STS-80
Report # 33 
7 p.m. CST Tuesday, Dec. 3, 1996 
 
While STS-80 crew members get ready to retrieve the ORFEUS-SPAS
astronomy satellite tonight, the flight control team is watching the
weather in Florida and exploring options for bringing Columbia home.

Shortly after the crew finishes its post-sleep period, Commander Ken
Cockrell and Pilot Kent Rominger will eventually bring Columbia to
within 35 feet of the satellite. Crew members will then capture the
ORFEUS-SPAS from its orbit using the shuttle's robotic arm at about
2:09 a.m. Central Wednesday.

Once captured, the satellite will be maneuvered at the end of the arm
through a planned profile to allow data to be gathered in support of
the Orbiter Space Vision System. The Space Vision System evaluates the
use of payload bay television cameras and a series of strategically
placed markings to provide precise measurements that can assist the
operator of the robotic arm. Mission Specialists Tammy Jernigan, Tom
Jones and Story Musgrave will use these cues to perform robot arm
operations and before berthing the satellite in the payload bay at
6:39 a.m. Wednesday.

Interspersed with NASA Television's coverage of STS-80 will be launch
coverage of the Mars Pathfinder, planned for a 12:58 a.m. Wednesday
liftoff. Launch coverage on NASA TV begins at 11 p.m.

Flight controllers are watching the weather at the Kennedy Space
Center in Florida as Columbia nears the end of its mission, and an
option to land on Thursday is being retained in the event the forecast
is unacceptable for a Friday or later landing. Any change in the plans
for a Friday landing will not be made before Wednesday morning at the
earliest.

STS-80 crew members began their 15th day in space at 6:26 p.m. with
the song "Return to Sender" by Elvis Presley. Columbia's
systems continue to perform as expected in a 220-mile-high orbit.


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