Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 1 

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 

SPACE SHUTTLE 

MISSION 

STS-51 

PRESS KIT 

JULY 1993 

ACTS / ORPHEUS - SPAS 

ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY SATELLITE 

ORBITING AND RETRIEVABLE FAR AND EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET 

SPECTROMETER - SHUTTLE PALLET SATELLITE MISSION 
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STS-51 INSIGNIA 

STS057-S-001 -- Designed by the crewmembers, the STS-57 insignia depicts the space shuttle Endeavour 

maneuvering to retrieve the European Space Agency's microgravity experiment satellite EURECA. 

Spacehab, the first commercial space laboratory, is depicted in the cargo bay, and its characteristic shape 

is represented by the inner red border of the insignia. The three gold plumes surrounded by the five stars 

trailing EURECA are suggestive of the U.S. astronaut logo. The five gold stars together with the shape of 

the orbiter's mechanical arm form the mission's numerical designation. The six stars on the American flag 

represent the U.S. astronauts who comprise the crew. With detailed input from the crewmembers, the final 

artwork was accomplished by artist Tim Hall. 

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. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 3 

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACTS 

Ed Campion 

 NASA Headquarters 

 Washington, DC 

Policy/Management 202/358-1778 

 

James Hartsfield 

 Johnson Space Center 

 Houston, TX 

Mission Operations/EVA 

Astronauts 

713/483-5111 

 

Bruce Buckingham 

 Kennedy Space Center, Fl 

Launch Processing 

KSC Landing Information 

407/867-2468 

 

June Malone 

 Marshall Space Flight Center 

 Huntsville, AL 

External Tank/SRBs/SSMEs 205/544-0034 

 

Nancy Lovato 

 Dryden Flight Research Center 

 Edwards, CA 

DFRC Landing Information 805/258-3448 

For Information on NASA-Sponsored STS-51 Experiments 

Mike Braukus 

 NASA Headquarters 

 Washington, DC 

ORPHEUS-SPAS 

ACTS hardware 

202/358-0872 

 

Charles Redmond 

 NASA Headquarters 

 Washington, DC 

ACTS experiments 202/358-1757 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 4 

CONTENTS 

GENERAL BACKGROUND 

General Release 5 

Media Services Information 6 

Quick-Look Facts 7 

Payload and Vehicle Weights 8 

STS-51 Summary Timeline 9 

Space Shuttle Abort Modes 10 

Crew Responsibilities 11 

CARGO BAY PAYLOADS & ACTIVITIES 

Advanced Communication Technology Satellite/Transfer Orbit Stage Hardware (ACTS) 13 

 ACTS Overall Description 15 

 Transfer Orbit Stage Hardware & Operations 21 

 ACTS Experiments 24 

Orbiting Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer-Shuttle Pallet Satellite 

(ORFEUS-SPAS) 42 

The SciencePayload 45 

Key Spacecraft Characteristics 47 

STS-51 ORPHEUS/SPAS Rendezvous Operations 49 

Limited Duration Space Environment Candidate Materials Exposure LDCE) 50 

CABIN PAYLOADS 

Chromosome and Plant Cell Division in Space (CHROMEX-4) 51 

STS-51 EVA Activities 52 

Radiation Monitoring Equipment-III (RME-III) 53 

Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) 53 

Auroral Photography Experiment-B (APE-B) 53 

Commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG) 53 

High Resolution Shuttle Glow Spectroscopy-A (HRSGS-A) 53 

IMAX 54 

Investigations into Polymer Membrane Processing (IPMP) 54 

CREW BIOGRAPHIES & MISSION MANAGEMENT 

STS-51 Crew Biographies 55 

STS-51 Mission Management 58 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 5 

RELEASE: 93-121 

ACTS DEPLOYMENT HIGHLIGHTS STS-51 MISSION 

The deployment of a satellite which will serve as a testbed for technology leading to a new generation of 

communication satellites and the deployment and retrieval of a U.S./German free-flying scientific 

observation satellite highlight NASA's Shuttle Mission STS-51. 

The mission, which is scheduled for mid-July, 1993, also will see Space Shuttle Discovery and her fiveperson crew conduct a variety of experiments on the effects of microgravity on various plants and materials 

along with other payloads which will perform photographic observations during the mission. 

The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) program provides for the development and 

flight test of high-risk, advanced communications satellite technology. Using sophisticated antenna beams 

and advanced on-board switching and processing systems, ACTS will pioneer new initiatives in 

communications satellite technology. 

The Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer - Shuttle Pallet Satellite 

(ORFEUS-SPAS) mission is the first of a series of missions using the German built ASTRO-SPAS science 

satellite. ASTRO-SPAS is a spacecraft designed for launch, deployment and retrieval by the Space Shuttle. 

Once deployed from the Shuttle by its Remote Manipulation System (RMS), ASTRO-SPAS operates 

quasi-autonomously for several days in the Shuttle vicinity. After completion of the free flight phase, the 

satellite is retrieved by the RMS and returned to Earth. ORFEUS-SPAS is an astrophysics mission, 

designed to investigate very hot and very cold matter in the universe. 

On the fifth day of the mission, two STS-51 crew members will perform a 6-hour extravehicular activity 

(EVA), or spacewalk, as part of a continuing series of test spacewalks NASA is conducting to increase 

experience with spacewalks and refine spacewalk training methods. 

In addition to performing tasks that investigate a spacewalker's mobility in general, the astronauts will 

evaluate several tools that may be used during the servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) later 

this year on mission STS-61, including a power socket wrench, a torque wrench, foot restraint, safety 

tethers and tool holder. 

Leading the STS-51 crew will be Mission Commander Frank Culbertson who will be making his second 

space flight. The pilot for the mission is William Readdy, making his second flight. The three mission 

specialists for this flight are Daniel Bursch (MS-1), James Newman (MS-2) and Carl Walz (MS-3), all 

three of whom will be making their first flight. 

The mission duration for STS-51 is planned for 9 days with a scheduled landing at the Kennedy Space 

Center, Fla. 

This will be the 17th flight of Space Shuttle Discovery and the 57th flight of the Space Shuttle system. 

(END OF GENERAL RELEASE; BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOLLOWS.) 
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MEDIA SERVICES INFORMATION 

NASA Select Television Transmission 

NASA Select television is available on Satcom F-2R, Transponder 13, located at 72 degrees west 

longitude; frequency 3960.0 MHz, audio 6.8 MHz. 

The schedule for television transmissions from the orbiter and for mission briefings will be available 

during the mission at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.; Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.; AmesDryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, Calif.; Johnson Space Center, Houston and NASA 

Headquarters, Washington, DC. The television schedule will be updated to reflect changes dictated by 

mission operations. 

Television schedules also may be obtained by calling COMSTOR 713/483-5817. COMSTOR is a 

computer data base service requiring the use of a telephone modem. A voice update of the television 

schedule is updated daily at noon Eastern time. 

Status Reports 

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

produced by the appropriate NASA newscenter. 

Briefings 

A mission press briefing schedule will be issued prior to launch. During the mission, status briefings by a 

Flight Director or Mission Operations representative and when appropriate, representatives from the 

science team, will occur at least once per day. The updated NASA Select television schedule will indicate 

when mission briefings are planned. 
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STS-51 QUICK-LOOK 

Launch Date/Site: July 1993, Kennedy Space Center - Pad 39B 

 

Launch Time: TBD 

 

Orbiter: Discovery (OV-103) - 17th Flight 

 

Orbit/Inclination: 160 nautical miles/28.45 degrees 

 

Mission Duration: 8 days, 21 hours, 59 minutes 

 

Landing Time/Date: TBD 

 

Primary Landing Site: Kennedy Space Center, FL 

 

Abort Landing Sites: Return to Launch Site - KSC, FL 

 Transatlantic Abort landing - Banjul, The Gambia 

 Ben Guerir, Morocco 

 Moron, Spain 

 Abort Once Around - Edwards AFB, Calif. 

 

Crew: Frank Culbertson, Commander (CDR) 

 William Readdy, Pilot (PLT) 

 Jim Newman, Mission Specialist 1 (MS1) 

 Dan Bursch, Mission Specialist 2 (MS2) 

 Carl Walz, Mission Specialist 3 (MS3) 

Cargo Bay Payloads & Activities: 

Advanced Communication Technology Satellite/Transfer Orbit Stage (ACTS/TOS) 

Orbiting Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer - Shuttle Pallet Satellite (ORFEUS-SPAS) 

Limited Duration Space Environment Candidate Materials Exposure (LDCE) 

In-Cabin Payloads: 

Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) 

Auroral Photography Experiment-B (APE-B) 

Commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG) 

Chromosome and Plant Cell Division in Space (CHROMEX) 

High Resolution Shuttle Glow Spectroscopy-A (HRSGS-A) 

IMAX 

Investigations into Polymer Membrane Processing (IPMP) 

Radiation Monitoring Equipment-III (RME-III) 
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STS-51 PAYLOAD AND VEHICLE WEIGHTS 

Pounds

Orbiter (Discovery) empty and 3 SSMEs 173,117 

 

Advanced Communications Satellite/Transfer Orbit Stage 26,756 

ACTS Support Equipment 6,394 

ORFEUS/SPAS 7,070 

LDCE/GAS can 770 

APE 41 

CHROMEX 69 

CPCG 70 

HRSGS 91 

IMAX Camera System 320 

IPMP 20 

RME 7 

DSOs/DTOs 162 

Total Vehicle at SRB Ignition 4,525,219 

Orbiter Landing Weight 203,639 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 9 

STS-51 SUMMARY TIMELINE 

Flight Day 1 Flight Day 6 

Ascent burns Stationkeeping burns (158 n.m. x 159 n.m.) 

OMS-2 (160 n.m. x 161 n.m.) APE setup 

Remote Manipulator System checkout HRSGS setup 

CHROMEX check CHROMEX check 

CPCG activation LDCE operations 

RME activation 

ACTS/TOS deploy Flight Day 7 

RCS, OMS Separation burns (161 n.m x173 n.m) Stationkeeping (158 n.m. x 159 n.m.) 

 LDCE operations 

Flight Day 2 APE operations 

OMS, RCS burns (158 n.m. x 159 n.m.) HRSGS operations 

ORFEUS/SPAS checkout HRSGS stow 

ORFEUS/SPAS release CHROMEX check 

RCS Separation burns (158 n.m. x 159 n.m.) RME check 

CHROMEX check 

Cabin depress to 10.2 psi Flight Day 8 

 ORFEUS/SPAS rendezvous 

Flight Day 3 ORFEUS/SPAS berth 

Stationkeeping burns (158 n.m. x 159 n.m.) CHROMEX check 

IPMP activation DTO 412: Fuel Cell shutdown 

CHROMEX check 

Flight Day 9 

Flight Day 4 Cabin repress to 14.7 psi 

EMU checkout Flight Control Systems checkout 

Stationkeeping burns (158 n.m. x 159 n.m.) Reaction Control System hot-fire 

RME check AMOS 

 CHROMEX check 

Flight Day 5 Cabin stow 

Extravehicular activity preparations DTO 412: Fuel Cell restart 

Extravehicular activity (six hours) 

Stationkeeping burns (158 n.m. x 159 n.m.) Flight Day 10 

CHROMEX check De-orbit preparations 

 De-orbit burn 

Entry 

 Landing 
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SPACE SHUTTLE ABORT MODES 

Space Shuttle launch abort philosophy aims toward safe and intact recovery of the flight crew, Orbiter and 

its payload. Abort modes include: 

• Abort-To-Orbit (ATO) -- Partial loss of main engine thrust late enough to permit reaching a minimal 

105-nautical mile orbit with orbital maneuvering system engines. 

• Abort-Once-Around (AOA) -- Earlier main engine shutdown with the capability to allow one orbit 

around before landing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. 

• Transatlantic Abort Landing (TAL) -- Loss of one or more main engines midway through powered 

flight would force a landing at either Banjul, The Gambia; Ben Guerir, Morocco; or Moron, Spain. 

• Return-To-Launch-Site (RTLS) -- Early shutdown of one or more engines, and without enough energy 

to reach Banjul, would result in a pitch around and thrust back toward KSC until within gliding 

distance of the Shuttle Landing Facility. 

STS-51 contingency landing sites are the Kennedy Space Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Banjul, Ben 

Guerir and Moron. 
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STS-51 CREW RESPONSIBILITIES 

Task/Payload Primary Backup 

 

ACTS/TOS Walz Bursch 

ORFEUS/SPAS Newman Newman 

 

Middeck experiments: 

APE Walz Newman 

CHROMEX Newman Readdy 

CPCG Bursch Culbertson 

IMAX Readdy Walz 

IPMP Newman Bursch 

HRSGS Newman Walz 

AMOS Readdy Bursch 

RME Walz 

 

DTOs/DSOs: 

EVA Walz (EV1) Newman (EV2) 

IV Readdy 

ET Photo Walz Newman 

Fuel Cell Readdy Culbertson 

PGSC Newman Walz 

Thermal Print (TIPS) Newman Walz 

ALBRT Culbertson Bursch 

Laser Range (hand) Readdy Bursch 

Laser Range (cargo bay) Bursch Readdy 

GPS Walz Newman 

PCMMU Newman Walz 

VRCS Readdy Newman 

Exercise Culbertson All 

Entry ortho tolerance Newman Walz 

Visual vestibular Newman 

Posture Readdy Walz 

Skeletal/muscle Readdy All 

Gastro function Bursch Newman 

Blood IV Readdy Bursch 

ENH stand Culbertson Newman, Walz 

 

Other Responsibilities: 

Photography/TV Readdy Walz, 

Culbertson 

Earth observations Readdy Culbertson 

In-flight Maintenance Walz Readdy 

Medic Readdy Bursch 
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ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY 

SATELLITE (ACTS) HARDWARE 

The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) provides for the development and flight test 

of high-risk, advanced communications satellite technology. Using advanced antenna beams and advanced 

on-board switching and processing systems, ACTS will pioneer new initiatives in communications satellite 

technology. 

ACTS provides new communications satellite technology for: 

• Operating in the Ka-band (30/20 GHz) where there is 2.5 GHz of spectrum available (five times that 

available at lower frequency bands) 

• Very high-gain, multiple hopping beam antenna systems which permit smaller aperture Earth stations 

• On-board baseband switching which permits interconnectivity between users at an individual circuit 

level 

• A microwave switch matrix which enables gigabit per second communication between users. 

These technologies provide for up to three times the communications capacity for the same weight as 

today's satellites (more cost effective), much higher rate communications between users (20 times that 

offered by conventional satellites), greater networking flexibility and on-demand digital services not 

currently available from communications systems today. The development and flight validation of this 

advanced space communications technology by NASA's ACTS will allow industry to adapt this technology 

to their individual commercial requirements at minimal risk. It also will aid the U.S. industry in competing 

with European and Asian companies which have, in the last decade, developed significant capabilities for 

producing communications satellites and associated ground equipment. 

ACTS technologies, which are applicable for a variety of frequency bands, will potentially lower the cost 

or technical threshold so that such new services as remote medical image diagnostics, global personal 

communications, real-time TV transmissions to airliners, direct transmission of reconnaissance image data 

to battlefield commanders and interconnection of supercomputers will be feasible. Technology spin-off is 

already occurring. 

Motorola currently is adapting the ACTS Ka-band and on-board switching technologies for their $3 billion 

Iridium satellite system, which will provide global voice/data communications services. Norris 

Communications also is proceeding with a Ka spot-beam communications satellite. 
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ACTS OVERALL DESCRIPTION 

ACTS is comprised of a spacecraft bus with basic housekeeping functions and a payload, known as the 

multi-beam communications package (MCP). 

At launch, ACTS weighs 6,108 pounds including the propellants and the spacecraft adapter and clamp 

band which remain with the Transfer Orbit Stage (TOS) upon separation. When in the stowed 

configuration in the Shuttle payload bay, ACTS' overall height is 15.9 feet (5 m) from the spacecraft 

separation plane to the tip of the highest antenna. 

During the transfer orbit phase, the spacecraft is spin stabilized, and the antenna reflectors and solar array 

panels are retracted and stowed to provide better load support for these appendages. During the on-orbit 

mission phase, the spacecraft is three-axis stabilized with the large antenna reflectors facing the Earth and 

the solar array panels rotating once per day to track the Sun. On-orbit, ACTS measures 47.1 feet (14 m) 

from tip to tip of the solar arrays and 29.9 feet (9 m) across the main receiving and transmitting antenna 

reflectors. 

Spacecraft Bus 

The spacecraft bus structure is a rectangular box with a cylindrical center structure that houses the apogee 

kick motor (AKM). The multi-beam antenna subsystem is mounted to the Earth facing panel of the 

spacecraft bus. The North and South sides are each divided into three panels. These panels are used to 

mount most of the spacecraft bus and MCP electronics equipment. The spacecraft bus provides support 

functions for the MCP such as electrical and mechanical mounting surfaces, attitude control, electrical 

power, thermal control, command reception, telemetry transmission and ranging and propulsion for station 

keeping maneuvers. 

Multi-beam Communications Package 

The multi-beam communications package performs receiving, switching, momentary storage, selectable 

coding and decoding, amplifying and transmitting functions for Ka-band time division multiple access 

(TDMA) communications signals. The multi-beam antenna (MBA) has fixed beams and hopping spot 

beams that can be used to service traffic needs on a dynamic basis. (A hopping spot beam is an antenna 

beam on the spacecraft that points at one location on the ground for a fraction of a millisecond. It 

sends/receives voice or data information and then the beam electronically "hops" to a second location, then 

a third and so on. At the beginning of the second millisecond the beam again points at the first location.) 

In addition, the receiving antenna provides signals to the autotrack receiver which generates input error 

signals to the attitude control system for spacecraft pointing operations. Beam forming networks (BFN) 

utilize hopping beams to provide independent coverage of the East and West scan sectors, plus coverage 

for isolated locations outside of either sector. The MBA also has three fixed spot beams. A steerable beam 

antenna has been incorporated into ACTS to provide antenna coverage of the entire disk of the Earth as 

seen from l00 degrees west longitude and to any aircraft or low Earth orbit spacecraft, including the Space 

Shuttle, within view of the ACTS. 

ACTS Deployment Sequence 

ACTS will be deployed from Discovery's cargo bay approximately 8 hours after launch on orbit six. The 

TOS burn which will inject ACTS into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The spacecraft apogee kick motor 

will inject ACTS into a drift orbit. Finally, ACTS will be placed in a geostationary orbit at 100 degrees 

west longitude over the equator, approximately in line with the center of the United States. A geostationary 

orbit 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 16 

is one where a satellite takes 24 hours to complete one revolution, thus appearing to remain motionless 

above a single place on the Earth. 

About 2 hours before deployment from the orbiter, the astronauts perform a sequence of events beginning 

with preliminary TOS checks, unlatching the TOS cradle and elevating the ACTS/TOS flight element to a 

42 degree angle for deployment. The crew will fire the "Super*Zip" separation system, and six springs on 

the TOS aft cradle will push the flight element out of the cargo bay. 

The TOS motor firing is controlled by an on-board timer and occurs 45 minutes following deployment 

from the orbiter or about 8 hours and 45 minutes after STS-51 launch. The approximately two-minute burn 

will place ACTS in a geotransfer orbit. The apogee kick motor burn to inject ACTS into drift orbit will 

take place 42 1/2 hours after deployment, approximately 50 1/2 hours into the mission. The 7-day drift will 

allow ACTS to move toward its final station location of 100 degrees west longitude. Firing of the 

spacecraft's thrusters will bring the perigee and apogee radii increasingly closer to the geostationary orbit. 

Upon reaching geostationary orbit, ACTS will transition from a spinning to a three-axis stabilized 

spacecraft configuration and deploy its solar arrays and antennas. 

ACTS experiments will begin 12 weeks after launch following the placement of the spacecraft on-station 

and spacecraft checkout. ACTS is designed to have a minimum life of 2 years but will have enough station 

keeping fuel for a 4- year-plus mission. 

ACTS Ground Systems and Support 

The facilities and support to be used for the ACTS mission phases include the Guam and Carpentersville, 

NJ, C-band telemetry, tracking and command stations and the ACTS ground segment. 

Tracking, Telemetry and Command 

The ACTS mission telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) control and monitor functions are 

distributed between two geographically separate locations: Lewis Research Center, Cleveland and the 

Martin Marietta Satellite Operations Center (SOC), East Windsor, NJ. The SOC is used to control the 

ACTS housekeeping functions during both the transfer orbit and the on-station phases. 
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During the transfer orbit phases, the SOC controls the ACTS through the C-band ground stations. During 

the on-station phase, command parameters generated at the SOC are routed via landlines to Lewis to be 

uplinked to the ACTS via Ka-band. Status information is displayed at the Lewis ACTS master ground 

station for both the transfer orbit and on-station phases. 

ACTS Ground Segment 

The ACTS ground segment is comprised of the ACTS master ground station, the satellite operations center 

and the experimenter terminals. 

ACTS Master Ground Station 

The ACTS master ground station is located at the NASA Lewis Research Center. It includes: 

• The NASA ground station (NGS), which consists of a Ka- band radio frequency terminal, two traffic 

terminals and a reference terminal. It up-converts signals for the baseband processor mode of 

operations to 30 GHz for transmission to ACTS and amplifies and down-converts the 20 GHz 

baseband processor modulated signals received from ACTS. Modulation and demodulation of the 

baseband communications signals are performed in the NASA ground station. It also transmits and 

receives signals in support of the command, ranging and telemetry functions for ACTS. 

• The master control station provides network control for the spacecraft baseband processor and backup 

to the satellite operations center for configuring the multi-beam communications package. The master 

control station also enables experiment execution and telemetry collection. 

• The microwave switch matrix-link evaluation terminal provides the capability for the on-orbit testing 

of the microwave switch matrix and the multi-beam antenna. It also will conduct wideband 

communications experiments. 

• The command, ranging and telemetry equipment interfaces with the NASA ground station at 

intermediate frequency and exchanges command, ranging and telemetry information to and from the 

master control station, the G. E. SOC and the microwave switch matrix-link evaluation terminal. 

The SOC has primary responsibility for generating flight system commands and for analyzing, processing 

and displaying flight system telemetry data. Orbital maneuver planning and execution also are handled by 

the SOC. The primary housekeeping function is performed at the SOC which is linked via land line to the 

Ka-band command, ranging and telemetry equipment at the ACTS master control station. 
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The Ka-band experimenter network consists of a variety of ground stations to be operated by industry, 

universities and government organizations. These ground stations have varying communication services 

ranging from High Data Rate (HDR) at 1 gigabit per second, to Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) at 

1.5 megabits per second, aeronautical and ground mobile voice and data at 500 kilobits per second and 

Ultra Small Aperture Terminal (USAT) data at 4800 bits per second. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 21 

TRANSFER ORBIT STAGE FOR THE STS-51 MISSION 

The Transfer Orbit Stage (TOS) will boost NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellite from 

low-Earth orbit into geosynchronous transfer orbit with a maximum altitude of 21,519 nautical miles 

(34,624 km). This will be the second mission of the Transfer Orbit Stage and the first time it has flown on 

a Space Shuttle mission. 

The Transfer Orbit Stage was first used in September 1992 as the upper stage booster for NASA's Mars 

Observer mission. Following launch on an expendable rocket, the TOS successfully propelled the 

spacecraft on a trajectory from Earth orbit to the red planet. 

The Space Systems Projects Office at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., manages the 

TOS program for NASA. That role involves ensuring TOS compliance with over all mission requirements, 

including those for integration with the launch vehicle and satellite and flight safety requirements. 

Transfer Orbit Stage Description 

The Transfer Orbit Stage, built by Martin Marietta Astronautics Group in Denver, for Orbital Sciences 

Corp., Dulles, Va., is a single-stage, solid-propellant rocket system. It is the latest addition to NASA's 

upper stage fleet, which includes a range of vehicles to boost satellites or spacecraft in the second step of 

their journey to geostationary orbit or toward interplanetary destinations. 

TOS, constructed primarily of high-strength aluminum alloy, weighs 20,780 pounds (9,426 kg) including 

solid propellant fuel. It is almost 11 feet (3.3 m) long and about 7.5 feet (2.3 m) in diameter. The satellite, 

weighing 6,108 pounds (2,771 kg), is mounted on top of the Transfer Orbit Stage. Portions of both the 

satellite and TOS are covered with gold foil multi-layered insulation for thermal protection from the Sun. 

Major elements of the TOS system are a solid rocket main propulsion system, a navigation and guidance 

system, a reaction control system which is used to adjust TOS attitude or local pointing and an airborne 

support equipment cradle that holds the satellite and upper stage in the Shuttle cargo bay and facilitates 

deployment from the orbiter. 

The ORBUS-21 solid rocket motor main propulsion system, manufactured by United Technologies 

Chemical Systems Division, San Jose, Calif., will give the primary thrust for the 110 seconds of powered 

flight. To provide the 59,000 pounds of thrust (262,445 Newtons) to inject the satellite into its transfer 

orbit, the motor will use 18,013 pounds (8,171 kg) of the solid rocket propellant HTPB (hydroxyl 

terminated polybutadiene). 

Pitch (maneuvering upward or downward) and yaw (turning to the left or right) will be controlled during 

the burn by gimbaling the nozzle of the solid rocket motor with two thrust vector control actuators. Roll 

control is provided by the reaction control system during motor burn. 
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TOS guidance and control avionics are based on a laser inertial navigation system manufactured by 

Honeywell, Inc., Clearwater, Fla. It acts as the brains of the vehicle, computing location and providing 

signals to the propulsion system to maintain the proper trajectory. All TOS operations are performed 

autonomously with no ground commanding required. The guidance system uses laser gyroscopes with no 

moving parts, thus reducing chances for malfunctions in space. A telemetry and encoder unit records 

performance data from all on-board electronics and sends it to ground control at KSC. 

The reaction control system thruster assembly, manufactured by UTC/Hamilton Standard Division, 

Windsor Locks, Conn., correctly positions the TOS and its payload, based on information from the laser 

inertial navigation system. The three-axis control system uses 12 small maneuvering rockets, which rely on 

decomposed hydrazine as their propellant, to fine-tune the orientation of the vehicle and its payload before 

solid rocket motor ignition. 

The reaction control system also slowly turns the satellite-TOS for thermal control to avoid overheating 

from the sun. The reaction control system makes final attitude adjustments before TOS separation from the 

satellite. 

The equipment needed to adapt the satellite-TOS to the Space Shuttle is called the airborne support 

equipment. This equipment is manufactured by Martin Marietta. Prior to deployment, the TOS rests in the 

aft cradle and is clamped firmly in the Shuttle's cargo bay by the forward cradle. 

ACTS/TOS deployment scenario 

During the STS-51 mission, Discovery crew members will initiate a predeployment checkout to ensure that 

all critical TOS systems are healthy and ready to deploy. The upper forward cradle, similar to a clamp, will 

then be unlatched and rotated open. The satellite-booster will be elevated 45 degrees out of the cargo bay. 

If any problems are detected in the combined payload up to this point, it can be lowered, relatched and 

returned to Earth at the end of the mission. If no anomalies are detected, a pyrotechnic system will release 

the satellite- TOS and springs on the cradle will gently nudge it out of the orbiter. The satellite-TOS will 

coast for 45 minutes while the Shuttle maneuvers to a safe distance, 11.7 miles (18.8 km) away, to avoid a 

possible collision or damage from the TOS solid rocket exhaust plume. 

Once the Transfer Orbit Stage has positioned the satellite in the proper attitude, the TOS solid rocket motor 

will fire for 110 seconds, accelerating to the 22,800-mph velocity (36,685 km/hr) necessary to boost the 

satellite into its geosynchronous transfer orbit. Then the Transfer Orbit Stage will make final attitude 

adjustments as the satellite speeds toward apogee, the point farthest from the Earth in its orbit. 

Shortly after rocket burnout, the satellite will separate from the TOS and the TOS will make a 

perpendicular turn to avoid being in the satellite's path. Later, thrusters and a solid rocket motor on the 

satellite itself will fire to place the satellite into its final geosynchronous orbit. The actual timing of the 

satellite burn is controlled by commands from the ground. 

Extra-Vehicular Activity Tools 

If a mechanical problem with the TOS airborne support equipment were to develop prior to or after 

deployment of the satellite-TOS, two astronauts can use one or more specially designed tools to correct it. 

The tools were designed at Marshall Space Flight Center and tested under simulated weightless conditions 

in the center's Neutral Buoyancy Simulator water tank. The actual use of these devices is considered 

unlikely since the airborne support equipment itself is fully redundant, with all systems having built-in 

back-ups. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 24 

ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY 

SATELLITE (ACTS) EXPERIMENTS PROGRAM 

The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite Experiments Program gives industry, academic, and 

government organizations an opportunity to investigate new ways of communicating. In conjunction with 

industry, NASA has developed the ACTS and an extensive network of ground stations to test and prove 

pioneering communications concepts and technologies that will advance cheaper, on-demand, flexible 

communications. 

The Experiments Program provides access to these new telecommunication tools that will be widely used 

in the 21st century. ACTS experimenters design, fund, and conduct investigations. NASA contributes 

spacecraft time, manages operations, and assists investigators in developing a final experiment plan. This 

partnership brings the capabilities of this unique national resource to regional telecommunications users. 

The goals of the program reflect national priorities in advancing technology development and promoting 

U.S. competitiveness in international markets. The program will conduct technical verification experiments 

to prove the high- risk technology and a balanced set of experiments which evaluate the potential 

applications of the technology. 

Experiments have been selected that meet these goals and challenge the ACTS system. The results of these 

investigations could yield numerous benefits to business, health care, education, national defense, and 

emergency/disaster relief and advance the technology in high data rate communications. The following 

describes ACTS's contribution to these areas and candidate experiments. (The experiments listed below 

have been officially accepted into the ACTS Experiments Program at press time.) 

Business Advantages 

Communications is an essential element of any community's infrastructure, but in business it can be the 

factor that promotes profit or inhibits growth. Expanded communication capacities such as fax machines 

and electronic information networks have revolutionized the way the business is conducted around the 

world. The ACTS Experiments Program provides an opportunity for business to test new technologies that 

may lead to more efficient ways to operate and create new services. 

With the advent of ACTS, a new generation in communications technology will bring benefits to business. 

ACTS-type technologies will increase efficiency and lower the cost of business communications by 

enabling real-time communications and the use of smaller satellite dishes. It can augment fiber-optic 

networks to extend communications capacity to remote areas, creating new telecommunications users and 

enhancing the "information superhighway" with Earth-space linkages. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 25 

EXPERIMENTS 

The ACTS Program has developed and will validate, by flight testing, high risk advanced communication 

satellite technologies. The validation of these technologies is to be accomplished through the ACTS 

Experiments Program. The ACTS flight and ground systems will be made available to the public and 

private sectors (industry, universities and government agencies) for evaluation, experimentation and 

demonstration of key technologies and their applications after launch. A formal 2-year Experiments 

Program currently is planned, including: 

• demonstrate the commercial viability and market acceptability of new voice, data and video networks 

and service with ACTS 

• verify the on-orbit performances of the advanced technology components of the ACTS flight system 

• demonstrate and evaluate the system networking aspects of the switching and processing technology 

• characterize the Ka-band transmission medium and develop techniques to combat signal fade and 

attenuation 

To date, some 60 experiments have been approved to use the ACTS system. These experiments represent 

86 principal investigators and co-investigators from over 61 different organizations. 

The following table breaks down the application experiments category into a number of sub-categories and 

lists the number of experiments currently planned for each. 

Application Experiments Categories 

Business Networks 7 

Medical 3 

Integrated Services Digital Network 4 

Public Switched Network 3 

Education 1 

Video/Teleconferencing 1 

DOD Strategic/Tactical 2 

Gigabit Networks 3 

High Definition TV 1 

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition 1 

Land Mobile 6 

Aeronautical Mobile 1 

Science 3 

Network Protocol 1 

 

TOTAL 37 

American Express 

Availability Comparison Between Ku and Ka Satellite Technologies 

American Express is interested in testing the ACTS very- small aperture terminal (VSAT) technology to 

determine if it will be a viable future business option for transactions. ACTS will operate as a data channel 

between facilities in Phoenix, Ariz., and Mexico City, Mexico. American Express has an existing Ku-band 

link between these sites and wants to compare the performance of the ACTS Ka-band T-1 VSAT (capable 

of higher data rates, 1.544 Mbps, with a smaller terminal) to its current system. Contact: Thomas Marshall, 

602/492-4321. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 26 

Southern California Edison 

Low Cost SCADA Network 

Affiliated Organizations: Weber State University, Wasatch Research 

Southern California Edison (SCE) is working with NASA Lewis Research Center to build and test an ultrasmall aperture terminal (USAT) that operates at Ka-band for use in a supervisory control and data 

acquisition (SCADA) network. Weber State University will conduct the tests of the terminal with both Kuand Ka-band antennas and will compare performance. 

The spotbeam antenna technology of ACTS makes it possible to use smaller terminal apertures. SCE is 

investigating the Ka-band USAT to determine its suitability for use with electric utilities and other 

industries. Contact: Dr. Roosevelt Fernandes, 818/812-7305. 

Ohio University 

Disaster Recovery, Backup, and Communications Augmentation Experiment Using ACTS 

Affiliated Organizations: Huntington Bank, SUNGARD Recovery Services, Inc., Unisys Corporation, 

Ascom Timeplex, Inc. 

Ohio University will conduct tests with ACTS to help Huntington Bank recover from a "simulated" natural 

or other disaster, thus protecting it against a total loss of communications. ACTS will transmit financial 

data such as deposits, account balances and transfers of funds. The experiment will determine the reliability 

of the data link and the ability to switch over to a backup communications system within an acceptable 

period of time as well as the economical advantages of using such a system. Contact: Dr. Don Flournoy, 

614/593-4866. 

COMSAT World Systems 

Prototype INTELSAT Operations 

Affiliated Organization: INTELSAT 

This experiment will provide operational experience with ACTS technology to potential service providers, 

earth station owners, and users, emphasizing the use of Ka-band and onboard signal processing. The 

reliability and transmission quality of Ka-band will be compared with C- and Ku-bands to determine 

feasibility of future use. Contact: A. M. Goldman Jr., 202/863-6601. 

Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

ACTS Aeronautical Experiment 

Affiliated Organizations: Air Force Rome Labs, Boeing Defense and Space Group, 

GE Electronics Laboratory, Texas Instruments 

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) will demonstrate a 4.8 kbps voice and data link between an aircraft 

and a fixed terminal using phased-array antennas. This experiment will evaluate ACTS spotbeam 

technology, the ACTS Mobile Terminal (AMT), and phased-array antennas for use in aeronautical 

communications. Aeronautical communications could be an important new growth area in the 

telecommunications industry. Contact: Brian Abbe, 818/354-3887. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 27 

Baseline Land-mobile Experiments 

JPL will conduct multiple mobile communications experiments demonstrating various applications 

involving voice, data, and slow-scan video. They will evaluate the commercial viability of system concepts 

and perform propagation measurements. The main purpose is to evaluate K/Ka-band feasibility for mobile 

applications. Contact: Mr. Tom Jedrey, 818/354-5187. 

Dataflow Systems Direct-to-Premises 

ACTS-based Video Services 

Affiliated Organizations: University of California-Berkeley, Mississippi State University 

Dataflow Systems will investigate two-way, direct-to- premises static and motion video services with 

ACTS, based on low cost, low power workstations. Such services are needed to communicate images 

between offices during normal business operations or in emergency situations. Some of the possible 

applications include: multimedia conferencing between remotely located CAD/CAE design teams, doctors 

in surgery, lawyers in court, and industrial process control teams. Also, use of ACTS would enable ondemand and dynamic database browsing and copying. Contact: Dr. Vason P. Srini, 415/527-7183. 

Public Broadcasting Service 

High Definition Television and Video Demonstration 

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) will use ACTS to transmit high definition television (HDTV) and 

digital video signals from PBS to member stations. Member stations could then distribute the signals via 

terrestrial transmitters or cable TV. PBS will be experimenting with the High Data Rate terminal -- the only 

ground station available capable of transmitting HDTV signals. 

In another test, PBS would transmit via ACTS from member stations to a small area to demonstrate the 

feasibility of local direct broadcast satellite service (DBS) within a single city or market region. Contact: 

Mr. Carl Girod, 703/739-5483. 

COMSAT Laboratories 

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Experiments 

In this experiment, COMSAT will demonstrate the ability of satellite communications to provide state-ofthe-art commercial telecommunications services. The experiment is designed to test the viability of 

providing a variety of services and teleservices via ISDN using an ACTS-type system. COMSAT will 

measure the performance of the ACTS ISDN technology and its network capabilities. Contact: Moorthy 

Hariharan, 301/428- 7747. 

University of Florida 

Narrow band ISDN Applications Using ACTS 

The relationship between ISDN and satellites is complementary. ISDN provides satellite networks with a 

single access point into multiple ground networks. On the other hand, satellite systems provide increased 

geographical coverage for ISDN. ACTS's advanced features enhance this relationship by increasing 

flexibility of connectivity, network efficiency, and quality of service. 

The University of Florida will conduct three narrow band ISDN-related investigations which can be 

implemented using ACTS: video teleconferencing, performance evaluation of High- Level Data Link 

Control (HDLC) protocol over a Ka-band satellite channel (which will study the effect of rain fade on this 

protocol with respect to its various control functions such as addressing, frame numbering, error recovery, 

and flow control), and Local Area Network interconnection. Contact: Dr. Haniph A. Latchman, 904/392-

4950. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 28 

NASA Lewis Research Center 

North American ISDN Users' Forum (NIUF) Demonstration 

Affiliated Organizations: A consortium of users and telephony industry, including: Bellcore, Regional Bell 

Operating Companies, AT&T 

This experiment will demonstrate ACTS ISDN services to NIUF members. It will involve the use of a T-1 

VSAT transportable link back to Lewis Research Center, JPL, and other ACTS ISDN transportable nodes. 

The primary application demonstrated will be PC-based multimedia teleconferencing. Contact: Tom 

vonDeak, 216/433-3277. 

NBC 

Satellite News Vehicle (AMT) Experiment 

T-1 VSAT Backhaul Experiment 

Affiliated Organization: JPL 

NBC will investigate mobile and fixed terminal capabilities for providing increased communications for 

people in the satellite news industry, specifically while enroute to and from news sites. The experiments 

will determine how many "hops" can be made between points before image quality degrades beyond 

acceptable levels. 

The fixed experiment involves using several T-1 VSATs to provide multiple "hop" communications, 

transmitting the same images from point to point between different broadcast locations. The mobile 

experiment will evaluate the ACTS and AMT technologies for remote communications purposes, e.g., 

from a news bureau to a satellite news vehicle. Contact: Robert Sisko, 212/664-6186. 

IDB Communications Group 

Satellite News Gathering Land-Mobile Experiment/Demonstration 

Affiliated Organization: JPL 

IDB Communications is interested in showcasing the ACTS and AMT technologies for remote broadcast 

purposes. This experiment/demonstration will be a live transmission of IDB Communications' network-fed 

broadcast via ACTS. It will occur at the National Association of Broadcaster's Convention in 1994. 

Contact: David Anderson, 213/240-3726. 

Bellcore 

Experimentation with Satellite-based Personal Communications Services (PCS) 

Affiliated Organization: JPL 

The goal of this research effort is to demonstrate the capabilities of satellites for enhancement of groundbased personal communications voice and data services. The experiment will determine the ways in which 

local exchange network providers can interface to wireless service providers and the kinds of services that 

should be offered. 

The applications being investigated include: two-way messaging, delivery of personalized information 

services, use of satellites to alert nomadic end users of incoming telephone calls. It will also test the 

combined capability of satellites plus Global Positioning System service to locate nomadic end users, 

update network databases, and route calls and/or messages to their current location. Contact: Richard 

Wolff, 201/829-4537. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 29 

Florida Atlantic University 

ACTS Wide Bandwidth and Video Compression Experiments 

The primary goal of this experiment is to demonstrate the use of ACTS for commercial video data 

transmission. Florida Atlantic University will use video compression techniques developed by the 

University and will test the reliability and feasibility of ACTS to provide this commercial service. Contact: 

Dr. Henry Helmken, 407/367-3452. 

Martin Marietta Astrospace 

Business Telecommunications for Potential Customers 

Martin Marietta Astrospace will be allowing potential customers to evaluate the Ka-band frequency for 

business communications. Martin Marietta has purchased a ground station for its facility in East Windsor, 

NJ., in order to experiment with ACTS. It is identifying various areas for investigation. Contact: Frank 

Gargione, 609/490-2337. 

HEALTH CARE ADVANTAGES 

Availability of quality health care is a primary concern to people everywhere. When a patient is not able to 

get to health facilities or when specialists are not available for consultation, precious time is wasted. 

Improved and expanded telecommunications can help overcome distance barriers, improve upon local 

facilities, and extend medical services to more people, while maintaining reasonable costs. 

The ACTS Experiments Program is working with medical personnel around the country to test delivery of 

health care services to remote locations and to demonstrate the use of more sophisticated mobile 

communications. ACTS will transmit images and information to physicians and specialists for use in 

diagnoses. High-resolution medical imagery from X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans can be sent to another 

location for review by a consulting physician. The ACTS Mobile Terminal (AMT) will also be used to 

transmit patient data from emergency vehicles while en route to a hospital. 

EXPERIMENTS 

Mayo Foundation 

Application of the NASA ACTS Satellite System to the Practice of Medicine in an Integrated Group 

Practice 

Affiliated Organizations: U.S. Army Medical Diagnostic Imaging Support 

The Mayo Foundation will be using ACTS to investigate communication techniques which may eventually 

allow large medical centers to provide supporting medical services to small and medium-sized medical 

facilities in small towns and rural areas. The objective of the experiment is to demonstrate that the 

provision of quality medical diagnostic and information services to remote facilities can be cost effective 

and timely. 

It has become essential to be able to communicate and transmit data from one medical facility to another to 

enhance the quality of care for individual patients and to seek consultation from experts who may be at a 

distant location. Mayo will be investigating a variety of medical applications including image, data, and 

voice transmission. They will use ACTS to transmit in real-time medical imagery and other patient test 

information for diagnosis. The on-demand flexibility, wide bandwidth, ISDN and high data rate 

capabilities of ACTS could solve many medical outreach problems. Contact: Dr. Robert Hattery, 507/284-

9425. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 30 

Georgetown University School of Medicine 

Remote Radiology 

In this experiment, Georgetown University will transmit magnetic resonance images (MRI) and 

radiological images from Tripler Army Base in Hawaii to Washington, DC. Tele-education will also be 

provided for radiologists and radiologists-in- training. The experiment may be expanded to include 

transmission to South America. Contact: Dr. Seong K. Mun, 202/687-5990. 

NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center 

Application of Small Earth Stations in Conducting Telescience and Telemedicine 

Affiliated Organizations: Krug Life Sciences, University of Colorado 

Johnson Space Center will use ACTS to test the utility of advanced satellite technology for conducting 

telemedicine, telescience, video conferencing, and high resolution image transfer. Specifically, the 

experiment will generate images of the interior of the eye. The images will then be transmitted to another 

location via ACTS for analysis. Contact: Dr. Gerald Taylor, 713/280-0469. 

EMSAT: Advanced Technology for Emergency Medical Services 

Emergency Medicine Land-Mobile Satellite Experiment (EMSAT) 

Affiliated Organizations: JPL 

EMSAT will evaluate the feasibility of mobile satellite communications for pre-hospital communications. 

Experiment objectives are to demonstrate and assess the transmission and reception of satellite digital voice 

for two-way, pre-hospital communications, one-way transmission of patient data from field paramedics to 

the base hospital, and telemetry of patient assessment data to the base hospital. Factors that affect prehospital satellite communications will be studied. Contact: Bruce P. Jackson, 818/842-0207. 

University of Washington 

Mobile Radiology Image Transfer 

Affiliated Organization: GE Medical Systems 

This experiment will link a mobile Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 

van to the Department of Radiology at the University of Washington Medical Center. The mobile van will 

transmit digital medical images (while stationary) from various locations in the state of Washington. This 

investigation will allow for quality control and for diagnostic consultation and interpretation of the 

remotely obtained images at a major university medical center. This use of ACTS demonstrates a practical 

medical application of teleradiology from remote locations to medical centers. Contact: Dr. Stephen J. 

Carter, 206/685-2693. 

ACTS/AMT Telemedicine Experiment 

Affiliated Organization: JPL 

This experiment involves the transmission of CT and MRI images to the University of Washington via 

ACTS using a portable computer with the AMT, the fixed terminal located at NASA Lewis Research 

Center (LeRC), and a telephone line from LeRC to the University of Washington Medical Center. The 

received images will be filmed with a laser camera and compared with original films. The transmissions 

will be performed during various weather conditions and at multiple locations throughout rural Washington 

state. Contact: Dr. Stephen J. Carter, 206/685-2693. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 31 

Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications 

National Library of Medicine 

National Institutes of Health VAMA 

VSAT Access to Medical Archives 

Affiliated Organization: University of California at San Francisco, School of Medicine 

ACTS offers the opportunity to experiment with techniques and procedures suitable for a communications 

environment that allows real-time access to critical medical information. Current access to medical archives 

at the National Library of Medicine is achievable through INTERNET. However, the transmission rate is 

such that real-time interaction and selection of information is not possible. 

A set of experiments will test prototype systems for the rapid transfer of medical images across widelyseparated geographical areas. Two possible experiments: test a prototype medical information system to 

provide remote access to a national medical database in real time and demonstrate a system to rapidly and 

accurately transfer a large volume of uncompressed digital X-Ray image files. Contact: Mr. Rodney Long, 

301/496-4496. 

LONG DISTANCE EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

Education and training are key to increased knowledge and productivity. In this era of changes in the 

economy and the workplace, students and workers, with increasingly limited time and resources, will need 

to have better access to educational and training facilities. ACTS-type technology can provide real-time, 

more advanced communications capability to the classroom or the workplace. It can also tap into 

information networks faster and transmit that information quicker than current communications systems. 

Some ACTS experimenters will be investigating the use of long-distance, real-time, interactive 

communications to educate people outside of major learning institutions. They will test the capability of 

ACTS to deliver instruction to interested students in different areas in the United States and in South 

America. Other experimenters will use ACTS to provide special training. ACTS-type service could create 

new educational networks. 

EXPERIMENTS 

Georgetown University 

Georgetown Technical Hemispheric Intercultural Network for Knowledge (G-THINK) 

Affiliated Organizations: Inter-American Development Bank, IBM, Citibank, Martin Marietta Astrospace, 

Loral, Andres Bello University, Catholic University, Javeriana University, Latin America Institute of 

Doctrinal and Social Studies, Sophia University 

Georgetown University will investigate the viability of two-way, interactive distance learning, involving 

programs that are medical, scientific, or research in nature. ACTS will be used to demonstrate distance 

education to four South American sites in Columbia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Chile. 

Georgetown will also conduct distance education projects in the United States in the areas of medicine, 

business, teleradiology, library database access, veterinary medicine, and remote sensing. Contact: Rev. 

Harold C. Bradley, S. J., 202/687-3455. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 32 

NASA Kennedy Space Center 

Distance Learning in the Area of Hazardous Materials and Environmental Safety 

Affiliated Organizations: Lockheed Space Operations Company, University of Central Florida 

This experiment involves distance learning in the area of hazardous materials and environmental safety. 

ACTS will link Dryden Flight Research Facility, Calif., and Kennedy Space Center, Fla., for 

approximately 10 hours of training to Lockheed employees. The experiment consists of distance learning 

classes using lecture, graphics, and videotape. It will test the quality of video and audio and effectiveness 

of Ka-band for distance learning. Contact: Darwin V. Brown, 407/867-7293. 

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University 

Distance Learning 

ACTS will be used to link the College of Pharmacy at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee 

with the FAMU Clinical Training Unit located in Miami and allow for the instruction of students. The 

experiment will involve two-way voice and video transmission and will be divided into two 16- week and 

one 13-week segments. Contact: Johnnie L. Early, 904/599-3301. 

IMPROVED NATIONAL DEFENSE AND 

EMERGENCY/DISASTER COMMUNICATIONS 

In the Persian Gulf war and the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, the United States reaffirmed the value of 

advanced military and disaster communications. Secure and reliable communications provided necessary 

advantages to American troops in executing quick and successful air and ground attacks, while minimizing 

casualties. In severe contrast, lack of immediate and adequate communications capability severely 

hampered the relief efforts in Florida and Louisiana. 

Experimenters with ACTS will gain insight into improved military and emergency/disaster 

communications by testing new concepts. The use of the ACTS Mobile Terminal can restore 

communications capability immediately. ACTS T-1 VSATs can be used to restore damaged points within 

the Public Switched Network. 

Military and emergency communications can benefit from the real-time, higher communications capacity 

demonstrated by the ACTS system. 

EXPERIMENTS 

National Communications System 

Public Switched Network (PSN) Restoration 

PSN Trunking 

Isolated User Access 

Secure Mobile Communications 

Affiliated Organizations: MITRE Corporation 

The National Communications System (NCS) experiments will demonstrate the capability to restore or 

augment communication networks. It is the responsibility of the NCS to coordinate the planning for and 

provision of communications services to a set of National Security/Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) 

users. NCS initiated the Commercial SATCOM Interconnectivity (CSI) program in 1983 in response to a 

Presidential directive stating that CONUS-based commercial satellite communication resources should be 

exploited to augment and restore Government communications capabilities during times of emergency. 

ACTS will be used to investigate new advanced satellite communications technologies. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 33 

The first three experiments examine restoration of the PSN when disrupted. The first restores 

communications at the point where loss of connectivity occurs or augments existing capability when 

needed. The second experiment provides point- to-point trunking via ACTS for NS/EP users when 

disruption occurs in the PSN inter-exchange carrier switches. The third experiment will demonstrate 

ACTS's ability to communicate with isolated users by restoring communications between local carriers in 

the PSN and inter-exchange carrier switches. The final experiment utilizes the AMT capability to restore 

communications in areas affected by disaster. Contact: Mr. Frank Dixon, 703/692-0540. 

U.S. Army Space Command 

Army ACTS Experiments 

Affiliated Organizations: Combined Arms Center, Department of the Army/Army Space Institute, 

Laboratory Command/Army Space Technology Research Office, U.S. Army Communications Electronics 

Command, U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command, U.S. Army Future Battle Lab, U.S. 

Army Medical Diagnostic Imaging Support 

The Army ACTS experiments will be incorporated into the Army Space Demonstration Program which 

demonstrates space systems capabilities to support AirLand Battle Doctrine. The Army will use ACTS to 

overcome various operational communications shortfalls. A complete set of verification experiments will 

be conducted to evaluate ACTS technologies and interactions with ground communication systems. The 

experiments will explore a variety of uses including video teleconferencing; transfer of large imagery, 

geographic/meteorological information, logistics, and medical databases; remote training; transmission of 

video, voice and data to the field; and testing of mobile communications. Contact: Pete Cafaro, 719/554-

8717. 

U. S. Army Topographic Engineering Center 

Use of ACTS for Communicating Differential GPS 

Affiliated Organization: Rockwell International 

U.S. Army Topographic Engineering Center (USATEC) is conducting an experiment using the Global 

Positioning System (GPS). GPS uses satellite signals to calculate a position on earth and is subject to 

several sources of error. These errors remain relatively constant within a specific region, and a set of 

corrections can be generated at one location and applied to another. USATEC via ACTS will transmit these 

corrections to users in real-time. They will analyze time delay, transmission quality, bit error rate, and cost 

and convenience of terminal location and satellite acquisition. Contact: Andrew Austin, 703/355-2765. 

U.S. Army Research Labs 

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) via Satellite 

Affiliated Organization: Georgia Tech Research Institute 

This experiment evaluates ACTS' ability to provide ISDN connectivity among a geographically-dispersed 

population of end users. It will provide real-time networking of ISDN users via satellite and multimedia 

desktop video teleconferencing. The ACTS system will be compared to a terrestrial DOD ISDN baseline 

system. Contact: Dr. Jay Gowens, 404/894-3137. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 34 

EXPANDING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH NETWORKS 

Scientific research can be greatly facilitated and augmented by improved communications capability. The 

majority of scientific research is conducted in remote areas that are not accessible by modern transportation 

or fiber-optic cable. With ACTS-type technologies, researchers could gain access to remote databases that 

contain needed information. Researchers would also have the ability to communicate in real-time with 

other scientists in the field to obtain results from experiments or to consult on a problem. Mobile 

communications could benefit researchers by providing a transportable link to laboratories or universities. 

Experimenters in the ACTS Program will be investigating the use of new communication techniques in 

conducting scientific research. From operating remote laboratories to simply transmitting needed 

information from Arctic climates, ACTS can improve the way scientists operate and make it easier to 

distribute scientific results. 

EXPERIMENTS 

New Mexico State University 

Real-Time, High-Bandwidth Data Links 

ACTS will provide a high-bandwidth, real-time link to gain access and control of an astronomy telescope 

located at the Apache Point Observatory in south-central New Mexico by a remote user within the 

continental United States. The user will not have to be on-site during the observation period. The present 

mode of access to the observatory is through commercial, land-based telephone lines. 

New Mexico State University will look to ACTS to give the user a "touch and feel" for remote access and 

control and to provide the high-rate capacity needed for data transmission from a new, deep-sky telescope 

which will produce continuous, digital data from an array of sensors. They will also test ACTS for nonreal-time data networking to support observatory management, database sharing, computer conferencing, 

and similar services for the science community. Contact: Dr. Stephen Horan, 505/646-5870. 

National Science Foundation 

Antarctic Researcher Support 

Affiliated Organization: University of California-Santa Barbara 

ACTS would provide an advanced communications link between Palmer Station in the Antarctica and U.S. 

laboratories. It would also provide access to the INTERNET and high quality voice communications, allow 

rapid and relatively large transfer of data, and permit access to high data rate satellite information such as 

SAR sea-ice images. It would also allow for off-station logistics and scientific support, database 

management, data analysis, and open Palmer to as yet untapped educational opportunities. ACTS would 

contribute to increased researcher productivity thereby decreasing the number of researchers needed on-site 

and would provide a greatly needed link to the outside world from Palmer's remote location. Contact: 

Dennis Peacock, 202/357-7894. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 35 

George Washington University 

Supercomputer Networking Applications 

Affiliated Organizations: COMSAT Laboratories, Cray Research, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center 

(GSFC), Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

George Washington will use ACTS to demonstrate the ability of satellites to support high data rate 

communications such as distributed supercomputer applications. JPL will be able to access GSFC's 

supercomputer facilities to enable oceanic/atmospheric modeling. Also, supercomputers will be linked to 

accelerate weather forecasting. The experiments can simulate Earth and space science processes, create 

real-time visualization of the data, and distribute the data through a wideband data communications 

network. Contact: Dr. Burt Edelson, 202/994-1431. 

Pacific Space Center (PacSpace) and University of Hawaii 

Advanced Applications to Validate ACTS Technologies 

Affiliated Organizations: Argonne National Laboratory, Hawaii Space Development Authority 

The State of Hawaii faces unique communication problems caused by distance. PacSpace will utilize 

ACTS to help solve some of these problems and to perform a range of experiments. They will use the high 

capacity of an ACTS ground station to support other on-going programs at the University of Hawaii, 

involving image processing and management, high performance computing and communications, oceanic 

research, and integration of advanced communications networking. Experiments will test the practicality of 

remote access to large image databases for scientific, military and educational information. They also will 

test transfer of scientific research data to central facilities. Contact: Dr. David Yun, 808/533-1539. 

ADVANCING TECHNOLOGIES AND U.S. COMPETITIVENESS 

The ACTS Program has and will continue to contribute to the development of advanced technologies. 

Since ACTS will operate at the Ka-band frequency, off-the-shelf Ka-band components are now available. 

The spotbeam and onboard switching and processing technologies developed for ACTS have already in 

part been adapted for use in planned communication systems. American research efforts in high definition 

television (HDTV) and in integrated services digital networks are also being advanced by ACTS 

technology development. Smaller ground stations that transmit at higher data rates have been created for 

use with ACTS. The proving ground for all of these technologies is the ACTS Experiments Program. The 

testing and performance of the technology could yield important results that will impact future 

communication systems in years to come. 

ACTS technology not only advances the state-of-the-art but also strengthens U.S. competitiveness in the 

international telecommunications market. Since 1982, the U.S. share of the communications satellite and 

equipment market has shrunk in the face of increased competition from European and Japanese companies. 

NASA, in conjunction with industry, government and academia, developed the ACTS and its associated 

ground system to advance the U.S. competitive position in technologies expected to be widely used in the 

21st century. 

EXPERIMENTS 

Advanced Research Projects Agency 

High Data Rate Terminal Development and Experiments 

The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), in a cooperative effort with NASA, has sponsored the 

development of the High Data Rate (HDR) terminal as part of a satellite research testbed network using 

ACTS and in support of the federal High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) program. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 36 

The HPCC was developed as a multi-agency effort for the purposes of extending U.S. technological 

leadership in high performance computing and computer communications and of providing wide 

dissemination and application of these technologies. 

One element of the HPCC program is the development of technology for wide area gigabit (one billion bits 

per second) data networking. ARPA has the responsibility for coordinating the multi-agency research effort 

to achieve this capability. Also, ARPA has strong interests in investigating very high speed 

satellite/terrestrial communications for defense applications. NASA believes that satellites can render 

significant service in hastening the development of high data rate applications for commercial and 

government use. 

In order to achieve mutual goals, ARPA and NASA supported the development of the HDR terminal and 

experiments to challenge network capabilities and promote the state-of-the-art in this area. The HDR 

experiments are intended to demonstrate new capabilities and the functionality of high-speed 

communications. 

The ARPA HDR experiments will investigate the linking of satellite and fiber networks, the real-time user 

interaction with complex climate models created with supercomputer visualization, military applications, 

and the distribution of medical imagery. Experiment collaborations are currently being developed with: 

Ohio Supercomputer Center 

Public Broadcasting Service 

National Center for Atmospheric Research 

U.S. Army Future Battle Lab 

Army High Performance Computer Research Center 

Mayo Clinic 

Georgetown University 

University of Hawaii 

Contact: Paul Mockapetris, ARPA, 703/696-2262. 

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) 

Institute for Telecommunication Sciences 

Quantify ACTS End-to-End Communication System Performance 

The primary objective of NTIA's experiment is to measure and quantify the end-to-end digital 

communication system performance of ACTS from the end user's perspective. The experiment will also 

provide documented knowledge of advance communication satellite system performance. These 

measurements will be used to establish a baseline measure of performance of ACTS. This quantification of 

the ACTS system will enable performance comparisons of advanced satellites with other 

telecommunications technologies, e.g., public data networks and conventional communication satellite 

systems. 

This performance data will be used by NTIA/ITS to help develop national and international 

telecommunication standards that will strengthen the use of advanced communication satellites in 

telecommunication networks. Future networks may incorporate satellites in a hybrid network design where 

a satellite provides back-up and restoration services as well as thin-route and mobile communications. 

Contact: Marjorie Weibel, 303/497-3967. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 37 

Motorola, Inc. 

BBP Transmit Window Characterization 

High Burst Rate Modem Evaluation 

Coding Gain Evaluation 

Motorola will be conducting a series of experiments to technically challenge the ACTS system. In the first 

experiment, it will measure the times of data arriving at the ground station while varying transmit time in 

order to evaluate ACTS link erosion due to orbital variations and clock accuracies. 

The second experiment will test Motorola's modem technologies through the ACTS microwave switch 

matrix channel which is capable of higher data rates. Motorola will use advanced modulation techniques 

and coding to maximize bit error rate performance. 

The last experiment will investigate the effect of coding on ground station transmissions. Data will be 

transmitted in coded and uncoded modes, and bit error rates will be measured. The data will be evaluated 

to determine the advantage realized by coding techniques. Contact: Kerry Lee, 602/732-2299. 

COMSAT Laboratories 

Demonstration of Advanced Networking Concepts 

Affiliated Organization: INTELSAT 

The trend toward utilizing smaller ground station antenna sizes and increasing the use of higher frequency 

bands has focused attention on methods for overcoming rain-induced degradation of the satellite signal. 

One method is to integrate a number of VSATs through a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) into a Wide 

Area Diversity (WAD) Network. 

The objective of this experiment is to identify whether Ka-band VSATs can achieve error performance and 

availability levels defined for an international ISDN connection, despite the propagation conditions in these 

bands, based on the networking method described above. Successful penetration of satellite-distributed 

communications services into existing and new markets hinges on two factors: economics and quality of 

service. Economy can be achieved through use of smaller Earth stations. Availability is achievable through 

site diversity. COMSAT Laboratories will use ACTS to test this theory. Contact: Dr. Asoka Dissanayake, 

301/428-4411. 

Hopping Beam TDMA Operation Observations 

One of the most advanced features of ACTS is the combination of satellite baseband circuit switching, 

Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), and spotbeam hopping. This experiment will test the operation of 

these technologies and will evaluate receive and transmit acquisition performance under normal and worst 

case operational conditions. Contact: Robert Ridings, 301/428-4264. 

Corporate Computer Systems 

High Quality Audio (AMT) Experiment 

Affiliated Organizations: JPL, CBS Radio 

Two mobile satellite communications experiments are planned for ACTS. The first involves interfacing the 

AMT with a MUSICAM Perceptual Coder and operating this system at coded 64 kbps to demonstrate high 

quality mono audio transmission. The second experiment interfaces the equipment with the AMT and 

operates at uncoded 128 kbps. The experiments also involve testing of an algorithm built into the 

processing capabilities of the MUSICAM Perceptual Coder. The audio coder will monitor the received 

signal and vary the "amount of coding" necessary to maintain the link. Contact: Dr. Larry Hinderks, 

908/946- 3800. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 38 

MITRE Corporation 

Protocol Evaluation for Advanced Space Data Interchange 

MITRE will study the suitability of standard data communication protocols for future generations of 

communications satellites. The hopping spotbeam technology of ACTS, together with T-1 VSATs 

providing direct service to experimenters, suggests that the current method of payload data distribution, 

using a "bent-pipe" combined with a data distribution hub on the ground (the current Tracking and Data 

Relay Satellite System method), could be replaced or augmented by direct data distribution to users. 

ACTS will be tested and data communication protocols evaluated to determine feasibility of an ACTS-type 

system for data distribution. Contact: Quoc Nquyen, 703/883-5674. 

New Jersey Institute of Technology 

Traffic Modeling, Channel Characterization, Coding, and Modulation on the ACTS 

Affiliated Organization: Martin Marietta Astrospace 

The New Jersey Institute of Technology will perform a group of technology verification experiments. It 

will test various traffic models for video teleconferencing data. It also will investigate the performance of 

ACTS at Ka-band and will test several coding and channel equalization methods. Contact: Dr. Y. BarNess, 201/596-3520. 

University of Maryland Center for the Commercial Development of Space 

Frame Relay Experiments over ACTS: LAN Interconnection Services 

Affiliated Organizations: Comsat Labs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 

National Information Technology Center, and University of Colorado 

The University of Maryland will demonstrate fast packet switching communication using the ACTS T-1 

VSAT network as applied to interconnection of Local Area Networks (LANs). The experiment will 

measure the bit error rate and performance of congestion control algorithms and confirm ACTS Frame 

Relay conformance to performance requirements. It will also demonstrate the capability of satellites such 

as ACTS to interconnect geographically dispersed LANs. Applications to be tested include file transfer, 

electronic mail, and interactive visualization (X-Windows) between LANs. Contact: Dr. Anthony 

Ephremides, 301/405-3641. 

NASA Lewis Research Center 

On-orbit Spacecraft Dynamics 

This experiment will determine the spacecraft position (angular and range) as a function of time with 

respect to the Master Control Station at the NASA Lewis Research Center. Contact: Dr. Roberto Acosta, 

216/433-6640. 

Mini Terminal Test Bed (MTTB) 

The goal of this experiment is to develop and test a communications technology testbed. The testbed will 

contain state-of-the-art Ka-band subsystems and components currently being designed by the NASA Lewis 

Research Center, Space Electronics Division. The experiment will determine the performance of these 

components for possible use in future communications systems. Contact: Gene Fujikawa, 216/433-3495. 

Multi-beam Antenna Performance Verification 

This experiment will determine the ACTS on-orbit antenna performance and will validate the LeRC 

Structural/Thermal/RF Analysis Program. Contact: Dr. Roberto Acosta, 216-433/6640. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 39 

Networking Technical Experiment for BBP Operations 

Performance of the ACTS network control system and the adaptive rain fade compensation technique will 

be evaluated. Contact: Thom Coney, 216/433-2652. 

Microwave Switch Matrix and Wideband Transponder Performance Evaluation 

LeRC will verify the ACTS Microwave Switch Matrix (MSM) mode of operation through all of ACTS 

transponder paths. In addition, the experiment will verify that the MSM can support reliable high data rate 

communications. Also, various rain fade compensation algorithms will be developed and implemented to 

explore improved approaches. Contact: Don Hilderman, 216/433-3538. 

Communications Link Performance 

This experiment will measure co-frequency interference, adjacent frequency interference, adjacent burst 

interference, and uplink bit error rate performance under various conditions. It will also evaluate ground 

station performance and investigate clock accuracy on network performance. Contact: Dr. Jon Freeman, 

216/433-3380. 

ACTS Propagation Studies 

The ACTS Rain Attenuation Prediction Model will be tested to verify fade occurrence and duration 

predictions at ACTS ground stations. The experiment also will demonstrate the capability of rain fade 

compensation algorithms for the NASA Ground Station in Cleveland. Contact: Dr. Roberto Acosta, 

216/433-6640. 

Autotrack Control Performance 

This experiment will test and verify the on-orbit antenna pointing stability at peak thermal cycles. Contact: 

Dr. Roberto Acosta, 216/433-6640. 

HBR SMSK Interference Experiment (INTEX) 

LeRC will measure the bit error rate of a transmitted serial minimum shift-keyed modulated satellite signal 

in the presence of various types of interfering signals. Contact: Robert Kerczewski, 216/433-3434. 

Compressed Digital Video Transmission 

Satellite delivery of compressed digital video will be tested. The experiment also will demonstrate the 

effects of the ACTS system on a 25-30 Mbps broadcast quality digital television system while evaluating 

video compression hardware over a real channel. Contact: Wayne Whyte, 216/433-3482. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 40 

ACTS PROPAGATION EXPERIMENTS 

ACTS provides an opportunity to study the characteristics of impairments to Earth-space communications 

at Ka-band (30/20 GHz) caused by propagation phenomena and to develop techniques to counter them. 

Rain is a major impediment to Ka-band communications because it causes fades in the satellite signal. It 

presents quite a challenge to system designers because it causes more severe fades at this frequency than in 

other, lower frequency bands. 

Other phenomena also affect the satellite signal. Clouds and atmospheric gases -- such as water vapor and 

oxygen -- can also cause signal fades. Tropospheric scintillation (twinkling in the atmosphere) is another 

important factor. Also, the advent of smaller user terminals with their smaller operating margins increases 

the need for propagation data. 

The ACTS Propagation Program will determine the impairments to the satellite signal caused by the 

various physical phenomena during the planned experiment period. The experiments will: 

• provide a lasting base of 30/20 GHz propagation data for communications satellite builders, 

• collect propagation data for a minimum of 2 years, and 

• obtain information on the physical processes that cause signal impairments. 

Researchers in this field believe that it is necessary to conduct measurements over longer periods of time to 

obtain valid information concerning the effects of propagation phenomena on satellite signals. ACTS 

provides a unique opportunity to measure the effects at Ka-band for a statistically adequate time period and 

in different climatic areas for which no measurements currently exist. 

Lewis Research Center issued a NASA Research Announcement to solicit experiments to expand the 

current base of knowledge concerning propagation effects on Ka-band satellite signals. NASA sponsored 

the development and production of the ACTS Propagation Terminal for experimenters to use to conduct 

these measurements. The selected experiments consist of two defined classes. 

CLASS I: In situ measurements using the propagation terminal to obtain radio wave propagation 

data at 20 and 28 GHz using beacons on ACTS as the signal source. Propagation 

terminals will be located in various climate zones in North America to gather this data. 

EXPERIMENTS 

Colorado State University 

Ka-band Propagation Studies Using ACTS Propagation Terminal and the CSU-CHILL Multiparameter, 

Doppler Radar. 

Contact: V. N. Bringi, 303/491-5595. 

University of Alaska 

ACTS Propagation Measurements in Alaska. 

Contact: Dr. Charles E. Mayer, 907/474-6091. 

COMSAT Laboratories 

ACTS Uplink Transmit Power Control Measurement Experiment Ka-band Propagation Measurements

Experiment Using the ACTS Spacecraft. 

Contact: Dr. Asoka W. Dissanayake, 301/428-4411. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 41 

Stanford Telecommunications 

A Proposal for ACTS Propagation Experiments. 

Contact: Dr. Louis J. Ippolito, 703/438-8069. 

Affiliated Organizations: New Mexico State University, NASA HQ, Code O 

University of Oklahoma 

Rain Attenuation Statistics for the ACTS Propagation Experiments for Central Oklahoma. 

Contact: Prof. Robert E. Crane, 405/325-4419. 

University of British Columbia 

ACTS Ka-band Propagation Measurements in a West Coast Maritime Climate. 

Contact: Dr. M. M. Z. Kharadly, 604/822-2816. 

University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University 

Propagation Measurements Using ACTS. 

Contact: Dr. Rudolph E. Henning (USF), 813/974-4782 or Dr. Henry Helmken (FAU), 407/367-3452. 

CLASS II Measurements using either the ACTS communications channels or beacon signals to 

investigate other aspects of radio wave propagation on new communication services, 

such as multipath and blockage effects on mobile communications. 

EXPERIMENTS 

COMSAT Laboratories 

ACTS Wide Area Diversity Experiment 

Contact: Dr. Asoka Dissanayake, 301/428-4411. 

John Hopkins University and University of Texas 

Land-Mobile Satellite Measurements in Central Maryland and Alaska Using ACTS: Passive Antenna 

Tracking System and Mobile Receiver System 

Contact: Dr. Julius Goldhirsh (JHU), 301/953-5042 or Wolfgard J. Vogel (UT), 512/471-8608. 

Georgia Tech Research Institute 

RF Propagation Effects and ACTS Satellite Channel Characterization for Very Small Aperture Terminals 

Contact: Daniel Howard, 404/894-3541. 

In another effort Teleglobe Canada will be participating in the ACTS Propagation Program, using its own 

terminal to conduct measurements. The experiment effort is not funded by the NRA, but Teleglobe 

Canada's data will be included in the overall Program's propagation statistics. 

Teleglobe Canada 

Measuring Propagation Effects Utilizing ACTS 

Contact: Ara Karahisar, 514/868-8322. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 42 

ORBITING AND RETRIEVABLE FAR AND EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET 

SPECTROMETER - SHUTTLE PALLET SATELLITE (ORFEUS-SPAS) 

OVERVIEW 

The Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer - Shuttle Pallet Satellite 

(ORFEUS-SPAS) mission is the first in a series of missions using the German built ASTRO-SPAS science 

satellite. The ASTRO-SPAS program is a joint German/U.S. endeavor, based upon a memorandum of 

understanding between NASA and the German Space Agency, DARA. 

ASTRO-SPAS is a spacecraft designed for launch, deployment and retrieval by the Space Shuttle. Once 

deployed from the Shuttle by its Remote Manipulation System (RMS), ASTRO-SPAS operates quasiautonomously for several days in the Shuttle vicinity. After completion of the free flight phase, the satellite 

is retrieved by the RMS and returned to Earth. The ASTRO-SPAS program is very cost efficient, owing to 

the versatility and the retrievability of the carrier. 

ORFEUS-SPAS is an astrophysics mission, designed to investigate very hot and very cold matter in the 

universe. The one-meter diameter ORFEUS-Telescope with the Far Ultraviolet (FUV) Spectrograph and 

the Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Spectrograph is the main payload. A secondary, but highly complementary 

payload is the Interstellar Medium Absorption Profile Spectrograph (IMAPS). In addition to the astronomy 

payloads, ORFEUS-SPAS carries the Surface Effects Sample Monitor (SESAM) and the Remote IMAX 

Camera System (RICS). 

SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES 

The ORFEUS-SPAS Mission is dedicated to astronomical observations at very short wavelengths, 

specifically the two spectral ranges Far Ultraviolet (FUV, 90-125 n.m) and Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV, 40-

90 n.m). This part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is obscured by the Earth's atmosphere for 

ground-based observations, bears among the highest density of spectral lines (especially from various 

states of hydrogen and oxygen), which are emitted or absorbed by matter of very different temperature. 

ORFEUS-SPAS will add information to the understanding of the life-cycle of stars by observing some of 

the coldest (several degrees above absolute zero) and the hottest (more than one million degrees) matter 

found in our galaxy. Specific mission objectives are: 

• Investigation of physical parameters in hot stellar atmospheres 

• Investigation of cooling mechanisms of white dwarfs 

• Determination of physical parameters of stellar accretion-disks, e.g. mass transfer rates, orbital 

parameters and velocity 

• Shells associated with nova explosions and symbiotic stars 

• Investigation of supernova remnants 

• Investigation of the interstellar medium and potential star forming regions. In particular, determination 

of distance, density and temperature 

• Studies of the intergalactic medium by observations of quasar spectra 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 43 

Star formation is not yet completely understood. Stars are, however, known to be formed in dense clouds 

of interstellar gas and dust. Under gravitational contraction, these clouds can become dense enough to 

trigger star formation. ORFEUS-SPAS will observe the ultraviolet absorption lines associated with such 

clouds. 

More generally, ORFEUS-SPAS will investigate absorption line spectra of hydrogen and other elements in 

a wide range of excitation states. Hydrogen is the main constituent of such clouds and can get optically 

excited by background star light. ORFEUS-SPAS data will allow determination of the size, distance, 

density and temperature of such clouds, which in turn, aids our understanding of the circumstances under 

which interstellar clouds collapse and new stars are born. 

Once a star is formed, its evolution is mainly ruled by just one parameter, its mass. High mass stars burn 

energy, through nuclear fusion, more than 100,000 times faster than our sun. These processes give rise to 

bright ultraviolet emission and strong winds of hot ionized material. ORFEUS will study the surfaces and 

winds of such objects. 

Low-mass stars like Earth's sun burn their energy reserves relatively slowly, not emitting large amounts of 

ultraviolet radiation. The outermost layers of their atmospheres can become very hot, however, due to 

turbulent convection which creates shock-waves. ORFEUS will measure ultraviolet spectra of such hot 

layers of relatively cold stars in order to contribute to an understanding of their physics. 

Most stars end up as compact white dwarfs. These stars take a very long time to cool down. During this 

time, they emit most of their energy in the ultraviolet wavelength range. Moreover, they are among the 

brightest EUV sources, which makes them perfect targets for ORFEUS-SPAS observations. ORFEUS data 

will contribute to a new understanding of the cooling mechanisms of white dwarf stars. 

Once their energy reserves have been depleted, larger stars explode as supernovae and return their mass 

back to the interstellar medium. ORFEUS-SPAS is capable of tracing supernova remnants. 

Under certain circumstances, the stars of binary systems can exchange material, forming hot accretion 

disks. ORFEUS observations are aimed at determination of mass exchange rates, orbital parameters and 

viscosity. 

The physics of accretion disks is of particular interest in current astrophysical research, since there is good 

reason to believe that similar phenomena take place on a much larger scale in the centers of some galaxies, 

known as Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). Massive black holes are believed to be surrounded by huge 

accretion disks. This may even be the case at the center of Earth's galaxy, the Milky Way. Dense dust 

clouds almost completely prevent direct observation of this region. 

AGNs are inherently very bright, but because of the large distance from Earth, even the nearest ones 

appear very faint. Therefore, only the brightest AGN may be accessible to ORFEUS observations. Because 

little information is yet available on these exotic objects, even a single spectrum may lead to an important 

new understanding. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 44 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 45 

THE SCIENCE PAYLOAD 

The ORFEUS-SPAS science payload is provided by German and U.S. research institutions and funded 

through DARA and NASA. 

The core instrument is the ORFEUS telescope with the FUV Echelle spectrometer and the EUV 

spectrometer, built into the telescope structure. The one meter diameter ultraviolet telescope has a 2.426 m 

focal length. An iridium coating on the primary mirror serves as a reflection enhancement for ultraviolet 

wavelengths. Essential stability against mechanical and thermal load deformations is provided by the 

carbon fiber epoxy compound tube structure. 

The EUV spectrometer is directly exposed to light reflected off the main mirror. It covers the spectral 

range 40-115 n.m, offering a resolution of about 5000 over the whole bandwidth. In order to achieve this 

unprecedentedly high, resolution over such a wide band-width, a completely new design was used. A set of 

four novel gratings are the key to producing high quality spectra. The groove density of up to 6,000 lines 

per millimeter is not uniform, but varies over the gratings in a way which compensates for distortions 

introduced by their unusual location in the telescope beam. Novel detectors, allowing for the resolution of 

single photon events, can locate the distance between individual photons with a precision of about 30 

micro-meter. 

The FUV Echelle spectrometer is operated alternatively with the EUV spectrometer, by flipping a mirror 

into the beam reflected off the primary mirror. The FUV spectrometer covers the wavelength range 90-125 

n.m and provides a spectral resolution on the order of 10,000. Two reflection gratings disperse the light 

into a spectrum, which is projected onto a two-dimensional micro channel-plate-detector. The detector is 

optimized for high spatial resolution. 

IMAPS, the Interstellar Medium Absorption Profile Spectrograph is a separate instrument, attached to the 

ASTRO- SPAS framework. IMAPS was successfully flown on several sounding rocket missions. IMAPS 

will be operated for about 1 day during the ORFEUS-SPAS mission and during that time will observe the 

brightest galactic objects. IMAPS operates independently of the ORFEUS telescope. It covers the 95-115 

n.m band and provides a resolution of about 240,000, which is by far the highest spectral resolution ever 

achieved by a space telescope. This resolution allows study of fine structure in interstellar gas lines. The 

individual motions of interstellar gas clouds can be determined to an accuracy of 1.6 km per second. 

Another science payload is the Surface Effects Sample Monitor (SESAM), a passive carrier for state of the 

art optical surfaces and potential future detector materials. SESAM will investigate the impact of the space 

environment on materials and surfaces in different phases of a Space Shuttle mission, from launch, orbit 

phase to re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. Among the SESAM samples are also witness samples to the 

telescope mirror, allowing for accurate calibration measurements after landing. Sample spaces are available 

to scientific and industrial users. Since SESAM is very efficient with respect to volume, weight and 

resources, it is envisaged for future ASTRO-SPAS missions as well. 

The Remote IMAX Camera System (RICS) aboard ORFEUS-SPAS will take footage of the Shuttle during 

deployment and retrieval, to contribute to a motion picture. At the same time, RMS operations and the 

ORFEUS-SPAS satellite will be filmed by another IMAX camera aboard the shuttle. 

The ASTRO-SPAS Carrier 

ASTRO-SPAS is designed for up to 10 days of autonomous operation in the Shuttles vicinity, commanded 

by the mobile German SPAS Payload Operations Center (SPOC). To keep up with the extended mission 

capability of the Shuttle fleet, increasing the length of the ASTRO-SPAS operational phase is currently 

under investigation. 

ASTRO-SPAS provides standardized equipment support panels, extensive onboard facilities and resources 

to scientific payloads. Energy is provided by a new powerful Li-SO2 battery pack, which was space 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 46 

qualified for ASTRO-SPAS. Precise attitude-control is achieved by a 3-axis stabilized cold gas system in 

combination with a star tracker and a specially developed space borne GPS receiver. The versatility of 

ASTRO- SPAS permits it to support experiments ranging from ultraviolet astronomy to infrared sensing of 

the Earth's atmosphere. Refurbishment between missions is achieved in less than a year. 

THE SCIENCE PAYLOAD 

Instrument Team Leader Features

 

Far Ultraviolet Spectrograph 

(FUV) 

M. Grewing, G. Kraemer, 

Astronomisches Institut, 

Universitaet Tuebingen; I. 

Appenzeller, Landessternwarte, 

Heidelberg 

Coverage of the 90-125 n.m 

wavelength range, spectral 

resolution of 10,000, Microchannel Plate Detector with 

optimized spatial resolution 

 

Extreme Ultraviolet 

Spectrograph (EUV) 

S. Bowyer, M. Hurwitz, 

University of California at 

Berkeley, CA 

Coverage of the 40-115 n.m 

wavelength range, spectral 

resolution of 5,000; detection of 

individual photons 

 

Interstellar Medium Absorption 

Profile Spectrograph (IMAPS) 

E. Jenkins, Princeton University, 

Princeton, N.J. 

Coverage of 95-115 n.m 

wavelength range; spectroscopy 

of interstellar gas lines spectral 

resolution of about 240,000; 

sub-Doppler 

 

Surface Effects Sample Monitor 

(SESAM) 

D.-R. Schmitt, Deutsche 

Forschungs-anstalt fuer Luftund Raumfahrt (DLR) 

Braunschweig 

Carrier for optical samples to 

investigate degradation of 

surfaces and materials in space 

environment; 40 places for user 

provided samples 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 47 

KEY SPACECRAFT CHARACTERISTICS 

Total Weight 3,154 kg (1,905 kg available to science payload) 

 

Dimensions 4.50 m (payload envelope), 2.50 m (front to rear) 

 

Design Concept Carbon fiber framework, modular equipment support panels support for a 1.2 m 

telescope 

 

Power System New modular Li-SO2 battery pack with 10 kwh each, total of 40 kwh available to 

payload 

 

Attitude Control 3-axis-stabilized cold gas system 

 

Thrusters 12 nozzles of 100 mN thrust each 

 

Attitude Verification Precision star tracker and Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver 

 

Pointing Accuracy Better than 5 arc seconds 

 

Telemetry/ S-band link to Shuttle, utilizing NASA standard 

 

Telecommand Near Earth Transponder 

 

Data Storage Onboard tape recorder, 60 Gbit 

 

Mission Control Mobile Micro VAX based SPAS Payload Operations Center (SPOC) set up at KSC 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 48 

Mission Control 

ASTRO-SPAS mission control is provided by the SPOC ground station at KSC. The Shuttle is used as a 

relay station for the command and telemetry link. Real time telemetry data analysis and commanding is 

provided by the micro-VAX-based ground station. Science data are stored by an onboard tape recorder. 

Downlink of quick-look data is available. 

Future ASTRO-SPAS Missions 

The DARA/NASA ASTRO-SPAS program makes provisions for at least three more joint missions. The 

second mission, named CRISTA-SPAS (Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescope for the 

Atmosphere), will be launched in 1994. A better understanding of the photo-chemistry and small scale 

dynamics of the Earth's-atmosphere are the main objectives of the CRISTA-SPAS mission. 

A reflight of ORFEUS-SPAS is planned as the third ASTRO- SPAS mission. Increased mission duration 

and possibly improved instrument performance may allow for an extended extra-galactic observation 

program. 

CRISTA-SPAS is planned to be reflown as the fourth ASTRO- SPAS mission. In addition, an Automated 

Rendezvous and Capture (ARC) mission, utilizing the ASTRO-SPAS carrier, may be flown later this 

decade as a joint project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. The ARC mission is 

designed to demonstrate automated rendezvous and capture technologies in support of the space station. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 49 

STS-51 ORFEUS/SPAS RENDEZVOUS OPERATIONS 

The ORFEUS/SPAS will be released by Mission Specialist Dan Bursch using Discovery's mechanical arm 

on the second day of the mission. 

While Bursch works with the arm to release the satellite, fellow crew member Jim Newman will oversee 

the mechanical operations of the ORFEUS instrument and the SPAS. The majority of commands to 

ORFEUS, however, will come from ground controllers. 

Once Bursch has released the satellite, Commander Frank Culbertson will fire Discovery's small steering 

jets twice to separate from the vicinity of ORFEUS/SPAS, moving at least 13 nautical miles ahead of the 

satellite. 

For ORFEUS/SPAS operations, science ground controllers require at least 1 1/2 hours of communications 

with ORFEUS/SPAS out of every 4 1/2 hours (three orbits). For these transmissions, Discovery must act as 

a relay station -- ground communications will reach ORFEUS/SPAS via Discovery and vice versa. 

ORFEUS/SPAS will fly free of Discovery for almost 6 days. Discovery will move from being ahead of the 

satellite to trailing it the day before it is recaptured. The actual maneuvers to recapture the satellite will 

begin about 5 1/2 hours before ORFEUS/SPAS is captured, with Discovery trailing 30 n.m. behind the 

satellite. Discovery then will perform an engine firing to begin closing in on to a point 8 n.m. behind the 

satellite at a rate of about 11 n.m. per orbit. After two orbits and one fine-tuning burn once the 

ORFEUS/SPAS is in sight of the electronic star trackers on the Shuttle's nose, Discovery will reach the 8 

n.m. point. 

From 8 n.m., the final rendezvous sequence begins with the Terminal Intercept (TI) burn. The TI burn, 

occurring less than 2 hours before capture, will send Discovery on a final approach to ORFEUS/SPAS. As 

Discovery closes in, four mid-course correction firings will be done, if needed, with the Shuttle's small 

steering jets. The dish-shaped Ku-band antenna on the Shuttle will obtain a radar lock on the satellite. 

About 1 hour, 10 minutes before capture, when Discovery is passing about 1 statute mile below 

ORFEUS/SPAS, Culbertson will take manual control of the rendezvous. Around that time, two laser 

ranging devices that measure distance and closing rate by bouncing a laser beam off of the satellite, will be 

used for navigation as well. One laser ranging unit is hand-held and will be pointed by Pilot Bill Readdy 

through the Shuttle cockpit window at ORFEUS/SPAS. A second laser ranging unit, being flown for the 

first time, mounted in the cargo bay of Discovery, will be remotely operated. These two units will 

supplement onboard radar information. 

Culbertson will brake Discovery, flying with the control stick on the flight deck as it moves toward 

ORFEUS/SPAS, finally reaching a point a few hundred feet in front of the satellite. While Discovery is 

closing in, Bursch will extend the mechanical arm. With Culbertson moving Discovery to within 35 feet of 

ORFEUS/SPAS and holding position, Bursch will grapple the satellite and reberth it in the cargo bay for 

the trip back to Earth. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 50 

LIMITED DURATION SPACE ENVIRONMENT CANDIDATE 

MATERIALS EXPOSURE (LDCE) 

The primary objective of the Limited Duration Space Environment Candidate Material Exposure (LDCE) 

is to introduce development composite materials to a flux atomic oxygen atoms in low-Earth orbit. The 

candidate materials-polymeric, coated polymeric, and light metallic composites will have undergone 

extensive ground based material performance testing prior to being attached to reusable test fixtures 

designed for multi- mission Space Shuttle use. 

The LDCE, configuration C, consists of two standard 5- cubic-foot GAS cans with Motorized Door 

Assemblies (MDAs). A crewmember uses the Autonomous Payload Control System to control the payload 

from the aft flight deck. The LDCE is a simple exposure experiment that utilizes an MDA on each can but 

does not contain any batteries or fluids. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 51 

CHROMOSOMES AND PLANT CELL DIVISION IN SPACE (CHROMEX-4) 

Principal investigators: Dr. Abraham Krikorian, State University of New York at Stony Brook Dr. Mary 

Musgrave, Louisiana State University Dr. Norman Lewis, Washington State University 

The upcoming flight of the CHROMEX-4 experiment is the fourth in a series of Life Sciences middeck 

experiments dealing with the growth of plants in microgravity. 

The CHROMEX-4 payload consists of three scientific experiments. They are plant reproduction studies 

which are a reflight of the CHROMEX-3 experiment; plant cell developmental studies which carry the 

studies of CHROMEX-1 and CHROMEX-2 to another plant species; and cell wall formation and gene 

expression studies. The CHROMEX-4 payload also will provide the opportunity to evaluate a new nutrient 

support system developed at Washington State University. 

The anticipated science benefits may lead to new strategies to manipulate and exploit the effect of gravity 

in plant growth, development, biochemistry and biotechnology. Such understandings will directly benefit 

the agriculture, horticulture and forestry industries which depend upon plant growth for their products. 

The plants being studied on CHROMEX-4 are mouse-ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) and a strain of wheat 

(Triticum aestivum). 

Arabidopsis is a small, fast-growing plant widely studied by plant scientists. It is found in the wild and 

cultivated for research. This plant will self pollinate during the 9-day mission and begin producing seeds. 

Dr. Musgrave will investigate the effects of the microgravity environment on seed production and seed 

forming structures of the plants. 

Triticum is a superdwarf variety of wheat and has been widely studied among plant researchers. Root and 

shoot development, cell wall formation and gene expression studies are being conducted on these 

specimens by Drs. Krikorian and Lewis. 

These plant specimens and their nutrient support systems are integrated with the Plant Growth Chambers 

(PGC) approximately 1 day before launch. The PCGs are loaded into the Plant Growth Unit (PGU). The 

PGU replaces one standard middeck locker and requires 28 volts of power from the orbiter. This hardware 

provides lighting, limited temperature control and data acquisition for post-flight analysis. The payload 

crew is required to perform nominal experiment activities consisting of a daily status check to monitor the 

PGU's systems' function. 

Following the flight of these plants, the investigators will perform complete dissections of the entire plant 

structure and preserve the tissues by chemical fixation or flash freezing. 

The PGU was developed by NASA. The experiment is sponsored by NASA's Office of Life and 

Microgravity Sciences and Applications. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 52 

STS-51 EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY 

STS-51 crewmembers Carl Walz and Jim Newman will perform a 6-hour extravehicular activity (EVA), or 

spacewalk, on the fifth day of the mission as a continuation of a series of test spacewalks NASA is 

conducting to increase experience with spacewalks and refine spacewalk training methods. 

Walz will be designated extravehicular crew member 1 (EV1) and Newman will be EV2. Pilot Bill Readdy 

will serve as the intravehicular (IV) crew member inside Discovery, supervising the coordination of 

spacewalk activities in the Shuttle's cargo bay. 

In addition to performing tasks that investigate a spacewalker's mobility in general, Walz and Newman will 

evaluate several tools that may be used during the servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) later 

this year on mission STS-61, including a power socket wrench, a torque wrench, foot restraint, safety 

tethers and tool holder. 

Unlike Shuttle mission STS-57, the astronauts will not use the 50-foot long robot arm during the 

spacewalk, since it will be important for use several days after the spacewalk to retrieve the ORFEUSSPAS satellite. Walz and Newman will spend part of their time outside Discovery testing various types of 

rigid and semi-rigid tethers as well as moving up and down the bay carrying each other, evaluating how 

well spacewalking astronauts can maneuver in weightlessness with a large object. 

Other tests include an evaluation of how well an astronaut must be restrained in weightlessness to apply a 

large amount of tightening to a bolt using the tools provided. In addition, the spacewalkers will use a large 

tool onboard Discovery for use in case of a problem with the ACTS/TOS satellite's deployment to evaluate 

methods of using bulky tools. 

As is the rule with the test spacewalks, the STS-51 EVA will be one of the lowest priorities of the flight, 

subject to cancellation if needed due to a problem with one of the primary payloads. It is planned with a 

minimum of extra equipment flown on Discovery, making optimum use of materials already aboard for 

other purposes. 

The planned spacewalk will be the third such test spacewalk this year. Previous spacewalk tests were 

conducted on STS-54 in January and STS-57 in June. NASA plans to continue adding spacewalks to 

Shuttle flights when they can be performed without interference to the primary activities onboard. The 

STS-51 spacewalk is the final test EVA planned for 1993. The spacewalks planned for STS-61 in 

December will be performed to service the HST and not for test purposes. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 53 

RADIATION MONITORING EQUIPMENT-III (RME-III) 

The Radiation Monitoring Equipment-III (RME-III) measures ionizing radiation exposure to the crew 

within the orbiter cabin. RME-III measures gamma ray, electron, neutron and proton radiation and 

calculates in real time exposure in RADS-tissue equivalent. The information is stored in a memory module 

for post-flight analysis. 

The hand-held instrument is stored in a middeck locker during flight except for when the crew activates it 

and replaces the memory module every two days. RME-III will be activated by the crew as soon as 

possible after they achieve orbit and it will operate throughout the mission. A crew member will enter the 

correct mission elapsed time upon activation. ME-III is sponsored by the Department of Defense in 

cooperation with NASA. 

AIR FORCE OPTICAL SITE (AMOS) 

This geophysical environmental study will test ground based optical sensors. The experiment will also 

examine contamination/exhaust plume phenomena using the Space Shuttle as a calibration target. 

AURORA PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIMENT-B (APE-B) 

The mission objectives of the Aurora Photography Experiment-B (APE-B) are to photograph the airglow 

aurora, auroral optical effects, the Shuttle glow phenomenon and thruster emissions in the imaging mode of 

photography as well as in the Fabry-Perot and spectrometer modes of photography. 

COMMERCIAL PROTEIN CRYSTAL GROWTH (CPCG) 

The Commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG) payload is designed to conduct experiments which 

supply information on the scientific methods and commercial potential for growing large high-quality 

protein crystals in microgravity. The CPCG payload consists of Commercial Refrigerator/Incubator 

Modules (CR/IM's) and their contents. 

There are two possible configurations for this experiment, Block I and Block II. This experiment is 

configured in Block II configuration for the STS-51 mission, in which the CR/IM contents consist of four 

cylinder containers of the same diameter but different volumes. The four cylinders are 500 mm, 200 mm, 

100 mm and 20 mm. Depending on the specific protein being flown, the temperature is either lowered or 

raised in up to a five-step process over Flight Day 1 and 2. 

One CR/IM occupies the space of one middeck stowage locker. Orbiter 28V dc power is provided to the 

CPCG CR/IM via single power cables from a standard middeck outlet. The CPCG experiment is installed 

at the pad within launch minus 24 hours. 

HIGH RESOLUTION SHUTTLE GLOW SPECTROSCOPY (HRSGS-A) 

The High Resolution Shuttle Glow Spectroscopy-A (HRSGS-A) is an experimental payload designed to 

obtain high resolution spectra in the visible and near visible wavelength range (4000 angstroms to 8000 

angstroms) of the Shuttle surface glow as observed on the orbiter surfaces which face the velocity vector 

while in low Earth-orbit. The spectral resolution of the spectrograph is 2 angstroms and it is hoped this will 

help identify the cause of the Shuttle glow. The HRSGS-A will look at the vertical tail, Orbital 

Maneuvering System Pod or a suitable alternative. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 54 

IMAX 

The IMAX payload is a 70 mm motion picture camera system for filming general orbiter scenes. The 

system consists of a camera, lenses, rolls of film, two magazines with film, an emergency speed control, a 

Sony recorder and associated equipment, two photographic lights, supporting hardware in the form of 

mounting brackets to accommodate the mode of use, two cables and various supplemental equipment. 

The IMAX and supporting equipment are stowed in the middeck for in-cabin use. The IMAX uses two film 

magazines which can be interchanged as part of the operation. Each magazine runs for approximately 3 

minutes. When both magazines are consumed, reloading of the magazines from the stowed supply of film 

is required. Lenses are interchanged based on scene requirements. The IMAX will be installed in the 

orbiter middeck approximately 7 days prior to launch. 

INVESTIGATION INTO POLYMER MEMBRANES PROCESSING (IPMP) 

The research objectives of the IPMP is to flash evaporate mixed solvent systems in the absence of 

convection to control the porosity of a polymer membrane. Two experimental units will be flown. Each 

unit will consist of two 304L stainless steel sample cylinders connected to each other by a stainless steel 

packless valve with an aluminum cap. Before launch, the two larger canisters are evacuated and sealed 

with threaded stainless steel plugs using a Teflon( tape threading compound. 

In the smaller units, a thin film polymer membrane is swollen in a solvent compound. The film is rolled up 

and inserted into the canisters. The small canisters are sealed at ambient pressure (approximately 14.7 

psia). The valves are secured with Teflon( tape. 

The locker containing the IPMP payload will be installed in the orbiter during the period from L-6 to L-3 

days. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 55 

STS-51 CREWMEMBERS 

STS051-S-002 -- STS-51 CREW PORTRAIT -- These five NASA astronauts have been assigned to fly 

aboard the space shuttle Discovery for the STS-51 mission, scheduled for July. Left to right are astronauts 

Frank L. Culbertson, Jr., mission commander; Daniel W. Bursch and Carl E. Walz, mission specialists; 

William F. Readdy, pilot; and James H. Newman, mission specialist. 

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 56 

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA 

Frank L. Culbertson Jr., 44, Capt., USN, will command STS-51. Selected as an astronaut in 1984, 

Culbertson will be making his second space flight and considers Holly Hill, SC, his hometown. 

Culbertson graduated from Holly Hill High School in 1967 and received a bachelor of science in aerospace 

engineering from the Naval Academy in 1971. 

After serving aboard the USS Fox in the Vietnam War, Culbertson was designated a Naval aviator in 1973 

and, from 1974-1976, he served as an F-4 Phantom pilot aboard the USS Midway. Subsequently, he was 

assigned as an exchange pilot with the Air Force, serving as a weapons and tactics instructor at Luke Air 

Force Base, Ariz., until 1978. His next assignment was as the catapult and arresting gear officer aboard the 

USS John F. Kennedy. In 1982, he graduated with distinction from the Naval Test Pilot School and, 

subsequently, served as a test pilot in the Carrier Systems Branch. He was engaged in fleet replacement 

training in the F-14A Tomcat in 1984 until his selection by NASA. 

Culbertson's first shuttle flight was as pilot of STS-38, a Department of Defense-dedicated mission in 

November 1990. He has logged more than 117 hours in space, more than 4,500 hours flying time in 40 

different types of aircraft and 450 carrier landings. 

William F. Readdy, 41, will serve as pilot. Selected as an astronaut in 1987, Readdy will be making his 

second space flight and considers McLean, Va., his hometown. 

Readdy graduated from McLean High School in 1970 and received a bachelor of science in aeronautical 

engineering from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1974. 

Readdy was designated a Naval aviator in 1975. From 1976- 1980, he served as an A-6 pilot aboard the 

USS Forrestal. He graduated from the Naval Test Pilot School in 1981. His Navy assignments included the 

Strike Aircraft Test Directorate, instructor duty at the Naval Test Pilot School and strike operations officer 

aboard the USS Coral Sea. 

In 1986, Readdy accepted a reserve commission from the Navy to join NASA as a research pilot and 

aerospace engineer at JSC. Prior to his selection as an astronaut, he served as program manager for the 

Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. 

Readdy's first flight was on STS-42, the first flight of the International Microgravity Lab (IML), in January 

1992. Readdy has logged more than 193 hours in space and more than 5,500 hours flying time in 50 types 

of aircraft, including more than 550 carrier landings. 

James H. Newman, 36, will be Mission Specialist 1 (MS1). Selected as an astronaut in 1990, Newman 

will be making his first space flight and considers San Diego, Calif., his hometown. 

Newman graduated from La Jolla High School, San Diego, in 1974; received a bachelor of arts in physics 

from Dartmouth College in 1978; and received a master's and doctorate in physics from Rice University in 

1982 and 1984, respectively. 

Newman performed post-doctoral work at Rice in atomic and molecular physics and was appointed an 

adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Space Physics in 1985. He later joined NASA, serving as a 

simulation supervisor for astronaut training at the time of his selection 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 57 

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA 

Daniel W. Bursch, Commander, USN, will be Mission Specialist 2 (MS2). Selected as an astronaut in 

January 1990, Bursch will be making his first space flight and considers Vestal, NY, his hometown. 

Bursch graduated from Vestal Senior High School in 1975; received a bachelor of science in physics from 

the Naval Academy in 1979; and received a master's in engineering science from the Naval Postgraduate 

School in 1991. 

Bursch was designated a Naval flight officer in 1979 and was assigned to Attack Squadron 34 as a 

bombardier/navigator in the A-6E Intruder. He graduated from the Naval Test Pilot School in 1984 and 

later returned to the school as a flight instructor. Later, he was assigned as strike operations officer for 

Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group One. He had just completed work at the Naval Postgraduate School 

at the time of his selection by NASA. 

He has logged more than 1,800 flying hours in 35 types of aircraft. 

Carl E. Walz, 37, Major, USAF, will be Mission Specialist 3 (MS3). Selected as an astronaut in January 

1990, Walz will be making his first space flight and was born in Cleveland. 

Walz graduated from Charles F. Bush High School, Lyndhurst, Ohio., in 1973; received a bachelor of 

science in physics from Kent State University in 1977; and received a master's in solid state physics from 

John Carroll University in 1979. 

Commissioned in the Air Force, from 1979-1982, Walz was assigned as radiochemical project officer with 

the 1155th Technical Operations Squadron at McClellan Air Force Base, Calif. He graduated as a flight 

test engineer from the Air Force Test Pilot School in 1983. From 1983-1987, Walz was assigned to the F16 Combined Test Force, and in 1987 he was assigned as a flight test program manager at Det. 3, Air Force 

Flight Test Center, where he served at the time of his selection by NASA. 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 58 

STS-51 MISSION MANAGEMENT 

NASA HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON, DC 

Office of Space Flight 

Jeremiah W. Pearson III Associate Administrator 

Bryan O'Connor Deputy Associate Administrator 

Tom Utsman Space Shuttle Program Director 

Brewster Shaw Director, Space Shuttle Operations (JSC) 

Loren Shriver Technical Assistant to the Director of Space Shuttle Operations (KSC) 

Office of Advanced Concepts and Technology 

Gregory M. Reck Acting Associate Administrator 

Jack Levine Acting Director, Flight Projects Division 

Andrew B. Dougherty Spacehab Utilization Program Manager 

Richard H. Ott Acting Director, Space Processing Division 

Ana M. Villamil Acting Deputy Director, Space Processing Division 

Dan Bland Commercial Middeck Augmentation Module Project Manager (JSC) 

Office of Safety and Mission Assurance 

Col. Frederick Gregory Associate Administrator 

Charles Mertz Acting Deputy Associate Administrator 

Richard Perry Director, Programs Assurance 

Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications 

Gary Martin SAMS Program Manager 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL 

Robert L. Crippen Director 

James A. "Gene" Thomas Deputy Director 

Jay F. Honeycutt Director, Shuttle Management and Operations 

Robert B. Sieck Launch Director 

David King Discovery Flow Director 

J. Robert Lang Director, Vehicle Engineering 

Al J. Parrish Director of Safety, Reliability and Quality Assurance 

John T. Conway Director, Payload Management and Operations 

P. Thomas Breakfield Director, Shuttle Payload Operations 

Joann H. Morgan Director, Payload Ground Operations 

Mike Kinnan STS-51 Payload Manager 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 59 

MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER, HUNTSVILLE, AL 

Thomas J. Lee Director 

Dr. J. Wayne Littles Deputy Director 

Alexander A. McCool Manager, Shuttle Projects Office 

Harry G. Craft Jr. Manager, Payload Projects Office 

Sid Saucier Manager, Space Systems Projects Office 

Alvin E. Hughes Manager, Upper Stage Projects 

Dr. George McDonough Director, Science and Engineering 

James H. Ehl Director, Safety and Mission Assurance 

Otto Goetz Manager, Space Shuttle Main Engine Project 

Victor Keith Henson Manager, Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor Project 

Cary H. Rutland Manager, Solid Rocket Booster Project 

Parker Counts Manager, External Tank Project 

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON, TX 

Aaron Cohen Director 

Paul J. Weitz Deputy Director 

Daniel Germany Manager, Orbiter and GFE Projects 

David Leestma Director, Flight Crew Operations 

Eugene F. Kranz Director, Mission Operations 

Henry O. Pohl Director, Engineering 

Charles S. Harlan Director, Safety, Reliability and Quality Assurance 

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, BAY ST. LOUIS, MS 

Roy S. Estess Director 

Gerald Smith Deputy Director 

J. Harry Guin Director, Propulsion Test Operations 

AMES-DRYDEN FLIGHT RESEARCH FACILITY, EDWARDS AFB, CA 

Kenneth J. Szalai Director 

Robert R. Meyers Jr. Assistant Director 

James R. Phelps Chief, Shuttle Support Office 

AMES RESEARCH CENTER, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 

Dr. Dale L. Compton Director 

Victor L. Peterson Deputy Director 

Dr. Joseph C. Sharp Director, Space Research 

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER, GREENBELT, MD 

Dr. John Klineberg Director 

Thomas E. Huber Director, Engineering Directorate 

Robert Weaver Chief, Special Payloads Division 

David Shrewsberry Associate Chief, Special Payloads Division 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 60 

LEWIS RESEARCH CENTER 

Lawrence J. Ross Director 

J. Stuart Fordyce Deputy Director 

Thomas H. Cochran Director, Space Flight Systems 

Richard T. Gedney Manager, ACTS Project Office 

Rodney M. Knight Deputy for Operations and Experiments 

Ronald J. Schertler ACTS Experiments Office 

GERMAN SPACE AGENCY (DARA), BONN, GERMANY 

Heinz Stoewer Managing Director Space Utilization 

Gernot Hartmann Head of Space Science Division 

Roland Wattenbach ASTRO-SPAS Program/Project Manager, 

Klaus Steinberg ORFEUS-SPAS Project Manager 

Rolf Densing ASTRO-SPAS System Scientist 

Wolfgang Frings ASTRO-SPAS Representative at NASA-JSC 

Franz-Peter Spaunhorst Head of Public Affairs Office 

Rudolf Teuwsen ASTRO-SPAS Public Affairs Manager 
Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 61 

SHUTTLE FLIGHTS AS OF JULY 1993 

56 TOTAL FLIGHTS OF THE SHUTTLE SYSTEM -- 31 SINCE RETURN TO FLIGHT 

STS-56 

04/08/83 - 04/17/93 

STS-53 

12/02/92 - 12/09/92 

STS-55 

04/26/93 - 05/06/93 

STS-42 

01/22/92 - 01/30/92 

STS-52 

10/22/92 - 11/01/92 

STS-48 

09/12/91 - 09/18/91 

STS-50 

06/25/92 - 07/09/92 

STS-39 

04/28/91 - 05/06/91 

STS-46 

07/31/92 - 08/08/92 

STS-40 

06/05/91 - 06/14/91 

STS-41 

10/06/90 - 10/10/90 

STS-45 

03/24/92 - 04/02/92 

STS-35 

12/02/90 - 12/10/90 

STS-51L 

01/28/86 

STS-31 

04/24/90 - 04/29/90 

STS-44 

11/24/91 - 12/01/91 

STS-32 

01/09/90 - 01/20/90 

STS-61A 

10/30/85 - 11/06/85 

STS-33 

11/22/89 - 11/27/89 

STS-43 

08/02/91 - 08/11/91 

STS-28 

08/08/89 - 08/13/89 

STS-51F 

07/29/85 - 08/06/85 

STS-29 

03/13/89 - 03/18/89 

STS-37 

04/05/91 - 04/11/91 

STS-61C 

01/12/86 - 01/18/86 

STS-51B 

04/29/85 - 05/06/85 

STS-26 

09/29/88 - 10/03/88 

STS-38 

11/15/90 - 11/20/90 

STS-9 

11/28/83 - 12/08/83 

STS-41G 

10/05/84 - 10/13/84 

STS-51-I 

08/27/85 - 09/03/85 

STS-36 

02/28/90 - 03/04/90 

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-34 

10/18/89 - 10/23/89 

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-30 

05/04/89 - 05/08/89 

STS-57 

06/21/93 - 07/01/93 

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-27 

12/02/88 - 12/06/88 

STS-54 

01/13/93 - 01/19/93 

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-61B 

11/26/85 - 12/03/85 

STS-47 

09/12/92 - 09/20/92 

STS-1 

04/12/81 - 04/14/81 

STS-6 

04/04/83 - 04/09/83 

STS-41D 

08/30/84 - 09/05/84 

STS-51J 

10/03/85 - 10/07/85 

STS-49 

05/07/92 - 05/16/92 

 

OV-102 

Columbia 

(14 flights)

OV-099 

Challenger 

(10 flights)

OV-103 

Discovery 

(16 flights)

OV-104 

Atlantis 

(12 flights)

OV-105 

Endeavour 

(4 flights)