Space & Astronomy/Space and Astronomy (October 1993).iso/mac/TEXT/DAILY_2/930809.DFC

Text File | 1993-08-14 | 39KB | 935 lines

09-Aug-93 Daily File Collection
   These files were added or updated between 08-Aug-93 at 21:00:00 {Central}
                                         and 09-Aug-93 at 21:00:14.

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930809.REL

8/09/93:  Former X-15 pilot Milton Thompson dead at age 67


Don Haley
Aug. 6, 1993
Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, Calif.


Release No. 93-19


    Milton 0.  Thompson, who joined the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) in 1956 and was one of the 12 pilots to fly the famed
X-15 rocket aircraft, died Friday, Aug. 6, in Lancaster, Calif. He was Chief
Engineer of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, Calif.

    During his 37-year career with NASA and its predecessor organization,
the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), Thompson had been
associated with many significant aerospace projects.

    Thompson was the first person to fly a lifting body, the lightweight
M-2, in August 1963.  He also piloted the heavyweight M-2 lifting body on its
first flight in July 1966.

    Lifting bodies were wingless vehicles designed to generate lift and
aerodynamic stability from the shape of their bodies.  They were flown at
Dryden to study and validate the concept of safely maneuvering and landing a
low lift-over-drag vehicle designed for reentry from space.  Data from the
program helped in the development of Space Shuttle orbiters.

    As one of the 12 NASA, Air Force, and Navy pilots to fly the X-15
rocket-powered research aircraft between 1959 and 1968, Thompson flew the
aircraft 14 times, reaching a maximum speed of 3,723 mph and a peak altitude of
214,100 feet on separate flights.  The X-15 program provided a wealth of data
on aerodynamics, thermodynamics, propulsion, flight controls, and the
physiological aspects of high-speed, high-altitude flight.

    In 1962, Thompson was selected by the Air Force as the only civilian
pilot for the X-20 DynaSoar program that was scheduled to launch a man into
Earth orbit and recover with a horizontal ground landing.  The program was
cancelled before construction of the vehicle began.

    In 1968, Thompson concluded his active flying career and became
director of Research Projects, leading the group that manages the aeronautical
programs at Dryden. In 1975 he was appointed Chief Engineer and retained the
position following the consolidation of the Dryden Flight Research Center with
the Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California.

    In the 1970s, Thompson was a member of NASA's Space Transportation
System Technology Steering Committee. In this role, he was successful in
leading the effort to design the orbiters for power-off landings rather than
increase weight with air- breathing engines for airliner-type landings.  His
committee work earned him NASA's highest award, the Distinguished Service
Medal.

    Born in Crookston, Minn., on May 4, 1926, Thompson began flying with
the U.S. Navy as a pilot trainee at the age of 19.  He subsequently served
during World War 11 with duty in China and Japan.

    Following his six years of active naval service, Thompson entered the
University of Washington. He graduated in 1953 with a bachelor of science
degree in engineering.  During his college years he remained in the Naval
Reserves and continued flying --not only naval aircraft but also crop dusters
and forest spraying aircraft.

    After college graduation, Thompson was employed by Boeing Aircraft Co.,
Seattle, Wash., as a flight test engineer.  During his two years at Boeing, he
flew on the sister aircraft of the B-52B used by Dryden as an air-launch
vehicle.

    In 1958, two years after Thompson arrived at Dryden as an engineer, he
was assigned to the pilots' office and flew as a research pilot until 1968.

Thompson received the Octave Chanute award from the American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics for his lifting body research.

    In 1990, the National Aeronautics Association selected Thompson as one
of the year's recipients of its Elder Statesman of Aviation awards.  The awards
have been presented each year since 1955 to individuals for contributions "of
significant value over a period of years" to aeronautics.

    Thompson, author of several technical papers, was a member of NASA's
Senior Executive Service and has received several NASA awards.

    He is survived by five children and lived in Lancaster, Calif.

    Funeral services are pending.
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
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=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930809.SHU

KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT 8/9/93



        KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                       Monday, August 9, 1993


KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham


             MISSION: STS-51 -- ACTS-TOS/ORFEUS-SPAS
                         LAUNCH MINUS 3 DAYS


VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103             ORBITAL ALTITUDE: 184 miles
LOCATION: Pad 39-B                    INCLINATION: 28.45 degrees
LAUNCH DATE: August 12, 1993          CREW SIZE: 5
LAUNCH WINDOW: 9:10 - 10:07 a.m. EDT
EXPECTED KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: August 21/22 (7:09 am the 21st)
MISSION DURATION: 8 days/21 hours/59 minutes (+ 1 day)

NOTE: The countdown for Discovery's launch began today at 9:30 a.m. at the T-43
hour mark.  Forecasters indicate a 20 percent probability of weather
prohibiting launch with the primary concerns associated with possible
offshore thunderstorms and a low cloud ceiling.  The five member crew for this
mission will arrive at KSC at about 3:00 p.m. today.  Crew members are:
Commander Frank Culbertson, Pilot Bill Readdy and Mission Specialists Jim
Newman, Dan Bursch and Carl Walz.


IN WORK TODAY:
*  Countdown began today at 9:30 a.m. at the T-43 hour mark
*  Verification of Shuttle power on systems, data processing and
   flight control systems
*  Stowage of mid-deck and flight deck supplies and payloads
*  Preparations for power reactant and storage distribution system operations
*  Orbiter and payload bay closeouts
*  Retract payload ground handling mechanism
*  Close payload bay doors (4 p.m. today)
*  Crew arrival scheduled for 3 p.m. today
*  Repressurize orbital maneuvering system with gaseous nitrogen

WORK SCHEDULED:
*  Cryogenic reactants loading for power reactant and storage (Tuesday)
*  Retract rotating service structure (11 a.m. Wednesday)
*  External tank loading operations (12:50 a.m. Thursday)

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) battery charging
*  Solid rocket booster (SRB) thermal curtain installation
*  Crew compartment close-outs
*  Transfer Orbiter Stage state-of-health checks
*  Launch countdown preparations


           SUMMARY OF HOLDS AND HOLD TIMES FOR STS-51


T-TIME ------- LENGTH OF HOLD ---- HOLD BEGINS ---- HOLD ENDS

T-27 hours --- 8 hours ----------- 1:30 am Tues.--- 9:30 am Tues.
T-19 hours --- 4 hours ----------- 5:30 pm Tues.--- 9:30 pm Tues.
T-11 hours --- 13 hrs.,20 mins. -- 5:30 am Wed.----- 6:50 pm Wed.
T-6 hours ---- 1 hour ---------- 11:50 pm Wed.--- 12:50 am Thurs.
T-3 hours ---- 2 hours --------- 3:50 am Thurs.--- 5:50 am Thurs.
T-20 minutes - 10 minutes ------ 8:30 am Thurs.--- 8:40 am Thurs.
T-9 minutes -- 10 minutes ------ 8:51 am Thurs.--- 9:01 am Thurs.



                      CREW FOR MISSION STS-51


Commander (CDR): Frank Culbertson
Pilot (PLT): Bill Readdy
Mission Specialist (MS1): Jim Newman
Mission Specialist (MS2): Dan Bursch
Mission Specialist (MS3): Carl Walz





           SUMMARY OF STS-51 LAUNCH DAY CREW ACTIVITIES

Thursday, August 12, 1993

4:00 a.m.      Wake up
4:30 a.m.      Breakfast
5:00 a.m.      Weather briefing (CDR, PLT, MS2)
5:00 a.m.      Don flight equipment (MS1, MS3)
5:10 a.m.      Don flight equipment (CDR, PLT, MS2)
5:40 a.m.      Depart for launch pad 39-B
6:10 a.m.      Arrive at white room and begin ingress
7:25 a.m.      Close crew hatch
9:10 a.m.      Launch
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
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=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930809A.REL

8/09/93:  UNIQUE CHEMICAL PROCESS COULD IMPROVE CERAMIC MATERIALS


Charles Redmond
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                August 9, 1993




Linda Ellis
RELEASE:  93-143


    A new and unique group of ceramic processing chemicals, that may
revolutionize the ceramic industry, has been developed by researchers at the
NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland.

    The new processing chemicals, derived from the base organic compound
guanidine, may lead to high purity ceramic products which can better withstand
temperatures over 2192 degrees F. (1200 degrees Celsius).

    "These chemicals have direct use in the aerospace industry.  We can use
them to form lightweight, corrosion-resistant ceramic parts leading to more
efficient aircraft engines and rocket motors," according to Dr. Warren H.
Philipp, inventor and Senior Research Chemist in the Materials Division.

    "There's also a real need for pure ceramics in such items as electric
capacitors, superconductors, semiconductors and thermal barrier coatings."

    Ceramic components generally are fabricated from powders using a
variety of techniques.  Normally, after processing, a residue containing sodium
or potassium remains and weakens the ceramic material at high temperatures."

    However, with the guanidine-based processing chemicals, there is no
sodium or potassium residue.  The ceramics produced using this method have
reduced corrosion problems and improved high-temperature strength.

    "Ceramic composites consist of a ceramic matrix reinforced by ceramic
fibers.  The fibers in the matrix usually are coated to inhibit cracks from
occurring or spreading.  Guanidine soaps are used to coat the ceramic fibers."


    The guanidine compound was synthesized when scientists were searching
for a sodium-free compound for use in producing pure superconductors.

    The use of guanidine in commercial ceramics is an example of technology
utilization - technology developed for aerospace applications that can be
applied to non-aerospace uses.

    NASA's Technology Utilization Program was established in 1962 to
encourage greater use of space agency knowledge by providing a link between the
NASA research community and those who might use the research for commercial or
industrial products.
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
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=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930809B.REL

8/9/93: HST MEDIA WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR AUG. 30 -  SEPT. 1



Sarah Keegan
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                     August 9, 1993


Kyle Herring
Johnson Space Center, Houston



NOTE TO EDITORS:  N93-46

    A workshop for news media is scheduled for Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 at
the Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston, to familiarize reporters with the
training and operations leading up to the first servicing mission of the Hubble
Space Telescope, currently scheduled for launch in December.

    The workshop will include briefings on mission preparation and
round-robin interviews with the 7-member crew.  The mission preparation and
overview briefings will be carried on NASA Select television.  In addition, the
workshop will include hands-on demonstrations of tools and training methods to
provide as much insight as possible for reporters planning to cover the
mission.

    The dates for the workshop currently coincide with the second major
fully-integrated mission simulation, scheduled to begin Aug. 31 and continue
for 36 hours.  The exercise will include two 6-hour water tank sessions in the
Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) by the crew members to simulate
the spacewalks planned for the mission.

    The workshop has moved from the previously scheduled dates of Aug.
16-18 due to the delay in the STS-51 Space Shuttle mission.  News media
interested in attending the workshop and taking part in the crew interviews
should notify the JSC Newsroom.  An agenda for the 3-day workshop follows.


HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE FIRST SERVICING MISSION
Training And Operations Media Workshop
Johnson Space Center, Houston

Tentative Agenda (all times CDT)


Monday -- Aug. 30, 1993

9 - 10 a.m.       Randy Brinkley/Milt Heflin          Mission
                                                      Overview

10 - 11 a.m.      Jim Thornton/Sue Rainwater          EVA/HST
                                                      Tools

11 - Noon         Joe Rothenberg/Ed Weiler            HST
                                                      Spacecraft/
                                                      Science

1 - 5 p.m.        STS-61 Crew                         STS-61 Crew
                                                      Round-Robin
                                                      Interviews


Tuesday -- Aug. 31

8 a.m.            HST  sim begins (MET 03/16:30)      EVA-2
                  (Reporters take turns on-console    (Solar
                  with Commentator listening in       Array
                  on headset)                         changeout)

11:20 a.m.        Introduction/orientation            WETF during

                                                      EVA-2

1 - 5 p.m.        Richard Fullerton                   Precision
                                                      Air Bearing
                                                      Floor and
                                                      POGO
                                                      Concept

Wednesday -- Sept. 1

                  HST 36-hour sim continues           EVA-2
                  (Reporters take turns on console
                  with Commentator listening in
                  on headset)

11:20 a.m.        WETF                                EVA-2

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.   Mike Goza                           Virtual
                                                      Reality
                                                      Demo

**  ALL-DAY INTERVIEW DESK FOR NON-CREW INTERVIEWS  **
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
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=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930809C.REL

8/9/93: STS-51 COUNTDOWN BEGAN AS SCHEDULED TODAY


Bruce Buckingham
                                      August 9, 1993

KSC Release No. 98 - 93

     The countdown for launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery on
mission STS-51 began as scheduled today at 9:30 a.m. EDT, at the
T-43 hour mark.

     This marks the beginning of the third launch attempt of the
orbiter Discovery since the launch was scrubbed on July 17 and 24
due to technical problems. Additionally, launch was postponed
from August 4 until August 12 due to concerns regarding the
Persied meteor shower which is expected to peak on the evening of
August 11.

     The countdown includes 28 hours and 40 minutes of built-in
hold time leading to the opening of the launch window at 9:10
a.m. (EDT) on Thursday, August 12. The 57 minute window extends
until 10:07 a.m.

     A primary objective of this mission is the deployment of the
Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) and the
Transfer Orbit Stage (TOS). ACTS/TOS is the latest in NASA's
series of advanced communication satellites and a test-bed for
technology which will be used in future operational satellites.
Also, the Orbiting Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet
Spectrometer-Shuttle Pallet Satellite (ORFEUS-SPAS) payload will
be deployed and retrieved during this mission.

     Also on board is the IMAX camera, the Commercial Protein
Crystal Growth (CPCG) experiment, and Chromosome and Plant Cell
Division in Space (CHROMEX) experiment.

     In addition, astronauts Jim Newman and Carl Walz are
scheduled to perform a six hour spacewalk on the fifth day of the
mission as a continuation of a series of test spacewalks to
increase experience and refine training methods. They will work
with several tools that may be used during the servicing of the
Hubble Space Telescope mission later this year.

     Today in Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center, the KSC
launch team is verifying systems to assure that the Shuttle is
powered up and that the data processing and backup flight control
systems are operating trouble free.

     Verifications will occur throughout the count to ensure
reviews of the flight software stored in the orbiter's twin
memory banks is being conducted, computer controlled display
systems are being activated, and the backup flight system general
purpose computer is being loaded.

     Operations are also underway to prepare the orbiter for
on-board cryogenic loading. Later, orbiter navigation aids will
be turned on and tested and the inertial measurement units will
be activated.

     Also today, ground crews are making the final storage of
mid-deck and flight deck supplies and payloads. They will also
perform microbial samplings of the flight crew's drinking water
and check water levels in the crew waste management system.

     The STS-51 crew is scheduled to arrive at KSC at about 3
p.m. today.

     At T-27 hours, the countdown will enter its first built-in
hold. This is an eight hour hold lasting from 1:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday.

     When the countdown resumes, the launch pad will be cleared
of all personnel in preparation for cryogenic fuel loading of the
power reactant and storage distribution system tanks located
under the payload bay lining. These tanks hold the super-cold
liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen reactants used by the fuel
cells to provide electricity to the orbiter and drinking water
for the crew.

     Cryogenic flow is scheduled to start at about 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday and continue for about five hours.

     As servicing of the cryogenic tanks concludes, the clock
will enter another built-in hold at the T-19 hour mark. This hold
will last for four hours from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

     Following cryogenic loading operations, the pad will be
reopened for normal work and the orbiter mid-body umbilical unit
used to load the super-cold reactants in the orbiter's fuel cell
tanks will be demated and retracted into the launch structure.

     When the countdown resumes, technicians will complete final
vehicle and facility closeouts and begin activating the orbiter's
communications systems and configuring Discovery's cockpit for
flight. The orbiter's flight control system and navigation aids
will be activated. The stowable crew seats will be installed in
the flight and mid-decks.

     The countdown will enter a built-in hold at the T-11 hour
mark at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. This 13 hour, 20 minute hold will
last until 6:50 p.m. Wednesday. During this hold, time critical
equipment will be installed in the orbiter's cockpit and the
inertial measurement units will be activated and warmed up.

     At about 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Rotating Service Structure
is scheduled to be moved away from the vehicle and placed in
launch position.

     At T-9 hours, about 8:50 p.m. Wednesday, the onboard fuel
cells will be activated. At T-8 hours, the launch team will begin
evacuating the blast danger area and clear the pad for loading
the external tank with the super-cold cryogenic fuels. At T-7
hours, 30 minutes, conditioned air that is flowing through the
orbiter's payload bay and other areas on the orbiter will be
switched to gaseous nitrogen in preparation for fueling the
external tank. The inertial measurement units will transition
from the warm up stage to the operate/attitude determination mode
at T-6 hours, 45 minutes.

     The countdown will enter another planned built-in hold at
the T-6 hour mark at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday. During this one-hour
hold, final preparations for loading the external tank will be
completed and a pre-tanking weather briefing will be conducted.

     Chilldown of the lines that carry the cryogenic propellants
to the external tank begins when the clock starts counting again
at 12:50 a.m. Thursday. Filling and topping off the external tank
should be complete at the beginning of the next planned hold at
T-3 hours, or 3:50 a.m. Thursday.

     During the two-hour hold at T-3 hours, an ice inspection
team will conduct a survey of the external tank's outer
insulation and other Shuttle components. Also, the closeout crew
will be dispatched to the pad and begin configuring the crew
module and white room for the flight crew's arrival. Liquid
oxygen and liquid hydrogen will be in a stable replenish mode
during this time to replace any propellant that "boils" off.

     During the hold at T-3 hours, the five-member STS-51 crew
will be awakened at about 4 a.m. Thursday.

     Following breakfast, the crew will receive a briefing on
weather conditions both at KSC and around the world via satellite
from Mission Control, Houston.

     The flight crew will suit-up in their partial-pressure
suits, then leave the Operations and Checkout Building during the
T-3 hour hold, or at about 5:40 a.m. They will arrive at the
pad's white room at about 6:10 a.m. where they will be assisted
by white room personnel in getting into the crew cabin.

     Just prior to the T-1 hour mark, the test team and the
flight crew will get another weather update, including
observations from astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson flying in a
Shuttle Training Aircraft in the KSC area.

     The last two built-in holds will be 10 minutes in duration
and will occur at the T-20 minute mark, or at 8:30 a.m., and at
the T-9 minutes mark at 8:51 a.m. During the final hold, the
flight crew and ground team receive the NASA launch director's
and the mission management team's final "go" for launch.

     Milestones after the T-9 minute mark include start of the
ground launch sequencer; retraction of the orbiter access arm at
T-7 minutes, 30 seconds; start of the orbiter's auxiliary power
units at T-5 minutes; pressurization of the liquid oxygen tank
inside the external tank at T-2 minutes, 55 seconds;
pressurization of the liquid hydrogen tank at T-1 minute, 57
seconds; and the electronic "go" to Discovery's onboard computers
to start their own terminal countdown sequence at T-31 seconds.
The orbiter's three main engines will start at T-6.6 seconds.


                      COUNTDOWN MILESTONES

               Launch - 3 Days (Monday, August 9)

     Prepare for the start of the STS-51 launch countdown and
perform the call-to-stations at the T-43 hour mark. Countdown
began at 9:30 a.m. All members of the launch team reported to
their respective consoles in Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control
Center for the start of the countdown.

     The payload bay doors are scheduled to be closed for flight
at about 4 p.m.

              Launch - 2 Days (Tuesday, August 10)

     Enter the first planned built-in hold at T-27 hours for a
duration of eight hours.

     Check out back-up flight system and review flight software
stored in mass memory units and display systems. Load backup
flight system software into Discovery's general purpose
computers.

     Begin stowage of flight crew equipment. Inspect the
orbiter's mid-deck and flight-deck and remove crew module
platforms. Start external tank loading preparations and prepare
the Shuttle's main engines for main propellant tanking and
flight.

     Resume countdown. Start preparations for servicing fuel cell
storage tanks and begin final vehicle and facility closeouts for
launch.

     Clear launch pad of all personnel and begin loading liquid
oxygen and liquid hydrogen reactants into Discovery's fuel cell
storage tanks.

     After loading operations, the pad will be reopened for
normal work. Orbiter and ground support equipment closeouts will
resume.

     Enter planned built-in hold at T-19 hours for a duration of
4 hours.

     Demate orbiter mid-body umbilical unit.

     Resume countdown.

     Activate orbiter communications systems, flight control and
navigation systems. Install mission specialists' seats in crew
cabin. The tail service masts on the mobile launcher platform
will be closed out for launch.

              Launch - 1 Day (Wednesday, August 11)

     Enter planned hold at T-11 hours for a duration of 13 hours,
20 minutes.

     Perform orbiter ascent switch list in crew cabin. During
this hold at T-11 hours, the orbiter's inertial measurement units
will be activated and kept in the "warm up" mode and film will be
installed in the numerous cameras on the launch pad. In addition,
safety personnel will conduct a debris walkdown and the pad sound
suppression system water tank will be filled.

     The Rotating Service Structure will be moved to the park
position during this hold at about 11 a.m.

     Final stowage of mid-deck experiments and flight crew
equipment stowage will begin.

     Resume countdown. Install time critical flight crew
equipment and perform the pre-ingress switch list. Start fuel
cell flow-through purge.

     Activate the orbiter's fuel cells. Configure communications
at Mission Control, Houston, for launch. Clear the blast danger
area of all non-essential personnel and switch Discovery's purge
air to gaseous nitrogen.

     Enter planned one-hour built-in hold at the T-6 hour mark.

                Launch Day (Thursday, August 12)

     Launch team verifies there are no violations of launch
commit criteria prior to cryogenic loading of the external tank.
Clear pad of all personnel.

     Resume countdown. Loading the external tank with cryogenic
propellants is scheduled to begin at 12:50 a.m.

     Complete filling the external tank with its flight load of
liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants. Perform open loop
test with Eastern Space and Missile Center and conduct gimbal
profile checks of orbital maneuvering system engines.

     Perform inertial measurement unit preflight calibration and
align Merritt Island Launch Area tracking antennas.

     Enter two-hour hold at T-3 hours and wake flight crew at
4 a.m.

     Closeout crew and ice inspection team proceeds to Launch Pad
39-B. Crew departs Operations and Checkout Building for the pad
at 5:40 a.m.

     Resume countdown at T-3 hours. Complete closeout
preparations in the white room and cockpit switch configurations.

     Flight crew enters orbiter. Astronauts perform air-to-ground
voice checks with Mission Control, Houston. Close Discovery's
crew hatch. Begin Eastern Space and Missile Center final network
open loop command checks.

     Perform hatch seal and cabin leak checks. The white room is
closed out and the closeout crew moves to fallback area. Primary
ascent guidance data is transferred to the backup flight system.

     Enter planned 10-minute hold at T-20 minutes.

     NASA Shuttle Test Director conducts final briefing.

     Resume countdown. Transition orbiter onboard computers to
launch configuration and start fuel cell thermal conditioning.
Close orbiter cabin vent valves. Backup flight system transitions
to launch configuration.

     Enter last planned hold at T-9 minutes.

     Launch Director and Mission Management Team complete final
polls for launch. Resume countdown.

Start automatic ground launch sequencer (T-9:00 minutes)
Retract orbiter crew access arm (T-7:30)
Start mission recorders (T-5:30)
Start Auxiliary Power Units (T-5:00)
Arm SRB and ET range safety safe and arm devices (T-5:00)
Start liquid oxygen drainback (T-4:55)
Start orbiter aerosurface profile test (T-3:55)
Orbiter transfers to internal power (T-3:30)
Start MPS gimbal profile test (T-3:30)
Pressurize liquid oxygen tank (T-2:55)
Begin retraction of the gaseous oxygen vent arm (T-2:55)
Fuel cells to internal reactants (T-2:35)
Pressurize liquid hydrogen tank (T-1:57)
Deactivate SRB joint heaters (T-1:00)
LPS go for start of orbiter automatic sequence (T-0:31 seconds)
Ignition of Shuttle's three main engines (T-6.6 seconds)
SRB ignition and liftoff (T-0)


             SUMMARY OF HOLDS AND HOLD TIMES FOR STS-51


T-TIME ------- LENGTH OF HOLD ---- HOLD BEGINS ---- HOLD ENDS

T-27 hours --- 8 hours ----------- 1:30 am Tues.--- 9:30 am Tues.
T-19 hours --- 4 hours ----------- 5:30 pm Tues.--- 9:30 pm Tues.
T-11 hours --- 13 hrs.,20 mins. -- 5:30 am Wed.----- 6:50 pm Wed.
T-6 hours ---- 1 hour ---------- 11:50 pm Wed.--- 12:50 am Thurs.
T-3 hours ---- 2 hours --------- 3:50 am Thurs.--- 5:50 am Thurs.
T-20 minutes - 10 minutes ------ 8:30 am Thurs.--- 8:40 am Thurs.
T-9 minutes -- 10 minutes ------ 8:51 am Thurs.--- 9:01 am Thurs.





                      CREW FOR MISSION STS-51

Commander (CDR): Frank Culbertson
Pilot (PLT): Bill Readdy
Mission Specialist (MS1): Jim Newman
Mission Specialist (MS2): Dan Bursch
Mission Specialist (MS3): Carl Walz



           SUMMARY OF STS-51 LAUNCH DAY CREW ACTIVITIES

Thursday, August 12, 1993

4:00 a.m.      Wake up
4:30 a.m.      Breakfast
5:00 a.m.      Weather briefing (CDR, PLT, MS2)
5:00 a.m.      Don flight equipment (MS1, MS3)
5:10 a.m.      Don flight equipment (CDR, PLT, MS2)
5:40 a.m.      Depart for launch pad 39-B
6:10 a.m.      Arrive at white room and begin ingress
7:25 a.m.      Close crew hatch
9:10 a.m.      Launch



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

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:10_9_5.TXT

UNIQUE CHEMICAL PROCESS COULD IMPROVE CERAMIC MATERIALS

August 9, 1993

Charles Redmond
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.



Linda Ellis
RELEASE:  93-143


    A new and unique group of ceramic processing chemicals, that may
revolutionize the ceramic industry, has been developed by researchers at the
NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland.

    The new processing chemicals, derived from the base organic compound
guanidine, may lead to high purity ceramic products which can better withstand
temperatures over 2192 degrees F. (1200 degrees Celsius).

    "These chemicals have direct use in the aerospace industry.  We can use
them to form lightweight, corrosion-resistant ceramic parts leading to more
efficient aircraft engines and rocket motors," according to Dr. Warren H.
Philipp, inventor and Senior Research Chemist in the Materials Division.

    "There's also a real need for pure ceramics in such items as electric
capacitors, superconductors, semiconductors and thermal barrier coatings."

    Ceramic components generally are fabricated from powders using a
variety of techniques.  Normally, after processing, a residue containing sodium
or potassium remains and weakens the ceramic material at high temperatures."

    However, with the guanidine-based processing chemicals, there is no
sodium or potassium residue.  The ceramics produced using this method have
reduced corrosion problems and improved high-temperature strength.

    "Ceramic composites consist of a ceramic matrix reinforced by ceramic
fibers.  The fibers in the matrix usually are coated to inhibit cracks from
occurring or spreading.  Guanidine soaps are used to coat the ceramic fibers."


    The guanidine compound was synthesized when scientists were searching
for a sodium-free compound for use in producing pure superconductors.

    The use of guanidine in commercial ceramics is an example of technology
utilization - technology developed for aerospace applications that can be
applied to non-aerospace uses.

    NASA's Technology Utilization Program was established in 1962 to
encourage greater use of space agency knowledge by providing a link between the
NASA research community and those who might use the research for commercial or
industrial products.
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
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STS-51 WEATHER PREDICTIONS / PREVIOUS DELAY AND LAUNCH INFORMATION

     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
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MAGELLAN STATUS 8/6/93

Magellan Significant Events for Week Ending 8/6/93

1.  Aerobraking the Magellan spacecraft into a near circular orbit on Venus was
successfully completed on Tuesday, 8/3/93.  The apoapsis was reduced from 8460
to 540 km, and the orbit period to 94 minutes.

2.  Magellan's periapsis was lifted out of the upper atmosphere by a series of
five Exit OTMs which began early Tuesday and finished on Thursday. The final
orbit is 540 x 197 km.

3.  The Magellan Transition Experiment demonstrates a significant new maneuver
technology by achieving a major orbit change with minimal propellant and
enabling new scientific observations near the poles of Venus.


Magellan Significant Events for Next Week

1.  A press conference on Magellan's successful aerobraking will be held at JPL
on Tuesday, August 10 at 10:00 A.M., and broadcast on NASA-Select.

2.  Tuesday also marks the 3rd anniversary of Magellan's arrival at Venus.

3.  Circular orbit operations will officially begin on August 16th.
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
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THE NIGHT SKY  Meteor Showers


Meteors are flashes of light commonly referred to as shooting stars.  They are
small bits of ice, rock and or metal that hit our atmosphere at an altitude of
60 to 100 kilometers.  Because of their velocities of tens of thousands of
kilometers per hour, they are incinerated by friction.  Most particles are the
size of grains of sand.  Some may be baseball sized.  Meteors streak across the
sky in an instant, sometimes being bright enough to cast shadows.  Often a
glowing path remains visible for a few seconds after the meteor vanishes.  When
a large chunk of material hit our atmosphere and forms an exceptionally bright
meteor, it is called a fireball.  Fireballs often break up in flight causing
bursts of light.

On any night of the year you can go out and see meteors.  If the sky is bright
because of the Moon or city lights you will have to patient and wait for one
that is bright enough to shine through the background glow.  In a dark sky you
can expect to see about six per hour.  But there are some times when there are
many more meteors visible.  These times are known as showers.  Showers occur
each year at about the same time.

Shower meteoroids, particles that are traveling in space towards Earth, are
material left behind by comets.  Comets are composed mostly of ice.  Some orbit
the Sun in elliptical orbits.  Others come from deep spacec pass near the Sun,
and then fly off never to be seen again.  The path of the 'omet is often filled
with grains of material that have separated from the cometUs nucleus.  It is
possible for the path of a comet to intersect the orbit of Earth. In all
probability Earth will be nowhere near the comet at that time but Earth, as it
orbits the Sun, will cross the path of the long gone comet and encounter some
of the grains.  When that occurs we have a shower.

Since Earth will reach the same point in space at the same time each year we
can predict the dates of showers.  Some showers are better than others and each
shower varies from year to year.  They last several days but peak during one
night.  Showers are named for the apparent point from which the meteors appear
to originate.  In other words, if you observe several meteors and plot their
positions on a star chart, and then draw a line backwards, the lines will meet
at one small region of the sky.  For example, during the shower that peaks
around October 20/21 of each year your map would show meteor streaks all over
the sky.  Extending each of those lines backwards, or in the opposite direction
from which the meteor was heading, would find those lines meeting in the
constellation of Orion. This shower is known as the Orionid meteor shower.
This shower is from material lost by Halley's Comet.

The most famous and reliable meteor shower is the Perseid which occurs on the
night of August 11/12 each year.  Typically there are ten times the usual
number of shooting stars, 60 or more per hour.  The debris that creates the
Perseids is from the comet P/Swift-Tuttle. Swift-Tuttle is a periodic comet
meaning that it is in orbit around the Sun. Its orbit carries it across EarthUs
orbit once each 130 years.  The last passage was in December, 1992 so the
Perseid shower could turn into a storm for the next several years.  There might
also be a large number of large chunks that could produce fireballs.

Meteor showers are typically best after midnight.  As Earth spins on its axis
each day it also orbits the Sun. As viewed from above the north pole of the Sun
or Earth, Earth spins counterclockwise and orbits the Sun counterclockwise.
This means that there is, at any given moment, half of the Earth facing forward
into the direction that Earth orbits, and half facing in the direction that
Earth has been.  From midnight until noon we are on the leading side of Earth
and from noon until midnight on the trailing side.  In the evening the meteors
have to catch up with Earth from behind.  After midnight Earth is running into
the particles.  The number of meteors goes up as does the speed at which they
hit the atmosphere.

Observing meteors is probably the easiest astronomical activity.  All you need
is a view of the sky and some patience.  The darker sky the better, but you
need no special equipment.  In fact a telescope will do no good at all since
telescopes have narrow fields of view and meteors cross a lot of sky.
Binoculars can be used to try to see if there is any glow left in the meteor's
path but can not be used to spot the meteors themselves.  Try to make yourself
comfortable.  A lawnchair or blanket will help and be sure to dress warmly
enough.  Snacks and drinks are a good idea too.

If you want to make a record of your observations you should have a copy of a
wide field of view star chart and a pencil.  If you are in a group arrange the
members so that each person is looking off in a different direction with a
chart that covers the stars in their view.  That way you can cover the whole
sky.

You can photograph meteors but is difficult to get good photographs.  You will
need a camera, probably a 35mm, with a B setting or some other method for
keeping the shutter open for a long period of time, and a tripod.  A cable
release can be attached to most 35mm cameras.  The cable release can be secured
so that the film remains exposed to the sky for as long as you leave it open.
With a normal or wide angle lens and fast film, ISO 200 or higher, you are
hoping that a bright meteor will shoot through the camera's field of view while
the shutter is open.  Plan to take several photographs of about ten minutes in
length.  If you think that a meteor has been captured on film, stop the
exposure and go on to the next one.



Prominent Showers    Night of Peak    Hourly Rate
Quadrantids        Jan. 2        20-80
Eta Aquarids        May 3        20
Delta Aquarids        July 27    35
Perseids        Aug. 11    60
Orionids        Oct. 20    35
Leonids              Nov. 15    10-100
Geminids        Dec. 11    50

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