These ignitors burn-off the hydrogen concentration outside the orbiter, near the Shuttle main engines. The Chandra X-ray Observatory will remain powered up inside the orbiter and will not be adversely affected by the scrub. Eight middeck payloads will be removed, reserviced and installed back inside the orbiter during the down period. AXAF is the most sophisticated X-ray observatory ever built. It is is designed to observe X-rays from high energy regions of the universe, such as hot gas in the remnants of exploded stars.
Scientists can obtain sensitive photometric measurements of astronomical targets.
In particular, the purpose is to demonstrate that composite ceramic precursors composed of large particulates and small colloidal sols can be produced in space with more structural uniformity. It will also show that this improved uniformity will result in finer matrix grain sizes and superior physical properties. Shape memory deployment hinges offer controlled shockless deployment of solar arrays and other spacecraft appendages. Because plants cannot move away from stressful conditions, they have developed mechanisms that monitor their environment and direct effective physiological responses to harmful conditions. These devices include accelerometers, gyros, and environmental and chemical sensors.