Everything you never knew you wanted to know about the Mercury Project
May 1962 edition of SEDR-104
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Foreword Text
The purpose of this document is to present a clear, operational description of the various capsule systems and major components. Two types of usage for the manual are visualized. The first is an orientation-indoctrination type document, The second use is as a reference document containing relatively detailed information on all systems and components.
The manual is divided by capsule systems. The first part of each section is devoted to the description and operation of "specification compliance capsule" systems. Capsule number 19 is the specification compliance capsule. It is a manned three orbital capsule and is representative of the Mercury program. Immediately following the specification compliance system coverage is the Test Configuration Capsule Coverage. This area compares the other capsules to the specification compliance capsule or to a prior capsule. The capsules are compared on a, "like specification compliance capsule except as follows" basis. The Test Configuration Capsules are compared to the specification compliance capsule system or to any other preceding capsule depending on which reference causes the least duplication. The reader will not be required to refer to more than two prior capsules systems iucluding the specification system. Separate information is provided for each capsule test configuration, when the information is the same for each capsule it will not be repeated. All capsules will be covered in this manual for one revision after the particular capsule has been launched successfully. After that date they will be dropped from future issues.
Capsules numbered 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11 and 14 are covered in the 1 February 1961 issue of SEDR 104 revised 1 August 1961. Capsule number 8 is covered in the 1 November 1961 issue of SEDR 104. Capsule No. 13 is covered in 1 November 1961 issue of SEDR lob revised 1 February 1962. Capsule No. 10 is an orbital training simulator and altitude chamber test unit, The configuration of the capsule is subject to change during various phases of the test program; therefore, this capsule is not described in this manual. Capsules numbered 12, 15, 17, and 20 have been assigned an eighteen orbit mission and will be covered in SEDR 104-18.
All capsule configurations are not finalized as of this printing, additional information will appear in subsequent revisions to this document, reflecting changes as they are incorporated in the capsule.
Coverage
This covered the Mercury spacecraft assigned to the 18-orbit mission. These are listed in the November 1961 edition of SEDR-104 as:
The February 1962 edition of SEDR-104 contains the first reference which I've found to SEDR 104-18 and lists the same capsules.
Capsule 20 was subsequently assigned to the 22 orbit MA-9 mission.
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
