COPY

16

X64-80104

PROJECT MERCURY «*

MERCURY-ATLAS MISSION NO.

(Capsule No. 8A)

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Space Task Group

Langley Field, Va.

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(NASA-TM-X-51331) 'pfi.CJECT- M E E C D Y R : N75-75608

MEHCUBY-ATLAS HlSSICf Np..,4/8.6 (.CAPSULE
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 TEST OBJECTIVES AND SYSTEM PRIORITIES

Test objectives for MA-U/SA.- The test objectives for this mission are
concerned with the Mercury capsule systems, the Atlas booster, the
Mercury network, and capsule recovery. Since this mission will be the
first Mercury-Atlas launch along the Mercury network, it will be used
to demonstrate and evaluate the capability of the Mercury network to
perform the intended flight control and data collection functions and
to evaluate the procedures used in performing the fli'ght control
functions .
First-order test objectives.-
Capsule.-
(1) Demonstrate the integrity of the Mercury capsule structure,
ablation shield, and afterbody shingles for a normal reentry.
(2) Evaluate the performance of the Mercury capsule systems
for the entire flight.
(3) Determine the capsule motions during a normal reentry.
Determine the Mercury capsule vibration environment
during flight.
(5) Demonstrate the compatibility of the Mercury capsule
escape systems with the Mercury- Atlas systems.
Booster . -
(1) Determine the ability of the Atlas booster to release
the Mercury capsule at the free- flight insertion conditions defined
by the guidance equations.
(2) Evaluate the closed- loop performance of the Abort Sensing
and Implementation System.
(3) Evaluate the aerodynamic loading, vibrational character-
istics, and structural integrity of the Atlas LOp boil-off valve,
tank dome, capsule adapter, and associated structures.
 - 2-
Network.- .
(1) Demonstrate the proper operation of the ground command
control equipment.
(2) Evaluate the performance of the equipment and the opera-
tional procedures used in establishing the launch trajectory and
booster cutoff conditions and in predicting landing points.
(?) Evaluate the ground communications network and procedures.
(U) Evaluate the performance of the network acquisition aids,
the radar tracking system, and the associated operational procedures.
(5) Evaluate the telemetry receiving system performance and the
telemetry displays.
Recovery.- Evaluate the capsule recovery operations, as to the equi-
ment and procedures used for communications and for locating and
recovering the capsule, for a landing in the Atlantic Ocean along
the Mercury network.
Second-order test objectives.-
Booster.-
(1) Obtain data on the repeatability of the performance of
all Atlas missile and ground systems.
(2) Determine the magnitude of the sustalner/vernier residual
thrust after cutoff.
Network;- Evaluate and develop applicable Mercury network countdown
and operational procedures.
.Third-order test objectives.- .
Booster.- Evaluate the Mercury-Atlas vehicle with regard to engine
start and potential causes for combustion instability.
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 TABLE II.- NOMINAL WEIGHTS FOR THE M&-jt/8& CAPSULE

3,908 Ibs Gross weight at lift-off (includes adapter and

escape tower)
2,697 Ibs Capsule weight after separation from Atlas
2,^10 Ibs Capsule weight at start of reentry
2,168 Ibs Capsule flotation weight
 AERODYNAMIC SPIKE
ESCAPE ROCKET

ESCAPE TOWER

CAPSULE-BOOSTER ADAPTER

LIQUID OXYGEN TANK

PRESSURIZATION LINE

10' DIA

EQUIPMENT POD

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STUB POD »

VERNIER FAIRING

BOOSTER

Figure I.-
Mercury-Atlas launch vehicle configuration.
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