STARDUST Status Report
November 21, 1997
Ken Atkins
STARDUST Project Manager
The Readiness Review for moving formally to the Assembly, Test and Launch
Operations (ATLO) phase of the development was completed this week. Chairman
Frank Carr led the board through the 2 1/2 day agenda. The review objectives
were to:
* Assess the Status of Flight Products To Be Delivered to ATLO
o Flight Hardware
o Flight Software
* Assess the Readiness of the Ground System to Support ATLO
o Ground Data System & Flight Operations System
o Electronic and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment
o Spacecraft Test Laboratory (STL)
o Ground Test Software
* Assess the Adequacy of the ATLO Schedule
o To Perform the Integration and Test Functions
o Is Schedule Margin Allocated Appropriately
o Assess Denver Facilities Availability and Readiness to Support ATLO
Summary Board Comments at the end of the Review gave solid affirmation
of the readiness to proceed. The formal Board report will be provided shortly
after Thanksgiving.
NASA Ames Research Center completed the arc jet testing of the heat shield
model blocks of ablator material. These tests confirmed the flight worthiness
of the heatshield. Preliminary analysis of the results also show that both
spares are qualified, along with the already-installed flightunit.
Eglin AFB completed initial supersonic stability tests with sample return
capsule models. All test cases of the first test model were stable.
A letter from Paul Wild (Comet Wild 2 Discoverer) was received to be
placed on the microchip that will fly round trip to the Comet. His letter
and info will be on the site soon. Also, if you haven't filled out the form
to send your name along on the SRC (Sample Return Capsule).....get on board!!
Just click on the words the web master has provided elsewhere on the site.
Best wishes from the STARDUST Team for a meaningful time of giving thanks
next week. I specifically submit thanks for a country with the capability,
courage and will to be sending machines like STARDUST into the unknown to
learn more about who we are. It is indeed a great privilege for us to represent
you in this great adventure.
For more information on the STARDUST mission - the first ever comet sample
return mission - please visit the STARDUST home page:
http://stardust.jpl.nasa.gov/
