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Deployments prior to the remanifest decision, it should be noted that the crew's training had been conducted exclusively, with the old PAM ASE and SCA software. The ANIK spacecraft had been removed from the STS 41-D manifest prior to the start of flight specific integrated simulations. 

Orbiter System. The STS 41-D crew was originally assigned to the IUS/TDRS-B cargo. It became clear shortly after our formal training began that the payload was uncertain, so we elected to concentrate our efforts on Orbiter systems. As events occurred, this decision turned out to have been a prudent one. Our cargo was uncertain at one time or another up until a few weeks before flight. However, by concentrating exclusively on the Orbiter systems in our early training, we were prepared to begin intensive payload training each time we were assigned a new cargo. It is more likely to be the rule than the exception that cargoes will continue to move around from flight to flight, and h=our experience recommends that, whenever possible, crews should frontload their training with Orbiter systems.

RMS Training. Due to the extensive backgrounds of both the CDR and MS3 with respect to RMS operations, the training task was reduced to a few simulator sessions to practice the specific flight procedures. One particularly useful session involved a trip to SIMFAC to assess OAST-1 jettison procedures on a simulator with probably the best model of the RMS and also a capability to model a flexible payload. Since no local simulator facility was able to model this combination, the crew felt that the session was a significant confident builder to demonstrate that the two large flexible structures would operate smoothly together. SIMFAC's capabilities should tasks in the future.

In view of the increased use of the RMS for unplanned tasks, training requirements should be reexamined to ensure adequate hands-on time to develop suitable proficiency.

Payload specialist (PS) Training. The PS training syllabus laid out preflight proved to be about right. Several Orbiter systems SST lessons that were added to the lesson plan were, in retrospect, not required and would be best omitted. An SMS motion base ascent and entry period is strongly recommended for the PS as a familiarization to the sights and sounds of ascent and entry. In addition, T-38 and STA flying proved to be a valuable adjunct to the PS training and is strongly recommended for inclusion in the training syllabus.

Heavy Aircraft Training. The CDR and PLT received training in the KC 135 aircraft close to the flight date. This training is very beneficial in that it provides real flight experience with a heavy aircraft that is somewhat difficult to land.

PHOTO/TV OPERATIONS

Requirements. This mission was heavily loaded with photo requirements over and above the usual complement, due to cameras and equipment carried both for payload operations (IMAX, OAST-1, Student Experiment, etc.) and for Orbiter DTO's (Arriflex, movie lights, etc.). Because of the wide variety of payload-related operations of documentary interest habitability activities, virtually ever task was scheduled to be photographed with every camera system. Considering the setup time required to create interesting results, the crew felt significantly over extended during the mission as a result of the magnitude of requirements. It is essential to scrutinize