[meteorite-list] Mars Exploration Rovers Update - May 21, 2003

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:25:42 2004
Message-ID: <200305212104.OAA25110_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/status/paylstat/2003/may/5-21-03p.htm

SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
May 21, 2003

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
321/867-2468
 
MISSION: Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A vehicle/MER-2 rover)
LAUNCH VEHICLES: Delta II
LAUNCH PADS: 17-A
LAUNCH DATES: June 5, 2003
LAUNCH TIMES: 2:16 p.m. / 2:55:29 p.m. EDT

Three days of spin balance testing of MER-2 is scheduled to
conclude today. The spacecraft was fueled on May 11. The Delta third
stage, the upper stage that will propel the spacecraft on an interplanetary
trajectory, arrived at the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF)
yesterday, Tuesday, May 20. MER-2 will be mated to the third stage on
Friday, May 23. On Saturday, work will begin to install the spacecraft into
the transportation canister in preparation for going to the launch pad next
Tuesday, May 27.

MER-2 aboard the MER-A Delta II launch vehicle will have two
launch opportunities each day during the launch period that closes on June
19. Arrival at Mars is set for Jan 4, 2004, regardless of the launch date
within that period.
     
On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Simulated Flight Test
(SimFlight) that includes a checkout of the launch vehicle's avionics system
and electrical system is under way today.

The Delta first stage for MER-A was erected on Pad 17-A on April
23. The second stage erection was completed on April 28, and the fairing
was installed in the white room on April 30. The solid rocket booster
erection began on May 13 with the first set of three motors being attached
to the first stage. The second set of three was erected on May 14, and the
final set was hoisted into position on May 15.


MISSION: Mars Exploration Rover (MER-B vehicle/MER-1 rover)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Delta II Heavy
LAUNCH PAD: 17-B
LAUNCH DATE: June 25, 2003
LAUNCH TIME: 12:38:16 a.m. / 1:19:19 a.m. EDT

The MER-1 lander was mated to the cruise stage yesterday, May 20.
Fueling of MER-1 is scheduled for May 27-28, spin balance testing on May 29,
mating to the Delta third stage on June 14, and transportation to the launch
pad for mating to the Delta on June 15.

The MER-B vehicle's first stage is on Pad 17-B. Erecting the nine
solid rocket boosters in sets of three a day began yesterday, May 20. The
second set of three is being erected today and the final set will be
installed tomorrow, May 22. The second stage will be hoisted atop the first
stage on May 28.

The MER-B launch period closes July 15.

[snip]

 
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Received on Wed 21 May 2003 05:04:17 PM PDT