While that is underway, the flight instruments might still be under construction.
When completed, the CSBF will hold the Mission Readiness Review (MRR) at
Palestine, TX. Once the instrument and flight equipment passes that review, all
equipment, including the science payloads and any ground support equipment, is
shipped to the launch site. The trip to Antarctica starts at Port Hueneme, CA,
where the apparatus is loaded onto a ship. Upon arrival at Christchurch in New
Zealand it is transferred to aircraft for delivery to Williams Field at McMurdo
Station.
For a flight that is scheduled from December 1st to January 10th, CSBF launch
personnel usually start to arrive by November 1st, so there is a short window of
opportunity. Flights are not scheduled after that time to allow sufficient time to
recover the payload and the balloon and begin preparations to depart McMurdo
for New Zealand and, in due course, home to the U.S.A. Once in Antarctica, all
logistics, housing, meals, and other on-site support is provided by the National
Science Foundation. One of the “horror stories” experienced by Henry Cathey
relating to his travel is in described in Appendix 3.
As an example, pre-mission planning typically includes the following:
• Submit CSBF Flight Application Form two years in advance of the planned
mission.
• NASA/WFF led Project Initiation Conference one year in advance.
• Pre-Deployment Integration & Test with CSBF support systems in Palestine,
TX six months prior to mission.
• Arrive at the launch site and start pre-flight readiness preparations 2-4
weeks prior to planned launch date.
• There is a 6 month lead time for processing of personnel who intend to
travel to Antarctica.
4.1.2 Requirements and Constraints
All balloon flights are subject to various requirements and constraints, both premission and during flight operations.
In the formal parlance of NASA, requirements are defined by “shall” statements which indicate the responsible organization. In most cases, the range user
(where ever the launch is to take place) or vehicle program is responsible for meeting the requirements. The term “range user” is typically associated with the flight
vehicle provider that is conducting an operation at a launch range/site at which the
WFF Safety Office holds operational responsibility. The term “program” here
refers to NASA programs and other projects conducted under the cognizance of
the WFF and the Balloon Program Office.
These formal requirements are spelled out in what is known as a “text box”.
The information provided in a text box identifies alternatives that satisfy the intent
4.1 Mission Drivers 65
When completed, the CSBF will hold the Mission Readiness Review (MRR) at
Palestine, TX. Once the instrument and flight equipment passes that review, all
equipment, including the science payloads and any ground support equipment, is
shipped to the launch site. The trip to Antarctica starts at Port Hueneme, CA,
where the apparatus is loaded onto a ship. Upon arrival at Christchurch in New
Zealand it is transferred to aircraft for delivery to Williams Field at McMurdo
Station.
For a flight that is scheduled from December 1st to January 10th, CSBF launch
personnel usually start to arrive by November 1st, so there is a short window of
opportunity. Flights are not scheduled after that time to allow sufficient time to
recover the payload and the balloon and begin preparations to depart McMurdo
for New Zealand and, in due course, home to the U.S.A. Once in Antarctica, all
logistics, housing, meals, and other on-site support is provided by the National
Science Foundation. One of the “horror stories” experienced by Henry Cathey
relating to his travel is in described in Appendix 3.
As an example, pre-mission planning typically includes the following:
• Submit CSBF Flight Application Form two years in advance of the planned
mission.
• NASA/WFF led Project Initiation Conference one year in advance.
• Pre-Deployment Integration & Test with CSBF support systems in Palestine,
TX six months prior to mission.
• Arrive at the launch site and start pre-flight readiness preparations 2-4
weeks prior to planned launch date.
• There is a 6 month lead time for processing of personnel who intend to
travel to Antarctica.
4.1.2 Requirements and Constraints
All balloon flights are subject to various requirements and constraints, both premission and during flight operations.
In the formal parlance of NASA, requirements are defined by “shall” statements which indicate the responsible organization. In most cases, the range user
(where ever the launch is to take place) or vehicle program is responsible for meeting the requirements. The term “range user” is typically associated with the flight
vehicle provider that is conducting an operation at a launch range/site at which the
WFF Safety Office holds operational responsibility. The term “program” here
refers to NASA programs and other projects conducted under the cognizance of
the WFF and the Balloon Program Office.
These formal requirements are spelled out in what is known as a “text box”.
The information provided in a text box identifies alternatives that satisfy the intent
4.1 Mission Drivers 65