From: baalke@kelvin.jpl.nasa.gov (Ron Baalke)
Subject: Mars Observer Update - 09/01/92
Followup-To: sci.space
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: Wed, 2 Sep 1992 23:33:02 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 23 Days

Date of report:     9-2-92         Time of report:     8:00 AM EDT

Cleaning of the spacecraft and the payload instruments was
completed yesterday afternoon.  The MOLA (Mars Observer Laser
Altimeter) and TES (Thermal Emission Spectrometer) covers have been
replaced and a new removable cover for the MOC (Mars Observer Camera)
has been developed and installed.  The MOLA and the new MOC cover
will remain on the instruments until shortly before launch.

TOS (Transfer Orbit Stage) and the payload fairing have also been
cleaned.  All elements again meet the cleanliness inspection
requirement of VC-2.

Activities to remove the work platforms around the spacecraft and
TOS was started at 10 PM last night.  This was followed by final
cleaning of the Titan boattail and extension module.  The
encapsulation process will begin no later than 6 PM tonight.  The
Titan pre-encapsulation review will be held today.  A spacecraft
post-cleaning review will be held this morning.

The contamination investigation continues.  No definitive source
has been found at this time, but numerous protective measures are
being taken to limit exposure to any new contamination from many
sources in the launch processing flow.  The special investigative
board on the contamination incident meets here tomorrow and Friday.

Titan had a lightning strike very near the pad last Saturday after
the spacecraft was back in the PHSF (Payload Hazardous Support
Facility).  As a result, Titan found some damage to their electronics
and will replace some units.  The Titan damage search continues.

TOS, as previously reported, has identified a probable sneak
circuit which they believe caused their inability to turn-off
during a test on the pad before the cleaning activities.  There are
several options for corrective action which will be decided upon
today.

A new schedule events was established last night and is shown
below:

     o    Remove work platforms         9-1-92 at 10 PM
     o    Start encapsulation           9-2-92 at 6 PM
     o    Transport to LC-40            9-4-92 early morning
     o    Titan Combined Systems Test   9-14-92
     o    Spacecraft Launch Readiness
          Review                        9-15/17-92
     o    Diaz' Pre-Flight Integration
          Review                        9-17-92 PM
     o    Launch Day Dress Rehearsal    9-16/18-92
                                        (Simulated launch day is
                                        9-17-92)
     o    Headquarters' Mission
          Readiness Review              9-21-92 PM
     o    Launch Readiness Review       9-23-92
     o    Mission Director's Review     9-24-92
     o    Launch                        Not earlier than 9-25-92
     ___    _____     ___
    /_ /|  /____/ \  /_ /|     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.
|_____|/  |_|/       |_____|/                     | 

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