|
|||||
 | |||||
On July 1, 1999, a Joint Integrated Simulation (JIS) was held at Johnson Space Center (JSC) in preparation for mission STS-99. A JIS is the largest scale simulation of mission operations that are conducted. JSC flight controllers sit in the actual mission control center, and engineers and researchers from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California sit in the payload operations control center which provides operational control for the experiments on board the Space Shuttle. The mission STS-99 crew, including astronaut Mohri, sit in the Shuttle Mission Simulator which is almost identical to a real Space Shuttle. Flight controllers and the crew operate according to the shift plan of the mission. This simulation simulates activities from two hours after the launch to 24 hours form that point. During this period, the 60m mast is extended and the first mapping (data collection for generating a map) is conducted. During an ordinary JIS, the instructor team intentionally generates many problems to train the crew for each of the cases. However, since this simulation is the first JIS, a smooth mast extension was scheduled. Aided by computer graphic images and data which is generated by a simulator, crew members and controllers can be trained as if they are operating actual equipment. As the launch approaches, more JISs occur. Payload Operation Astronaut Mohri is continuing to train on SRTM operation, which is his primary on-orbit task. Using a payload trainer at JSC, crew members receive training on operating the SRTM antenna and system monitoring equipment such as operation panels and lap top computers. Astronaut Mohri received some training on July 14, together with astronauts Janice Voss and Dominic L. Gorie, who are on the same shift. During this training, instructors intentionally generate trouble cases. Referring to the procedure, astronauts determine the causes of the problem and execute the necessary procedures. Most astronaut training is composed of such unscheduled procedures. Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) On July 28, the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) was conducted at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC). This test was conducted in Space Shuttle Endeavour after it was prepared for the mission, and many items were confirmed based on what they learned in the training or on the contents of the procedures. These included any problems or inconveniences remaining in the equipment and any remaining discrepancies. Tools to be used in case of troubles as well as the toilet and beds necessary for life in space were checked as well. In August, Space Shuttle Endeavour will be connected to the external tank and solid rocket boosters, and rolled out to Pad 39A for launch.
The next training report will be issued in early September.
Last Updated : Aug. 17, 1999
|
|
