Chemical Release Observation Program Description and Flight Results

The Chemical Release Observation (CRO) program developed three small satellites that were deployed from the Shuttle on flight STS-39. These were small experimental satellites built with a minimum of paperwork. while meeting all the necessary NASAISTS requirements. Each satellite contained a chemical (either hydrazine or an oxidizer) which was released on ground command. The satellites were approximately 18" diameter and 31" high. and weighed 160 to 195 pounds when loaded. The satellites carried 60 pounds of MMH (MonoMethyl Hydrazine), 52 pounds of UDMH (Unsymmetrical DiMethyl Hydrazine) and 11 pounds of N10 4 (Nitrogen Tetroxide). The satellites were designed and built by DS1, under a contract with Los Alamos National Laboratory, with funding provided by SDIO. Environmental and operational testing was performed at Goddard Space Flight Center, Los Alamos National Laboratory and Vandenberg AFB. Through a long and arduous process, they were fully qualified for use on the Shuttle. The satellites were launched on board Space Shuttle DISCOVERY on April 28, 1991 as a part of the IBSS program. The satellites were deployed from the Shuttle, one at a time, and all three were successfully commanded from Vandenberg AFB to release its chemical at the scheduled time.