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EVA Preparation Training On June 14, 1999, Astronaut Mohri participated in EVA preparation training using the Space Shuttle Mock-up at Johnson Space Center. During mission STS-99, a 60m antenna is extended from Space Shuttle. If the antenna extension fails, astronauts Kavandi and Thiele will perform an EVA to resolve the problem. Mission STS-99 adopts a double shift in which six crew members are divided into two groups, and one group works while the other is asleep. Usually, an astronaut performing an EVA also performed the EVA preparation. However, for an unscheduled EVA, astronaut Mohri and astronaut Gorie might conduct the EVA preparation while astronaut Kavandi and Thiele are asleep to save time. During the EVA training, astronaut Mohri prepared various EVA tools, conducted a space suit leak check, prepared potable water for use during EVA, and applied antifog to the inside of the space suit helmet. This training should make the two EVA crew members feel fine. Mission Sequence Test June 19, Saturday was a holiday, but the six STS-99 crew members attended the SRTM Mission Sequence Test conducted at Kennedy Space Center. A Mission Sequence Test is conducted to confirm the function of each component and the connection between them. It is conducted with the SRTM radar antenna, a computer and data recorders connected and operated by astronauts in a simulated on-orbit sequence. Operating flight hardware is a rare opportunity even for crew members. Equipment used for training courses are made almost the same way as the flight hardware, but they are not the actual flight items. Together with other crew members, astronaut Mohri operated the on-orbit computer, exchanged the data recorders' cassette tapes, and exchanged devices assuming the data recorder malfunctions (in flight maintenance).
Entry Training One of astronaut Mohri's roles is to support the Commander and the Pilot during Shuttle reentry. During the Shuttle reentry, he sits in the rear seat on the flight deck, and checks whether the Commander and the Pilot are operating according to the procedure. When needed, he supports them and the MS2 who serves as the flight engineer. On June 24, reentry training was conducted using the flight simulator at Johnson Space Center. During ground training using a simulator, Shuttle malfunctions are intentionally set up so that the crew members are trained to cope with them. Since the crew members have to respond to all anticipated cases, this is a difficult training which requires concentration, memorization, and judgement. This training will be continued until just prior to the launch. The next report will be issued by the middle of August.
Last Updated : August. 2, 1999
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