The following is the text from the Code S manifest priority for the RTSX program.

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NOV 2, 1999

 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Headquarters

Washington, DC 20546-0001

 

Reply to the Attn of: SM

 

TO: M/Associate Administrator for Space Flight

 

FROM: S/Associate Administrator for Space Science (OSS)

 

Subject: Manifesting of the Ranger Telerobotic Shuttle Experiment (RTSX)

 

I am writing to request your assistance in securing a STS payload manifest for the RTSX payload in 2001.

 

The RTSX mission will demonstrate telerobotic servicing capabilities that are applicable to the Space Science and Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) Enterprise requirements, including servicing of International Space Station facilities and external science payloads, and other orbital assets. In addition to demonstrating relevant servicing tasks, the mission will investigate techniques for on-orbit and ground-based control of complex space telerobotic systems. These are high-priority investigation areas for the OSS advanced technology programs, and directly support our future mission plans.

 

OSS requests that you prioritize the RTSX payload for the first available manifest opportunity after January 1, 2001. Immediately following the Inflatable Sunshield In Space (ISIS), RTSX is OSS's highest priority request for a cargo bay payload manifest in this timeframe. OSS funds are committed for the development, completion and integration of this payload. Our only remaining major issue is the identification of a specific manifest assignment to fly the experiment. It is on this matter that we are requesting your assistance.

 

The Request for Flight Assignment (Form 1628) for this payload was signed by OSS in February 1997 and forwarded from MO/Space Integration in March 1997. OSS will continue to coordinate with your manifest planners and the Flight Assignment Working Group (FAWG) to ensure that appropriate co-manifesting opportunities are addressed.

 

If any additional information is needed, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience. Detailed technical information is available from the relevant Program Executive, Dave Lavery (202-358-4684), or our on-site Project Manager, Joe Parrish (301-403-4470). Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

 

(Original Signed by)

Edward J. Weiler

 

cc:

SD/G. Albright

SM/P. Ulrich

SM/D. Lavery

SM/J. Parrish