MSC 00069 Revision A NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION OPERATIONAL PLANS AND PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORT OF QUARANTINED PERSONNEL AND EQUIPHENT IN THE HOUSTON AREA FOLLOWING A LUNAR LANDING MISSION Landing and Recovery Division MANNED SPACECRAFT CENTER HOUSTON, TEXAS October 23, 1969No. OF PAGES _22 PREPARED BY: LANDING AND RECOVERY DIVISION OPERATIONAL PLANS AND PROCEDURES FOR ‘TRANSPORT OF QUARANTINED PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT IN THE HOUSTON AREA FOLLOWING ‘A LUNAR LANDING MISSION Msc_00069 Recovery Systems Branch Tare [_—PaepaneD oY APPROVALS eve, verted Recovery Landing and Systens Recovers y y . 5 WEE FoR STA Tou 8)SECTION CONTENTS 1,0 GENERAL INFORMATION 2.0 wd 1.2 1.3 14 1g INTRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS, GENERAL OPERATION PLAN DESCRIPTION SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN AND RESPONSIBILITIES INFORMATION FLOW PLAN OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS FOR QUARANTINE ACCESS CONTROL AND BADGING SAFETY CONSTRAINTS AND REQUIREMENTS OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES 24 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 SAMPLE RETURN PROCEDURES MQF RETURN PROCEDURES COMMAND MODULE RETURN PROCEDURES QUARANTINED STORAGE IN BUILDING 228 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 1h 18 19 19FIGURES OPERATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR TRANSPORT OF QUARANTINED PERSONNEL AND EQUIPHENT RECEPTION AREA LAYOUT FOR SAMPLE ANO CM RETURN AT EAFB CONVOY MAKEUP FOR SAMPLE RETURN ELLINGTON AIR FORCE BASE CONVOY ROUTE FROM EAFB TO MSC RECEPTION AREA LAYOUT FOR MOF RETURN AT EAFB CONVOY MAKEUP FOR MQF RETURN CONVOY MAKEUP FOR CM RETURN 10 u 12 13 15 7 20SECTION 1,0 = GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 INTRODUCTION This document outlines procedures for the transfer of quarantined personnel and equipment from Ellington Air Force Base (EAFB) to the Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL) and Building 228, the Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) storage building, located at the Manned Spacecraft Center (uSC). Four quarantined returns are expected following a lunar landing mission. These are as follows: Primary sample return Secondary sample return c. MOF return d. Command module return 1.2 REQUIREMENTS The general requirements for transporting quarantined personnel and equipment are as follows: a. Crew Safety - Provide appropriate equipment and procedures for the safe and expeditious unloading of aircraft and transport of quarantined personne] and equipment. Provide security during unloading, transport, and transfer. b. Biological Isolation - Insure isolation of both quarantined personnel and equipment from aircraft arrival at EAFB through transfer to the LRL. c. Transportation - Provide suitable trucks, trailers, and handling equipment for aircraft unloading, transport, and LRL transfer d. Access = Provide sultable public and press access prior to LRL transfer. 1.3. GENERAL OPERATION PLAN DESCRIPTION Following a lunar landing mission, the crew and quarantined support personnel, materials, and equipment are returned to Houston to wait out the remainder of an expected 21-day quarantine period. The return Is made in four flights, the first flight is the primary sample return which Includes lunar samples, film, biological specimens, etc. This is followed In a few hours by the secondary sample return flight with additional lunar samples and the remainder of the early return items. 1The early return items are flown from the recovery ship shortly after recovery; however, the crew in the MOF must await the recovery ship's return to port before being flown back to Houston. The command module (CM) and remaining recovery equipment, including the backup NQF, are returned to Houston about three days after the crew returns. The delay is caused by the need to remove the CM propellants and other- wise deactivate the CM. Since this equipment is on the CM exterior, quarantine 1s not broken. On return to Houston, the quarantined equipment is off-loaded onto waiting trucks and transported to MSC. On crew arrival, the MOF is off-loaded from the aircraft and moved to the edge of the landing strip for a 30-minute welcoming ceremony and press briefing. The crew will remain inside the MQF under quarantine. Communication will be over the MOF systems with tie-ins to loud speakers and press systems. At the conclusion, the MOF and attendant equipment will be transported to MSC. On arrival to MSC, the crew, quarantined support Personnel, the CM, and early return items are transferred to the LRL. The remaining quarantined items including the MOF are placed in quar- antined storage in Building 228. Security will be maintained throughout all quarantined personne! and equipment transport operations, both to insure quarantine and to provide crowd and traffic control. MSC Security with the assistance of EAFB Security, and state and local police officers have the respon- sibility of providing the necessary security. 1.4. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 1.4.1 Aircraft - The MOF Is capable of being transported in either a C-1%1, C-130 or C~133 type aircraft, but prime dependence is on the C-141 because of its higher speed. The CM is capable of being transported only by the C-133B aircraft. The remaining equipment, cluding samples, can be transported by most cargo aircraft. 1.4.2 Moblle Quarantine Facility - The MQF is designed to sustain Personnel in quarantine. The facility Is equipped to house six people, If required, for a duration of 10 days. The Interior is divided Into four sections~-lounge area, galley area, bunk area, and lavatory area. The facility Is powered through several systems to interface with various ships, alrcraft, and transportation vehicles. The principal method of assuring quarantine Is to filter air and provide a negative pressure differential for biological containment in the event of leaks. Non fecal liquids from the traller are chemically treated and stored in special containers, Fecal wastes will be contained until after the quarantine period. Items are passed Into or out of the MOF through a decontamination/transfer lock. A complete communications system Isprovided for intercom and external conmunications from ship or aircraft. Emergency elarms are provided for fire, loss of power, loss of negative pressure, and for oxygen alerts while in transport by aircraft. Redun- Gant power systems and exhaust fans assure maintenance of negative pressure differential. Speclally packaged and controlled meals will be passed into the facility where they will be prepared in a microwave oven. Medical equipment to complete inmediate postlanding crew exam- ination and tests Is provided, The waste water containers will be returned with the MOF. 1.4.3 Recovery Ga = Special recovery garments are used by the Asal Tee Tghe-eroeim the Fecovery area in transferring from the CH to the MOF. The garments are fabricated of a lightwelght cloth fabric which serves as a biological barrier. 1.4.4 Transportation Containers - A family of special shipping containers are used for the return of the samples and the other early return items from the recovery ship to the LRL. Included are the Following containerss a. Apollo Lunar Sample Return Container (ALSRC) Shipping Container. b. Contingency Sample (DSEA) Shipping Container. c. Blomedical Cryogenic Shipping Container. d. Blomedical Controlled Temperature Shipping Container. fe. Photographic Film Shipping Container. f. Data Storage Equipment (DSE) Tape Shipping Container. For a more detalled description of the RQE systems and operation, see references | and 2. 1.4.5 Handling Equipment - Handling equipment consists of the equipment necessary to unload from the aircraft, transport and transfer quarantined personnel and equipment. The following Is expected to be used: a. Sample return: 2 each small vans b. HOF return: 2 each 25K aircraft Joaders 34 each 5 ton fork lifts 1 each 25 ton crane 2 each trucks Necessary rigging and tiedowns cc. CM return: 2 each tractor trailers 2 each 25 ton cranes 2 each 5 ton fork lifts 2 each trucks 1 each 25 K aircraft loader Necessary rigging and tiedowns 1.5 ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN AND RESPONSIBILITIES Operations from CM splashdown through transfer to the LRL are basically the responsibility of the Landing and Recovery Division of NASA-MSC, The operational organization for transport of returning quarantined personnel and equipment is shown in figure 1. 1.5.1 Security - HSC Security, with assistance from EAFB Security, and state and local police departments, is responsible for security during transport of quarantined personnel and equipment. Responsib!lities include a. Quarantine enforcement b. Crowd control ©. Physical protection of equipment and personnel d. Access control and badging e. Convoy control ¥. Road and railroad clearance and control 1.5.2 Engineering and Facility Support - Engineering and facility support Is to be provided by the MSC Engineering Division with coor= dination with EAFB. This includes design, construction and Installation of: a. NQF access stands b. Power for MOF operation during press conference ¢. Power for area lightingL TEAM LEADER RETURN COORDINATOR AND ASSISTANT RETURN COORDINATOR EAFB OPERATIONS LRL COORDINATOR ROCR LOGISTICS COORDINATOR RIGGING SUPPORT Figure 1.- Operational organization for transport of personnel and equipment. TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT ENGINEERING SUPPORT QUARANTINE CONTROL OFFICE, PUBLIC ---J INFORMATION OFFICE SAFETY OFFICE SECURITY SUPPORT4, Lighting tiedowns . Loudspeaker system tiedouns 1.5.3, Safety - The Safety Office will recommend necessary measures to Insure the safe return of quarantined personnel and equipment and otherwise insure safe operation. An emergency vehicle and fire truck are to be on standby status at the MSC fire station during all move- ments of quarantined personnel and equipment. These vehicles are to be ready for immediate movement in the event of an enroute accident. id respons -4 Quarantine ~ The Quarantine Control Officer (QCO) is le for all quarantine aspects of the operation. 1.5.5 Arrival Information - The ROCR Logistics Coordinator Is responsible for providing the return coordinator with return times and weather conditions. 1.5.6 Transportation - Transportation for personnel and auxiliary equipment Is to be provided by MSC, Transportation will additionally be responsible for aircraft bills-of-lading, cargo manifests and other returning alrcraft documentation. 1.5.7. Rigging Support - Rigging support is the responsibility of the Field Test Support Branch of the Technical Services Division. This support will include: a. Heavy vehicles and rigging support equipment b. Vehicle and heavy equipment operators c. Riggers 1.5.8 Press Coordination - PAO is responsible for news media and VIP coordination. 1.5.9 Alreraft Support - Alrcraft support, alrcraft crew and ground support are the responsibility of EAFB. 1.5.10 Return Coordination - All coordination will be made through or with the cognizance of the return coordinator. Operational directions will be made through the return coordinator, The return coordinator is responsible for maintaining contact with the LL project officer. 1,6 INFORMATION FLOW PLAN Information flow will follow the same plan as the organization as 6stated in section 1.5. Addittonally, the return coordinator will maintain contact between the quarantine convoy and the LRL. The re~ turn coordinator will keep all necessary personnel informed of the updated return times. 1.7. OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS FOR QUARANTINE The general operational constraints cover the obvious ground rules which have evolved during the recovery quarantine equipment development program. The constraints also cover those rulings and decisions made during various briefings, operational readiness inspec- tions and meetings with the Interagency Committee on Back Contamination (1cBC), For detailed guidelines and operational constraints see ref- erence 3. The following are general operational constraints: a. Quarantine mission objectives will take precedence over all operational activities unless personnel safety is endangered (either the flight crew or support personnel). b. Areas which have possibly been contaminated will be sprayed with a decontaminant solution. ¢. Negative differential pressure will be maintained at all times in the MQF with a pressure differential of at least 0.02 inches of water. d. Leaking containers will be resealed as best possible and contaminated areas decontaminated. 1.8 ACCESS CONTROL AND BADGING Access control will be maintained by HSC Security with the assist~ ance of EAFB Security. Only authorized personne! will be admitted to controlled areas. Authorization for access will be obtained from the NSC Security Officer. The operational personnel access list will be reviewed by the return coordinator. 1.8.1 Sample Return - An access IIst will be used for access control during sample return operations. 1.8.2 MQF Return ~ Three types of badges will be Issued for the MOF return: a. EAFB operational badges b. Operational badges for the LRL transferc. VIP badges. This designation may subsequently be subdivided into WIP!s and VIP's. In this event only those with WIP badges will be allowed onto the MOF platform. Badges will be obtained from Security prior to the operation. 1.8.3. CM Return - An access IIst will be used for access control during the CM return operations. 1.9 SAFETY CONSTRAINTS AND REQUIREMENTS The safety constraints are as follows: a. During the unloading, transportation and transfer operations, all nonessential personnel will stay well clear of the working area and equipment. b. The MQF will not be hoisted higher than 6 feet above a sup- porting surface when personnel are inside the facility. During all operations the personnel will be seated in the lounge area with the safety belts fastened. c. At least one channel of two-way communications with the MOF intertor is required at all times during the entire operation. d. Communication will be maintained between all vehicles in the convoy. e. Blow-out panels will be replaced prior to movement. f. The MQF occupants and the support personnel will be briefed in detail concerning emergency procedures. g. The MQF and all of the operations support hardware will be under the observation of a security guard or operational personne! who has been briefed concerning nominal emergency and quarantine procedures. h. All support equipment will receive an operational and load checkout prior to mission operations. i. An emergency rescue vehicle and fire truck will be on standby at the MSC fire station during all quarantined movements.SECTION 2.0 - OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES 2.1 SAMPLE RETURN PROCEDURES The samples and other early return Items are to be flown from the recovery ship to EAFB. Two return shipments are expected, the first to arrive at EAFB within 21 hours of CM recovery and the second to arrive about 9 hours later. The return coordinator Is to remain in contact with the ROCR Logistics Coordinator for information on sample arrival times and weather conditions. The following actions are required. 2.1.1. All operational people are to be briefed and vehicles checked prior to beginning operations. 2.1.2 Two hours prior to the expected arrival time, the transport and security vehicles are to be moved to the apron area adjacent to the aircraft unloading location. The radio In each vehicle will be checked for netting capability and a phone patch check made with the security radio. A final briefing will be held for all personnel. Personnel are to remain on EAFB until sample arrival. 2.1.3 Upon aircraft landing, the vehicles will move to the alr- craft. The position of the aircraft Is shown in figure 2. Before any quarantined items are off-loaded from the aircraft at EAFB, the QCO's will board the aircraft and inspect the Integrity of the seals on each quarantined item. Off-loading will not be Initiated until approval has been obtained from the QCO's. In the event of spillage, the QCO will take proper quarantine precautions. Off-loading operations will be performed by the on-scene LRD personnel. The sample containers will be tied down in the vans prior to movement. 2.1.4 The vehicles will form a convoy as shown in figure 3. As the convoy begins to move, word will be passed to hold traffic at the EAFB south gate and Highway 3. (See figure 4.) The convoy will follow the route as shown in figure 5. As the convoy enters onto Highway 3, the State Highway Patrol vehicle will take the convoy lead. One mile from Webster, word will be passed to hold traffic at the Intersection of Highway 3’ and NASA Road 1. On completing the turn, word will be passed to hold traffic at the Nassau Bay entrance to MSC, On entering the gate, MSC Security will become the lead vehicle and guide the con- voy to the LRL, The LRL coordinator will be notified via phone patch as the convoy passes each contro! point. 2.1.5. The samples will be unloaded and transferred through the LRL receiving station lock.Public Figure 2.- Reception area layout for sample and CM return at EAFB.u Foreward end _ 3 Isp c} [ec s} Ls x s| [va [5] [sq [a Sample convoy as it leaves aircraft unloading area AP EAFB Security SP = State Highway Patrol S = MSC Security VAN = Van carrying samples X = Spare van C <= Three cars following convoy Additional security vehicles will be used as needed. Figure 3. Convoy makeup for sample return.Figure 4.- Ellington Air Force Base.——=— Convoy route Ellington @ Check points xX air force _ base Figure 5,~ Convoy route from EAFB to MSC.2.1.6 After the transfer of the primary samples, the convoy is to return to EAF8 for return of the secondary samples. The secondary samples are handled in the same manner as the primary samples. 2.2 MOF RETURN PROCEDURES The MOF with the flight crew, physician, and recovery engineer onboard will return to EAFB via C-I41 aircraft. Both the MQF and the returning waste water pallets will be quarantined. The return coor- dinator will maintain contact with the ROCR Logistics Coordinator for flight return and weather information. The return coordinator will in turn keep the remaining personnel informed of the landing time. A practice operation will be conducted one to two days prior to the scheduled MQF return, This will be essentially identical to the actual operation except for the parts of the operation requiring aircraft and total road closure. Therefore, all stands, power, lights, and corridors will have to be in place prior to the practice. The actions required for the actual MOF return are as follows, 2.2.1 Insure that all facilities are in place as shown In figure 6. 2.2.2 Insure that all personnel are briefed for the operation. 2.2.3 Two hours prior to the expected alrcraft arrival, have all support vehicles on the apron area adjacent to the aircraft un= loading site, and otherwise positioned at the locations given in the following table. Check all radio systems for net capability. Security Is to be in place by this time. Location Equipment Alrcraft landing area-EAF8 2 ea 25K loaders 2 ea fork lifts 1 ea truck 1 ea press truck 1 ea pickup Hangar 135-EAF8 1 ea repair truck 1 ea crane 1 ea fork lift 1 ea truck usConvoy forming area q Press 7] (MaF_)] Cordon 75 ft Cordon Public. Figure 6.- Reception area layout for the MQF return.Location Equipment Buliding 228-4sc 2 ea fork lifts 1 ea crane ire Station-Msc 1 ea fire truck 1 ea emergency vehicle 2.2.4 Remove all persons from the viewing and press platforms and turn off all lights prior to taxiing the aircraft to the unloading position. 2.2.5 Once the aircraft is In position, move in with the 25K loader and fork lift. Remove the cargo pallets over the 25K loader and place them on the transport truck. Inmediately follow the pallets with the MQF. Position the MF on the loader and secure it In place. 2.2.6 Move the loader Into position by the viewing stands. Con= mect the MQF power and communication system and conduct the welcoming ceremony, 2.2.7 While the ceremony is in progress, form up the transport convoy as shown in figure 7 to the east of the aircraft, 2.2.8 At the conclusion of the ceremony, guide the MOF into the convoy and move out to the EAFB south gate with EAFB Security leading. Pass the word to have Highway 3 cleared. 2.2.9 At the EAFB south gate, the State Highway Patrol will take the convoy lead and follow the route shown in figure 5, Wordwill be Passed to clear NASA Road 1, 2.2.10. On reaching NASA Road 1, Word will be passed to clear the necessary MSC streets, 2.2.11 When the convoy enters the Nassau Bay entrance to MSC, MSC Security will take over the convoy and will lead and guide the convoy to the LRL. 2.2.12 The LRL coordinator will be notifi passes all check points, d when the convoy 2.2.13 Only necessary operational personnel will be in the LRL transfer area.a Foreward End —_— IsP. elle {s] Us] Lesk_J [rrvck PRESS HOF ap] MQF convoy as it leaves aircraft unloading area AP ~ EAFB Security SP - State Highway Patrol S = NSC Security MOF - MOF loaded on 25K loader TRUCK - Truck carrying cargo pallets 25K ~ Spare 25K loader © = Pickup and two cars following convoy Additional security vehicles will be used as needed. Figure 7. Convoy makeup for MOF return.2.2.14 The 25K loader will be backed into position and the height controlled by spacer blocks. When the seal is made the brakes Will be locked and chocks emplaced. Jacks will be installed to Insure no height change in the event of hydraulic bleed off on the loader. 2.2.15 A final check of the transfer seal will be made both Internally and externally before the transfer doors are opened. 2.2.16 The transfer doors will be opened and the crew will transfer. The doctor will remove necessary medical items and the engineer will remove recovery items. 2.2.17 The recovery engineer will return to the MOF and prepare it for quarantined storage. 2.2.18 The recovery engineer will egress the MOF. The doors will be closed and decontaminated. 2.2.19 After the QCO has given the word that all decontamination is complete, the jack and shocks will be removed. MSC Security will then lead the NQF to Building 228 for quarantined storage. 2.2.20 While the MQF is unloading at the LRL the transport truck will be moved to Bullding 228 and the cargo pallets unloaded. 2.2.21 When the MOF arrives at Building 228 it will be removed from the 25K loader and placed inside. The COp fire system will be installed. An inspection of the quarantined equipment wil! be made by the QCO and final instructions given to the security guard. 2.3 COMMAND MODULE RETURN PROCEDURES The CM and remaining recovery equipment will be returned on a C-1338 aircraft to EAFB approximately three days after the MQF return. Only the CH is quarantined, therefore, the remaining recovery equipment will be handled in a normal manner. Before moving the CM from the air- craft, the CM and surrounding area will be checked for quarantine breach by the QCO. The return coordinator will maintain contact with the ROCR logistics Coordinator for flight return and weather Information. The actions required for the CH return are as follows, 2.3.1 Prior to the expected aircraft arrival time brief all operational personnel and move support vehicles to the apron area adjacent to the aircraft unloading area, The reception area layout is as shown in figure 2, Check all radio systems for net capability. 2.3.2 When the aircraft is in position, unload the CM/dolly and 18place them on @ sultable truck. Unload the remaining equipment and form a convoy as shown in figure 8. 2.3.3. The convoy Is to move toward the south gate of EAFB with EAFB Security leading. All returning equipment that is not quarantined will be left at Hangar 135 for later transport. Word will be passed to stop traffic on Highway 3 at EAFB south gate. 2.3.4 On reaching Highway 3, the State Highway Patrol will take up the convoy lead. About one mile from Webster, word will be passed to stop traffic at the intersection of Highway 3 and NASA Road 1. 2.3.5 After making the turn onto NASA Road I, word will be passed to stop traffic at the Nassau Bay entrance to MSC. 2.3.6 On reaching the Nassau Bay entrance to MSC, Security will take over the convoy lead. Contact will be made then and at all other control points with the LRL coordinator. 2.3.7 On reaching the LRL, the CH/dolly will be removed from the truck, The CM cover will be removed prior to backing the dolly into the quarantined storage area. 2.3.8 The CM will not go into quarantined storage status in the LRL immediately as several days of work on the CH exterior are antic~ ipated. 2,4 QUARANTINED STORAGE IN BUILDING 228 Items placed in quarantined storage In Building 228 are in a quarantined status just as much as those in the LRL and require proper Safeguarding. Items placed In quarantine in Building 228 will be under guard 24 hours per day, These guards will be briefed as to what actions to take in the event of a quarantine breach or other emergency. A project engineer and QCO will be on call 24 hours per day as needed, Inspections of the facility will be made as required. 2.5 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 2.5.1 Lending Site Change - The most likely emergency would be a change In landing site. In this event, quarantined equipment and Personnel would remain on the aircraft In quarantine and awalt alr transfer to EAFB, One exception would be the possibility of the samples being landed In the general Houston area. In that case, the samples would be transported in the most safe and expeditious manner possible to the LRL.oz Foreward end —> he] Gl EE IG e]h & & CM convoy as it moves to EAFB south gate ‘AP ~ EAFB Security sp. State Highway Patrol OM convoy as it m MSC Security M - Truck carrying the cM © = Pickup and two cars following convoy Additional security vehicles will be used as needed. Figure 8. Convoy makeup for CM return.2.5.2 Breach of Quarantine - The QCO would make an on-the-spot determination as to the necessary decontamination required and what Sdditional personnel and/or equipment to be placed In quarantine. 2.5.3 Injury of Quarantined Personnel ~ In the event of quarantined personne! becoming injured, the quarantined physician will make the determination of the proper action to take. In the event of the physician's becoming injured, the QCO will make the determination. 2.5.4 Vehicle Failure - All vehicles have backups. In the event fa failure occurs, the backup will be used. The backup vehicles are Stationed elther in the convoy, EAFB, or Building 228, as appropriate. 2.5.5 Other Unforseen Difficulties - The return coordinator will immediate action as appropriate. Other action will be with the ance of the team leader. take cog 21SECTION 3.0 ~ REFERENCES 1. sahecovery Quarantine Equipment Femiliarization Manual, MSC 00025, NASA-MSC Landing and Recovery Division, as revised October 1969, 2. sarecovery Quarantine Equipment Systems Operation, MSC 00027, NASA-HSC Landing and Recovery Division, as revised October 1969. 3. Back Contamination Mission Rules (Recovery to Lunar Receiving Lab), MSC 00005, NASA-MSC, as revised, hy ,Recovery Requirements--Apollo 12, NASA-MSC, Landing and Recovery Division, October 3, 1967, 3, Apollo Recovery Operational Procedures Manual (Rev. A), NASA=DOD, Feb, 10, 1969, a5 changed October 9, 1969, 6. General Operations Plan and Procedures for Recovery Quarantine Operations for a Lunar Landing Mission, MSC 00019, NASA-HSC Landing and Recovery Division, as revised October 1969, 7. MSC Drawing AE-EAFB-5547, 22