Publisher's Synopsis
A Debris/Ice/Thermal Protection System (TPS) assessment and photographic analysis was conducted for Space Shuttle Mission STS-31R. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad are performed before and after launch. Ice/frost conditions on the External Tank are assessed by the use of computer programs, nomographs, and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography is analyzed after launch to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in-flight anomalies. The debris/ice/TPS conditions and photographic analysis of Mission STS-31R, is presented along with their overall effect on the Space Shuttle Program. Katnik, Gregory N. and Higginbotham, Scott A. and Davis, J. Bradley Kennedy Space Center CRYOGENICS; DEBRIS; EXTERNAL TANKS; HIGH SPEED PHOTOGRAPHY; INFRARED SCANNERS; INSPECTION; NOMOGRAPHS; PHOTOGRAPHS; SPACE SHUTTLES; SPACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FLIGHTS; ANOMALIES; COMPUTER PROGRAMS; DAMAGE; LAUNCHING...
