Ascent MPS performance appeared to be completely normal. Preliminary data
indicate that the LO2 and LH2 pressurization systems performed as planned,
and that all NPSP requirements were met throughout the flight.
2.5 SHUTTLE RANGE SAFETY SYSTEM - SRSS
Shuttle Range Safety System (SRSS) closed loop testing was completed as
scheduled during the launch countdown. All SRSS Safe and Arm (S&A)
devices were armed and system inhibits turned off at the appropriate
times. All SRSS measurements indicated that the system operated as
expected throughout the countdown and flight.
As planned, the SRB S&A devices were safed, and SRB system power was
turned off prior to SRB separation. The ET system remained active until ET
separation from the Orbiter.
2.6 VEHICLE PERFORMANCE
A quick-look determination of vehicle performance was made using vehicle
acceleration and preflight propulsion prediction data. From these data,
the average flight derived engine Isp determined for the time period
between SRB separation and start of 3-G throttling was 452.5 seconds as
compared to an MPS tag value of 452.77 seconds. The relative velocity of
the vehicle reached the Adaptive Guidance/Throttling (AGT) Reference Value
at T + 16.577 seconds, resulting in a calculated time difference used to
adjust the pitch and throttle profiles of + -0.087708 seconds.
3.0 CANDIDATE IN-FLIGHT ANOMALIES AND SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS
No In-Flight Anomalies or significant problems associated with the MSFC
elements have been identified at this time for the successful launch of
STS-68.
|
| 904.48 | STS 68 Mission Control Status #5 and #6 | TROOA::SKLEIN | Nulli Secundus | Tue Oct 04 1994 14:41 | 96 |
|
[Downloaded from NASA Spacelink]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-68 Status Report #5
Monday, October 3, 1994, 10 a.m. Central Time
Endeavour's Space Radar Laboratory equipment continued to search the
Earth's land masses and oceans for environmental changes that have
occurred since the last SRL mission in April.
Split into two three-member teams, the astronauts divide their time
between monitoring orbiter systems and providing assistance with the data
acquisition by the science instruments that make up the Space Radar
Laboratory.
The Red Team of Mike Baker, Terry Wilcutt and Jeff Wisoff will be on duty
throughout much of the day while the Blue Team of Steve Smith, Dan Bursch
and Tom Jones sleeps.
Radar data gathering today included much of the East Coast of the United
States, current patterns in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as
other bodies of water, desert areas in Africa, and mountainous regions
around the world.
Mission Specialist Jeff Wisoff pinpointed storms, lightning and fires and
relayed the information to the SRL science team. His observations help
correlate and corroborate data collected from the science instruments,
including the Measurement of Air Pollu tion by Satellite, which measures
carbon monoxide levels in the atmosphere.
Taking such measurements on this flight helps understand changes in the
distribution of carbon monoxide as well as other seasonal changes in the
environment that have occurred since Endeavour's last mission in April.
There are no systems problems aboard Endeavour as the spacecraft circles
the Earth at an altitude of 119 nautical miles.
The start of Columbia's ferry flight from Florida to California has been
delayed until later this week. One of the orbiter's windows will be
removed and placed on Atlantis which was found to have a tiny scratch in
one of the overhead windows.
[Downloaded from ftp.hq.nasa.gov]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-68 Status Report #6
Monday, October 3, 1994, 15 p.m. CDT
Endeavour's payload bay cameras sent to Earth damatic video of the
western coast of Oregon and the length of California and the Baha
Peninsula that scientists will compae with radar images downlinked from
Space Radar Laboratory-2 instruments earlier in the flight.
The observations were part of a continuing effort to watch the Earth below
for evidence of environmental changes that have occurred since the last
SRL mission in April. The overall goal of the mission to better understand
the differences in changes caused by natural processes and compare them
to changes brought about by human activity.
Radar data was recorded today over much of the East Coast of the United
States, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Manitoba, Canada, and French
Guyana.
Special readings were taken with the Measurement of Air Pollution by
Satellite instrument as intentionally set fires were monitored by scientists
from the University of Iowa and the Canadian Forest Service. The wind
field and thermal evolution of the fires will be analyzed to provide a better
interpretation of carbon monoxide emissions from the burning forest and to
help calibrate color infreared photography taken by the STS-68 crew.
These fires were planned in advance of the mission, and would have been
set for forest management purposes even if the shuttle mission were not in
progress.
Astronauts relayed information about storms, lightning, fires and clear
cutting to the SRL science team that will be used to help understand the
radar images and MAPS data on carbon monoxide levels in the
atmosphere.
The Red Team -- Commander Mike Baker, Pilot Terry Wilcutt and
Mission Specialist Jeff Wisoff -- is about to hand over to the Blue Team --
Payload Commander Tom Jones and Mission Specialists Dan Bursch and
Steve Smith -- as around-the-clock observations continue.
There are no systems problems aboard Endeavour as the spacecraft circles
the Earth at an altitude of 119 nautical miles.
The start of Columbia's ferry flight from Florida to California has been
delayed until later this week. One of the orbiter's windows will be
removed and placed on Atlantis which was found to have a tiny scratch in
one of the overhead windows.
|
| 904.49 | | LHOTSE::DAHL | | Tue Oct 04 1994 14:55 | 7 |
| RE: <<< Note 904.47 >>>
>STS-68 LAUNCH DATA SUMMARY
>ORBITER: Columbia OV-105 (7th Flight)
Wrong orbiter name. Kind of a strange error!
-- Tom
|
| 904.50 | Man, does that thing MOVE or what? | ROGER::GAUDET | Because the Earth is 2/3 water | Tue Oct 04 1994 15:10 | 17 |
| Pass predictions show that the viewing gets better for the next three days!
This morning's show was at 67 degrees above the horizon (calculated from
Worcester, Mass.). I was out there waiting for it and was not disappointed.
Only wish I had taken my telescope out with me. I did have binoculars and could
easily see that it was the shuttle. Nice show!
Here's the data for the next three days. I'll update it if a new element set
comes out. Now let us pray for clear skies again!
---- Max Visibility ----
Day Date Altitude Time Duration
(deg.) (EDT)
Wed. 10/5 78 05:50:37 0:07:25
Thu. 10/6 88 05:30:30 0:07:24
Fri. 10/7 83 05:09:57 0:07:23
Oh yeah, it will basically take the same track from southwest to northeast.
|
| 904.51 | I thought I was going to get whiplash from watching it :-) | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Tue Oct 04 1994 16:14 | 16 |
| 904.52 | STS-68 orbital Elements - JSC-007 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Tue Oct 04 1994 16:15 | 31 |
| Article: 6513
Newsgroups: sci.space.news,rec.radio.info,rec.radio.amateur.space
From: elements-request@alsys.com (Shuttle Elements)
Subject: STS-68 Element Set (94276.675)
Sender: garym@alsys.com (Gary Morris)
Organization: Alsys, San Diego, CA, USA
Date: Mon, 3 Oct 1994 16:30:57 GMT
STS-68
1 23285U 94 62 A 94276.67518413 .00136094 11322-4 71939-4 0 73
2 23285 57.0063 62.7154 0009256 276.8039 83.1971 16.20939096 537
Satellite: STS-68
Catalog number: 23285
Epoch time: 94276.67518413 = (03 OCT 94 16:12:15.90 UTC)
Element set: 007
Inclination: 57.0063 deg
RA of node: 62.7154 deg Space Shuttle Flight STS-68
Eccentricity: .0009256 Keplerian element set JSC-007
Arg of perigee: 276.8039 deg from NASA flight Day 4 vector
Mean anomaly: 83.1971 deg
Mean motion: 16.20939096 rev/day Gil Carman
Decay rate: 1.36094e-03 rev/day^2 NASA Johnson Space Center
Epoch rev: 53
--
--
Gary Morris Internet: garym@alsys.com
Alsys Inc. Packet: KK6YB @ N0ARY.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NA
San Diego, CA, USA Phone: +1 619-457-2700 x128 (voice/fax)
|
| 904.53 | STS-68 NASA Select tV schedule rev D | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Tue Oct 04 1994 16:16 | 354 |
| [Downloaded from NASA Spacelink]
NASA TELEVISION SCHEDULE
STS-68/SPACE RADAR LABORATORY-2
10/03/94
REV D
***********************************************************************
NASA TV programming can be accessed through GTE Spacenet 2,
transponder 5. The frequency is 3880 MHz with an orbital position
of 69 degrees West Longitude, with audio at 6.8 MHz. This is a full
transponder service and will be operational 24 hours a day.
This NASA TV schedule of mission coverage is available on
Comstore, the mission TV schedule computer bulletin board service.
Call 713/483-5817, and follow the prompts to access this service.
The schedule is also available via the Internet. The address is
FTP.HQ.NASA.GOV. Change directories to /PUB/PAO/STATRPT/JSC.
A two-hour package of daily highlights will be played for Alaska and
Hawaii each Flight Day at 11 p.m. Central time. The highlights will
begin on launch day and continue through landing. The satellite carrier
will be Galaxy 6, transponder 19 with an orbital position of 103
degrees West Longitude.
--------- LAUNCH OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 30 AT 6:16 AM CT ---------
* DENOTES CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS TV SCHEDULE REVISION
ORBIT SUBJECT SITE MET CDT
----- ------- ---- --- ---
-------------------------- Monday, October 3 --------------------------
FD 4
52 WAVE-TV INTERVIEW TDRE 03/04:10 10:26 AM
T=15:00
53 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 03/05:14 11:30 AM
54 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 03/06:56 01:12 PM
T=3:55
54 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 03/07:14 01:30 PM
55 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 03/08:26 02:42 PM
T=5:14
56 * SRL-2 SCIENCE BRIEFING JSC 03/09:14 03:30 PM
56 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 03/09:52 04:08 PM
T=6:32
57 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 03/10:44 05:00 PM
57 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 03/11:45 06:01 PM
59 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 03/14:14 08:30 PM
------------------------ Tuesday, October 4 ---------------------------
FD 5
64 GOOD MORNING AMERICA INTERVIEW TDRW 03/22:10 04:26 AM
T=15:00
65 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 03/22:46 05:02 AM
T=7:31
66 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 03/23:45 06:01 AM
67 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 04/01:48 08:04 AM
T=6:12
68 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 04/03:44 10:00 AM
70 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 04/06:37 12:53 PM
T=3:42
70 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 04/07:14 01:30 PM
71 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 04/08:07 02:23 PM
T=5:14
72 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 04/09:33 03:49 PM
T=6:34
72 CONUS COMMUNICATIONS INTERVIEW TDRE 04/10:05 04:21 PM
T=15:00
73 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 04/11:14 05:30 PM
74 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 04/11:45 06:01 PM
76 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 04/15:14 09:30 PM
----------------------- Wednesday, October 5 --------------------------
FD 6
80 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 04/20:57 03:13 AM
T=3:06
81 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 04/22:28 04:44 AM
T=6:50
82 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 04/23:45 06:01 AM
83 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 05/01:28 07:44 AM
T=6:09
84 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 05/03:44 10:00 AM
85 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 05/05:00 11:16 AM
T=20:00
86 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 05/06:18 12:34 PM
T=3:33
87 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 05/06:44 01:00 PM
87 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 05/07:48 02:04 PM
T=5:21
88 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 05/09:13 03:29 PM
T=6:29
89 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 05/10:44 05:00 PM
90 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 05/12:00 06:16 PM
91 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 05/14:14 08:30 PM
------------------------ Thursday, October 6 --------------------------
FD 7
96 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 05/20:38 02:54 AM
T=3:21
96 NBC NIGHTSIDE INTERVIEW TDRE 05/21:50 04:06 AM
T=15:00
97 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 05/22:09 04:25 AM
T=6:19
99 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 06/00:10 06:26 AM
99 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 06/01:08 07:24 AM
T=6:06
101 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 06/03:44 10:00 AM
102 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 06/05:58 12:14 PM
T=3:31
102 MAGELLAN MISSION FINALE BRIEFING JPL 06/06:14 12:30 PM
103 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 06/07:28 01:44 PM
T=5:23
103 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 06/07:44 02:00 PM
104 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 06/08:54 03:10 PM
T=6:23
104 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 06/09:25 03:41 PM
T=15:00
105 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 06/10:44 05:00 PM
106 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 06/12:45 07:01 PM
107 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 06/14:14 08:30 PM
------------------------ Friday, October 7 ----------------------------
FD 8
112 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 06/20:18 02:34 AM
T=3:34
112 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 06/21:30 03:46 AM
T=20:00
113 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 06/21:48 04:04 AM
T=6:33
114 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 06/23:18 05:34 AM
T=3:19
114 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 07/00:30 06:46 AM
115 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 07/00:48 07:04 AM
T=6:03
117 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 07/03:44 10:00 AM
118 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 07/05:38 11:54 AM
T=3:23
119 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 07/07:08 01:24 PM
T=5:18
119 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 07/07:44 02:00 PM
120 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 07/08:33 02:49 PM
T=6:09
121 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 07/09:45 04:01 PM
T=15:00
122 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 07/10:44 05:00 PM
123 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 07/13:30 07:46 PM
124 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 07/14:14 08:30 PM
----------------------- Saturday, October 8 ---------------------------
FD 9
128 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 07/19:55 02:11 AM
T=3:27
128 CREW CHOICE TELEVISION TDRE 07/21:20 03:36 AM
T=25:00
130 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 07/22:56 05:12 AM
T=3:16
131 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 08/00:26 06:42 AM
T=5:55
131 CREW NEWS CONFERENCE TDRW 08/01:20 07:36 AM
T=30:00
132 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 08/02:15 08:31 AM
133 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 08/03:44 10:00 AM
134 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 08/05:15 11:31 AM
T=3:23
135 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY MLA 08/06:45 01:01 PM
T=5:18
135 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 08/07:14 01:30 PM
136 GSTDN TELEVISION OPPORTUNITY GDS 08/08:10 02:26 PM
T=6:09
138 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 08/10:44 05:00 PM
140 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 08/14:14 08:30 PM
140 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 08/14:15 08:31 PM
------------------------ Sunday, October 9 ----------------------------
FD 10
143 KGO RADIO INTERVIEW TDRE 08/18:05 12:21 AM
T=15:00
147 BLUE/RED HANDOVER 09/00:45 07:01 AM
149 "MISSION UPDATE" JSC 09/03:44 10:00 AM
152 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING JSC 09/07:44 02:00 PM
155 FLIGHT DAY HIGHLIGHTS JSC 09/10:44 05:00 PM
155 X-SAR DEACTIVATION 09/12:15 06:31 PM
(NOT TELEVISED)
155 Ku ANTENNA STOW 09/12:35 06:51 PM
(NOT TELEVISED)
156 MISSION STATUS BRIEFING REPLAY JSC 09/14:14 08:30 PM
156 RED/BLUE HANDOVER 09/14:30 08:46 PM
-------------------------- Monday, October 10 -------------------------
FD 11
157 SIR-C AND SRL-2 DEACTIVATION 09/18:40 12:56 AM
(NOT TELEVISED)
165 DEORBIT BURN 10/03:54 10:10 AM
(NOT TELEVISED)
166 KSC LANDING KSC 10/04:42 10:58 AM
LANDING REPLAYS KSC L + 20 MIN
POST-LANDING PRESS CONFERENCE JSC L + 60 MIN
ASTRONAUT POST-LANDING PRESS
CONFERENCE (COMMANDER AND
AVAILABLE CREW MEMBERS) KSC L + 5 HOURS
*******************************************************************
DEFINITION OF TERMS
***********************************************************************
CDT: Central Daylight Time
FD: Flight Day
GDS: Goldstone Tracking Station
GSTDN: Ground Station Tracking and Data Network
JSC: Johnson Space Center
KSC: Kennedy Space Center
MECO: Main Engine Cut Off
MET: Mission Elapsed Time: the time which begins at the moment
of launch and is read: days/hours:minutes. Launch=00/00:00
MLA: Merritt Island Tracking Station
SIR-C: Spaceborne Imaging Radar
SRL-2: Space Radar Laboratory
STS: Space Transportation System
T=: Time equivalent; used for duration of event
TDRE,W: Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, East and West longitudes
VTR: Videotape recorder
X-SAR: X-band Synthetic Aperature Radar
7
|
| 904.54 | STS-68 Mission Status Report #7 - 10/4/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Tue Oct 04 1994 19:37 | 35 |
| [Downloaded from NASA Spacelink]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-68 Status Report #7
Tuesday, October 4, 1994, 9 a.m. CDT
STS-68 crew members this morning performed two slight maneuvers to fine
tune Endeavour's orbit to mirror its track on the first Space Radar
Laboratory mission to support a new experiment called interferometry.
The trim burns adjust the orbit to within 30 feet of where it was in April
which will allow scientists to make near identical measurements with the
radar equipment to develop a three dimensional comparison of environmental
changes during the six months separating the two missions -- STS-59 and
STS-68.
Radar images over the Sahara desert and the North Atlantic will help
scientists evaluate global changes and how they affect the climates in
other areas of the world.
Also today, Payload Commander Tom Jones discussed the significance of
radar systems and the Earth's environment in an interview with ABC's Good
Morning America.
The STS-68 mission remains scheduled to end on Monday with a landing at
the Kennedy Space Center. Mission managers will assess the orbiter's
consumables and decide later this week if Endeavour can stay in space an
additional day.
The earlier trim burns placed Endeavour in a 117 by 115 nautical mile
orbit, circling the earth every one hour 28 minutes. The vehicle
continues to operate in excellent shape with no systems problems being
tracked by the flight control teams in Mission Control.
|
| 904.55 | STS-68 Mission Status Report #8 - 10/4/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Wed Oct 05 1994 11:48 | 45 |
| [Downloaded from ftp.hq.nasa.gov]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-68 Status Report #8
Tuesday, October 4, 1994, 5 p.m. CDT
Space Radar Laboratory-2 scientists adjusted their observation plans to take
advantage of an opportunity to train their instruments on the islands of
Japan following a Tuesday night earthquake there.
Endeavour passed over the Sarobetsu, Japan, calibration site about 3:30 p.m.
CDT, and the Synthetic Aperture Radar sent down real-time data of the area
below, allowing scientists to look for changes in the coastline of the
islands that may have been due to the large tsunami waves associated with
the quake. The Spaceborne Imaging Radar also recorded data on the area.
STS-68 crew members continued to perform slight maneuvers to fine tune
Endeavour's orbit to intersect its track on the SRL-1 mission to support a
new experiment called interferometry. The trim burns adjusted the orbit to
within 30 feet of where it was in April as it passed over the Mammoth
Mountain, Calif., backup supersite. This should allow scientists to make
nearly identical measurements with the radar equipment to develop a three
dimensional comparison of environmental changes during the six months
separating STS-59 and STS-68.
Radar images over the Sahara desert and the North Atlantic will help
scientists evaluate global changes and how they affect the climates in
other areas of the world.
Also today, Payload Commander Tom Jones discussed the significance of radar
systems and the Earth's environment in an interview with ABC's Good Morning
America. Mission Specialist Jeff Wisoff discussed the mission with CONUS
Communications Syndicate affiliates WTKR-TV in his hometown of Norfolk, Va.,
and the All-News Channel in Minneapolis.
The STS-68 mission remains scheduled to end on Monday with a landing at the
Kennedy Space Center. Mission managers will assess the orbiter's consumables
and decide later this week if Endeavour can stay in space an additional day.
The earlier trim burns placed Endeavour in a 118 by 116 nautical mile orbit,
circling the earth every one hour 29 minutes. The vehicle continues to
operate in excellent shape with no systems problems being tracked by the
flight control teams in Mission Control.
|
| 904.56 | Corrected STS-68 MISSION DATA SUMMARY | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Wed Oct 05 1994 11:49 | 210 |
| [Downloaded from NASA Spacelink; corrected edition]
STS-68 MISSION DATA SUMMARY
Cynthia A. Snoddy
Chairman, MSFC Space Shuttle
Flight Evaluation Team
PAYLOAD MANIFEST:
PAYLOAD BAY Space Radar Laboratory-2 (SRL-2),
Get Away Specials (5) (GAS)
MID-DECK Commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG),
Chromosome and Plant Cell Division in
Space Experiment (CHROMEX),
Biological Research in Canister (BRIC),
Cosmic Radiation Effects and Activation
Monitor (CREAM),
Military Applications of Ship Tracks
(MAST)
INSTRUMENTATION: None
LAUNCH DATE: September 30, 1994
LAUNCH WINDOW: 6:16 am - 8:46 am CDT
LAUNCH TIME: 94:273:11:16:00.011 GMT
6:16 am CDT
SSME#3 START TIME: 94:273:11:15:53.459
SSME#2 START TIME: 94:273:11:15:53.585
SSME#1 START TIME: 94:273:11:15:53.703
LAUNCH SITE: KSC Pad 39A
MOBILE LAUNCH PLATFORM: MLP-1
ORBITAL INCLINATION: 57 degrees
ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 120 nautical miles
INSERTION MODE: Direct
MISSION DURATION: 10 days nominal
PRIMARY LANDING SITE: Kennedy Space Center, FL
ABORT LANDING SITES: TAL (Prime) - Zaragoza, Spain
TAL Alternate - Moron, Spain
Ben Guerir, Morocco
VEHICLE DATA
ORBITER: Endeavour OV-105 (7th Flight)
EXTERNAL TANK: ET-65
MAIN ENGINES: 2028, 2033, 2026
POWER LEVEL: Nominal...........100/67/104%
Abort....................104%
To Avoid Ditching........109%
SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS:
SRBs: BI-067
SRM Set Nr.: Left - 360W040A
Right - 360W040B
SRM Cases: Lightweight/Redesigned
Burnrate (Delivered): LH - 0.370 IPS at 60 deg F
RH - 0.369 IPS at 60 deg F
CREW
COMMANDER: Michael Baker
SHUTTLE PILOT: Terrence Wilcutt
PAYLOAD COMMANDER: Thomas Jones
MISSION SPECIALIST: Steven Smith
MISSION SPECIALIST: Daniel Bursch
MISSION SPECIALIST: Jeff Wisoff
1.0 STS-68 FLIGHT SUMMARY
The STS-68 mission was successfully flown from Launch Pad 39A (MLP-1) at
the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on September 30, 1994. This is a civilian
mission of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with
the primary objective of placing the Space Radar Laboratory 2 (SRL-2) into
a 120 nautical mile earth orbit at an inclination of 57 degrees. Several
other payloads will also fly on the Orbiter in the payload bay and on the
middeck.
This was the sixty fifth (65th) flight of the Space Shuttle program. RSRM
ignition occurred at approximately 6:16 A.M. Central Daylight Time (CDT)
(94:273:11:16:00.011 GMT). Winds at liftoff were from approximately 72
degrees at 10 knots; the ambient temperature was 78.4 degrees F; the
barometric pressure was 30.02 in. Hg; and the relative humidity was 75%.
The successful launch of STS-68 followed a vehicle abort on August 18,
1994. The vehicle abort on August 18th occurred at approximately T-2
seconds as a result of a ME-3 (E2032) Failure Identification (FID) due to
the High Pressure Oxidizer Turbopump discharge temperature exceeding a
redline. Main engines E2012, E2034, and E2032 were removed and replaced
with main engines E2028, E2033, E2026 during the abort turnaround.
2.0 FLIGHT RESULTS
2.1 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - SRBs BI-067, RSRMs 360W040A, 360W040B
All Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) systems performed as expected. The SRB
prelaunch countdown was normal, and no SRB or RSRM Launch Commit Criteria
(LCC) or Operational Maintenance Requirements Specification Document
(OMRSD) violations occurred.
Power up and operation of all igniter, and field joint heaters was
accomplished routinely. All RSRM temperatures were maintained within
acceptable limits throughout the countdown. For this flight, the low
pressure heated ground purge in the SRB aft skirt was used to maintain the
case/nozzle joint temperatures within the required LCC ranges. At T- 25
minutes, the purge was activated at high pressure to inert the SRB aft
skirt.
Preliminary data indicates that the flight performance of both RSRMs was
well within the allowable performance envelopes, and was typical of the
performance observed on previous flights. The RSRM propellant mean bulk
temperature (PMBT) was 78 degrees F at liftoff.
Both SRBs were successfully separated from the External Tank (ET) at T +
123.96 seconds, and reports from the recovery area, based on visual
sightings, indicate that the deceleration subsystems performed as
designed. Both SRBs were observed during descent, and were floating
approximately 15 miles from the retrieval ships.
2.2 EXTERNAL TANK - ET-65
All objectives and requirements associated with External Tank (ET)
propellant loading and flight operations were met. All ET electrical
equipment and instrumentation operated satisfactorily. ET purge and
heater operations were monitored and all performed properly. No ET LCC or
OMRSD violations were identified.
Typical ice/frost formations were observed on the ET during the countdown.
There was no observed ice or frost on the acreage areas of the ET. Normal
quantities of ice or frost were present on the LO2 and LH2 feedlines and
on the pressurization line brackets, and some frost or ice was present
along the LH2 PAL ramps. These observations are acceptable per NSTS
08303. The Ice/Frost "Red Team" reported that there were no anomalous TPS
conditions.
The ET pressurization system functioned properly throughout engine start
and flight. The minimum LO2 ullage pressure experienced during the ullage
pressure slump was 14.1 psid.
ET separation was confirmed, and since Main Engine Cutoff (MECO) occurred
within expected tolerances, ET reentry and breakup is expected to be
within the predicted footprint.
2.3 SPACE SHUTTLE MAIN ENGINE - SSMEs 2028, 2033, 2026
All SSME parameters appeared to be normal throughout the prelaunch
countdown and were typical of prelaunch parameters observed on previous
flights. Engine "Ready" was achieved at the proper time; all LCC were
met; and engine start and thrust buildup were normal.
Preliminary flight data indicate that SSME performance during mainstage,
throttling, shutdown and propellant dump operations was normal. HPOTP and
HPFTP temperatures appeared to be well within specification throughout
engine operation. Space Shuttle Main Engine Cutoff (MECO) occurred at T +
513.4 seconds. There were no Failure IDs (FIDs), and no significant SSME
problems have been identified.
2.4 MAIN PROPULSION SYSTEM - MPS OV-105
The overall performance of the Main Propulsion System (MPS) was as
expected. LO2 and LH2 loading were performed as planned with no stop
flows or reverts. There were no OMRSD or LCC violations.
Throughout the period of preflight operations, no significant hazardous
gas concentrations were detected. The maximum hydrogen concentration level
in the Orbiter aft compartment (which occurred shortly after the start of
fastfill) was approximately 130 ppm, which compares favorably with
previous data for this vehicle.
A comparison of the calculated propellant loads at the end of replenish,
versus the inventory loads, results in a loading accuracy of -0.0224
percent for LH2, and +0.0469 percent for LO2.
Ascent MPS performance appeared to be completely normal. Preliminary data
indicate that the LO2 and LH2 pressurization systems performed as planned,
and that all NPSP requirements were met throughout the flight.
2.5 SHUTTLE RANGE SAFETY SYSTEM - SRSS
Shuttle Range Safety System (SRSS) closed loop testing was completed as
scheduled during the launch countdown. All SRSS Safe and Arm (S&A)
devices were armed and system inhibits turned off at the appropriate
times. All SRSS measurements indicated that the system operated as
expected throughout the countdown and flight.
As planned, the SRB S&A devices were safed, and SRB system power was
turned off prior to SRB separation. The ET system remained active until ET
separation from the Orbiter.
2.6 VEHICLE PERFORMANCE
A quick-look determination of vehicle performance was made using vehicle
acceleration and preflight propulsion prediction data. From these data,
the average flight derived engine Isp determined for the time period
between SRB separation and start of 3-G throttling was 452.0 seconds as
compared to an MPS tag value of 452.77 seconds. The relative velocity of
the vehicle reached the Adaptive Guidance/Throttling (AGT) Reference Value
at T + 19.355 seconds, resulting in a calculated time difference used to
adjust the pitch and throttle profiles of + -0.037704 seconds.
3.0 CANDIDATE IN-FLIGHT ANOMALIES AND SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS
No In-Flight Anomalies or significant problems associated with the MSFC
elements have been identified at this time for the successful launch of
STS-68.
|
| 904.57 | | SKYLAB::FISHER | Indecision is the key to flexibility! | Wed Oct 05 1994 15:15 | 5 |
| Hmmm. Looks like it was a good thing that it was cloudy this morning. I got up
and was going to try to see Endeavour based on earlier orbit predictions. Looks
like they have changed!
Burns
|
| 904.58 | Pre-Sunrise Illumination? | LHOTSE::DAHL | | Wed Oct 05 1994 15:36 | 7 |
| I got up, but it was cloudy over Westford MA.
Considering the relatively low orbit, for how much time before local sunrise
would the shuttle be in sunlight? (For example, Tuesday's overhead pass was
about 35 or so minutes before local sunrise, and the shuttle was well
illuminated.)
-- Tom
|
| 904.59 | Updated visibility data | ROGER::GAUDET | Because the Earth is 2/3 water | Wed Oct 05 1994 15:41 | 13 |
| This is calculated from Worcester, MA using the OCT 3 element set.
---- Max Visibility ----
Day Date Altitude Time Duration
(deg.) (EDT)
Thu. 10/6 87 05:31:51 0:07:26
Fri. 10/7 76 05:11:57 0:07:26
Sat. 10/8 67 04:51:48 0:07:24
Sun. 10/9 59 04:31:22 0:07:22
We need a clear morning tomorrow!
...Roger...
|
| 904.60 | Tomorrow it will "appear out of nowhere" | ROGER::GAUDET | Because the Earth is 2/3 water | Wed Oct 05 1994 16:07 | 16 |
| I don't have the sunrise time for tomorrow (10/6) so I'm not sure how long
before sunrise the shuttle will be visible.
However, according to the satellite tracking program I'm using, the following
times are indicated for when the shuttle will "break into sunlight":
05:28:08 shuttle rises above horizon (Azm. 225.5)
05:31:47 shuttle enters refracted sunlight
05:31:51 shuttle at peak altitude (Alt. 87 deg., Azm. 309.2)
05:31:53 shuttle enters partial sunlight
05:32:02 shuttle enters full sunlight
05:35:34 shuttle drops below horizon (Azm. 46.0)
So you'll have to be quick and looking in the right spot tomorrow.
...Roger...
|
| 904.61 | A newer set of Elements for STS-68 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Wed Oct 05 1994 17:40 | 28 |
| Article: 23051
From: tkelso@dolphin.afit.af.mil (Thomas S. Kelso)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Two-Line Orbital Element Set: Space Shuttle
Date: 4 Oct 1994 14:09:17 -0400
Organization: Air Force Institute of Technology
The most current orbital elements from the NORAD two-line element sets are
carried on the Celestial BBS, *(205) 409-9280*, and are updated daily (when
possible). Documentation and tracking software are also available on this
system. As a service to the satellite user community, the most current
elements for the current shuttle mission are provided below. The Celestial
BBS may be accessed 24 hours/day at 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 bps using
8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity.
Element sets (also updated daily), shuttle elements, and some documentation
and software are also available via anonymous ftp from archive.afit.af.mil
(129.92.1.66) in the directory pub/space.
STS 68
1 23285U 94062A 94277.25000000 .00017840 11063-4 98995-5 0 189
2 23285 56.9934 59.9329 0010373 282.5118 193.2450 16.21002677 619
--
Dr TS Kelso Adjunct Professor of Space Operations
tkelso@afit.af.mil Air Force Institute of Technology
--
Dr TS Kelso Adjunct Professor of Space Operations
tkelso@afit.af.mil Air Force Institute of Technology
|
| 904.62 | RE: popping out of shadow | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Wed Oct 05 1994 17:48 | 12 |
| 904.63 | | LHOTSE::DAHL | | Wed Oct 05 1994 19:14 | 2 |
| Thanks for everyone's work in providing the timings!
-- Tom
|
| 904.64 | Gee, I can sleep 1 minute more! | SKYLAB::FISHER | Indecision is the key to flexibility! | Wed Oct 05 1994 19:34 | 4 |
| It looks like the new elements give about 45 seconds later and 1 degree higher
in the sky.
Burns
|
| 904.65 | Actually, you can sleep about 45 seconds more! :-) | ROGER::GAUDET | Because the Earth is 2/3 water | Wed Oct 05 1994 20:17 | 19 |
| Here's the latest based on the OCT 4 element set. Note that it will actually be
*lower* in the sky now!
---- Max Visibility ----
Day Date Altitude Time Duration
(deg.) (EDT)
Thu. 10/6 84 05:32:36 0:07:29
Fri. 10/7 71 05:13:27 0:07:29
Sat. 10/8 60 04:54:16 0:07:27
Sun. 10/9 51 04:35:03 0:07:26
And tomorrow morning's "break into sunlight" data:
05:28:52 shuttle rises above horizon (Azm. 226.0)
05:32:33 shuttle enters refracted sunlight
05:32:36 shuttle at peak altitude (Alt. 84 deg., Azm. 308.2)
05:32:38 shuttle enters partial sunlight
05:32:48 shuttle enters full sunlight
05:36:21 shuttle drops below horizon (Azm. 45.8)
|
| 904.66 | Cloudy | LHOTSE::DAHL | | Thu Oct 06 1994 12:07 | 3 |
| I got up at about 5:00 this morning, but it was cloudy over Westford MA, so I
hit the sack again. Oh well, once was good!
-- Tom
|
| 904.67 | SRL-2 pops out of shadow over New England skies.... | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Thu Oct 06 1994 12:10 | 11 |
| Thin hazy clouds prevented ideal viewing, but it did pop out
of earth shadow in the right place....(gee orbital mechanics
really do work....ahem). Due to the slight hazy clouds it wasn't
visible to this viewer until it got closer to Capella (than I anticipated
where it would be visible). Followed it all the way down to my tree
line where there was a convenient notch to add another 5 degrees
of viewing. For most of the passage it appeared as a -1 mag until
it got down to about 25 degrees where the angle probably didn't
allow for optimum reflection off shuttle surfaces.
Bob
|
| 904.68 | STS-68 Mission Status - 10/5/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Thu Oct 06 1994 12:35 | 47 |
| 904.69 | Latest element set for STS-68 off USENET | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Thu Oct 06 1994 12:37 | 27 |
| Article: 6524
From: tkelso@afit.af.mil (TS Kelso)
Newsgroups: sci.space.news
Subject: Two-Line Orbital Element Set: Space Shuttle
Date: 5 Oct 1994 13:55:51 -0700
Organization: Air Force Institute of Technology
Sender: daemon@news.arc.nasa.gov
The most current orbital elements from the NORAD two-line element sets are
carried on the Celestial BBS, *(205) 409-9280*, and are updated daily (when
possible). Documentation and tracking software are also available on this
system. As a service to the satellite user community, the most current
elements for the current shuttle mission are provided below. The Celestial
BBS may be accessed 24 hours/day at 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 bps using
8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity.
Element sets (also updated daily), shuttle elements, and some documentation
and software are also available via anonymous ftp from archive.afit.af.mil
(129.92.1.66) in the directory pub/space.
STS 68
1 23285U 94062A 94278.25000000 .00017854 11078-4 94937-5 0 217
2 23285 56.9935 55.1049 0009228 289.8889 264.8358 16.21571730 779
--
Dr TS Kelso Adjunct Professor of Space Operations
tkelso@afit.af.mil Air Force Institute of Technology
|
| 904.70 | Friday morning's view from the northeast US ... | ROGER::GAUDET | Because the Earth is 2/3 water | Thu Oct 06 1994 16:40 | 25 |
| Here's the latest based on the OCT 5 element set.
---- Max Visibility ----
Day Date Altitude Time Duration
(deg.) (EDT)
Fri. 10/7 75 05:12:08 0:07:25
Sat. 10/8 65 04:52:28 0:07:24
Sun. 10/9 56 04:32:46 0:07:24
Friday (10/7) morning's "break into sunlight" data:
05:08:25 shuttle rises above horizon (Azm. 227.6)
05:12:08 shuttle at peak altitude (Alt. 75 deg., Azm. 315.9)
05:13:13 shuttle enters refracted sunlight
05:13:18 shuttle enters partial sunlight
05:13:27 shuttle enters full sunlight
05:15:50 shuttle drops below horizon (Azm. 45.0)
So you get about 2-1/2 minutes if you have a clear shot to the horizon.
FYI, Saturday's show lasts less than 2 minutes, and Sunday's show is about 30
seconds long (and real low in the sky). So catch it tomorrow (Friday). Current
weather forecasts indicate clear skies!
...Roger...
|
| 904.71 | MCC Status Report #10 | TROOA::SKLEIN | Nulli Secundus | Thu Oct 06 1994 19:33 | 37 |
|
[Downloaded from NASA Spacelink]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-68 Status Report #10
Wednesday, October 5, 1994, 4 p.m. CDT
Mission to Planet Earth observations by Endeavour's payload bay radar
instruments were being suspended temporarily Wednesday afternoon to save
fuel while flight controllers work to fix a minor problem involving the
shuttle's small reaction control system jets.
One of the small rocket engines which help control the pointing of the
Shuttle was turned off because of a temperature sensor problem. That
caused all of the vernier jets, used for delicate pointing control, to be
turned off and the larger steering jets to be used. The flight control
team late Wednesday decided to allow the Shuttle's pointing to vary over a
wider range to save thruster fuel while the initial problem was being
addressed. A software change which will disregard the failed temperature
sensor should be in place within 24 hours. Radar operations will be
resumed once the update is made.
The radar instruments earlier Wednesday collected images over the
Kliuchevskoi volcano in Kamchatka, Russia, which erupted about 8 hours
after Endeavour's launch Friday. Images also were collected over
Yellowstone National Park, Wyo.; Chickasha, Okla.; Ruiz, Columbia;
Cuprito, Nevada; Colima, Mexico; the Galopagos Islands and San Juan,
Argentina. Observations with the Measurement of Air Pollution from
Satellite were taken, with one particular target being line fires in
British Columbia, Canada.
The STS-68 mission remains scheduled to end on Monday with a landing at
the Kennedy Space Center. Mission managers will assess the orbiter's
consumable supplies and decide later this week if Endeavour can stay in
space an additional day.
|
| 904.72 | Not that the stars weren't nice, but... | SKYLAB::FISHER | Indecision is the key to flexibility! | Fri Oct 07 1994 11:04 | 6 |
| Sigh. It was a beautiful morning. Unfortunately, all I saw was stars and a
possible satellite of some sort too early, too dim and in the wrong direction to
be the shuttle. I guess I did not have a clear enough view to see it when it
was lighted.
Burns
|
| 904.73 | It's getting chilly out in the AM :-) | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Fri Oct 07 1994 12:39 | 9 |
| Didn't see it either here from Westford Ma. I'm sure it was buried
in the trees by the time it popped out.
Well two out of three potentially good overhead crossings isn't bad
considering fickle NE weather in the autumn.
BTW, digressing a tad from this topic, for you other satellite viewers
out there, MIR is coming back into the morning sky view starting this
coming weekend.
Bob
|
| 904.74 | STS-68 Mission Status Report #11 - 10/6/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Fri Oct 07 1994 12:51 | 46 |
| 904.75 | STS-68 updated 2-line element set | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Fri Oct 07 1994 15:05 | 27 |
| Article: 6527
From: tkelso@afit.af.mil (TS Kelso)
Newsgroups: sci.space.news
Subject: Two-Line Orbital Element Set: Space Shuttle
Date: 6 Oct 1994 11:23:35 -0700
Organization: Air Force Institute of Technology
Sender: daemon@news.arc.nasa.gov
The most current orbital elements from the NORAD two-line element sets are
carried on the Celestial BBS, *(205) 409-9280*, and are updated daily (when
possible). Documentation and tracking software are also available on this
system. As a service to the satellite user community, the most current
elements for the current shuttle mission are provided below. The Celestial
BBS may be accessed 24 hours/day at 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 bps using
8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity.
Element sets (also updated daily), shuttle elements, and some documentation
and software are also available via anonymous ftp from archive.afit.af.mil
(129.92.1.66) in the directory pub/space.
STS 68
1 23285U 94062A 94279.25000000 .00019419 11087-4 98844-5 0 252
2 23285 56.9933 50.2696 0009495 295.0239 340.2033 16.21944242 934
--
Dr TS Kelso Adjunct Professor of Space Operations
tkelso@afit.af.mil Air Force Institute of Technology
|
| 904.76 | STS-68 Mission Status Resport #12 - 10/6/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Fri Oct 07 1994 19:59 | 39 |
| [Downloaded from NASA Spacelink]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-68 Status Report #12
Thursday, October 6, 1994, 5 p.m. CDT
Endeavour's astronauts this afternoon sent down spectacular videotape
views of the west coast of California recorded as the shuttle passed about
115 nautical miles overhead on its 103rd orbit. The scenes covered the San
Joaquin Valley, San Francisco Bay, Monterey Bay, Los Angeles, Vandenberg
Air Force Base and San Diego Bay.
During the next few days, scientists will test a new technique called
"interferometry" as the earth observations data collection continues. The
technique is expected to yield topographic information of unprecedented
clarity by using slightly different shuttle positions to provide
three-dimensional images of the terrain below.
Among the Space Radar Laboratory observations today were the North Sea,
where scientists intentionally released small oil and algae spills to see
how well the SRL-2 instruments could track them, as well as observations
of Bebedouro, Brazil; the Western and Northeast Pacific Ocean; Chickasha,
Oklahoma; the Gulf of Mexico; Ruiz, Colombia; Sena Madureira, Brazil;
Weddell Sea; the Kliuchevskoi Volcano in Kamchatmka; Stovepipe Wells,
California; and the Galapagos Islands.
Earlier today, the Mission Management Team extended STS-68 by one day to
allow additional science. Endeavour is now expected to land at the Kennedy
Space Center at about 10:36 a.m. Tuesday.
The orbiter continues to perform well. The only problem reported during
the day was the failure of a primary reaction control system jet. The jet
problem is not expected to have any effect on the mission since the
orbiter has two other jets thrusting in the same direction.
Endeavour is currently in an 118 by 115 n.m. orbit, but upcoming maneuvers
will begin to lower the orbit to about 112 n.m. in support of the
interferometry experiments.
|
| 904.77 | Interesting article on STS-68 radar (also used on STS-59) | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Fri Oct 07 1994 20:24 | 145 |
| I pulled this article off the USENET with a fairly lengthy
explanation of the SIR-C & X-SAR radar. I've read the press
kit on this, and there are some holes I think this article
fills. Info on polarization modes & interferometric techniques
are interesting.
Bob
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Article: 23109
From: srghsjm@grv.grace.cri.nz
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: RE: Details on Powerful Radar
Date: Thu, 6 Oct 94 21:59:58 GMT
Organization: Industrial Research Ltd., New Zealand.
In Article <36n33o$1en@pop0.rain.rg.net>
gary_mart@bendnet.com (Gary Mart) writes:
> Newspaper articles speak of the 'powerful radar' carried into orbit
>on the shuttle Endeavour and the plan to scan nearly 600 sites.
>
> What is the resolution of the radar? Can it capture elevation
>data? How can I access the data, images created from the data or
>DEM's (digital elevation model) created from the data?
>
>Gary Mart
>gary_mart@bendnet.com
There is quite a bit of information about the mission, but perhaps less
on the radar itself, at least in the last few weeks, so probably the
question is worth answering. So, here goes...
STS-68 is carrying SIR-C/X-SAR - a dual radar. SIR-C (Shuttle Imaging
Radar-C) is the third (hence "C") flight of SIR, and X-SAR is an X-band
(wavelength 3.1 cm) synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
The unique capability of SIR-C/X-SAR (for they may as well be treated as
a combined instrument) is that it provides multiple wavelength,
multiple look angle, multiple polarisation SAR. SIR-C provides L (23.5
cm) and C (5.8cm), while X-SAR provides obviously X-band (3.1 cm)
wavelength data. SIR-C provides four polarisations: HH, VV, HV and VH,
providing a comprehensive view of the complicated scattering of SAR on
a pixel by pixel basis. In case it is not clear, the first letter refers
to the transmit polarisation direction, the second letter to the receive
polarisation; thus HV is horizontal transmit, vertical receive. Later
ground processing can produce any other form of polarisation from these
fundamental polarisation components, such as circular polarisation. X-SAR
is a VV SAR.
The look angles can be from 17 to 63 degrees from the nadir (the nadir
direction is looking straight down).
The resolution of images is typically 30 by 30 metres on the ground,
over a swath width that depends on the look angle. SIR-C scenes are
between 15 and 90 km, and X-SAR from 15 to 40 km.
Looking at SIR-C/X-SAR imagery is a bit like looking at colour imagery.
It may in some cases give you quite a different view of the ground you're
looking at, provided you can reason the difference between the various
bands that are used. The principal difference between conventional
optical colour imagery and multi-band SAR of earth resource targets is
that in the former case the different wavelength dependencies are related
to the reflectance characteristics of such targets are vegetation. It is
not at all obvious to an observer who is only modestly experienced how
the colours precisely relate to a specific feature on the ground. It is
an enormous advantage if you know what you're looking at before-hand. In
SAR, on the other hand, it is somewhat easier to reason the differences
in the different bands on the basis of the physical target. That is, to
reason that, say, short grasses are good reflectors of short wavelength
SAR but appear as a smooth target to longer (L-band) wavelengths. Therefore,
the image should be bright in short wavelength and dark in longer wavelength.
Such distinctions are not always so stright-forward, and it gets awfully
complicated when different polarisations are introduced, and when orientation
effects start to become important, as in the case of a lot of man-made
structures. The key point is that radar is a complementary kind of sensor
to visible and near infra-red imaging.
> Can it capture elevation
>data? How can I access the data, images created from the data or
>DEM's (digital elevation model) created from the data?
>
The answer is : yes and no. Perhaps I should explain.
No. SAR is an imaging system. The brightness of a point is related to the
backscatter characteristics of the target point. The position of a point is
determined by the slant range, at least in the the cross track direction.
Yes. Since SAR is a coherent imaging system, if you were able to obtain
two images that were close enough in space, but looking at the same point
on the ground, you could find the phase between the two images with respect
to a common reference point in space. In practice, this would mean that
you could calculate the slant range directly, which in turn means you could
calculate the height of the appropriate point. Or, in other words,
create a digital elevation model (DEM). This is interferometric SAR, or
INSAR.
SIR-C/X-SAR has planned INSAR data takes. I believe that some of the
INSAR pairs are to be derived from data between the two SIR-C/X-SAR flights
(April and September/October), and that some are between two orbits. I
am a little unsure of the latter activity. It seems to me that INSAR
with two scenes within a few orbits is the ideal mode, as there is less
temporal change on the ground.
There are, however, a lot of practical problems in generating DEMs from
INSAR pairs. The images have to be "close enough" in a well defined
sense. The DEMs are modulo-wrapped by the radar wavelength. Noise makes
life "somewhat" difficult. I'm doing INSAR at the moment (not on SIR-C
data) and it really is difficult to do well !
Summary.
Sorry for the long reply. One gets worked up about these things.
I urge you to go and have a look at the jplinfo.jpl.nasa.gov anonymous
ftp site and try and grab an image. Perhaps wait a few days, or a week,
and it'll get fast again (the images will probably stay there a while).
It's good science, it's a good instrument, and if it is interpreted with
care and due caution will give a lot of useful results.
One in-depth publication that can give a reasonable overview is:
"SIR-C/X-SAR Mission Overview"
JPL Publication 93-29
December 15, 1993
200 pages
I don't know how much it would cost you.
Cheers
Stephen
(crossing fingers and still hoping that SIR-C/X-SAR imagery of
New Zealand will be taken...)
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Dr Stephen McNeill Phone : +64-4-569 0180 |
| Image Processing Team Direct : +64-4-569 0183 |
| Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd FAX : +64-4-569 0181 |
| Box 38-491 Internet: srghsjm@gih.grace.cri.nz |
| Wellington Mail Centre Omnet : s.mcneill |
| New Zealand Packet : zl4hg @ zl4hg.wlg.nzl.oc |
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|
| 904.78 | STS-68 Mission Status Report #13 - 10/7/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Mon Oct 10 1994 12:38 | 35 |
| 904.79 | STS-68 Mission Status Report #14 - 10/7/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Mon Oct 10 1994 12:38 | 34 |
| [Downloaded from NASA Spacelink]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-68 Status Report #14
Friday, October 7, 1994, 5 p.m. CDT
Astronauts aboard Endeavour and Space Radar Laboratory-2 scientists on the
ground today began in earnest to test the new technique of
"interferometry" to produce even richer images of the Earth's surface.
From an altitude of 111 nautical miles, the Spaceborne Imaging Radar and
Synthetic Aperture Radar recorded long swaths of interferometric data over
central North America, the Amazon forests of central Brazil, and the
volcanoes of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia.
This morning, Endeavour's orbit was lowered to support this new technique,
which is yielding topographic information of unprecedented clarity by
using slightly different shuttle positions to provide three-dimensional
images of the terrain below.
The Measurement of Air Pollution from Satellite experiment also continues
to function well, and the crew's infrared film, used to provide
complementary still images of fires investigated by MAPS, has been
expended. Controlled "line fires" in Ontario, Canada, were set as planned
and observed by the crew in an effort to help calibrate the MAPS
measurements.
Flight controllers are tracking no new problems with the orbiter or its
systems.
With the STS-68 mission officially extended by one day, landing is now
scheduled for Tuesday about 10:36 a.m. Central at Kennedy Space Center in
Florida
|
| 904.80 | STS-68 Mission Status Report #15 - 10/8/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Mon Oct 10 1994 12:39 | 35 |
| [Downloaded from ftp.pao.hq.nasa.gov]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-68 Status Report #15
Saturday, October 8, 1994, 8:30 a.m. CDT
As Endeavour's seventh mission in space reaches the home stretch, scientific
observations turn to the gathering of near three-dimensional views of various
sites around the world to better understand climatic changes. The six crew
members discussed the mission and the future of radar observations of the
Earth during a news conference this morning.
The radar array aboard the shuttle began a series of observations above
volcanoes, glaciers and other sites designed to create 3-D images. These
spaceborne radar images, produced regularly on a long-term basis, eventually
could provide scientists with insight into movements of the Earth's surface
as small as a fraction of an inch.
Such close monitoring may allow scientists to detect pre-eruptive changes in
volcanoes and movements in fault lines that precede earthquakes, providing an
early warning of imminent natural hazards. Other future applications could
include tracking the rate of global warming by monitoring the movement of
glaciers and the tracking of floods and mudslides.
Earlier this morning, Mission Specialist Dan Bursch took a break from his
work to provide a television tour of the crew's orbital home office,
explaining the shuttle's displays, controls, computers and cameras, as well
as living accommodations.
Flight controllers are tracking no new problems with the Orbiter or its
systems.
Landing of Endeavour is scheduled for Tuesday about 10:36 a.m. Central at
the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
|
| 904.81 | STS-68 Mission Status Report #16 - 10/9/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Mon Oct 10 1994 12:40 | 29 |
| [Downloaded from ftp.pao.hq.nasa.gov]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-68 Status Report #16
Sunday, October 9, 1994, 9 a.m. CDT
It has seemed like deja vu on board Endeavour as the crew spent much of the
last 24 hours precisely repeating many Space Radar Laboratory observations
to provide scientists with duplicate images for highly accurate
three-dimensional maps of volcanoes, glaciers and other phenomena.
Overnight, Mission Specialists Jeff Wisoff and Steve Smith replaced one of
three payload recorders which malfunctioned yesterday. The procedure, which
the two astronauts trained for prior to the mission, was completed in about
an hour and a half. Although only two of the payload high data rate
recorders were functioning, the planned observations by the radar lab were
not interrupted. The two recorders alone were sufficient for retaining the
radar data obtained during the overnight shift of astronauts Smith,
Dan Bursch and Tom Jones.
Small engine firings by Endeavour late yesterday aligned the spacecraft's
trajectory to within an estimated 65 feet of what had been planned when the
spacecraft's orbit was lowered on Friday. This permits the precise repeat
observations by the radar.
During the night, Bursch and Smith took a break from their environmental
studies to talk with KGO Radio in San Francisco. The interview included
phone-in questions from area children.
|
| 904.82 | Very short show on Friday | ROGER::GAUDET | Because the Earth is 2/3 water | Mon Oct 10 1994 15:51 | 7 |
| Yes, it did pop out very low in the sky, much lower than the calculations
predicted. It caught my eye just before it dropped below the tree line. I
didn't have time to get the scope on it. Bummer. Dragged myself outside at 5AM
just to look at the morning stars. Oh well, the skies were crystal clear so I
couldn't pass up the chance to probe around a bit.
...Roger...
|
| 904.83 | | SKYLAB::FISHER | Indecision is the key to flexibility! | Mon Oct 10 1994 19:05 | 4 |
| There are some new elements, but they are from Friday, so I won't bother to post
them, since the shuttle did some manuvering since then.
Burns
|
| 904.84 | STS-68 Mission Status Report #17 - 10/10/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Tue Oct 11 1994 16:02 | 42 |
| [Downloaded from ftp.pao.hq.nasa.gov]
MISSION CONTROL CENTER
STS-68 Status Report #17
Monday, October 10, 1994, 10 a.m. CDT
While radar data gathering continues aboard Endeavour traveling 111 nautical
miles above the Earth, Space Shuttle Columbia, riding atop the 747 Shuttle
Carrier Aircraft continues its cross country trek today after spending two
days in Huntsville, Ala.
Columbia arrived at Houston's Ellington Field this morning at about 10 a.m.
for refueling and possibly an overnight stay on its way to California for
routine maintenance.
The orbiter and 747 will be parked at the north end of the runway near NASA's
hangar 990 where Space Shuttle crew return ceremonies are held. The public
is invited to view the spacecraft and its carrier aircraft from a distance
of about 100 feet.
In low Earth orbit, Endeavour's systems are being checked out today to ensure
they are healthy and ready to support landing Tuesday. The flight control
surfaces will be tested using one of the hydraulic systems called an
Auxiliary Power Unit, and ground station communications checks will be done.
Interferometry data gathering with the radar instruments in the orbiter's
payload bay continued throughout the night and morning prior to the scheduled
deactivation of the X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar. Interferometry will
allow scientists to overlay radar images of the same site taken on successive
days forming a three dimensional image of the Earth's surface. These
topographical images can be used to create a baseline used to understand the
changes in the environmental and ecological climate around the world.
Landing of Endeavour remains scheduled for Tuesday morning about
10:36 a.m. CDT. Two landing opportunities are available at the prime
landing site at Florida's Kennedy Space Center and two are available in
California at the Edwards Air Force Base Facility.
Mission Control's entry team will be on console Tuesday morning about four
to evaluate the weather conditions and options prior to the crew preparing
for the deorbit and landing phase of the mission.
|
| 904.85 | | VMSSG::FRIEDRICHS | I'd rather be flying! | Tue Oct 11 1994 19:02 | 2 |
| FWIW - They landed at Edwards today (clouds at KSC).
|
| 904.86 | STS-68 Mission Status Report #18 - 10/11/94 | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Wed Oct 12 1994 12:16 | 23 |
| [Downloaded from NASA Spacelink]
Mission Control Center
STS-68 Station Report # 18
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 1994, 1 p.m. Central
The Space Shuttle Endeavour glided back to Earth today, ending an 11-day
mission to gather high-fidelity radar images for scientists studying the
planet's environmental and ecological climates.
Endeavour's landing was diverted to the Edwards Air Force Base landing
facility after poor weather in Florida forced flight controllers to "wave
off" the deorbit opportunities to the Kennedy Space Center.
The flight back to Earth, however, was flawless. Endeavour touched down at
12:02 p.m. Central time, ending STS-68 at a mission elapsed time of 11
days, 5 hours, 46 minutes, and 9 seconds.
The six-member crew will be returning to Houston later today. Crew Return
Ceremonies are tentatively planned to begin at around 9 p.m. at Ellington
Field at NASA's Hangar 990.
|
| 904.87 | STS-68 Landing Report Data | 56821::BATTERSBY | | Wed Oct 12 1994 12:18 | 30 |
| [Downloaded from NASA Spacelink]
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1994 (1:20 PM EDT)
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham 407-867-2468 (fax 867-2692)
MISSION: STS-68 -- SPACE RADAR LABORATORY - 2
FLIGHT DAY 12/LANDING DAY
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105 ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 138 sm
LOCATION: Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. INCLINATION: 57 degrees
KSC LAUNCH DATE and TIME: Sept. 30, 1994 at 7:16 a.m. EDT
EDWARDS LANDING DATE and TIME: Oct. 11 at 1:02 p.m. EDT
MISSION ELAPSED TIME (MET): 11 days/5 hours/47 minutes/8 seconds
Endeavour's two landing opportunities at Kennedy Space Center today
were waved off due to clouds and the potential for rain in the area of the
landing facility. Endeavour was then directed to land at Edwards Air Force
Base, Calif. Landing at Edwards occurred at 1:02 p.m. EDT today on concrete
runway 22.
Main gear touchdown: 1:02.09 p.m. EDT (MET: 11 days, 5 hrs., 46 mins., 9 sec.)
Nose gear touchdown: 1:02.21 p.m. EDT (MET: 11 days, 5 hrs., 46 mins., 21 sec.)
Wheels stop: --------1:03.08 p.m. EDT (MET: 11 days, 5 hrs., 47 mins., 8 sec.)
CREW: Commander Michael Baker; Pilot Terry Wilcutt; and Mission
Specialists Steve Smith, Dan Bursch, Peter Wisoff and Thomas Jones.
|
| 904.88 | Radar from mission observes volcano | TROOA::SKLEIN | Nulli Secundus | Thu Nov 03 1994 21:04 | 64 |
| From: yee@atlas.arc.nasa.gov (Peter Yee)
Subject: NASA radar observes erupting volcano on the ring of fire [Release 94-179] (Forwarded)
Date: 2 Nov 1994 02:10:18 -0800
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Brian Dunbar
Headquarters, Washington, DC October 24, 1994
(Phone: 202/358-1547)
Mary A. Hardin
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
(Phone: 818/354-5011)
RELEASE: 94-179
NASA RADAR OBSERVES ERUPTING VOLCANO ON THE RING OF FIRE
Geologists are using radar images and photographs taken during
NASA's most recent Space Shuttle mission to study possible new lava
flows from Mount Kliuchevskoi on Russia's Kamchatka peninsula.
"The Endeavour astronauts were among the first witnesses to the
eruption, which began only eight hours after the launch on Sept. 30,"
said Dr. Jeffrey J. Plaut of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory,
Pasadena, CA "The crew tracked the progress of the eruption daily, providing
us with the most detailed documentation of a large eruption ever
obtained from orbit."
Plaut will discuss the dramatic radar imagery of the area in a
presentation today to the annual meeting of the Geological Society of
America in Seattle, Wash. Plaut is the geology experiment
representative for the Spaceborne Imaging Radar C/X-Band Synthetic
Aperture Radar (SIR-C/X-SAR), the international radar system
carried into orbit for 11 days by the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Plaut will
compare the radar data to the optical photographs of the massive
eruption that were taken by the astronaut crew.
The eruption of Mt. Kliuchevskoi is only one of several volcanoes
being studied by the SIR-C/X-SAR team. The radar detected
evidence of recent activity at Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines and the
Rabaul Caldera in Papua, New Guinea. Scientists hope to use such data to
assist local authorities in identifying and mitigating hazards posed
by these dangerous volcanoes, Plaut said.
"Radar images also were acquired for dozens of volcanoes around
the world, including 12 of the 15 volcanoes identified by the
international volcanology community as deserving special study due
the threats posed to large local populations," Plaut said.
SIR-C/X-SAR, launched Sept. 30, is a joint mission of the U.S.,
German and Italian space agencies. It is part of NASA's Mission to
Planet Earth, a long-term, coordinated program to study the Earth's
global environment, to observe environmental changes and to learn
how human beings affect those changes. JPL manages the SIR-C
portion of the mission for NASA's Office of Mission to Planet Earth.
NOTE TO EDITORS: An comparison image of the optical and radar
views of Mt. Kliuchevskoi is available on JPL's Internet public access
site. FTP at jplinfo.jpl.nasa.gov or http://www.jpl.nasa.gov.
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