The role of the APM centre to support Columbus precursor flights
Abstract
The responsibilities of the APM Center (APMC), which is the engineering support center for the Columbus Attached Laboratory (APM), in the context of Spacelab mission E1 are described. Comparisons are made with analogous Columbus activities. The APMC will be one of the most important European ground facilities for the support of the Columbus Attached laboratory. The APMC will act as the system reference. Additionally, it will support the onboard operations through the engineering and logistics support functions. Finally. the APMC will play a key role for the payload integration, performing both the payload analytical integration and the final acceptance of the payload elements before shipping to the U.S. for the integration on the Logistic Carrier. As the Spacelab mission E1 is a Columbus precursor flight, it will be a unique opportunity to test at least two of the main functions of the APMC, namely the payload integration support and the engineering support.
- Publication:
-
Environment Observation and Climate Modelling Through International Space Projects
- Pub Date:
- July 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992eocm.rept...41R
- Keywords:
-
- Columbus Space Station;
- Ground Operational Support System;
- Ground Stations;
- Ground Support Equipment;
- Ground Support Systems;
- Payload Integration;
- Assessments;
- Comparison;
- Manned Orbital Laboratories;
- Preparation;
- Space Missions;
- Spacelab;
- User Requirements;
- Ground Support Systems and Facilities (Space)