STS retrieval of satellites

The Space Transportation System (STS) provides the capability to retrieve satellites from space. This capability was demonstrated on flights STS 41-C and STS 51-A, and will be demonstrated again on a future flight with the retrieval of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). This paper describes the activity required to ensure a successful retrieval from initial flight planning to actual flight operations. Attention is given to retrieval hardware necessary for success and manifest. Discussion of flight design to meet all constraints placed on the manifested cargo is included. Flightcrew and flight control team training are addressed. Flight rules, techniques, and procedures development are described and examples given. Mission Control Center (MCC) and Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) operations for integrated testing and actual flight support will be presented.