Shuttle Orbiter - IUS/DSP (Defense Support Program) Satellite Interface Contamination Study.

Abstract : This report presents the results of a contamination analysis on the Defense Support Program (DSP) satellite during launch and deployment by the Space Transportation System (STS). This report presents the predicted containment deposition on critical DSP surfaces during the period soon after launch when the DSP is in the Shuttle Orbiter bay with the doors closed, the bay-doors open and during initial deployment. Additionally, a six sided box was placed at the spacecraft position to obtain directional contaminant flux information for a general payload while in bay and during deployment. The analysis included contamination sources from the Shuttle Orbiter, IUS and cradle, the DSP sensor and the DSP support package. During the period in bay-doors closed (one hour duration), the outgassing from all surfaces in the payload bay including the IUS and spacecraft were considered as sources. During the period in bay-doors open (2 hours duration), additional sources in the form of VCS engines and return flux of contaminants were considered. During deployment (approximately 15 minutes), only Shuttle Orbiter fluxes on DSP critical surfaces were considered. Critical surfaces on the DSP that were evaluated include: four second surface thermal mirror panels on the W71 sensor; star sensors; cylindrical solar panels, and Radec ABL systems.