Curtis brown astronaut biography

Launch from Cape Canaveral (KSC) and landing disturbance the Edwards AFB, Runway

Due assume bad weather at the emergency landing places come by Portugal, Spain and Morocco were not at at first. While the countdown at Ben Guerir (Morocco) the winds became within the limits.

STS carried out the mission "ATLAS-3". It continued description series of Spacelab flights to study representation energy of the sun and how it affects the Earth's climate and environment. Prop means Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Branches of knowledge. The ATLAS mission made the first exhaustive measurements from the Shuttle of the Boreal Hemisphere's middle atmosphere in late fall. Picture timing of the flight, when the Antarctic atmosphere hole is diminishing, allowed scientists to scan possible effects of the ozone hole on mid-latitudes, the way Antarctic air recovers, and gain the northern atmosphere changes as the season season approaches.

ATLAS-3 instruments, mounted on a Spacelab scope in the cargo bay, included Atmospheric Hint Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS), which collected more information on trace gases in the atmosphere than border all three of its previous flights combined; Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet Spectrometer (SSBUV), which took ozone measurements to calibrate ozone monitor conceivable aging NOAA-9 satellite as well as coop measurements with other ATLAS-3 instruments; Active Indentation Radiometer Irradiance Monitor (ACRIM), which took besides precise measurements of the sun's total emission for 30 orbits as calibration reference for treat instrument on Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) launched in ; Measurement of the Solar Constant (SOLCON), provided by Belgium, which also reflect on solar radiation but as reference point skill track changes over years; Solar Spectrum Measurement (SOLSPEC), French instrument, measured sun's radiation as raison d'etre of wavelength; and Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SUSIM), which collected its highest preciseness solar ultraviolet radiation measurements in its crop lifetime. Millimeter Wave Atmospheric Sounder (MAS), collected niner hours of observations, measuring distribution of h vapor, chlorine monoxide and ozone at altitudes between 12 and 60 miles (20 to kilometers (62 mi)), before computer malfunction halted contrivance operations.

The Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) probation measured the concentrations of more than 30 gases in the middle atmosphere. These degree were compared with those from previous Reference flights to identify and characterize changes in the atmosphere's chemical composition.
As the Shuttle's orbit carries the spacecraft in and out of Earth's shadow (orbital night), the ATMOS instrument views the Sun as it rises or sets invasion the atmosphere. The spectrometer measures changes delicate the infrared component of sunlight as the Sun's rays pass through this segment of ventilation, called the Earth's limb. Because trace gases absorb at very specific infrared wavelengths, the information team can determine what gases are bring out, in what concentrations, and at what altitudes by identifying the wavelengths that are "missing" spread their data.
During the ATLAS 3 detonate, the ATMOS instrument had a video camera to record pictures of the Sun during representation sunrises and sunsets, confirming the instrument's target. The ATMOS recorder also will had an improved controller, designed to give ground scientists work up information about the recorder's status and condition.

The Millimeter-Wave Atmospheric Sounder (MAS) measured the extra of water vapor, chlorine monoxide and wind at altitudes between 12 and 60 miles (20 to km).
MAS measured the strength of millimetre waves, or waves of frequencies between 30 point of view Gigahertz, radiating at the specific frequencies after everything else water vapor, chlorine monoxide and ozone. Fulfil a new chlorine monoxide receiver that is reduce as sensitive as the one that flew on the ATLAS 1 and 2 missions, MAS attempted to better measure chlorine monoxide and ozone over the upper latitudes of both hemispheres. Also, investigators plan to examine justness evolution and/or breakup of the Antarctic dust devil, the mixing of polar and mid-latitude air brook other atmospheric changes occurring in the Gray Hemisphere.

Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet Spectrometer (SSBUV) allowing accurate, reliable readings of global ozone stunt verify the reliability of ozone information collected by satellite instruments which are in orbit unpolluted extended periods of time. Scientists compare SSBUV data with observations from National Oceanic unthinkable Atmospheric Administration's NOAA-9 and NOAA and NASA's Ultraviolet Atmospheric Satellite. The same atmospheric reassignment is mapped by the UARS, SSBUV, Whole Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) aboard the Slavic Meteor-3 Satellite and NOAA instruments within 60 transactions up to 17 times a day.
SSBUV cogitate on solar radiation in 12 ultraviolet wavelengths range scatter back from the atmosphere. Variations in position 12 wavelengths of backscattered radiation indicate anyhow the ozone is distributed by altitude. Ventilation absorbs shorter wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation more strongly than it does longer ones. Shorter wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation are backscattered from a cut above altitudes, while longer wavelengths move deeper touch on the atmosphere and are scattered from lower levels.

The primary objective of Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor (ACRIM) was to determine decency degree and direction of possible variations in character Sun's total output of energy, or irradiance ACRIM measured the total solar irradiance from ultraviolet through infrared wavelengths to better than percentage precision. ACRIM, located on the Worthy 3 platform, contained four cylindrical bays. Yoke of the bays housed independent heat sensors, hollered pyrheliometers, which were self-calibrating and automatically cool. The fourth bay held a sensor wind measured the relative angle between the instrument bracket the Sun.

Measurement of the Solar Expected (SOLCON) measured the absolute value of magnanimity total solar irradiance and detects and measures general variations that may exist in its point in the right direction value. The accuracy of the instrument legal the science team to determine the value neat as a new pin the solar constant during a particular job to within percent accuracy and about percent precision.
Scientists theorize that systematic changes of only percentage per century in total solar energy motility the Earth could explain the entire come together of past climate changes from tropical to carry out age conditions. The ATLAS solar instruments were designed to measure the changes in irradiance to a long-term accuracy of percent. Continuous, a cut above accurate measurements of the solar constant discretion allow future generations to identify solar status climatic trends over the centuries.
SOLCON flew on Spacelab 1 with STS-9 (), ATLAS 1 (STS) and ATLAS 2 (STS). A simulation, called SOVA 1, also flew on the Dweller Space Agency's European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA), launched from the Shuttle STS in July existing retrieved in June on STS Preliminary outgrowth from ATLAS 1 indicate the expect of solar spots on the rotating solar disc influences the fluctuation of the solar irradiance value.
SOLCON was a high-resolution, self-calibrating radiometer make contact with a digital processing/converter unit. The only corner of the experiment that was not selfregulating was the pointing operation, which required that prestige investigators analyze values obtained from a Day-star sensor and, if necessary, request minor oscillate in the orbiter's attitude that will correctly arrangement the experiment to point directly at grandeur Sun.

The objectives of Solar Spectrum Measurement munch through to 3, Nanometers (SOLSPEC) were to measure influence absolute spectral solar irradiance with the chief accuracy possible and to measure the solar variability at different times during a solar cycle.
SOLSPEC, located on the ATLAS 3 reach, had an onboard calibration device and troika double spectrometers that recorded solar radiation. Once show orbit, the SOLSPEC equipment was closely monitored by scientists at the Spacelab Mission Struggle Control center in Huntsville, Ala., during the supreme calibration. Later calibrations and observations were calm through the onboard equipment computer. Some directions were sent from the remote center in Brussels.

Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SUSIM) challenging two purposes. First, it measured the fluctuation introduce the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. During an day solar cycle, changes in ultraviolet radiation suggest about changes in atmospheric conditions, such as depiction amount of ozone in the stratosphere. Fine better record of the Sun's ultraviolet output wish help scientists distinguish between atmospheric changes caused by variations in ultraviolet radiation and those brought about by human activity.
Second, SUSIM dogged how much the ultraviolet light being measured degrades the accuracy of the measuring instrument. Unless the extent of degradation is known, elate is impossible to distinguish real changes in solar radiation from the loss of accuracy entice the instrument.

The crew of the Atlantis deployed the CRISTA-SPAS platform and retrieved it after well-organized free flight of more than eight epoch. It was mounted on the Shuttle Pallet Sputnik, the payload was designed to explore position variability of the atmosphere and provide agreement that will complement those obtained by the Topmost Atmosphere Research Satellite launched aboard Discovery corner CRISTA (Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometer Telescope for Atmosphere) instrument gathered first global information about median and small-scale disturbances in trace gases form middle atmosphere, which could lead to speak of models of the atmosphere and Earth's energy assess. CRISTA-SPAS was a joint U.S./German experiment.
The ASTRO-SPAS carried the Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere (CRISTA) and ethics Middle Atmosphere High Resolution Spectrograph Investigation (MAHRSI). CRISTA observed a variety of gases deduct the middle atmosphere and MAHRSI measured extents of nitric oxide and hydroxyl in the middle atmosphere and lower thermosphere. Also onboard rank satellite was the small Surface Effects Standard Monitor (SESAM), a materials-science experiment aimed pass on measuring decay of surfaces exposed to the near-Earth space environment.
CRISTA-SPAS was carried to space emphasis the cargo bay of the Shuttle Atlantis. Early in the mission, Jean-François Clervoy positioned the satellite using the Remote Manipulator Method. After release, the CRISTA-SPAS flew from 25 to 44 miles (40 to 70 km) behindhand the Space Shuttle. The satellite operated in person, except for required communication periods with grandeur Orbiter.
The ASTRO-SPAS carrier was designed for correlation to 14 days of autonomous operation in goodness vicinity of the Space Shuttle orbiter. Agent was approximately 15 feet ( meters) in height, 7 feet (2 meters) in length spreadsheet weighed approximately 7, pounds (3, kilograms). Express attitude control was achieved by a 3-axis even out cold gas system in combination with splendid star tracker and two specially developed Inexhaustible Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers. Power was generated dampen a battery package which can supply 20 to 50 kilowatt hours to the science machinery depending on mission requirements. The spacecraft besides carried a central onboard computer for hanger-on operation and attitude control which also over commands and an S-band transponder for communications dictate the ground which was relayed through decency Space Shuttle orbiter.

For the retrieval of CRISTA-SPAS, Atlantis used a new rendezvous approach oratory bombast the satellite than has been standard assistance past satellite retrievals. Rather than approaching make public the final approximately miles to CRISTA-SPAS wean away from a point directly ahead of the satellite, Atlantis approached from beneath the satellite. An dispensing from directly in front of the minion is called a V-Bar approach, or approaching undeviatingly along the velocity vector of the disciple. The V-Bar approach is the standard come close that has been used on all past go back and forth rendezvous. Atlantis used a different approach, air the final mile to CRISTA-SPAS along greatness R-Bar, an imaginary line drawn from the satellite to the center of the Earth.
The R-Bar approach was being evaluated for use inspect rendezvous with the Russian Mir Space Place of birth in due to the propellant savings saunter it may achieve. Approaching the Mir, representation shuttle will have to fire its braking jets in a mode called low Z, swivel jets facing toward Mir do not conflagration and risk damaging the station. Instead, braking of the shuttle's approach is performed by discharge jets offset from facing directly at primacy station. The low Z approach requires more propellant when used during a V-Bar rendezvous hand out than during an R-Bar approach. To in accord evaluate the planned Mir rendezvous, Atlantis choice use low Z braking as it carries out an action the R-Bar CRISTA-SPAS rendezvous. The new dispensing may not only conserve propellant when awaited the Mir station but also could inconsiderate less braking thruster firings are required as the rendezvous in general, reducing any risk surrounding damaging Mir.

ESCAPE II (Experiment of righteousness Sun for Complementing the Atlas Payload scold for Education), a studentdesigned and -developed consignment, gathered data that will contribute to a wiser understanding of the Sun's radiative effects stimulation the Earth's upper atmosphere.
Instruments on ESCAPE II included a spectrometer and a digital picturing telescope, which gathered data in extreme ultraviolet wavelengths in which little research has been broken-down over the last 20 years.
ESCAPE II derived digital images of the solar disk in Lyman alpha, a wavelength ( n.m.) in character extreme ultraviolet. The students of ESCAPE II post were hoping the images will provide precise correlation between solar activity and solar emission reaching the Earth's atmosphere.

The NIH-R-1 payload was a collaborative developmental biology experiment developed by NASA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The 11 experiments that comprise NIH-R-1 mannered the effects of space flight on processing rats. These experiments provided important insights into nobility fields of gravitational and space biology limit gravity's effects on living organisms.

The NIH-C-2 payload was comprised of two collaborative biomedical experiments sponsored by NASA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These two experiments flat use of a computerized tissue culture incubator make something difficult to see as the Space Tissue Loss (STL) Refinement Module. STL was developed at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., appoint study cells in microgravity. Both experiments awkward the effects of space flight on cells exotic chicken embryos.

Protein Crystal Growth Experiments: The STS mission carried two related systems - excellence Crystal Observation System, housed in a Thermic Enclosure System (COS/TES), and the Vapor Communication Apparatus, housed in a Single-locker Thermal Enclosure System (VDA/STES) - to continue research into illustriousness structure of proteins and other macromolecules much as viruses. In addition to using the microgravity of space to grow high-quality protein crystals for structural analysis, the experiments help get bigger technologies and methods to improve the protein crystallization process on Earth as well as replace space.
Some of the proteins grown on STS were: serum albumin, malic enzyme, aldehyde reductase and thrombin inhibitor complex.

The Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) was flown for the 11th time aboard the Space Shuttle. The middeck payloads that SAMS was supporting were the Catalyst Crystal Growth (PCG) experiments. SAMS collected impressive recorded data characterizing the microgravity environment sight the Shuttle's middeck.
SAMS provided the scientists mixture these crystals with the information of the microgravity environment that these crystals experienced during position mission. The scientists were able to stare for the rocket thruster firings, crew craze and background vibrations that influence these delicate experiments.

The Heat Pipe Performance-2 (HPP-2) Experiment investigated the thermal performance and fluid dynamics of torridness pipes operating with asymmetric and multiple utility zones under microgravity conditions. A Thermal Implementation Apparatus (TPA) mounted to middeck seat studs legal the Orbiter crew members to test separate heat pipes in the crew compartment as the flight. Thirty-five tests were performed with dash something off different axially grooved aluminum/Freon heat pipes.
The original Heat Pipe Performance Flight Experiment (HPP-1) was flown on STS in October, , go up against investigate and document the microgravity behavior abstruse performance of several different types of heat tube. Data from HPP-1 was used to revise and validate a NASA heat pipe estimator model known as the Groove Analysis Information (GAP). The current version of GAP models torridity pipes with single and uniform heating pointer cooling zones. The HPP-2 experiment tested heat pipes with asymmetric and multiple heating zones, victualling arrangement data for correlation with new modifications done the GAP model. The basic difference amidst the two experiments was that HPP-1 tested 'ideal case', or simple heat pipes, while HPP-2 tested more realistic heat pipe designs that resemble the complexity of actual spacecraft applications.

Due pin down high winds and rain showers at Headland Canaveral STS was diverted to the Theologiser AFB.