From: baalke@kelvin.jpl.nasa.gov (Ron Baalke)
Subject: Mars Observer Update - 09/04/92
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.3-4   
Keywords:  Mars Observer, JPL, KSC
Reply-To: baalke@kelvin.jpl.nasa.gov
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1992 05:03:36 GMT

Forwarded from Glenn Cunningham, Mars Observer Deputy Project Manager

                          MARS OBSERVER
                 DAILY ACTIVITIES STATUS REPORT
                            FROM THE
      KENNEDY SPACE CENTER/CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION

                      Launch Minus 21 Days

Date of report:     9-4-92         Time of report:     2:30 PM EDT


The encapsulated spacecraft and TOS (Transfer Orbit Stage) were
transported to the launch pad for the second time early this morning.
The journey was punctuated with the traumatic events that have
seemed to be so characteristic of Mars Observer's launch campaign.

The stack left the PHSF (Payload Hazardous Support Facility) at
10:45 PM.  Shortly after the caravan began, under good weather
conditions, the double plastic wrap covering the payload fairing
shredded and tore.  At the 2:30 PM arrival at the gate to the pad,
about three quarters of the material covering the upper portion of
the fairing had ripped off.  At the same time, an unexpected
thunderstorm approached.  A decision was made to divert to the
re-planned contingency shelter in the SMARF building.  Before that
plan could be implemented, the storm hit and it was decided that
being by the mobile service tower afforded better lightning protection
for the stack than being on the open roadway.  The approach of
lightning required the pad to be cleared.  After the rain and lightning
passed, a forecasted 1.5 to 2 hour clear period between storms was
judged to allow sufficient time to complete the hoisting of the stack
to atop the Titan.  However, the next storm arrived earlier than
predicted with more rain and lightning.  Finally, after two peltings
with heavy rain, the stack was hoisted and was inside the environmental
shelter at about 6:30 AM.

Titan reports that the payload fairing is water tight.  We have
asked for specifications and test reports documenting that fact.

At this time, the final bolting of the stack to the Titan is being
accomplished.  The air conditioning inlet port will be inspected
for water, and the payload fairing air conditioning will be
establish as soon as possible to purge the interior of any moisture
that may have entered.  The science instrument purge was in
operation throughout the two storms.

The battery discharge cycle will be continued as soon as access to
the spacecraft connectors at level 11 of the environmental shelter
are available.  The battery discharge activities will continue for
the next approximately seven days, and after battery charging, a
spacecraft GO/NO-GO test will be run.

The Contamination Incident Red Team concluded its investigation
today.
     ___    _____     ___
    /_ /|  /____/ \  /_ /|     Ron Baalke         | baalke@kelvin.jpl.nasa.gov
    | | | |  __ \ /| | | |     Jet Propulsion Lab |
 ___| | | | |__) |/  | | |__   M/S 525-3684 Telos | Anything is impossible if
/___| | | |  ___/    | |/__ /| Pasadena, CA 91109 | you don't attempt it.
|_____|/  |_|/       |_____|/                     |