page_title: Window Observational Research Facility
section_title: Operations
hierarchical_section_title: Window Observational Research Facility / Operations
caption_attribution_description: English: The Window Observational Research Facility (WORF) Patch This patch represents the essential elements associated with pressurized Earth science research aboard the International Space Station. At the top of the patch Klingon script spells out the acronym WORF making reference to the famed Star Trek character of the same name. In doing so it attests to the foresight, honor, integrity and persistence of all those who made the WORF possible. To the right of the Klingon script is a single four pointed star in the form of a cross to honor the late Dr. Jack Estes and Dr. Dave Amsbury, the individuals most responsible for seeing to it that an optical quality, Earth science research window was added to the United States laboratory module, “Destiny”. The “flying eyeball” represents the ability of the ISS to allow scientists and astronauts to make and record continuous observations of natural and manmade processes on the surface of the Earth. The “Destiny” laboratory is depicted on the right of the patch above the United States Flag and highlights the position of the nadir looking, optical quality, science window on the module. The light emanating from the window from the lighted interior of the module appropriately illuminates the National Ensign for display during both day and night time. In the center of the patch, below the flying eyeball is a graphic representation of the WORF rack. A science instrument is mounted on the WORF payload shelf and is recording data of the Earth’s surface through the nadir looking, science window over which the WORF rack is mounted. An astronaut is depicted to the left of the WORF rack and is shown operating an imaging instrument, emphasizing the importance of astronaut participation to achieve the maximum scientific return from orbital research.
context_page_description: The Window Observational Research Facility is an experiment rack facility manufactured by the Brazilian Space Agency, which remotely operated payloads and crew members can perform Earth and space science research, including hand held photography, at the U.S. Laboratory Science Window on the International Space Station. WORF is based on an International Standard Payload Rack and utilizes avionics and hardware adapted from the EXPRESS Rack program. The rack provides a payload volume equivalent to 0.8 m³, and will be able to support up to three payloads simultaneously, depending on available resources and space available at the window. The WORF will also provide access and equipment for crew Earth observations, such as crew restraints, camera/camcorder brackets, and condensation prevention.
  WORF payloads include those focusing on, geology, agriculture, ranching, environmental and coastal changes, and education.
context_section_description: After transfer into the US Lab, WORF will be installed in the LAB1D3 location over the Destiny Window. The installation process includes attaching light close-outs, removing launch fasteners, connecting to U.S. Laboratory resources and installing mounting brackets.
  After installation, WORF will be powered on by crew/ground command and a checkout will be performed to ensure all systems are functioning. After checkout, WORF will be ready to support payload operations. Typical payload operations will include mounting the imaging equipment on the payload shelf, connecting power/data cables, powering payload subsystems and initiating payload software.
  WORF Payload operations will consist of crew-tended or automated activities. For crew-tended operations, the WORF hatch will be removed and the crew member can use the payload shroud to block any incoming light from the U.S. Laboratory. For automated operations, the hatch will be installed to protect the payload hardware and commands can be sent to the payload via the ground or WORF laptop computer.
caption: WORF mission patch
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