Payload integration and operations

Integration and operation of Spacelab payloads presents major challenges to engineering disciplines in areas of ground operations and flight mission operations. The integration of ground operations encompasses activities performed by the instrument developers and principal investigators and by the centralized payload integration site and launch site. The payload will be operated on orbit by a payload crew trained in payload experimentation and by a payload operations control center where investigator science groups and operations personnel are prepared to provide support. The payload mission planning, control center, data processing facility and operations are developed and verified prior to realtime flight operations. The mission management approach to minimize program costs and impacts to payloads and the Space Transportation System/Spacelab accommodations is presented.