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MER-2 Processing Notes |
| The MER-A Delta II launch vehicle carrying the “Spirit” Mars Exploration Rover was launched successfully from Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Tuesday, June 10. The official liftoff time was 1:58:46.773 p.m. EDT. Communication with the spacecraft through the Deep Space Network indicates that the spacecraft is in good health and on the proper trajectory. There are no issues or concerns with the mission at this time. (June 13, 2003 status report) |
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The Flight Readiness Review for
MER-A was held today in the Mission Briefing Room at KSC. At its conclusion, NASA managers affirmed Sunday, June 8 as the launch date for
MER-A. The next major activity is the fueling of the Delta second stage on Thursday, June 5 with its complement of storable hypergolic propellants. The payload fairing was installed around the spacecraft last weekend on Saturday, May 31. MER-A was hoisted atop the Delta II rocket at Pad 17-A on May 27. A state of health check was successfully completed on May 28. The Flight Program Verification, an integrated vehicle/spacecraft test and the final major test before the launch, was completed on May 29. 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. The Simulated Flight Test, an electrical test of the vehicle’s systems used during powered flight, was successfully completed on May 21. (June 4, 2003 status report) |
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The MER-2 rover, mated to the upper stage booster and contained within its payload transporter rolled out of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility this morning at 2:20 a.m. It arrived at Pad 17-A at 4:30 a.m. It was hoisted atop the Boeing Delta II rocket at 9:15 a.m. A spacecraft state of health check is scheduled to occur on Wednesday and the integrated vehicle/spacecraft Flight Program Verification test will follow on Thursday. Installation of the fairing around the spacecraft is scheduled to occur this Saturday, May 31. Fueling of the Delta second stage with its complement of storable hypergolic propellants is currently planned to occur June 5. Some additional schedule margin is being added to complete the management reviews required prior to launch. Therefore, launch is being retargeted to occur no earlier than June 8. A final decision on the launch date will be made next Monday, June 2. MER-A 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. 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. The Simulated Flight Test, an electrical test of the vehicle’s systems used during powered flight, was successfully completed on May 21. (May 27, 2003 status report) |
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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. (May 21, 2003 status report) |
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Mating of the MER-2 entry vehicle to the cruise stage was completed on May 7. The spacecraft has completed its weight and center of gravity determination and underwent its initial spin balance testing. On May 11 the spacecraft was fueled. Tomorrow night, May 15, will be second spin test now that the spacecraft is fueled. During routine testing of the cruise stage and the MER-2 rover over the weekend, an unexpected measurement in the rover’s power system was observed. Troubleshooting is under way but it is not expected to delay the schedule of planned pre-launch spacecraft preparations at this time. The MER-A mission will have two launch opportunities each day during the launch period, which is scheduled to close 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 Delta MER-A solid rocket booster erection begins today with the first three set of motors being attached to the first stage, the second set of three will be erected on Thursday, May 15, and the final set will be hoisted into position on Friday, May 16. The first stage was erected on Pad 17-A on Wednesday, April 23. The second stage erection was completed on Monday, April 28 and the fairing was hoisted into the white room on April 30. The Simulated Flight test of the first stage was successfully completed May 9. The spacecraft is scheduled to be mated to the third stage in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) on May 23. MER-2 will be transported to the launch pad on May 27. (May 14, 2003 status report) |
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The reworked telecom support boards (TSB) have been installed on both MER landers. MER-2 lander integration was completed on Thursday, April 24. Integration of the MER-2 entry vehicle (back shell, heat shield, lander and rover assembly) has been completed. Last week the spacecraft had a weight and center of gravity determination followed by a dry-spin test. Fueling is planned for May 11 and will be followed by another spin test once fuel is aboard. On MER-1, rover installation onto the base petal has been completed and the lander’s air bag installation is scheduled for this week. The mission will have two launch opportunities each day during the launch period, which is scheduled to close on June 19. Arrival at Mars is set for Jan 4, 2003, regardless of the launch date within that period. On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, first stage was erected on Wednesday, April 23, for MER-A on Pad 17-A. Second stage erection was completed on Monday, April 28, and fairing on April 30. Simulated Flight and Engine Sequence is currently scheduled for May 9. The solid motor erection is scheduled for May 14-16. For MER-B on Pad 17-B, the solid rocket boosters will be erected May 19-24; the second stage will be hoisted atop the first stage on May 28. (May 5, 2003 status report) |
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Good progress has been made in the circuit board rework and the reinstallation on the two Mars rovers. As a result, the launch of
MER-A can be moved up by one day on the recovery schedule. Launch is now scheduled for Thursday, June 5. The first reworked telecom support board (TSB) arrived and was installed on MER-2 on April 16. Rover equipment deck (RED) was reinstalled on April 17. MER-2 lander integration was completed on Thursday, April 24. Integration of MER-2 entry vehicle (back shell, heat shield, lander and rover assembly) scheduled to continue through next week. On MER-1, the telecom support board (TSB) was installed on April 18. MER-1 rover and lander base petal final assembly was completed on Thursday, April 24. Rover installation on base petal is in work and scheduled to be completed by the end of next week. Lander air bag scheduled for installation by the end of next week. The mission will have two launch opportunities each day during the launch period, which is scheduled to close on June 19. Arrival at Mars is set for Jan. 4, 2003, regardless of launch date within that period. On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, first stage and interstage were erected on Wednesday, April 23 for MER-A on Pad 17-A. Second stage erection is currently scheduled for Saturday, April 26 following with fairing installation on April 29. Simulated Flight and Engine Sequence is currently scheduled for May 9. The solid motor erection is scheduled for May 12-14. (April 25, 2003 status report) |
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The beginning of the launch period for the first of NASA’s two Mars Exploration Rover missions will be rescheduled until no earlier than June 6 to allow time to address a potential problem raised during pre-launch tests of the spacecraft over the weekend. The concern regards cabling that connects the spacecraft’s main computer, which is inside the rover, to peripherals in the cruise stage, lander and small deep space transponder. The connection to the cruise stage is severed during approach to Mars and the connection to the lander is severed before the rover drives off. Pre-launch testing revealed a potential problem in how the spacecraft interprets signals sent when the cables are severed. The problem will require fixing on both rovers. The work is not expected to effect the launch period for the second rover mission which is scheduled to open June 25 and close July 15 for a landing Jan. 25, 2004. However, the second mission cannot launch until 10 days after the first one. The remedy will require some disassembly of the spacecraft at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Fla. The work cannot be done within the schedule of preparations for the original May 30 opening of the launch period. The mission will have two launch opportunities each day during the launch period, which is scheduled to close on June 19. Arrival at Mars is set for Jan. 4, 2003, regardless of launch date within that period. On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, first and second stage processing activities for the MER-A vehicle continues in Hangar AO and erection on Pad 17-A is planned to begin April 22. Erection of the vehicle for MER-B is planned to begin May 24. (April 14, 2003 status report) |
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Yesterday on MER-1, the science boom was deployed, tested and retracted. On Monday, March 31 a functional test and mission simulation was performed that included deployment of the solar arrays, camera mast and
camera. A functional test of the camera was also performed. This test will be repeated on Friday, April 4. On MER-2, the solar arrays have been stowed for flight and the rover was installed on the base petal on March 28. Closeouts are now underway. Installation of the landing airbags will also occur on Friday, April 4. Processing of the cruise stage, lander and heat shield elements for both missions continues. Once functional testing and mission simulation of the flight elements is complete, they will be integrated together. Each spacecraft will be mated to a solid propellant upper stage booster that will propel the spacecraft out of Earth orbit. After mating to the upper stage, the stack will undergo spin balance testing. Approximately ten days before launch, the fully integrated payload will be transported to the launch pad for mating with their respective Boeing Delta II rockets. On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, first and second stage processing activities continue in launch vehicle hangars. A combined electrical system test is scheduled for Friday, April 4. The Boeing Delta II vehicle for the first launch of the two launches scheduled on May 30 is planned for erection on Pad 17-A at Space Launch Complex 17 beginning April 22. The Delta for the second launch on June 25 will begin its erection at Pad 17-B on May 1. (April 3, 2003 status report) |
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On March 21, MER-1 was driven on a test pad that included navigating the rover over obstacles simulating Martian terrain. The camera also underwent functional testing. A functional test and mission simulation is scheduled for this weekend that includes deployment of the lander petals, the solar arrays, camera mast and camera. A second functional test and mission simulation for MER-2 was successfully completed last weekend and the rover will be stowed on the lander base petal late this week. Processing of the cruise stage, lander and heat shield elements for both missions continues. Once functional testing and mission simulation of the flight elements is complete, they will be integrated together. Each spacecraft will be mated to a solid propellant upper stage booster that will propel the spacecraft out of Earth orbit. After mating to the upper stage, the stack will undergo spin balance testing. Approximately ten days before launch the payload will be transported to the launch pad for mating with their respective Boeing Delta II rockets. The Boeing Delta II vehicle for the first launch of the two launches scheduled on May 30 is planned for erection on Pad 17-A at Space Launch Complex 17 beginning April 22. The Boeing and NASA review to assess the engineering readiness of the Delta II for MER-A was completed on March 19 at the Boeing plant in Huntington Beach, Calif. The Delta for the second launch on June 25 will begin its erection at Pad 17-B on May 1. Boeing’s Delta II Heavy Design Certification Review for MER-B was completed on March 20. (March 26, 2003 status report) |
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Final build-up of the two rovers is going well. A second functional test and mission simulation for MER-2 is scheduled to occur beginning tomorrow and last through the weekend. The initial functional test and mission simulation for MER-1 is planned for the last week of March. Processing of the cruise stage, lander and heat shield elements continues. The flight battery installation is complete. Once functional testing and mission simulation of the flight elements is complete, they will be integrated together. Each spacecraft will be mated to a solid propellant upper stage booster that will propel the spacecraft out of Earth orbit. After mating to the upper stage, the stack will undergo spin balance testing. Approximately ten days before launch the payload will be transported to the launch pad for mating with their respective Boeing Delta II rockets. The Boeing Delta II vehicle for the first launch of the two launches scheduled on May 30 is planned for erection on Pad 17-A at Space Launch Complex 17 beginning April 18. The Boeing and NASA review to assess readiness of the vehicle and the launch pad for the MER-A mission is underway today at the Boeing plant in Huntington Beach, Calif. The Delta for the second launch on June 25 will begin its erection at Pad 17-B on May 1. Boeing’s Delta II Heavy Design Certification Review for MER-B is scheduled for tomorrow, March 20. (March 19, 2003 status report) |
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At
Kennedy Space Center, the second of the two Mars Exploration
Rovers, MER-1, arrived on Tuesday, March 11 and has begun
its prelaunch testing in the Payload Hazardous Servicing
Facility (PHSF). A functional test of the MER-2 rover systems
was conducted on Mar. 6 and Mar. 9 and included deployment
of the lander petals, the rover's solar arrays, camera mast
and camera. The camera also took test images. A similar
test for MER-1 is scheduled to occur late next week.
Once functional testing and mission simulation of the flight elements is complete, they will be integrated together. Each spacecraft will be mated to a solid propellant upper stage booster that will propel the spacecraft out of Earth orbit. After mating to the upper stage, the stack will undergo spin balance testing. Approximately ten days before launch the payload will be transported to the launch pad for mating with their respective Boeing Delta II rockets. The Boeing Delta II vehicle for the first launch of the two launches scheduled on May 30 is planned for erection on Pad 17-A at Space Launch Complex 17 beginning April 18. The Delta for the second launch on June 25 will begin erection activities on May 1 on Pad 17-B. (March 13, 2003 status report) |
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At
Kennedy Space Center, the first of two Mars Exploration
Rovers, MER-2 has begun its prelaunch testing in the
Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF). Processing of
the MER-1 cruise stage, lander, aersoshell and heat shield
is also underway. A functional test of the MER-2 rover
systems will be conducted on March 6 and March 9. The
MER-1 rover is scheduled to arrive at KSC on March 11.
Once functional testing and mission simulation of the flight elements is complete, they will be integrated together. Each spacecraft will be mated to a solid propellant upper stage booster that will propel the spacecraft out of Earth orbit. After mating to the upper stage, the stack will undergo spin balance testing. Approximately ten days before launch the payload will be transported to the launch pad for mating with their respective Boeing Delta II rockets. The Boeing Delta II vehicle for the first launch of the two launches scheduled on May 30 is planned for erection on Pad 17-A at Space Launch Complex 17 beginning April 18. The Delta for the second launch on June 25 will begin erection activities on May 1 on Pad 17-B. (March 5, 2003 status report) |
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The first of two Mars Exploration Rovers, MER-2, arrived at the Kennedy Space Center on Monday from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. The cruise stage, aeroshell and lander for the Mars Exploration Rover-1 mission also arrived with it. This same flight hardware for the MER-2 rover arrived Jan. 27. However, this rover is scheduled to arrive at KSC around March 10. The Boeing Delta II vehicle for the first of the two launches, scheduled on May 30, is planned for erection on the pad at Space Launch Complex 17 beginning April 18. The Delta for the second launch on June 25 will begin erection activities on May 1. While at KSC, each of the two rovers, the aeroshells and the landers will undergo a full mission simulation. All of these flight elements will then be integrated together. After spin balance testing, each spacecraft will be mated to a solid propellant upper stage booster that will propel the spacecraft out of Earth orbit. Approximately ten days before launch, they will be transported to the launch pad for mating with their respective Boeing Delta II rockets. The rovers will serve as robotic geologists to seek answers about the evolution of Mars, particularly for a history of water. (February 28, 2003 status report) |
| The cruise stage, aeroshell and lander for the MER-2 mission arrived at the KSC Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) on Monday, Jan. 27. The identical flight hardware for MER-1 and the first of the two Mars Exploration rovers will arrive at KSC on Monday, Feb. 24. The second rover will arrive the second week of March. (February 19, 2003 status report) |
| The cruise stage, aeroshell and lander for the MER-2 mission arrived at the KSC Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) on Monday, Jan. 27. The lander, aeroshell and cruise stage were then removed from the shipping container to begin processing. The identical MER-1 flight hardware will arrive at the PHSF on Feb. 17. The two Mars Exploration rovers arrive at KSC in late February and early March. (February 12, 2003 status report) |
| The cruise stage, aeroshell and lander for the MER-2 mission arrived at the KSC Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) at 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27. The lander was unpacked, cleaned and placed in the high bay on Tuesday. The aeroshell and cruise stage were removed from the shipping container today. The identical MER-1 flight hardware will arrive in mid-February. The first of the two Mars Exploration rovers will arrive at KSC in late February and early March. (February 5, 2003 status report) |
| The cruise stage, aeroshell and lander for the MER-2 mission arrived at the KSC Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) at 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27. The lander was unpacked, cleaned and placed in the high bay on Tuesday. The aeroshell and cruise stage were removed from the shipping container today. The first of the two Mars Exploration rovers will arrive at KSC in February. (January 29, 2003 status report) |
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Page Last Revised |
Page & Curator Information |
06/20/2003 |
Curator:
Kay Grinter (kay.grinter-1@ksc.nasa.gov) /
InDyne, Inc. |