FLIGHT 9A

S1 Truss Segment

Summary of Mission

Flight 9A operations extend from Orbiter launch, through mated Orbiter-Space Station operations, and conclude with Stage 19 deployment. These cover payload preparation activities, Space Station and Orbiter system checkout, Orbiter rendezvous and docking, Space Station assembly, subsystem activation and checkout, and Orbiter departure operations. Prior to Orbiter launch, Space Station ground control personnel send commands to prepare the station for rendezvous, docking and assembly activities. Following Orbiter departure, the Space Station is an independent spacecraft and performs autonomous Stage 19 operations, including reboost with the necessary command inputs from Space Station ground personnel.

Flight 9A has five Orbiter crew members and three Space Station crew members. The Orbiter docks to PMA-2 on the US Lab in a tail-down configuration. The mission duration is 7 days plus 1 day for Space Station contingency plus 2 days for Orbiter contingency (7 + 1 + 2). Three assembly EVAs are planned on Flight 9A. All EVAs use the Station Airlock. Consumables are available to perform a contingency EVA during the Space Station contingency day if needed.

The following is a summary of the events occurring on this flight:

Rendezvous of the Orbiter with the Space Station occurs along the velocity vector (V-bar) at an altitude of 215 nmi.
The complete stage configuration reflects the installation of "S1" truss segment.
The "S1" truss segment is attached to the starboard side of the "SO" truss. The major components of the S1 truss include: the starboard activeTCS, second string of S-band communication system, external camera sets and CETA CETA cart.
The primary function of S1 truss segment is to provide the heat transport and heat rejection capability required for the ISSA active thermal system.
The segment also provides MT translation and worksite accommodations, communications equipment installations, utilities distribution within the segments and between adjoining segment, crew and equipment translation and EVA worksite provision and launch support for various ISSA equipment items.
The primary structure of the S1 segment consists of a 45 foot long aluminum truss with mechanically fastened joints.