Sig Sjoberg called after reading my memo (67-FM-T-98) regarding the impact of current MSFN performance on lunar operations. He wondered why I had not included in my list of studies the effect of lunar potential uncertainty on the spacecraft computer programs. I guess the reason I left it out was that it was somewhat different…
Month: November 1967
Spacecraft computer program P5—on the way out
During a meeting of MSC people at MIT on November 2, it was brought up by MIT that some problems were being encountered in the development of P05, the program which assists the astronaut in turning on the primary guidance system. Although these problems are relatively minor, it was the opinion of MIT that this…
MIT/MSC review of LUMINARY Descent Programs
On November 2, 1967, a team of Flight Crew, G&C and FCD people met with MIT to discuss the lunar landing descent programs. We have recently been reviewing these programs at MSC and it has become evident that many of the displays and associated computations which we had listed as requirements early in the year…
Spacecraft computer program design to process VHF ranging for rendezvous navigation
On November 1, 1967, a team of MSC people were at MIT to discuss, among other things, use of the VHF ranging data in the spacecraft computer. Specifically, we reviewed the work MIT has done in this area since our “tiger team” meeting on October 5. Steve Copps is the guy at MIT responsible for…
EMS software verification doesn’t exist
I am pretty sure the verification of the Entry Monitoring System (EMS) scrolls is screwed up and I am sorry to say that, even though I suspected it for quite a while, I have not gotten around to doing much of anything. As soon as Bob Gardiner gets back from the Cape, Claude Graves and…
Inflight alignment of the COAS
As you know, the command module computer program—COLOSSUS—is being developed to permit use of the crew’s reticle (COAS) as a backup reference source for aligning the IMU and for rendezvous navigation. This is to guard against some failure of the sextant and telescope as well as providing the capability to make line-of-sight measurements from the…
501/502 state vector update requirement
During the 501 operation apparently there was no question as to whether state vector updates would be sent. But I gather there may have been some question as to how important they are. This will probably just add to the confusion, but I thought I might redistribute the attached memos written last January which stated…
Spacecraft computer program orbital integration
This is just another little golden nugget for your files….
Some assumptions about Spacecraft 101 retrofire and reenty procedures
We have recently held several small Trajectory Control Data Priority Working Group meetings dealing with Spacecraft 101 retrofire and reentry. The results are being documented to show how the various guidance and navigation data sources will be compared to one another and used during the mission. During these discussions a couple of basic assumptions have…