From: baalke@kelvin.jpl.nasa.gov (Ron Baalke)
Subject: Mars Observer Update - 08/31/92
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: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 04:31:59 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 -TBD- Days

Date of report:     8-31-92        Time of report:     3:00 PM EDT
         [There were no reports on 8-29-92 and 8-30-92]

The encapsulated spacecraft and TOS (Transfer Orbit Stage) were
removed from atop the Titan vehicle and returned to the PHSF
(Payload Hazardous Support Facility) on last Friday night, 8-28-92.
Saturday was occupied with setting up the support equipment to
remove the payload fairing.  The fairing was opened at 5 pm on
Sunday evening, and the work platforms were installed round the
TOS/spacecraft stack.  Access to the spacecraft was available at
4:30 am Monday morning.  At that time extensive photo and video
documentation was begun.  Additional samples of the contaminate
were taken from many areas of the spacecraft, TOS and the payload
fairing.  At the time of this writing, the science payload teams
are performing detailed visual assessments of their instruments.
The extent of instrument cleaning and testing, if required, will be
the significant driver on the remaining schedule.

The early visual observations today revealed a fine layer of white
particles, much like dandruff, on the MOLA (Mars Observer Laser
Altimeter) mirror when the observation angle was such that a black
background was produced.  This is consistent with what was observed
through the access port on the pad.  It is assumed that this distribution
of particles exists over all the horizontal surfaces of the spacecraft.
This assumption will be verified when UV and high intensity white light
is substituted for the orange, diffuse ambient lighting in the PHSF
high bay.  Some large particles were also observed.

Otherwise, we are proceeding down the flow plan established for
cleaning the spacecraft, although, because it took longer to de-
encapsulate and erect the work platforms than originally thought,
we are about 6 hours behind the plan.  Cleaning operations are
expected through Saturday.

Titan is assessing their downstream flow, with and without a Launch
Day Dress Rehearsal.  This information will be used to establish a
new launch readiness date.  At this point, it is still too early to
project a firm new launch date.  Rescheduling of the various
reviews that were postponed will be announced when the earliest
launch readiness date is established.

The source or sources of the contamination have not been
definitively established yet.

A high level investigative board is being established to assess the
contamination anomaly, launch pad procedures and the corrective
actions required.
     ___    _____     ___
    /_ /|  /____/ \  /_ /|     Ron Baalke         | baalke@kelvin.jpl.nasa.gov
    | | | |  __ \ /| | | |     Jet Propulsion Lab |
 ___| | | | |__) |/  | | |__   M/S 525-3684 Telos | Optimists live longer
/___| | | |  ___/    | |/__ /| Pasadena, CA 91109 | than pessimists.
|_____|/  |_|/       |_____|/                     | 

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