Space & Astronomy/Space and Astronomy (October 1993).iso/mac/TEXT/DAILY_2/930521.DFC

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"930521.DFC" (30803 bytes) was created on 05-21-93

21-May-93 Daily File Collection
   These files were added or updated between 20-May-93 at 21:00:00 {Central}
                                         and 21-May-93 at 21:00:16.

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930521.REL

5/21/93:  RUSSIAN ROVER REMOTE TEST STATUS

Charles Redmond

Status report on Russian Mars rover telepresence test between Ames and Moscow:

Dave Lavery, Headquarters Office of Advanced Concepts and Technology robotics
program manager, reports that Ames conducted the first test on Wednesday
afternoon of a remote virtual reality control system which is being tested to
operate a prototype Mars rover located in Moscow.

This first test involved establishing a computer connection from the control
workstation located at Ames across the Internet to the CNES facility in
Toulouse, France, and from there through a repeater to the IKI laboratory in
Moscow.

The first test was to drive the rover down a hallway in the laboratory.  A
scene description model (a computer representation of the physical conditions)
of the hallway was downloaded from the Internet from Moscow to the workstation
at Ames and was used to construct a virtual environment at Ames of the Moscow
hallway.  The computer environment was then used by the Ames operator to
visually command the rover to drive down the length of the hallway.

(of note: This same methodology was used in this past December's Dante robot
experiment by operators from Carnegie Mellon University located at Goddard
Space Flight Center to perform a robot control test of the Dante robot located
on the rim of Mt. Erebus in the Antarctic. In this instance, though, the
computer link was made through the TDRS satellite.)

The only feedback to the Ames operator during the Mars Russian rover test was a
set of numerical position sensor readings being displayed on the operator's
computer workstation monitor.  Video compression and transmission hardware and
software will be installed on the rover next week to allow the Ames remote
operator to view the actual operation of the rover as commands are sent over
the Internet.
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
=--=--=-END-=--=--=

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930521.SHU

KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT 5/21/93

       KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                       Friday, May 21, 1993

 KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
 -----------------------------------------------------------------

 Mission: STS-57/Spacehab/EURECA-Retrieval  Orbital Alt. 287 miles
 Vehicle: Endeavour/OV-105                 Inclination: 28 degrees
 Location: Pad 39-B                        Crew Size: 6
 Target Launch Date/Window: June 3, 6:17 - 7:28 p.m.
 Target KSC Landing Date/Time: June 11, 5:14 p.m.
 Expected Mission Duration: 7 days/23 hours (if cryogenics allow)

 IN WORK TODAY:
 *  Flight Readiness Review
 *  Continue analysis of flexible joints in main propulsion system
 *  Spacehab late stowage demonstration
 *  Helium signature test

 WORK SCHEDULED:
 *  Aft engine compartment closeouts
 *  Main engine number 1 flight control checks
 *  Hypergolic purges

 WORK COMPLETED:
 *  Main engine number 1 heatshield installation
 *  Install and checkout extravehicular mobility units (Spacesuits)
 *  Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen system leak checks
 *  Main engine number 1 high pressure fuel pump leak checks

 -----------------------------------------------------------------
 Mission: STS-51/ACTS-TOS/ORFEUS-SPAS      Orbital Alt.: 184 miles
 Vehicle: Discovery/OV-103                 Inclination: 28 degrees
 Location: OPF bay 3                       Crew Size: 5
 Mission Duration: 9 days/22 hours  Target Launch Period: mid-July

 IN WORK TODAY:
 *  Inspections of flexible joints in main propulsion system
 *  Main engine installation preparations
 *  Forward reaction control system (FRCS) installation preparations
 *  Orbital maneuvering system redundant electrical verifications
 *  ORFEUS-SPAS end-to-end test

 WORK SCHEDULED:
 *  FRCS installation

 WORK COMPLETED:
 *  ACTS-TOS interface verification test
 *  Flight control checkouts
 *  Hydraulic flight control system checkouts
 *  Integrated drag chute checks

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

 Mission: STS-58/SLS-2              Orbital Altitude: 176 miles
 Vehicle: Columbia/OV-102           Inclination: 39 degrees
 Location: OPF bay 2                Crew Size: 7
 Mission Duration: 14 days
 Target launch period: Early September


 IN WORK TODAY:
 *  Preparations for hypergolic deservice
 *  Main engine post flight inspections
 *  Installation of waste tank
 *  Stow Ku-band antenna

 WORK SCHEDULED:
 *  SLS-2 mission sequence test (May 24-27)
 *  Accelerometer installation
 *  Remove payload bay door strongbacks
 *  Remove dome heatshields

 WORK COMPLETED:
 *  Removal of GAS cans from payload bay
 *  Removal of Spacelab D-2 and transport to Operations and Checkout Building
 *  Auxiliary power unit catch bottle drain
 *  Borescope of 17 inch propellant lines and main propulsion
    system post flight inspections
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
=--=--=-END-=--=--=

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930521.SKD

Daily News/TV Sked 5-21-93

Daily News
Friday, May 21, 1993
Two Independence Square, Washington, D.C.
Audio Service: 202/358-3014


 % Researchers at Ames study metabolic spacewalk;
 % HST news briefing scheduled for May 25;
 % Preparation underway for upcoming STS-51 mission.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

To measure how the human body reacts to the microgravity environment of
spaceflight, scientists at the Ames Research Center will conduct experiments
here on earth.  Experiments will have participants doing exercise similar to
that of astronauts working in space.

One of the exercises involves using the arms rather than the legs to crank a
device similar to a bicycle while lying on their back.  This device is called
an ergometer.  The ergometer measures the amount of work done by the muscles.
Since the ergometer can be locked into place or allowed to float, the feeling
of weightlessness can be produced.  Because the ergometer is inside a
controlled chamber, scientists can measure changes in air temperature and
humidity as well as measure the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen exhaled.

Previous research has proven that exercise on the ergometer result sin
physiological and thermal responses similar to those achieved during
extravehicular activities or spacewalks performed by astronauts in space.  Even
though spacewalks are not routine now, assembly, maintenance and repair of the
space station will require that spacewalks become an everyday part of working
in space.  Scientists at Ames hope to study the data to develop a heat balance
control system which could give the astronauts more comfort and productivity
and less fatigue during spacewalks.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On Tuesday, May 25, 1993 at 1:00 p.m.  EDT, NASA will conduct a media briefing
to discuss the new Hubble image which reveals details of the heart of a head-on
collision between two galaxies.  This recent discovery is the best evidence to
date for solving more than half a century of theory about how elliptical
galaxies may form.

The briefing will be broadcast live on NASA TV with questions being taken from
participating NASA Centers.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NASA officials are targeting mid-July as the launch period for Discovery's
STS-51 mission.  Technicians at the Kennedy Space Center have conducted Ku-band
antenna checks and removed the thruster from the orbital maneuvering system.
As scheduled preparations continue , workers plan to conduct flight control
checkouts , inspect flexible joints in the main propulsion system and prepare
for the main engine installation.

The STS-51 mission is targeted to last 9 days and 22 hours and carry a crew of
5.  Space Shuttle Discovery will carry the ACTS payload during this mission.


         Here's the broadcast schedule for Public Affairs events on NASA TV.
Note that all events and times may change without notice and that all times
listed are Eastern.


Friday, May 21, 1993

        NOON    NASA Today news program.
        12:15 pm        Aeronautics & Space Report.
        12:30 pm        Adventure in Research.
          1:00 pm       We Deliver.
          1:30 pm       Our Laboratories in Space.
          2:00 pm       Space For Women.
          2:30 pm       The New Universe.
          3:00 pm       J. Honeycutt on TQM.
          3:30 pm       The Unwritten Contract.


NASA TV is carried on GE Satcom F2R, transponder 13, C-Band, 72 degrees West
Longitude, transponder frequency is 3960 MHz, audio subcarrier is 6.8 MHz,
polarization is vertical.
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
=--=--=-END-=--=--=

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930521A.REL

5/21/93:  JUNE 3 AS TARGET DATE FOR NEXT SHUTTLE MISSION

STS-57 LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT

Ed Campion                                   May 21, 1993
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.


KSC RELEASE: 57 - 93

     NASA managers today set June 3, 1993 as the target date for the next
flight of the Shuttle system.  The mission, designated as STS-57, will see
Space Shuttle Endeavour and her six person crew conduct a mission highlighted
by the retrieval of the European observation satellite EURECA and the first
flight of a commercial spacelab facility known as Spacehab.

     The June 3 date is based on successful completion of work in progress to
understand the cause of a noise/vibration event experienced during launch pad
processing.

     The launch window on June 3 opens at 6:17 p.m.  EDT and extends for 1 hour
and 11 minutes.  The limited launch window time is based on EURECA retrieval
requirements.  The mission duration is planned for 7 days.  However, it may be
extended by 1 day immediately after launch if projections calculated at that
time for electrical power consumption permit an extra day in space.  The extra
day will give two members of Endeavour's crew the opportunity to perform an
extravehicular activity (EVA) or spacewalk.

     The STS-57 EVA will be the second in a series of spacewalks designed to
refine training methods and expand the EVA experience level of astronauts,
flight controllers and instructors.  The STS-57 spacewalk also will assist in
refining several procedures being developed to service the Hubble Space
Telescope on Shuttle Mission STS-61 in December.

     Leading the STS-57 crew will be Mission Commander Ronald Grabe. Pilot for
the mission is Brian Duffy. Heading up the science team will be Payload
Commander David Low who is also designated as Mission Specialist-1. The three
other mission specialists for this flight are Nancy Sherlock (MS-2), Jeff
Wisoff (MS-3) and Janice Voss (MS-4).

     This will be the fourth flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour and the 56th
flight of the Space Shuttle system.
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
=--=--=-END-=--=--=

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:6_12_18.TXT

NASA AMES TO DRIVE RUSSIAN ROBOT VIA SATELLITE   5/14/93

Charles Redmond
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
May 14, 1993

Michael Mewhinney
Ames Research Center, Mountain View, Calif.



RELEASE:  93-84

        Scientists at NASA's Ames Research Center, Mountain View, Calif., will
use a satellite video link, provided by Brown University, next week to try to
maneuver a Russian robotic "rover" in a Moscow laboratory.  This test is being
conducted at the request of McDonnell Douglas Space Systems.

        "We will be steering the rover around remotely," said Project Leader
Dr. Butler Hine, an Ames electrical engineer. "We will be able to see through
the rover's cameras and also through cameras looking at the rover," Hine said.

        Hine will use a "telepresence interface" developed at Ames to control
the prototype of a rover which Russian scientists hope to land on Mars in 1996.
Hine will wear a video headset and use head movements to point the rover's
camera.  He will use joysticks to steer the rover.

        The objective of this test is to verify that this technology could be
used in future missions such as Mars 96.

        During the tests, NASA scientists will use the same technology they
used in February to test the rover when Russian scientists visited Ames.

        "During their visit, we drove the rover around our lunar terrain
simulation and controlled it from our laboratory," Hine said.

        "We call this a 'tele-operator interface' because it is a combination
of virtual reality and telepresence," he said. "We can drive the vehicle by
looking through the rover's cameras, which is telepresence.  We also can drive
it using a computer-generated graphic simulation, which is virtual reality,"
Hine said.

        Hine said the "tele-operator interface" is designed to be a general
purpose control mechanism for robotic vehicles. "So far, we have controlled
surface rovers, underwater vehicles in the Antarctic and now the Russian
rover," Hine said.

        Hine will have a model of the Russian test environment as well as a
model of the rover at Ames. Depending on weather conditions, the Russians may
test the rover outdoors or in a laboratory.

        "This is a team effort," Hine said. "There's a large group of people at
McDonnell Douglas and a large group of people here at Ames working together.
Hine calls this project a good example of technology transfer between the
federal government and private industry.

        "We've been doing a series of experiments with McDonnell Douglas over
the past month to prepare for this test.  They are benefiting from the
technology transfer.

        "We've had experience operating long-haul links to the Antarctic, so we
don't expect any major barriers," Hine said. "It is costing us almost nothing,"
Hine said. "We're re-using the infrastructure developed for other projects."

        Scientists from the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute for
Space Research and the Russian Space Agency also will participate in the test.

        Hine is the Project Leader at Ames, and John Garvey is the project
leader at McDonnell Douglas.




5/21/93:  RUSSIAN ROVER REMOTE TEST STATUS

Charles Redmond

Status report on Russian Mars rover telepresence test between Ames and Moscow:

Dave Lavery, Headquarters Office of Advanced Concepts and Technology robotics
program manager, reports that Ames conducted the first test on Wednesday
afternoon of a remote virtual reality control system which is being tested to
operate a prototype Mars rover located in Moscow.

This first test involved establishing a computer connection from the control
workstation located at Ames across the Internet to the CNES facility in
Toulouse, France, and from there through a repeater to the IKI laboratory in
Moscow.

The first test was to drive the rover down a hallway in the laboratory.  A
scene description model (a computer representation of the physical conditions)
of the hallway was downloaded from the Internet from Moscow to the workstation
at Ames and was used to construct a virtual environment at Ames of the Moscow
hallway.  The computer environment was then used by the Ames operator to
visually command the rover to drive down the length of the hallway.

(of note: This same methodology was used in this past December's Dante robot
experiment by operators from Carnegie Mellon University located at Goddard
Space Flight Center to perform a robot control test of the Dante robot located
on the rim of Mt. Erebus in the Antarctic. In this instance, though, the
computer link was made through the TDRS satellite.)

The only feedback to the Ames operator during the Mars Russian rover test was a
set of numerical position sensor readings being displayed on the operator's
computer workstation monitor.  Video compression and transmission hardware and
software will be installed on the rover next week to allow the Ames remote
operator to view the actual operation of the rover as commands are sent over
the Internet.

     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
=--=--=-END-=--=--=

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:6_2_2_45_5.TXT

5/21/93:  JUNE 3 AS TARGET DATE FOR NEXT SHUTTLE MISSION

STS-57 LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT

Ed Campion                                   May 21, 1993
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.


KSC RELEASE: 57 - 93

     NASA managers today set June 3, 1993 as the target date for the next
flight of the Shuttle system.  The mission, designated as STS-57, will see
Space Shuttle Endeavour and her six person crew conduct a mission highlighted
by the retrieval of the European observation satellite EURECA and the first
flight of a commercial spacelab facility known as Spacehab.

     The June 3 date is based on successful completion of work in progress to
understand the cause of a noise/vibration event experienced during launch pad
processing.

     The launch window on June 3 opens at 6:17 p.m.  EDT and extends for 1 hour
and 11 minutes.  The limited launch window time is based on EURECA retrieval
requirements.  The mission duration is planned for 7 days.  However, it may be
extended by 1 day immediately after launch if projections calculated at that
time for electrical power consumption permit an extra day in space.  The extra
day will give two members of Endeavour's crew the opportunity to perform an
extravehicular activity (EVA) or spacewalk.

     The STS-57 EVA will be the second in a series of spacewalks designed to
refine training methods and expand the EVA experience level of astronauts,
flight controllers and instructors.  The STS-57 spacewalk also will assist in
refining several procedures being developed to service the Hubble Space
Telescope on Shuttle Mission STS-61 in December.

     Leading the STS-57 crew will be Mission Commander Ronald Grabe. Pilot for
the mission is Brian Duffy. Heading up the science team will be Payload
Commander David Low who is also designated as Mission Specialist-1. The three
other mission specialists for this flight are Nancy Sherlock (MS-2), Jeff
Wisoff (MS-3) and Janice Voss (MS-4).

     This will be the fourth flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour and the 56th
flight of the Space Shuttle system.
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
=--=--=-END-=--=--=

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:6_8_3_4_20.TXT

MGN STATUS 5/21/93

Magellan Significant Events for Week Ending 5/21/93:


1.  The Magellan spacecraft continues to operate normally as the mission is
just four days from the end of Cycle-4 and the start of the Transition
Experiment.

2.  The Magellan Project Quarterly Review was held on Monday.

3.  Meetings of the Science Working Groups and the Project Science Group were
held on Monday and Tuesday.

4.  A follow-up TEX Operations Simulation was conducted on May 19th.


Magellan Significant Events for Next Week

1.  Cycle-4 will end and the Transition Experiment (TEX) will begin Tuesday at
10:31 AM PDT with Orbit Trim Maneuver #3.  OTM-3 will lower periapsis to a
target altitude of 149.4 km.

2.  During the next four days a series of corridor-adjusting OTMs will lower
Magellan into the exact level of the atmosphere for aerobraking.

3.  A Magellan Press Conference at NASA Headquarters will be broadcast on NASA
Select on Wednesday, March 26th, starting at 10:00 AM PST.


Notice: During the early weeks of aerobraking, the Magellan Status Report will
be issued daily at 3:00 PM. The telephone status message (x4-2410) will also be
updated daily during this period.
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
=--=--=-END-=--=--=

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:6_8_5_3_11.TXT

ULYSSES STATUS REPORT 138   APRIL 13-19, 1993

JET PROPUSION LABORATORY

April 22, 1993

SUBJECT:  ULYSSES MISSION OPERATIONS REPORT No. 138

PERIOD:   13th April to 19th April 1993

1.  MISSION OPERATIONS

     Experiment reconfigurations have been carried out as required.

     On 13th April a routine KEP RAM dump was performed.

     On 19th April a KEP EPAC in-flight calibration was carried out.

     The Radio Science Joint Gravitational Wave Experiment (JGWE) is finished.
     This experiment is being carried out in conjunction with the Mars Observer
     and Galileo projects.  As a result continuous passes will be scheduled
     until the end of the experiment, tape recorder operations recommenced on
     April 13th.

     Earth pointing manoeuvres were performed on 14th and 18th April.

     An average of 94.7% data recovery was achieved during the reporting
     period.

     The percentage of data acquired as a function of bit rate is as follows:

     1024 bps 41.7 %
      512 bps 58.2 %

2.   SPACECRAFT STATUS

     POWER

     Nominal.

     Estimated S/C power consumption 255 watts.

     AOCS

     Nominal.

     TTC

     The spacecraft is currently configured with receiver 2 as the prime unit
     fed via the high gain antenna and with receiver 1 as backup fed through
     the low gain antenna (LGA- F). The downlink is provided through
     EPC2/TWTA2.

     The 34 meter ground stations are in use to support TTC operations.
     Ranging from 34 meter or 70 meter antennas recommenced on 12th April.

     Received downlink level -146 dBm.(34 meter) X-band.

     (Variations of up to 10 db. can be expected as a result of station antenna
     in use, local weather conditions, and spacecraft antenna off-pointing).

     Received uplink level -121 dBm.

     DATA HANDLING

     Nominal.

     THERMAL

     Nominal.

3.  FLIGHT DYNAMICS

     Solar Aspect The angle increased from 9.95 on Angle (deg.) 13th April to
     10.76 on 19th April.

     Sun-Probe-Earth The angle increased from 9.8 on Angle (deg.) 13th April to
     10.51 on 19th April.

     Spin Rate 4.978 rpm.

4.  ORBITAL DATA

     Data taken at 13:00 PDT on 19th April.
     Distance from Earth                601,326,938 km.
     Velocity relative to the Earth         100,511 km/hr.
     Velocity relative to the Sun            36,112 km/hr.
     Ecliptic latitude                         22.1 deg/south

5.   PLANNED OPERATIONS


     Routine data gathering operations will continue together with experiment
     reconfigurations as required.

     On 20th April a KEP GAS monthly health check will be performed.

     On 21st April a HED calibration will be carried out.

     On 26th April a KEP EPAC in-flight calibration will be carried out.

     An Earth pointing manoeuvres will be carried out on 23rd April.

6.  GROUND SEGMENT

     The ground segment performed nominally during the reporting period, with
     the exception of a 4 hour 48 minute period of lost data on 15th April,
     when there was a maser failure at DSS12.









     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
=--=--=-END-=--=--=

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:6_8_5_3_12.TXT

ULYSSES STATUS REPORT 139 & 140  APRIL 20-26, 1993


ULYSSES STATUS REPORT 139

JET PROPULSION LABORATORY

27 April 1993

SUBJECT:  ULYSSES MISSION OPERATIONS REPORT No. 139

PERIOD:   20th April to 26th April 1993


1.   MISSION OPERATIONS

     Experiment reconfigurations have been carried out as required.

     On 20th April a routine KEP GAS monthly health check was performed.

     On 21st April a HED calibration was performed.

     On 26th April a KEP EPAC in-flight calibration was carried out.

     An Earth pointing manoeuvre was performed on 23rd April.

     An average of 96.2% data recovery was achieved during the reporting
     period.

     The percentage of data acquired as a function of bit rate is as follows:

     1024 bps 44.3 %
      512 bps 51.9 %

2.   SPACECRAFT STATUS

     POWER

     Nominal.

     Estimated S/C power consumption 255 watts.

     AOCS

     Nominal.

     TTC

     The  spacecraft is currently configured with receiver  2  as
     the  prime  unit  fed  via the high gain  antenna  and  with
     receiver 1 as backup fed through the low gain antenna  (LGA-
     F). The downlink is provided through EPC2/TWTA2.

     The  34  meter  ground stations are in use  to  support  TTC
     operations.   Ranging from 34 meter or 70 meter antennas  is
     once again routinely performed.

     Received downlink level -140 dBm.(34 meter) X-band.

     (Variations of up to 10 db. can be expected as a  result  of
     station  antenna  in  use,  local  weather  conditions,  and
     spacecraft antenna off-pointing).

     Received uplink level -122 dBm.

     DATA HANDLING

     Nominal.

     THERMAL

     Nominal.

3.   FLIGHT DYNAMICS

     Solar  Aspect    The  angle increased from  10.76  on  Angle
     (deg.)   20th April to 11.30 on 26th April.

     Sun-Probe-Earth   The angle increased from  10.62  on  Angle
     (deg.)     20th April to 11.21 on 26th April.

     Spin Rate               4.978 rpm.

4.   ORBITAL DATA

     Correction to last week's data which were in error:

     Data taken at 13:00 PDT on 19th April.
     Distance from Earth                635,083,459 km.
     Velocity relative to the Earth          86,639 km/hr.
     Velocity relative to the Sun            37,221 km/hr.
     Ecliptic latitude                         22.0 deg/south

     This week's data:

     Data taken at 13:00 PDT on 26th April.
     Distance from Earth                646,502,166 km.
     Velocity relative to the Earth          84,016 km/hr.
     Velocity relative to the Sun            37,485 km/hr.
     Ecliptic latitude                         22.5 deg/south

5.   PLANNED OPERATIONS

     Routine  data  gathering operations will  continue  together
     with experiment reconfigurations as required.

     On 27th April a SIM HET calibration will be carried out.

     A GRU program reload will be performed on 30th April.

     On  3rd May a KEP EPAC in-flight calibration will be carried
     out.

     An  Earth  pointing manoeuvre will be carried  out  on  28th
     April.

6.   GROUND SEGMENT

     The  ground segment performed nominally during the reporting
     period, with the exception of a period of bad data caused by
     heavy rain in Madrid on 24th April.





ULYSSES MISSION STATUS REPORT  4/27/93

ULYSSES: The spacecraft is in a highly inclined solar orbit, now
almost 30 degrees south (relative to the Sun's equator), in
transit from its Jupiter gravity assist in February 1992 toward
its solar polar passages (about 80 degrees south and north) in
1994 and 1995.  Ulysses spacecraft condition and performance are
excellent, and cruise science data-gathering continues.  The
Ulysses spacecraft was built by the European Space Agency and
launched October 6, 1990 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, with IUS
and PAM-S stages.






ULYSSES STATUS REPORT 140   APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 1993

JET PROPULSION LABORATORY

May 10, 1993

ULYSSES MISSION OPERATIONS REPORT No. 140

PERIOD:   27th April to 3rd May 1993

1.   MISSION OPERATIONS

     Experiment reconfigurations have been carried out as
     required.

     On 27th April a SIM HET calibration was carried out.

     A GRU program reload was performed on 30th April.

     On 3rd May a KEP EPAC in-flight calibration was carried out.

     An Earth pointing manoeuvre was performed on 28th April and
     3rd May.

     An average of 96.9% data recovery was achieved during the
     reporting period.

     The percentage of data acquired as a function of bit rate is
     as follows:

     1024 bps 56.08 %
      512 bps 38.82 %

2.   SPACECRAFT STATUS

     POWER

     Nominal.

     Estimated S/C power consumption 255 watts.

     AOCS

     Nominal.

     TTC

     The spacecraft is currently configured with receiver 2 as
     the prime unit fed via the high gain antenna and with
     receiver 1 as backup fed through the low gain antenna (LGA-
     F). The downlink is provided through EPC2/TWTA2.

     The 34 meter ground stations are in use to support TTC
     operations.  Ranging from 34 meter or 70 meter antennas is
     once again routinely performed.

     Received downlink level -140 dBm.(34 meter) X-band.

     (Variations of up to 10 db. can be expected as a result of
     station antenna in use, local weather conditions, and
     spacecraft antenna off-pointing).

     Received uplink level -123 dBm.

     DATA HANDLING

     Nominal.

     THERMAL

     Nominal.

3.   FLIGHT DYNAMICS

     Solar Aspect   The angle increased from 11.29 on Angle
     (deg.)   27th April to 12.07 on 3rd May.

     Sun-Probe-Earth  The angle increased from 11.30 on Angle
     (deg.)     27th April to 11.75 on 3rd May.

     Spin Rate               4.978 rpm.

4.   ORBITAL DATA


     Data taken at 13:00 PDT on 3rd May

     Distance from Earth                657,694,184 km.
     Velocity relative to the Earth          81,556 km/hr.
     Velocity relative to the Sun            37,692 km/hr.
     Ecliptic latitude                         22.9 deg/south

5.   PLANNED OPERATIONS

     Routine data gathering operations will continue togetherwith
     experiment reconfigurations as required.

     On 5th May a HED calibration will be carried out.

     On 10th May a KEP in-flight calibration will be carried out.

     An Earth pointing manoeuvre will be carried out on 12th May.

6.   GROUND SEGMENT

     The ground segment performed nominally during the reporting
     period.



ULYSSES MISSION STATUS 5/17/93

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
JET PROPULSION LABORATORY
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
PASADENA, CALIF. 91109


                     ULYSSES MISSION STATUS
                          May 17, 1993


     All spacecraft and science operations are performing well.
Ground-controllers are carrying out routine data-gathering
activities and experiment reconfigurations as required.  The 34-
meter (112-foot) and 70-meter (230-foot) ground antennas are
tracking the spacecraft as it continues to move farther south of
the ecliptic plane -- the plane in which the planets orbit.


     Earth-pointing maneuvers continue to be carried out about
every five days.  The last maneuver was performed on May 12,
1993.


     Today Ulysses is about 683 million kilometers (424 million
miles) from Earth, traveling at a heliocentric velocity of about
36,000 kilometers per hour (24,000 miles per hour).  The
spacecraft is now more than 30 degrees south of the sun's
equator.


                              #####
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
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