Everything you never knew you wanted to know about the Mercury Project
December 1959 edition of SEDR-104
From RixWiki
Foreword Text
Here is the exact text of of the foreword from this edition of SEDR-104, I've added links as appropriate.
The purpose of this document is to present a clear, operational description of the various capsule systems and major components. Two types of usage are visualized. The first is as an orientation-indoctrination type document. The second as a reference document containing relatively detailed information on all systems and components.
Separate information is provided for each capsule test configuration, but not all information will be repeated for each capsule where it is the same as other Capsules. The book is divided primarily by capsule systems. The first part of each major section is devoted to description and operation of the "specification compliance" capsule system. This reflects, generally, capsules 18, 19 and 20 which are considered as representative since they are manned orbital capsules. Immediately following the "spec" system coverage is the #2 capsule system coverage, then the [[spacecraft 3|#3], etc. The #2 capsule system is covered on a "like specification compliance capsule except as follows" basis. The #3 and succeeding capsule systems may similarily be compared to either the "spec" capsule system or to any other prior capsule system depending upon which reference causes the least duplication. In no case, however, will the reader be required to refer to more than two prior capsule systems, including the "spec" system.
Since all capsule test configurations will not be finalized as of this printing, only the earlier capsules are covered. Remaining capsule coverage will appear in subsequent revisions to this document.
Coverage
The 15 December 1959 edition of the SEDR-104 Mercury familiarization manual provided specifications for the following capsules:
Specification Capsules
Test Capsules
The Test Capsules had specific differences from the specification capsule called out.
Section by Section
Section I Introduction
Section II Major Structural Assemblies
Comments on this edition relevant to the Major structural assemblies
Section III Environmental Control System
Comments on this edition relevant to the Environmental control system
Section IV Stabilization Control System
Comments on this edition relevant to the Stabilization control system
Section V Sequence System, Launch Through Retrograde or Abort
Comments on this edition relevant to the Sequence system, launch through retrograde or abort
Section VI Escape and Jettison Rocket Systems
Comments on this edition relevant to the Escape and jettison rocket systems
Section VII Posigrade Rocket System
Comments on this edition relevant to the Posigrade rocket system
Section VIII Retrograde Rocket System
Comments on this edition relevant to the Retrograde rocket system
Section IX Sequence System, Landing Through Recovery
Comments on this edition relevant to the Sequence system, landing through recovery
Section X Electrical Power and Interior Lighting Systems
Comments on this edition relevant to the Electrical power and interior lighting systems
Section XI Communication System
Comments on this edition relevant to the Communication system
Section XII Navigational Aids
Comments on this edition relevant to the Navigational aids
Section XIII Instrumentation System
Comments on this edition relevant to the Instrumentation system
