karn@allegra.UUCP (Phil Karn) (02/21/84)
UOSAT-B SPACECRAFT STATUS REPORT 19TH FEB 1984 VAFB First, apologies for the lack of communication from the UO-B team over the week or so - things have been just a little hectic with the final preparations for the launch of the UOSAT-B spacecraft still currently scheduled for 09:59 on 1st March. The UO-B launch crew of ten have been busy at the Western Test Range, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Ca carrying out experiment calibrations, last-minute de-bugging, application of the thermal surfaces and final, careful cleaning. The primary payload, LANDSAT-D', is a super-clean mission and has necessitated a rigorous contamination control program for UO-B, culminating in an unscheduled thermal vacuum bake-out when it was feared that some contamination had been picked up on the spacecraft from the original thermal vacuum tests. Cold finger and swab samples showed up some pthalate ester contaminants from the chamber mechanisms and there was a concern that some of this may have been deposited on the spacecraft interior where it would be difficult and dangerous to remove using solvents. The spacecraft was shipped down to MDAC (Huntingdon Beach) for a bake-out and contamination assessment on Thursday 16th. The tests commenced that night and within a few hours it became apparent that the spacecraft was, in fact, extremely clean and the planned 24/36 hour tests were cancelled and the spacecraft removed from the chamber and shipped (with a clean bill of health) back to VAFB! This unscheduled activity has delayed the final tests and preparations of UO-B and the spacecraft will now mate with the launch vehicle at 1600 hrs local on Wednesday 22 Feb. So far, the preparations for launch have proceeded well. There have been a number of problems of which only a few remain unresolved and work continues to overcome these in the next few days. Time is very short and everyone is putting maximum effort to ensuring the best possible spacecraft within this extremely tight schedule. The spacecraft systems and experiments are functioning well - a detailed Flight Status Report will be released after the vehicle mate (if the telemail facility still exists!) and details of the spacecraft calibrations/data formats will appear over the next few days. Thanks to all those who have sent their good wishes, Martin Sweeting G3YJO UOSAT