Space & Astronomy/Space and Astronomy (October 1993).iso/mac/TEXT_ZIP/daily/930106.ZIP/930106.DFC

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06-Jan-93 Daily File Collection
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=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930106.REL

1/6/93: FIRST 1993 SHUTTLE MISSION DEMONSTATES UNIQUE CAPABILITIES

Ed Campion
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                         January 6, 1993

RELEASE:  93-004



        The versatility of NASA's Space Shuttle system will be demonstrated
next week during the first mission of 1993 when Shuttle Endeavour and her crew
conduct a diverse group of experiments and tasks in Earth orbit.

        During the mission, a communications satellite will be deployed, x-ray
astronomy observations will be taken, experiments covering a wide range of
scientific disiplines will be conducted and a spacewalk to evaluate training
techniques will be performed.

        Endeavour and her crew are scheduled to be launched on Wednesday, Jan.
13 with a launch window opening at 8:52 a.m.  EST. The mission duration is
approximately 6 days with landing scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19 at Kennedy
Space Center, Fla.

        Crew members for the STS-54 mission are Commander John Casper, Pilot
Don McMonagle and three mission specialists -- Mario Runco, Jr., Greg Harbaugh
and Susan Helms. The STS-54 mission will be the third flight of Space Shuttle
Endeavour and the 53rd flight of the system overall.

Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System

        The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) is a space-based
network that provides communications, tracking, telemetry, data acquisition and
command services essential to the Space Shuttle and low-Earth orbital
spacecraft missions.  All Shuttle missions and nearly all NASA spacecraft in
Earth orbit require TDRSS's capabilities for mission success.

        Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-6) being deployed on the STS-
54 mission is the sixth in a series of communications spacecraft planned for
the TDRS system.

        The successful launch and checkout of TDRS-6 will give NASA the
essential requirement of having two fully operational satellites and a fully
operational ready reserve capability.  This will assure that NASA
communications, telemetry and data acquisition capabilities required by space
missions will not be jeopardized.

Diffuse X-ray Spectrometer

        The Diffuse X-ray Spectrometer (DXS) addresses a fundamental question
of present-day astrophysics: What is the origin and nature of the interstellar
medium -- the matter that fills the space between stars?

        A large percentage of x-rays from space do not originate fobjects like
stars or galaxies, but from some source that appears to distributed over the
entire sky.  Astronomers have found that these emissions fall into two types:
high-energy or "hard" x-rays that may be the unresolved emissions from a
collection of distant galaxies and low-energy or "soft" x-rays that are not yet
well understood.  DXS will study the latter.

        Because low energy x-rays cannot travel more than a few hundred light
years in interstellar space before they are absorbed, most of the diffuse soft
x- ray background observed must have originated in the Milky Way galaxy from
the vicinity of Earth's solar system.

        The DXS measures the arrival direction and wavelength of incident low
energy x-rays in the wavelength range of 42 to 84 Angstroms (an Angstrom is one
ten-thousandth of a millimeter).  From this information, the DXS scientists
will be able to determine the spectrum (brightness at each wavelength) of the
diffuse soft x-ray background from each of several regions of the sky.

        By analyzing these spectral features, scientists can identify the
temperature, the ionization state and the elements which constitute this
plasma.  From these data they can tell whether the plasma is young and heated
in the last 100,000 years or old and heated millions of years ago.  Previous
experiments were not capable of measuring the spectrum of the diffuse soft
X-ray background.

EVA Test Objectives

        On the fifth day of the STS-54 flight, Mission Specialists Greg
Harbaugh and Mario Runco, Jr., will perform the first in a series of test
spacewalks to be conducted on Shuttle missions during the years leading up to
the construction of Space Station Freedom, scheduled to begin in 1996.

        The spacewalk tests are designed to refine training methods for future
spacewalks; expand the experience of ground controllers, instructors and
astronauts; and aid in better understanding the differences between true
weightlessness and the underwater facility used to train crew members.

        During the STS-54 spacewalk, Runco and Harbaugh will evaluate how well
they respectively adapt to spacewalking; test their abilities to move about the
cargo bay with and without carrying items; test the ability to climb into a
foot restraint without handholds; and test their ability to align a large
object in weightlessness.

CHROMEX-4

        Developmental and Physiological Processes Influencing Seed Production
in Microgravity (CHROMEX-4) is designed to gain an understanding of the
reproductive abnormalities which apparently occur in plants exposed to
microgravity and to determine whether changes in developmental processes may be
due to spaceflight conditions, especially microgravity.  This experiment also
will help scientists understand how gravity influences fertilization and
development on Earth.

        To date, only a few studies have been conducted on developing seeds in
space.  They all showed very poor seed production.  NASA would like to use
plants as a source of food and atmospheric cleansing for astronauts staying in
space for extended periods of time.  Seed production is vital if crops like
wheat and rice are to be utilized for food.

Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus

        The purpose of the Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA) is
to allow a wide variety of sophisticated biomaterials, life sciences and
biotechnology investigations to be performed in one apparatus in microgravity.

        During the STS-54 mission, the CGBA will support 28 separate commercial
investigations, loosely classified in three application areas: biomedical
testing and drug development, controlled ecological life support system and
agricultural development and manufacture of biological-based materials.

        Results from the 28 investigations will be carefully considered in
determining subsequent steps toward commercialization.  STS-54 marks the second
of six CGBA flights.  Future flights will continue to focus on selecting and
developing investigations that show the greatest commercial potential.

Physiological and Anatomical Rodent Experiment

        The second Physiological and Anatomical Rodent Experiment (PARE.02) is
a secondary payload flight experiment located in a locker on the Space
Shuttle's mid-deck.  The goal of PARE.02 is to determine the extent to which
short-term exposure to microgravity alters the size, strength and stamina of
skeletal muscles normally used to support the body against the force of
gravity.

        The PARE.02 experiment is important for two reasons.  When individuals
are exposed to ta significant loss in muscle mass.  This appears to be because
the muscle must no longer exert a sufficient level of force, which produces a
signal to the body to conserve mass.

        However, the loss of muscle mass hinders one's capability to function
when returning to Earth. All movement patterns are difficult, and the
individual may be prone to accidents because of this instability.  Scientists
need to find out the extent to which the muscle atrophies, what impact the
atrophy process has on muscle performance and how to prevent the atrophy from
occurring.

        Second, the problem of muscle atrophy is similar in part to what is
seen on Earth during the normal span of aging.  As one gets older, he or she
becomes less physically active, and the degree of muscle disuse is exaggerated.
This leads to the same problems as occur during exposure to microgravity.
Thus, if the problem of atrophy in space can be solved, scientists should have
good insight for maintaining the muscle system in a more viable condition as
people age.

Solid Surface Combustion Experiment

        The purpose of the Solid Surface Combustion Experiment (SSCE) is to
study the physical and chemical mechanisms of flame propagation over solid
fuels in the absence of gravity-driven buoyant or externally-imposed airflows.
The controlling mechanisms of flame propagation in microgravity are different
than in normal gravity.

        On Earth, gravity causes the air heated by the flame to rise.  This air
flow, called buoyant convection, feeds oxygen to the flame and cools the fire,
creating competing effects.  In microgravity, this flow is absent.  Therefore,
the fire is sustained only by the oxygen that it consumes as it migrates along
the fuel's surface.  The results of the SSCE have a practical application in
the evaluation of spacecraft fire hazards, as well as providing a better
understanding of flame propagation in microgravity and on Earth.

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

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930106.SHU

KSC SHUTTLE STATUS 1/6/93



                   SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                   Kennedy Space Center, Florida

                   Wednesday, January 6, 1993


George H. Diller


Vehicle: OV-105/Endeavour   Mission Number: STS-54
Location: Launch Pad 39-B
Primary Payload: TDRS-F/IUS-13 + Diffuse X-ray Spectrometer (DXS)
Launch Timeframe: January 13  8:52 a.m. EST
Mission Duration: 5 Days 23 Hours 33 Minutes
Inclination: 28.45 degrees   Crew Size: 5
Nominal Landing: KSC  Jan. 19  8:24 a.m. EST


IN WORK TODAY:

- aft main engine compartment confidence test
- install flight crew equipment items
- install crew escape pole
- Range Safety command checks
- launch countdown preparations in Firing Room 3
- TDRS battery charging
- IUS/TDRS power-on stray voltage checks
- IUS/TDRS payload closeouts
- DXS interim servicing


WORK COMPLETED:

- aft main engine compartment closeouts/flight door installation
- removal of main engine protective covers
- loading orbiter mass memory unit software
- star tracker inspections
- fuel cell purges
- external tank purges
- external tank electrical checks
- solid rocket booster electrical checks
- solid rocket booster thermal curtain installation
- IUS simulated countdown
- EVA spacesuit checkout in orbiter airlock



STS-54 WORK SCHEDULED:

- ordnance connections Thursday
- hypergolic tank pressurization on Thursday
- external tank closeouts on Friday
- solid rocket booster closeouts on Friday
- IUS battery voltage checks on Friday
- begin launch countdown at 9 a.m. on Sunday, January 10
- astronaut arrival 3:30 p.m. Sunday
- close payload bay doors 8 p.m. Sunday


ISSUES & CONCERNS: None
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
=--=--=-END-=--=--=

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930106A.REL

1/6/93: NASA SELECTS PHASE II SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROJECTS

Barbara Selby
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                January 6, 1993

RELEASE:  93-003


     NASA announced today the selection of 38 research proposals for immediate
negotiation of phase II contracts in NASA's Small Business Innovation Research
Program (SBIR).  The selected projects, having a total value of approximately
$19 million, will be conducted by 36 small businesses located in 18 states.

     Approximately 100 additional phase II selections will be made in January
and February 1993, bringing the total number of selections in this procurement
to approximately 140 and the total contract value to approximately $70 million.

     "The recent re-authorization of the SBIR program through Fiscal Year 2000
is a strong vote of confidence.  The program is meeting its objectives, and its
accomplishments are benefitting both NASA and the economy," stated Harry
Johnson, Director of NASA's SBIR program.

     SBIR phase II supports development of the most promising research
innovations that demonstrated technical feasibility and high potential value at
the end of phase I. All phase II projects are being chosen competitively from
more than 275 proposals submitted by small businesses completing their phase I
projects in 1992.  Selection criteria include technical merit and innovation,
phase I results, company capabilities, value to NASA and commercial potential.
Each project may run 2 years and be funded up to $500,000.

     SBIR objectives are to stimulate technological innovation in the United
States by using small business, including minority and disadvantaged firms, to
help federal agencies meet their research and development needs and to
encourage commercial applications of federally funded research innovations.

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

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:3_6_2.TXT

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    The first line of the file:

SHUTTLE PAYLOAD FLIGHT ASSIGNMENTS

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

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:3_6_9.TXT

 NOTE: This file is too large {158817 bytes} for inclusion in this collection.
    The first line of the file:

MIXED FLEET MANIFEST l/92

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

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:6_2_2_42_6.TXT

1/6/93: FIRST 1993 SHUTTLE MISSION DEMONSTATES UNIQUE CAPABILITIES

Ed Campion
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                         January 6, 1993

RELEASE:  93-004



        The versatility of NASA's Space Shuttle system will be demonstrated
next week during the first mission of 1993 when Shuttle Endeavour and her crew
conduct a diverse group of experiments and tasks in Earth orbit.

        During the mission, a communications satellite will be deployed, x-ray
astronomy observations will be taken, experiments covering a wide range of
scientific disiplines will be conducted and a spacewalk to evaluate training
techniques will be performed.

        Endeavour and her crew are scheduled to be launched on Wednesday, Jan.
13 with a launch window opening at 8:52 a.m.  EST. The mission duration is
approximately 6 days with landing scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19 at Kennedy
Space Center, Fla.

        Crew members for the STS-54 mission are Commander John Casper, Pilot
Don McMonagle and three mission specialists -- Mario Runco, Jr., Greg Harbaugh
and Susan Helms. The STS-54 mission will be the third flight of Space Shuttle
Endeavour and the 53rd flight of the system overall.

Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System

        The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) is a space-based
network that provides communications, tracking, telemetry, data acquisition and
command services essential to the Space Shuttle and low-Earth orbital
spacecraft missions.  All Shuttle missions and nearly all NASA spacecraft in
Earth orbit require TDRSS's capabilities for mission success.

        Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-6) being deployed on the STS-
54 mission is the sixth in a series of communications spacecraft planned for
the TDRS system.

        The successful launch and checkout of TDRS-6 will give NASA the
essential requirement of having two fully operational satellites and a fully
operational ready reserve capability.  This will assure that NASA
communications, telemetry and data acquisition capabilities required by space
missions will not be jeopardized.

Diffuse X-ray Spectrometer

        The Diffuse X-ray Spectrometer (DXS) addresses a fundamental question
of present-day astrophysics: What is the origin and nature of the interstellar
medium -- the matter that fills the space between stars?

        A large percentage of x-rays from space do not originate fobjects like
stars or galaxies, but from some source that appears to distributed over the
entire sky.  Astronomers have found that these emissions fall into two types:
high-energy or "hard" x-rays that may be the unresolved emissions from a
collection of distant galaxies and low-energy or "soft" x-rays that are not yet
well understood.  DXS will study the latter.

        Because low energy x-rays cannot travel more than a few hundred light
years in interstellar space before they are absorbed, most of the diffuse soft
x- ray background observed must have originated in the Milky Way galaxy from
the vicinity of Earth's solar system.

        The DXS measures the arrival direction and wavelength of incident low
energy x-rays in the wavelength range of 42 to 84 Angstroms (an Angstrom is one
ten-thousandth of a millimeter).  From this information, the DXS scientists
will be able to determine the spectrum (brightness at each wavelength) of the
diffuse soft x-ray background from each of several regions of the sky.

        By analyzing these spectral features, scientists can identify the
temperature, the ionization state and the elements which constitute this
plasma.  From these data they can tell whether the plasma is young and heated
in the last 100,000 years or old and heated millions of years ago.  Previous
experiments were not capable of measuring the spectrum of the diffuse soft
X-ray background.

EVA Test Objectives

        On the fifth day of the STS-54 flight, Mission Specialists Greg
Harbaugh and Mario Runco, Jr., will perform the first in a series of test
spacewalks to be conducted on Shuttle missions during the years leading up to
the construction of Space Station Freedom, scheduled to begin in 1996.

        The spacewalk tests are designed to refine training methods for future
spacewalks; expand the experience of ground controllers, instructors and
astronauts; and aid in better understanding the differences between true
weightlessness and the underwater facility used to train crew members.

        During the STS-54 spacewalk, Runco and Harbaugh will evaluate how well
they respectively adapt to spacewalking; test their abilities to move about the
cargo bay with and without carrying items; test the ability to climb into a
foot restraint without handholds; and test their ability to align a large
object in weightlessness.

CHROMEX-4

        Developmental and Physiological Processes Influencing Seed Production
in Microgravity (CHROMEX-4) is designed to gain an understanding of the
reproductive abnormalities which apparently occur in plants exposed to
microgravity and to determine whether changes in developmental processes may be
due to spaceflight conditions, especially microgravity.  This experiment also
will help scientists understand how gravity influences fertilization and
development on Earth.

        To date, only a few studies have been conducted on developing seeds in
space.  They all showed very poor seed production.  NASA would like to use
plants as a source of food and atmospheric cleansing for astronauts staying in
space for extended periods of time.  Seed production is vital if crops like
wheat and rice are to be utilized for food.

Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus

        The purpose of the Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA) is
to allow a wide variety of sophisticated biomaterials, life sciences and
biotechnology investigations to be performed in one apparatus in microgravity.

        During the STS-54 mission, the CGBA will support 28 separate commercial
investigations, loosely classified in three application areas: biomedical
testing and drug development, controlled ecological life support system and
agricultural development and manufacture of biological-based materials.

        Results from the 28 investigations will be carefully considered in
determining subsequent steps toward commercialization.  STS-54 marks the second
of six CGBA flights.  Future flights will continue to focus on selecting and
developing investigations that show the greatest commercial potential.

Physiological and Anatomical Rodent Experiment

        The second Physiological and Anatomical Rodent Experiment (PARE.02) is
a secondary payload flight experiment located in a locker on the Space
Shuttle's mid-deck.  The goal of PARE.02 is to determine the extent to which
short-term exposure to microgravity alters the size, strength and stamina of
skeletal muscles normally used to support the body against the force of
gravity.

        The PARE.02 experiment is important for two reasons.  When individuals
are exposed to ta significant loss in muscle mass.  This appears to be because
the muscle must no longer exert a sufficient level of force, which produces a
signal to the body to conserve mass.

        However, the loss of muscle mass hinders one's capability to function
when returning to Earth. All movement patterns are difficult, and the
individual may be prone to accidents because of this instability.  Scientists
need to find out the extent to which the muscle atrophies, what impact the
atrophy process has on muscle performance and how to prevent the atrophy from
occurring.

        Second, the problem of muscle atrophy is similar in part to what is
seen on Earth during the normal span of aging.  As one gets older, he or she
becomes less physically active, and the degree of muscle disuse is exaggerated.
This leads to the same problems as occur during exposure to microgravity.
Thus, if the problem of atrophy in space can be solved, scientists should have
good insight for maintaining the muscle system in a more viable condition as
people age.

Solid Surface Combustion Experiment

        The purpose of the Solid Surface Combustion Experiment (SSCE) is to
study the physical and chemical mechanisms of flame propagation over solid
fuels in the absence of gravity-driven buoyant or externally-imposed airflows.
The controlling mechanisms of flame propagation in microgravity are different
than in normal gravity.

        On Earth, gravity causes the air heated by the flame to rise.  This air
flow, called buoyant convection, feeds oxygen to the flame and cools the fire,
creating competing effects.  In microgravity, this flow is absent.  Therefore,
the fire is sustained only by the oxygen that it consumes as it migrates along
the fuel's surface.  The results of the SSCE have a practical application in
the evaluation of spacecraft fire hazards, as well as providing a better
understanding of flame propagation in microgravity and on Earth.

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

=--=END OF COLLECTION---COLLECTED 6 FILES---COMPLETED 21:07:24=--=