The Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) observatory was launched on February 14, 1980, aboard a Delta 3910 launch vehicle. After attaining its planned 310 by-310 n. mi. orbit, the SMM began its study of the solar corona, solar flares, and solar radiation. The mission had achieved a number of scientific objectives when, 10 months after launch, the onboard primary attitude and control system failed. The SMM was subsequently spin stabilized about its principal (+X) axis which is offset from the instrument module line-of-sight by approximately 6 degrees. Despite this lack of fine control, the spacecraft continued its coarse pointing at the Sun, and three of the seven SMM instruments continued to collect significant data. In addition to the Attitude Control System (ACS) failure, three scientific instruments experienced problems. The Hard X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (HXIS) has failed so that it cannot be repaired onorbit. The Soft X-Ray Polychromator's (XRP) sensor receives noise as a result of periodic roll-axis orientation of its propane exhaust port in line with the velocity vector. The Coronagraph/Polarimeter (C/P) Main Electronics Box (MEB) has also failed, necessitating replacement of the entire MEB. The Solar Maximum Spacecraft is the only orbiting solar observatory. Utilizing the Space Transportation System (STS) with a Flight Support System (FSS) payload for onorbit recovery and repair will provide additional years of solar science data. Additionally onorbit servicing/retrieval, as a planned capability unique to the Shuttle, is required for programs other than the Solar Naximum Mission, e.g., Landsat, Long Duration Exposure Facility, and the Space Telescope. A demonstration of repair/retrieval capability will encourage other users to incorporate these capabilities in their satellite design and demonstrate the benefits of the shuttle.
Solar Maximum Repair Mission (SMRM) Prelaunch Report
1984
36 pages
Report
No indication
English
Unmanned Spacecraft , Manned Spacecraft , Solar maximum mission , Prelaunch summaries , Satellite design , Space transportation system , Attitude control , Imaging spectrometers , Sun , Remote manipulator system , Spacecraft maintenance , Long duration exposure facility , Multimission modular spacecraft , Payloads , Oso
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