SPACE SHUTTLE HISTORY (click to view)
The history of the Nasa’s programme of Space Shuttle is very extensive and commands an amount of data that would be far to enormous for the purpose of this website. Having said that it does deserve a brief history of each flight in a chronological account in order that the reader can appreciate the painstaking effort put into the program over the last 40 years since its conception and foundation. To date (April 2010) NASA has flow 130 missions over a period of 29 years.
OVER 130 STS MISSIONS BETWEEN 1981 AND 2010. STS 134 THE FINAL FLIGHT 2010
As we soon approach the end of several decades of Space Shuttle, and what seems like no compatible replacement it is important to grasp the history behind it. Space travel has been in the minds of the human race for hundreds of years, and has mystified many followers to desire space travel in the future as a commercial and affordable possibility. Whilst we may be a decade or two away from affordable space travel, it is now more than in the minds of commercial businesses to make it happen. To really appreciate future space travel we must take a bow to those limited number of early Astronauts who gave both American and Russian space programs the confidence to invest in what would be now billions of currency into its survival. The real purpose of early space exploration was not just to get to the Lunar surface in 1969, but to explore and develop new technologies that could be used for decades to follow. When Neil Armstrong made history by stepping onto the Moon in July 1969, his first footprint belonged to all the previous Astronauts and ground crew that made it happen. Though it is his footprint we remember, it is the future footprints on the hearts of Astronauts who may give us each the Star Trek travel enthusiasts dream of really venturing into new challenges and frontiers. I do though, believe it will take huge public confidence in future world-wide space programs before they provide us with safe , affordable and convenient space travel. What the Space Shuttle has done is to pave the way for renewable aero technology that has been tried and tested over a 30 year period. Like any form of transport there are risks as we have seen with two Shuttle catastrophies over a 20 year period. With risk comes huge budget and costs. When The Space Shuttle Endevour replaced Challenger the cost was $1.7 billion. Though an extreme figure we are talking of the design and repetitive function of an aircraft that has the following capacity:
(a) Capability of speeds required of up approximately 17,500 mies per hour,(28,000 km) this is to ensure it can remain in orbit.
(b) It will initially carry two solid rocket boosters that will carry one million pounds of solid fuel together with an external tank loaded with 500,000 gallons of extreme cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.
(c) At lift off, an orbiter and External Tank will carry 835,958 gallons of the principle liquid propellants: hydrogen, oxygen, hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine, and nitrogen tetroxide according to NASA statistics. This gives the total weight of a Shuttle at 1,607,185 pounds.
(d) The Space Shuttle dimensions are: 56.14 metres (184 feet/Orbiter 37.23 meters (122.17 feet) Its height is 17.27 meters (56.67 feet) with a wingspan of 23.79 meters (78.06 feet)
(e) The shuttle is designed to travel in low earth orbit , so very long distances such as the Moon would not be possible. Its orbital altitude would range from 190 -330 miles. It is as it name confirms , a Shuttle! a re-useable spacecraft which has the capacity with extreme skill to land back on Earth after each mission. The letters we all know STS stand for Space Transportation System. So there we have it! a very sophisticated re-usable space craft. I may persume that it is for this reason that NASA could justify its budget, in comparrison with Saturn 5 long range space rockets which took men to the Lunar surface, but had no capacity to bring them back in the same way as Space Shuttle.
Nasa Astronaut training requirements:
If you want to become an Astronaut it is highly competitive with on average over 4000 serious applications for what could 20 positions. You do not have to have a military flying background, as the majority of Astronauts with NASA are mission specialists with specific degrees to perform specific tasks. Nasa’s criteria in brief will include at least the following which information source has come from NASA website.
Non Pilot background
Degree, or high leve Masters degree in mathematics, biological science, physical science, or engineering
3 years further training , this may be teaching , job related experience
Ability to pass the NASA long-duration space flight physical, which includes the following specific requirements:Distant visual acuity: Must be correctable to 20/20, each eyeIf you get through to the last hopeful recruits then for those applicants under final consideration, additional visual screening will be performed to include the following standards: refractive error (distant vision)-cycloplegic refractive error must be between +5.50 and -5.50 diopters in any meridian. Astigmatism may require up to 3.00 diopters of cylinder correction. Anisometropia of up to 3.50 diopters.
Near visual acuity: Must be correctable to 20/20, each eyeThe refractive surgical procedures of the eye, PRK and LASIK, are now allowed, providing at least 1 year has passed since the date of the procedure with no permanent adverse after effects. For those applicants under final consideration, an operative report on the surgical procedure will be requested. Blood pressure not to exceed 140/90 measured in a sitting positionStanding height between 62 and 75 inchesPiloting Background:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. An advanced degree is desirable. Quality of academic preparation is important.
- At least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Flight test experience is highly desirable.
- Ability to pass the NASA long-duration space flight physical which includes the following specific requirements:Distant visual acuity: Must be correctable to 20/20, each eye Applicants under final consideration, additional visual screening will be performed to include the following standards: refractive error (distant vision)-cycloplegic refractive error must be between +3.50 and -4.00 diopters in any meridian. Astigmatism may require up to 2.00 diopters of cylinder correction. Anisometropia of up to 2.50 diopters.
Near visual acuity: Must be correctable to 20/20 each eye
Blood pressure not to exceed 140/90 measured in a sitting position
Standing height between 62 and 75 inches
Academic requirements are the same for civilian jobs
Space Shuttle Missions STS 1 to present (data currently being added and in the making)
The Space Shuttle story 
Begins now 
1981 MISSIONS
STS 1 (Columbia)
Date:April 12th 1981 launch, returmed April 14th
Crew: John Young (Apollo 16) and Robert L Crippen (maiden flight)
Miles Travelled: 1.074 million
Mission Purpose: To ensure safe launch into orbit, and return of both the orbiter and the crew. To give an overview of the performance of the Shuttle together with its orbiter solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank. Onboard payloads included Developmental Flight Instrumentation, Aerodynamic Coefficient Identifications Package together with equipment to record pressures, temperatures and aircraft excelleration levels
STS 2 (Columbia)
Date: November 12-14th 1981
Crew: Joe Engle, Richard Truly, back up crew Thomas Mattingly/ Henry Hartsfield.
Miles Travelled: Miles Traveled: 1.075 million
Mission Purpose: To again demonstrate safety on take off and return with its performance data capabilities. Payloads included Measurement of air pollution from Satellite (MAPS) experiment.Also the Radiometer (SMIRR) experiment, and Shuttle Imaging Rada experiment.It contained a contamination monitor. After a delay on launch and due to technical difficulties the mission was cut short , but overal the mission was successful.
1982 MISSIONS
STS 3 (Columbia)
Date : March 22 -March 30 1982
Crew: Jack Lousma/ Gordon Fullerton
Miles Travelled: 3.335 million
Mission Purpose: Again to demonstate launch and safe return, and combined performance of the Shuttle in its entirety encluding solid rocket boosters.Its payloads included Space science loads such as Plant Lignification, plasma diagnostic package, vehicle charging and itspotential for future missions. Various experiments on atmosphere, solar ultraviolet and the use of a special irradiance minitor. A technical mission leasing the way for multi astronaut missions including mission specialists with no previous and none previous aviation background
STS 4: (Columbia)
Dates: June 27th -July 04th 1982
Crew: Thomas K. Mattingly and Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr
Miles Travelled: 2.9 million
Mission Purpose: This was the final flight of the Space Transportation system research. Payloads included 9 experiments from Utah University, an experiment on Continuous Electrophoresis, Monodisperse Latex Reactor (MLR); Induced Environment Contamination Monitor (IECM), ( this was deployed,) and two Shuttle Student Involvement Program (SSIP) experiments. As well as this the 2 man crew were busy with medical experiments on themselves for two student projects, and had to operate the remote manipulator arm to swing IECM around orbiter, taking amazing photos of lightning activity in Earth’s atmosphere.
STS 5 : (Columbia)
Date: November 11th -November 16th 1982
Crew:Vance D. Brand Robert F. Overmyer and Mission Specialists Joseph P. Allen and William B. Lenoir
Miles Travelled: 2.1 million
Mission Purpose: This important mission deployed two commercial communications satellites, ANIK C-3 for TELESAT Canada and SitS-C for Satellite Business Systems. In order to get the Satellite into what is known as a high elliptical orbit it was equipped with a solid rocket motor which was designed to fire at 45 minutes after deployment .On board also three Shuttle Student Involvement Program (SSIP) experiments were carried out. The first scheduled space walk of the shuttle was due to take place had it not been for a malfunction of the space suit.
1983 MISSIONS
STS 6 (Challenger)
Date: April 04-April 09 1983
Crew: Paul J. Weitz . Karol J. Bobko and Mission Specialists Donald H. Peterson and F. Story Musgrave
Miles Travelled: 2.1 million
Mission Purpose: On board payload was the first Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-1(TDRS-1) with an additional propellant aboard the satellite which was used over next several months to place it into proper orbit. A shuttle first was performed by Musgrave and and Peterson which was Shuttles first space walk, this was to last for 4 hours and 17 minutes. On board other payloads included Flow Electrophoresis System (CFES),Monodisperse Latex Reactor (MLR), Radiation Monitoring Experiment (RME) and Night/Day Optical Survey of Lightning (NOSL), A very full mission which successfully included the first lightweight external tank and lightweight rocket booster casings.
STS 7 (Challenger)
Dates: 18 June -24 June 1983
Crew: Robert L. Crippen, Frederick H. Hauck and Mission Specialists John M. Fabian, Sally K. Ride and Norman E. Thagard
Miles Travelled: 2.5 million
Mission Purpose: Particularly special flight as it included Sally Ride who became the first American woman to fly into space.It deployed Two communications satellites which were, ANIK C-2 for TELESAT Canada and PALAPA-B1 for Indonesia. Payloads included Seven Get Away Special canisters in the cargo bay held a variety of interesting experiments, with one that studied the affects of space on social behavior of an ant colony in zero graviity. A sample of the 10 experiments included investigating space sickness This was an important examination and study which may have proved vital to many future Astronauts and their missions. Space sickness though not uncommon did not affect all Astronauts, but certainly in my opinion may have prevented them going on further missions if it became a normal event for them.
STS 8 (Challenger)
Dates: August 30th-September 5th 1983
Crew: Richard H. Truly, Daniel C. Brandenstein and Mission Specialists Dale A. Gardner, Guion S. Bluford.and William E. Thornton
Miles Travelled:2.5 Million
Mission Purpose: Another Mission first when Bluford became the first African-American to fly in space. It deployed a multi-purpose Satellite for India (INSAT-1B,) a multipurpose satellite .In order to test the the flight deck for extreme cold area The pilot Astronaut positioned the nose away from from the sun for 14 hours. Shuttle structure was tested using the remote manipulator system to evaluate joint reactions to higher loads. Live payload included six rats which were flown in the Animal Enclosure Module to observe animal reactions in space. Other payloads on this mission includedInvestigation of STS Atmospheric Luminosities (ISAL); Radiation Monitoring Equipment (RME); We see after 6 missions a pattern of continual testing and areas of improvement noticed for each journey that would ensure safe long term travel. It was also encouraging to see NASA utilising many different Astronauts, some of whom would achieve multi mission status.
STS 9 (Challenger)
Dates: November 28th-8th December 1983
Crew: John W. Young Brewster H. Shaw., Mission Specialists Owen K. Garriott, Robert A. R. Parker and Payload Specialists Byron K. Lichtenberg and Ulf Merbold of the European Space Agency
Miles Travelled: 4.3 million
Mission Purpose:This mission was the first Spacelab mission and saw the first astronaut to represent the European Space Agency (ESA), Ulf Merbold of Germany. Both ESA and NASA jointly sponsored the Spacelab-1 and conducted investigations which demonstrated the capability for advanced research in space. Spacelab is an orbital laboratory for research and altogether 73 separate investigations were carried out in astronomy and physics, atmospheric physics, Earth observations, life sciences, materials sciences, space plasma physics and technology. Also this was the first time ever six persons were carried into space on a single vehicle.In subsequent years we see NASA using larger crews of 6, 7 or 8 on missiond dependant on the payload work to be carried out.
1984 MISSIONS
STS : 41B (Challenger)
Date: Feb 03-11 1984
Crew: Vance D. Brand Robert L. Gibson, Mission Specialists Bruce McCandless II, Ronald E. McNair and Robert L. Stewart
Miles Travelled: 3.3 million
Mission Purpose: A very coorageous first took place by Bruce Mc Candless on this mission, this was the very first untethered space walk. Stewart also carried out a walk after a perfect walk using the manned maneuvering unit by Mc Candless. Further Satellites were deployed, but failure of Shuttles Assist Module unfortunately left them in low earth orbits. It was also the first time a Satellite after refurbishment from STS 7 mission was re-deployed. The crew used Cinema 360 cameras whilst on board, giving us the spectacular shot of Mc Candless with his space pack unethered walk. In many ways a memorable mission, and one must not take to lightly the amazing bravado by Mc Candless who showed all the ‘Right Stuff’ at the right time.
STS:41C (Challenger)
Date:April 06-April 13th 1984
Crew: Robert L. Crippen Francis R. Scobee, Mission Specialists Geroge D. Nelson, James D. A. Van Hoften and Terry J. Hart
Miles Travelled: 2.9 million
Mission Purpose: This was the first direct ascent trajectory using the space shuttle. During Space time Astronauts operated the manned maneuvering unit and replaced the altitude control system and coronagraph/polarimeter electronics box in the Solar Max satellite while it remained in orbit. Other procedures included deploying the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) which contained 57 experiments which were left on orbit with an intention of retrieving them during a later mission. Other payloads on this mission were: IMAX camera; Radiation Monitoring Equipment (RME); Cinema 360; Shuttle Student Involvement Program (SSlP) experiment.
STS: 41D (Discovery)
Dates: 30 August- 05 September 1984
Crew:Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr., Pilot Michael L. Coates Mission Specialists Judith A. Resnick, Steven A. Hawley, Richard M. Mullane and Payload Specialist Charles D. Walker
Miles Travelled: 2.5 Million
Mission Purpose: Shuttle by now had experience of launching Satellites and this mission was no exception.Three satellites deployed during this mission including Telstar a massive 102-foot-tall, 13-foot-wide solar wing extended from the payload bay. The wing carried different types of solar cells and extended to its full height several times. This was used for the purposes of discovering the practical use for building large facilities in space such as a space station. Imax Camera shots in use as well as student projects played a part of this mission. Judy Resnik on board on her maiden voyage two years before tradegy struck her on board Challenger in 1986.
STS: 41 G (Challenger)
Dates: 05 October- 13th October 1984
Crew: Robert L. Crippen, Jon A. McBride, Mission Specialists Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, David C. Leestma and Payload Specialists Marc Garneau and Paul D. Scully-Power
Miles Travelled: 3.3 million
Mission Purpose: This was the first flight to include two women, Sally Ride and Kathryn Sullivan as well as seeing Sullivan become the first American woman to walk in space. The Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS) was deployed less than nine hours into the flight. The Office of Space and Terrestrial Applications-3 (OSTA-3) carried three experiments in the payload bay. Components of Orbital Refueling System (ORS) were connected, demonstrating it is possible to refuel satellites in orbit. Other Payloads were: Large Format Camera (LFC); IMAX Camera, flying for the third time; a package of Canadian Experiments (CANEX); Auroral Photography Experiment (APE); Radiation Monitoring Equipment (RME); Thermoluminiscent Dosimeter (TLD); and eight Get Away Specials.
STS 51 A
Dates:08 November -16 November 1984
Crew: Frederick H. Hauck, David M. Walker, Mission Specialists Anna L. Fisher Dale A. Gardner and Joseph P. Allen
Miles Travelled: 3.3 million
Mission Purpose: A Canadian communications satellite was deployed as well as the successfull retrieval of two malfunctioning Satellites..Astronauts Allen and Gardner, whilst wearing specialist jet-propelled manned maneuvering units, retrieved the two malfunctioning satellites: which were originally deployed from STS 41B .A mission primarily despatched to complete repairs of expensive communication Satellites.
1985 MISSIONS
Dates: January 24th-january 27th 1985
Crew:Thomas K. Mattingly, II, Pilot Loren J. Shriver, Mission Specialists Ellison S. Onizuka, James F. Buchli and Payload Specialist Gary E. Payton
Miles Travelled: 1.3 million
Mission Purpose: After flight delays due to freezing weather and technical difficulties this was the first mission dedicated to the Department of Defense. Good straightforward mission with the U.S. Air Force Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) booster deployed successfully.
STS 51D (Discovery)
Dates: 12th April- 19th April 1985
Crew: Karol J. Bobko, Donald E. Williams, Mission Specialists M. Rhea Seddon, Jeffrey A. Hoffman, S. David Griggs and Payload Specialists Charles D. Walker and Sen. E. Jake Garn
Miles Travelled: 2.9 million
Mission Purpose:The TELESAT-l (ANIK C-1) communications satellite was deployed attached to the payload assist module (PAM-D) motor. SYNCOM IV-3 (also known as LEASAT-3) was also deployed but the spacecraft sequencer failed to initiate the antenna deployment, spin up and ignition of perigee kick motor. The mission was extended two days to make certain the sequencer start lever was in the proper position. Griggs and Hoffman performed a space walk to attach Flyswatter devices to the remote manipulator system. Seddon engaged LEASAT lever using the remote manipulator system but the post deployment sequence did not begin. Other payloads were: Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System (CFES) III, flying for sixth time; two Shuttle Student Involvement Program (SSIP) experiments; American Flight Echocardiograph (AFE); two Get Away Specials; Phase Partitioning Experiments (PPE); astronomy photography verification test; medical experiments and toys in space, an informal study of the behavior of simple toys in weightless environment, with results to be made available to school students.
STS 51G (Discovery)
Dates:June 17th-June 24th 1985
Crew: Daniel C. Brandenstein. John O. Creighton, Mission Specialists Shannon W. Lucid, John M. Fabian, Steven R. Nagel and Payload Specialists Patrick Baudry and Sultan Salman Al-Saud
Miles Travelled:2.9 million
Mission Purpose:Deployed were three communications satellites, There were experiments including the High Precision Tracking Experiment (HPTE); a materials processing furnace called Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (ADSF); and two French biomedical experiments.
STS 51F (Challenger)
Dates:July 29th-August 6th 1985
Crew: Gordon Fullerton Roy D. Bridge. Mission Specialists F. Story Musgrave, Anthony W. England, Karl G. Henize and Payload Specialists Loren W. Acton and John-David F. Bartoe
Miles Travelled: 3.3 million
Mission Purpose:This was a Spacelab-2. mission Despite abort-to-orbit, which required mission replanning, mission declared success. Special part of modular Spacelab system, the Igloo, located at head of three-pallet train, provided on-site support to instruments mounted on pallets. The main mission objective was to ensure that the performance of Spacelab systems were satisfactory, and determine interface capability of orbiter, and measure environment induced by spacecraft. Experiments covered life sciences, plasma physics, astronomy, high-energy astrophysics, solar physics, atmospheric physics and technology research.
STS 51I (Discovery)
Dates:August 27th -Sepember 3rd 1985
Crew: Joe H. Engle, Pilot Richard O. Covey, and Mission Specialists James D. A. van Hoften, John M. Lounge and William F. Fisher
Miles Travelled :2.9 million
Mission Purpose:Three communications satellites were deployed: American Satellite Company an Australian Communications Satellite; and the Synchronous Communications Satellite. ASC-1 and AUSSAT-1 both attached to Payload Assist Module-D (PAM-D) motors. SYNCOM IV-4 (also known as LEASAT-4) failed to function after reaching the correct geosynchronous orbit. Fisher and van Hoften performed two extravehicular activities (EVAs) totaling 11 hours, 51 minutes. of which some of that eva was spent retrieving, repairing and redeploying LEASAT-3, which had been deployed on Mission 51-D.
STS 51J (Atlantis)
Dates: October 3rd-October 7th 1985
Crew: Karol J. Bobko, Pilot Ronald J. Grabe, Mission Specialists David C. Hilmers, Robert L. Stewart and William A. Pailes
Miles Travelled:1.7 million
Mission Purpose:This was the second mission dedicated to the Department of Defense (details classified)
STS 61A (Challenger)
Dates:October 30th -November 6th
Crew: Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr. Steven R. Nagel, Mission Specialists James F. Buchli, Guion S. Bluford, Bonnie J. Dunbar and Payload Specialists Reinhard Furrer, Ernst Messerschmid and Wubbo J. Ockels
Miles Travelled
Mission purpose: Mission for the German Spacelab (D-1) which was conducted in a long module configuration, which featured a Vestibular Sled designed to give scientists data on the functional organization of human vestibular and orientation systems. Spacelab D scheduled up to 75 numbered experiments,including basic and applied microgravity research in fields of materials science, life sciences and technology, and communications and navigation.
-7-Admin%26profileid%3D31&imgrefurl=http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~7~7~37524~141376:Official-portrait-of-the-STS-61-B-c&usg=__ORUU53wIepy6UvqJ2tMMqOl0heU=&h=480&w=640&sz=75&hl=en&start=6&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=I6QzamzzmUrkZM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsts%2B61b%2Bcrew%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1R2ADBR_en%26tbs%3Disch:1)
STS 61B (Atlantis)
Dates: November 26th-December 3rd 1985
Crew: Brewster H. Shaw, Jr. Bryan D. O’Connor, Mission Specialists Mary L. Cleave, Sherwood C. Spring, Jerry L. Ross and Payload Specialists Rodolfo Neri Vela, and Charles D. Walker
Miles Travelled: 2.8 million
Mission Purpose:Deployed were three communications satellites for Mexico Australia and Americom-2 were attached to the Payload Assist Module-D motors, SATCOM KU-2 to a PAM-D2 designed for heavier payloads. Two experiments were conducted to test assembling erectable structures in space: Experimental Assembly of Structures in Extravehicular Activity (EASE) and Assembly Concept for Construction of Erectable Space Structure (ACCESS). These experiments involved two space walks by Spring and Ross lasting five hours, 32 minutes, and six hours, 38 minutes, respectively.
1986 MISSIONS
STS 61C (Columbia)
Dates:January 12th - January 18th 1986
Crew: Robert L. Gibson Charles F. Bolden, Jr., Mission Specialists Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, Steven A. Hawley, George D. Nelson and Payload Specialists Robert J. Cenker and Congressman Bill Nelson
Miles Travelled: 2.5 million
Mission Purpose:The SATCOM KU-I (RCA Americom) satellite, attached to the Payload Assist Module-D2 (PAM-D2) motor, was deployed. Comet Halley Active Monitoring Program (CHAMP) experiment, a 35mm camera to photograph Comet Halley, did not function properly due to battery problems. Other payloads: Materials Science Laboratory-2 (MSL-2); Hitchhiker G-1; Infrared Imaging Experiment (IR-IE); Initial Blood Storage Experiment (IBSE); Hand-held Protein Crystal Growth (HPCG) experiment; three Shuttle Student Involvement Program (SSIP) experiments and 13 Get Away Specials (GAS), 12 of them mounted on a special GAS Bridge Assembly.
STS 51L (Challenger)
Dates: January 28th 1986
Crew:Francis R. Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith, Mission Specialists Judith A. Resnik, Ellison S. Onizuka, Ronald E. McNair and Payload Specialists Gregory B. Jarvis and Sharon Christa McAuliffe
Miles Travelled:18 miles
Mission Purpose :This was the tragic event of the loss of the first Space shuttle…NASA describe the events that lead to the break up of STS 51L and the loss of the crew as follows:
The first shuttle liftoff scheduled from Pad B. Launch was set for 3:43 p.m. EST, Jan. 22, slipped to Jan. 23, then Jan. 24, due to delays in mission 61-C. Launch was reset for Jan. 25 because of bad weather at the transoceanic abort landing (TAL) site in Dakar, Senegal. To utilize Casablanca (not equipped for night landings) as alternate TAL site, T-zero was moved to a morning liftoff time. The launch postponed another day when launch processing was unable to meet the new morning liftoff time. Prediction of unacceptable weather at KSC led to the launch being rescheduled for 9:37 a.m. EST, Jan. 27. The launch was delayed 24 hours again when the ground servicing equipment hatch closing fixture could not be removed from the orbiter hatch. The fixture was sawed off and an attaching bolt drilled out before closeout was completed. During the delay, cross winds exceeded return-to-launch-site limits at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility. The launch Jan. 28 was delayed two hours when a hardware interface module in the launch processing system, which monitors the fire detection system, failed during liquid hydrogen tanking procedures.
Just after liftoff at .678 seconds into the flight, photographic data shows a strong puff of gray smoke was spurting from the vicinity of the aft field joint on the right solid rocket booster. Computer graphic analysis of the film from the pad cameras indicated the initial smoke came from the 270 to 310-degree sector of the circumference of the aft field joint of the right solid rocket booster. This area of the solid booster faces the external tank. The vaporized material streaming from the joint indicated there was not a complete sealing action within the joint.
Eight more distinctive puffs of increasingly blacker smoke were recorded between .836 and 2.500 seconds. The smoke appeared to puff upwards from the joint. While each smoke puff was being left behind by the upward flight of the shuttle, the next fresh puff could be seen near the level of the joint. The multiple smoke puffs in this sequence occurred at about four times per second, approximating the frequency of the structural load dynamics and resultant joint flexing. As the shuttle increased its upward velocity, it flew past the emerging and expanding smoke puffs. The last smoke was seen above the field joint at 2.733 seconds.
The black color and dense composition of the smoke puffs suggest that the grease, joint insulation and rubber O-rings in the joint seal were being burned and eroded by the hot propellant gases.
At approximately 37 seconds, Challenger encountered the first of several high-altitude wind shear conditions, which lasted until about 64 seconds. The wind shear created forces on the vehicle with relatively large fluctuations. These were immediately sensed and countered by the guidance, navigation and control system. The steering system (thrust vector control) of the solid rocket booster responded to all commands and wind shear effects. The wind shear caused the steering system to be more active than on any previous flight.
Both the shuttle main engines and the solid rockets operated at reduced thrust approaching and passing through the area of maximum dynamic pressure of 720 pounds per square foot. The main engines had been throttled up to 104 percent thrust and the solid rocket boosters were increasing their thrust when the first flickering flame appeared on the right solid rocket booster in the area of the aft field joint. This first very small flame was detected on image enhanced film at 58.788 seconds into the flight. It appeared to originate at about 305 degrees around the booster circumference at or near the aft field joint.
One film frame later from the same camera, the flame was visible without image enhancement. It grew into a continuous, well-defined plume at 59.262 seconds. At about the same time (60 seconds), telemetry showed a pressure differential between the chamber pressures in the right and left boosters. The right booster chamber pressure was lower, confirming the growing leak in the area of the field joint.
As the flame plume increased in size, it was deflected rearward by the aerodynamic slipstream and circumferentially by the protruding structure of the upper ring attaching the booster to the external tank. These deflections directed the flame plume onto the surface of the external tank. This sequence of flame spreading is confirmed by analysis of the recovered wreckage. The growing flame also impinged on the strut attaching the solid rocket booster to the external tank.
The first visual indication that swirling flame from the right solid rocket booster breached the external tank was at 64.660 seconds when there was an abrupt change in the shape and color of the plume. This indicated that it was mixing with leaking hydrogen from the external tank. Telemetered changes in the hydrogen tank pressurization confirmed the leak. Within 45 milliseconds of the breach of the external tank, a bright sustained glow developed on the black-tiled underside of the Challenger between it and the external tank.
Beginning at about 72 seconds, a series of events occurred extremely rapidly that terminated the flight. Telemetered data indicated a wide variety of flight system actions that support the visual evidence of the photos as the shuttle struggled futilely against the forces that were destroying it.
At about 72.20 seconds the lower strut linking the solid rocket booster and the external tank was severed or pulled away from the weakened hydrogen tank permitting the right solid rocket booster to rotate around the upper attachment strut. This rotation is indicated by divergent yaw and pitch rates between the left and right solid rocket boosters.
At 73.124 seconds, a circumferential white vapor pattern was observed blooming from the side of the external tank bottom dome. This was the beginning of the structural failure of hydrogen tank that culminated in the entire aft dome dropping away. This released massive amounts of liquid hydrogen from the tank and created a sudden forward thrust of about 2.8 million pounds, pushing the hydrogen tank upward into the intertank structure. At about the same time, the rotating right solid rocket booster impacted the intertank structure and the lower part of the liquid oxygen tank. These structures failed at 73.137 seconds as evidenced by the white vapors appearing in the intertank region.
Within milliseconds there was massive, almost explosive, burning of the hydrogen streaming from the failed tank bottom and liquid oxygen breach in the area of the intertank.
At this point in its trajectory, while traveling at a Mach number of 1.92 at an altitude of 46,000 feet, Challenger was totally enveloped in the explosive burn. The Challenger’s reaction control system ruptured and a hypergolic burn of its propellants occurred as it exited the oxygen-hydrogen flames. The reddish brown colors of the hypergolic fuel burn are visible on the edge of the main fireball. The orbiter, under severe aerodynamic loads, broke into several large sections which emerged from the fireball. Separate sections that can be identified on film include the main engine/tail section with the engines still burning, one wing of the orbiter, and the forward fuselage trailing a mass of umbilical lines pulled loose from the payload bay.
The explosion 73 seconds after liftoff claimed crew and vehicle. The cause of explosion was determined to be an o-ring failure in the right solid rocket booster. Cold weather was determined to be a contributing factor
1988 MISSIONS
-7-Admin%26profileid%3D31&imgrefurl=http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~7~7~37823~141674:STS-26-crew-arrives-at-KSC-Shuttle-&usg=__7K0Uy0guoiylxxZW0hJH2sCLtUU=&h=480&w=640&sz=65&hl=en&start=2&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=Wg5WtdKhwSYeLM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3DSTS%2B26%2BSHUTTLE%2BCREW%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1R2ADBR_en%26tbs%3Disch:1)
STS 26 (Discovery)
Dates: September 29th -3rd October 1988
Crew:Frederick H. Hauck, Richard O. Covey, Mission Specialists John M. Lounge, George D. Nelson and David C. Hilmers
Miles Travelled: 1.7 million
Mission Purpose: This was the first mission in nearly 3 years since the Challenger tragedy in january 1986. NASA’s decision to delay flights to gain public confidence again was a long wait , but sanctioned in 1988.On board with this mission to be deployed was NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-3 (TDRS-3) attached to an Inertial Upper Stage (IUS), this was the second TDRS deployed. After deployment, IUS propelled the satellite to a geosynchronous orbit. Secondary payloads included : Physical Vapor Transport of Organic Solids (PVTOS); Protein Crystal Growth (PCG); Infrared Communications Flight Experiment (IRCFE); Aggregation of Red Blood Cells (ARC); Isoelectric Focusing Experiment (IFE); Mesoscale Lightning Experiment (MLE); Phase Partitioning Experiment (PPE); Earth-Limb Radiance Experiment (ELRAD); Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (ADSF). There were also two Shuttle Student Involvement Program (SSIP) experiments. Orbiter Experiments Autonomous Supporting Instrumentation System-I (OASIS-I) recorded variety of environmental measurements during various inflight phases of orbiter. Significant events that happended included the Ku-band antenna in the payload bay that was deployed; however, resulted in the dish antenna command and actual telemetry not corresponding. Also, the orbiter cabin Flash Evaporator System iced up, raising crew cabin temperature to the mid-80s.
STS 27 (Atlantis)
Dates: December 2nd- December 6th
Crew: Robert L. Gibson, Guy S. Gardner Mission Specialists Richard Mullane, Jerry L. Ross and William M. Shepherd
Miles Travelled: 1.8 million
Mission Purpose: After a lift off delay rgis was the third mission dedicated to the Department of Defense.(details classified)
1989 MISSIONS
STS 29 (Discovery)
Dates: March 13th -March 18th 1989
Crew:Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, Mission Specialists James P. Bagian, James F. Buchli and Robert C. Springer.
Miles Travelled: 2 Million
MissionPurpose:The main payload was the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-4 (TDRS-4) which was the third TDRS to be deployed. After deployment, the IUS propelled the satellite to a geosynchronous orbit. Secondary payloads: Orbiter Experiments Autonomous Supporting Instrumentation System-1 (OASIS-1); Space Station Heat Pipe Advanced Radiator Experiment (SHARE); Protein Crystal Growth (PCG); Chromosomes and Plant Cell Division (CHROMEX); There were two Shuttle Student Involvement Program (SSIP) experiments; and Air Force experiment using orbiter as calibration target for ground-based experiment for Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) in Hawaii. The Crew on a more lighter requirement also photographed Earth with a hand-held IMAX camera.
STS 30 (Atlantis)
Dates:May4th -May 8th 1989
Crew: David M. Walker, Ronald J. Grabe, Mission Specialists Norman E. Thagard, Mary L. Cleave and Mark C. Lee.
Miles Travelled: 1.7 million
Mission Purpose:The primary payload was , a Magellan/Venus radar mapper spacecraft and attached Inertial Upper Stage (IUS). This was deployed soon after six hours, 14 minutes into flight. The IUS first and second stage fired as planned, boosting the Magellan spacecraft on a proper trajectory for a 15-month journey to Venus. Secondary payloads were includedMesoscale Lightning Experiment (MLE), microgravity research with Fluids Experiment Apparatus (FEA), and Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) experiment. During the mission one of five General Purpose Computers (GPC) failed but was replaced with a sixth onboard hardware spare. This is the first time a GPC was switched on orbit.
STS 28 (Columbia)
Dates: August 8th -August 13th 1989
Crew: Brewster H. Shaw Jnr., Richard N. Richards, Mission Specialists James C. Adamson, David C. Leestma and Mark N. Brown
Miles Travelled: 2.1 million
Mission Purpose: This was the fourth mission dedicated to the Department of Defense,(details classified)
STS 34 (Atlantis
Dates: October 18th -October 23rd 1989
Crew:Donald E. Williams, Michael J. McCulley, Mission Specialists Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, Shannon W. Lucid and Ellen S. Baker.
Miles Travelled: 2 million
Mission Purpose:The primary payload was the Galileo/Jupiter spacecraft and attached Inertial Upper Stage (IUS), was deployed six hours, 30 minutes into the flight. Galileo was sent on a trajectory for a six-year trip to Jupiter via gravitational boosts from Venus and Earth and possible observational brushes with asteroids Gaspra and Ida. Secondary payloads included Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SSBUV) experiment carried in cargo bay, and in crew cabin, Growth Hormone Crystal Distribution (GHCD); Polymer Morphology (PM), Sensor Technology Experiment (STEX); Mesoscale Lightning Experiment (MLE); IMAX camera; A Shuttle Student Involvement Program (SSIP) experiment that investigated ice crystal formation in zero gravity was carried out along a ground-based Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) experiment.
STS 33 (Discovery)
Dates: November 22nd- November 27th 1989
Miles Travelled:2.1 million
Mission Purpose: This became the ffth mission flown for the Department of Defense. (details classified)
1990 MISSIONS
STS 32 (Columbia)
Dates: January 9th- January 20th 1990
Crew:Daniel C. Brandenstein, James D. Wetherbee, Mission Specialists Bonnie J. Dunbar, G. David Low and Marsha S. Ivins.
Miles Travelled: 4.5 million
Mission Purpose: The deployment of SYNCOM IV-F5 defense communications satellite and retrieval of NASA’s Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). SYNCOM IV-F5 (also known as LEASAT 5) deployed first, and third stage Minuteman solid perigee kick motor propelled the satellite to geosynchronous orbit.
STS 36 (Atlantis)
Dates: February 28th - March 4th 1990
Crew: John O. Creighton, Pilot John H. Casper, Mission Specialists Richard M. Mullane, David C. Hilmers and Pierre J. Thuot.
Miles Travelled: 1.9 million
Mission Purpose: Eventually launch took place after bad weather delays and this became the sixth mission dedicated to the Department of Defense. (details classified)
STS 31 (Discovery)
Dates: April 24th -April 29th 1990
Crew: Loren J. Shriver, Charles F. Bolden, Jr., Mission Specialists Steven A. Hawley, Bruce McCandless II and Kathryn D. Sullivan.
Miles Travelled: 2.1 million
Mission Purpose:The primary payload, Hubble Space Telescope,( named after Edwin Hubble the famous American Astronomer).This was deployed in a 380-statute-mile orbit. Other payloads included IMAX Cargo Bay Camera (ICBC) to document operations outside crew cabin and hand-held IMAX camera for use inside crew cabin; Ascent Particle Monitor (APM) to detect particulate matter in payload bay; Protein Crystal Growth (PCG) to provide data on growing protein crystals in microgravity; Radiation Monitoring Equipment III (RME III) to measure gamma ray levels in crew cabin; Investigations into Polymer Membrane Processing (IPMP) to determine porosity control in microgravity environment.
STS 41 (Discovery)
Dates: October 6th-October 10th 1990
Crew: Richard N. Richards, Robert D. Cabana, Mission Specialists William M. Shepherd, Bruce E. Melnick and Thomas D. Akers.
Miles Travelled: 1.7 milion
Mission Purpose: The main purpose of this mission was the deployment of ESA-built Ulysses spacecraft to explore polar regions of Sun. . Two upper stages, Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) and a mission-specific Payload Assist Module-S (PAM-S), combined together for first time to send Ulysses toward out-of-ecliptic trajectory. Other payloads and experiments: Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SSBUV) experiment; INTELSAT Solar Array Coupon (ISAC); Chromosome and Plant Cell Division Experiment (CHROMEX); Voice Command System (VCS); Solid Surface Combustion Experiment (SSCE), Investigations into Polymer Membrane Processing (IPMP); Physiological Systems Experiment (PSE); Radiation Monitoring Experiment III (RME III); Shuttle Student Involvement Program (SSIP) and Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) experiment.
STS 38 (Atlantis)
Dates: November 15th -November 20th 1990
Crew: Richard O. Covey, Frank L. Culbertson Jr., Mission Specialists Robert C. Springer, Carl J. Meade and Charles D. Gemar
Miles Travelled:
Mission Purpose: After several technical delays STS 38 eventually took off for the seventh mission dedicated to Department of Defense.(details classified)
STS 35 (Columbia)
Dates: December 2nd - December 10th 1990
Crew: Vance D. Brand, Guy S. Gardner, Mission Specialists Jeffrey A. Hoffman, John M. Lounge, Robert A. Parker and Payload Specialists Samuel T. Durrance and Ronald A. Parise.
Miles Travelled: 3.7 million
Mission Purpose: Not the easiest and smoothest of missions. NASA descibe the mission as follows: The main objectives were round-the-clock observations of celestial sphere in ultraviolet and x-ray astronomy with ASTRO-1 observatory consisting of four telescopes: Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT); Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE); Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT); and Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT). Ultraviolet telescopes mounted on Spacelab elements in cargo bay were to be operated in shifts by flight crew. Loss of both data display units (used for pointing telescopes and operating experiments) during mission impacted crew-aiming procedures and forced ground teams at Marshall Space Flight Center to aim ultraviolet telescopes with fine-tuning by flight crew. BBXRT, also mounted in cargo bay, was directed from outset by ground-based operators at Goddard Space Flight Center and not affected. Other experiments: Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment-2 (SAREX-2); ground-based experiment to calibrate electro-optical sensors at Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) in Hawaii; and crew conducted Space Classroom Program: Assignment: The Stars, to spark student interest in science, math and technology. Crew experienced trouble dumping waste water due to clogged drain, but managed using spare containers. Mission cut short one day due to impending bad weather at primary landing site, Edwards Air Force Base, CA. Science teams at Marshall and Goddard Space Flight Centers estimated 70 percent of planned science data achieved.
1991 MISSIONS
STS 37 (Atlantis)
Dates: April 5th - April 11th 1991
Crew:Steven R. Nagel, Kenneth D. Cameron, Mission Specialists Jerry L. Ross, Jay Apt and Linda M. Godwin
Miles Travelled:2.5 million
Mission Purpose:The Mission payload included Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO), of which was deployed on flight day three. The GRO high-gain antenna failed to deploy on command; however it was finally set free and manually deployed by Ross and Apt, this was achieved by an unscheduled space walk, the first for 6 years since. The following day, two astronauts performed the first scheduled space walk for 6 years this was to test means for astronauts to move themselves and equipment about while maintaining planned Space Station Freedom. The GRO science instruments were Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE), Imaging Compton Telescope (COMPTEL), Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) and Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment (OSSEE). Non main payloads included Crew and Equipment Translation Aids (CETA), which also involved scheduled space walk for a duration of 6 hours by astronauts Ross and Apt (see above).
STS 39 (Discovery)
Dates:April 28th- May 6th 1991
Crew: Michael L. Coats, L. Blaine Hammond, Mission Specialists Guion S. Bluford Jr., Gregory J. Harbaugh, Richard J. Hieb, Donald R. McMonagle, and Charles L. Veach.
Miles Travelled: 3.5 million
Mission Purpose: Yet another Department of Defense mission, there was however an unclassified payload included Air Force Program-675 (AFP675); Infrared Background Signature Survey (IBSS) with Critical Ionization Velocity (CIV), Chemical Release Observation (CRO) and Shuttle Pallet Satellite-II (SPAS-II) experiments. Classified payload consisted of Multi-Purpose Release Canister (MPEC). Carried on board was Radiation Monitoring Equipment III (RME III) and Cloud Logic to Optimize Use of Defense Systems-IA (CLOUDS-I).
STS 40 (Columbia)
Dates: June 5th -June 14th 1991
Crew:Commander Bryan D. O’Connor, Pilot Sidney M. Gutierrez, Mission Specialists James P. Bagian, Tamara E. Jernigan, M. Rhea Seddon, F. Drew Gaffney and Millie Hughes-Fulford
Miles Travelled: 3.8 million
Mission Purpose: This was the fifth Spacelab mission, Spacelab Life Sciences-1, and first mission which was solely to life sciences, using the habitable module. The mission featured the most detailed and interrelated physiological measurements in space since 1973-1974 Skylab missions. Subjects used for tests were humans, 30 rodents and thousands of tiny jellyfish. Primarily the SLS-1 experiments studied six body systems and 18 investigations of which ten involved humans, seven involved rodents, and one used jellyfish. The six body systems which were investigated were cardiovascular/cardiopulmonary (heart, lungs and blood vessels); renal/endocrine (kidneys and hormone-secreting organs and glands); blood (blood plasma); immune system (white blood cells); musculoskeletal (muscles and bones); and neurovestibular (brains and nerves, eyes and inner ear). There were other payloads on this very full mission which included twelve Get Away Special (GAS) canisters installed on the GAS bridge in the cargo bay for experiments in materials science, plant biology and cosmic radiation.
STS 43 (Atlantis)
Dates:August 2nd -August 11th 1991
Crew: John E. Blaha, Michael E. Baker, Mission Specialists Shannon W. Lucid, James C. Adamson and G. David Low
Miles Travelled: 3.7 million
Mission Purpose: The main payload which was Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-5 (TDRS-5) was attached to an inertial Upper Stage (IUS), and deployed about six hours into flight, the IUS propelled the satellite into geosynchronous orbit. Secondary payloads were Space Station Heat Pipe Advanced Radiator Element II (SHARE II); Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultra-Violet (SSBUV) instrument; Tank Pressure Control Equipment (TPCE) and Optical Communications Through Windows (OCTW). Other experiments included Auroral Photography Experiment (APE-B) Protein Crystal Growth Ill (PCG Ill); Bioserve / Instrumentation Technology Associates Materials Dispersion Apparatus (BIMDA); Investigations Into Polymer Membrane Processing (IPMP); Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS); Solid Surface Combustion Experiment (SSCE); Ultraviolet Plume imager (UVPI); and the Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) experiment.
STS 48 (Discovery)
Dates September 12th -September 18th
Crew:John O. Creighton, Kenneth S. Reightler, Mission Specialists Mark N. Brown, Charles D. Gemar and James F. Buchli
Miles Travelled: 2.2 million
Mission Purpose:The main payload was the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) This was deployed on the third day of the mission. During its planned 18-month mission, the 14,500-pound observatory was designed to make the most extensive study ever conducted of the Earth’s troposphere, the upper level of the planet’s envelope of life sustaining gases which also include the protective ozone layer. UARS has ten sensing and measuring devices these are Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES); Improved Stratospheric and Mesospheric Sounder (ISAMS); Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS); Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE); High Resolution Doppler Imager (HRDI); Wind Imaging Interferometer (WlNDII); Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SUSIM); Solar/Stellar Irradiance Comparison Experiment (SOLSTICE); Particle Environment Monitor (PEM) and Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor (ACRIM II).
STS 44 (Atlantis)
Dates:November 24th - December 1st 1991
Crew: Frederick D. Gregory, Terence T. Henricks, Mission Specialists Mario Runco, Jr. James S. Voss, F. Story Musgrave and Thomas J. Hennen.
Miles Travelled 2.9 million
Mission Purpose: This was dedicated Department of Defense mission which included a Defense Support Program (DSP) satellite and attached Inertial Upper Stage (IUS), which were deployed on flight day one. Cargo bay and middeck payloads included: Interim Operational Contamination Monitor (IOCM); Terra Scout; Military Man in Space (M88-1); Air Force Maui Optical System (AMOS); Cosmic Radiation Effects and Activation Monitor (CREAM); Shuttle Activation Monitor (SAM); Radiation Monitoring Equipment III (RME III); Visual Function Tester-1 (VFT-1); Ultraviolet Plume Instrument (UVPI). Bioreactor Flow and Particle Trajectory experiment; and Extended Duration Orbiter Medical Project, a series of investigations in support of Extended Duration Orbiter. A very full mission.
1992 MISSIONS
STS 42 (Discovery)
Dates:January 22nd-January 30th 1992
Crew:Ronald J. Grabe, Stephen S. Oswald, Mission Specialists Norman E. Thagard, David C. Hilmers, William F. Readdy and Payload Specialists Roberta L. Bondar and Ulf D. Merbold
Miles Travelled: 2.9
Mission Purpose: The main payload was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1) which was making its first flight and using the pressurized Spacelab module. There was an International crew divided into two teams for around-the-clock research on the human nervous system’s adaptation to low gravity and the effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Other experiments included conducted, including crystal growth from variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide and a virus. On flight day six, mission managers concluded enough onboard consumables remained to extend the mission one day to continue science experiments. Secondary payloads included a a variety of U.S. and international experiments.
STS: 45 (Atlantis)
Dates: March 24th -April 2nd 1992
Crew: Charles F. Bolden Jr. Brian Duffy, Mission Specialists Kathryn D. Sullivan, David C. Leestma, C. Michael Foale and Payload Specialists Byron K. Lichtenberg and Dirk D. Frimout
Miles Travelled: 3.2 million
Mission Purpose:This mission carried the first Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS-1) on Spacelab pallets mounted in the orbiter’s cargo bay. There was a non-deployable payload, which ha 12 instruments from the U.S., France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Japan. Purpose was to conduct studies in atmospheric chemistry, solar radiation, space plasma physics and ultraviolet astronomy. ATLAS-1 instruments were: Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS); Grille Spectrometer; Millimeter Wave Atmospheric Sounder (MAS); Imaging Spectrometric Observatory (ISO); Atmospheric Lyman-Alpha Emissions (ALAE); Atmospheric Emissions Photometric Imager (AEPI); Space Experiments with Particle Accelerators (SEPAC); Active Cavity Radiometer (ACR); Measurement of Solar Constant (SOLCON); Solar Spectrum (SOLSPEC); Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SUSIM); and Far Ultraviolet Space Telescope (FAUST).
STS:49 (Endevour)
Dates:May 7th-May 16th 1992
Crew:Daniel C. Brandenstein, Kevin P. Chilton, Mission Specialists Pierre J. Thuot, Kathryn C. Thornton, Richard J. Hieb, Thomas D. Akers and Bruce E. Melnick.
Miles Travelled:3.7 million
Mission Purpose: A very full mission , NASA describe it as follows:The INTELSAT VI (F-3) satellite, stranded in an unusable orbit since its launch aboard a Titan vehicle in March 1990, was captured by crew members during an EVA (extravehicular activity) and equipped with a new perigee kick motor. The satellite was subsequently released into orbit and the new motor fired to put the spacecraft into a geosynchronous orbit for operational use.
The capture required three EVAs: a planned one by astronaut Pierre J. Thuot and Richard J. Hieb who were unable to attach a capture bar to the satellite from a position on the RMS; a second unscheduled but identical attempt the following day; and finally an unscheduled but successful hand capture by Pierre J. Thuot and fellow crewmen Richard J. Hieb and Thomas D. Akers as Commander Daniel C. Brandenstein delicately maneuvered the orbiter to within a few feet of the 4.5 ton communications satellite. An ASEM structure was erected in the cargo bay by the crew to serve as a platform to aid in the hand capture and subsequent attachment of the capture bar.
A planned EVA also was performed by astronauts Kathryn C. Thornton and Thomas D. Akers as part of the Assembly of Station by EVA Methods (ASEM) experiment to demonstrate and verify maintenance and assembly capabilities for Space Station Freedom. The ASEM space walk, originally scheduled for two successive days, was cut to one day because of the lengthy INTELSAT retrieval operation.
Other “payloads of opportunity” experiments conducted included: Commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG), Ultraviolet Plume Imager (UVPI) and the Air Force Maui Optical Station (AMOS) investigation. The mission was extended two days to complete all of the objectives.
The following records were set during the STS-49 mission:
First EVA involving three astronauts.
First and second longest EVA to date: 8 hours and 29 minutes and 7 hours and 45 minutes.
First shuttle mission to feature four EVAs.
EVA time for a single shuttle mission: 25 hours and 27 minutes, or 59:23 person hours.
First shuttle mission requiring three rendezvous with an orbiting spacecraft.
First attachment of a live rocket motor to an orbiting satellite.
First use of a-drag chute during a shuttle landing.
STS 50 (Columbia)
Dates: June 25th-July 9th 1992
Crew: Richard N. Richards, Kenneth D. Bowersox, Mission Specialists Bonnie J. Dunbar, Ellen S. Baker, Carl J. Meade and Payload Specialists Lawrence J. DeLucas and Eugene H. Trinh.
MilesTravelled: 5.8 million
Mission Purpose: The primary payload was the United States Microgravity Laboratory-I (USML-1), a manned Spacelab module with a connecting tunnel to the orbiter crew compartment.A long mission lasting 13 days the first Extended Duration Orbiter flight and of course the longest space shuttle mission to date, also provided new information on the effects of long-term human stay in space.The Experiments which were carried out were: Crystal Growth Furnace (CGF), Drop Physics Module (DPM), Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE), Zeolite Crystal Growth (ZCG), Protein Crystal Growth (PCG), Glovebox Facility (GBX), Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS), Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (GBA), Astroculture-1 (ASC), Extended Duration Orbiter Medical Project (EDOMP), and Solid Surface Combustion Experiment (SSCE). Further experiments included Investigation in Polymer Membrane Processing (IPMP), Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment II (SAREX-II), and Ultraviolet Plume Instrument (UVPI).
STS 46 (Atlantis)
Dates: July 31st - August 8th 1992
Crew:Loren J. Shriver, Andrew M. Allen, Mission Specialists Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, Claude Nicollier, Marsha S. Ivins and Payload Specialist Franco Malerba
Miles Travelled: 3.3 million
Mission Purpose:The main objective for this mission was to deploy the European Space Agency’s European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA) which consisted of a joint operation oby NASA/Italian Space Agency Tethered Satellite System (TSS). The mission was extended one day to complete the science objectives. After deployment, the spacecraft’s thrusters were fired to boost EURECA to its planned operating altitude of about 310 statute miles (499 kilometers). After an intial data problem which was resolved resolved EURECA was boosted to operational orbit on the sixth day of the mission. The payload was to be retrieved on STS-57 in 1993. Secondary payloads were: Evaluation of Oxygen Integration with Materials/Thermal Management Processes (EOIM-III/TEMP 2A-3); Consortium for Materials Development in Space Complex Autonomous Payload (CONCAP II and CONCAP III); IMAX Cargo Bay Camera (ICBC); Limited Duration Space Environment Candidate Materials Exposure (LDCE); Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS); Pituitary Growth Hormone Cell Function (PHCF); and Ultraviolet Plume In
STS 47 (Endevour)
Dates: September 12th-September 20th 1992
Crew:Robert L. Gibson, Curtis L. Brown., Mission Specialists Mark C. Lee, N. Jan Davis, Jay Apt, Mae C. Jemison and Payload Specialist Mamoru Mohri
Miles Travelled:3.3 million
Mission Purpose: This was a Spacelab-J — a joint NASA and National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) mission utilising a manned Spacelab module — conducted microgravity investigations in materials and life sciences. The crew, consisting of the first Japanese astronaut to fly aboard the shuttle, the first African-American woman to fly in space and the first married couple to fly on the same space mission, They were divided into red and blue teams for around the clock operations. Spacelab-J was very busy and included 24 materials science and 20 life sciences experiments.
Materials science investigations covered such fields as biotechnology, electronic materials, fluid dynamics and transport phenomena, glasses and ceramics, metals and alloys, and acceleration measurements. Life sciences included experiments on human health, cell separation and biology, developmental biology, animal and human physiology and behavior, space radiation, and biological rhythms. Test subjects included the crew, Japanese koi fish (carp), cultured animal and plant cells, chicken embryos, fruit flies, fungi and plant seeds, and frogs and frog eggs.
STS 52 (Columbia)
Dates:October 22nd-November 1st 1992
Crew: James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Michael A. Baker, Mission Specialists Charles L. Veach, William M. Shepherd, Tamara E. Jernigan and Payload Specialist Steven A. MacLean
Miles Travelled: 4.1 million
Mission Purpose:The primary mission objectives were the deployment of the Laser Geodynamic Satellite II (LAGEOS-II) and operation of the U.S. Microgravity Payload-1 (USMP-1). LAGEOS-II, a joint effort between NASA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), was deployed on day two and boosted into an initial elliptical orbit by ASI’s Italian Research Interim Stage (IRIS).
STS 53
Dates: December 2nd-December 9th 1992
Crew: David M. Walker, Pilot Robert D. Cabana, Mission Specialists Guion S. Bluford, JR, James S. Voss and Michael R. Clifford.
Miles Travelled:
Mission Purpose: This was classified Department of Defense primary payload, plus two unclassified secondary payloads and nine unclassified middeck experiments.
Secondary payloads contained in or attached to Get Away Special (GAS) hardware in the cargo bay included the Orbital Debris Radar Calibration Spheres (ODERACS) the combined Shuttle Glow Experiment/Cryogenic Heat Pipe Experiment (GCP).
Middeck experiments included Microcapsules in Space (MIS-l); Space Tissue Loss (STL); Visual Function Tester (VFT-2); Cosmic Radiation Effects and Activation Monitor (CREAM); Radiation Monitoring Equipment (RME-III); Fluid Acquisition and Resupply Experiment (FARE); Hand-held, Earth-oriented, Real-time, Cooperative, User-friendly, Location-targeting and Environmental System (HERCULES); Battlefield Laser Acquisition Sensor Test (BLAST); and the Cloud Logic to Optimize Use of Defense Systems (CLOUDS).
1993 MISSIONS
STS 54 (Endevour)
Dates: January 13th - January 19th 1993
Crew: John H. Casper, Donald R. McMonagle, Mission Specialists Mario Runco, Jr., Gregory J. Harbaugh and Susan J. Helms.
Miles Travelled:
Mission Purpose: Payload this mission was the fifth Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-F) which was deployed on day one of the mission. It was later successfully transferred to its proper orbit by the Inertial Upper Stage booster.
Crew also carried into orbit in the the payload bay a Hitchhiker experiment called the Diffuse X-ray Spectrometer (DXS). This instrument collected data on X-ray radiation from diffuse sources in deep space.
Other payloads to test the effects of microgravity included the Commercial General Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGPA) for-life sciences research; the Chromosome and Plant Cell Division in Space Experiment (CHROMEX) to-study plant growth; the Physiological and Anatomical Rodent Experiment (PARE) to examine the skeletal system and the adaptation of bone to space flight;, On day five, mission specialists Mario Runco and Greg Harbaugh spent nearly 5 hours in the open cargo bay performing a series of space-walking tasks . These were designed to increase NASA’s knowledge of working in space. They tested their abilities to move about freely in the cargo bay, climb into foot restraints without using their hands and simulated carrying large objects in the microgravity environment.
STS 56 (Discovery)
Dates: April 8th -April 17th 1993
Crew: Kenneth D. Cameron, Stephen S. Oswald, Mission Specialists C. Michael Foale, Kenneth D. Cockrell and Ellen Ochoa
Miles Travelled:3.9 million
Mission Purpose:The primary payload of the flight was the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science-2 (ATLAS-2), this was designed to collect data on relationship between sun’s energy output and Earth’s middle atmosphere and how these factors affect ozone layer. The mission Included six instruments mounted on Spacelab pallet in cargo bay, with seventh mounted on wall of bay in two Get Away Special canisters. Technical equipment on board included Atmospheric instruments, Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) experiment; Millimeter Wave Atmospheric Sounder (MAS); and Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet/A (SSBUV/A) .
STS: 55 (Columbia)
Dates|:April 26th -May 6th 1993
Crew: Steven R. Nagel, Terence T. Henricks, Mission Specialists Jerry L. Ross, Charles J. Precourt, Bernard A. Harris, Jr. and Payload Specialists Ulrich Walter and Hans Schlegel.
Miles Travelled: 4.2 million
Mission Purpose: This was the second Spacelab flight under German mission management; around-the-clock operations performed by crew, divided into two teams. A large number of experiments (88) were carried out, covering materials and life sciences, technology applications, Earth observations, astronomy and atmospheric physics. Material science investigations were: Material Science Experiment Double Rack for Experiment Modules and Apparatus (MEDEA); Werkstofflabor (WL); Holographic Optics Laboratory (HOLOP); and on Unique Support Structure (USS) located aft of D-2 in cargo bay, Material Science Autonomous Payload (MAUS), and Atomic Oxygen Exposure Tray (AOET). Also located on USS, Radiation Detectors (RD) experiments. One crystal growth experiment yielded 0.78-inch (20-mm) crystal of gallium arsenide, largest produced in space to date. The advanced mini-diagnostic laboratory, allowed most comprehensive medical screening to date of human adaptation to weightlessness. Astronaut Harris who was a medical doctor, set up first I.V. (intravenous) line in space, injecting Schlegel with saline as part of study to replace body fluids lost during adaptation to weightlessness. Other payload crew members also participated.
There were also tests with Robotics Experiment (ROTEX), an advanced robotic assembly provided by Germany, were highly successful. ROTEX robotic arm performed first by capturing free-floating object in space via remote control from Earth. . Five crew members communicated with school children worldwide through Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX); Nagel also made contact with Russian cosmonauts aboard the Mir space station. Communications with Columbia was lost for about an hour and a half on May 4 due to errant command from Mission Control in Houston. On May 2, mission managers determined enough electrical power remained to extend the flight by one day.
STS 57 (Endevour)
Dates: June 21st -July 1st 1993
Crew: Frank L. Culbertson Jr. William F. Readdy Mission Specialists James H. Newman, Daniel W. Bursch and Carl E. Walz
Miles Travelled:4.1 million
Mission Purpose: This flight marked the first flight of the commercially-developed SPACEHAB which was a pressurized laboratory designed to more than double pressurized workspace for crew-tended experiments. There were a total of 22 experiments covering materials and life sciences, and wastewater recycling experiment for space station.
On June 24 at 12:36 p.m. the crew captured and stowed the approximately 9,424-pound (4,275-kilogram) European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA) deployed on Mission ST. Astronauts Low and Wisoff spent the beginning of the scheduled extravehicular activity (EVA) manually folding the antennas. Further EVA work was spent on planned tasks and this was the second in a series of generic EVAs this year. Another highlight happened on June 22 when, all six crew members talked with US President Clinton.
There were other cargo bay payloads on board including get Away Special (GAS) bridge assembly holding one ballast can and 11 GAS can payloads, including Complex Autonomous Payload called Consortium for Materials Development in Space-IV (CONCAP-IV) and CAN DO experiment designed by Charleston, South Carolina school district; also Super Fluid Helium On Orbit Transfer (SHOOT) experiment to investigate resupply of liquid helium containers in space.
STS 51 (Endevour)
Dates:September 12th -September 22nd 1993
Crew: Frank L. Culbertson Jr. William F. Readdy Mission Specialists James H. Newman, Daniel W. Bursch and Carl E. Walz
Miles Travelled: 4.1 million
Mission Purpose: There were two, Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS), deployed on flight day one. About 45 minutes after ACTS deploy, attached Transfer Orbit Stage (TOS) booster - flying on the shuttle for the first time fired to propel pioneering communications technology spacecraft to geosynchronous transfer orbit. Day two, saw the crew deploy second primary payload, this was the Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrograph-Shuttle Pallet Satellite (OERFEUS- SPAS). This was the first in series of ASTRO-SPAS astronomical missions. Filming carried out shot extensive footage of Orbiter by an IMAX camera mounted on SPAS. Joint German-U.S. astrophysics payload was controlled via SPAS Payload Operations Control Center (SPOC) at KSC, becoming first shuttle payload to be managed from Florida. .
Mission Specialists Newman and Walz performed a lengthy extravehicular activity (EVA) lasting seven hours, five minutes and 28 seconds. Final in series of generic space walks begun earlier in year. Preparation and evaluation for the future Hubble telescope lead to Astronauts evaluating tools, tethers and foot restraint platforms.
Other cargo bay payloads: Limited Duration Space Environment Candidate Material Exposure (LDCE). Middeck payloads: IMAX 70 mm camera; Commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG) Block II; Chromosome and Plant Cell Division in Space (CHROMEX-04); High Resolution Shuttle Glow Spectroscopy (HRSGS-A); Aurora Photography Experiment (APE- B); Investigation into Polymer Membranes Processing (IPMP); and Radiation Monitoring Equipment III (RME III); Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) calibration test also performed.
STS 58 (Columbia)
Dates: October 18th - November 1st 1993
Crew: John E. Blaha, Richard A. Searfoss Mission Specialists M. Rhea Seddon, William S. McArthur Jnr David A. Wolf, Shannon W. Lucid and Payload Specialist Martin Fettman
Miles Travelled: 5.8 million
Mission Purpose:This was the Second dedicated Spacelab Life Sciences mission (SLS- 2) of which there were fourteen experiments conducted in four areas: regulatory physiology, cardiovascular/cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal and neuroscience. Eight of the experiments focused on crew; six on 48 rodents. The crew collected a mammoth 650 different samples from themselves and rodents, increasing statistical base for life sciences research. This combined data from SLS-1 and SLS-2 helped build comprehensive picture of how humans and animals adapted to weightlessness.
Cardiovascular investigations: Inflight Study of Cardiovascular Deconditioning; Cardiovascular Adaptation to Zero Gravity; Pulmonary Function during Weightlessness. Regulatory physiology investigations: Fluid Electrolyte Regulation during Space flight; Regulation of Blood Volume during Space flight; Regulation of Erythropoiesis in Rats during Space flight; Influence of Space flight on Erythrokinetics in Man. Musculoskeletal investigations: Protein Metabolism during Space flight; Effects of Zero Gravity on the Functional and Biochemical Properties of Antigravity Skeletal Muscle; Effects of Microgravity on the Electron Microscopy, Histochemistry and Protease Activities of Rat Hindlimb Muscles; Pathophysiology of Mineral Loss during Space flight; Bone, Calcium and Spaceflight. Neuroscience investigations: Study of the Effects of Space Travel on Mammalian Gravity Receptors; Vestibular Experiments in Spacelab.
There were six rodents that were killed and dissected during this mission, yielding first tissue samples collected in space and not altered by re-exposure to Earth’s gravity.
Other experiments: Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment (OARE); Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX). Also performed: Pilot Inflight Landing Operations Trainer (PILOT), portable laptop computer simulator to allow pilot and commander to maintain proficiency for approach and landing during longer missions.
STS 61 (Endevour)
Dates: December 2nd-December 13th 1993
Crew: Richard O. Covey, Kenneth D. Bowersox, Payload Commander F. Story Musgrave and Mission Specialists Kathryn C. Thornton, Claude Nicollier, Jeffrey A. Hoffman and Tom Akers
Miles Travelled: 4.4 million
Mission Purpose:This was the last shuttle flight of 1993 which would prove to be one of most challenging and complex manned missions ever attempted. During a record five back-to-back space walks totaling 35 hours and 28 minutes, two teams of astronauts completed the first servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST).
On flight day four, first EVA team of Musgrave and Hoffman performed EVA #1, replacing two Rate Sensing Units (RSUs), each housing pair of gyroscopes; two Electronic Control Units which direct the RSUs; and eight electrical fuse plugs. RSUs. A Seven-hour, 54-minute space walk second longest in U.S. history to date, topped only by STS-49 EVA lasting eight hours, 29 minutes. During EVAs, Nicollier operated robot arm carrying one of two EVA crew members.
One of the main servicing goals was the installation of new solar arrays accomplished during EVA #2, performed on flight day five by Thornton and Akers and lasting six hours, 35 minutes. Timeline was re-worked to accommodate jettison of one of two original solar arrays, which could not be fully retracted due to kink in framework. Other solar array stowed in payload bay and replacement pair — set of modified spares — were installed without difficulty.
Further to everything else thast was accomplished there was a four-hour replacement of one of Hubble’s five scientific instruments, Wide Field/Planetary Camera (WF/PC), completed in about 40 minutes by Hoffman and Musgrave during EVA #3 on flight day six. WF/PC II is upgraded spare modified to compensate for flaw in HST primary mirror. Also, two new magnetometers installed at top of telescope during the six-hour, 48-minute EVA.
EVA 4 performed on flight day seven by Thornton and Akers. High-Speed Photometer, one of Hubble scientific instruments, removed and replaced with Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement (COSTAR) unit. Task took less time to complete than expected. COSTAR designed to redirect light to three of four remaining Hubble instruments to compensate for flaw in primary mirror of telescope. Thornton and Akers also installed co-processor to enhance memory and speed of Hubble computer. During six-hour, 50- minute EVA, Akers set new U.S. space-walking record of 29 hours, 39 minutes, topping Eugene Cernan’s 20-year-old record of 24 hours, 14 minutes. Thornton is leading U.S. female space walker with total of 21 hours, 10 minutes.
Final EVA performed by Hoffman and Musgrave on flight day eight. During seven-hour, 21-minute-long EVA #5, Hoffman and Musgrave replaced Solar Array Drive Electronics (SADE) unit and installed Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph Redundancy (GHRS) kit; also installed two protective covers over original magnetometers. After space walk completed, the new solar arrays and two high-gain antennas were deployed by STOCC. HST was also re-boosted to a slightly higher orbit of 321 nautical miles (595 kilometers) on flight day eight prior to the last EVA.
Hubble was redeployed on flight day nine. Release was delayed several hours to allow troubleshooting of erratic data telemetry from Hubble subsystems monitor; problem had occurred before and was not related to servicing. President Clinton and Vice President Gore congratulated crew, and Swiss minister of internal affairs called the following day to congratulate Nicollier.
1994 MISSIONS
STS 60 (Discovery)
Dates: February 3rd -February 11th 1994
Crew:Charles F. Bolden Jr., Kenneth F. Reightler and Mission Specialists N. Jan Davis, Ronald M. Sega, Franklin R. Chang-Diaz and Sergei K. Krikalev
Miles Travelled:3.4 million
Mission Purpose: This celebrated the first flight of Russian cosmonaut on U.S. space shuttle as first element in implementing Agreement on NASA/Russian Space Agency Cooperation in Human Space Flight. Also it was the second flight of SPACEHAB pressurized module and 100th Get Away Special payload to fly in space. Also on board was the Wake Shield Facility-1 (WSF-1), which was making its first appearence in a planned series of flights.
The SPACEHAB-2 was activated shortly after reaching orbit It was pretty bullky and took up up about one quarter of payload bay, the 1,100 cubic foot (31 cu.m.) module carried 12 experiments. Four of the experiments involved materials science topics, seven life sciences investigations, and a space dust collection experiment.
On flight day three, crew made first attempt to deploy WSF-1 using the usual remote manipulator system arm. WSF-1 is deployable/retrievable experiment platform designed to leave a vacuum wake in low earth orbit that is 10,000 times greater than achievable on Earth. The crew also conducted first NASA-Russian Space Agency joint in-flight medical and radiological investigations. Cosmonaut Krikalev communicated with amateur radio operators in Moscow using Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX) equipment and on Feb. 7, crew talked with President Clinton during latter’s tour of Mission Control in Houston.Feb. 9 saw Bolden and Krikalev talked with Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, calling from Mission Control in Moscow, so all in all a good public relations exercise with no apparent problems.
Crew also deployed two payloads from Get Away Special canisters mounted on GAS bridge assembly in payload bay: six Orbital Debris Radar Calibration Spheres (ODERACS) ranging in size from two to six inches (5-15 centimeters) to aid calibration of radar tracking systems worldwide, and University of Bremen’s BREMSAT, which measured conditions such as acceleration forces affecting satellite. There were other payload which included Capillary Pumped Loop Experiment (CAPL) mounted on top of GAS Bridge Assembly; three additional GAS experiments; and Auroral Photography Experiment.
STS 62 (Columbia)
Dates:March 4th - March 18th 1994
Crew: John H. Casper, Andrew M. Allen and Mission Specialists Pierre J. Thuot, Charles D. Gemar and Marsha S. Ivins.
Miles Travelled: 5.8 million
Mission Purpose: The main priorities to be dealt with were U.S. Microgravity Payload-2 (USMP- 2) and Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology-2 (OAST- 2). USMP-2 included five experiments investigating materials processing and crystal growth in microgravity. The OAST-2 contained six experiments focusing on space technology and spaceflight.They were activated by crew and operated by teams on the ground.
The Astronaut crew worked with experiments located both in middeck and payload bay. These experiments included Dexterous End Effector (DEE) which was a new magnetic end effector and grapple fixture design being tested for use on remote manipulator system arm, which is always in regular use on Shuittle missions. Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet/A (SSBUV/A) and Limited Duration Space Environment Candidate Material Exposure (LDCE), all in payload bay. In the Middeck bay experiments were the following : Advanced Protein Crystal Growth; Physiological Systems Experiment (PSE); Commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG); Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA); Middeck 0- Gravity Dynamics Experiment (MODE); Bioreactor Demonstration Systems (BDS); Auroral Photography Experiment (APE-B). Air Force Maui Optical Site Calibration Test (AMOS) which requires no onboard hardware.
Crew also conducted number of biomedical activities, this was to gain a better understanding and countering effects of prolonged spaceflight.
STS 59 (Endevour)
Dates: April 9th -April 20th 1994
Crew: Sidney M. Gutierrez, Kevin P. Chilton, Payload Commander Linda M. Godwin and Mission Specialists Jay Apt, Michael R. Clifford and Thomas D. Jones
Miles Travelled: 4.7 million
Mission Purpose: Here we see the payload flown was the Space Radar Laboratory (SRL-1), located in payload bay; activated by crew and operated by teams on ground as well.. SRL-1 included the Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C and the X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) and an atmospheric instrument called Measurement of Air Pollution from Satellites (MAPS). This was a multi country mission with German Space Agency (DARA) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) provided the X-SAR instrument. SIR-C/X-SAR covered approximately 38.5 million miles of the Earth, the equivalent of 20 percent of the planet. There were a staggering total of 400 sites that were imaged, including 19 primary observation sites (supersites) in Brazil, Michigan, North Carolina and Central Europe. A total of thirteen countries were represented in the project with a total of 49 principal investigators and more than 100 scientists, coordinated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).In total 133 hours of data were collected. The MAPS experiment measured the global distribution of carbon monoxide in the troposphere, or lower atmosphere. As is the norm on these missions Get-Away Special (GAS) experiments carried out. Overall a very busy mission with a large ground crew world-wide involved.
STS 65 (Columbia)
Dates:July 8th -July 23rd 1994
Crew:Robert D. Cabana, James D. Halsell, Jnr, Payload Commander Richard J. Hieb and Mission Specialists Carl E. Walz, Leroy Chiao and Donald A. Thomas and Payload Specialists Chiaki Naito-Mukai
Miles Travelled: 6.1 million
Mission Purpose: On this mission we see Payload Specialist Chiaki Mukai become the first Japanese woman to fly in space; she also set the record for the longest flight to date by a female astronaut.
STS-65 marked second flight of International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2), which carried more than twice the number of experiments and facilities as IML-1.The crew was split into two teams to perform 24 hour research. More than 80 experiments, representing more than 200 scientists from six space agencies, were located in Spacelab module in payload bay. Fifty of the experiments were life sciences, including bioprocessing, space biology, human physiology and radiation biology. IML-2 Biorack housed 19 experiments featuring chemicals and biological samples such as bacteria, mammalian and human cells, isolated tissues and eggs, sea urchin larvae, fruit flies and plant seedlings. It is interesting to note that NASA say over the course of a single mission, specimens can evolve through several stages of life cycles, allowing study of effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation on living tissues.
The German Space Agency (DARA) was involved and they provided the NIZEMI, a slow rotating centrifuge that allowed study of how organisms react to different gravity levels. The studies included jellyfish and plants. It was stated that for the first time, researchers were able to determine how organisms react to forces one-and-a-half times Earth’s gravity.
Nearly 30 experiments in materials processing were conducted with nine different types of science facilities. DARA provided the TEMPUS, flying for first time on IML-2, designed to allow study of solidification of materials from liquid state in a containerless environment. Solidification phenomena are of great interest to science and also used in many industrial processes. Science teams detected for first time a phase in a nickel-niobium sample that is masked by other forces on Earth. There were a large number (5,000) video images that were made of crystals grown during flight. This mission also further advanced the concept of telescience, where researchers on the ground can monitor in realtime experiments on board the orbiter. STS 65 set a new record of more than 25,000 payload commands issued from Spacelab Mission Operations Control at Huntsville, Ala, and the flight marked the first time liftoff and re-entry as experienced from the crew cabin were captured on videotape. The crew took time during mission to honor 25th anniversary of Apollo 11,(July 1969) noting it also featured a spacecraft named Columbia.
STS 64 (Discovery)
Dates:September 9th-Setember 20th 1994
Crew:Richard N. Richards, L. Blaine Hammond Jnr. Mission Specialists Jerry M. Linenger, Susan J. Helms, Carl J. Meade and Mark C. Lee
Miles Travelled: 4.5 million
Mission Purpose:STS-64 marked the very first flight of Lidar In-space Technology Experiment (LITE) and first untethered U.S. extravehicular activity (EVA) in 10 years. LITE payload employs lidar, which stands for light detection and ranging. This is a type of optical radar using laser pulses instead of radio waves to study Earth’s atmosphere. The first spaceflight of lidar was very successful as a technology test. The LITE instrument operated for 53 hours, yielding more than 43 hours of high-rate data. There were previously unseen views obtained of cloud structures, storm systems, dust clouds, pollutants, forest burning and surface reflectance. Named sites that were studied included atmosphere above northern Europe, Indonesia and the south Pacific, Russia and Africa. Sixty-five groups from 20 countries are making validation measurements with ground-based and aircraft instruments to verify LITE data. LITE science program is part of NASA’s Mission to Planet Earth.
Mission Specialists Lee and Meade performed the 28th EVA of the Space Shuttle Program on Sept. 16. A six-hour, 15- minute EVA saw them test new backpack called Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER), designed for use in the rare event a crew member becomes untethered while conducting an EVA. The fifth day into the the mission, the Shuttle Pointed Autonomous Research Tool for Astronomy-201 (SPARTAN-201) free flyer was released using Remote Manipulator System arm. This was making its second flight on the shuttle. SPARTAN-201 was designed to collect data about acceleration and velocity of solar wind and to measure aspects of sun’s corona. Other cargo bay payloads: Shuttle Plume Impingement Flight Experiment (SPIFEX), a 33-foot (10-meter) long instrumented extension for the shuttle robot arm. SPIFEX designed to collect data about orbiter Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters to aid understanding about potential effects of thruster plumes on large space structures, such as Mir space station or planned international space station.
A Robot Operated Processing System (ROMPS) was first U.S. robotics system operated in space and was mounted in two Get Away Special (GAS) canisters attached to cargo bay wall. Meanwhile middeck experiments included: Biological Research in Canister (BRIC) experiment to investigate effects of spa
STS 68 (Endevour)
Dates: September 30th -October 11th 1994
Crew: Michael A. Baker, Pilot Terrence W. Wilcutt, Payload Commander Thomas D. Jones, Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, Daniel W. Bursch and Peter J. K. Wisoff
Miles Travelled
Mission Highlights : This was the mission in 1994 for the Radar Laboratory (which first flew with STS-59 in April), part of NASA’s Mission to Planet Earth. The Flying SRL during different seasons allowed comparison of changes between first and second flights. SRL-2 and we saw that it was activated on flight day one. Further tests saw the ability of SRL-2 imaging radars, Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C (SIR-C) and X- band Synthetic Aperture Radar (X-SAR), this showed the difference between such human-induced phenomena as an oil spill in the ocean and naturally occurring film.
Mission 68 was used to study fires set in British Columbia, Canada, for forest management purposes. Special readings were taken with another SRL element, there was measurement of Air Pollution from satellites (MAPS), to gain better understanding of carbon monoxide emissions from burning forest. Also on board for the fourth time on the shuttle, MAPS is designed to measure global distribution of carbon monoxide.
Day six, mission extended one day by Mission Management Team agreed for the maneuvering capability of the orbiter to be demonstrated in the latter half of mission, when different data-gathering method was tried. One example saw Endeavour piloted to within 30 feet (nine meters) of where it was flown on first flight in April.which was pretty exact.The importance of this collected data is that it can be transcribed into detailed topographic images showing elevation and other features. Interferometric passes completed over central North America, Amazon forests of central Brazil, and volcanoes of Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. Such images, providing also information on the movements of Earth’s surface as small as fraction of an inch, which could be invaluable in detecting pre-eruptive changes in volcanoes and movements in fault lines before earthquakes.
There were other cargo bay payloads which were five Get Away Specials (GAS): two sponsored by university student groups, one by Swedish Space Corp., and two by U.S. Postal Service holding 500,000 commemorative stamps honoring 25th anniversary of Apollo 11.
Middeck payloads: These included commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG) to study dynamics of protein crystallization and also to obtain protein crystals large enough to allow structural analysis; Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC-01), flying for first time and holding gypsy moth eggs to determine how microgravity affects moth development; CHROMEX-05, fifth in series designed to examine effects of microgravity on physiological processes in plants. Previous CHROMEX flights have shown that plants grown in space may not produce seed embryos; CHROMEX-05 designed to show whether infertility is due to microgravity or another environmental factor.
STS 66 (Atlantis)
Dates: 3rd November -14th November 1994
Crew:Donald R. McMonagle, Pilot Curtis L. Brown Jnr., Payload Commander Ellen Ochoa, Mission Specialists Scott E. Parazynski, Joseph R. Tanner and Jean-Francois Clervoy
Miles travelled: 4.5 million
Mission Purpose: The last mission of 1994..This missions purpose was to collect data about sun’s energy output, chemical makeup of the Earth’s middle atmosphere, and how these factors affect global ozone levels. The were a total of even instruments on the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science-3 (ATLAS-3) . No other collection of space-based instruments provides same extensive range of atmospheric measurements. One other vital payload was the Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere-Shuttle Pallet Satellite (CRISTA-SPAS) this was furthering a joint NASA-German Space Agency (DARA) series of scientific missions.
The technicalities of Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor (ACRIM) was that it took extremely precise measurements of the sun’s total radiation for 30 orbits as calibration reference for sister instrument on Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) launched in 1991; There was also the measurement of the Solar Constant (SOLCON), provided by Belgium, and Solar Spectrum Measurement (SOLSPEC), French instrument, measured sun’s radiation as function of wavelength; and Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SUSIM), which during this mission achieved its highest precision solar ultraviolet radiation measurements in its 15-year lifetime. Millimeter Wave Atmospheric Sounder (MAS), collected nine hours of observations, measuring distribution of water vapor, chlorine monoxide and ozone at altitudes between 12 and 60 miles (20-100 kilometers), before computer malfunction halted instrument operations.
The CRISTA-SPAS was deployed on day two and flew at adistance of about 25-44 miles (40-70 kilometers) behind the shuttle, payload collected data for more than eight days and was then being retrieved and returned to cargo bay. CRISTA instrument gathered first global information about medium- and small- scale disturbances in trace gases in middle atmosphere, which could lead to better models of the atmosphere and Earth’s energy balance. Second CRISTA-SPAS instrument, the Middle Atmosphere High Resolution Spectrograph Investigation (MAHRSI) measured amounts of ozone-destroying hydroxyl and nitric oxide in the middle atmosphere and lower thermosphere from 24-72 miles (40-120 kilometers). MAHRSI yielded first complete global maps of hydroxyl in atmosphere.
1995 MISSIONS
STS 63 (Discovery)
Dates: February 3rd-February 11th 1995
Crew: James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Eileen M. Collins, Missions Specialists C. Michael Foale, Janice E. Voss, Bernard A. Harris Jnr and Vladimar G. Titov
Miles Travelled: 3 million
Mission Purpose: A very full mission this was the first shuttle flight of 1995 included several history: which were:
First flight of a female shuttle pilot and, as part of Phase I of International Space Station Program,
second flight of Russian cosmonaut on shuttle:
The first approach and flyaround by shuttle with Russian space station Mir.
Discovery after a few hiccups which were resolved by the crew it eventually picked up with Mir.
It need to be pointed out that initially there took place extensive negotiations and technical information exchanges between U.S. and Russian space teams before hook up with MIR. Titov, who lived on Mir for more than a year, communicated excitedly with three cosmonauts aboard space station: Mir 17 Commander Alexander Viktorenko; Flight Engineer Elena Kondakova; and Valery Polyakov, a physician who broke Titov’s record for extended time in space. SAID THESE WORDS “We are one. We are human,” Viktorenko responded. Wetherbee then backed away to 400 feet (122 meters) and performed one and a quarter-loop flyaround of Mir while station was filmed and photographed. The Mir crew reported no vibrations or solar array movement as result of the approach.
Deployed and activated on flight day one was SPACEHAB-3.which was making its third flight on the shuttle and carried 20 experiments as follows: 11 biotechnology experiments; three advanced materials development experiments; four technology demonstrations; and two pieces of supporting hardware measuring on-orbit accelerations. Improvements made to SPACEHAB system to reduce demand on crew time. There was also taking place a new video switch to lessen need for astronaut involvement in video operations, and experiment interface added to telemetry system to allow experiment investigator to link directly via computer with onboard experiment to receive data and monitor status. We are intoduced on board to Charlotte, Charlotte was an experimental robotic device used to reduce crew workload by taking over simple tasks such as changing experiment samples.
Taking place in MIR were plant growth experiments were Astroculture, flying for fourth time on shuttle. Objective of Astroculture is to validate performance of plant growth technologies in microgravity environment of space for application to a life support system in space. One of the pharmaceutical experiments, Immune, also has Earth applications. Exploiting known tendency of spaceflight to suppress immune system. The Immune experiment was used to discover the ability of a particular substance to prevent or reduce this suppression. This was very appropriate with the growing world-wide knoweledge of Aids and could include treatment of individuals suffering from such immunosuppressant diseases as AIDS.
Day two, crew deployed Orbital Debris Radar Calibration System-II (ODERACS-II) to help characterize orbital debris environment for objects smaller than 10 centimeters (about four inches) in diameter. Complement of six target objects of known dimensions and with limited orbital lifespans released into orbit and tracked by ground- based radars, allowing precise calibration of radars so they can more accurately track smaller pieces of space debris in low Earth orbit.
Also on flight day two, crew lifted with orbiter remote manipulator system arm the SPARTAN-204 from its support structure in payload bay. SPARTAN remained suspended on arm for observation of orbiter glow phenomenon and thruster jet firings. SPARTAN-204 later released from arm to complete about 40 hours of free-flight, during which time its Far Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph instrument studied celestial targets in the interstellar medium, the gas and dust which fills the space between the stars and which is the material from which new stars and planets are formed.
SPARTAN-204 also used EVA near end of flight. Astronauts Foale(UK) and Harris began EVA suspended at end of robot arm, away from payload bay, to test modifications to their spacesuits to keep spacewalkers warmer in extreme cold of space. The two astronauts were then scheduled to practice handling approximately 2,500-pound (1,134-kilogram) SPARTAN to rehearse space station assembly techniques, this lead however to the two astronauts reporting of extreme cold very — this portion of walk performed during a night pass — and mass handling curtailed. 29th shuttle spacewalk lasted 4 hours, 38 minutes. It is noted that AStronaut Harris on this mission became the first African-American to walk in space.
Other payloads: Along with ODERACS-II, Cryo System Experiment (CSE) and Shuttle Glow (GLO-2) paylods were mounted on Hitchhiker support assembly in cargo bay; an IMAX camera also located here. In middeck, Solid Surface Combustion Experiment (SSCE) flew for eighth time. Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) test requires no onboard hardware.
STS 67 (Endevour)
Dates: March 2nd -March 18th 1995
Crew:Stephen S. Oswald, Pilot William G. Gregory, Payload Commander Tamara E. Jernigan, Mission Specialist John M. Grunsfeld, Wendy B. Lawrence and Payload Specialists Ronald A. Parise, and Samuel T. Durrance
Miles Travelled: 6.9 million
Mission Purpose: This was a very long mission logging 6.9 million miles (11 million kilometers) and was the the longest shuttle flight to date, allowing sustained examination of the “hidden universe” of ultraviolet light. The main payload, was the Astro Observatory. Astro-2 was the second flight of three ultraviolet telescopes flown on Astro-1, mounted on Instrument Pointing System on Spacelab pallet in cargo bay. Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT), performs spectroscopy in far ultraviolet region of spectrum to identify physical processes and chemical composition of a celestial object.
The crew began activating Astro-2 only hours after liftoff for around-the-clock observations. Observational sequences planned on daily basis in two-orbit, or three-hour blocks, with one telescope assigned priority.The Astro-2 displayed the benefits of human interaction in on-orbit astronomy. Besides being able to position orbiter most advantageously for observations, crew members also could manually acquire observation target if desired.
It also explored a mammoth 23 different science programs which all were achieved. HUT complimenting the reknowned Hubble Space Telescope, completed more than 200 separate observations of more than 100 celestial objects. Investigators believed telescope collected enough data to meet its primary mission objective: detecting presence of intergalactic helium, telltale remnant of theoretical Big Bang explosion that began universe. HUT, in conjunction with Hubble telescope, took ultraviolet measurements of Jupiter’s aurora; also studied Jupiter’s moon Io, and Venusian and Martian atmospheres.
Very much an exploitory mission as UIT cameras imaged about two dozen large spiral galaxies for inclusion in atlas of such galaxies, and made first ultraviolet images of entire moon. Also studied rare, hot stars that are 100 times as hot as sun; elliptical galaxies and some of faintest galaxies in universe.
Though a few setbacks the WUPPE gave NASA a MUCH NEW data which enhanced the expanding database on ultraviolet spectropolarimetry. Targets for study of interstellar medium included dust clouds in Milky Way and nearby galaxy, Large Magellanic Cloud. WUPPE also studied several types of stars, including Wolf-Rayet and Be stars. Also able to capitalize on opportunity to study three recently exploding novae.
Interestingly as well we learn that STS-67 became first advertised shuttle mission connected to the Internet. Users of more than 200,000 computers from 59 countries logged on to Astro-2 home page at Marshall Space Flight Center; more than 2.4 million requests were recorded during mission, many answered by crew on-orbit. Other payloads: Two Get Away Special canisters located in payload bay held Australian-built Endeavour telescope; also built to study ultraviolet realm, it achieved one hundred percent of pre-mission objectives.
STS 71 (Atlantis)
Dates: June 27th -July 7th 1995
Crew: Robert L. Gibson, Pilot Charles J. Precourt, Mission Specialists Ellen S. Baker, Bonnie J. Dunbar, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Mir 19 Crew (upload) Anatoly Solovyev, Nikolai Budarin and Mir 18 Crew Norman E. Thagard, Vladimir Dezhurov and Gannady Strekalov
Miles Travelled: 4.1 million
Mission Purpose: On this mission there were a number of Shuttle firsts in human spaceflight:
100th U.S. human space launch conducted from the Cape; first U.S. space shuttle-
Russian Space Station Mir docking and joint on-orbit operations;
largest spacecraft ever in orbit; and first on-orbit changeout of shuttle crew.
After a successful docking with MIR Atlantis and Mir formed largest spacecraft ever in orbit, with a total mass of almost one-half million pounds (about 225 tons) orbiting some 218 nautical miles above the Earth. There was an initial and the Mir 18 crew officially transferred responsibility for station to Mir 19 crew, and two crews switched spacecraft.
For five days joint U.S.-Russian operations conducted, including biomedical investigations, and transfer of equipment to and from Mir. Fifteen separate biomedical and scientific investigations were carried out, these were done using Spacelab module installed in aft portion of Atlantis’ payload bay, and coompleted were seven different disciplines: cardiovascular and pulmonary functions; human metabolism; neuroscience; hygiene, sanitation and radiation; behavioral performance and biology; fundamental biology; and microgravity research. Mir 18 crew also wre used as test subjects for investigations. Three Mir 18 crew members also carried out intensive program of exercise and other measures to prepare for re-entry into gravity environment after more than three months in space.
There took place a large number of medical samples as well as disks and cassettes transferred to Atlantis from Mir, including more than 100 urine and saliva samples, about 30 blood samples, 20 surface samples, 12 air samples, several water samples and numerous breath samples taken from Mir 18 crew members. A broken orbiter Salyut-5 computer was moved and also transferred to Mir were more than 1,000 pounds of water generated by the orbiter for waste system flushing and electrolysis; specially designed spacewalking tools for use by the Mir 19 crew during a spacewalk to repair a jammed solar array on the Spektr module; and transfer of oxygen and nitrogen from the shuttle’s environmental control system to raise air pressure on the station, requested by Russians to improve Mir consumables margin.
July 4 STS 71 UNDOCKED following a farewell ceremony, then Astronaut Gibson compared separation sequence to a “cosmic” ballet: Prior to Mir-Atlantis undocking, Mir 19 crew temporarily abandoned station, flying away from it in their Soyuz spacecraft so they could record images of Atlantis and Mir separating. The returning crew of eight equaled largest crew (STS-61A, October 1985) in shuttle history. To ease their re-entry into gravity environment it was which lasted more than 100 days in space, Mir 18 crew members Thagard, Dezhurov and Strekalov lay positioned in custom-made recumbent seats installed prior to landing in orbiter middeck.Overall a busy unproblematic mission.
STS 70 (Discovery)
Dates:July 13th -July 22nd 1985
Crew: Terence T. Henricks, Pilot Kevin R. Kregel, Mission Specialists Nancy Jane Currie, Donald A. Thomas and Mary Ellen Weber
Miles Travelled: 3.7 million
Mission Purpose: The main objective of the mission accomplished when the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-G deployed from orbiter payload approximately six hours after liftoff. After about one hour after deployment, Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) booster attached to TDRS-G completed first of two scheduled burns. This was to ensure that TDRS-G reached a geosynchronous orbit. Once it completes on-orbit checkout, TDRS-G will become operational spare, completing existing TDRS network of advanced tracking and communications satellites.
five crew members completed various experiments. these were : Biological Research in Canister (BRIC) experiments study effects of microgravity on wide range of physiological processes in plants, insects and small invertebrate animals. BRIC-4 examined how hormone system and muscle formation of tobacco hornworm affected by microgravity; BRIC-5 tested whether cell division changes in daylily are due to microgravity or other causes. Also, Bioreactor Development System (BDS), composed of device developed at Johnson Space Center, used colon cancer cells to test bioreactor performance in microgravity; this experiment worked extremely well, yielding tissue cultures better than any seen previously.
There also took place a commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG) experiment featured Protein Crystallization Facility (PCF) on its eighth flight. Five of these flights have yielded space-grown protein crystals of superior X-ray quality. With human insulin crystals grown on SPACEHAB 1 and 2 missions this confirmed the most detailed analysis ever made of this protein, which is key medication used to treat diabetes, so important issues were regularly happening within the Shuttle purpose and vision.
Other experiments included the following :Space Tissue Loss-B (STL-B), studying effect of microgravity on embryogenesis; and Hand-Held, Earth-Oriented, Cooperative, Real-Time, User-Friendly, Location Targeting and Environmental System (HERCULES), a space-based geolocating system.This system features video camera and electronic still camera which logs locations on Earth and tag every frame with latitude and longitude to within three nautical miles Giving a success of 95% of planned photographic targets.
Carried out in the Midcourse area were Space Experiment (MSX) which required no onboard hardware; The military MSX satellite used Shuttle during mission as tracking and calibration target. The Military technical applications of Ship Tracks (MAST) required the onboard crew to photograph ship tracks as part of effort to determine how pollutants generated by ships modify reflective properties of clouds.
A window Experiment (WINDEX) was another military experiment designed is to gain understanding of chemistry and dynamics of low Earth orbit by collecting variety of data about such phenomena as shuttle thruster plumes, water dumps and atmospheric nightglow.
Further work required the Visual Function Tester which was designed to gain better understanding of whether astronauts’ vision is affected by microgravity. VFT-4 instrument measures eyesight at near- and close range to test theories on what happens to human eye in space. Astronauts since Gemini days in early ’60s have noticed that in space it takes longer to adjust and focus on near objects, and STS-70 crew confirmed this observation.
STS 69 (Endevour)
Dates: September 7th -September 18th 1995
Crew: David M. Walker, Pilot Kenneth D. Cockrell, Payload Commander James S. Voss , Mission Specialists James H. Newman and Michael L. Gernhardt
Miles Travelled: 4.5 million
Mission Purpose: Part of this mission saw time two different payloads that were retrieved and deployed during the same mission. There was an extravehicular activity to practice for International Space Station activities and to evaluate space suit design modifications.
With two primary payloads, Spartan 201-03, deployed on flight day two marked the third Spartan 201 mission in what would be a planned series of four. Main objective to achieve was to study outer atmosphere of sun and its transition into solar wind that constantly flows past Earth. The timing of Spartan 201-03 flight was that it coincides with the journey of the Ulysses spacecraft over the sun’s north polar region to expand range of data being collected about origins of solar wind. Spartan 201-03 also was configured featured two scientific instruments,. These were the Ultraviolet Coronal Spectrometer (UVCS) and the White Light Coronagraph (WLC). UVCS measured characteristics of light emitted by neutral hydrogen atoms in the solar corona, the outermost portion of the sun’s atmosphere from which the solar wind evolves.
There were doubts around the performance of the two instruments when Spartan was retrieved after about two days of data-gathering. As orbiter approached free-flying spacecraft, it was rotating slowly and located in a different attitude than expected for retrieval.
The other main payload, Wake Shield Facility-2 (WSF-2) deployed on flight day five and became first spacecraft to maneuver itself away from orbiter rather than other way around it achieved this by firing small cold gas nitrogen thruster to maneuver away from Endeavour. The WSF is a 12-foot- (3.7-meter) diameter stainless steel disk designed to generate an ultravacuum environment in space within which to grow thin films for next generation advanced electronics.
The WSF-2 unberthed and hung over side of Endeavour’s cargo bay one final time for Charging Hazards and Wake Studies (CHAWS) experiment, an Air Force-sponsored experiment to collect data on buildup of electrical fields around an orbiting space vehicle.
Flight day ten saw Voss and Gernhardt perform a six-hour, 46-minute spacewalk, completing final primary objective of STS-69. They had to evaluate thermal improvements made to their extravehicular activity suits and reported they remained comfortable, and also tested variety of tools and techniques that may be used in assembly of International Space Station.
Additional payloads: International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker (IEH-1), this measured and monitored long-term variations in magnitude of absolute extreme ultraviolet flux coming from sun; Solar Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker (SEH), to accurately measure solar flux in the extreme ultraviolet region of solar spectrum; and Consortium for Materials Development in Space Complex Autonomous Payload (CONCAP IV-3), third flight of an experiment that studies growth of organic nonlinear optical crystals and thin films.
Further other experiments in the cabin payloads included Space Tissue Loss/National Institutes of Health-Cells (STL-NIH-C); Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus-7 (CGBA); Biological Research in Canister (BRIC); Electrolysis Performance Improvement Concept Study (EPICS) and Commercial MDA ITA Experiments (CMIX-4).
STS-69 also was second flight of what is known as a “dog crew,” a flight crew that had its origins on STS-53, and saw both Walker and Voss flew. As the Dog Crew II, each STS-69 astronaut adopted a dogtag or nickname: Walker was Red Dog; Cockrell was Cujo; Voss, Dog Face; Newman, Pluto; and Gernhardt, Under Dog.
STS 73 (Columbia)
Dates: October 20th -November 5th 1995
Crew:Kenneth D. Bowersox, Pilot Kent V. Rominger, Payload Commander Kathryn C. Thornton, Mission Specialists Catherine G. Coleman, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria, Payload Specialists Fred W. Leslie,and Albert Sacco, Jr.
Miles Travelled: 6.6 million
Mission Purpose: A long mission over 16 days saw that it was the second flight of U.S. Microgravity Laboratory (USML) and built on foundation of its predecessor, which flew on Columbia during Mission STS-50 in 1992. payload.
Teams were divided with research conducted in five areas, these were :Fluid physics; materials science; biotechnology; combustion science; and commercial space processing. USML-2 activities were directed by NASA’s Spacelab Mission Operations Control facility at Marshall Space Flight Center.
Experiments went smoothly. part of which saw two samples that had never been observed on Earth, and researchers controlling experiment from the ground were able to pinpoint when fluid flows transitioned from stable to unstable. This research has relevance to experiments on Earth, in that unwanted fluid flows during melting and resolidifying can create defects in high-tech crystals, metals, alloys and ceramics.
On board for thefirst time was Fiber Supported Droplet Combustion experiment. With this there were more than 25 droplets of variety of fuels were ignited, confirming theories about how fuels burn in microgravity. .NASA reported that five small potatoes were grown on-orbit from tubers in the Astroculture plant growth facility. Astroculture’s demonstrated the usefulness as a plant growth facility and showed edible foods could actually be grown in space.
STS 74 (Atlantis)
Dates:November 12th -November 20th 1995
Crew:Kenneth D. Cameron, Pilot James D. Halsell.Mission Specialists Jerry L. Ross, William S. McArthur Jr. and Chris A. Hadfield.
Miles Travelled: 3.4 million
Mission Purpose:STS-74 marked second docking of U.S. Space Shuttle to Russian Space Station Mir,which would continue Phase I activities leading to construction of International Space Station (ISS) before the end of the mellenium. The shuttle crew included Hadfield who was the fourth Canadian to fly on shuttle but first Canadian mission specialist. Hardware on board in the payload bay included Canadian-built Remote Manipulator System (RMS) arm, U.S.-built Orbiter Docking System (ODS), Russian-built docking module and solar array and U.S.-Russian-built solar array. Awaiting Atlantis aboard Mir were two Russian cosmonauts and a German cosmonaut, along with Russian and European Space Agency research samples and equipment.
Mission day three, Hadfield operated RMS robot arm to within five inches above ODS in forward part of bay. ODS is being flown on all Shuttle-Mir docking flights with main purpose as a passageway between two spacecraft.
Mission day four, Atlantis caught up with MIR with hatches between Mir and Atlantis opened ON Nov. 15. Control of DM transferred to Mir 20 crew. Operations saw nearly 1,000 pounds (453.6 kilograms) of water transferred to Mir. Numerous experiment samples, including blood, urine and saliva, were moved to orbiter for return to Earth. Shuttle crew were known to have brought gifts onboard also brought including Canadian maple sugar candies and a guitar (second guitar on Mir). Lithium hydroxide canisters — a late addition — were transferred to Mir in case faulty environmental control system failed again and station’s air needed to be “scrubbed.”
1996 MISSIONS
STS 72 (Endevour)
Dates: 11th January-20th January 1996
Crew:Brian Duffy, Pilot Brent W. Jett, Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao, Daniel T. Barry, Winston E. Scott and Koichi Wakata
Miles Travelled: 3.7 million
Mission Purpose: Shuutle 72 kicks of the 1996 season of flights by retrieving a Japanese satellite together with the deployment and retrieval of a NASA science payload, and two spacewalks.
Mission Specialist Wakata using the manipulator system arm on flight day three to regained contact withJapanese Space Flyer Unit (SFU) from orbit, completing 10-month scientific mission involving almost a dozen experiments ranging from materials science to biological studies. Day four Wakata is in action again with the robot arm, this time he has to deploy Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology-Flyer (OAST-Flyer), sending experiment-laden platform on its way to a two-day free-flight at a distance of approximately 45 miles from the orbiter.
There were Two extravehicular activities (EVAs) conducted as part of a series to prepare for on-orbit construction of International Space Station. On the first EVA on day five lasting it lasted 6 hours, nine minutes, Mission Specialists Chiao and Barry evaluated new portable work platform and a structure known as the rigid umbilical, which may be used on station to hold various fluid and electrical lines.
The second spacewalk on day seven also conducted by Chiao but with Scott this time and lasted six hours, 53 minutes, portable work platform again evaluated.They also had to test a space station utility box designed to hold avionics and fluid line connects. Scott also tested spacesuit’s warmth in severe cold up to minus 104 degrees F. (-75 degrees C.).
Additional cargo bay payloads were the following: Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SSBUV) instrument flying for eighth time and designed to measure ozone concentrations in atmosphere: A Hitchhiker carrier holding Shuttle Laser Altimeter-01 (SLA-01)/Get Away Special (GAS) payload. SLA-01 first of four planned remote sensing flights to accurately measure distance between Earth’s surface and orbiter and five other GAS canisters held variety of experiments.
There were also taking place a Physiological and Anatomical Rodent Experimen one in series of experiments designed to study effect of microgravity on rodent anatomy and physiology along with the Space Tissue Loss/National Institutes of Health- C (STL/NIH-C5) to validate models of microgravity’s effects on bone, muscle and cells; Overall a busy mission with no apparent mishaps.
STS 75 (Columbia)
Dates: February 22nd-March 9th 1996
Crew:Andrew M. Allen, Pilot Scott J. Horowitz, Payload Commander Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, Mission Specialists Maurizio Cheli, Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Claude Nicollier and Umberto Guidoni
Miles Travelled: 6.5 million
Mission Purpose: A long mission over 15 days we see this as the Reflight of U.S./Italian Tethered Satellite System (TSS-1R) which was unfortunately lost on flight day three, although valuable scientific data was still gathered. Other main payload,s were there U.S. Microgravity Payload-3 (USMP-3
TSS flew was used on Mission STS-46 in June 1992, but experienced problems.The TSS concept is developed to study electrodynamics of a tether system in electrically charged portion of Earth’s atmosphere called the ionosphere. The Satellite provided by Italy and the tether/deployer assembly was U.S.-built. There were twelve investigations — six NASA, five Italian Space Agency (ASI) and one U.S. Air Force — planned, so a bit of joint operations going on.
Whilst there were very good scientific data that was being gatheredthe tether snapped on flight day three as satellite was just short of full deployment . This lead to the Satellite immediately speeding away from orbiter as a result of orbital forces and the crew was never in any danger.
There was research also studying how gas from satellite’s thrusters interacts with ionosphere. Also collected first-time measurements of ionized shock wave around the TSS satellite, a phenomenon that cannot be studied in the laboratory and is difficult to mathematically model. A first for the mission was the collection of data on the plasma wakes created by moving body through electrically-charged ionosphere. Some of the experiments conducted used the free- flying satellite and attached tether before it re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and broke up.
USMP-3, which was flying on shuttle for third time, included U.S. and international experiments, all of which had flown at least once before: Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF), a crystal growth facility; Critical Fluid Light Scattering Experiment (Zeno), to study element Xenon at its critical point;An interesting experiment involving Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE), saw the study of formation of dendrites which are tree-shaped crystals that in metals manufacturing dictate final properties of material;
The IDGE experiment which yielded twice expected amount of data. Best images ever transmitted of dendrites were gathered. This also was first shuttle experiment controlled by principal investigator at a remote non-NASA site, foreshadowing types of research which will be conducted on International Space Station, where researchers could be based at universities.
Space Acceleration Measurement Systems (SAMS) and Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment (OARE), ,provided data about on-orbit environment, and in the middeck the crew worked with Middeck Glovebox Facility (MGBX) featuring three combustion experiments, all of which were successful. Glovebox and Forced Flow Flamespreading Test experiment, both were down to fly on Russian Space Station Mir later this year, and glovebox will also be seen on the International Space Station.
STS 76 (Atlantis)
Dates: March 22nd-March 31st 1996
Crew:‘Commander Kevin P. Chilton, Pilot Richard A. Searfoss, Mission Specialists Shannon W. Lucid, Linda M. Godwin, Michael R. Clifford, Ronald M. Sega
Miles Travelled: 3.8 million
Mission Purpose: Shuttle mission saw the linkup between U.S. space shuttle and Russian Space Station Mir with the transfer of veteran astronaut Shannon Lucid to Mir who was the first American woman to live on station. Her journey saw a stay of four-and-a-half months stay.
Onboard payload included Orbiter Docking System in forward area and SPACEHAB single module toward the aft.Mission 76 marked first flight of SPACEHAB pressurized module to support shuttle-Mir dockings, together with the European Space Agency’s Biorack experiment rack for on-orbit research.
Atlantis docked with MIR and were greeted by Mir 21 Commander Yuri Onufrienko and Flight Engineer Yuri Usachev, who were launched to Mir in feb 1996 .
During five days of docked operations, about 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms) of water and two tons of scientific equipment, logistical material and resupply items transferred to Mir; experiment samples and miscellaneous equipment brought over to orbiter. There were 11 separate scientific investigations conducted including the effect of microgravity and cosmic radiation on plants, tissues, cells, bacteria and insects and effects of microgravity on bone loss.
On day six, Godwin and Clifford conducted first U.S. extravehicular activity (EVA) around two mated spacecraft. Duration was six-hour, two-minute, 28-second EVA, they attached four Mir Environmental Effects Payload (MEEP) experiments to station’s Docking Module. These experiments were specifically designed to characterize environment around Mir over an 18-month period. The two spacewalkers also were equipped with simplified Aid For EVA Rescue (SAFER) propulsive devices.
Other payloads: Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX); KidSat. This project gives middle school students opportunity to participate in space exploration.
STS 77 (Endevour)
Dates: May 19th-May 29th 1996
Crew:John H. Casper, Pilot Curtis L. Brown. Mission Specialists Daniel W. Bursch, Mario Runco, Jr., Marc Garneau and Andrew S. W. Thomas
Miles Travelled:4.1` million
Mission Purpose: On this mission there werefour rendezvous activities with two different payloads.The main payloads, all located in the cargo bay, were the SPACEHAB-4 pressurized research module; the Inflatable Antenna Experiment (IAE) mounted on Spartan 207 free-flyer; and a suite of four technology demonstration experiments known as Technology Experiments which were for the advancement of Missions in Space (TEAMS).
SPACEHAB-carried out various experiments including biotechnology, electronic materials, polymers and agriculture, There were technical experiments using Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA) and Plant Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (PGBA);
Spartan free-flyer was let loose on flight day two by the action use of orbiter Remote Manipulator System (RMS) arm. The IAE antenna structure, mounted would be set up on 2 struts and inflated to its full size of 5 meters in diameter, which is extremely large and would compare the size of a tennis courts . Using this method means lower development costs, greater reliability, and lower mass and volume requiring less stowage space and potentially a smaller launch vehicle.
Other TEAMS experiments were Global Positioning System (GPS) Attitude and Navigation Experiment (GANE); Vented Tank Resupply Experiment (VTRE) and Liquid Metal Thermal Experiment (LMTE).
Secondary experiments included Brilliant Eyes Ten Kelvin Sorption Cryocooler Experiment (BETSCE) (try saying that in a hurry!) This was an instrument designed to supercool infrared and other sensors through cyclical release and absorption of hydrogen; Aquatic Research Facility (ARF and was a joint Canadian Space Agency/NASA project showing the investigation of wide range of small aquatic species, including starfish, mussels and sea urchins; Biological Research in a Canister (BRIC 07) to study endocrine functioning;During the mission astronaut Casper spoke with Mir cosmonaut and U.S. astronaut Shannon Lucid, who was entering her 65th day aboard the Mir space station.
STS 78 (Columbia)
Dates: June 20th -July 7th 1996
Crew: Terence T. Henricks, Pilot Kevin R. Kregel, Flight Engineer Susan J. Helms, Mission Specialists Richard M. Linnehan, Charles E. Brady, Jr Payload Specialists Jean-Jacques Favier and Robert Brent Thirsk
Miles Travelled: 7 million
Mission Purpose: There were a total of 5 space agencies involved with this mission, which was a long 7 million miles space adventure. Those involved were :European Space Agency/Europe; French Space Agency/France; Canadian Space Agency/Canada; and Italian Space Agency/Italy) and research scientists from 10 countries . Working together with the primary payload being the Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) over 40 experiments flown were grouped into two areas which were life sciences that involved human physiology and space biology together with microgravity science.
The LMS investigations conducted were actually the most extensive telescience to date with investigators who were positioned at four remote European and four remote U.S. locations, similar.
The human studies involved bone and muscle loss in space and it was the first time researchers collected muscle tissue biopsy samples both before and after flight. The STS 78 Crew members also had to undergo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans almost immediately after landing. Results from these experiments taken from the biopsy samples, along with various musculoskeletal tests would potentially lead to overcoming and reducing inflight muscle atrophy.
There were other in flight studies , in particular the first ever study of sleep cycles, 24-hour circadian rhythms and task performance in microgravity. This is in relation to the Spacecraft orbiting Earth pass through 16 sunrises and sunsets in single 24-hour period, which can cause disruptions to sleep rhythms. Further mental tests and assessments were also carried out, which is part of normal sleep pattern observations when extreme and unusual outside of normal routines occur. Sleep depravation and how the body reacts will always be a crucial part of an Astronauts life due to the unusual punnishment on the himan body over a sustained period, particularly with multi orbiting taking place.
Crew performed in-flight fixes to problem hardware on the Bubble, Drop and Particle Unit (BDPU), designed to study fluid physics.
During mission the Orbiter was crucial in the test that would help raise Hubble Space Telescope to higher orbit in 1997 during second servicing mission.
STS 79 (Atlantis)
Dates: 16th September-26th September 1996
Crew: William F. Readdy, Pilot Terrence W. Wilcutt, Mission Specialists Thomas D. Akers, John E. Blaha, Jay Apt and Carl E. Walz
Miles Travelled: 3.7 million
Mission Purpose: This mission saw the return to Earth of U.S. astronaut Lucid after 188 days in space together with the first U.S. crew exchange aboard Russian Space Station Mir, and fourth Shuttle-Mir docking. Lucid’s long-duration spaceflight set new U.S. record as well as world record for a woman.
There were five days of mated operations with two crews transfering more than 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms) of supplies to Mir. Experiments that were taken on to MIR included: Biotechnology System (BTS) for study of cartilage development; Material in Devices as Superconductors (MIDAS) to measure electrical properties of high-temperature superconductor materials; and Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA), containing several smaller experiments, including self-contained aquatic systems.
Mir saw around 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) of experiment samples and equipment transferred to Atlantis with a total total logistical transfer to and from station of an incredible 6,000 pounds (2,722 kilograms) which made it the biggest to date. Lucid over a 6 month stay in space conducted research according to NASA in following fields: advanced technology, Earth sciences, fundamental biology, human life sciences, microgravity research and space sciences. Specific experiments included: Environmental Radiation Measurements to ascertain ionizing radiation levels aboard Mir; Greenhouse-Integrated Plant Experiments, to study effect of microgravity on plants, specifically dwarf wheat; and Assessment of Humoral Immune Function During Long-Duration Space Flight, to gather data on effect of long-term spaceflight on the human immune system and involving collection of blood serum and saliva samples. This highlights the immense amount of work carried out by AStronauts over long durations in extreme situations.
On board for the first time was the Active Rack Isolation System (ARIS), this is an experiment rack designed to cushion payloads from vibration and other disturbances.
Missions like these give a far greater understanding and appreciation into the justification for Space Shuttle and MIR’s existence.Space travel by the 1990’s was much more than just proving a re-useable spacecraft still operates after a 10 year existence. It also shows multi space agencies playing their part towards the enormous budget required for eacg Shuttle launch.
STS 80 (Columbia)
Dates: November 19th -December 7th 1996
Crew:Kenneth D. Cockrell, Pilot Kent V. Rominger, Mission Specialists Tamara E. Jernigan, Thomas D. Jones and F. Story Musgrave
Miles Travelled: 7 million
Mission Purpose: This was the final flight of 1996 giving a successful launch, operation and the retrieval of two free-flying research spacecraft.
Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer-Shuttle Pallet Satellite II (ORFEUS-SPAS II) was despatched on flight day one .This saw its second flight aboard the shuttle, ORFEUS-SPAS II had three primary scientific instruments: these are Telescope with the Far Ultraviolet , Spectrograph and Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV). On board were also some Non-astronomy payloads such as the Surface Effects Sample Monitor (SESAM), the ATV Rendezvous Pre-Development Project (ARP) and the Student Experiment on ASTRO-SPAS (SEAS).
The primary purpose of ORFEUS-SPAS II was for astronomical observations at very short wavelengths and toinvestigate nature of hot stellar atmospheres, to investigate cooling mechanisms of white dwarf stars; determine nature of accretion disks around collapsed stars (whatever that is?) and to investigate supernova remnants; and investigate interstellar medium and potential star-forming regions.For all you technical bods and astronomers out there you will I am sure know all about this stuff.
There were an incredible 422 observations of almost 150 astronomical objects completed. These included our old friend the moon, nearby stars, distant Milky Way stars, stars in other galaxies and active galaxies.
Wake Shield Facility-3 (WSF-3) was deployed on flight day 4.This shield is a 12-foot diameter, free-flying stainless steel disk designed to generate ultravacuum environment in which to grow semiconductor thin films for use in advanced electronics. This proved a successful deployment.
There were two planned six-hour EVAs by Jernigan and Jones , however technical problems prevented this, much to there dismay I am sure, as EVA’s are a highlight to any Astronauts career, and highly respected, requiring high quality training and technical skills.
1997 MISSIONS
STS 81 (Atlantis)
Dates: January 12th- January 22nd 1997
Crew: Michael A. Baker, Pilot Brent W. Jett, Mission Specialists John M. Grunsfeld, Marsha S. Ivins, Peter J. Wisoff and Jerry M. Linenger
Miles Travelled: 4.1 million
Mission Purpose: On this flight US Astronaut John Blaha returns to Earth after 118-day stay aboard the Russian Space Station Mir. The mission included putiing in place the first plants to complete a life cycle in space . This was an actual crop of wheat grown from seed to seed.
Blaha settled in on Mir 22 crew, Astronaut Linenger was to work with the Mir 22 crew along with Commander Vasili Tsibliev, Flight Engineer Aleksandr Lazutkin and German researcher Reinhold Ewald. Linegar would later be replaced by UK Astronaut Michael Foale in may of that same year.
Their wre five days of mated operations, with the crews transferring nearly 6,000 pounds (2,722 kilograms) of logistics to Mir, as well as an estimated 1,600 pounds of water; around 1,138 pounds of U.S. science equipment; and 2,206 pounds of Russian logistical equipment. Coming back t terra firma would be 2,400 pounds of materials on board the good ship Atlantis.
Technical stuff saw the crew using the Treadmill Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System (TVIS). This was specifically designed for use in the Russian Service Module of the International Space Station. As part of procedures Astonauts prepared and completed firing the orbiter’s small vernier jet thrusters during mated operations to gather engineering data. Mission saw relaunch of Atlantis , and no doubt a flyaround of Mir, which usually involved on missions spectacular photography of the by now the well known multi purpose Space Station.
STS 82 (Discovery)
Dates: February 11th 0 February 21st 1997
Crew:Commander Kenneth D. Bowersox, Pilot Scott J. Horowitz, Mission Specialists Mark C. Lee, Steven A.Hawley, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Steven L. Smith and Joseph R. Tanner
Miles Travelled: 4.1 million
Mission Purpose: STS-82 with a crew of seven this was a busy mission and proved the capability of the space shuttle to service orbiting spacecraft as well as the benefits of human spaceflight. Part of mission was the importance task of upgrading the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) which involved four planned extravehicular activities (EVAs) and then a firther unscheduled space walk to repair insulation on the telescope.
Hawley, who originally deployed the telescope, operated the orbiter Remote Manipulator System arm on STS-82 to retrieve the Hubble for a second servicing and positioned it in the payload bay less than half an hour later, which to me seems quite a feat of techical know how which shouldnt get overlooked.
With an incredible 150 tools and crew aids, Lee and Smith performed EVAs 1, 3 and 5, and Harbaugh and Tanner did EVAs 2 and 4. EVA 1 lasted six hours, 42 minutes. . Lee and Smith removed two scientific instruments from Hubble, the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) and Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS), and replaced them with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) and Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS), respectively.
EVA 2 endured work of seven hours, 27 minutes. Harbaugh and Tanner replaced a degraded Fine Guidance Sensor and a failed Engineering and Science Tape Recorder with new spares. There was also an installation of a new unit called the Optical Control Electronics Enhancement Kit, which will further increase the capability of the Fine Guidance Sensor. It was during the EVA that the astronauts involved noted cracking and wear on thermal insulation on side of telescope facing the sun and in the direction of travel.
EVA 3 also lasted over seven hours,. Lee and Smith removed and replaced a Data Interface Unit on Hubble, as well as an old reel-to-reel- style Engineering and Science Tape Recorder with a new digital Solid State Recorder (SSR) that will allow simultaneous recording and playback of data.
EVA 4 took over six hours. with Harbaugh and Tanner replacing a Solar Array Drive Electronics package which controls the positioning of Hubble’s solar arrays. top of the observatory.Horowitz and Lee working within Discovery on the middeck had to to fabricate new insulation blankets for HST.
EVA 5, lasted over five hours. with Lee and Smith attached several thermal insulation blankets to three equipment compartments at the top of the Support Systems Module section of the telescope. These contain key data processing, electronics and scientific instrument telemetry packages. We see therefore a total of 33 hours, 11 minutes of EVA work which was close to the record at that time.Finally Hubble was redeployed on Feb. 19 at its then highest altitude it has ever flown, a 335- by 321-nautical-mile orbit.
May 3rd, 2010 at 4:25 am
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May 12th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
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