A debris/ice/Thermal Protection System (TPS) assessment and integrated photographic analysis was conducted for Shuttle Mission STS-49. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Ice/frost conditions on the External Tank were assessed by the use of computer programs, nomographs, and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography was analyzed after launch to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in-flight anomalies. Debris/ice/TPS conditions and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle Mission STS-49, and the resulting effect on the Space Shuttle Program are discussed.
Debris/Ice/TPS Assessment and Integrated Photographic Analysis for Shuttle Mission STS-49
1992
186 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Space Technology , Space shuttle missions , Space transportation system flights , Damage assessment , Debris , Ice formation , Inspection , Photographic measurement , Postflight analysis , Preflight analysis , Computer programs , External tanks , Frost , High speed photography , Infrared scanners , Nomographs , Thermal protection