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{{short description|1990 Space Shuttle mission to deploy a classified payload}}
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{{short description|1990 Space Shuttle mission to deploy a classified payload}}
{{Short description|Thirtt-seventh Space Shuttle mission, seventh orbital flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox spaceflight
{{Infobox spaceflight
| name = STS-38
| name = STS-38
| names_list = [[Space Transportation System]]-37
| image = STS038-84-23 Atlantis.jpg
| image_caption = ''Atlantis'' in orbit; in-flight photography of this Department of Defense support mission is limited
| image = STS038-84-23 Atlantis.jpg
| image_caption = ''Atlantis'' in orbit; in-flight photography of this Department of Defense support mission is limited
| insignia = STS-38 patch.svg
| image_size = 300px


| mission_type = [[United States Department of Defense|DoD satellites deployment]]
| spacecraft = {{OV|104}}
| mission_type = Satellite deployment
| operator = [[NASA]]
| COSPAR_ID = 1990-097A
| SATCAT = 20935
| orbits_completed = 79
| distance_travelled = {{convert|2045056|mi|km|order=flip}}
| mission_duration = 4 days, 21 hours, 54 minutes, 31 seconds
| launch_mass =
| landing_mass =
| payload_mass =


| operator = [[NASA]]
| launch_site = [[Kennedy Space Center|Kennedy]] [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39|LC-39A]]
| COSPAR_ID = 1990-097A
| launch_date = {{start-date|15 November 1990, 23:48:13|timezone=yes}} UTC
| SATCAT = 20935
| mission_duration = 4 days, 21 hours, 54 minutes, 31 seconds (achieved)


| distance_travelled = {{cvt|3291199|km}}
| landing_date = {{end-date|20 November 1990, 21:42:42|timezone=yes}} UTC
| orbits_completed = 79
| landing_site = [[Kennedy Space Center|Kennedy]] [[Shuttle Landing Facility|SLF Runway 33]]


| crew_size = 5
| spacecraft = {{OV|104}}
| launch_mass =
| crew_members = {{Unbulleted list|[[Richard O. Covey]]|[[Frank L. Culbertson Jr.]]|[[Carl J. Meade]]|[[Robert C. Springer]]|[[Charles D. Gemar]]}}
| crew_photo = Sts-38 crew.jpg
| landing_mass = {{cvt|86677|kg}}
| payload_mass =
| crew_photo_caption = Left to right - Seated: Culbertson, Covey; Standing: Gemar, Springer, Meade


| apsis = gee
| crew_size = 5
| crew_members = {{Unbulleted list|[[Richard O. Covey]]|[[Frank L. Culbertson Jr.]]|[[Carl J. Meade]]|[[Robert C. Springer]]|[[Charles D. Gemar]]}}
| orbit_epoch = 17 November 1990<ref name="SATCAT">{{cite web|url=http://planet4589.org/space/log/satcat.txt|title=Satellite Catalog|first=Jonathan|last=McDowell|work=Jonathan's Space Page|access-date=24 May 2013}}</ref>
| orbit_reference = [[geocentric orbit|Geocentric]]
| orbit_regime = [[Low Earth orbit|Low Earth]]
| orbit_periapsis = {{convert|260|km}}<ref name="SATCAT"/>
| orbit_apoapsis = {{convert|269|km}}<ref name="SATCAT"/>
| orbit_period = 89.79 minutes<ref name="SATCAT"/>
| orbit_inclination = 28.4 degrees<ref name="SATCAT"/>


| programme = [[Space Shuttle program]]
| launch_date = 15 November 1990, 23:48:13 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]
| launch_rocket = [[Space Shuttle Atlantis|Space Shuttle ''Atlantis'']]
| previous_mission = [[STS-41]]
| launch_site = [[Kennedy Space Center]], [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]]
| next_mission = [[STS-35]]
| launch_contractor = [[Rockwell International]]

| landing_date = 20 November 1990, 21:42:42 UTC
| landing_site = [[Kennedy Space Center]],<br/>[[Shuttle Landing Facility|SLF Runway 33]]

| orbit_reference = [[Geocentric orbit]]<ref name="SATCAT">{{cite web|url=http://planet4589.org/space/log/satcat.txt|title=Satellite Catalog|publisher=Jonathan's Space Page|access-date=24 May 2013}}</ref>
| orbit_regime = [[Low Earth orbit]]
| orbit_periapsis = {{cvt|260|km}}
| orbit_apoapsis = {{cvt|269|km}}
| orbit_inclination = 28.45°
| orbit_period = 89.79 minutes
| apsis = gee

| insignia = STS-38 patch.svg
| insignia_caption = STS-38 mission patch
| insignia_size = 200px

| crew_photo = Sts-38 crew.jpg
| crew_photo_caption = Standing: [[Charles D. Gemar]], [[Robert C. Springer]], [[Carl J. Meade]]<br/>Seated: [[Frank L. Culbertson Jr.]], [[Richard O. Covey]]
| crew_photo_size = 300px

| programme = '''[[Space Shuttle program]]'''
| previous_mission = [[STS-41]] (STS-36)
| next_mission = [[STS-35]] (STS-38)
}}
}}
'''STS-38''' was a [[Space Shuttle]] mission by [[NASA]] using the [[Space Shuttle Atlantis|Space Shuttle ''Atlantis'']]. It was the 37th shuttle mission, and carried a [[classified information in the United States|classified]] payload for the [[U.S. Department of Defense]]. It was the 7th flight for ''Atlantis'' and the 7th flight dedicated to the Department of Defense. The mission was a 4-day mission that traveled more than 2 million miles and completed 79 revolutions. ''Atlantis'' landed at [[Kennedy Space Center]]'s [[Shuttle Landing Facility]]'s runway 33. The launch was originally scheduled for July 1990, but was rescheduled due to a hydrogen leak found on {{OV|102}} during the [[STS-35]] countdown. During a rollback to the [[Orbiter Processing Facility]] ''Atlantis'' was damaged during a hail storm. The eventual launch date of 15 November 1990 was set due to a payload problem. The launch window was between 18:30 and 22:30 EST. The launch occurred at 18:48 EST.


'''STS-38''' was a [[Space Shuttle]] mission by [[NASA]] using the [[Space Shuttle Atlantis|Space Shuttle ''Atlantis'']]. It was the 37th shuttle mission, and carried a [[classified information in the United States|classified]] payload for the [[United States Department of Defense|U.S. Department of Defense]] (DoD). It was the 7th flight for ''Atlantis'' and the seventh flight dedicated to the Department of Defense. The mission was a 4-day mission that traveled {{cvt|3291199|km}} and completed 79 revolutions. ''Atlantis'' landed at [[Kennedy Space Center]]'s [[Shuttle Landing Facility]]'s runway 33. The launch was originally scheduled for July 1990, but was rescheduled due to a hydrogen leak found on {{OV|102}} during the [[STS-35]] countdown. During a rollback to the [[Orbiter Processing Facility]] ''Atlantis'' was damaged during a hail storm. The eventual launch date of 15 November 1990 was set due to a payload problem. The launch window was between 18:30 and 22:30 [[Eastern Time Zone|EST]]. The launch occurred at 18:48:13 EST.
==Crew==

== Crew ==
{{Spaceflight crew
{{Spaceflight crew
|terminology = Astronaut
| terminology = Astronaut

|position1 = Commander
| position1 = Commander
|crew1_up = [[Richard O. Covey]]
| crew1_up = [[Richard O. Covey]]
|flights1_up = Third
| flights1_up = Third
|position2 = Pilot

|crew2_up = [[Frank L. Culbertson Jr.]]
| position2 = Pilot
|flights2_up = First
| crew2_up = [[Frank L. Culbertson Jr.]]
|position3 = Mission Specialist 1
| flights2_up = First
|crew3_up = [[Carl J. Meade]]

|flights3_up = First
|position4 = Mission Specialist 2
| position3 = Mission Specialist 1
|crew4_up = [[Robert C. Springer]]
| crew3_up = [[Carl J. Meade]]
| flights3_up = First
|flights4_up = Second and last

|position5 = Mission Specialist 3
| position4 = Mission Specialist 2
|crew5_up = [[Charles D. Gemar]]
| crew4_up = [[Robert C. Springer]]
|flights5_up = First
| flights4_up = Second and last

| position5 = Mission Specialist 3
| crew5_up = [[Charles D. Gemar]]
| flights5_up = First
}}
}}


===Crew seating arrangements===
=== Crew seating arrangements ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
Line 71: Line 89:
! Launch
! Launch
! Landing
! Landing
| rowspan="6" style="text-align: center;" | [[File:STS-121 seating assignments.png|225px]]<br/>Seats 1–4 are on the Flight Deck. Seats 5–7 are on the Middeck.
| rowspan="6" style="text-align: center;" | [[File:STS-121 seating assignments.png|thumb|upright=1.0|right]]<br/>Seats 1–4 are on the Flight Deck. Seats 5–7 are on the Middeck.
|-
|-
! S1
! S1
Line 92: Line 110:
| Gemar
| Gemar
| Meade
| Meade
|-
|}
|}


==Preparations and launch==
== Preparations and launch ==
The launch occurred on 15 November 1990, 18:48:13 EST. It was originally scheduled for July 1990, however, a liquid hydrogen leak found on [[Space Shuttle Columbia|''Columbia'']] during the [[STS-35]] countdown prompted three precautionary tanking tests on ''Atlantis'' at the pad on 29, 13 June July – 25 July 1990. Tests confirmed the hydrogen fuel leak on the external tank side of the external tank/orbiter {{convert|432|mm}} quick disconnect umbilical.
The launch occurred on 15 November 1990, 18:48:13 EST. It was originally scheduled for 9 July 1990, however, a [[liquid hydrogen]] leak found on [[Space Shuttle Columbia|''Columbia'']] during the [[STS-35]] countdown prompted three precautionary tanking tests on ''Atlantis'' at the pad on 29 June 1990, on 13 July, and on 25 July 1990. Tests confirmed the hydrogen fuel leak on the external tank side of the external tank/orbiter {{cvt|43.2|cm}} quick disconnect umbilical. This could not be repaired at the pad and ''Atlantis'' was rolled back to the VAB on 9 August 1990, demated, then transferred to the [[Orbiter Processing Facility]] (OPF). During rollback, the vehicle remained parked outside the VAB for about a day while the ''Columbia''/STS-35 stack was transferred to the pad for launch. While outside, ''Atlantis'' suffered minor hail damage to its tiles during a thunderstorm. After repairs were made in the OPF, ''Atlantis'' was transferred to the VAB for mating on 2 October 1990. During hoisting operations, the platform beam that was to have been removed from the orbiter's aft compartment fell and caused minor damage, which was repaired. The vehicle rolled out to Pad A on 12 October 1990. The fourth mini-tanking test was performed on 24 October 1990, with no excessive hydrogen or oxygen leakage detected. During the [[Design review (U.S. government)|Flight Readiness Review]] (FRR), the launch date was set for 9 November 1990. The launch was reset for 15 November due to payload problems. Liftoff occurred during a classified launch window lying within a launch period extending from 18:30 to 22:30 EST on 15 November 1990.
This could not be repaired at the pad and ''Atlantis'' was rolled back to the VAB on 9 August, demated, then transferred to the [[Orbiter Processing Facility]] (OPF). During rollback, the vehicle remained parked outside the VAB for about a day while the ''Columbia''/STS-35 stack was transferred to the pad for launch. While outside, ''Atlantis'' suffered minor hail damage to its tiles during a thunderstorm. After repairs were made in the OPF, ''Atlantis'' was transferred to the VAB for mating on 2 October. During hoisting operations, the platform beam that was to have been removed from the orbiter's aft compartment fell and caused minor damage, which was repaired. The vehicle rolled out to Pad A on 12 October 1990. The fourth mini-tanking test was performed on 24 October, with no excessive hydrogen or oxygen leakage detected. During the Flight Readiness Review, the launch date was set for 9 November 1990. The launch was reset for 15 November due to payload problems. Liftoff occurred during a classified launch window lying within a launch period extending from 18:30 to 22:30 EST on 15 November.


==Classified payload==
== Classified payload ==
According to ''[[Aviation Week]]'', the shuttle initially entered a {{convert|204|km}} x {{convert|519|km}} orbit at an inclination of 28.45° to the equator. It then executed three OMS (orbital maneuvering system) burns, the last on orbit #4. The first of these circularized the orbit at {{convert|519|km}}.
According to ''[[Aviation Week]]'', the shuttle initially entered a {{cvt|204|km}} x {{cvt|519|km}} orbit at an [[Orbital inclination|inclination]] of 28.45° to the [[equator]]. It then executed three [[Space Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering System|orbital maneuvering system]] (OMS) burns, the last on orbit #4. The first of these circularized the orbit at {{cvt|519|km}}.


The first classified payload was code-named USA-67,<ref>[https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1990-097B NASA Space Data Center: NSSDC ID: 1990-097B USA-67] ELINT Program</ref> which was deployed from Atlantis' cargo bay on the 7th orbit and ignited its rocket motor at the ascending node of the 8th orbit to place it in a geo-synchronous transfer orbit. ''[[Aviation Week]]'' reported that USA-67 was a secret [[ELINT]] gathering satellite headed for [[geosynchronous orbit]] and launched to monitor the events during the first [[Gulf War]] in 1990. As a result of there being two upper stages aboard STS-38, USA-67 was originally believed to be a [[Magnum (satellite)|Magnum satellite]] like those deployed on [[STS-51-C]] and [[STS-33]], which were launched via a two-stage [[Inertial Upper Stage|IUS]].<ref name=UGO>{{cite web|last=Molczan|first=Ted|title=Unknown GEO Object 2000-653A / 90007 Identified as Prowler|url=http://satobs.org/seesat_ref/STS_38/Unknown_GEO_Object_2000-653A_-_90007_Identified_as_Prowler.pdf|publisher=Visual Satellite Observer's Home Page|access-date=25 February 2011|date=21 January 2011}}</ref> Today it is believed that USA-67 was instead a secret [[Satellite Data System|SDS-2]] military communications satellite, like those deployed on [[STS-28]] and [[STS-53]].<ref>[http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Mar-2000/0378.html Satobs.org: ''USA-67 observations'' ]</ref><ref>[http://www.fas.org/spp/military/program/sigint/prowler.htm FAS.org: ''GEO SIGINT Satellite'']</ref>
The first classified payload was code-named USA-67,<ref>[https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1990-097B NASA Space Data Center: NSSDC ID: 1990-097B USA-67] ELINT Program {{PD-notice}}</ref> which was deployed from Atlantis' cargo bay on the 7th orbit and ignited its [[Rocket engine|rocket motor]] at the ascending node of the 8th orbit to place it in a [[geostationary transfer orbit]] (GTO). ''Aviation Week'' reported that USA-67 was a secret [[Signals intelligence|ELINT]] gathering satellite headed for [[geosynchronous orbit]] and launched to monitor the events during the first [[Gulf War]] in 1990. As a result of there being two upper stages aboard STS-38, USA-67 was originally believed to be a [[Magnum (satellite)|Magnum satellite]] like those deployed on [[STS-51-C]] and [[STS-33]], which were launched via a two-stage [[Inertial Upper Stage]] (IUS).<ref name=UGO>{{cite web|last=Molczan|first=Ted|title=Unknown GEO Object 2000-653A / 90007 Identified as Prowler |url=http://satobs.org/seesat_ref/STS_38/Unknown_GEO_Object_2000-653A_-_90007_Identified_as_Prowler.pdf|publisher=Visual Satellite Observer's Home Page|access-date=25 February 2011|date=21 January 2011}}</ref> Today it is believed that USA-67 was instead a secret [[Satellite Data System]] (SDS-2) [[Communications satellite|military communications satellite]], like those deployed on [[STS-28]] and [[STS-53]].<ref>[http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Mar-2000/0378.html Satobs.org: ''USA-67 observations'']</ref><ref>[http://www.fas.org/spp/military/program/sigint/prowler.htm FAS.org: ''GEO SIGINT Satellite'']</ref>


It is also believed that USA-67 was not the only satellite deployed during STS-38. A publicly released image of ''Atlantis''' vertical stabilizer and upper aft bulkhead, similar to the one released from STS-53, confirms that the ASE (Airborne Support Equipment) for the [[Inertial Upper Stage|IUS]] was absent from this flight.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/sseop/QuickView.pl?directory=ISD&ID=STS038-84-23 |title=The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth |publisher=Eol.jsc.nasa.gov |access-date=12 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225065551/http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/sseop/QuickView.pl?directory=ISD&ID=STS038-84-23 |archive-date=25 February 2012 }}</ref> An explanation is that two separate satellites were deployed, using single-stage [[PAM-D]] modules. Rumors that appear to have been substantiated by the identification of an "unknown" geostationary satellite by amateur observers<ref>[http://satobs.org/seesat_ref/STS_38/Unknown_GEO_Object_2000-653A_-_90007_Identified_as_Prowler.pdf Ted Molczan, satobs.org: Unknown GEO Object 2000-653A / 90007 Identified as Prowler]</ref><ref>[http://satobs.org/seesat_ref/STS_38/Evaluation_of_the_Opportunity_to_Launch_Prowler_on_STS_38.pdf Ted Molczan, satobs.org: Evaluation of the opportunity to launch Prowler on STS-38]</ref> insist that the second payload was a stealth satellite known as [[Prowler (satellite)|Prowler]], reportedly intended to covertly inspect other nation's geostationary satellites.<ref>[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/6687654 Robert Windrem, NBC News: What is America's top-secret spy program?]</ref>
It is also believed that USA-67 was not the only satellite deployed during STS-38. A publicly released image of ''Atlantis''' vertical stabilizer and upper aft bulkhead, similar to the one released from STS-53, confirms that the ASE (Airborne Support Equipment) for the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) was absent from this flight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/sseop/QuickView.pl?directory=ISD&ID=STS038-84-23|title=The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth|publisher=Eol.jsc.nasa.gov|access-date=12 August 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225065551/http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/sseop/QuickView.pl?directory=ISD&ID=STS038-84-23|archive-date=25 February 2012}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> An explanation is that two separate satellites were deployed, using single-stage [[Payload Assist Module]] (PAM-D). Rumors that appear to have been substantiated by the identification of an "unknown" geostationary satellite by amateur observers<ref>[http://satobs.org/seesat_ref/STS_38/Unknown_GEO_Object_2000-653A_-_90007_Identified_as_Prowler.pdf Ted Molczan, satobs.org: Unknown GEO Object 2000-653A / 90007 Identified as Prowler]</ref><ref>[http://satobs.org/seesat_ref/STS_38/Evaluation_of_the_Opportunity_to_Launch_Prowler_on_STS_38.pdf Ted Molczan, satobs.org: Evaluation of the opportunity to launch Prowler on STS-38]</ref> insist that the second payload was a stealth satellite known as [[Prowler (satellite)|Prowler]], reportedly intended to covertly inspect other nation's geostationary satellites.<ref>[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/6687654 Robert Windrem, NBC News: What is America's top-secret spy program?]</ref>


==Landing==
== Landing ==
The mission was extended by one day due to unacceptable crosswinds at the original planned landing site of [[Edwards Air Force Base]]. Continued adverse conditions led to a decision to shift the landing to KSC. Landing occurred on 20 November 1990, 16:42:42 EST, Runway 33, at the [[Kennedy Space Center]]. The rollout distance was {{convert|9032|ft}} and rollout time was 57 seconds. STS-38 marked the first KSC landing for ''Atlantis'', and the first shuttle landing at KSC since April 1985 (the last being [[STS-51-D]]). ''Atlantis'' weighed {{convert|191,091|lb|kg}} at landing.{{fact|date=August 2020}}
The mission was extended by one day due to unacceptable crosswinds at the original planned landing site of [[Edwards Air Force Base]]. Continued adverse conditions led to a decision to shift the landing to KSC. Landing occurred on 20 November 1990, 16:42:42 EST, Runway 33, at the Kennedy Space Center. The rollout distance was {{cvt|2753|m}} and rollout time was 57 seconds. STS-38 marked the first KSC landing for ''Atlantis'', and the first shuttle landing at KSC since April 1985 (the last being [[STS-51-D]]). ''Atlantis'' weighed {{cvt|86677|kg}} at landing.{{fact|date=August 2020}}


==Gallery==
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:1990 s35-s38 Passing in the Night.jpg|''Atlantis'' (right) and ''Columbia'' pass.
File:1990 s35-s38 Passing in the Night.jpg|''Atlantis'' (right) and ''Columbia'' pass
File:ISD highres STS038 STS038-76-68.jpg|Sunlight on the ocean.
File:ISD highres STS038 STS038-76-68.jpg|Sunlight on the ocean
File:STS-38 shuttle.jpg|Launch of STS-38
File:STS-38 shuttle.jpg|Launch of STS-38
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
== See also ==
{{Portal|Spaceflight}}
{{Portal|Spaceflight}}
* [[List of human spaceflights]]
* [[List of human spaceflights]]
Line 123: Line 139:
* [[Space Shuttle]]
* [[Space Shuttle]]


==References==
== References ==
{{Include-NASA}}
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}
*[http://www.astronautix.com/flights/sts38.htm Astronatix: ''STS-38'']


==External links==
== External links ==
* [http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/sts-38/mission-sts-38.html NASA mission summary]
* [http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/sts-38/mission-sts-38.html NASA mission summary]
* [http://www.nss.org/resources/library/shuttlevideos/shuttle37.htm STS-38 Video Highlights]
* [http://www.nss.org/resources/library/shuttlevideos/shuttle37.htm STS-38 Video Highlights]
* [http://www.astronautix.com/flights/sts38.htm Astronatix: ''STS-38'']


{{Space Shuttle Atlantis}}
{{Space Shuttle Atlantis}}
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{{Orbital launches in 1990}}
{{Orbital launches in 1990}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:STS-038}}
[[Category:Space Shuttle missions]]
[[Category:Space Shuttle missions]]
[[Category:Spacecraft launched in 1990]]
[[Category:Spacecraft launched in 1990]]

Revision as of 05:31, 1 February 2022

STS-38
Atlantis in orbit; in-flight photography of this Department of Defense support mission is limited
NamesSpace Transportation System-37
Mission typeDoD satellites deployment
OperatorNASA
COSPAR ID1990-097A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.20935
Mission duration4 days, 21 hours, 54 minutes, 31 seconds (achieved)
Distance travelled3,291,199 km (2,045,056 mi)
Orbits completed79
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftSpace Shuttle Atlantis
Landing mass86,677 kg (191,090 lb)
Crew
Crew size5
Members
Start of mission
Launch date15 November 1990, 23:48:13 UTC
RocketSpace Shuttle Atlantis
Launch siteKennedy Space Center, LC-39A
ContractorRockwell International
End of mission
Landing date20 November 1990, 21:42:42 UTC
Landing siteKennedy Space Center,
SLF Runway 33
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit[1]
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Perigee altitude260 km (160 mi)
Apogee altitude269 km (167 mi)
Inclination28.45°
Period89.79 minutes

STS-38 mission patch

Standing: Charles D. Gemar, Robert C. Springer, Carl J. Meade
Seated: Frank L. Culbertson Jr., Richard O. Covey
← STS-41 (STS-36)
STS-35 (STS-38) →

STS-38 was a Space Shuttle mission by NASA using the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It was the 37th shuttle mission, and carried a classified payload for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). It was the 7th flight for Atlantis and the seventh flight dedicated to the Department of Defense. The mission was a 4-day mission that traveled 3,291,199 km (2,045,056 mi) and completed 79 revolutions. Atlantis landed at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility's runway 33. The launch was originally scheduled for July 1990, but was rescheduled due to a hydrogen leak found on Space Shuttle Columbia during the STS-35 countdown. During a rollback to the Orbiter Processing Facility Atlantis was damaged during a hail storm. The eventual launch date of 15 November 1990 was set due to a payload problem. The launch window was between 18:30 and 22:30 EST. The launch occurred at 18:48:13 EST.

Crew

Position Astronaut
Commander Richard O. Covey
Third spaceflight
Pilot Frank L. Culbertson Jr.
First spaceflight
Mission Specialist 1 Carl J. Meade
First spaceflight
Mission Specialist 2 Robert C. Springer
Second and last spaceflight
Mission Specialist 3 Charles D. Gemar
First spaceflight

Crew seating arrangements

Seat[2] Launch Landing

Seats 1–4 are on the Flight Deck. Seats 5–7 are on the Middeck.
S1 Covey Covey
S2 Culbertson Culbertson
S3 Meade Gemar
S4 Springer Springer
S5 Gemar Meade

Preparations and launch

The launch occurred on 15 November 1990, 18:48:13 EST. It was originally scheduled for 9 July 1990, however, a liquid hydrogen leak found on Columbia during the STS-35 countdown prompted three precautionary tanking tests on Atlantis at the pad on 29 June 1990, on 13 July, and on 25 July 1990. Tests confirmed the hydrogen fuel leak on the external tank side of the external tank/orbiter 43.2 cm (17.0 in) quick disconnect umbilical. This could not be repaired at the pad and Atlantis was rolled back to the VAB on 9 August 1990, demated, then transferred to the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). During rollback, the vehicle remained parked outside the VAB for about a day while the Columbia/STS-35 stack was transferred to the pad for launch. While outside, Atlantis suffered minor hail damage to its tiles during a thunderstorm. After repairs were made in the OPF, Atlantis was transferred to the VAB for mating on 2 October 1990. During hoisting operations, the platform beam that was to have been removed from the orbiter's aft compartment fell and caused minor damage, which was repaired. The vehicle rolled out to Pad A on 12 October 1990. The fourth mini-tanking test was performed on 24 October 1990, with no excessive hydrogen or oxygen leakage detected. During the Flight Readiness Review (FRR), the launch date was set for 9 November 1990. The launch was reset for 15 November due to payload problems. Liftoff occurred during a classified launch window lying within a launch period extending from 18:30 to 22:30 EST on 15 November 1990.

Classified payload

According to Aviation Week, the shuttle initially entered a 204 km (127 mi) x 519 km (322 mi) orbit at an inclination of 28.45° to the equator. It then executed three orbital maneuvering system (OMS) burns, the last on orbit #4. The first of these circularized the orbit at 519 km (322 mi).

The first classified payload was code-named USA-67,[3] which was deployed from Atlantis' cargo bay on the 7th orbit and ignited its rocket motor at the ascending node of the 8th orbit to place it in a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Aviation Week reported that USA-67 was a secret ELINT gathering satellite headed for geosynchronous orbit and launched to monitor the events during the first Gulf War in 1990. As a result of there being two upper stages aboard STS-38, USA-67 was originally believed to be a Magnum satellite like those deployed on STS-51-C and STS-33, which were launched via a two-stage Inertial Upper Stage (IUS).[4] Today it is believed that USA-67 was instead a secret Satellite Data System (SDS-2) military communications satellite, like those deployed on STS-28 and STS-53.[5][6]

It is also believed that USA-67 was not the only satellite deployed during STS-38. A publicly released image of Atlantis' vertical stabilizer and upper aft bulkhead, similar to the one released from STS-53, confirms that the ASE (Airborne Support Equipment) for the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) was absent from this flight.[7] An explanation is that two separate satellites were deployed, using single-stage Payload Assist Module (PAM-D). Rumors that appear to have been substantiated by the identification of an "unknown" geostationary satellite by amateur observers[8][9] insist that the second payload was a stealth satellite known as Prowler, reportedly intended to covertly inspect other nation's geostationary satellites.[10]

Landing

The mission was extended by one day due to unacceptable crosswinds at the original planned landing site of Edwards Air Force Base. Continued adverse conditions led to a decision to shift the landing to KSC. Landing occurred on 20 November 1990, 16:42:42 EST, Runway 33, at the Kennedy Space Center. The rollout distance was 2,753 m (9,032 ft) and rollout time was 57 seconds. STS-38 marked the first KSC landing for Atlantis, and the first shuttle landing at KSC since April 1985 (the last being STS-51-D). Atlantis weighed 86,677 kg (191,090 lb) at landing.[citation needed]

  • Atlantis (right) and Columbia pass
    Atlantis (right) and Columbia pass
  • Sunlight on the ocean
    Sunlight on the ocean
  • Launch of STS-38
    Launch of STS-38

See also

References

  1. ^ "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 24 May 2013.
  2. ^ "STS-38". Spacefacts. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  3. ^ NASA Space Data Center: NSSDC ID: 1990-097B USA-67 ELINT Program Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ^ Molczan, Ted (21 January 2011). "Unknown GEO Object 2000-653A / 90007 Identified as Prowler" (PDF). Visual Satellite Observer's Home Page. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  5. ^ Satobs.org: USA-67 observations
  6. ^ FAS.org: GEO SIGINT Satellite
  7. ^ "The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth". Eol.jsc.nasa.gov. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2010. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  8. ^ Ted Molczan, satobs.org: Unknown GEO Object 2000-653A / 90007 Identified as Prowler
  9. ^ Ted Molczan, satobs.org: Evaluation of the opportunity to launch Prowler on STS-38
  10. ^ Robert Windrem, NBC News: What is America's top-secret spy program?
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