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SPACELAB3

mi

N/_gANalional Aeronautics andSpace Adminislration

Marshall Space Flight Center

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nstruments continue to be indis--

pensable in the exploration ofspace. But man has proven him-self irreplaceable.... Even in 1984,

itremains for the brain of man to corre-late unexpected observations, to perceivesolutions to novel situations and to take

independent action in the light of newdata collected by his instruments. "

Dr. Wernher yon Braun,

former Director of the Marshall Space FlightCenter, commenting in 1964 on the futurerole of man in space.

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Table ofContents

SPACELAB IN SERVICE ...............

MISSION SCENARIO ..................

Inside Spacelab 3 .....................A Smooth Ride ........................

MISSION DEVELOPMENTAND MANAGEMENT ..................

Choosing Experiments .................Planning for Science ................... 4Training the Mission Team .............. 4Planning the Mission ................... 5Developing Experiment Hardware ....... 5

Putting the Payload Together ............ 6Making it Happen ..................... 6Collecting Data ....................... 7Recycling Equipment .................. 7

SPACELAB 3 CREW ...................

Payload Specialists ....................Mater ia ls Science Payload Specialists... 9Fluid Mechanics Payload Specialists,.. 10

Mission Specialists ................... l0

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS ........

Materials Science ..................... 13Solution Growth of Crystals in

Zero-Gravity ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Mercuric Iodide Growth ............ 16

Mercury Iodide Crystal Growth ......

Life Sciences ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Ames Research Center Life Sciences

Payload (four investigations) ......Autogenic Feedback Training ......... 20Urine Monitoring Investigation ....... 21

Fluid Mechanics ..................... 22

Dynamics of Rotating andOscillating Free Drops ............ 23

Geophysical Fluid Flow CellExperiment ..................... 24

Atmospheri c and AstronomicalObservations .................... 26

Atmospheric Trace MoleculesSpectroscopy (ATMOS) ......... 27

Studies of the Ionizationof Solar and Galactic

Cosmic Ray Heavy Nuclei(Ions or Anuradha) ............... 28

Auroral Imaging Experiment ......... 29Very Wide Field Camera ............. 30

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MISSIONSCENARIO

Pacelab 3 is scheduled for flight aboard

the orhiter Challenger in late 1984 or

earl)' 1985. The Shuttle will be launched

from Kcnnedy Space Center in Florida into

au orbit 350 kilometers (218 miles/190 naut-

ical milcs) above Earth at a 57 inclination to

the equator. To mcct the objectives of an

atmospheric science experiment at this time

of year, a night launch is planned.

A few hours after launch, crew members

will enter Spacelab and begin an ambitiousschedule of around-the-clock research activi-

ties. After a busy seven days in space, the

Shuttle will land at Kennedy Space Center.

Instruments will be returned to their respec-

tive sponsors, and experiment data will be

handed over to the scientists. Spacelab will

be removed from the Shuttle and recycledfor another mission.

Inside Spacelab 3

In orbit, the Spacelab 3 scientists leave

the Shuttle cabin and pass through a pressur-

ized tunnel to the cylindrical laboratory

module nestled in the payload ba): The)' float

through the open circular entry hatch into

their workplace for the mission, a well-

equipped laboratory about the size of a bus.

The life support system for the lab pro-

vides the crcw with a comfortable shirt-

sleeve environment where they can usc

equipment normally found in laboratories on

the ground. Spacelab is furnished with com-

puters, cameras, tape recorders, a work-

bench, tools, and much of the usual

laboratory paraphernalia. Spacelab 3 also

contains some sophisticated new equipment

that has been tested on the ground but neve

used in space. Instruments for experiments

are mounted in standard floor-to-ceiling

racks along each side wall. An airlock in th

ceiling can be used to extend an instrument

into space, operate it outside, and then

return it to the laborator}:

The laboratory design has been adapted

for working in weightlessness, ttandrails and

foot restraints are within easy reach to help

the scientists stabilize themselves as they do

experiments.

[MIike a laborator T on the ground, Space

lab 3 is actually several compact labs in oneroom. An area dedicated to materials science

and fluid mechanics occupies one end ofmodulc. Itcrc the crew uses elaborate fur-

naces, optical devices, and fluid systems to

study diverse physical problems in crystal

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growth and fluid behavior. In the center ofthe module is a life sciences area dominated

by an animal habitat. Here crew membersobserve animal behavior in weightlessness

while performing an engineering evaluationof the new housing facility. Other areas ofSpacelab 3 serve as an observatory for astro-nomical photography, investigations of Earth's

atmosphere, and cosmic ray measurements.Nowhere on Earth do these different science

disciplines rub shoulders in the samelaboratory

From the rear window of the module,crew members can see two instrument pack-

ages on a small platform in the payload bay,Instruments requiring direct exposure to thespace environment or relatively unob-structed viewing of Earth and space aremounted on this experiment supportstructure.

Many of the Spacelab 3 experiments arecontrolled and monitored through a mastercomputer, the electronic brain and nervecenter for science operations. The computersystem occupies a double rack at the forwardend of the module. Both automatic and crew-

controlled experiment operations are sched-

uled. Some experiments will be controlledduring the mission by scientists located inthe Payload Operations Control Center atJohnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.Cameras and tape recorders are available forrecording crew activity and experiment data,which can be transmitted to the ground con-trol center or stored on board for postflightevaluation.

Because Spacelab is a modular system,the standard components may be selected

and arranged inside the Shuttle to meet dif-ferent mission needs. Several different com-binations of these elements are possible. For

Spacelab 3, the configuration is a long labora-tory module with the optional airlock, a longtunnel, and a small experiment supportstructure. For other missions, a shorter mod-

ule and tunnel and larger platforms calledpallets are available. This design flexibilitypermits Spacelab to be "customized" to sat-isfy many different users in the course ofmany missions.

A Smooth Ride

The Spacelab 3 payload consists of acompatible set of investigations, most ofwhich require a low-gravity environment anda very smooth, undisturbed ride throughspace. Five of the fifteen investigationsinvolve very delicate crystal growth and fluiddynamics experiments that can be disruptedor ruined by excessive motion of the orbiter.The mission has been carefully designed toaccommodate these sensitive investigations.

To minimize disturbances, major vehiclemaneuvers will be virtually eliminated. Earlyin the mission, the Shuttle will be pointed for

night-time astronomical observations by awide field-of-view camera mounted in theairlock. Seventeen hours into the mission,

however, the Shuttle will move into a fixedattitude until experiment operations end aweek later. The orbiter will not turn and roll

frequently as it has done on other flights.The best way to maintain a stable drift

through space is to keep the nose or tail of

t he Shut tle pointed toward Earth. This posi-tion is called a gravity gradient attitude. Forthe Spacelab 3 mission, the tail of the orbiteris pointed down, in alignment with the cen-ter of the Earth, and the port (left)wing ispointed into the direction of travel. TheShuttle nose is pitched slightly above theorbital plane for stability

The advantage of this oricntation is thatvehicle attitude is maintaincd primarily bynatural forces, thereby reducing the need forattitude control by firing the orbiter's thrus-ters. Because thruster firings accelerate the

spacecraft slight b" and create a force similarto gravity, they can be detrimental to sensi-tive experiment operations. The gravity gra-dient attitude permits long-term vehiclestability and maintenance of the desirablelow-gravity environment inside Spacelabwith minimal disruption.

Shuttle in gravity gradient attitude and57 _ orbit plane

Command F3uid Loop Drop

and land Slowage Dynamics

Cootrot Stowage Module

Tape Stowage I

Spacelab 3 configuration and floor plan

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MISSIONDEVELOPMENTAND

MANAGEMENT

Before and during the missior_ MarshallCenter scientist_ engineer_ andmanagement teams u_rk together toensure mission success.

ears before launch, managers and engi-neers are busy planning and organizing

activities t o flow smoothly during a Spacelabmission. By launch day, everyone involved inthe Spacelab 3 mission will be workingtogether as a team with one common goal:successful mission with maximum scientific

return for each inves tiga tion .The Marshall Space Flight Center in

Huntsville, Alabama, is responsible for plan-ning and di recti ng the Spacelab 3 mission.The center's mission manager and the Space-lab Payload Project Office coordinate allpreparations for the mission. The missionmanagement team works to ensure that t hepayload of scientific instruments satisfies thneeds of the user scientists, utilizes Shuttle-Spacelab resources ef fici ent ly, and oper ateswell during flight. This team works closelywith other NASA organizations involved inpreparing the Shuttle and Spacelab forlaunch and conducting flight operations.

The mission management team also con-ducts crew training in payload operat ionsand prepares the science teams for their rolein the Payload Operations Control Centerduring the mission. The same mission man-

agement team is in charge of all scienceactivities during the mission, resolving prob-lems and rescheduling payload operations asnecessary.

Choosing Experiments

Spacelab 3 investigations were selectedby a peer review process and were judgedon the basis of their intrinsic scientific merit

and suitability for flight on the Shuttle. Pro-posals for experiments came through severalchannels, including NASA Announcements ofOpportunity that solicited research ideasfrom the worldwide scientific community.

NASA then selected investi gations thatwere compatible with one another and with

Spacelab's capabilities. The Spacelab 3 pay-load was carefully selected to meet the pri-mary flight requirement-maintenance of anundisturbed microgravity environmentthrough a long period in a stable vehicle atti-tude. Of the 15 selected investigations, 12are sponsored by scientists in the UnitedStates, 2 by French scientists, and 1 by scien-tists in India.

Planning for Science

After experiments were selected, anInvestigator Working Group convened toguide the scientific planning of the Spacelab3 mission. This committee includes the prin-cipal investigator, or chief scientist, for each

experiment chosen for flight. The missionscientist from Marshall Space Flight Center ichairman of the group, which meets periodi-cally before and during the mission_

The Investigator Working Group guidesthe incorporation of the various experimentsinto a single payload, coordinating the needsof user scientist s and communicating themto the mission manager. This group alsoselects the payload specialists for themission.

Training the Mission Team

Although the payload specialists and mis-sion specialists for Spacelab 3 are profes-

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sional scientists or astronauts, they musttrain for the mission to ensure the success of

each investigatiort The major par t of crewtraining is conducted by the principal inves-tigators in their own laboratories. There, theyinstruct the crew members in the theory,

hardware, and operation of their

experiment_"l_aining for overall experiment opera-

tions occurs at the Marshall Space Flight

Center. In-flight operations involving the

Spacelab computer system are realisticallysimulated in the Spacelab 3 mockup in thePayload Crew _ralning Complex there.

Part of the crew's training involves thebasic skills necessary for living and working

safely on board the Shuttle and Spacelab.Medical, emergency, and survival skills aswell as the normal routines of living in a

spacecraft are practiced in training programsat the Johnson and Kennedy Space Centers.

In addition to the crew, the pr incipal

investigators and the entire mission manage-ment team undergo training for their activi-

ties. Everyone involved in the missionparti cipates in simul ati ons to practiceplanned operations, communications, andproblem solving. It is the mission manager'sresponsibility to coordinate all training exer-Cises and to ensure that t he enti re mi ssion

team is well-prepared.

Planning the Mission

Long before launch day, Spacelab 3 mis-sion planners begin to prepare the missiontimeline, an around.the-clock schedule ofevent s dur ing the flight. This is a complextask that involves the merger of all crew

activities, experiment requirements, Space-lab resources, and Shuttle maneuvers into anefficient operating plats Each experiment is

assigned time slots during which it receives

the necessary power, crew time, and com-puter support for operatiotx Mission plan-ning produces a very precisely coordinated

sequence of oper ations for maximumefficiency.

Later, during f light, the t imeline is revisedin response to unexpected difficulties oropportunities, Replanning occurs throughoutthe mi ssion, but the guiding philosophy is toadhere as closely as possible to the masterschedule.

Developing Experiment Hardware

Experiment hardware is developed by

inves tiga tors in col laborat ion with NASA andprivate industry. The apparatus are designednot only to fulfill their research purpose butalso to fit with other experiments into the

size, weight, and power supply capabilities ofSpacelab. For the sake of economy, existingequipment is used as much as possible, andsome of the hardware is designed for reuse

HOURS 0 1 2

_ I MS-3 I7 _ MS-I I

[ DR-F I

i I MS-2 I

I PS-M ISLEEPI

Investigators meet to discuss Spacelab 3exlmelments and mission plan_

3 4 5

ATMOSFES

VCG SGFFCMICGIONSUMS

MaterialsScience _ Gold ShiftLife Sciences _ SilverShiftFluidMechanics

_11 Atmospheric ScienceAstronomy

! I ] I ! i

ARC - A mes Relesrch Center Life Sciences Payload

AFT - Autogenic Feedback TrainingOOM - D rop Dynamics Module

FES - F iuld Experimenl SystsmVCGS - Vapor Crystsl Growth SystemGFFC - Geophysical Fluld Flow Cell

MICG - Mercury Iodide Cryltsl Gro wthUMS - Ur in e Mon it ori ng S yst em

i ! I iSample Spacelab 3 timeli ne, showing crew activities and experiment operations

Payload specialists train intensivelyin the Spacel ab 3 simulator at the Marshall

Space Flight Center.

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on future missions. The pr incipal i nvest iga-tots and the mission manager stay in closecommunication to ensure that instrumentsand related support hardware are well-coor-dinated and are compatible with the Shuttleand Spacelab.

In addition to individual ins truments ,NASA project ot_ces have developed severallarge instrument complements that occupyan entire experiment rack or double rack.

These facilities can be used repeatedly bymany scientists on different missions; the 3,may remain assembled between missions forread), reflight. With the addition of newspecimens, the same equipment can be usedfor a variety of different investigations.

Five such facilities are being introducedon the Spacelab 3 mission: the Vapor CrystalGrowth System and the Fluid ExperimentSystem for materials science investigations;

6 E---1

the Drop Dynamics Module and the Geo-physical Fluid Flow Cell for research in fluid

mechanics; and the Research Animal HoldingFacil ity for life sciences research. These facil.

ities are in effect mini-laboratories, each aself-contained unit for concentrated researchin a par ticular discipline.

Putting the Payload TogetherFor a successful mission, all Spacelab sys-

tems and all experiments must be assembled

so they work properly. This process, calledpayload integration, occurs in several phasesduring the life of the mission. Ini tial l) ; therequirements (such as space, electricity,computer time, and crew time) of eachexperiment are evaluated and a layout isdesigned. This blueprint assures that all userscan share Spacelab's accommodations com-patibly. Cables connecting instruments to

Technicians install experiment hardware inracks that fit inside the Spacelab module.

Using special equipmen_ 3 technicians will

enter the Shuttle on the launch pad about18 hours before lift-off to place animalsinto their Spacelab habitats.

Spacelab's power supply, computer, and datasystem are also laid out on paper.

Later, instruments are shipped to thelaunch site for assembly of the total payloadand installation into Spacelab according tothe developed blueprint. Components areattached to experiment racks and the experi.ment support structure, and all circuits and

connections are tested. The mission management team schedules and coordinates all payload integration activities performed by

NASA and contractor personnel.About a month before launch, Spacelab i

placed inside the Shuttle orbiter and all con-nections are checked. Then the loaded orbi-ter is moved to the Vehicle AssemblyBuilding to be attached to the external tanks

and solid rocket boosters. Finally, the fullyassembled Shuttle-Spacelab is moved to thelaunch pad.

A few hours before the launch of this

mission, technicians will enter the Shuttleand use a specially designed module verticalaccess kit to load animals for a life science

investigation into Spacelab. Hoisting person-nel and equipment into and out of Spacelabon the launch pad is an elaborate procedurethat has been carefully planned andrehearsed for first use on the Spacelab 3missiorL

Making it HappenDuring a Spacelab flight, the hub of activ-

ity is the Payload Operations Control Centerin Houstort The Marshall Center's mission

management staff monitors and manages allSpacelab 3 payload operations from this siteLike the Mission Control Center, this area

contains banks of television monitors, com-puters, and communications consoles. ThePayload Operations Control Center becomes

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home to the management and science teamswho work around the clock to guide and

support the mission. All the months of prepa-ration come to a focus here as personnel onthe ground work in concert with the crew inspace to make the mission happen asplanned.

For the mission, all Spacelab 3 principalinvestigators and their teams of scientists andengineers set up work areas in the PayloadOperations Control Center. They bring what

ever they need to participate in the flightoperation of their experiments. Throughcomputers, they can send commands to the|rinstruments and receive and analyze experi-ment data. Instantaneous video and audiocommunications make it possible for scien-

tists on the ground to follow the progress oftheir research almost as if they were in spacewith the crew.

This "real-time" interaction between

investigators and crew is probably the mostexciting of Spacelab's many capabilities. Asprincipal investigators talk to the payloadspeciali sts during the mission, they consulton experiment operations, make decisions,and share in the thrill of gaining new

knowledge.While the investigators monitor their

own experiments, the mission scientist andother key members of the mission manage-ment team are also busy in the control cen-

ter overseeing the full range of Spacelaboperations. Supported by a payload flightoperations cadre, these people assess andrespond to up-to-the-minute information,replan as necessary, advise the crew ofchanges in the schedule, and work togetherto resolve problems and keep the missionflowing smoothly.

Collecting Data

Information pertinent to the in-flightoperation of Spacelab 3 investigations isreceived through the data management sys-tem in the Payload Operations Control Cen-ter. The data flow during a Spacelab missionis tremendous.

To handle the steady flood of scientificand engineering data, a special Spacelab DataProcessing Facili ty was established at God-dard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Mary-land. This facility separates and organizes themass of incoming data by experiment andsends it out to i nvesti gators aft er the mission.In addition to the data received in Houston

during the mission, scientists may obtainfrom Goddard computer tapes, voice record-ings, and video tapes that contain moredetailed information about their

experiments.Animal s, f ilm , tapes, crystals, experiment

samples, and other such data and specimensare removed promptly after the Shuttle landsfor postflight evaluation. Later, experimentequipment is returned to the principal inves-tigators, and experiment facilities arereturned to NASA for reuse.

The Spacelab 3 mission undoubtedly willproduce immediate discoveries, but full anal-ysis of all returned data may take severalyears . Within this mass of data, the potentialexists for quantum leaps in our knowledgeand practical benefits on Earth.

Recycling Equipment

A unique advantage of Spacefab is thatthe laboratory, the experiment facilities, andmany of the individual instruments aredesigned to be reused on other missions. Themodule and its subsystems, airlock, videorecorders, and other equipment for this mis-sion were previously used on Spacelab 1.Two scientific instruments from Spacelab 1are being flown again on this mission, andthe experiment facilities being introducedon Spacelab 3 will be recycled for futureflights.

After this mission, the Spacelab hardwarewill be dismantled, inspected and, if neces-sary, repaired or modified. Some componentsmay be required immediately for otherSpacelab missions; others will be placed ininventory for future use.

Scientists in the Payload OperationsControl Center monitor their experimentsand talk to the crew as experiments are

performed in space

The mission management team works inthe Payload Operat ions Control Centerduring the mission

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SPACELABCREW

he seven-member Spacclab 3 crew is thelargest group ever to fly on a NASA mis-

si on. Whi le working together as a flight team,the crew membcrs have different roles and

responsibilities.The operation of the Shuttle is the pri-

mar T responsibility of the commander andpilot, who are members of the astronautcorps. ROBERT OVERMYER is commander ofthe Spacelab 3 mission. A veteran Air Forcepilot, Overmyer has 15 years of astronaut

experience and served as pilot for the fifthShuttle mission. The commander is responsi-

ble for overseeing the entire mission andreturning the crew safely home. FREDERICKGREGORY,, on his first space mission, is thepilot. He alternates duty with Overmyer in! 2-hour shifts. Gregory has served as a NASAtest pilot for eight years and has six },ears ofast ronaut exper ience.

Five members of the Spacelab 3 crewhave scientific assignments. Of these, twopayload specialists are professional scientistson temporary leave from their own laborato-

ries to operate experiments in space. Threemission specialists are career astronauts withscientific expertise who are trained to workas engineers on Shuttle and Spacelab systemsor to work as scientists performingexperiments.

These science crew members were cho-

sen for their diverse backgrounds. The pay-load specialists for this mission werespecifically selected for their expertise inmaterials science and fuid mechanics. The

mission specialists were selected both fortheir engineering skills and their scientificbackgrounds in the fields of life sciences andphysics.

To shorten training time, the payload spe-

cialists and mission specialists are not fullycross-trained to do all the scheduled scien-tif ic i nves tigat ions. Inst ead, the members ofthe science crew have primary and second-art assignments. Each person is fully trainedto conduct some investigations but is merely"oriented" to the operations of others.Responsibility for each experiment is dele-gated to a prime crew member and abackup. Each scientist is fully trained to doevery investigation in his or her own field ofexpertise.

Payload Specialists

Payload specialists conduct the majorshare of investigations scheduled for a partic-ular mission. After the mission, they return totheir positions in laboratories elsewhere to

8_

Robert Overmyer, Commander

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resume their own research. Since the Space-

lab 3 payload specialists were chosen fortheir unique qualifications in materials sci-ence and fluid mechanics, they are alreadyfamiliar with some of the experiments. The}"have a shorter training period and spend lesstime away from their usual work than pre-vious Spacelab payload specialists.

Four scientists are trained to be Space-lab 3 payload specialists. One of them is aprincipal investigator and two are co-investi-

gators for experiments. All have conductedexperiments related to the Spacelab 3 exper-iments in ground-based laboratories and onNASA's research aircraft, a plane thatachieves the effect of zero-gravity for 15 to20 second intervals during parabolic, rollercoaster flight patterns. They also have testedequipment concepts and automated experi-ments aboard small rockets, which spend

approximately five minutes in low-gravitybefore returning to Earth.

Spacelab offers these scientists a quiet,stable environment where they can continuetheir research over a period of days insteadof minutes. They have a unique opportunityto do experiments in space where they canobserve details of crystal growth or fluidbehavior, interpret small changes, and takeaction if necessary. After years of experienceon Earth, spaceflight is the next logical stepin their careers. They also perform experi-ments developed and supplied by other sci-entists, the principal investigators for themission.

Before launch, the principal investigatorswill select one materials science payload spe-cialist and one fluid mechanics payload spe-cialist to fly aboard Spacelab 3. The othertwo payload specialists serve as alternates ifa member of the flight crew is unable to flyfor some reason. During the mission, the

alternate payload specialists work in the Pay-load Operations Control Center in ttouston,where the}" communicate with the flightcrew and provide essential support to themission management and science teams onthe ground.

Materials SciencePayload Specialists

DR. MARY HELEN JOHNSTON is one oftwo materials science experts training forthe position of Spacelab 3 payload specialist.She earned a Ph.D. i n met allurgi cal engineer-

ing f rom the University of Florida and for

almost 20 years has worked in the Materialsand Processes Laboratory at the Marshall

Space Flight Center, where she is responsiblefor research in crystal growth and metalalloys for the Materials Processing in Spaceprogram and the Space Shuttle program. Dr.Johnston conducted a comprehensive bodyof research on single crystal growth using anew technique that she developed inground-based laboratories and in the low-gravity environment attained by small rock-ets and research aircraft. She has logged

Dr. Mary Helen Johnston,Payload Specialist

approximately 25 hours in low-gravityaboard NASA's research aircraft. She also par-

ticipated in a five-day simulated space mis-sion to t est materials sci ence hardware

concepts for Spacclab missions.DR. LODEWIJK VAN DEN BERG is an

authority on the vapor growth technique fo

producing mercuric iodide crystals, tieearned a Ph.D. in applied science from theUniversity of Delaware and is currentlyemployed by EG&G Energy Measurements,

Inc. in Goleta, California, where he is respon-sible for a 20-furnace crystal growth facilitysimilar to the Vapor Crystal Growth System

on Spacelab 3. Dr. van den Berg is a co-inves-tigator for the Vapor Crystal Growth Systemexperiment, and he has participated indesign and science reviews for both this system and the Fluid Experiment System to beintroduced during the Spacelab 3 mission.Dr. van den Berg also has participated in lowgravity tests of Spacelab 3 experimentsaboard NASA's res earch air craft.

Dr. Lodewijk van den Berg,Payload Specia list

Frederick Gregory, Pilot

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Fluid MechanicsPayload Specialists

DR. TAYLOR WANG is both a principalinvestigator for a Spacelab 3 experiment anda payload specialist. He invented the acousticlevitation and manipulation chamber in the

Drop Dynamics Module for investigation offluid behavior in space. Dr. Wang has a Ph.D.

in physics from the Univer sit y of Cali forniaand currently manages materials processingin space programs at the NASA-Jet PropulsionLaboratory, where he is responsible for thedevelopment of containerless processing.Since 1976, Dr. Wang has successfully testedconta iner less process ing technology anddrop dynamics research in a series of rocket

flights. He has logged approximately 30

Dr. Taylor Wang,Payload Specialist

hours in weightlessness aboard NASA'sresearch aircraf t to define the experimentalparameters and procedures for the Spacelab3 drop dynamics investigation.

DR. EUGENE H. TRINH is a research sci-

entist at the NASA-Jet Propulsion Laboratory,where he is involved in both experimentaland theoretical studies in fluid mechanics

and acoustics. He is a co-investigator for theDrop Dynamics Module investigation, and hehas performed many fluid mechanics experi-

ments in ground-based laboratories and inlow-gravity aboard NASA's research aircraft.Dr. "fi-inh has effectively used acoustical levi-tation to study the behavior of free drops,and he holds three patents on levitationdevices. His Ph.D. in applied physics is fromYale University, where he used acoustical lev-itation techniques to examine the physics ofliquids.

Dr. Eugene IPinh,Payload Specialist

MissionSpecialists

Mission specialists fill two roles on aSpacelab missiorL As career astronauts, theyare qualified to operate some Shuttle systemsand are responsible for operating and servic-ing Spacelab systems. As specialists in a sci.entific field, they also collaborate with

payload specialists and principal investigatorsto conduct exper iments.

Three mission specialists, one withexpertise in space physics and two inbiomedical science, are participating in theSpacelab 3 mission. The physicist alternates12-hour shifts with the materials science pay-load specialist to ensure that delicate crystalgrowth experiments are monitored, and he isin charge of an auroral investigation that he

helped develop. The two medical doctorsalternate 12-hour shifts to monitor the Ames

Rese_ch Center Life Sciences Payload,

which consists of a Research Animal HoldingFacility that accommodates and electroni-cally monitors monkeys and rats. All three

mission specialists share responsibility forthe other experiments with the rest of thecrew

DR. DON LIND has a broad backgroundin space physics and received a Ph.D. inhigh-energy physics from the University ofCalifornia, Berkeley. Before his selection asan astronaut, he worked at NASA's Goddard

Space Flight Center as a space physicist. Hehas 20 years of NASA experience and helpeddevelop science payloads for early Shuttlemissions. A co-investigator for the AuroralImaging experiment, Dr. Lind gained consid-

erable first-hand experience in observingauroras during a year-long residence inAlaska.

IO 7---]

Dr. Don Lind,Mission Specialist

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DR. NORMAN THAGARD has an M.S. in

engineering science from Florida Stat e Uni -versity and an M.D. from the University ofTexas Southwestern Medical School. He has

six years of NASA experience as a scientist,airplane pilot, and engineer, and he hasdesigned and developed several biomedicalinstruments. Dr. Thagard served as a mission

specialist on the seventh Shuttle mission, col-lecting data on physiological changes associ-ated with human adaptation to space.

DR. WILLIAM THORNTON has a B.S. inphysics and an M.D. from the University ofNorth Carolina. He has approximately 20

years of NASA experience as a scientist, air-plane pilot, and engineer, and he has been aprincipal investigator for life science experi-ments on previous Shuttle and Skylab mis-sion_ Responsible for maintenance of crewcondition during Shuttle flights, Dr. Thornton

i

Dr. Norman Thagard,Mission Specialist

developed the Shuttle treadmill for in-flightexercises. Holding 50 patents, he has

designed and developed several biomedicalinstruments. As a mission specialist on the

eighth Shuttle mission, he monitored thecrew_ physiologi cal adapt ation toweightlessness.

Dr. William Thornton,

Mission Specialist

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SCIENTIFICINVESTIGATIONS

Pacelab 3 is a laboratory and observatoryfor 15 investigations in 5 scientific disci-

plines: materials science, life sciences, fluidmechanics, atmospheric science, and astron-omy On this mission several major new facil-ities will be introduced for verification and

initial experimental use. Over the next dec-ade, routine use of this remarkable labora-tory will greatly expand the capability to doscience in space.

Various specific results are expected

from individual scientific investigations. Thefollowing summaries include the purpose,importance, and method for each Spacelab 3investigation (some of which involve severalexperiments). The official investigation name,the principal investigator's name and affilia-tion, and the co-investigators' names and affil-iations are given for each investigatiorx

Two of the investigations, one in materialsscience and one in astronomy, have alreadyflown aboard Spacelab 1. Many of the Space-lab 3 investigations are scheduled to be mod-ified and reflown on later missions to further

explore the discoveries of this mission.

LAUNCH LANDING

Experiment

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24:00 48:00 72:00 96:00 120:00 144:00

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7

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Materials Science

The history and progress of civilization gohand-in-hand with advances in materials sci-ence and technology. The intrinsic purposeof materials science is to understand the

structure and properties of materials, with aview toward practical applications of thisknowledge. Then, processing techniques can

be controlled to produce improved crystals,alloys, glass, plastics, and other materi als. Asbetter materials become available, unfore-seen new applications spur growth in hightechnology. The communications and infor-mation industries, for example, continue to

leap ahead with advances in solid-state elec-tronics and miniaturization. Better under-

standing of materials expands the limits oftheir performance to meet our changingneeds.

Spacelab offers unique advantages formateri al s science research. Primarily, it

serves as a microgravity facility where pro-cesses can be studied and materials pro-duced without the interference of gravity. It

i s not possible to sus ta in a comparablemicrogravity environment on Earth.

Normal ly, gravity dominat es the behaviorof fluids, with undesirable effects on thequali ty of mater ia ls . For example , imperfec-tions result from convection, or circulation,of fluid solutions from which industrial crys-tals are formed. These defects impair the

performance of the crystals as radiation sen-sots or electronic components. Because con-vection and buoyancy effects are essentiallyeliminated in space, it should be possible to

produce more nearly perfect materials there.If so, improved products with propertiescurrently unattainable on Earth may someday

be manufactured in space.It should also be possible to study subtle

effects, such as diffusion, that are normallymasked by gravity during materials process-ing on Earth. Some crystals produced by dif-fusion processes are so weak at their growtht emperatures t hat, on Earth, they deformunder the strain of their own weight. In

space, such gravity-induced stress is negligi-ble, so structural defects in crystals pro-duced there should be minimal.

Spacelab also offers the advantage of a

Crystals grou_ in microgravtty during, theSpacelab 3 mission will be compared tosimilar crystals grown on Earth. This mer.curfc iodide crystal was produced during a

ground test of the Vapor Crystal Growth Sys-tem.

manned laboratory in which delicate opera-tions can be performed by experienced,

professional scientists. Although materialsprocessing is to some extent automated, askilled, participating eye-witness is invalua-ble. This specialist can watch an experiment

closely to control the variables, fine tuneoperations, record and interpret data, makedecisions, and coax the maximum scientific

yield from an investigation. Moreover, the

spaceborne scientist may observe phenom-ena never before seen and capitalize on

these exciting opportunities for discoveryMaterials science is a major thrust of the

Spacelab 3 mission. Three investigations arescheduled to be performed by the payloadspecialist whose expertise is in crystalgrowth. Two special facilities, the FluidExperiment System and the Vapor CrystalGrowth System, have been developed specifi-cally for these investigations. These systemsare designed to be multi-user facilities capa-ble of supporting different experiments onother Spacelab missions. The third investiga-tion, Mercury Iodide Crystal Growth, is a re-

flight of a Spacelab 1 experiment with modi-

fied hardware and procedures.

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14 7--7

Solution Growth of Crystalsin Zero-GravityFluid Experiment SystemDr. Ravindra B. LalDepartment of Physics andApplied PhysicsAlabama A&M UniversityHuntsville, Mabama

Purpose: In this investigation, triglycine sul-

fate crystals are produced from a liquid by a

_'glycine sulfate crystal produced during a

ground test of the Fluid Experiment System

low-temperature solution growth technique.

The goals of the investigation are to develop

a technique for solution crystal growth inspace, to define the orbital environment and

its influence on crystal growth, and to evalu-

ate the properties of the resultant crystal.

Importance: Triglycine sulfate is an impor-

tant infrared detector material with theoreti-

cally predicted high performance. Unlike

most other high-performance detectorswhich require very low operating tempera-

tures (hence, cooling systems), detectors

made of triglycine sulfate can operate at.

ambient temperatures. This property is an

advantage for the cost-effective design and

use of infrared detection devices. There are

many uses for improved infrared detectors in

military systems, astronomical telescopes,

Earth observation cameras, and environmen-

tal analysis monitors.

To date, the actual performance of trigly-

cine sulfate has not met expectations, proba-

bly because the processing technique does

not produce crystals of sufficiently good

quality On Earth, gravity causes convective

flows in the liquid in which crystals areformed. The resuItant crystals often havemicroscopic defects that affect their electri-

cal and optical performance. Various labora-tories in the United States and abroad are

working to improve the quality of triglycine

sulfate crystals.

It may be possible to produce more

nearly perfect crystals in space without the

interference of gravity-induced convection.

these crystals perform better, the technologi-

cal impact will be significant, not only for

infrared detectors but also for the produc-

tion of other materials by the same

technique.

Method: Single crystals of triglycine sulfatewill be grown in specially designed cells in

the Fluid Experiment System, a facility

mounted in a double rack inside the Space-

lab module. The system includes growth

cells, an elaborate optical monitoring assem-

bly, a control panel, and associated electricalhardware.

Before launch, the growth cells will be

filled with about one liter of high-purity crys-

tal growth solution. A small disc-shaped seed

crystal of triglycine sulfate attached to a

sting, a heat extraction device sometimes

called a "cold finger," will be stored in the

cell. Each seed crystal is 1 to 1.5 centimeters

(about one-half inch) in diameter. The seed

crystal temperature will be maintained

below 45C (113F), and there will be no

contact between the seed and the growth

fluid. These cells will be stowed until Space-

lab experiment operations begin on orbit.

To form a crystal from solution, the

growth solution is heated and then allowed

to cool to a desired temperature. Heat is

removed from the seed crystal in a carefully

controlled manner to initiate growth as thesolution solidifies on the seed. The slow but

very uniform growth in thickness (about 1

millimeter per day) should result in a high

degree of crystal perfection.

Three runs are scheduled; two last 24

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hours and should produce about a 2 millime-

ter thick (0.08 inch) crystal; one lasts 48

hours to produce a crystal about 4 millime-

ters (0.16 inch) thick. Each run will follow

essentially the same procedure but parame-

ters such as the temperature and concentr a-

tion of the solution, or the size and

orientation of the seed crystal, will differ.

As a crystal grows, the process will be

recorded by a holographic (three-dimen-

sional imaging) laser optical system thatreveals variations in the density and temper-

ature of the transparent trigl ycine sulfate

solution. When the three-dimensional images

are reconstructed and photographed after

the mission, analysts can determine more

precisely what happens at a given time in the

course of crystal growth. In-flight videorecordings will permit scientists in Spacelab

and on the ground to watch and record, forthe first time, the crystal growth sequence in

space.The payload specialist will be in voice

contact with investigators on the ground

periodically during the operation to report

observations and make adjustments as neces-

sary. The specialist is responsible for setting

up, activating and monitoring the experi-

ment, aligning the optical system, changing

film, stowing samples, and deactivating the

experiment. A stable vehicle attitude that

minimizes fluid motion around the crystal

must be maintained for the duration of crys-

tal growth ope ra tions.After the mission, the specimen crystals

will be returned to the investigators' labora-

tories for extensive analysis of crystalline

structure and properties, including their

capability for infrared detection. The space-

grown crystals will be compared with crys-tals grown by the same technique on the

ground and with commercially available tri-glycine sulfate crystals. Flight data will beevaluated to assess the effectiveness of this

crystal growth technique and of the Fluid

Experiment System before they are used

again on future missions.

Dr. Roger L. Kroes of the Space ScienceLaboratory at NASA-Marshall Space Flight

Center is a co-investigator for this

experiment.

This image is reconstructed from a

hologram made inside the Fluid

Experiment System during ground tests.The wavy lines around the crystal are con-vective currents that indicate variations in

the density and temperature of the growth

solution.

Principal investigator Dr Ravindra Lal (right) and co-investigator Dr Roger Kroes (left)

examine the Fluid Experiment Systerg

Start Preheat Crystal on End of Crystal GrowthOptical Bench

Ambient temp seed Heat solution to 70C to dis- Raise sling cap: lower Replace sting cap to 0to-protected by sting cap solve all crystallized triglycine temp of test cell to match tect crystal; remove test cell

sulfate: seed tern0 remains temp of seed for crystal from optical bench: 2 runsat 42C growth: growth rate equals for 24 hrs equal 2 mm

1 mm thickness per day thick crystal, 1 run for 48hrs equals 4 mm thick

Crystal growth process in the Fluid

Experiment System

EEE:]

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Mercuric Iodide GrowthVapor Crystal Growth System

Wayne IF. SchneppleEG&G Energy Measurements,Inc.

Goleta, California

Purpose: The aims of this investigation areto grow more nearly perfect single crystals ofmercuric iodide and to gain improved under.standing of crystal growth by a vaporprocess.

Principal investigator Wayne Schnepplewatches as Dr. Lodewijk van den Berg --payload specialist and co-investigator,,looks through a microscope into the VaporCrystal Growth _/stem furnace.

Crys ta l growth proces$ tn the vd_por CrystalGrowth _stem

START

Seed temperature slightlywarmer

Importance: Mercuric iodide crystals havepractical use as sensitive X-ray and gamma.ray detectors. In addition to their high-per-formance electronic properties, these crys-tals can operate well a t room tempera turerather than at the extremely low temperatureusually required by other materials. Becausea bulky cryogenic cooling system is unneces-sary, mercuric iodide crystals could be usefulin portable detector devices for nuclear

power plant monit oring, natural resourceprospecting, biomedical applications in bothdiagnosis and therapy, and in astronomicalinstruments.

Although mercuric iodide seems to have

greater potenti al performance than existingtechnology, i ts actual performance does notyet meet expectations. It is suspected thatproblems in the growth process causedefects in the crystals. Unstable convectiveflow in the vapot_ for example, may cause acrystal to grow unevenly. Furthermore, mer-curic iodide has a fragile structure that canbe deformed during growth by the stress ofthe crystal_ own weight.

Scientist s bel ieve that it will be possible

to control the crystal growth process betterin microgravity and produce large singlecrystals with few defects. When gravity-related convection is minimized, variationsin the vapor transport should be reduced.Movement of the vapor will then occurmainly by diffusion or by Stefan How (a reg-ular displacement caused by evaporation atthe source and condensation at the seed

crystal). Strain deformities caused by thecrystal's own weight also should be mini-mized in microgravity Improvements in thecrystals should result in higher yield andmore feasible applications for detectordevices.

Method: The technique to be used is crystalgrowth by solidification from a vapor. Sourcematerial and a seed crystal are enclosed in asealed container, called an ampoule, inside afurnac_ When the ampoule is heated, thematerial sublimes and spreads through thechamber. The seed crystal is maintained at a

CRYSTAL GROWTH

Cool seed to begin growth ofthan source; mercuric iodide crystal; mercuric iodide atomsmoves from seed to source to etch move from source to seedsurface of seed

END OF GROWTH

No source material is present; finalcrystal size is I cubic centimeter.

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lower temperature, so the vapor condensesonto the seed. The condensing vapor mole-cul es foll ow the structure of the 2 to 3millimeter (0.08 to 0.12 inch) seed to pro-duce a larger, uniform crystal.

A special Vapor Crystal Growth Systemwas designed for use on Spacelab 3 and sub-sequent missions, It introduces severalrefinements of the vapor growth process tominimize the causes of crystalline defects.

The ampoule is evenly heated to 100 to110 C (212 to 230 OF)by a helical coilwound symmetrically around it. The seedcrystal is thermally coupled to a sting, adevice that conducts heat away. The sting ismaintained at a desired cooler temperatureof 40(: (I04F).

Crew members can control seed crystal

growth by adjusting the temperature of thesting. If they see undesirable growths form-ing on the surface of the main crystal, thecrew members can eliminate them by raisingthe s ting tempera ture . Normal crystal growthresumes when the sting temperature is low-ered. Scientists hope to grow a single crystalwith a volume of about 1 cubic centimeter

(0.06 cubic inches) by this technique. Care-ful monitoring and delicate adjustments areessential to the success of this operation.

The vapor crystal growth sequence ofheat-up, growth, and cool-down is controlledby a microprocessor. The payload specialistis responsible for making periodic observa-tions of the sample, checking process varia-bles, adjusting operations as required,measuring crystal growth rates, and properlystowing the crystal for landing. The specialistcan view the growing cryst al through amicroscope mounted on the front panel ofthe furnace assembly and can discuss opera-tions with the principal investigator on the

ground. Engineering data are downlinked,and experiment data are tape recorded onboard for postflight analysis on the ground.Real-time television downlink is scheduled

for critical periods in the long growth pro-ces& The heat-up phase requires 4 hours,and cool-down requires about 10 hours; thecrystal growth period lasts 110 hours (4V2days). Such slow growth is conducive to theproduction of large single crystals.

After landing, the space-grown crystalwill be compared to the best sample crystalsgrown by identical techniques on theground. Scientists will be interested in thecomparative structural imperfections, elec-tronic properties, and detector response ofthe crystals. They will also glean valuableinformation about the vapor growth processand apparatus, The technique being tried onSpacelab 3 is innovative; evaluation of themethod and the hardware may lead to fur-ther refinements for subsequent crystal

growth experiments in space and on theground. If space-grown crystals prove to heof significantly better quality than crystalsproduced on the ground, the next step mayhe a production facility in space.

Co-investigators for this experiment fromEG&G, Inc. in Goteta, California, are payloadspecialist Dr. Lodewijk van den Berg and Dr.Michael M. Schieher.

Mercury Iodide

Crystal Growth

Bobert CadoretLaboratoire de Cristallographie

et de PhysiqueLes Cezeaux, France

Purpose.. In this investigation near ly perfectsingle crystals of mercury iodide will be

grown at different pressures to analyze theeffects of weightlessness on vapor transport.

Importance: High-quality mercury iodidecrystals are very sensitive X-ray and gammaray detectors that operate well at room tem-perature. Since comparable high-perform-ance detector materials require extremely

low operating temperatures, mercury iodideis an attractive material for a variety of usesin science and industry.

A standard technique for producing

these crystals is by solidification from a vaporunder carefully controlled growth condi-tions. In a closed container, vapor from aheated source material moves by slow con-vection and condenses upon a cooler seedcrystal to produce a larger crystal. Crystalquality depends on constant temperature,growth rat e, and vapor transport condition&

It is difficult to produce sufficiently high-quality crystals on Earth because small varia-tions in pressure during tim growth processcreat e defect s that impair the electronic per-formance of the crystals , These vari ationsmay be induced by gravity. Scientists areinterested in understanding the effects of

gravity on vapor transport so they can learn

to control crystal growth conditions and thucontrol crystal quality. The practical resultthis knowledge will be the production ofimproved materials for use as radiationdetectors,

Method.. Evaporat ion and .condensation willoccur within ampoule cartridges in a two-zone furnace having different temperaturesat each end. The experiment apparatusincludes two heat pipe furnaces, each hold-

ing three cartridges, and six ampoule car-tridges enclosing mercury iodide seedcrystals and source material.

The normal sequence of this experimentis controlled by the Spacelab exper imentcomputer. Crew members change cartridgesand reprogram the experiment as necessary.During the two 70-hour operations, the computer monitors the power supply status andthe temperature difference between the twozones of the ovet_ Signals alert the crew tointervene ff e ither parameter is out-of-limit&

A similar experiment developed by thesame principal investigator was accom-plished during the Spacelab 1 misslotx ForSpacelab 3, the samples will be subjecteddifferent temperatures and growth condi-tions, for comparison with the crystal s previ-

ously grown. Reflight of the investigationdemonstrates the capabil it y of changing andrepeating experiments on successive Space-lab mission& In this way, scientists canrespond fairly rapidly to experimental resultfrom research in space_

The co-investigator for this experimentDr. Pierre Brisson of the Laboratoire de Cris-

tallographie et de Physique.

These mercury iodide crystals were grouraduring the Spacelab 1 mission A modifiedversion of this experiment will be

performed during the Spacelab 3 missiort

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18 r---1

Life Sciences

As people live and work in orbi t, t heir bodiesrespond in various ways to the space envi-ronment. Understanding the physiologicalchanges during human adaptat ion to weight-lessness is a major challenge in the biomedi-cad sciences.

The common goal of the medical and bio-

logical investigations aboard Spacelab 3 is togain knowledge about the functioning ofbasic life processes. Spacelab is a workshopwhere humans and animals can be studiedunder conditions that cannot be simulated

on Earth. Investigations here may result innew information that will extend our basic

knowledge of biology and also ensure thehealth, safety and optimal performance ofhumans in space.

Spacelab 3 carries a contingent of ani-mals living in new housing facilities designedby the NASA Ames Research Center. Engi-neering tests of the Research Animal HoldingFacility axe scheduled, as well as continuousmonitoring of the animals' physiological and

behavioral react ions to the spaceenvironment.

In two other investigations, the crewserves as experimental subjects. One investi-gation, Autogenic Feedback Training,explores the ability of crew members to con-trol space sickness by using biofeedbacktechniques. Another, the Urine MonitoringInvestigation, uses a new system to collectand measure crew urine samples, which canbe analyzed to determine changes in humanbody fluids dur ing weightl es sness.

The Spacelab 3 results will contribute tothe extensive life sciences studies plannedfor Spacelab 4, the first mission dedicated toone discipline. Results of verification tests

performed on the Research Animal HoldingFacility will be useful in preparing it for fur-ther animal studies on future Spacelab mis-sions. The Spacelab 3 life scienceinvestigations will provide practical informa-tion about using the orbital environment toadvance knowledge in medicine and biology.

Ames Research Center Life

Sciences PayloadDr. Paul X. CallahanDr.John W..TremorNASA-Ames Research CenterMoffett Field, California

The need for suitable animal housing to sup-port research in space led to the develop-ment of the Research Animal Holding Facilityat the Ames Research Center. The major lifescience objective of this mission is to per-form engineering tests on two new facilities:the rodent animal holding facility and theprimate animal homing facility In addition,scientists will observe the animals to obtain

first-hand knowledge of the effects of launchand reentry stresses and weightlessness onanimal physiology and behavior. Two otherelectronic systems in the Ames ResearchCenter Payload will also be tested; the Bio-telemetry System for measuring the physio-logical functions of the animals, and the

Dynamic Environment Measurement Systemfor monitoring noise, vibration, and accelera-tion in the immediate vicinity of the animalhoming facility during ascent and reentry.

Research Animal Holding FacilityVerification Test

Purpose: The objectives of the Ames lifesciences investigations are to perform engi-neering tests to ensure that the ResearchAnimal Holding Facility is a safe and ade-quate fac il ity for housing and studying ani-mals in the space environment; to observethe animals' reactions to the space environ-

ment; and to evaluate the operations and pro-cedures for in-flight animal care.

Importance: Scientists often study animalsto find clues to human physiology and behav-ior. Rats, insects, and microorganisms havealready been studied aboard the Shuttle onprevious missions. On Spacelab 3 scientistswill have a chance to observe a large numberof animals living in space in a speciallydes ig t_ed and independent ly controlled hous-ing facility.

Severa l ground tests of the facili ty havebeen performed, but it is impossible to simu-late the stress of launch and reentry or thecondition of orbital weightlessness. Duringthe Spacelab 3 mission, scientists and engi-neers will be able to study the facility underactual f light condi tions to determine whetherthere are any peculiarities of spaceflightoperations that affect its capability to accom-modate animal specimens. This engineeringevaluat ion wi ll gi ve invest igators time tochange the operating procedures, if neces-sary, before more extensive experiments areconducted on future missions.

While evaluating the new facility, the sci-entists can also study, in a preliminary butcontrolled manner, the animals' reactions to

the space environment. Humans typicallyexperience some mild physical problems,such as space sickness, mineral loss, and

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redistribution of body fluids, during adapta-tion to space. By elect ronical ly monit or ingand observing the physical characteristics ofthe Spacelab 3 animals, scientists may beable to determine if animals, like humans,

experience some of these adaptation prob-lems. Monkeys and rats are commonly usedas laboratory animals, and their behavior andphysical condition in space can be compared

to their behavior and physical condition onEarth. Data collected during this spaceflight

may suggest useful scientific areas to probeon future missions and may aid in the designof future experiments and flight equipment.

Method: Housing in modular, removablecages is available for animals ranging in sizefrom rodents to small primates. For the

Spacelab 3 mission, 4 squirrel monkeys willbe housed in individual cages in a primateResearch Animal Holding Facility and 24 ratswill be housed in individual cages in arodent Research Animal Holding Facility.Food and water will be dispensed automati-

cally on animal demand, and waste will be

directed by air flow into absorbent traysbeneath the cages. Periodically, crew mem-bers will replace food in the dispensers andremove the easily accessible waste trays,replacing them with clean ones. These pro-cedures will be recorded on video tape.Using the Spacelab computer, the crew willmonitor food and water consumption toensure that the animals are well-nourished.Caution and warning indicators on the con-

trol panel will inform the crew of any mal-functions, such as a water leak in a cage.

There are no plans for the crew to handlethe animals. However, both Thornton and

Thagard, who are medical doctors, havereceived veterinary training and will be able

to care for the animals, particularly the mon-keys, in the event of illness or injury. A veter-inarian kit to support the Ames payload willbe carried in a stowage locker. Through win-dows on the front of the cages, the crew willroutinely observe each rat and monkey andwill describe any abnormalities in their activ-

ity, posture, coat, skin or breathing patternsto a veterinarian on the ground. All descrip-tions will be recorded in a log book for laterreference. The animals will be observed

before, during, and after the mission for com-

parat ive analysis.The crew also will evaluate the use of a

soft jacket to be worn by two of the squirrelmonkeys. The jacket helps the monkey main-tain orientation in the cage and supplies acomfortable restraint during weightlessness.

Side loops on the jacket ride on vertical railsin the cage, allowing the monkey some freemovement but preventing it from floatingabout in the weightless environment. Theother two monkeys can be temporarilyrestrained, if necessary, by a back wall thatcan be moved forward by a crew member to

position the animal in the front of the cage.These techniques may be used in later mis-sions to gain access to the animals withoutremoving them from their cages.

In addition to the crew's observations,

electronic systems will monitor the holdingfacility and the animals. Cage temperature,

humidity, water pressure, and other house-keeping parameters will be measured contin-uously As the animals move, they wi ll br eaka light beam, and special photocell sensors inthe cage walls will record their daily move-ment pat terns . Four rats will be photo-

graphed intermittently by a 16 millimetercamera-mirror system to record their

responses to launch, weightlessness, and re-entry; video tapes of the monkeys will bemade at various times.

A Biotelemetry System, which monitorsthe output of sensors surgically implanted insome of the animals before flight, will meas-

ure basic physiological functions, such asheart rate, muscle activity and body tempera-ture. Four of the rats and the four monkeyswill have these wireless sensors, which per-

mit normal movement and behavior. Datawill be sent via a dedicated computer

directly to scientists on the ground whomonitor the animals' well being.

A Dynamic Environment MeasurementSystem will measure noise, vibration andacceleration in the immediate vicinity of theResearch Animal Holding Facility duringlaunch and reentry. This information is use-ful for experiments in which external envi-

ronmental factors must be taken intoaccount in experiment design and interpre-tation of data. Environmental measurementswill be recorded on magnetic tapes. The data

will be analyzed after the mission to inter-pret animal response to spaceflight and toevaluate the performance of the new flighthardware.

Ames Research Center project scientist Dr.

John W. Tremor (left) and project managerDr Paul X. Callahan (right) examine a

feeder device used in the Research AnimalHoMing Faci li ty

The Research Animal Holding Facility:

rodent facility (left), primate facility

(right)

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Autogenic FeedbackTraining

Dr. Pat CowingsNASA-Ames Research CenterMoffett Field, California

Purpose: "l]lis investigation tests a treat-mcnt for space adaptation syndrome (spacemotion sickness) and a technique for trainingpeople to control bodily processesw_luntaril)_

Importance: About half of all spaceflightcr ew members experience some discomfortwhile adapting to the space environment.Symptoms of space adaptation syndrome

range from mild discomfi)rt, such ms s weatingor pallor, to nausea. The symptoms usuallyappear early in a mission and gradually dis-appear in two to four days; meanwhile, theability of a crew member to carry, out sched-uled tasks may be affected.

Many experiments have been performedon previous missions to determine the

causes of discomfort during adaptation tospace. This experiment ignores the causes

and examines the physical responses to adap-tation. Autogenic feedback training, a form ofbiofeedback, has been used in laboratorytesting on the ground and has proven suc-cessful in helping people control motionsickness. If astronauts can learn to control

the symptoms of motion sickness in preflight

The Autogenic Feedback Trainingelectrodeg beltpack recorde_, and ztqqst

display unit will help crew membersmonitor body functions.

training sessions on Earth, they may be ableto apply this training to control d iscomfor tin space .

In I 0 },ears of laboratory research by tprincipal investigator, 75 percent of the tessubjects have learned to control Earth

motion sickness in 6 hours of training; theother 25 percent learned after a slightlylonger training period. The Spacelab 3 crewwill receive five hours of training, in haft-hour periods, over several weeks. In addition

to formai training sessions in a laboratory, thecrew members will practice on their own.

Method: This investigation consists of two

major act ivit ies: pref light training in recog-nizing and controlling the symptoms of Earthmotion sickness and in-flight attempts to co

trol the symptoms of space motion sickness.Both payload specialists and one mission spe-cialist will participate in the experiment asthe treatment group and will have preflighttraining. The two other missi on speciali stswill serve as a control group. They will notreceive preflight training but will wear moni-

tors during flight so their physica l responsescan be compared to those of the treatment

group.During training, electronic monitors dis-

play the body's reactions as the crew mem-ber is exposed to motion sickness stimuli.

The trainee first learns to recognize physicalresponses to motion sickness and then tries

to control them by biofeedback techniques.For example, if a display indicates hyperven-tilation, the t ra inee takes slow, deep breathsto alleviate the symptoms. Eventually; thecrew member should learn to perceive bodysensations and automatically control themwithout interrupting work.

During flight, an undergarment with elec-

- 2 ____

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trodes that attach to the chest, arm, and fin-

ger will be worn to measure heart rate,respirat ion rate and volume, basal skinresponse (sweat), and blood volume pulse.These physiological data will be displayed ona small monitor worn on the wrist; the datawill be recorded on a medical cassetterecorder worn on a belt outside the crew

member's clothing. A tiny accelerometerworn on the head will measure head and

body movement, which seems to be associ-ated with space motion sickness discomfort.

Upon waking, participating crew mem-bers will don the equipment and check theirphysiological responses. This is all the con-trol group will do, but the treatment groupwill go one step further. On a checklist, theywill rate nine symptoms, such as pallor, stom-ach awareness and nausea, from mild tomoderate to severe. This checklist can be

compared to the physiological data to corre-late specific symptoms with specific bodyfunctions.

If any discomfort should occur, the crewmember will record the symptoms and try tocontrol them mentally. The subject's physio-

logical functions will be recorded continu-ously during each 12-hour work shift. Allequipment except the chest electrodes willbe removed before sleep.

This experiment may be reflown to gain

larger treatment and control groups for com-parative analysis. Co-investigators in thisresearch are Dr. Joe Kamiya and Mr. WilliamToscano of the University of California at SanFransisco; Dr. Neal Miller of the RockefellerUniversity; and Dr. Joe Sharp of the NASA-Ames Research Center.

Urine Monitoring

InvestigationDr. Howard SchneiderNASA-Johnson Space CenterHouston, Texas

Purpose: The goals of this investigation areto verify that the Urine Monitoring Systemworks correctly; to test a system for prepar-ing urine samples for postflight analysis; andto develop a procedure for monitoring crewwater intake.

Importance: Scientists and physicians regu-larly analyze urine samples to determine thechemical content of the human body andreach certain conclusions about the body's

physiological condition. Urine samples col-lected in space can be analyzed on Earth tostudy changes in the human body duringspaceflight. Urinalysis is a useful techniquefor determining electrolyte, protein, mineral,and hormone levels of crew members.

It has been observed that the distribution

of body fluid changes as astronauts adapt tothe weightless environment of space. Crew

members often experience fluid and weightloss during the early days of a mission. Byperforming urine collection continuouslythroughout the flight and simultaneouslymonitoring the crew's water intake, investiga-tors can understand the crew members '

body fluid responses to weightlessness.Future missions probably will incorporate anumber of experiments focused on the vol-ume disturbances resulting from low-gravity

exposure.

Method: The Urine Monitoring System is anew piece of equipment designed to collectand measure urine samples for all crewmembers. After launch, the Urine Monitoring

System will be installed in the middeck nearthe Shuttle's waste collection system for auto-matic measurements of urine volume. Theurine volume measurements will be com-

pared to the f lu id consumption recorded byeach crew member.

Urine samples for two designated crewmembers will be collected, stored, and

returned for analysis to determine if and howtheir body chemistry changed during the

mission.

Urine Monitoring Investigation hardware

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Fluid Mechanics

Fluid mechanics is the study of the behaviorof fluids in response to applied forces. Theforce of gravity on Earth plays an importantrole in fluid behavior. In the weightless envi-ronment of space, however, gravity is usuallynot a significant factor in governing fluids;other forces are more pronounced.

On Earth, it is difficult to study subtleeffects because the force required to over-

come gravity is so strong that it overwhelmsthem. For example, acoustical levitation, theuse of sound waves to hold uncontained fluid

specimens in position, is difficult on Earthbecause high-intensity sound waves tend tocause the fluid to deform and become unsta-

ble. In space, weak sound waves can be usedto position and manipulate weightless speci-mens. This method is being investigatedbecause sound waves can be used in "con-

tainerless processing," a method for process-ing materials while they are suspendedwithout touching anything; contact withcontainers sometimes causes imperfectionsi n processed mat erial s.

Studying fluids in a gravity-free environ-ment can help scientists understand the larg-est and smallest objects in the universe, fromstars to raindrops to atomic nuclei. Thedynamic behavior of raindrops has beenstudied to gain insight into the processesthat govern the formation, growth, and frac-turing of water droplets in clouds.

Stars and planetary atmospheres also canbe understood by studying the way fluidsform and move. Because stars and planets aredistant and satellite measurements are fern,scientists must study them indirectly, bydeveloping models based on mathematicsand experiments. Fluid processes in experi-ments on Earth may be similar to t he int ri-cate processes that take place in a planetaryatmosphere or the interior of a star. Thus, SirIsaac Newton, who formulated many of thebasic laws of motion, studied the shapes ofrotating fluids in an attempt to determine theshape of Earth.

Scientists in terrestrial laboratories have

completed many studies and are still postu-lating theories that describe the way fluidsbehave. The Spacelab 3 crew will studyfluids in two new facilities, the Drop Dynam-icsModule and the Geophysical Fluid FlowCell. Studying the behavior of fluids in themicrogravity environment of space mayanswer existing questions about fluid behav-ior on Earth and lead to new and improvedtheories. These theories can then be appliedto processing more nearly perfect materialson Earth or in space. They also can be usedto better unders tand the atmospheres of thesun, Earth and other planets, and the forma-tion of stars.

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Dynamics of Rotating andOscillating Free DropsDrop Dynamics Module

Dr. Taylor G. WangNASA-Jet Propulsion LaboratoryPasadena, California

Purpose: Fundamental experiments will beperformed in the Drop Dynamics Module toveri fy that the sophisticated new facility canacoustically manipulate drops, to test theo-retical predictions of drop behavior, and per-haps to observe new phenomena.

Importance: Dynamics is the study of themotion of material bodies under the action of

forces. Surface tension and gravity are twocompeting forces that influence the shapeand movement of drops on Earth. In space,the more subtle force -surface tension -is

dominant.

The formation and movement of drops on

Earth, under the dominant influence of grav-ity, have been described by scientists, butmany questions about drop behavior remainunanswered. To confirm theoretical predic-tions of fluid behavior undisturbed by gravity,scientists today are still repeating an experi-ment devised over 100 years ago by the Bel-gian scientist, J. Plateau, who suspended onefluid in another fluid of equal density. How-ever, the interactions of the two fluids pro-duce extraneous forces that mask the

phenomena being investi gat ed.

Recently, scientists have also tried to sus-pend drops with sound waves in themoments of weightlessness aboard NASA'sresearch aircraft and small rockets. These

brief experiments have given them someinsight into how drops would behave inzero-gravity, but they have not been detailedenough to confirm theories formulated dur-ing the last century. The Spacelab 3 dropinvestigat ion i s a signif icant experimentaladvance that may lead to new ideas for con-tinued research on Earth and in space.

The Drop Dynamics Module gives scien-tists the capability to extend their studies inmicrogravity to longer periods of timeaboard Spacelab. These studies are necessaryfor experimental confirmation of theoreticalpredictions. Scientists may then be able toapply the drop dynamics theory to practical

matters, such as the development of contain-erless processing techniques or improvedindustrial processes in metallurgy and chem-

ical engineering.

The study of drops also has astrophysicaland geophysical applications. Scientists maygain new understanding of stellar interiorsand star formation in molecular clouds by

studying the formation and movement ofdrops, which resemble astrophysical pro-cesses. This research is also pertinent to thestudy of raindrops, clouds, and atmosphericprocesses. Improved understanding of dropdynamics could lead to advances in the dis-parate fields of materials science, astrophys-ics, cloud physics, and nuclear physics.

Method: A number of experiments, lasting atotal of 30 hours, will be conducted in the

Drop Dynamics Module. The module con-sists of an acoustical chamber with three

sources that generate, in three differentdirections, sound waves of variable fre-

quency and amplitude. The sound waves willbe used to rotate and oscillate water and sili-

cone drops and to position the drops in afield of view. In space, it should be possible

to position and manipulate a free drop withsmall acoustic forces that wi ll not i nterfer e

with the physical processes being studied.A syringe will automatically inject liquid

between two probes that wil l ret ract toleave a drop of predetermined size free-float-ing ins ide the acoustic chamber. Soundwaves of varying frequencies will rotate oroscillate the drop in the field.of-view of acamera that records the experiment. Asdrops rotate or oscillate, their shapes changein response to the associated forces.

The fluid mechanics payload specialist,who has worked extensively in developingthis investigation, will observe the drops andtry to distinguish minute variations in theirmotion and shape. Colored particles in theliquid will enable scientists to observe theflui d flow ins ide the drop as well as detailson the surface. The dynamic behavior of therotating and oscillating drops will beobserved, interpreted and described in thecontext of available theoretical predictions.The payload specialist will watch the experi-ment carefully to make necessary adjust-ments, fine tune the acoustic parameters, andobserve subtle drop dynamics phenomena. Ifunusual patterns are observed, the crewmember can vary exper iment parameters toinvest igate them.

The payload specialist will make a trial

run of a preprogrammed sequence andrecord it on videotape for downlink to thePayload Operations Control Center. A Space-

Scientists will study how drops change inshape and break apart as they are rotatedor oscillated

lab video camera can be mounted to the

module window for this operation. If satisfiedwith the operation, he will start the filmcamera positioned underneath the moduleand make a recording for postflight analysisLive data by television and voice link will bereceived on the ground for most of theexperiments in this facility.

Co.investigators for this experiment areDr. Eugene H. "fi-inh, who is a payload spe-

ci ali st, and Dr. Daniel D. EllemaIx Both scien-tists are associated with the NASA-Jet

Propulsion Laboratory.

The Drop Dynamics Module was designedand developed by principal inves tiga tor.

payload specialist, Dr Taylor Wang (right),and co.investigator-payload specialist, Dr

Eugene Trirth (left).

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\

Geophysical Fluid Flow CellExperiment

Dr. John HartUniversity of ColoradoBoulder, Colorado

Purpose: In this investigation, scientists

study fluid motions in microgravity as a

means of understanding fluid flow in oceans,

atmospheres, and stars, and the}, test an elab-

orate new facility for laboratory experiments

on these geophysical flows.

Importance: Meteorologists and astrophysi.

cists are interested in the large-scale circula-tions of fluids under the influence of rotation,

gravity, and heating. Such circulations occur

in planetary atmospheres, oceans, and stars.

The thermally-driven motion of a fluid in

a spherical experiment is similar to that in a

thermally-driven, rotating, shallow atmos-

phere or in a deep ocean on a spherical

planet. It i s very difficult to do controlled

experiments with rotating, spherical models

in a ground-based laboratory because terres-

trial gravity distorts the flow patterns in ways

that do not correspond to actual planetary

flows. In the microgravity environment of an

orbiting laboratory, the interference of nor-

mal gravity will be eliminated, and it should

be possible to obtain useful information per-

tinent to convective flows in atmospheresand oceans .

Although the Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell

has been tested on the ground, Spacelab 3 is

the first flight of an experiment of this type.

Thermal convection, the transfer of heat bythe circulation of fluid, will be observed

inside a spherical, rotating liquid shell. Pho-

tographs of the liquid during the experiment

will contain data that can be used to deduce

temperature and velocity fields. From these

photos, scientists can gain new insight into

the fundamental fluid mechanics processes

that govern Earth's atmosphere and oceans,

planetary atmospheres, and the sun.

Scientists are particularly interested in

the atmosphere of Jupiter, which is com-

posed primarily of hydrogen and helium, like

the sun and many stars. Jupiter radiates more

The top of the Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell

is a camera and monitoring system that

measures and records fluid flow between

the two spheres (inset).

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heat than it receives from the sun, which

leads to speculation that the planet may havean internal heat source. By experimentationwith temperature differences in this model,scienti sts hope to understand better the pro-cesses that produce the distinct cloud pat-terns on Jupiter. Ultimately this knowledgemight be applied to understanding large-scale atmospheric circulations around otherplanets.

Method: The experiment hardware assem-bly wi ll be ins tall ed in a rack near the centerof mass of the Shuttle, where gravity effectsaboard the spacecraft are minimized. Theinstrument consists of a stainless steel hemi-

sphere, the size of a baseball, surrounded bya sapphire hemisphere. A space between thetwo hemispheres contains silicone oil. Sap-phire conducts heat well and is transparent;these properties allow good thermal controlof the experiment and photography of themovement of fluid between the two hemi-

spheres. The hemispheres are mounted on aturntable equipped with heating and coolingsystems. When an electric voltage is applied

between the hemispheres, it imparts to thefluid a buoyancy force that is identical tobuoyant forces in planetary atmospheres andstars.

A photochromic chemical dissolved inthe oil forms blue dye lines when activatedby ultraviolet light. By tracking the move-

ment of the lines, scientists can measure thefluid movement and velocity. Temperaturemeasurements will be obtained by using aSchlieren optical system that senses densi tyvariations in the fluid.

By varying rotation rate, temperature, andvoltage, scientists will be able to create fluidflows relevant to the study of oceans, plane-tary atmospheres, and stars. These experi-ments will test existing theoretical modelsand help scientists answer many questionsabout fluid mechanics in the universe. What

flow patterns cause the bands that run acrossJupiter's atmosphere? Why does the solarequator rotate faster than the rest of the sun?What causes certain very deep currents inour oceans?

About 85 hours of experimentation inthe Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell facility areplanned. Each 3-hour or 6-hour experimentwill explore a particular aspect of convectionon a rotating sphere. The pre-programmedexperiments will be monitored by a crewmember and by investigators in the PayloadOperations Control Center. Data will berecorded on 16 millimeter film for later anal-

ysis by the investigators.Co-investigators are Dr. Juri Toomre ofthe University of Colorado; Dr. Peter Gilmanof the National Center for AtmosphericResearch; and Dr. Fred W. Les lie, Dr. GeorgeH. Fichtl and Dr. Wil liam Fowlis of the NASA-

Marshall Space Flight Center.

These temperature patterns associated withconvection on a rotating sphere were

calculated by a computer. The changingconvection patterns from the pole (center ofthe figure) to the equator (perimeter of thefigure) are caused by rotation of the sphere

in a gravitational field

In an image made during tests of theGeophyMcaI Fluid Flow Cel_ the linesrepresent convective flows. In normalgraviO_, hot f luids rise; therefore, mostof the lines are at the top of the hemisphere.

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Atmospheric andAstronomicalObservations

Spacelab can be used as an observation plat-form for remote sensing and imaging ofEarth's environment and the celestial sphere.Telescopes, cameras, and sensors can be usedoutside the Spacelab module, in the scientific

airlock, or at the high-qualit y w indow.The atmosphere is the scene of many

complex chemical and physical interactions.The delicate balance maintained there is crucial to the balance of our terrestrial environ-ment as a whole. Scientists are interested in

more detailed knowledge of the constituentatmospheric gases, their sources, concentra-tions, temperatures, variations and move-ments. Much of the information about the

chemistry and physics of Earth's environmentcannot be gained from the ground, becausethe atmosphere itself absorbs the evidence.From space, it is possible to survey Earth ona global scale and gain new insight into theprocesses that control our environment.

Likewise, the atmosphere filters radiationfrom the sun, stars, and other celestialobjects. Electromagnetic radiation in thegamma ray, X-ray, ultraviolet, and infraredwavelengths is largely absorbed in the atmos-phere before it can reach the ground. Conse-quently, much of the universe is "invisible"except to instruments placed above theatmosphere. The atmosphere also obscuresour view of the visible sky; much clearer

observations and sharper photographs arepossi ble above the clouds and turbulence.

Spacelab 3 carries instruments for four

atmospheric and astronomical investigations.Located outside the module on the experi-ment support structure, the ATMOS instru-

ment studies atmospheric composition andthe Ions instrument samples cosmic rays. TheVery Wide Field Camera is mounted insidethe scientific airlock and extended into spaceto photograph the Milky Way. Two othercameras are used by the crew to photographauroras, the Northern Lights.

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Atmospheric TraceMolecules

Spectroscopy (ATMOS)

Dr. C.B. FarmerNASA-Jet Propulsion LaboratoryPasadena, California

Purpose: The objectives of this investiga-

tion are to examine, on a global scale, thecomposition and variability of the upperatmosphere and to gain very precise spectralinformation for an atlas of the region.

Importance: The chemistry and physics ofthe upper atmosphere influence the stabilityof the lower atmosphere in which we live. Iti s, therefore, impor tant to understand thebehavior of the atmosphere -to learn whatcomposes it, where the various componentsoriginate, what causes them to move aboutand interact, and how they change over tim_

Scientists have identified at least 40

mole