NASA Space Shuttle STS-114 Press Kit

8/14/2019 NASA Space Shuttle STS-114 Press Kit

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CONTENTSSECTION I: SPACE SHUTTLE SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS

O V E R V IE W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1

R E TU R N I N G TH E S P A C E S H U TTLE TO F LI G H T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

IMPROVEMENTS IN TECH EXCELLENCE, COMMUNICATIONS & DECISION-MAKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

S P A C E F LI G H T LE A D E R S H I P C O U N C I L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

R E TU R N TO F LI G H T TA S K G R O U P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

S P A C E S H U TTLE P R O G R A M M I S S I O N M A N A G E M E N T TE A M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

N A S A E N G I N E E R I N G A N D S A F E TY C E N TE R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

R E N E W E D C O M M I TM E N T TO E X C E LLE N C E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

S P ACE S HU T T LE P R O CE S SI NG I M P R OV E M E NT S . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1 1

R E I N F O R C E D C A R B O N - C A R B O N W I N G P A N E LS A N D N O S E C A P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

W I N G LE A D I N G E D G E S TR U C TU R A L S U B S YS TE M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

R U D D E R S P E E D B R A K E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

F O R E I G N O B J E C T D E B R I S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

C LO S E O U T P H O TO G R A P H Y P R O C E S S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

LA U N C H P A D G R O U N D S U P P O R T E Q U I P M E N T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

F I X E D A N D R O TA TI N G S E R V I C E S TR U C TU R E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

U P P E R H I N G E C O LU M N B E A R I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

G A S E O U S O X YG E N V E N T A R M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

G A S E O U S H YD R O G E N V E N T A R M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

C R A W LE R TR A N S P O R TE R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

R E CO G NI ZI NG & E L I M I NAT I NG CRI T I CAL S HU T T L E DE BR I S S O U R CE S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1

P R E P A R I N G TH E E X TE R N A L TA N K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1

B I P O D R E D E S I G N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2

LI Q U I D H YD R O G E N I N TE R TA N K F LA N G E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4

LI Q U I D O X YG E N F E E D LI N E B E LLO W S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4

P R O TU B E R A N C E A I R LO A D R A M P S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5

E N H A N C E D I N - F LI G H T I M A G E R Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6

N O N - D E S TR U C TI V E E V A LU A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6

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TH E R M A L P R O TE C TI O N S YS TE M C E R TI F I C A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7

TH E R M A L P R O TE C TI O N S YS TE M V E R I F I C A TI O N & V A LI D A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7

S O LI D R O C K E T B O O S TE R M O D I F I C A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 9

B O LT C A TC H E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 9

B O O S TE R S E P A R A TI O N M O TO R I G N I TE R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0

IDENTIFYING, INSPECTING AND REPAIRING TPS DEBRIS DAMAGE IN FLIGHT.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

I M P R O V I N G I M A G E R Y, D A TA C O LLE C TI O N F O R S P A C E S H U TTLE LA U N C H A N D LA N D I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3

G R O U N D - B A S E D I M A G I N G O F LA U N C H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3

C A M E R A S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5

C A M E R A LO C A TI O N S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 6

C A M E R A R E S O LU TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7

C A M E R A O P E R A TI O N S P LA N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7

TA K I N G TH E H I G H G R O U N D O N A S C E N T I M A G I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 8

R A D A R TR A C K I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 9

W I N G LE A D I N G E D G E I N S TR U M E N TA TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0

E N H A N C E D S H U TTLE - B A S E D C A M E R A V I E W S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3

E X TE R N A L TA N K - M O U N TE D C A M E R A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4

S O LI D R O C K E T B O O S TE R C A M E R A S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6

E X TE R N A L TA N K U M B I LI C A L W E LL D I G I TA L S TI LL C A M E R A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 7

C R E W H A N D H E LD P H O TO G R A P H Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 8

D I G I TA L S P A C E W A LK C A M E R A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 9

I N - F LI G H T I N S P E C TI O N A N D R E P A I R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 0

TH E R M A L P R O TE C TI O N S YS TE M O N - O R B I T R E P A I R TE C H N I Q U E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2

TI LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 5

R E I N F O R C E D C A R B O N - C A R B O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 7

A C C E S S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 8

F U TU R E W O R K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 8

CO NT I NGE NCY S HU T TL E CR E W S UP P O R T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 9

CAI B R E CO M ME NDAT IO NS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

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SECTION II: THE STS-114 MISSIONS T S -1 1 4 M IS S I O N O V ER V I E W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

S TA TI O N R E S U P P LY H I G H LI G H T D I S C O V E R Y S M I S S I O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5

T I M E L I NE O V E R VI E W .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 69

M I S S I O N O BJE CT IV E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 5

L AU NCH AND L ANDI NG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

LA U N C H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7

A B O R T- TO - O R B I T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7

TR A N S A TLA N TI C A B O R T LA N D I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7

R E TU R N - TO - LA U N C H - S I TE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7

LA N D I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 8

M I S S I O N P R O FI LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 7 9

S T S -1 1 4 DI S CO V ER Y CR E W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 1

K E Y M I S S I ON P ER S O NNEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5

R E NDE ZV OU S AND DO CKI NG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 7

U N D O C K I N G , S E P A R A TI O N A N D D E P A R TU R E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 0

S P ACE W AL K S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 91

E V A 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 1

E V A 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 8

E V A 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 9

P AYL O AD O V E R VI E W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 3

R A F F A E LLO M U LTI - P U R P O S E LO G I S TI C S M O D U LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4

E X TE R N A L S TO W A G E P LA TF O R M - 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 4

M A TE R I A LS I N TE R N A TI O N A L S P A C E S TA TI O N E X P E R I M E N T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5

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E X P E R I ME NT S ( DS O s AND DT O s ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 7

DET AILED SUPPLEMENT ARY OBJECT IV ES

D S O 2 0 6 - E F F E C T O F S P AC E F LI G H T O N B O N E , M U S C LE A ND I M M U N E F U N C TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 7

D S O 4 9 0 B - B I O A V A I LA B I LI TY A N D P E R F O R M A N C E E F F E C TS O F P R O M E TH A Z I N E D U R I N G

S P A C E F LI G H T, P R O TO C O L B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 7

D S O 4 9 3 - M O N I TO R I N G LA TE N T V I R U S R E A C TI V A TI O N A N D S H E D D I N G I N A S TR O N A U TS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 7

D S O 4 9 8 - S P A C E F LI G H T A N D I M M U N E F U N C TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 8

D S O 4 9 9 - E YE M O V E M E N TS A N D M O TI O N P E R C E P TI O N I N D U C E D B Y O F F - V E R TI C A L A X I S

R O TA TI O N (O V A R ) A T S M A LL A N G LE S O F TI LT A F TE R S P A C E F LI G H T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 8

D S O 5 0 0 - S P A C E F LI G H T I N D U C E D R E AC TI V A TI O N O F LA TE N T E P S TE I N - BA R R V I R U S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 8

D S O 5 0 4 - M I C R O G R A V I TY I N D U C E D C H A N G E S I N TH E C O N TR O L O F M U S C LE S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 9 DET AILED T EST OBJECT IV ES

D TO 8 0 5 - C R O S S W I N D LA N D I N G P E R F O R M A N C E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 9

D TO 8 4 8 - O R B I TE R TH E R M A L P R O TE C TI O N S YS TE M (TP S ) R E P A I R TE C H N I Q U E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

D TO 8 5 0 - W A TE R S P R A Y B O I LE R C O O LI N G W I TH WA TE R / P G M E A NTI F R E E Z E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

S HU T T L E R E FE RE NCE DAT A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 1

S H U TTLE A B O R T M O D E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

R S LS A B O R TS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

A S C E N T A B O R TS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

I N TA C T A B O R TS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

R E TU R N TO LA U N C H S I TE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

TR A N S O C E A N I C A B O R T LA N D I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

A B O R T TO O R B I T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

A B O R T O N C E A R O U N D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

C O N TI N G E N C Y A B O R TS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

A B O R T D E C I S I O N S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113S H U TTLE A B O R T H I S TO R Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

R S LS A B O R T H I S TO R Y:

(S TS - 4 1 D ) J U N E 2 6 , 19 8 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

(S TS - 5 1 F ) J U LY 12 , 19 8 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

(S TS - 5 5 ) M A R C H 2 2 , 19 9 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

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(S TS - 5 1) A U G . 12 , 19 9 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

(S TS - 6 8 ) A U G U S T 18 , 19 9 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

A B O R T TO O R B I T H I S TO R Y:

(S TS - 5 1 F ) J U LY 2 9 , 19 8 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

S P A C E S H U TTLE M A I N E N G I N E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

S P A C E S H U TTLE S O LI D R O C K E T B O O S TE R S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

H O LD - D O W N P O S TS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

S R B I G N I TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

E LE C TR I C A L P O W E R D I S TR I B U TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

H YD R A U LI C P O W E R U N I TS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

TH R U S T V E C TO R C O N TR O L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 0

S R B R A TE G YR O A S S E M B LI E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 1

S R B S E P A R A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 1

S P A C E S H U TTLE S U P E R LI G H T W E I G H T TA N K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 2

ACR O NYM S AND ABBR E VI AT I O NS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 3

M E DI A AS S I S TANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 33

M E DI A CO NT ACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 35

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FIGURESS H U TTLE O N P A D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

R E TU R N TO F LI G H T TA S K G R O U P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

M I S S I O N M A N A G E M E N T TE A M C O N D U C TS TR A I N I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

TH E M I S S I O N M A N A G E M E N T TE A M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

R U D D E R S P E E D B R A K E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

A C TU A TO R I N S P E C TI O N U S I N G X - R A Y A N A LYS I S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

A C TU A TO R I N S TA LLA TI O N O N D I S C O V E R Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

R E D U C TI O N O F TE M P O R A R Y W O R K S I TE D E B R I S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

F O R E I G N O B J E C T D E B R I S B A G / C A N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

TO O LS A N D M A TE R I A LS P R O P E R LY S TO W E D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

E N H A N C E D S TI LL I M A G E M A N A G E M E N T S YS TE M (S I M S ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

LA U N C H C O M P LE X 3 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

C R A W LE R TR A N S P O R TE R V E H I C LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

E X TE R N A L TA N K A R E A S O F E M P H A S I S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1

B I P O D A TTA C H E D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2

B I P O D U P R I G H T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2

B I P O D I N S TA LLA TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3

TP S A P P LI C A TI O N S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8

B O LT C A TC H E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0

S O LI D R O C K E T B O O S TE R S E P A R A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1

S H O R T- R A N G E TR A C K I N G C A M E R A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4

LO N G - R A N G E TR A C K E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4

K I N E TO TR A C K I N G M O U N T TR A C K E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5

M LP D E C K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 6

P A D P E R I M E TE R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 6

S H O R T- R A N G E C A M E R A C O N F I G U R A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 6

M E D I U M - R A N G E C A M E R A C O N F I G U R A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7

LO N G - R A N G E C A M E R A C O N F I G U R A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7

W B - 5 7 A I R C R A F T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 8

S R B S E P A R A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 8

July 2005 CONTENTS vi


9/147

M I D C O U R S E R A D A R (M C R ). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 9

N A TI O N A L C E N TE R F O R A TM O S P H E R I C R E S E A R C H (N C A R ) S I TE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0

W I N G LE A D I N G E D G E I M P A C T D E TE C TI O N S YS TE M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1

W I N G LE A D I N G E D G E I M P A C T D E TE C TI O N S YS TE M (D I A G R A M ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2

C A M E R A S O N TH E S P A C E S H U TTLE B O O S TE R S , E X TE R N A L TA N K A N D O R B I TE R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3

S H U TTLE O R B I TE R - B A S E D P H O TO G R A P H Y F O R S TS - 114 A S C E N T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4

E X TE R N A L TA N K C A M E R A O V E R V I E W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 5

E T R I N G C A M E R A H O U S I N G I N S TA LLE D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6

S R B - M O U N TE D C A M E R A S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6

F O R W A R D S K I R T A F T- P O I N TI N G C A M E R A P R O TO TYP E H O U S I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6

C A M E R A C O N F I G U R A TI O N : TH I R D F LI G H T & S U B S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 7

R I G H T- H A N D U M B I LI C A L W E LL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 7

D I G I TA L U M B I LI C A L S TI LL C A M E R A S YS TE M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 8

E V A F LA S H M E C H A N I C A L D E S I G N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 9

O R B I TE R B O O M S E N S O R S YS TE M I N S TA LLE D O N S TA R B O A R D S I LL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 0

I N S P E C TI O N S E N S O R S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3

I TV C C A M E R A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4

TI LE S O N D I S C O V E R Y, P A R T O F TH E O R B I TE R TH E R M A L P R O TE C TI O N S YS TE M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 6

R C C TI LE C R A C K S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 7

R E I N F O R C E D C A R B O N - C A R B O N O N TH E W I N G S LE A D I N G E D G E O N D I S C O V E R Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 8

C A I B B O A R D M E M B E R S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1

S TS - 114 (LF 1) O V E R V I E W TI M E LI N E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2

O R B I TE R B O O M S E N S O R S YS TE M (O B S S ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 6

R A F F A E LLO M U LTI - P U R P O S E LO G I S TI C S M O D U LE (M P LM ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 6

S P A C E S H U TTLE D I S C O V E R Y P R E P A R E S TO D O C K W I TH I N TE R N A TI O N A L S P A C E S TA TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7

D I S C O V E R Y LA U N C H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 8

D I S C O V E R Y LA N D I N G A T TH E S H U TTLE LA N D I N G F A C I LI TY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 9

D I S C O V E R Y C R E W (S TS - 114 ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2

C O M M A N D E R E I LE E N C O LLI N S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 3

P I LO T J I M K E LLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 3

S O I C H I N O G U C H I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 4

S TE P H E N R O B I N S O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 4

July 2005 CONTENTS vii


10/147

A N D R E W TH O M A S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5

W E N D Y LA W R E N C E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5

C H A R LE S C A M A R D A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5

R E N D E Z V O U S P I TC H M A N E U V E R S TA R T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 8

S H U TTLE B E LLY- U P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 8

8 0 0 M M LE N S C LO S E - U P S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 8

C O N D I TI O N O F D I S C O V E R Y S TI LE S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 8

Z V E Z D A W I N D O W S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 9

4 0 0 m m & 8 0 0 m m C A M E R A V I E W S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 0

TO O LS F R O M TH E TO O L S TO W A G E A S S E M B LY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 2

D TO 8 4 8 P A LLE T C O N F I G U R A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3

E M I TTA N C E W A S H A P P LI C A TO R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3

E M I TTA N C E W A S H A P P LI C A TO R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3

C A U LK G U N A N D S C R A P E R S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 4

E X TE R N A L S TO W A G E P LA TF O R M A TTA C H M E N T D E V I C E (E S P A D ). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5

G P S A N TE N N A A N D I TS LO C A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 6

R E R O U TI N G P O W E R TO A C O N TR O L M O M E N T G YR O S C O P E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 6

P R I M A R Y P O W E R C A B LE R O U TI N G M A P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 7

TP S R E P A I R A S S E TS A N D D TO P LA N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 8

LO C A TI O N O F F O U R C M G s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 9

C LO S E - U P O F C M G s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 9

A R E P LA C E M E N T C O N TR O L M O M E N T G YR O S C O P E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 0

I N S TA LLA TI O N A T C A M E R A P O R T 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 0

E X TE R N A L S TO W A G E P LA TF O R M - 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1

M I S S E # 1 A N D # 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1

M I S S E 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2

S TS - 114 P A YLO A D B A Y C O N F I G U R A TI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4

M P LM R A F F A E LLO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5

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This cause of exploration and discovery is not an option we choose; it is a desire written inthe human heart

President George W. Bush, Feb. 4, 2003

RETURNING THE SPACE SHUTTLE TO FLIGHT

NASA will return SpaceShuttles to flight with a missionon the Shuttle Discovery thissummer. The crew of seven ischarged with a busy to-do list,

including testing new safety techniques anddelivering much-needed supplies to theInternational Space Station. Discovery's launchis targeted for July 13 with a launch windowthat extends through July 31, 2005.

But Return to Flight is more than a singlemission. It launches a new era of humanexploration that's far-reaching but focused,ambitious but affordable. Return to Flightillustrates NASA's ability to learn frommistakes and its determination to prevent newones. And it pays tribute to a crew of seven

brave astronauts on the Space ShuttleColumbia, who two years ago gave their livesin the pursuit of the knowledge that comesfrom exploration.

Following the Columbia accident onFebruary 1, 2003, the independent ColumbiaAccident Investigation Boardconducted athorough, seven-month inquiry. The CAIBissued its findings and recommendations inAugust 2003, in a comprehensive report.

The board determined that the physical causeof the accident was a breach in the Shuttlesleft-wing leading edge caused by a piece ofinsulating foam that fell off the External Tankduring the climb to orbit. This foam block,weighing approximately 1 pounds and aboutthe size of a suitcase, struck a portion of thewing covered in a dark, grey substance called

Reinforced Carbon-Carbon, part of the Shuttle'sheat-shielding Thermal Protection System. Thedamage allowed superheated air to penetratethe wings interior and to weaken the structure,eventually causing Columbia's breakup 40 milesabove central Texas, 16 minutes before landing.

Even before the CAIB final report laid out 15recommendations to be completed before SpaceShuttle missions could resume, the agencybegan the process of returning the Shuttle to safeflight by forming a team to plan for Return toFlight. The resulting document reviewed andupdated as those recommendations areaddressed is called NASA's Implementationfor Space Shuttle Return to Flight and Beyond.

NASA did not stop by addressing only the 15

recommendations specified to be implementedprior to flying the Space Shuttle again. Another14 recommendations from the Board are beingimplemented as well by NASA.

Additionally, the agency has gone above andbeyond the CAIB recommendations with a listof 15 corrective actions known as Raising theBar to make the Space Shuttle safer than it hasever been.

These initiatives combined mean NASA isaddressing 44 issues leading to Return to Flight.

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An independent group wasformed by the NASAAdministrator to evaluatehow NASA is addressing theCAIB recommendations. ThisReturn to Flight Task Groupis conducting anindependent assessment ofNASAs implementation ofthose recommendations asthey relate to the safety andoperational readiness ofSpace Shuttle Discoverys

upcoming mission,designated STS-114.

With long-range planning inthe form of the Vision forSpace Explorationannounced in January 2004,the agency is beginning anew chapter in its history. Itis recommitting itself toexcellence in all aspects of its

programs by strengtheningits culture and improvingtechnical capabilities.

Space Shuttle Columbia andits seven-person crew arenever far from the hearts andminds of those

rededicated to makinghuman space flight as safe aspossible. NASAs strategiesfor safely resuming Shuttleflights are detailed in thissection covering SpaceShuttle Return to Flightsafety enhancements. Itserves as a guide to howNASA its government andcontractor workforce haseliminated the potential fordebris that could damage the

Space Shuttle. It also detailshow the agency plans toidentify, inspect and repairdamage in flight, if needed,while improving technicalexcellence, internalcommunications anddecision-making. And inthe very unlikely event thatit's needed the agency isproviding a plan for keeping

a Space Shuttle crew safeuntil a rescue mission couldbe launched.

NASA is committed toreturning the Space Shuttleto flight -- safely -- to fulfillits mission in the Vision forSpace Exploration.

July 2005 OVERVIEW 2
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IMPROVEMENTS IN TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE,

COMMUNICATIONS AND DECISION-MAKING

Two groups play a major role inthe decisions associated withNASA's Return to Flight effort:NASA's Space Flight Leadership

Council and the independent Return to FlightTask Group.

In parallel with Return to Flight activities afterthe Columbia accident, a team was formed to

review the Columbia Accident InvestigationBoards report and recommendations todetermine applicability across the agency. Thisagency-wide group was led by Al Diaz,Associate Administrator for Science andculminated in its team report: "A RenewedCommitment to Excellence.

Additionally, the agency established the NASAEngineering and Safety Center, which focusesmore attention and resources on engineeringexcellence throughout the agency. Though

based at the NASA Langley Research Center,Hampton, Va., this group has membershipbased at agency field centers that are integratedand involved with engineering reviews,challenges and decisions throughout theagency.

While hardware changes were ongoing, internalmanagement and organizational structureswere reviewed and updated as appropriate. TheSpace Shuttle Program Mission ManagementTeam was one of those scrutinized the mostfollowing the Columbia accident and hasundergone a complete review and restructureunder the leadership of Deputy Shuttle ProgramManager Wayne Hale, who will chair itsmeetings each day throughout a Shuttle flight.

More detail on each of the above organizationsis below and available on the Internet atwww.nasa.gov and other sites.

SPACE FLIGHT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

The Space Flight Leadership Council (SFLC) isthe group in charge of the agency's Return toFlight efforts. Established before the SpaceShuttle Columbia accident, the SFLC is regularlybriefed on the overall activities and progressassociated with Return to Flight. When the SpaceShuttle Program defines a course of action

addressing a CAIB recommendation or othermajor program issues, the next step is to brief theSFLC during periodic meetings. The SFLC is fullybriefed and approves, if necessary, the actions tobe taken. Additionally, the SFLC assess overallcost, schedule and policy issues.

The members are:

Walter H. Cantrell (co-chair) Dep. ChiefEngineer for Independent TechnicalAuthority

William Readdy (co-chair) AssociateAdministrator for Space Operations

Bryan O'Connor Chief Safety and MissionAssurance Officer

James Kennedy Kennedy Space CenterDirector

Jefferson D. Howell Johnson SpaceCenter Director

David King Marshall Space Flight Center

Director

Thomas Donaldson Stennis Space CenterDirector

Michael Kostelnik Dep. AssociateAdministrator for International SpaceStation and Space Shuttle Programs

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RETURN TO FLIGHT TASK GROUP (STAFFORD-

COVEY)

During the investigation following the Columbiaaccident, the NASA Administrator determined itwas in the public interest to establish the Returnto Flight Task Group. Co-chaired by formerastronauts Tom Stafford and Richard Covey, thegroup is conducting an independent assessmentof NASAs actions to implement therecommendations of the Columbia AccidentInvestigation Board (CAIB), as they relate to thesafety and operational readiness of STS-114. Asnecessary to their activities, the Task Group

consults with former members of the CAIB.

While the Task Group was not chartered toassess the adequacy of the CAIBrecommendations, it does report on theprogress of NASAs response to meeting theintent of the recommendations and offersobservations on safety or operationalreadiness, as appropriate.

The Task Group draws on the expertise of itsmembers and other sources to provide itsassessment to the Administrator and has held

meetings and made site visits, as necessary, toaccomplish its fact-finding.

Functioning solely as an advisory body, the TaskGroup established three panels in areas related toits work. The panels report their findings andrecommendations to the full Task Group duringperiodic plenary sessions.

In order to reflect a balance of views, the TaskGroup consists of non-NASA employees andone NASA non-voting, ex officio member: the

Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety andMission Assurance. Members of the Task Groupand panels were chosen from among industry,academia, and government with recognizedknowledge and expertise in fields relevant tosafety and space flight.

Figure1Return to Flight Task Group

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SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAM MISSION

MANAGEMENT TEAM

During Space Shuttle missions, the ShuttleMission Management Team is responsible foroversight of the operations teams during pre-launch and in-flight. The countdown and flightoperations are conducted by the operationsteams according to rules and proceduresapproved by SSP Management well prior toreal-time events.

While the Mission Operations team leads allnominal flight operations, the MMT provides

guidance to the operations teams for situationsthat fall outside normal operations, and alsoredefines programmatic priority when in-flight

issues or off-nominal conditions result inconflicting priorities.

Up to and including Columbias STS-107mission, actions were biased toward theimmediate decision-making required of in-flightoperations, which did not adequately addressthe concerns of individual engineers, the qualityof risk assessments, and pedigree of engineeringassessments.

Figure2 Mission Management Teamconductstraining

The MMT conducts training from the Mission Control Centerin preparation for Discovery's Return to Flight.



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Now, the Mission Management Team is fullyengaged and trained to focus on clearercommunication processes centered on bringing

out differing opinions; maintaining awarenessof decisions that impact the remainder of theflight; and ensuring an understanding of theroles and responsibilities of team members andsupporting working groups and teams,including data sharing processes and requiredmilestones to support real-time operations.

To ensure that all issues are identified,cataloged and resolved more effectively, aprocess has been established whereby the

Programs Systems Engineering and IntegrationOffice will maintain an integrated anomaly list,which will be briefed and reviewed at eachdays MMT meeting. Each issue (or anomaly)will be assigned to a specific office ororganization for technical evaluation and will besubject to an independent risk assessment bySafety & Mission Assurance.

The MMT includes one Shuttle Program S&MAcore member, and three institutional S&MAadvisory members from the Johnson Space

Center, Kennedy Space Center and MarshallSpace Flight Center. Additionally, the MMT hasadded the Space Shuttle System TechnicalWarrant Holder as a core voting memberrepresenting the NASA Independent TechnicalAuthority.

Additional improvements were made to MMTinternal processes and procedures, includingmore clearly defining requirements for MMTmeeting frequency and the process for

requesting an emergency MMT meeting. NASAnow will conduct daily MMT meetingsbeginning with the launch minus two (L-2) dayMMT.

Membership, organization, and chairmanship ofthe preflight and inflight MMT have beenstandardized. Space Shuttle Program DeputyManager Wayne Hale will chair both phases of

the MMT preflight and on-orbit. Membershiphas been expanded and augmented with eachMMT member trained in clearly defined

processes for support and problem reporting.

Formal processes have been established for thereview of findings from ascent and on-orbitimagery analyses, post-launch hardwareinspections, ascent reconstruction, and all otherflight data reviews to ensure timely, effectivereviews of key data by the MMT.

Procedures for flight MMT meetings have beenstandardized through the use of predefinedtemplates for agenda formats, presentations,action item assignments, and readiness polls. Thisensures that communication and resolution ofissues are performed in a consistent, rigorousmanner.

As part of an overall agency effort to examineand enhance the safety culture within NASA,Behavioral Science Technology (BST) was hired toassist with understanding and improving culturespecifically in the areas of communication,individual consideration, management credibility

and decision-making. Locally led implementationteams and former flight directors were invited toobserve and assess the MMT process and offerrecommendations. This ongoing effort has led tomore efficient resolution of critical issues andmore open communication among MMTmembers.

Extensive research on improving communi-cations led to a redesigned MMT meeting room designated the MMT Command Center whichprovides increased seating capacity andcommunications improvements. Included is avideo-teleconferencing capability, a multi-usercollaboration tool, and a larger room allowingspace for more subject experts and MMTmembers.



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NASA ENGINEERING AND SAFETY CENTER

The NASA Engineering and Safety Center is an

independent organization chartered in thewake of the Columbia accident to serve as anagency-wide technical resource focused onengineering excellence. The objective of theNESC is to improve safety by performing in-depth independent engineering assessments,testing, and analysis to uncover technicalvulnerabilities and to determine appropriatepreventative and corrective actions forproblems, trends or issues within NASAsprograms, projects and

institutions. The NESCdraws upon engineeringexpertise within NASA andincludes partnerships withother government agencies,national laboratories,universities and industry.

The objective of the NESC isto improve safety byperforming variousindependent technicalassessments of issues withinNASA programs. A multi-disciplined team of experts,assembled specifically to address the issue athand, conducts each of these technicalassessments. This approach has been modeledafter the tiger team concept often used byprograms to solve challenging problems. Otherservices and activities of the NESC are:

Technical Inspections Used to evaluate the

technical adequacy of a particular area withina program, even if a problem has not yet beendetected. Examples of potential inspectionareas include: math models, analytical tools,manufacturing procedures, test procedures,vehicle processing, troubleshooting techniques,manufacturing tooling, ground supportequipment, or special test equipment.

Technical Consultation An independent

evaluation of a specific technical item byrepresentatives of the NESC. This is providedwhen the scope of a problem or concern doesnot warrant a full assessment. In addition, atechnical consultation also can be providedwhen an NESC member joins an existing reviewteam or monitors an existing operation orprocess.

Technical Support The NESC provides supportby making its network of experts

and resources available toprograms, projects and NASAcenters. Technical support isfunded by the requestingorganization and would not beconsidered an NESC endorsedactivity. The NESC remainsindependent of the activity, andany individuals called upon by therequesting program or NASAcenter does not perform anindependent technical assessmenton the same issue.

Technical Advocacy This roleprovides technical expertise, testing or analysisin support of Safety & Mission Assuranceorganizations, institutional engineering, andprograms and projects as necessary. The NESCpromotes positive actions taken by individuals,programs or projects to correct identifiedtechnical inadequacies.

Dissenting Opinions The NESC cultivates anenvironment that encourages and seeks outdissenting opinions. In order to encourage thisopen environment, and soliciting alternativeperspectives, the NESC established a process foraddressing dissenting opinions. As a matter ofpractice, each independent technical review,assessment and analysis seeks dissentingopinions for review and evaluation. These

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dissenting opinions are documented anddispositioned in each report and/or briefing.

RENEWED COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

An agency-wide team, under the leadership ofAl Diaz,Associate Administrator for Science,was commissioned to assess the broaderimplications of the Columbia AccidentInvestigation Board's Report on activitiesagencywide. The final Diaz Team Report, "ARenewed Commitment to Excellence" wasreleased on January 30, 2004.

The team concluded that 85 of the 193recommendations, observations and findingsof the CAIB Report were applicable across theentire spectrum of NASA's activities. Theimplementation plan for the Diaz Team Reportcan be found on the Internet at:

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/58676main_Implementation 033004 FINAL.pdf

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SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING IMPROVEMENTS

REINFORCED CARBON-CARBON

WING PANELS AND NOSE CAP

During re-entry into Earthsatmosphere and traveling more than 17,000miles per hour, the Space Shuttles exteriortemperatures can reach up to 3,000 degreesFahrenheit (1,600 Celsius).

To protect the Orbiters, all external surfaces arecovered with various types of ThermalProtection System (TPS) materials. The maintypes of thermal materials are ReinforcedCarbon-Carbon (RCC), low- and high-temperature reusable surface insulation tiles,felt reusable surface insulation blankets andfibrous insulation blankets.

RCC is used on the wing leading edges, thenose cap and an area just behind the nose capon the lower surface (chin panel), and the areaimmediately around the forward

Orbiter/External Tank structural attachmentpoints. Each wing leading edge consists of 22RCC panels, numbered from 1 to 22 movingoutboard on each wing. Because of the shapeof the wing, each panel is unique in size andshape.

The basic RCC composite is a laminate ofgraphite-filled rayon fabric, further filled withphenolic resin and layered - one ply at a time in a unique mold for each part, then cured,

rough-trimmed, drilled and inspected. Toprevent oxidation, the outer layers of thecarbon substrate are covered in a .02 to .04-inch-thick layer of silicon carbide in a chamberfilled with argon at temperatures up to 3,000degrees Fahrenheit.

Previous flight history showed that RCCcomponents have been struck by objects, but

never resulted in a complete penetration. Post-flight RCC component inspections for cracks,chips, scratches, pinholes and abnormaldiscoloration were primarily visual, with tactileevaluations (pushing with a finger) of someregions. Minor repairs to the silicon carbidecoating and surface defects were completed atKennedy Space Center, Florida.

At the time of the STS-107 mission, most of thepanels on Columbias left wing were original

parts (built in the 1970s). Only panel 10-left,T-seal 10-left, panel 11-left and T-seal 11-left hadbeen replaced (along with panel 12 on the rightwing). Minor surface repairs had been made toseveral panels and T-seals on both wing leadingedges.

After the Columbia accident, the ColumbiaAccident Investigation Board (CAIB) submittedfindings to NASA recommending non-destruction evaluation (NDE) inspection, repair

and/or replacement of all wing leading edgepanels and associated attachment hardware priorto Return to Flight.

The Kennedy Space Center Space Shuttleprocessing team began removing and inspectingall wing leading edge panels on the threeremaining Shuttles. Beginning in 2003, batchesof panels from the wing leading edge and thenose caps, expansion seal and chin panel wereremoved from the vehicles and sent to Lockheed

Vought in Dallas, for NDE inspection.

The traditional NDE methods employedincluded:

Through-Transmission Ultrasound (TTU) onall accessible areas.

Film-based radiology (X-ray) of RCC cornerswhere TTU could not be performed.

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Sampling of the coating using eddy current

to determine the silicon carbide coating

thickness.

In addition to these traditional NDE methodsperformed at the vendor for Return to Flight,KSC conducted advanced NDE using FlashThermography and Through TransmissionThermography on all accessible areas of theRCC panels including the wing leading edge,the nose cap, expansion seal and chin panel ofthe RCC. This advanced method utilizedinfrared imaging to characterize internal flaws.

All of these NDE inspections sought to identifyinternal hidden flaws in the RCC and the outersilicon carbide conversion coating. Anysuspect findings would have requiredadditional NDE, including digital radiographyand/or computed tomography. Findings thenare submitted to an engineering team forevaluation to determine if requirements aremet.

It is now a requirement that after Return to

Flight and between every mission, flashthermography is performed on the criticalareas of wing leading edge, the nose cap, chinpanel and expansion seal, in addition to thevisual and touch tests. Other advanced NDEmethods may be used if warranted.

While some minor repairs were performed atKSC, all necessary repairs and refurbishment toRCC panels was performed by the vendor inDallas.

Additionally, the nose cap on each vehicle wasinspected and only Endeavours had siliconecarbide coating damage that required itsremoval and replacement with a spare.

WING LEADING EDGE STRUCTURAL

SUBSYSTEM

The Space Shuttle processing team performedmodifications to the lower two inches of thefront spar to prevent any flow or heat fromgetting inside and behind the wing edges duringlaunch and landing. The spar is the primaryload-carrying structure in the wing to whicheach of the 22 panels is attached.

Flow restrictors, comprised of a pair of 3/8-inch-diameter knitted Inconel wire springs wrapped

in a Nextel fabric sleeve and stuffed with Saffilbatting, were added across the four-inch boxbeam located in the lower RCC access panels 5through 13. This reduces the effects oftemperature on the spar in the event of a breachin the panel or adjacent T-seal.

Also for this reason, a thick strain isolator padwas bonded to the lower spar cap and to theforward-facing corrugations of the spar. Also,the horse collar gap filler was redesigned toadd a 0.50-in-diameter sleeve at the inner mold

line end to increase additional sealing capabilityin the event of partial tile loss.

RUDDER SPEED BRAKE

The Rudder Speed Brake (RSB) is part of theShuttles tail assembly. Located on the trailingedge of the vertical stabilizer, the RSB providesdirectional and speed control of an Orbiter. TheRSB is driven by four actuators powered by adrive shaft. Like a traditional aircraft, the rudder

swings from side to side to steer the Orbiter as itdescends through the atmosphere. It alsofunctions as a speed brake to slow the Orbiterdown. When braking is needed, the sides of therudder vertically split into two separate surfacesand flare out to provide air resistance.



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Figure1 Rudder SpeedBrake

The Rudder Speed Brake consists of twopanels, four actuators and a drive shaft

In late 2002, internal corrosion was discoveredin the body flap actuators of Atlantis (OV-104).Following the finding, the body flap actuatorsonboard Discovery (OV-103) were inspectedand also found to be corroded and in need ofrefurbishment. Space Shuttles also use thesame type of actuator in their RSB assembly.Because of the component commonality,NASA elected to inspect and refurbish the RSBactuators. The RSB actuators became an issue

because corrosion inside the units could resultin jamming of the RSB.

During the refurbishment of Discovery's RSBactuators, it was discovered that planetarygears in actuator No. 4 had been installedinverted. Gears in Discovery's other actuatorsalso showed pitting and wear. Furthermore,X-ray analysis of replacement stock actuatorsrevealed actuator No. 2 to have its planetarygear improperly installed, as well.

Figure2Actuator inspection using X-ray analysis

Following identification of the corrosion andplanetary gear issues, actuators from all threeOrbiters were returned for refurbishment totheir original manufacturer, HamiltonSundstrand. Included in the refurbishmentservice were replacement actuator No. 2 andDiscovery's original actuators. During therefurbishment process, Hamilton Sundstrandwas in charge of quality control and ensuringproper reassembly of the actuators.

Upon the return of replacement actuator No. 2,the entire set of replacement actuators wasinstalled on Discovery. This was the first time inSpace Shuttle Program history that completeinstallation of the RSB components wasperformed entirely at Kennedy Space Center.

Figure3Actuator installation on Discovery



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While the amount of corrosion originallyfound on the actuators was only minor, a flightlimit has been placed on the components. Forthe initial Return to Flight missions, theactuators will be restricted to five flights.However, the actuator flight limits could beraised to seven missions if post-flightinspections show they are in good conditionand working properly.

FOREIGN OBJECT DEBRIS

Beginning in 2001, debris at Kennedy SpaceCenter (KSC) was divided into two categories:

processing debris and foreign object debris(FOD). FOD was defined as debris found duringthe final or flight-closeout inspection process.All other debris was labeled processing debris.This led to the perception that processing debriswas not a concern.

NASA and United Space Alliance (USA),subsequently have changed work proceduresto consider all debris equally important andpreventable. Rigorous definitions of FOD thatare the industry standard have been adopted(from National Aerospace FOD Prevention,Inc.). These guidelines and industry standardsinclude FOD, Foreign Object Damage, andClean-As-You-Go. FOD is redefined as "asubstance, debris or article alien to a vehicle orsystem which would potentially causedamage."

KSC chartered a NASA/USA team selected forits experience in FOD-related disciplinesincluding processing, quality, and corrective

engineering; process analysis and integration;and operations management. The team beganby fact-finding and benchmarking to betterunderstand the industry standards and bestpractices for FOD prevention. Members visitedthe Northrup Grumman facility at LakeCharles, La.; Boeing Aerospace at Kelly AirForce Base, Texas; Gulfstream Aerospace inSavannah, Ga.; and the Air Forces Air

Logistics Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. Ateach site, the team studied the FOD preventionprocesses, documentation programs, andassurance practices.

Armed with this information, the teamdeveloped a more robust FOD preventionprogram that not only responded to a ColumbiaAccident Investigation Board (CAIB)recommendation, but also raised the bar byinstituting additional improvements. The newFOD program is anchored in three fundamentalareas of emphasis:

Eliminate various categories of FOD, includingprocessing debris, and treats all FOD aspreventable and with equal importance.

Re-emphasize the responsibility and authorityfor FOD prevention at the operations level.

Elevate the importance of comprehensiveindependent monitoring by both contractorsand the Government.

Figure 4 Reductionof temporaryworksite debris

USA also has developed and implemented newwork practices and strengthened existingpractices. This reduces the chance of temporaryworksite items or debris to migrate to an out-of-sight or inaccessible area, and it serves animportant psychological purpose in eliminatingvisible breaches in FOD prevention discipline.



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Figure5 FODBag/FODCan

FOD walkdowns have been a standardindustry and KSC procedure for many years.These are dedicated periods during which allemployees execute a prescribed search patternthroughout the work areas, picking up alldebris. USA has increased the frequency andparticipation in walkdowns, and also hasincreased the number of areas regularlysubjected to them. USA also has improvedwalkdown effectiveness by segmentingwalkdown areas into zones. Red zones are allareas within three feet of flight hardware and allareas inside or immediately above or below

flight hardware. Yellow zones are all areaswithin a designated flight hardware operationalprocessing area. Blue zones are desk space andother administrative areas within designatedflight hardware operational processing areas.

Figure6 Toolsandmaterialsproperlystowed

Additionally, both NASA and USA haveincreased independent monitoring of the FODprevention program. USA Process Assurance

Engineers regularly audit work areas forcompliance with such work rules as removal ofpotential FOD items before entering work areas

and tethering of those items that can be removed(e.g., glasses), tool control protocol, partsprotection, and Clean-As-You-Go housekeepingprocedures. NASA Quality personnelperiodically participate in FOD walkdowns toassess their effectiveness and oversee contractoraccomplishment of all FOD programrequirements.

The new FOD programs effectiveness ismeasured by a set of metrics to guideimprovements. FOD walkdown findings are

tracked in the Integrated Quality SupportDatabase. This database also will track FODfound during closeouts, launch countdowns,post-launch pad turnarounds, landing operations,and NASA quality assurance audits. Stumble-on FOD findings also will be tracked. For allmetrics, the types of FOD and their locations willbe recorded and analyzed for trends to identifyparticular areas for improvement. Monthlyreports to management will highlight the top fiveFOD types, locations, and observed workforce

behaviors, along with the prior months trends.

CLOSEOUT PHOTOGRAPHY PROCESS

Before areas inside and outside of the SpaceShuttle and its External Tank/Solid RocketBooster stack are sealed for flight, closeoutphotographs are taken in order to visuallydocument the area at the last moments of access.In part, these photos document differencesbetween actual hardware configuration andengineering drawings. This includes

photography of the Orbiter, Space Shuttle MainEngine, Solid Rocket Boosters and External Tank.

Because of the complexity of the Shuttlesengineering drawing system, the CAIBrecommended the photo closeout system bereviewed and upgraded due to potential forerrors.



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Portions of these requirements were met by theexisting closeout photo process, the KSCQuality Data Center film database and the

digital Still Image Management System (SIMS)database. However, prior to the digitalphotography upgrade, images were difficult tolocate and retrieve, because the processrequired substantial cross-referencing ofsources.

NASA formed a Photo Closeout Team fromthe Agencys engineering, quality andtechnical communities to identify andimplement necessary upgrades to the

processes and equipment involved in vehiclecloseout photography. The Photo CloseoutTeam divided the CAIB recommendation int

Documents

NASA Space Shuttle STS-114 Press Kit