STS-107 Daily Science Report
January 31
Mist completed 16 tests with small
droplets. After chamber access and atomizer change-outs, Mist
performed nine tests with medium-sized droplets, bringing the
total number of tests performed to 25. Excluding the 10 tests
lost originally due to the leak problem, Mist was able to perform
eight more tests than the originally scheduled 17 during this
time frame. Mist decided not to use the third atomizer (droplet
size). Rather, the science team will run exploratory tests using
extra lean mixtures and study mist evolution behavior.
Sometimes, suspected air bubbles in the water delivery line caused
problems in misting. Mist will compensate for such problems by
referencing the actual mist concentration measurements that will
be analyzed post-flight. Absence of a real-time video downlink
for observing misting status created issues for real-time decision-making.
Occasional misting problems were attributed to insufficient clean-up
time and formation of a droplet attached to the atomizer head.
The latter test—with more clean-up time and the clapper valve
on the atomizer head being exercised to eliminate the suspected
water droplet—resulted in more consistent misting.
After completing 16 tests with small droplets, Mist completed
16 more tests with medium-sized droplets before shut-down, bringing
the total number of tests performed to 32. Considering the 34
test points planned pre-mission and 10 test points lost due to
the initial leak problem, this is a huge accomplishment on the
part of the Mist team. Exploratory tests using extra-lean mixtures
and the study of mist evolution behavior in the test tube before
ignition yielded scientifically interesting results. Additional
repeat runs of some test points which had misting problems provided
answers to many questions. Mist had an exquisite ending with a
complete extinguishment of a robust flame by a perfectly quiescent
and uniform mist.
The CVX-2 team has completed ramping
from Tc + 0.001 K to Tc -0.001 K. We also stepped up to Tc + 0.1
K. and soaked for six hours. We are starting a 3.6-hour soak.
We are collecting data at 2 Hz and 3 Hz at multiple amplitudes
during ramp, and have collected “chirp” data during
the six-hour soak, as well as data at 12 Hz at multiple amplitudes
during the 3.6-hour soak.
CVX-2 has completed four passes through the critical temperature,
as planned in the original timeline. Another pass through the
critical temperature has been programmed and will give the science
team extra data for analysis and calibration.
We’ve completed the soak at Tc + 0.1 K, and are currently
soaking at Tc + 50 mK. Data is being collected at 12 Hz.
The soak at Tc + 50 mK is complete and we’ve started ramping
from Tc + 50 mK to Tc + 3 mK.CVX-2 is currently ramping from Tc
+ 50 mK to Tc + 3 mK and collecting data at 12 Hz at multiple
amplitudes.
CVX-2 is conducting a fifth pass through the critical temperature
to collect extra data at a higher oscillator frequency (12 Hertz).
Approximately 13,000 viscometry data files have been collected
thus far.
We are currently ramping from Tc +3 mK to Tc + 2 mK. We have also
modified the timeline for Pass 5. CVX-2 is not requesting a “critical
period” for Pass 5.
We’ve completed ramps from Tc +3 mK to Tc + 2 mK and from
Tc + 2mK to Tc + 1 mK. Also, we have started ramping to Tc + .5mK.
We collected data at 12 Hz at multiple amplitudes.
SAMS-FF is continuing two-shift,
real-time support of MIST in the CM-2 and providing periodic snaps
of real-time displays to the science team where allowed.
Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment
(OARE) will remain powered in support of MIST in the CM-2.
Quasi-steady acceleration data will be provided post-mission.
Mission Status Reports
January
31, 2003
January 30, 2003
January 29, 2003
January 28, 2003
January 27, 2003
January 26, 2003
January 25, 2003
January 24, 2003
January 23, 2003
January 22, 2003
January 21, 2003
January 20, 2003
