Nasa's first ever crewed test flight - 13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• STS-1: The first space shuttle mission.
• Countdown Demonstration Test: A dress rehearsal for the launch.
• GN2 (Nitrogen Gas): Used to prevent fires, but can cause rapid unconsciousness and death by displacing oxygen.
• Motion-Base Simulator: A simulator that moves to recreate the experience of flight.
• Ascent Team: Mission controllers responsible for the first hours of the mission, particularly ascent.
• Abort Switch: A switch that, when activated by the commander, aborts the mission.
• RTLS (Return to Launch Site): An abort mode where the shuttle turns around and flies back to the launch site.
• MECO (Main Engine Cut-Off): The point at which the main engines shut down.
• Max Q: The point in flight where the shuttle experiences maximum dynamic pressure.
• SRB (Solid Rocket Boosters): Provide the initial thrust for launch.
• Payload Bay: The shuttle's cargo space.

1. Fatal Accident During Countdown Demonstration Test

• Event: During the countdown demonstration test for STS-1, two technicians, John Bjornstad and Forrest Cole, died after entering a compartment filled with nitrogen gas (GN2). A third technician, Nick Mullon, died more than a decade later from long-term complications.
• Cause: Miscommunication regarding the extension of the nitrogen release into the compartment. The technicians were unaware of the danger.
• Details: The compartment was filled with GN2 to prevent fires. GN2 displaces oxygen, leading to rapid unconsciousness and death.
• Impact: The accident deeply affected the team and served as a stark reminder of the risks involved in the space program. It led to a renewed focus on safety and communication protocols.
• Quote: John Tribe: "Okay, well, that that was really bad, we screwed up royally, we got to fix that. Fix that, press on."
• Technical Term: GN2 (Nitrogen Gas) - An inert gas used to prevent fires by displacing oxygen.

2. Training and Simulations for STS-1

• Astronaut Training: John Young and Bob Crippen trained extensively in the motion-base simulator at Johnson Space Center.
• Mission Control Simulations: The ascent team, led by Flight Director Neil Hutchinson, practiced the launch hundreds of times. Simulations included introducing failures to test the team's readiness.
• Abort Procedures: The team practiced various abort scenarios, including RTLS (Return to Launch Site).
• Abort Switch: The abort switch was a critical tool for the Flight Director, but it only triggered a light in the cockpit, signaling the commander to manually initiate the abort.
• Quote: Neil Hutchinson: "In critical phases, you answer to no-one, the butt absolutely stops at that console."
• Example: The final simulation was run perfectly, without any failures, to build confidence before the actual launch.

3. Decision to Fly with a Crew on the First Shuttle Mission

• Rationale: The decision to have astronauts on board the first flight was made to improve the chances of success by allowing them to deal with any problems that arose.
• Alternatives: An unmanned flight was considered but deemed too expensive and time-consuming to implement.
• Risk Assessment: It was acknowledged that flying with a crew on the first flight was a high-risk endeavor, but the potential benefits outweighed the risks.
• Quote: Bob Crippen: "We thought this chance to success was better if we were on board to deal with any problems that came up."
• Significance: STS-1 was the first and only time that a new spacecraft was tested in space with a crew on board.

4. Launch Day and Ascent

• Launch Preparations: The launch was initially scrubbed due to a computer issue but was successfully launched on April 12, 1981.
• Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Kennedy Space Center and Mission Control was tense but focused.
• Key Personnel: Launch Director George Page, Flight Director Neil Hutchinson, and CAPCOM Dan Brandenstein played critical roles.
• Ascent Milestones: The shuttle passed through Max Q, SRB separation, and MECO successfully.
• SRB Concerns: Max Faget, a NASA pioneer, was concerned about the use of solid rocket boosters because they cannot be turned off once ignited.
• Quote: George Page: "May God bless you, and may God bring you safely back home to us again."
• Technical Terms:
  • Max Q: The point of maximum dynamic pressure on the spacecraft.
  • SRB Sep: Solid Rocket Booster separation.
  • MECO: Main Engine Cut-Off.

5. Post-MECO and Initial Observations in Orbit

• Weightlessness: After MECO, the astronauts experienced weightlessness for the first time.
• Payload Bay Doors: Opening the payload bay doors was a critical task for cooling the electronics.
• Missing Tiles: Upon opening the payload bay doors, the crew discovered missing tiles from the heatshield, creating a significant concern.
• Quote: Bob Crippen: "What a view, what a view. Glad you're enjoying it!"
• Significance: The missing tiles posed a potential threat to the shuttle's re-entry.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The episode details the intense preparations, risks, and eventual successful launch of STS-1, the first space shuttle mission. It highlights the fatal accident during a dress rehearsal, the extensive training and simulations, the bold decision to fly with a crew on the first flight, and the critical moments during ascent. The discovery of missing tiles after reaching orbit sets the stage for the next episode, emphasizing the ongoing challenges and risks of the mission. The episode underscores the dedication, expertise, and courage of the entire team involved in the space shuttle program.