Space & Astronomy/Space and Astronomy (October 1993).iso/mac/TEXT_ZIP/daily/930601.ZIP/930601.DFC

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"930601.DFC" (20857 bytes) was created on 06-01-93

01-Jun-93 Daily File Collection
   These files were added or updated between 31-May-93 at 21:00:00 {Central}
                                         and 01-Jun-93 at 21:03:55.

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930601.REL

6/01/93:  NASA TO COMMERCIALIZE REMOTE-CONTROL TECHNOLOGY

Charles Redmond
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                        June 1, 1993

Jim Doyle
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.

RELEASE:  93-100


     A remote-control technology used by NASA scientists to guide a robot in a
recent cross-country test soon will be turned over to private industry.

     The remote-control technology is being licensed to a private firm for
commercial development, said Dr. Antal Bejczy, the experiment Technical Manager
at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, Calif. The firm's identity
is being withheld while negotiations are in progress.

     In the test, researchers at JPL used a new, graphically- oriented program
to remotely control -- or "teleoperate" -- a robotic arm at NASA's Goddard
Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

     This teleoperation technique is designed for free-flying robots that would
service orbiting satellites, and also has many potential uses on Earth,
according to Bejczy.

     Possible terrestrial applications for teleoperations include nuclear or
toxic waste site cleanup, decommissioning of hazardous facilities, special
emergency medical operations, construction and building planning, and remotely
operated highway maintenance.

     In the recent JPL-Goddard experiment, a robot arm equipped with a power
screwdriver was placed in front of a mockup of a satellite at the Goddard
center.  The satellite was fitted with a replaceable module designed to be
changed out by astronauts or robots.

     The robot arm's job was to insert the screwdriver through a 18-inch (45-
centimeter) long hole to reach a latching mechanism that holds the replaceable
module on the satellite, then to unlatch and remove the module.  Finally, the
robot arm was to place the new module on the satellite's frame and latch it in
place.

     Throughout the experiment, the arm was controlled by an operator thousands
of miles away in California.

     JPL researchers developed a software program that allows the remote
operator to superimpose high-fidelity computer graphics models of the robot
arm, screwdriver and satellite module onto television pictures of the live
scene.

     These synthetic TV camera views make visible the robot's critical motion
events that otherwise are hidden from the operator in a normal TV camera view,
said Bejczy.

     "The operator can generate and predict or preview the motions without
commanding the actual hardware," said Bejczy. "Moreover, the operator can see
the consequences of motion commands in real time, without time delay, through
the simulation method overlaying the actual work scene."

     After verifying an action of the robot arm and its result through the
synthetic TV view, the operator then commands the robot arm and tool to
actually execute the next action.

     During the test, computer commands were sent from JPL to Goddard over the
Internet computer network.  TV views of the robot arm and satellite mockup were
sent back to the JPL control station over NASA's satellite TV system.

     "The module exchange task was originally designed to be performed by
astronauts working in pressurized suits in the Space Shuttle's cargo bay," said
Bejczy. "The success of the experiment shows that the same work can be done by
robotic hardware controlled from Earth."

     Bejczy also said that the graphics-based, remote-control technique will
form the basis for new features added to commercially available computer
graphics software packages.

     JPL's work on this experiment is being performed with funding from NASA's
Office of Advanced Concepts and Technology, Washington, D.C.
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
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=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930601.SHU

KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT 6/1/93


        KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
                      Tuesday, June 1, 1993

KSC Contact: Mitch Varnes


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

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: Late in third week of June
Target KSC Landing Date/Time: TBD
Expected Mission Duration: 7 days/23 hours (if cryogenics allow)


IN WORK TODAY:
*  Pressurization checks of Reaction Control System and Orbital Maneuvering
System
*  Preparations for removing and replacing high pressure oxidizer
turbopump (HIPOTP) from main engine #2

WORK SCHEDULED:
*  Removal and replacement of suspect HIPOTP on Thursday

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Heat shields removed from main engine No. 2
*  External tank purged

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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:
*  Orbiter/payload pre-installation testing
*  Orbiter/payload pre-mate check-outs

WORK SCHEDULED:
*  Orbiter/Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) interface verification checks
*  Install main engines
*  Freon coolant loop servicing
*  External tank/solid rocket booster mate set for Wednesday

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Functional checks of external tank doors
*  FRCS electrical mates to the orbiter
*  IMAX/orbiter interface verification test
*  Orbital maneuvering system redundant electrical verifications
*  Orbital maneuvering system aft control check-outs
*  Main engine installation preparations

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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:
*  Configure payload bay for SLS-2
*  Liquid hydrogen line leak and functional checks
*  Preparations to remove main engines
*  Hypergolic deservice preparations

WORK SCHEDULED:
*  Remove main engines
*  Auxiliary power unit lube oil servicing
*  Hypergolic deservice operations

WORK COMPLETED:
*  Cycle payload bay doors
*  TACAN system test
*  Replace landing gear tires
*  Remove dome heatshields from main engines
*  Fuel cell voltage tests
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
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=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930601.SKD

Daily News/Tv Sked 6-1-93

Daily News
Tuesday, June 1, 1993
Two Independence Square,
Washington, D.C.
Audio Service: 202/358-3014


 % STS-57 mission status;
 % Discovery's upcoming mission update;
 % Remote-Control technology to be commercialized;

Looking at the third week in June as a targeted launch date for the upcoming
STS-57 mission, technicians at the Kennedy Space Center will conduct
pressurization checks of the reaction control system and orbital maneuvering
system.  Also workers will begin to remove and replace the high pressure
oxidizer turbopump from main engine #2.  Technicians have already removed the
heat shields from main engine #2 and purged the external tank.

The expected duration of Space Shuttle Endeavour's STS-57 mission is 7 days and
23 hours.  Endeavour will carry the Spacehab payload and crew members will
retrieve the EURECA satellite during this mission.

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

Technicians at the Kennedy Space Center continue to prepare Space Shuttle
Discovery for its upcoming flight slated for mid-July.  Workers plan to conduct
interface verification tests, service the freon loop and conduct orbiter and
payload pre-mate check-outs.

As preparations continue, workers will mate the external tank to the rocket
boosters next week.  Space Shuttle's Discovery's STS-51 mission will carry the
ACTS payload and is targeted to last 9 days and 22 hours in space.

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

Remember the remote-control technology NASA scientists used recently to guide a
robot cross-country, well NASA will soon be turning it over to private
industry.

The remote-control technology is being licensed to a private firm for
commercial development reports NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Because negotiations are still in progress the firm's identity is being
withheld.

During the test, researchers at JPL used a graphically oriented program to
remotely control or teleoperate a robotic arm at the Goddard Space Flight
Center in Maryland. This teleoperater technique is designed for free-flying
robots that would service orbiting satellites.  According to JPL this technique
will have many uses on Earth. Some of the possibilities would be special
emergency medical operations, construction and building planning, nuclear and
toxic waste site cleanup, decommissioning of hazardous facilities and remotely
operated highway maintenance.

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

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.



Tuesday, June 1, 1993

        NOON    NASA Today news program featuring stories on a new radio show
                for kids, status of the STS-51 mission, and research Ames
        12:15 pm        Aeronautics & Space Report.
        12:30 pm        Looking Ahead and Back.
          1:00 pm       Opening New Frontiers.
          1:30 pm       One Picture is Worth 1,000 words.
          2:30 pm       NASA Biosatellite Program.
          3:00 pm       Transition Years.
          3:30 pm       A Personal Commitment.


Wednesday, June 2, 1993

        NOON    NASA Today news program.
        12:15 pm        Aeronautics & Space Report.
        12:30 pm        Pictures in the Mind.
          1:00 pm       We Deliver.
          1:30 pm       Gemini Science Program.
          2:30 pm       Update for Teachers.
          3:00 pm       The Future Rides on Quality.
          3:30 pm       Everyone Can Make a Difference.


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:930601A.REL

6/01/93:  BIENNIAL ASTRONAUT RECRUITING BEGINS

Ed Campion
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
                                            June 1, 1993

Barbara Schwartz
Johnson Space Center, Houston


RELEASE:  93-101

        NASA is accepting applications for mission specialist and pilot
astronaut positions effective immediately.  Interested individuals may apply
until the cut-off date of July 1, 1993.  Applications received after the
deadline will be eligible for consideration in the next selection cycle.

        Successful pilot applicants typically have extensive piloting
experience in high-performance jet aircraft and flight test experience.
Successful applicants for the mission specialist positions typically have
significant backgrounds in the sciences (materials science, Earth science,
medical science and space science) or engineering.

        After a 6-month process including screening applications and conducting
interviews and medical evaluations, selections will be announced in the spring
of 1994 with the new astronaut candidates reporting to the Johnson Space
Center, Houston, in July 1994.

        "We are looking for multi-faceted individuals who are not only
outstanding in their chosen disciplines but who will be able to handle various
technical assignments, maintain spacecraft systems and experiments, work well
with others and have excellent communications skills.  We also like to have a
balanced skill mix and a culturally diverse group in the astronaut corps,"
Director of Flight Crew Operations David C. Leestma said.

        An application package may be obtained by writing to:

                NASA Johnson Space Center
                Attn: AHX Astronaut Selection Office
                Houston, TX  77058

     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
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=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:930601B.REL

6/01/93:  POSTAL SERVICE TO LAUNCH SPACE STAMP THURSDAY AT SPACEPORT USA

Mitch Varnes                                      June 1, 1993


KSC Release No. 60-93

The U.S. Postal Service will unveil its latest space-themed creation at 11
a.m. on Thursday at Spaceport USA, the Kennedy Space Center's visitors complex.
The $2.90 stamp features the image of a futuristic space plane soaring through
space, leaving Earth and other interstellar objects in its celestial wake.

Deputy Postmaster General Michael S. Coughlin and KSC Director Bob Crippen will
dedicate the stamp in a ceremony set to occur inside the Spaceport Central
annex of Spaceport USA. Members of the public are invited to attend the free
event.

Stamps with space themes have historically been favorites among both
philatelists and collectors of space memorabilia.  Popular space stamps of the
past include a 1969 issue commemorating the manned lunar landing and a 1992
joint venture with Russia that culminated in the release of four stamps
depicting international cooperation in space exploration.

The Titusville Postmaster will establish a mini-post office at Spaceport USA on
Thursday to allow for the purchase of the new stamp.  The makeshift mail room
will open at 9 a.m. and close at 2 p.m.

First day cancellations of the space stamp will indicate that the stamp was
issued at the Kennedy Space Center. Collectors are encouraged to send their
requests to the Titusville Post Office where first day of issue postmarks will
be available for purchase until July 2, 1993.

Members of the media wishing to cover the dedication may proceed directly to
Spaceport USA.


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

=--=--=START=--=--= NASA Spacelink File Name:6_8_3_4_24.TXT

MAGELLAN STATUS REPORTS  5/28-6/01/93

MAGELLAN STATUS 5/28 - 9:00 AM

Magellan Status Report for 5-28-93 -  9:00 AM

1.  The Magellan Transition Experiment continues to successfully maneuver the
spacecraft toward the desired aerobraking corridor.  The spacecraft has now
made 22 atmospheric drag passes with periapsis below 150 km and all subsystems
were reported to be nominal.

2.  The performance of the spacecraft during the atmospheric drag passes as
well as the Navigation Team's analysis of orbital changes indicate an
atmosphere which is slightly above (13%) the "Single CO2" model.

3.  Currently the solar panel temperature increases by 25 degrees C during the
drag pass, reaching a peak of 47.5 degrees.  The design limit is about 160
degrees.  All other spacecraft temps are well within the expected range.

4.  The next OTM will be a "single down" scheduled for Saturday at 10:52 AM
PDT. Based on the present navigation predictions, this would place the
spacecraft at the upper edge of the desired corridor.

5.  The periapsis altitude will continue to drift downward over the next week
or more, and the first "up" OTM is expected on June 6th.




MGN STATUS 5/28 - 3:00 PM

Magellan Status Report for 5/28/93  -  3:00 PM


1.  The Magellan Transition Experiment continues to successfully maneuver the
spacecraft toward the desired aerobraking corridor.  The spacecraft has now
made 24 atmospheric drag passes with periapsis below 150 km and all subsystems
were reported to be nominal.  Periapsis is presently at 143 km.

2.  The performance of the spacecraft during the atmospheric drag passes as
well as analysis of orbital changes continue to indicate an atmosphere which is
13% above the "Single CO2" model.

3.  Currently the solar panel temperature increases by 25 degrees C during the
drag pass, reaching a peak of 47.5 degrees.  The design limit is about 160
degrees.  All other spacecraft temps are well within the expected range.

4.  The next OTM will be a "single down" scheduled for Saturday at 10:52 AM
PDT. Based on the present navigation predictions, this would place the
spacecraft at the upper edge of the desired corridor.

5.  The periapsis altitude will continue to drift downward over the next week
or more, and the first "up" OTM is expected on Sunday, June 6th.  Based on
orbit changes early next week, the actual OTM will be placed on Saturday or
Monday.




MGN STATUS 5/29 AND 5/30

Magellan Status  Report for 5-29-93 -  3:00 pm


1.  The Magellan Transition Experiment continues to successfully
maneuver the spacecraft toward the desired aerobraking corridor. The
spacecraft has now made 31 atmospheric drag passes with the periapsis
below 150 km and all subsystems are reported to be nominal.

2.  Corridor Orbit Trim Maneuver (COTM) #3 was performed at 10:57 AM
PDT this morning and lowered the periapsis to 141.1 km.  The dynamic
pressure at this altitude is 0.23 N/M2.  The nominal range for the
desired aerobraking corridor is from 0.25 to 0.32 N/M2.

3.  The performance of the spacecraft during the atmospheric drag
passes as well as analysis of orbital changes now indicate an
atmosphere which is 17.5% above the "Single CO2" model.

4.  Currently the solar panels increase by 35 degrees C during the
drag pass, reaching a peak of 50 deg C.  The aerobraking limit is
about 160 degrees.  The estimated temperature of the HGA is 85 deg. C.
(with a limit of about 180 deg.)

5.  The periapsis altitude will continue to drift downward over the
next week or more, and the first "1/2 up" COTM is expected about June
5-7th.  If the drift is slower that expected, a small (1/2n) "down"
COTM may be considered for early next week.





Magellan Status  Report for 5-30-93 -  2:30 pm


1.  The Transition Experiment continues to successfully maneuver the Magellan
spacecraft toward the desired aerobraking corridor.  The spacecraft has now
made 39 atmospheric drag passes and the periapsis is now at 141 km.  All
subsystems are reported to be nominal.

2.  The main purpose of this aerobraking experiment is to lower the apoapsis of
Magellan's orbit under 700 km.  At the start of aerobraking, apoapsis was at
8460 km.  As of today (May 30) it is at 8200 km and will cross the 8000 km
distance on June 2nd.  The current prediction is that we will achieve the 700
km apoapsis about August 4th, leaving a nine-day margin in the Transition
Experiment.

3.  The performance of the spacecraft during the atmospheric drag passes as
well as analysis of orbital changes now indicate an atmosphere which is 17.5 to
20% above the "Single CO2" VIRA model. 4.  The solar panels continue to
increase by 35 degrees C during the drag pass, reaching a peak of 58 to 60 deg
C. The aerobraking limit is about 160 degrees.  The estimated temperature of
the HGA is 94 deg.  C. (with a limit of about 180 deg.)

5.  The periapsis altitude will continue to drift downward over the next week
or more, and the first "1/2 up" COTM is expected about June 5-7th.  This will
be followed by a series of 1/2 up COTMs at intervals of 4 to 9 days as the
general drift continues downward.

COTM = Corridor Orbit Trim Maneuver
VIRA = Venus International Reference Atmosphere




MGN STATUS 5/31

Magellan Status Report for 5/31/93

1.  The Transition Experiment continues successfully as the Magellan spacecraft
has completed its "walk-in" phase to the desired aerobraking corridor.  The
spacecraft has now made 46 atmospheric drag passes and the periapsis is now
under 141 km.  All subsystems are reported to be nominal.

2.  The performance of the spacecraft during the atmospheric drag passes as
well as navigation data now indicate an atmosphere which is 17 to 30% above the
"Single CO2" VIRA model.

3.  The solar panels continue to increase by 35-40 degrees C during the drag
pass, reaching a peak of 62 deg C. The aerobraking limit is about 160 degrees.
The panel experience higher temperatures during other portions of the orbit
while facing the sun.

4.  The periapsis altitude will continue to drift downward at about 0.2 km per
day over the next week or more, and the first "1/2 up" COTM is now planned for
early June 4th.  This will be followed by a series of 1/2 up COTMs at intervals
of 4 to 9 days as the general drift continues downward.

COTM = Corridor Orbit Trim Maneuver
VIRA = Venus International Reference Atmosphere
     Source:NASA Spacelink    Modem:205-895-0028  Internet:192.149.89.61
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