Location
Radisson Resort at the Port, Convention Center, Salon I
Start Date
1-5-2003 1:30 PM
End Date
1-5-2003 4:30 PM
Description
Since the earliest conceptualization stage for an on-orbit Space Station, as the “Gateway to Space” the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) was destined to perform a major role in pre-launch and post-landing processing. In order to accomplish the processing of Space Station elements and experiments, a variety of Ground Systems was needed. These included Facilities and Facility Systems, Ground Support Equipment, and Checkout Systems. Facilities and associated systems include the Space Station Processing Facility, Vapor Containment Facility, and Altitude Chamber. Ground support equipment includes over 140 separate items associated with access and handling, fluid and gas systems, electrical power systems, communication and data systems, and a new Shuttle landing convoy vehicle. Checkout systems include the Test, Control, and Monitor System for ISS resupply and return processing and the Payload Test and Checkout System for ISS experiment interface testing. Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) facilities were also modified and GSE was developed to support ISS operations there as well.
This paper provides an overview of the ISS Ground System Capability at the Kennedy Space Center and its role in the processing of elements and experiments for the ISS. It also discusses potential future ground systems activities as the ISS Program has moved into the operational phase.
Paper Session II-C - ISS Ground Systems Capability at Kennedy Space Center
Radisson Resort at the Port, Convention Center, Salon I
Since the earliest conceptualization stage for an on-orbit Space Station, as the “Gateway to Space” the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) was destined to perform a major role in pre-launch and post-landing processing. In order to accomplish the processing of Space Station elements and experiments, a variety of Ground Systems was needed. These included Facilities and Facility Systems, Ground Support Equipment, and Checkout Systems. Facilities and associated systems include the Space Station Processing Facility, Vapor Containment Facility, and Altitude Chamber. Ground support equipment includes over 140 separate items associated with access and handling, fluid and gas systems, electrical power systems, communication and data systems, and a new Shuttle landing convoy vehicle. Checkout systems include the Test, Control, and Monitor System for ISS resupply and return processing and the Payload Test and Checkout System for ISS experiment interface testing. Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) facilities were also modified and GSE was developed to support ISS operations there as well.
This paper provides an overview of the ISS Ground System Capability at the Kennedy Space Center and its role in the processing of elements and experiments for the ISS. It also discusses potential future ground systems activities as the ISS Program has moved into the operational phase.
