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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 

SPACE SHUTTLE 

MISSION 

STS-51F 

PRESS KIT 

JULY 1985 

SPACELAB 2 
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STS-51F INSIGNIA 

S85-29498 -- The space shuttle Challenger is depicted ascending toward the heavens in search of new 

knowledge in the field of solar and stellar astronomy, with its Spacelab 2 payload. The constellations Leo 

and Orion are in the positions they will be in relative to the sun during the flight. The nineteen stars signify 

that this will be the 19th shuttle flight. The artist was Skip Bradley of Houston. 

The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official 

use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of 

illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which we do not 

anticipate, it will be publicly announced. 

PHOTO CREDIT: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 
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RELEASE NO: 85-100 July 1985 

CONTACTS 

Charles Redmond/Sarah Keegan 

Headquarters, Washington, DC 

(Phone: 202/453-8536) 

James Kukowski 

Headquarters, Washington, DC 

(Phone: 202/453-1548) 

Terry Eddleman 

Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL 

(Phone: 205/453-0034) 

David Alter 

Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 

(Phone: 713/483-5111) 

Andrea Shea 

Kennedy Space Center, FL 

(Phone: 305/867-2468) 

James Elliott 

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 

(Phone: 302/344-6256) 

Frank Bristow 

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA 

(Phone: 818/354-5011) 

Ralph Jackson 

Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, CA 

(Phone: 805/258-8381) 
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RELEASE NO: 85-100 July 1985 

CONTENTS 

GENERAL RELEASE 5 

51-F BRIEFING SCHEDULE 8 

GENERAL INFORMATION 9 

SHUTTLE MISSION 51-F -- QUICK LOOK FACTS 10 

51-D TRAJECTORY SEQUENCE OF EVENTS 11 

SUMMARY OF ORBITER AND SCIENCE ACTIVITIES 12 

SPACELAB 2 CONFIGURATION 14 

SPACELAB 2: THE HARDWARE 16 

VERIFICATION OF FLIGHT TESTS 20 

AFT FLIGHT DECK 22 

MISSION STATISTICS SUMMARY 24 

PRE-LAUNCH PREPARATIONS 25 

LAUNCH WINDOW 25 

LANDING AND POST-LANDING OPERATIONS 26 

SPACELAB 2 INVESTIGATIONS 27 

 Solar Physics 27 

 Atmospheric Physics 28 

 Plasma Physics 28 

 High Energy Astrophysics 28 

 Infrared Astronomy 29 

 Technology Research 29 

 Life Sciences 29 

ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS 30 

 Protein Crystal Growth 30 

 Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment 30 

 Plant Carry-On Container 31 

PAYLOAD SPECIALISTS 33 

MISSION SUPPORT 34 

SPACELAB 2 SHIFT OPERATIONS 35 

SPACELAB 2 MANAGEMENT 36 

COMMUNICATIONS AND DATA HANDLING 37 

FLIGHT CREW DATA 38 

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY 41 

ESA INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION 42 
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RELEASE NO: 85-100 July 1985 

NEW SPACELAB CONFIGURATION TESTED ABOARD CHALLENGER 

Space Shuttle mission 51-F/Spacelab 2 marks the first flight of an igloo-pallet configuration and a new 

Instrument Pointing System. The mission is the second verification test flight and the third dedicated mission 

for the space laboratory developed for NASA by the European Space Agency (ESA). 

This pallet-only configuration consists of unpressurized platforms (pallets) in the payload bay which, with 

the pointing system, turn Spacelab into a unique orbiting observatory for studying the sun, stars and space 

environment. An igloo, a cylindrical shell attached to the first pallet, houses many of the systems such as 

computers and data recorders. These systems previously have been located inside a pressurized laboratory 

module element flown on the two earlier dedicated Spacelab missions, but the module is not required for this 

flight. 

Spacelab 2 is scheduled for liftoff from Launch Complex 39, Pad A, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on July 

12, 1985, at 4:30 p.m. EDT. During the 7-day mission, Spacelab operates in the payload bay of the orbiter 

Challenger, circling Earth at a maximum altitude of 211 nautical miles with an orbital inclination of 49.5 

degrees. Spacelab 2 is flying shortly after Spacelab 3 because of a delay in completing the Instrument 

Pointing System. 

Since this is the first pallet-only Spacelab flight, primary mission objectives are to verify the Spacelab 

systems and to determine the interface capability of Spacelab and the orbiter. 

A secondary, but important objective, is to obtain scientific and technology data to demonstrate Spacelab's 

capability to conduct investigations in a number of disciplines on a single mission. Thirteen investigations in 

seven scientific disciplines were chosen to exercise Spacelab's capabilities to the fullest and, at the same time, 

collect valuable research data. 

The Spacelab 2 mission schedule is busy with research activities, and once again payload crew members 

perform scientific investigations continuously around the clock during two 12-hour shifts. Two of the 

scientists who developed Spacelab 2 solar observation experiments are payload specialists and will conduct 

research during the mission. Dr. Loren Acton, a solar physicist from Lockheed Palo Alto Research 

Laboratory in California, and Dr. John-David Bartoe, a solar physicist from the U.S. Naval Research 

Laboratory in Washington, DC., are the third pair of career scientists to work aboard Spacelab. 

Scientific research also is performed by two NASA mission specialists: Dr. Anthony England, a geophysicist 

specializing in Earth and planetary sciences, and Dr. Karl Henize, an astronomer. 

Commander of the seven-member crew is C. Gordon Fullerton, a veteran NASA astronaut who served as 

pilot on the third Shuttle mission. Assisting him are pilot Roy D. Bridges Jr., on his first Shuttle flight, and an 

experienced NASA scientist-astronaut Dr. Story Musgrave, who served as mission specialist on the sixth 

Shuttle flight. 

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, is responsible for overall management of the Spacelab 

2 mission. This involves overseeing all aspects of the mission including experiment selection, payload crew 

training, mission planning and real-time mission support. The Spacelab 2 mission manager, Roy C. Lester of 

Marshall, works with members of the NASA centers to ensure mission success. Mission scientist Dr. Eugene 

W. Urban of Marshall coordinates the activities of the mission's science participants with the management 

team. 

ESA also continues to work cooperatively with the Marshall management team and other NASA centers. 

ESA designed, developed and funded Spacelab to serve as part of America's Space Transportation System. 

Spacelab includes various standardized parts, such as habitable modules, pallets and a pointing system, that 
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can be assembled to meet the needs of a particular mission. The habitable module and several other Spacelab 

components, including single pallets, have already been used successfully to perform research in various 

scientific disciplines. 

The Spacelab 2 configuration consists of three pallets, an igloo and a pointing system. Each U-shaped pallet 

is 10 feet long and 13 ft. wide and is covered with aluminum honeycomb panels. The pallets mount directly 

to the orbiter and experiments are attached to the pallets via different interfaces. This mission will verify that 

the pallet configuration, augmented by the igloo and the pointing system, is satisfactory for observations and 

research. 

Thirteen experiment teams, 11 from the United States and two from the United Kingdom, are directing 

investigations in solar physics, atmospheric physics, plasma physics, infrared astronomy, high energy 

astrophysics, technology research and life sciences. Ten of these experiments require direct exposure to space 

and are mounted on the pallets and in a special support structure inside the payload bay. One experiment 

conducted from the ground uses the Shuttle as a research tool. Two life sciences experiments are located in 

middeck lockers. 

Another new Spacelab component, the ESA-developed Instrument Pointing System, is being tested during its 

inaugural flight. On the first pallet, three solar instruments and one atmospheric instrument are attached to the 

pointing system, which can aim them more accurately than the Shuttle alone and keep them fixed on targets 

as the Shuttle moves. The pointing system has a relative accuracy of 2 arc seconds (one eighteen hundredth 

of a degree), which means it can remain pointed in stable fashion at an object the size of a quarter from a 

distance of less than one and a half nautical miles. 

This mission also uses a different method for commanding and monitoring Spacelab instruments. On two 

previous missions, Spacelab 1 and 3, the payload crew operated instruments from inside the habitable 

module. This payload crew works inside the orbiter aft flight deck, located directly behind the cockpit. 

Equipment, such as the Spacelab computer consoles, television monitors, controls for the Instrument Pointing 

System, data collection and various experiments are mounted along panels in the U-shaped work area. 

Many of the commands are routed through the igloo, another Spacelab component on its maiden flight. The 

igloo is a pressurized container that houses Spacelab subsystems for computer operations, data recording and 

transmission and thermal control. On previous Spacelab flights, these systems have also been located inside 

the habitable module. The igloo, which has a volume of about 53 cubic ft. and weighs about 1,408 pounds 

when fully equipped, is mounted to the front frame of the first pallet. 

Verification tests of Spacelab systems and subsystems begin at launch and continue throughout the mission. 

Verification flight instruments measure such parameters as temperature and vibration levels in the payload 

bay. On the first day of flight, a special set of tests is performed on the Instrument Pointing System; it is 

unstowed and aimed at various solar viewing targets to verify its pointing capability and accuracy. 

By approximately 15 hours into the mission, all of the Spacelab 2 science instruments are activated. Many 

begin making observations immediately. 

On the third flight day, the crew uses the Remote Manipulator System to deploy a small subsatellite for 

studies of the surrounding space environment. The Shuttle makes several complex maneuvers around the 

satellite at a distance of about a quarter mile and then the satellite is retrieved and returned to the vicinity of 

the payload bay to continue making other measurements. 

This is the third NASA mission in which scientists who developed Spacelab experiments participate actively 

in guiding the mission. These scientists, called principal investigators, helped train and select the payload 

specialists and worked closely with the management team to plan the mission. During the flight, they work in 

the Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. 
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Throughout the mission, all Spacelab 2 science operations are managed from the POCC at Johnson. Members 

of the Marshall mission management cadre, along with investigator teams who developed the Spacelab 2 

experiments, monitor, direct and control experiment operations from the ground control center. During the 

mission, Spacelab systems are also carefully monitored 24 hours a day from the Huntsville Operations 

Support Center (HOSC) in Huntsville, AL. Both POCC and HOSC personnel work closely with the Johnson 

Mission Control Center (MCC) staff, which is responsible for controlling the orbiter Challenger and basic 

Spacelab systems. The MCC and the POCC are located in the same building. 

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) handles most of the communications and data 

transmissions between the spacecraft and the ground. NASA's worldwide Ground Spacecraft Tracking and 

Data Network, operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., is used when TDRSS coverage 

is not available. A special Spacelab Data Processing Facility at Goddard receives the steady flow of scientific 

and engineering data from Spacelab. 

After 7 days of around-the-clock verification tests and science operations, Challenger is scheduled to land on 

July 19 at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Reentry will begin with the firing of the Shuttle's Orbital 

Maneuvering System engines as the orbiter makes its 110th revolution of the Earth. Landing is set for 3:42 

p.m. EDT, on Runway 17. 

(END OF GENERAL RELEASE; BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOLLOWS.) 
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51F BRIEFING SCHEDULE 

Time 

(EDT) Briefing Origin 

 

T-1 Day 

8:00 a.m. Mission Overview KSC 

8:45 a.m. Solar Physics Experiments KSC 

10:00 a.m. Plasma and Atmospheric Physics Experiments KSC 

12:00 Noon High Energy Astrophysics, Infrared Astronomy and Technology 

Research 

KSC 

1:15 p.m. Spacelab 2 Middeck Experiments KSC 

2:00 p.m. College Experiments KSC 

2:30 a.m. Carbonated Beverage Container Evaluation KSC 

3:00 a.m. Prelaunch Briefing KSC 

 

T-Day 

6:00 a.m. 

approximate 

Post Launch Press Conference KSC 

Launch Through End of Mission

 

Times announced 

on NASA Select 

Flight Director Change-of-Shift Briefings JSC 

12:00 Noon 

(approximate) 

Science Summary Briefings JSC 

 

Landing Day 

 

5:00 p.m. Post Landing Briefing DFRF 
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GENERAL INFORMATION 

Each day there will be as many as three change-of-shift briefings by the Shuttle flight director. The Spacelab 2 mission 

manager will participate in one of these briefings daily. Additionally, there will be one science summary briefing by the 

mission scientist. Media representatives at Johnson Space Center can attend these briefings. At other NASA centers, 

reporters can monitor the briefings on NASA television via satellite and ask questions via two-way audio circuits. 

NASA Select Television Transmission 

The television schedules will be updated daily to reflect any changes in the mission. The schedule for television 

transmissions from Challenger and Spacelab, for mission briefings, and for interviews will be available during the 

mission at Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, and NASA Headquarters. These 

transmission also will be carried by RCA Satcom F-1R Transponder 18 (full transponder). 

NASA Select Television and Audio Release circuits will also feature special science updates between 5 a.m. and 

midnight each day. These periodic updates will focus on cadre members and investigators discussing experiment 

progress. The reports are intended to augment the real-time science information available to media. These reports will be 

conducted by Drs. Byron Lichtenberg and Michael Lampton (payload specialists for Spacelab 1 and Earth Observations 

Mission, respectively). 

Satcom F-1R is located 139 degrees west longitude. Transponder 18 transmits on a frequency of 4060.0 MHz. The 

system will be operational 24 hours a day from T-4 hours on launch day through T+4 hours on landing day. 

Mission Audio and Video 

The Press will have access to real-time audio and video transmitted from the spacecraft to ground control centers. Media 

may obtain real-time Spacelab 2-to-POCC communications over the air-to-ground 1 circuit (A/G-1). A/G-2 will be used 

as the orbiter-Mission Control Center voice circuit. Occasionally, the A/G will be shared by the MCC and the POCC. In 

addition, Public Affairs commentary on the progress of the mission is broadcast on the Mission Audio channel.

Special Note to Broadcasters 

Beginning July 10 and continuing through the end of the mission, approximately 7 minutes of audio interview material 

with the crew of 51-F will be available to broadcasters by calling 202/269-6572. 

Status Reports 

Status reports on countdown progress, mission progress, on- orbit activities and landing operations will be produced by 

the appropriate NASA news center. They will be posted in NASA center newsrooms. The Spacelab POCC will provide 

summary science status reports, plus periodic shorter reports, throughout the mission. 

Transcripts 

Transcripts of the change-of-shift briefings will be available at the NASA news centers. 

Spacelab 2 Viewing 

Spacelab 2 is one of the most visible Shuttle mission to date. From Earth, it can be viewed with the naked eye at several 

designated times. Maps displayed in NASA center newsrooms show the date and times on which the flight should be 

visible from various regions of the United States.
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SHUTTLE MISSION 51-F -- QUICK LOOK FACTS 

Crew: Charles G. Fullerton, Commander 

 Roy D. Bridges Jr., Pilot 

 Karl G. Henize, Mission Specialist (MS-1) 

 Anthony W. England, Mission Specialist (MS-2) 

 F. Story Musgrave, Mission Specialist (MS-3) 

 Loren W. Acton, Payload Specialist (PS-1) 

 John-David F. Bartoe, Payload Specialist (PS-2) 

Orbiter: Challenger (OV-099) 

Launch Site: Pad 39-A, Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 

Launch Dates/Times: July 12, 4:30 p.m. EDT 

Window: 2 hours 

Orbital Inclination: 49.5 degrees 

Orbit: Insert into 186 by 106 n. mi. (direct insertion) orbit, then maneuver to approximately 

 207 n. mi. circular with 7 OMS maneuvers, which also are required to meet the Plasma 

 Depletion Experiment requirements for a ground track that passes over specific ground 

sites. 

Mission Duration: 6 days, 23 hours, 12 minutes 

Orbits: 109 full orbits; land on orbit 110 

Landing Date/Time: July 19, 3:42 p.m. EDT 

Primary Landing Site: Edwards Air Force Base, CA, Runway 17 

Weather Alternate: Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Runway 15 

Transatlantic Landing: Zaragoza, Spain 

Abort-Once-Around: Space Harbor, White Sands, NM. 

Payload: Spacelab 2 (see Spacelab 2 Investigations for experiments) 

Additional Experiments: Protein Crystal Growth 

 Plant Growth Unit (PGU) 

 Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX) 

 Carbonated Beverage Dispenser Evaluation (CBDE) 

Mission Objectives: To verify the ESA-built Spacelab pallet configuration and conduct application, science, and 

technology investigations that require direct exposure to space above Earth's atmosphere and accurate pointing at the sun 

and other celestial targets. 

Flight Synopsis: The 51-F mission timeline calls for rotating shifts. Two teams, Blue and Red, work alternating shifts of 

11 to six hours. The Red team comprises the PLT, MS1 and PS1; the Blue team, MS2, MS3 and PS2. The commander 

works either shift as needed. 

Launch/Entry Seating: The commander and pilot will occupy their normal flight deck seats. MS2 (Musgrave) will sit on 

the flight deck behind and between the commander and}pilot. MS1 (Henize) will sit on the flight deck to the right of 

MS2. MS3 (England) and the payload specialists will sit on the middeck. 

Contingency EVA Crewmen: Story Musgrave, Tony England 
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STS-51F TRAJECTORY SEQUENCE OF EVENTS 

Event 

Tig 

MET 

(d/h:m) 

Burn 

Duration 

(min:sec) 

Delta V 

(fps) 

Post Burn 

Apogee/Perigee 

(n mi) 

Launch 0/00:00 

Main Engine Cutoff (MECO) 0/00:09 

Insertion Burn 0/00:39 0:1.45 160.2 186x106 

PDP Experiment -- 7 OMS 

Burns Performed Over: 

 

 Millstone, MA, USA 0/06:25 0:33 52.4 189x128 

 Arecibo, Puerto Rico 0/08:04 0:47 74.4 189x163 

 Hobart, Australia 0/22:04 0:47 76.3 207x186 

 Millstone, MA, USA 1/00:21 0:13 22.0 206x193 

 Roberval, Canada 1/01:58 0:15 12.5 207x196 

 Roberval, Canada 1/01:59 0:15 12.5 206x199 

 Arecibo, Puerto Rico 1/21:40 0:12 20.4 208x206 

PDP Release 2/03:50 208x206 

PDP Retrieval 2/11:02 208x206 

PDP experiment concluded -- 

 Kwajalein Atoll 6/14:02 

 

207x195 

Deorbit Burn 6/22:09 0:14 20.3 17x180 

Entry Interface 6/22:42 4:09 430.7 

KSC Landing 6/23:12 
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SUMMARY OF ORBITER AND SCIENCE ACTIVITIES 

Flight Day 1 

Ascent 

Open payload bay doors 

Activate Spacelab systems 

Activate payload experiments 

Deploy, align and check the Instrument Pointing System (IPS); perform initial solar observations 

Fire Shuttle engines in first 3 OMS burns as part of plasma depletion observations 

Draw blood for vitamin D metabolite experiment 

Maneuver to gravity gradient attitude for superfluid helium experiment operations; when complete, reorient orbiter for PDP operations 

Flight Day 2 

Fire Shuttle engines in next 3 OMS burns 

Study the space environment with the Plasma Diagnostics Package (PDP) extended on the RMS 

Operate PDP and the Vehicle Charging and Potential (VCAP) experiment to investigate plasma activity 

Maneuver again to gravity gradient attitude for superfluid helium experiment operations 

Select and observe new solar viewing targets 

Begin collecting astrophysical data with the X-ray telescope, infrared telescope and cosmic ray detector 

Flight Day 3 

Release PDP satellite using RMS; maneuver orbiter in a "fly- around" as PDP studies plasma away from 

the Shuttle; retrieve the satellite with the arm and return it to the vicinity of the payload bay for 

continued experiments 

Operate PDP and VCAP jointly during fly-around 

Select and observe new solar targets 

Continue astronomical observations 

Flight Day 4 

Concentrate on solar observations with more than 15 hours of solar studies 

Study Shuttle glow with first joint operations of PDP and the infrared telescope (IRT) 

Flight Day 5 

Operate PDP and IRT jointly to study Shuttle glow 

Continue experiment operations in all disciplines 

Flight Day 6 

Collect blood for vitamin D metabolite investigation 

Sample gas and monitor temperatures in the Plant Growth Unit (PGU) 

Flight Day 7 

Collect final blood samples 

Make final solar observations; stow IPS and prepare for landing Deactivate pallet experiments 

Deactivate Spacelab 2 systems 

Fire engines in final OMS burn for plasma depletion experiment Close payload bay doors 

Deorbit burn 

Entry interface 

Landing at Edwards AFB, CA, Runway 17 
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SPACELAB 2 CONFIGURATION 

Spacelab 2 is composed of three pallets holding experiments and one experiment mounted in a support 

structure at the aft end of the payload bay. The first pallet holds the Instrument Pointing System; on it are 

experiments in solar physics and atmospheric physics. The igloo holding Spacelab subsystems is attached to 

the forward end of this pallet. The other two pallets are connected to form a train, containing experiments in 

atmospheric physics, plasma physics, high-energy astrophysics, infrared astronomy and technology research. 

The cosmic ray experiment is located on a support structure behind the third pallet. The two life sciences 

experiments are located in orbiter middeck lockers. 

Spacelab 2 Configuration (Forward to Aft): 

Igloo (attached by struts to Pallet #1) 

Pallet #1: 

IPS (Instrument Pointing System) 

SOUP (Solar Optical Universal Polarimeter) 

CHASE (Coronal Helium Abundance Spacelab Experiment) 

HRTS (High Resolution Telescope and Spectrograph) 

SUSIM (Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Monitor) 

VCAP (Vehicle Charging and Potential Experiment) electron generator 

Pallet #2: 

VCAP (Spherical Probe and Charge and Current Probe) 

XRT (X-Ray Telescope) 

Pallet #3: 

PDP (Plasma Diagnostics Package) 

IRT (Infrared Telescope) 

SFHE (Superfluid Helium Experiment) 

Special Support Structure: 

CRN (Cosmic Ray Nuclei experiment) 

Shuttle Middeck: 

Blood collection kit 

PGU (Plant Growth Unit) 

Middeck Layout (Plant growth, Vitamin D) 
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SPACELAB 2: THE HARDWARE 

Pallets 

The pallet cross-section is U-shaped providing hard points for mounting heavy experiments and a large panel 

surface area to accommodate lighter payload elements. Pallet segments are 3 m long and 4 m wide and can be 

flown independently, or interconnected in a pallet "train." The pallet train cannot consist of more than three 

segments, whereas the independent configurations may consist of one to five pallet segments. Spaced pallet 

segments are connected via a utility support structure. 

In pallet-only configurations, subsystem equipment necessary for the operation of Spacelab is located in the 

"igloo," which is mounted on the front frame of the first pallet segment. 

Twenty-four inner and 24 outer panels, made of aluminum alloy honeycomb, cover the frame. The inner 

panels are equipped with threaded inserts so that payload and subsystem equipment can be attached. Each 

panel can support a uniformly distributed load up to 50 kilograms per square meter. 

Twenty-four standard hardpoints made of chromium-plated titanium casting are provided for payloads which 

exceed the acceptable loading of the inner panels. 

Payloads will normally fit within the pallet, but it is possible to carry special payloads which overhang the 

sides if the necessary arrangement can be made to fix them. 

The Igloo -- The Unmanned Service Module for Pallet-Only Spacelab Missions 

A main part of the modular Spacelab system is a pressurized automatic supply module, the Igloo, for palletonly flight configurations. Normally Spacelab subsystem equipment is housed in the core segment of the 

module. When the module is not being flown, it is, of course, necessary to house the subsystems elsewhere. 

As the subsystems are designed for a pressurized environment, the Igloo structure has been developed as a 

pressurized compartment in which Spacelab subsystem equipment can be mounted in a dry air environment 

at normal earth atmospheric pressure. The Igloo is designed for 7-day missions, but could, if necessary, be 

used for missions up to 30 days. 

The Igloo is always attached vertically to the forward end frame of the first pallet in the pallet-only mode. 

The primary structure is a cylindrical, locally stiffened shell, made of aluminum alloy forged rings, and 

closed at one end. The other end has a mounting flange for the cover. A seal is inserted when the two 

structures are joined together mechanically to formal a pressure-tight assembly. 

Externally the primary structure has fittings for the structure by which it is fastened to the pallet, for handling 

and transportation on the ground and for thermal control insulation. Two feedthrough plates accommodate 

utility lines and a pressure relief valve. Internally there are mounting facilities for sub system equipment and 

the Igloo secondary structure. The weight of an equipped Igloo is approximately 665 kg, and 2.2 cubic 

meters is available for subsystems. 

The cover is also a cylindrical shell, made of welded aluminum and closed at one end. Adapters for the 

positive relief valve and the burst disc are on top of the cover. The cover can be removed to allow full access 

to the interior. 

Subsystem equipment is mounted on the secondary structure which also acts as a guide for the removal or 

replacement of the cover. The secondary structure is hinge-fastened to the primary structure allowing access 

to the bottom of the secondary structure and to equipment mounted within the primary structure. 
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The Igloo is mounted on the pallet by a cross beam and two adjustable link fittings. A set of Spacelab 

subsystem equipment, similar to the set integrated in the module, is installed within the Igloo in the palletonly configuration. 

The following equipment (basic and mission dependent) is located in the Igloo: 

! Three computers (subsystem, experiment and back-up) 

! Two input/output units (subsystem and experiment) 

! One mass memory 

! Two subsystem Remote Acquisition Units 

! Nine interconnecting stations 

! One emergency box 

! One power control box 

! One subsystem power distribution box 

! One remote amplifier and advisory box 

! One high-rate multiplexer 

! Freon cooling loop components 

In addition to the Igloo the following major subsystem equipment also is mounted to the front frame of the 

first pallet segment: 

! One subsystem 400 Hz inverter 

! One experiment 400 Hz inverter 

! Freon cooling loop components 

Thermal control of the 400 Hz inverters is also achieved by cold plates connected to the pallet Freon cooling 

loop. 

Instrument Pointing System 

The Instrument Pointing System (IPS) is a versatile pointing system for use on the orbiter to provide 

precision orientation capability to a scientific experiment requiring essentially better pointing accuracy and 

stability than that provided by the orbiter. 

With its three-axis gimbal system it can orient payloads of up to 2,000 kg within an accuracy of 1 arc sec. 

The IPS development under ESA contract was completed in 1984. 

System Description 

The IPS is a Spacelab subsystem taking full advantage of the system resources and services without using 

any of the payload-dedicated support. Located in a standard Spacelab pallet, it comprises a three-axis gimbal 

system end-mounted to the payload, the payload clamp assembly to support the payload during ground 

operations and load-critical flight phases, and the control electronics to provide the full operational flexibility 

during all mission phases and to execute the pointing control operation via the Spacelab subsystem computer. 

The dimensions of the payload are only restricted by the width of the pallet and the available length of the 

pallet train or cargo bay. Accommodation of different payload dimensions can be performed by variation of 

the clamp unit locations and by adaptation of the gimbal center or rotation. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 18

The three identical drive units consist of a shaft supported by precision ball bearings within a titanium 

housing and controlled by two redundant brushless torque and resolver motors. 

The front end of the roll drive unit is connected to the equipment platform, a honeycomb disk of 2 m 

diameter, which carries subsystems dedicated to electronics and a redundant mechanism which provides, in 

orbit, the rigid attachment between the payload and the gimbal system (which decouples both during all load 

generating flight and ground phases). 

The IPS is thermally controlled by application of an active heating system on the critical components and a 

combination of insulated and radiating areas to control the heat exchange to its environment during all critical 

hot and cold operations. During launch and landing phases the payload will be supported by three attachment 

flanges with the payload clamp assembly. For on-orbit stowage the payload attachment flanges will be shifted 

by the pay load gimbal separation mechanism on the equipment platform into three payload clamp units. 
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VERIFICATION FLIGHT TESTS 

The primary objective of the Spacelab 2 mission is to test Spacelab systems and subsystems. The Spacelab 

Verification Flight Test (VFT) Program was developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center and will be 

implemented by the Johnson Space Center. 

The first verification tests were performed during the Spacelab 1 mission in 1983, and the systems performed 

exceptionally well. While Spacelab 1 consisted of a habitable module and one pallet, Spacelab 2 uses a new 

configuration made up of an igloo, three pallets, the Instrument Pointing System and a special sup port 

structure. The verification program carried out on 51-F/ Spacelab 2 is designed to test the performance 

capabilities of these new components and to verify the compatibility of Spacelab with the orbiter and the 

scientific payload. 

A set of special equipment, called Verification Flight Instrumentation (VFI), along with standard orbiter and 

Spacelab operational instruments, is used to gather data on Spacelab's performance during the mission. VFI 

sensors situated on Spacelab pallets and in the orbiter provide information on how well Space lab itself 

responds to the demands of flight. Special tests involving the Spacelab subsystems and one experiment are 

conducted during the flight. Additional data are gleaned as the ambitious schedule of experiment operations 

is completed. 

The following is a description by category of the specific VFT objectives for 51-F/Spacelab 2: 

Environmental Control Subsystem -- Tests are conducted to verify that the passive thermal control 

subsystem maintains the Spacelab structural elements within specified temperature limits, meets the specified 

heat leak requirements and, in conjunction with the active thermal control system, meets specified equipment 

temperature limits. Additional tests are conducted to verify that the active thermal control subsystem is 

capable of controlling the igloo atmosphere and equipment temperatures. 

Structures Subsystem -- Spacelab structures are monitored during ascent, on-orbit operations, descent and 

landing. To verify load criteria, sensors monitor the response of the pallets and igloo to low frequency 

vibration during ascent and descent. These sensors also gather data to verify Spacelab's random vibration and 

acoustic design and test criteria during ascent; the data also define mission load levels to verify mathematical 

models and predict service life. These tests also will prove that the system used to attach Spacelab to the 

orbiter is reacting to loads as predicted. 

Command and Data Management Subsystem -- Tests are designed to demonstrate the satisfactory 

integrated operation and performance of the Command and Data Management Subsystem (CDMS) and 

associated equipment and software in an orbital flight environment. The communications link between 

Spacelab and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) is checked as a function of the mission 

operations. The performance of all operating displays and controls, including the effect of all interior lighting 

and any sunlight/shadow effects, is also tracked. 

Environment -- Tests have been designed to compare the radiation environment actually experienced to the 

specified and predicted levels of radiation; to determine if the radiation protection offered in the film storage 

areas is adequate; and to provide data on radiation components for which no predictive calculations are 

available and which are likely to be significant for Spacelab users. 

Electrical Power Distribution Subsystem -- This aspect of the VFT is designed to verify the Electrical 

Power Distribution Sub system performance characteristics by operating all power distribution, conditioning 

and conversion devices at minimum and maximum mission achievable load levels. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 21

Instrument Pointing System (IPS) -- In conjunction with Experiment #8, which makes solar measurements 

in visible light, the IPS is tested. During the verification run, the IPS undergoes activation, target acquisition, 

stability and disturbance effects, free drift tracking, scanning performance, manual pointing control, response 

to experiment commands, contingency stowage, normal stowage and deactivation. All the tests except for the 

stowage and deactivation must be completed before the IPS-mounted experiments can begin full operations. 

Materials -- Tests are conducted to verify the compatibility of Spacelab exterior materials with the space 

environment. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 22

AFT FLIGHT DECK 

On the two previous Spacelab missions, the crew worked primarily in the habitable module. For Spacelab 2, 

the payload crew operates experiments from the aft flight deck, a small work area directly behind the cockpit. 

The aft flight deck of Challenger for the Spacelab 2 mission is essentially the same configuration as has been 

flown on previous Space Shuttle missions, with certain modifications for this particular flight. 

For Spacelab 2, a back-up high data rate recorder has been added -- this one on the port side of the aft flight 

deck -- as well as a switch panel which provides necessary functions to operate the Ejectable Plasma 

Diagnostics Package. 

A further Spacelab 2 configuration is a contingency jettison panel for the Instrument Pointing System. 

Facing the aft flight deck, a crew member aboard the Spacelab 2 mission will find, starting at left, a data 

display unit, some standard maneuvering switches, then the IPS contingency panel near the center of the 

console. To the right of that are switches to operate the Remote Manipulator System, then the PDP switch 

panel, and the second data display unit and the high data rate recorder on the far right. 

The starboard-side data display unit (DDU) is used by the mission specialist on duty; the port-side DDU, by 

the payload specialist. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 23
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 24

MISSION STATISTICS SUMMARY 

Payload and Vehicle Weights 

Pounds

Basic Spacelab at Launch 6,443 

IPS at Launch 2,971 

Mission Dependent Equipment 695 

High Data Rate Recorder 646 

Verification Flight Instrumentation 1,528 

Spacelab Experiments at Launch 12,264 

Mission Peculiar Equipment 2,616 

Orbiter Equipment Required by Spacelab 5,982 

Total Spacelab 2 Payload 33,145 

Total Payload Bay and Middeck Summary 33,263 

Orbiter Plus Cargo at Liftoff 252,855 

Total Vehicle at Liftoff 4,514,504 

Landing Weight 216,900 

Spacelab Pallet Dimensions 

Length: 10 ft 

Width: 13 ft. 

Computer Storage and Data Handling 

Experiment Computer Memory: 64,000 or 64k (16 bit words) Central Processing 

Unit (CPU): 320,000 or 320k instructions/sec 

Data Handling Orbit/TDRSS: Up to 50 megabits/second 

Onboard Storage Capacity: Up to 32 megabits/second 

Spacelab 2 Resource Status 

 Available Required Margin 

Crew Time (hours) 423 279 +144 

Electrical (kilowatt hours) 1,150 916 +234 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 25

PRE-LAUNCH PREPARATIONS 

Spacelab was designed, developed, funded and built by the European Space Agency (ESA) as Europe's 

contribution to America's Space Transportation System. Considered one of ESA's most important programs, 

Spacelab represents a European investment of almost $1 billion. Nine ESA member states -- Belgium, 

Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and one state 

with associate member status, Austria -- participated in the endeavor. Beginning with the decade of 

development leading to Spacelab's first flight in 1983 and continuing today in preparation for future missions, 

NASA and ESA work cooperatively to ensure that Spacelab is utilized successfully as an integral component 

of the Space Transportation System. 

Preparations for the Spacelab 2 launch began in 1982, when ESA delivered the three pallets to the Kennedy 

Space Center Operations and Checkout Building. These pallets are being used for the first time during the 

Spacelab 2 mission, but similar pallets have been tested and used successfully to perform science on previous 

Shuttle missions. In 1983 the pallets were equipped with special support equipment needed for the 

attachment of Spacelab 2 instruments. As scientific instruments arrived at the Kennedy Center, they were 

tested and mounted on the three pallets. The Igloo, which contains Spacelab subsystems for data collection, 

instrument commanding and thermal control, was also attached to the first pallet. The cosmic ray experiment 

was fixed inside a special support structure, located in the aft end of the payload bay. 

In the fall of 1984, after undergoing many tests in Europe, the Instrument Pointing System arrived at the 

Kennedy Space Center. Three solar instruments and one atmospheric instrument were mounted on the 

pointing system, which was subsequently mounted on the first pallet. 

Initial integration activities were completed in the spring of 1985 with the successful completion of Mission 

Sequence Testing designed to verify the compatibility of experiments with each other and with simulated 

Spacelab support subsystems. These tests culminated in May of 1985 in the Closed Loop Test in which all 

commandable Spacelab experiments were operated briefly by remote control from the Payload Operations 

Control Center (POCC) at Johnson. The crew and scientists who developed Spacelab 2 experiments were 

active participants in integration and testing. Shortly after the completion of the Closed Loop Test, the 

Spacelab and integrated payload was placed in the Cargo Integration Test Equipment (CITE) stand to verify 

that it was compatible with the Shuttle. The CITE duplicates the mechanical and electronic systems of the 

orbiter. 

On June 8, 1985, the Spacelab and integrated payload was transferred to the Orbiter Processing Facility 

(OPF) and in stalled in the payload bay of the orbiter Challenger. 

On June 12, a Spacelab-Orbiter interface test was performed to check all Shuttle and Spacelab connections. 

The next day, some Spacelab 2 experiments were operated again by remote control from the POCC during an 

end-to-end test. Commands initiated at JSC consoles were processed through the POCC and Mission Control 

Center computers en route to Spacelab inside the Challenger at Kennedy. This test was similar to the Closed 

Loop Test, except TDRSS and Challenger were included in the loop and a high rate data mode was used. 

Launch Window 

The launch window for the 51-F/Spacelab 2 mission opens July 12, 1985, at 4:30 p.m. EDT, for 2 hours, 

closing at 6:30 p.m. EDT. The window was calculated to satisfy the lighting conditions for particular plasma 

and astronomical experiments. The launch window opens at the same time for the next 5 to 6 days. After that, 

the moon conditions, which affect several of the astronomical and plasma observations, become unfavorable. 

The optimum launch time is 4 to 5 days before a new moon, when the night sky is darkest, but a launch can 

occur a few days beyond that without seriously affecting investigations. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 26

LANDING AND POST-LANDING OPERATIONS 

Kennedy Space Center is responsible for ground operations of the orbiter once it has rolled to a stop on the 

runway at Edwards Air Force Base and for preparing the Challenger/Spacelab for return to Kennedy Space 

Center. After landing, the flight crew begins "safing" vehicle systems. Immediately after wheel stop, 

specially garbed technicians will first determine that any residual hazardous vapors are below significant 

levels in order for other safing operations to proceed. 

Once the initial safety assessment is made, access vehicles are positioned around the rear of the orbiter so that 

lines from the ground purge and cooling vehicles can be connected to the umbilical panels on the aft end of 

Challenger. Freon line connections are completed and coolant begins circulating through the umbilicals to aid 

in heat rejection and protect the orbiter's electronic equipment. 

Other lines provide cooled, humidified air to the cargo bay and other cavities to remove any residual fumes 

and provide a safe environment inside Challenger. 

A mobile white room is moved into place around the crew hatch once it is verified that there are no 

concentrations of toxic gases around the forward part of the vehicle. The crew is expected to leave 

Challenger about 30 to 40 minutes after landing. As the crew exits, technicians enter the orbiter to complete 

the vehicle safing activity. 

Postlanding operations associated with the Spacelab 2 payload include removal of certain time-critical items, 

such as plants, blood samples, film and tape recordings, 1 hour after landing. These items are given to 

representatives of the investigator teams at the landing site. 

A tow tractor is connected to Challenger and the vehicle is pulled off the runway at Edwards and positioned 

inside the Mate/Demate Device. After the Shuttle has been jacked and leveled in the mate/demate 

workstands, residual fuel cell cryogenics are drained and unused pyrotechnic devices are disconnected prior 

to the return of the orbiter to Kennedy. 

The aerodynamic tail cone is installed over the three main engines, and the orbiter is bolted on top of the 747 

Shuttle carrier aircraft for the ferry flight back to Florida. The 747 is scheduled to leave California about six 

days after landing. An overnight stop is scheduled for refueling, and the ferry flight continues the next day. 

Once back at Kennedy, removal and deintegration of Spacelab 2 proceeds in nearly reverse order of 

assembly, but without the elaborate testing stages. In most cases, disassembly is only a temporary state for 

Spacelab, as much of the hardware is immediately taken to checkout areas for use on upcoming missions. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 27

SPACELAB 2 INVESTIGATIONS 

Spacelab 2 is a multi-disciplinary mission with 13 investigations in seven scientific disciplines: solar physics, 

atmospheric physics, plasma physics, high energy astrophysics, infrared astronomy, technology research and 

life sciences. Eleven of the investigations were developed by U.S. scientists and two by scientists from the 

United Kingdom. 

Spacelab 2 investigations were selected by a peer review process on the basis of their intrinsic scientific merit 

and suitability for flight on the Shuttle. Proposals for experiments came through several channels, including 

NASA announcements of opportunity that solicited research ideas from the worldwide scientific community. 

The principal investigators for each experiment then formed an Investigator Working Group (IWG). Chaired 

by the Spacelab 2 mission scientist, Dr. Eugene Urban of Marshall Space Flight Center, this group 

participated in mission planning. 

In addition, they selected and helped train the four Spacelab 2 payload specialists and then recommended two 

to perform their experiments in space. 

A brief synopsis of each experiment follows, including the title of each investigation and the name and 

affiliation of each principal investigator. More detailed information on each experiment is contained in the 

publication "Spacelab 2" (Pub. #20M385) available at all NASA news centers. 

Solar Physics

Three of the mission's experiments make solar observations in visible and ultraviolet light. Above the 

atmosphere, the instruments see solar emissions that are undetectable from the ground. Mounted together on 

the Instrument Pointing System, these instruments provide data to make a composite image of the sun's 

magnetic, structural and gaseous elements. During the mission, the crew and ground investigators are able to 

select areas of solar activity as viewing targets. 

Solar Magnetic and Velocity Field Measurement System/Solar Optical Universal Polarimeter (SOUP) -

- Dr. Alan M. Title, Lockheed Solar Observatory, Palo Alto, CA. An instrument complement of telescope 

and video cameras observes the sun's magnetic field activity in different wavelengths and polarizations in 

visible light. Coronal Helium Abundance Spacelab Experiment (CHASE) -- Dr. Alan H. Gabriel, Rutherford 

Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, United Kingdom, and Prof. J. Leonard Culhane, Mullard Space Science 

Laboratory, University College, London, United Kingdom. A telescope and spectrometer are used to detect 

hydrogen and helium emission lines in order to assess solar hydrogen and helium abundance. 

Coronal Helium Abundance Spacelab Experiment (CHASE) – Dr. Alan H. Gabriel, Rutherford Appleton 

laboratory, Chilton, United Kingdom, and Prof. J. Leonard Culhane, Mullard Space Science laboratory, 

University College, London, United Kingdom. A telescope and spectrometer are used to detect hydrogen and 

helium emission lines in order to assess solar hydrogen and helium abundance. 

Solar Ultraviolet High Resolution Telescope and Spectrograph (HRTS) -- Dr. Guenter Brueckner, Naval 

Research Laboratory, Washington, DC. This telescope and spectrograph system observes solar radiation from 

the sun's outer layers and records the data on film and video. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 28

Atmospheric Physics

The atmospheric physics experiment, closely related to the Spacelab 2 solar investigations, measures solar 

ultraviolet radiation in the upper atmosphere. The instrument is scheduled to fly on several Spacelab missions 

so that long-term variations in solar ultraviolet radiation can be identified. 

Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SUSIM) -- Dr. Guenter Brueckner, Naval Research 

Laboratory, Washington, DC. An instrument complement of spectrometers and detectors is tuned to a narrow 

range of ultraviolet radiation and operates automatically every time the IPS is turned toward the sun. Selfcheck calibration systems monitor the instruments and ensure accurate measurements. This instrument made 

a checkout flight on the third Shuttle mission. 

Plasma Physics

The three Spacelab 2 plasma physics experiments investigate processes in the ionosphere, the upper 

atmospheric region in which the Shuttle-Spacelab travels. The ionosphere is affected by the electrified gas or 

plasma that streams continuously from the sun. This mission's investigations study the plasma environment 

with a free-flying satellite filled with sensors, by artificially stimulating the plasma with electrons and with 

ground observatories that can monitor the spacecraft's effect on the atmosphere. 

Ejectable Plasma Diagnostics Package (PDP) – Dr. Louis A. Frank, University of Iowa, Iowa City. The 

instrument package, flown previously on the third Shuttle mission, is extended and released by the Remote 

Manipulator System (RMS) to make measurements after the orbiter has maneuvered to selected attitudes. On 

the third flight day after about seven hours of operation as a free-flyer, the PDP is recaptured by the 

manipulator arm and returned to the vicinity of the payload bay. Before landing, it is locked back in place on 

the aft pallet, unless an anomalous situation forces the PDP to be left behind in orbit. 

Vehicle Charging and Potential Experiment (VCAP) -- Dr. Peter M. Banks, Stanford University, 

Stanford, CA. An electron generator emits a stream of electrons, and the effects of the emissions on the 

plasma environment are recorded by three plasma probes. Some VCAP experiments work with the PDP as 

the satellite is moved through the generated electron beam. A special television camera films the electron 

beam. This experiment operated during the third Shuttle mission. 

Plasma Depletion Experiments for Ionospheric and Radio Astronomical Studies -- Dr. Paul A. 

Bernhardt, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, and Dr. Michael Mendillo, Boston 

University, Cambridge, Mass. The effects of Shuttle thruster firings on the ionosphere are measured from 

five radio observatories on the ground. The firings trigger chemical reactions that create ionospheric "holes"; 

the observatories will study the changed plasma state and transmission qualities of these altered upper 

atmospheric regions. 

High Energy Astrophysics

High energy radiation, in the forms of X-Ray and gamma-ray radiation and charged particles called cosmic 

rays, cannot be observed from Earth. Above the atmosphere, Spacelab 2 carries two large, sensitive highenergy radiation detectors. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 29

Elemental Composition and Energy Spectra of Cosmic Ray Nuclei Between 50 GeV/Nucleon and 

Several TeV/Nucleon -- Drs. Peter Meyer and Dietrich Muller, University of Chicago. The cosmic ray 

detector, on a special support structure at the end of the pallet train, is exposed to space throughout the 

mission. Particles entering the detector are counted and identified automatically, and the data are transmitted 

to the ground. 

Hard X-Ray Imaging of Clusters of Galaxies and Other Extended X-Ray Sources/X-Ray Telescope 

(XRT) -- Dr. A. Peter Willmore, University of Birmingham, England. Two telescopes, observing at different 

resolutions, detect distant and intense regions of X-Ray emission to create X-Ray images of remote clusters 

of galaxies and some other interesting X-Ray sources. A microprocessor system controls target selection and 

pointing. 

Infrared Astronomy

Infrared radiation, emitted by almost every celestial object, is best observed outside the atmosphere, where 

Earth's background radiation is eliminated. A Spacelab 2 telescope complements observations made recently 

by the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS). 

A Small Helium-Cooled Infrared Telescope (IRT) -- Giovanni G. Fazio, Smithsonian Astrophysical 

Observatory, Cambridge, Mass. The telescope measures infrared radiation from a variety of sources. It can be 

controlled from the ground or from Spacelab computers. 

Technology Research

Spacelab 2, with its delicate observational instruments, provides a chance to test advanced cooling systems. 

Extremely low temperatures allow telescopes to detect celestial radiation without the interference of 

background emissions from the instruments themselves. 

In addition to an experiment dedicated to studying the characteristics of superfluid helium, the Spacelab 2 

infrared telescope uses superfluid helium as its cryogen. 

Properties of Superfluid Helium in Zero-Gravity -- Dr. Peter V. Mason, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 

Pasadena, CA. On Spacelab 2, superfluid helium (helium cooled almost to absolute zero) is tested for its 

efficiency as a cryogen. 

An insulated container, or dewar, attached to the third pallet contains 2 fluid physics experiments that operate 

while the Shuttle is in a gravity gradient (tail down) attitude. Sensors inside the dewar monitor the superfluid 

helium throughout the entire mission. 

Life Sciences

The two Spacelab 2 life science investigations examine human and plant biological processes in the space 

environment. One investigation studies biochemical agents in human blood during space flight. The other is a 

variation of a plant growth experiment previously flown on the third Shuttle mission. 

Vitamin D Metabolites and Bone Demineralization -- Dr. Heinrich K. Schnoes, University of Wisconsin, 

Madison. This investigation studies the link between bone mineral loss during space flight and the activity of 

vitamin D in the human body. Blood samples are taken from crew members during flight, stored until landing 

and then compared to samples taken from the crew before flight. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 30

Gravity-Influenced Lignification in Higher Plants/Plant Growth Unit (PGU) -- Dr. Joe R. Cowles, 

University of Houston. Mung beans and pine seedlings, planted in the Plant Growth Unit before flight, are 

flown to monitor the production of lignin, a structural rigidity tissue found in plants. The crew checks 

temperatures daily, and takes gas samples and photographs twice during the mission. 

ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS 

Protein Crystal Growth Experiment

The experiment, Protein Crystal Growth in a Microgravity Environment, was sent into orbit during Shuttle 

Mission 51-D. During this current flight, it again uses the stability of low gravity to produce more nearly 

perfect crystals in space. Scientists have predicted that these crystals can be grown many times larger in 

space. When grown on Earth, these crystals are so small that scientists cannot analyze the molecular structure 

of the crystals. On this test flight, the experiment operates automatically with limited crew intervention. 

Two crystal growth units are stored inside a middeck locker. Dr. Charles E. Bugg of the University of 

Alabama in Birmingham is the principal investigator for the experiment; he is assisted by co-investigators at 

the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the Marshall Space Flight Center. 

Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and Radio Amateur Satellite Corp. (AMSAT) will begin a 

Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX) this mission with "ham" radio and TV operators on Earth. The 

radio and TV experiment is sponsored by NASA. 

Two of NASA's onboard astronaut amateur radio operators, Anthony England, mission specialist, and JohnDavid Bartoe, payload specialist, will converse from Challenger with hams through a handheld radio. Gordon 

Fullerton, spacecraft commander, is a former amateur radio operator and also may take the microphone. 

Local ham clubs nationwide are inviting youth groups -- including students participating in the Young 

Astronaut Program -- to hear, see and communicate with the Challenger ham station. Ham radio 

communications also are expected with amateurs in England, Israel, Australia and Japan. 

One part of the SAREX experiment is to involve youth interested in science and technology in the Space 

Shuttle Program. Rather than spend the limited SAREX time talking randomly to amateurs on the ground, 

astronauts will talk to clubs with dedicated frequencies for 1 or 2 minutes. 

Astronaut England hopes the transmissions will encourage young people to demonstrate that there is a lot of 

fun in science and technology and also give them a little bit of first hand experience with the Shuttle 

operation. 

First operation of a ham radio from space was by astronaut Owen Garriott through a portable 2-m transceiver 

from Columbia on STS-9. 

For the first time, amateur television will be part of a space flight when slow-scan TV is sent in black and 

white, followed by compatible color from Challenger. A 15 word-per-minute Morse code identification with 

England's call sign will be sent by an automatic device. 

The radio and TV hardware, stored in the orbiter crew compartment, comprises a slow scan television 

converter and a 2-m band handheld transceiver flown on STS-9. The TV and transceiver's modes permit 

conversion of Shuttle video to slow-scan TV and transmission on the 2-m amateur band through a windowmounted antenna. Another mode allows transmission of TV from a handheld camera (part of SAREX). 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 31

Shuttle-to-Earth transmissions are in the 2-m amateur band and use frequency modulation (FM). Orbit 

numbers and ground tracks for SAREX operations will be announced before flight by ARRL. 

Slow-scan TV signals transmitted from ham stations on Earth may be received by the astronauts on 

Challenger using the window mounted antenna and the 2-m transceiver. The signals are stored in the scan 

converter and displayed on a 2-inch color monitor. 

Mission 51-F air-to-ground communications will be retransmitted by employee amateur radio clubs at 

Greenbelt, Md.; Pasadena, CA; Mountain View, CA; Huntsville, AL; Great Britain; Houston and on several 

frequencies which can be monitored with typical amateur and short wave receivers. 

Club locations and retransmit frequencies are (MHz): 

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 3.860 7.185 14.295 21.390 SSB 

 147.450 FM 

 

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA 224.040 145.460 FM 

Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA 145.580 FM 

 7.270 SSB 

Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL 145.430 FM 

Radio Society of Great Britain 3.650 7.047 SSB 

 145.525 FM 

Johnson Space Center, Houston TX 146.640 FM 

Note: The American Radio Relay League Public Information Officer is Paul Courson, who may be reached at 

the Johnson Space Center (phone (713) 280-8341 or 280-8342). 

Plant Carry-On Container

A Plant Carry-On Container (PCOC), located in a middeck locker, aboard flight 51-F will provide the means 

for a unique study of gravitropism by a group of select students who are considering the space sciences as a 

career option. The students also will focus on the development of a diet and delivery system that can provide 

purified diets in a non-contaminating process. 

Pre- and post-flight efforts of the group will delve into the physiology of the vestibular system and how the 

visual and vestibular systems interact to allow perception of body orientation and motion in a spatial 

environment. 

Twenty-four students presently are involved in the program that, in support of agency policy, has strong 

minority involvement. Over a 6-week period, college level students participate in the "life cycle" of an 

experiment. The program emphasizes hands-on experience. 

The pilot program, in which college level credit is given, is supported by Kennedy Space Center, the 

University of Central Florida and Florida A and M University. The program manager is Marvin Christiansen, 

NASA Headquarters. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 32
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PAYLOAD SPECIALISTS 

Payload specialists are NASA's newest breed of workers in space. The first payload specialists made their 

debut during the Spacelab 1 mission in 1983. Since then, payload specialists have flown on other Shuttle 

missions. 

Payload specialists are career scientists and engineers who are identified and selected by their peers to fly 

into space and conduct experiments. After the mission, they return to their previous position at the institution 

sponsoring their research. Usually, they are intimately connected with the mission and are the principal 

investigator or co-investigator for one or more of the mission's experiments. 

The Spacelab 2 Investigator Working Group, consisting of the principal investigators for all the experiments, 

nominated and selected four payload specialist candidates. The principal investigators helped train the 

candidates in their laboratories and later named the flight and alternate payload specialists. 

The working group selected Dr. Loren Acton, a solar physicist at the Space Sciences Laboratory of the 

Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory, and Dr. John-David Bartoe, an astrophysicist at the Naval 

Research Laboratory, to fly as payload specialists for the Spacelab 2 mission. They also named two other 

payload specialists, Dr. Dianne Prinz, a research physicist at the Naval Research Laboratory, and Dr. George 

Simon, a solar physicist at the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, as alternate payload specialists. Prinz and 

Simon will serve as flight backups and as members of the mission support team responsible for controlling 

and directing experiment operations from the Payload Operations Control Center at the Johnson Space Center 

in Houston. 

All four Spacelab 2 payload specialist candidates underwent two basic types of training: mission dependent 

and mission independent. 

MISSION DEPENDENT TRAINING is associated with Spacelab 2 experiments and payload operations. 

Since the payload specialists' main duty is to operate experiments, this is the longest part of the training 

program. 

Spacelab 2 scientists can communicate with the crew via voice and text links and they can send automated 

commands directly to the onboard computer to control their experiments. 

The capabilities of the POCC include some data processing. Multiplexed Spacelab 2 data are received at up 

to 48 megabits per second and converted into separate channels. These channels are routed to recorders, to 

the experimenters' ground support equipment, or to experiment consoles for display. 

Much of this training was provided by the individual Spacelab 2 principal investigators in their own 

laboratories. Marshall Space Flight Center provided training in integrated payload operations at the Payload 

Crew Training Complex inside a high-fidelity mockup of the aft flight deck configured for Spacelab 2. The 

crew also became familiar with actual flight hardware during integration tests at the Kennedy Space Center. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 34

POCC POSITIONS 

The following is a general description of the cadre personnel working in the Spacelab POCC front room at 

Johnson Space Center. 

POD (Payload Operations Director) -- is the senior member of the mission manager's cadre team in the 

POCC; oversees Spacelab 2 mission operations and directs the payload operations team and science crew. 

MSCI (Mission Scientist) -- represents scientists with experiments on the flight and interfaces with the 

mission manager and the POD with respect to mission science operations and accomplishments. 

CIC (Crew Interface Coordinator) -- manages POCC use of air-to-ground voice loop and serves as a focal 

point for communications with payload crew; enables and coordinates principal investigator communication 

with payload crew. 

APS (Alternate Payload Specialist) -- assists the payload operations team and payload crew in devising 

solutions to problems, troubleshooting and changing crew procedures when necessary; advises the mission 

scientist of possible impacts or problems and assists the CIC in direct voice contact with the payload crew. 

OC (Operations Controller) -- coordinates the activities of the payload operations team to efficiently 

accomplish POCC functions required to support the real-time execution of the approved mission timeline; 

assesses proposed crew timeline alteration and coordinates the implementation of approved actions with the 

POCC cadre positions. 

MUM (Mass Memory Unit Manager) -- initiates experiment command uplinks to the Spacelab after 

receiving data set changes from the POCC operations team. 

MISSION INDEPENDENT TRAINING is associated with learning the fundamental skills necessary to 

live and work safely aboard the Shuttle-Spacelab. Johnson Space Center provided familiarization with living 

conditions as well as medical, emergency and survival training. Kennedy Space Center provides launch and 

landing site training. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 35

MISSION SUPPORT 

Payload Operations Control Center 

The Payload Operations Control Center (POCC), located in Building 30 at Johnson Space Center, is the 

command post for the management of Spacelab 2 scientific payload activities during the mission. The POCC 

is similar to the Mission Control Center (MCC), which has overall responsibility for the flight and operation 

of the orbiter. POCC and MCC personnel coordinate their efforts to ensure a successful mission. 

Members of the Marshall mission management team and principal investigators with their research teams 

work in the POCC in either three 8-hour shifts or two 12-hour shifts. Using POCC equipment, they monitor, 

control and direct experiment operations aboard Spacelab. 

The POCC, covering an area of more than 4,000 square feet, is situated adjacent to the flight control room on 

the second floor of the MCC. It is composed of a payload control room, a mission planning room, six user 

rooms and a customer support room. The payload control room or "front room" houses part of the mission 

management team who track the overall science mission. Other members of the mission management team 

support operations from the "back room." 

Individual experiment teams have work areas in the user rooms. Each user room contains three work stations, 

each having a computer terminal, keyboard, CRT display, floppy disk unit and hard copy unit for the users' 

own payload monitoring and control. In addition, science teams may set up their own experiment equipment. 

Command and data links between the POCC and Spacelab enable scientists to follow the progress of their 

experiments, assess and respond to real-time information and be actively involved in the investigative 

process. 

PAYCOM (Payload Command Controller) -- configures the POCC for ground command operation and 

controls the flow of experiment commands from the POCC as required; troubleshoots any problems in the 

rejection of those commands. Advises OC on command systems status. 

PAP (Payload Activity Planner) -- directs the mission replanning activity by receiving proposed changes to 

the mission timeline and coordinating them with the POCC operations team; assesses proposed changes to 

the current timeline and advises the POD of potential impacts to the timeline. 

DMC (Data Management Coordinator) -- is responsible for maintaining and coordinating the flow of 

payload data to and within the POCC for the cadre and principal investigators; assesses proposed real-time 

changes to the experiment timeline and payload data requirements which affect the payload downlink data. 

TVOPS (TV Operations Controller) -- serves as the focus within the POCC for Spacelab payload inflight 

television and photographic operations, specifically with regard to scene development of flight crew 

activities. 

PAO (Public Affairs Officer) -- provides Spacelab 2 mission commentary and serves as the main source for 

Spacelab payload information. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 36

SPACELAB 2 SHIFT OPERATIONS 

12-hour shifts Blue Red 

Payload Crew MS3 (England) MS1 (Henize) 

 PS2 (Bartoe) PS1 (Acton) 

Orbiter Crew MS2 (Musgrave) PLT (Bridges) 

CDR (Fullerton) will work during both shifts as needed 

Payload Operations Control Center Cadre Positions 

Johnson Space Center (JSC) 

Mission Manager: Roy C. Lester 

Assistant Mission Manager: Hubert R. Gangl Jr.; supports the mission from the Huntsville Operations 

Support Center (HOSC) at Marshall. 

Mission Scientist Dr. Eugene W. Urban Stuart Clifton 

MSCI Charles Sisk Robert Wilson 

POD Tom Rankin Axel Roth 

APS George Simon Dianne Prinz 

CIC (3 shifts) Joe Hale Barbara Cobb Bill Bock 

OC Ray Eady Fred Applegate 

DMC Jack Bullman Darrell Bailey 

PAP Scott Perrine Gordon Wood 

MUM Morayma Luis Mike Purvey 

TV OPS Rip Koken John Harrison 

Mission Control Center 

(3 teams working 9-hour shifts) 

Orbit Team 1 Flight Director G. A. Pennington 

Orbit Team 2 Flight Director John Cox (Lead flight director) 

Orbit Team 3 Flight Director Lee Briscoe 

Ascent/Entry Flight Director T. Cleon Lacefield 

Spacelab 2 Management 

Program Manager Louis J. Demas NASA Headquarters 

Program Scientist Daniel Spicer NASA Headquarters 

Spacelab Program Manager John W. Thomas Marshall Space Flight Center 

Mission Manager Roy C. Lester Marshall Space Flight Center 

Mission Scientist Eugene W. Urban Marshall Space Flight Center 

Lead Payload Operations Axel Roth Director Marshall Space Flight Center 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 37

COMMUNICATIONS AND DATA HANDLING 

For any successful Shuttle mission, the ground control team must be able to track the spacecraft, 

communicate with the astronauts and command the orbiter. These capabilities allow them to oversee the 

condition of the spacecraft and its crew. 

The Spacelab 2 mission is more complex than many other Shuttle missions because vast amounts of data 

must be collected from the various experiments. To accommodate the need for additional information, a 

unique communications and data handling network has been established for Shuttle/Spacelab missions. 

NASA handles 51-F/Spacelab 2 tracking and communications through the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite 

System (TDRSS) and the Ground Space Tracking and Data Network (GSTDN) of 11 ground radar stations 

that can communicate with a spacecraft when it is in view. TDRSS and GSTDN link the Shuttle/Spacelab to 

Johnson Space Center and Goddard Space Flight Center. 

During the Spacelab 2 mission, TDRSS will be used to relay commands and data to and from the experiments 

aboard Spacelab 2. The GSTDN will supplement TDRSS and provide routine, real-time tracking and 

communications with the Shuttle orbiter and its crew. 

The NASA Communications Network (NASCOM), managed by Goddard, provides the voice and data 

communications links connecting the network. During the flight, Spacelab 2 data flow from the Shuttle 

orbiter to TDRS-1, which transmits to the TDRSS ground station at White Sands, NM. The data could also 

flow from the orbiter to one of the GSTDN stations. In either case, the data are transmitted to a commercial 

satellite which sends the data to the Spacelab data processing facilities at the Goddard and Johnson centers. 

The data sent to the Johnson Center are usually in the form of computer readouts or video. Investigator teams 

working around-the-clock at work stations in the Johnson control center can analyze these data real-time. 

Data received during the early phase of the mission may help them plan observations or experiments for the 

rest of the flight. 

The Spacelab Data Processing Facility (SLDPF) at Goddard was developed specifically to handle the large 

volume of science data transmitted from Spacelab to the ground. The Goddard data facility separates and 

records data by experiment. After the mission, this facility distributes data to each investigator. The data may 

be in varied forms, such as video tapes, computer tapes or audio tapes. The facility also records data from 

other Shuttle payloads that use the onboard data system. 

Huntsville Operations Support Center 

The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC), located at Marshall Space Flight Center, monitors the 

Shuttle during prelaunch and launch at Kennedy Space Center and supports Johnson Space Center by 

monitoring Spacelab 2 systems and payload operations during the mission. 

During the 51-F premission testing, countdown and launch, real-time data are transmitted from the Shuttle to 

consoles in the HOSC, which are manned by Marshall and contractor engineers. They evaluate and help 

solve any problems that occur with Marshall-developed Space Shuttle propulsion system elements, including 

the main engines, external tank and solid rocket boosters. They also monitor the overall main propulsion 

system and range safety system. 

During the 7-day mission, support center personnel monitor the Spacelab systems' temperatures, pressures, 

electrical measurements and onboard computer system. HOSC scientists and engineers view onboard crew 

activities via closed-circuit television, monitor air-to-ground communications and monitor experiment and 

systems computers and IPS performance. If a problem is detected, the appropriate individuals in the Spacelab 

action center are notified. The information is then relayed to the Payload Operations Control Center and 

Flight Control Room within the Mission Control Center at Johnson. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 38

STS-51F CREWMEMBERS 

S85-29307 -- Portrait of the STS 51-F crew. Mission commander Gordon Fullerton is seated with pilot Roy 

Bridges beside him. From left to right are mission specialists Anthony England, Karl Henize and Story 

Musgrave and payload specialists Loren Acton and John-David Bartoe. 

No copyright is asserted for this photograph. If a recognizable person appears in the photo, use for 

commercial purposes may infringe a right of privacy or publicity. It may not be used to state or imply the 

endorsement by NASA or by any NASA employee of a commercial product, process or service, or used in any 

other manner that might mislead. Accordingly, it is requested that if this photograph is used in advertising 

and other commercial promotion, layout and copy be submitted to NASA prior to release. 

PHOTO CREDIT: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 39

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA 

C. GORDON FULLERTON, 48, Colonel, USAF, is mission commander. Born in Rochester, NY, he 

became a NASA astronaut in 1969. He received bachelor of science and master of science degrees in 

mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology. 

Fullerton entered active duty with the Air Force in 1958. He underwent combat crew training and then 

attended the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School. 

He served as support crew member for the Apollo 14 and 17 missions. He also served as pilot on the critical 

orbiter flight tests in 1977. He logged 192 hours as pilot in space on STS-3, the third orbital test flight of the 

Shuttle. 

ROY D. BRIDGES JR., 41, Colonel, USAF, is pilot. A native of Gainesville, GA, he graduated from the 

U.S. Air Force Academy with a bachelor of science degree. He received a master's degree in astronautics 

from Purdue University. 

Bridges trained as a fighter pilot and flew combat missions in Vietnam. In 1970, he attended the USAF Test 

Pilot School and was a research engineering test pilot until 1974. 

Bridges was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 1980. He served as primary entry communicator for 

STS-5 and STS-6, as well as primary ascent communicator for STS-7. He has logged more than 3,375 hours 

of flying time; Spacelab 2 is his first space flight. 

ANTHONY W. ENGLAND, 43, Ph.D., a mission specialist, was selected as a scientist astronaut in 1967. 

He served as a support crew member for the Apollo 13 and 16 flights. 

England received bachelor and master of science degrees in geology and physics from the Massachusetts 

Institute of Technology. In 1970, he received a doctorate in planetary sciences from MIT. He has continued 

his geophysics research all around the United States and in Antarctica. 

After serving as a research geophysicist for the U.S. Geological Survey for 7 years, England returned to 

Johnson Space Center as a senior mission specialist in the operations mission development group of the 

astronaut office. He has logged more than 2,000 hours in flying time. 

KARL G. HENIZE, 58, Ph.D., is a mission specialist. Selected as a scientist astronaut in 1967, he has 

conducted extensive astronomical observations and research using both Earth-based observatories and 

orbiting instruments. 

Henize received a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics and a master of arts degree in astronomy from the 

University of Virginia, and a doctorate in astronomy from the University of Michigan. He was a member of 

the astronaut support crew for the Apollo 15 and the Skylab 2, 3 and 4 missions. 

He has logged 1,900 hours flying time in jet aircraft. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 40

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA 

F. STORY MUSGRAVE, 49, MD, from Lexington, Ky., is a mission specialist with certain flight 

responsibilities. He was selected as an astronaut in 1967. Since that time he has worked with NASA on 

projects such as Skylab design and development and on the development of Shuttle EVA equipment. 

Musgrave received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and statistics from Syracuse University, a 

master of business administration degree in computer programming from the University of California at Los 

Angeles, a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from Marietta College, a doctorate in medicine from 

Columbia University, and a master of science in physiology and biophysics from the University of Kentucky. 

Musgrave has logged more than 13,200 hours flying time in both civilian and military aircraft. He also served 

as mission specialist on STS-6. 

LOREN W. ACTON, 48, Ph.D., is a payload specialist and solar physics expert. Born in Lewiston, Mont., 

Acton is the senior staff scientist with the Space Sciences Laboratory, Lockheed Palo Alto Research 

Laboratory, Palo Alto, CA. 

Acton received a bachelor of science degree in physics from Montana State University and a doctorate in 

solar physics from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has been involved in solar physics and highenergy astrophysics research on many NASA projects. He also is a co-principal investigator for an instrument 

aboard the Solar Maximum Mission spacecraft. 

Acton is a co-investigator for the Spacelab 2 Solar Magnetic Field and Velocity Measurement (SOUP) 

experiment. 

JOHN-DAVID F. BARTOE, 41, Ph.D., is a payload specialist and astrophysics expert. He received a 

bachelor of science degree in physics from Lehigh University, and a master of science degree and a doctorate 

in physics from Georgetown University. 

Bartoe is currently an astrophysicist at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC, where he has 

performed solar research for almost 20 years. He has carried out solar ultraviolet studies with sounding 

rockets, satellites, and instruments flown on Apollo and Skylab missions. 

Bartoe is a co-investigator on the Solar Ultraviolet High Resolution Telescope and Spectrograph (HRTS) 

experiment and the Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SUSIM) experiment. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 41

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY 

With the ratification of its convention, Oct. 30, 1980, the European Space Agency (ESA), which de facto 

came into being in May 1975, acquired its legal existence. The agency groups in a single body the complete 

range of European space activities previously conduced by ESRO (European Space Research Organization) 

and ELDO (European Launcher Development Organization) in their respective fields of satellite 

development and launcher construction. 

The 11 member states of ESA are: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, 

Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Three other are closely associated with the agency: 

Austria and Norway have associate member status and Canada has an agreement for close cooperation. 

The agency's purpose, as described in its convention, is to provide for and to promote, for exclusively 

peaceful purposes, cooperation among European states in space research and technology, and their space 

applications, with a view to their being used for scientific, technical, administrative and financial matters, 

each state having one vote (but none in the case of an optional program in which it is not participating). 

The chief executive and legal representative of the agency is the Director General who is appointed by the 

Council for a defined period. 

ESA Headquarters is located in Paris and has a staff of some 280 people. Its main technical center, ESTEC, 

the European Space Research and Technology Center, with a staff of about 780 people, is located at 

Noordwijk, the Netherlands. Its Space Operations Center (ESOC) is located at Darmstadt, Federal Republic 

of Germany. Another center, ESRIN, in Frascati, near Rome, houses the Information Retrieval Service and 

the Earthnet Program Office. The agency also has a liaison office in Washington, DC. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 42

ESA INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION 

Contractors to ESA (for Spacelab development) 

Prime Contractor 

 

VFW-Fokker ERNO 

(now MBB-ERNO) 

Federal Republic 

of Germany 

Project management, system, engineering, product assurance, 

integration, test operations, thermal control, miscellaneous 

Spacelab components and services 

 

Co-contractors 

AEG Telefunken 

Industries 

Federal Republic 

of Germany 

Electrical power distribution 

 

Aeritalia Italy Module structure, environmental and thermal control 

subsystem 

Bell Telephone 

Manufacturing Co. 

Belgium Electrical systems ground support subsystem (system level) 

 

Dornier Systems Federal Republic 

of Germany 

Environmental control/life subsystem 

 

Fokker The Netherlands Scientific Airlock, common payload support equipment 

British Aerospace United Kingdom Pallet structure 

Kampsax Denmark Computer software 

Matra France Command and data management subsystem 

Sabca Belgium Igloo structure, utility bridge, common payload support 

equipment 

 

Sener Spain Mechanical ground support equipment 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 43

Subcontractors 

AEG-ULM Federal Republic of 

Germany 

Intercom system and electrical 

harness 

 

Aeritalia Italy Airlock manufacturing and 

handling equipment 

Brunswick United States Nitrogen tank assembly 

 

Brunswick/Celesco United States Fire and smoke detector, fire 

suppression system 

Carleton United States Hybrid system, atmospheric 

control assembly 

Casa Spain Mechanical ground support 

equipment items 

CII France Computers and software 

 

Compagnie Industrielle Radio Electronique Switzerland Simulators, orbiter interface 

adapter 

Dornier Systems Federal Republic of 

Germany 

Subsystem computer 

operating system coding 

Draeger Federal Republic of 

Germany 

Ground support equipment for 

environmental control life 

support 

Elec. Zentr. Denmark Pressure decay sensor 

 

ERNO Federal Republic of 

Germany 

Condensate storage assembly 

ETCA Belgium Measuring and stimuli 

equipment 

Hamilton Standard United States Fan assembly, water 

separator, CO2 control 

assembly, humidity and 

temperature control assembly, 

pumps 

 

Instituto Nacional de Technica (INTA) Spain Mechanical ground support 

equipment, lighting 

Martin Marietta United States Demultiplexer 

MBB Federal Republic of 

Germany 

Multiplexer 

Microtechnica Italy Thermal control system 

components, pump package 

Nord Micro Elektronix Federal Republic of 

Germany 

Avionics assembly 

 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 44

Odetics United States Digital recorder, mass 

memory 

OKG (later replaced by VMW) Austria Mechanical ground support 

equipment, viewport adapter 

assembly, manifolds, nitrogen 

shut-off valve control 

Rovsing Denmark Computer software 

 

Standard Electric Lorenz (SEL) Federal Republic of 

Germany 

Remote acquisition units, 

caution and warning system 

Terma Denmark Subsystem power distribution 

box 

Thompson CSF France Data display system 

Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke (VFW) Federal Republic of 

Germany 

Mechanical ground support 

equipment 

Consultants

McDonnell Douglas and TRW United States Instrument Pointing System 

 

Dornier Systems Federal Republic of Germany Prime Contractor 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 45

SHUTTLE FLIGHTS AS OF JULY 1985 

18 TOTAL FLIGHTS OF THE SHUTTLE SYSTEM 

STS-51B 

04/29/85 - 05/06/85 

STS-9 

11/28/83 - 12/08/83 

STS-41G 

10/05/84 - 10/13/84 

STS-5 

11/11/82 - 11/16/82 

STS-41C 

04/06/84 - 04/13/84 

STS-51G 

06/17/85 - 06/24/85 

STS-4 

06/27/82 - 07/04/82 

STS-41B 

02/03/84 - 02/11/84 

STS-51D 

04/12/85 - 04/19/85 

STS-3 

03/22/82 - 03/30/82 

STS-8 

08/30/83 - 09/05/83 

STS-51C 

01/24/85 - 01/27/85 

STS-2 

11/12/81 - 11/14/81 

STS-7 

06/18/83 - 06/24/83 

STS-51A 

11/08/84 - 11/16/84 

STS-1 

04/12/81 - 04/14/81 

STS-6 

04/04/83 - 04/09/83 

STS-41D 

08/30/84 - 09/05/84 

 

OV-102 

Columbia 

(6 flights)

OV-099 

Challenger 

(7 flights)

OV-103 

Discovery 

(5 flights)