Hubble Space Telescope
(HST) Archive System
NASA Langley Research Center
Hampton, Virginia
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Returned Hardware
Flight Support System
The Flight Support System (FSS) is a reusable equipment system that provides the structural, mechanical, and electrical interfaces between a spacecraft and the Orbiter for launch, retrieval, and on-orbit servicing missions. It also served as the maintenance platform holding HST in place while providing a means for rotation about two axes for correct positioning during deployment and on-orbit servicing.
The FSS configuration for spacecraft deployment or retrieval consists of three structural cradles, mechanisms for spacecraft retention and positioning, and avionics. The cradles provide the structural support for the payload and storage locations for tools and electronics. The mechanisms for retention and positioning allow the spacecraft to be docked to the FSS, serviced, and released. The FSS provides the electrical interface between the Orbiter and the HST, and between the Orbiter and the Servicing Mission payload elements. The avionics provide all necessary power, command, control, and data monitoring interfaces to support operational modes of the spacecraft. The avionics also provide for remote control of all FSS mechanisms from the Orbiter Aft Flight Deck. The configuration for on-orbit servicing typically consists of one cradle with Berthing and Positioning System, mechanisms, and avionics.
The FSS has a specific configuration for servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. The HST servicing configuration consists of a single cradle (A), avionics, mechanisms, and the Berthing and Positioning System (BAPS). Once HST is berthed to the FSS, the BAPS is used to orient the HST for servicing and to react to loads induced by reboosting the HST to a higher orbit. The avionics and mechanisms used for HST servicing are a subset of the full complement available, with additional power capability.
References
Flight Support System User's Guide: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, HST Servicing Mission Deintegration and Test Plan, Fairchild Space Company, 1993.
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