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Ascent Ascent was considered to be normal. For the "first time" crewmembers, the noise, acceleration, vibration, and motion were what had been anticipated. While some small debris was noticed out the forward windows, it was concluded that debris observed on this ascent was less than experienced on previous flights. As reported in previous flights, reach and visbility during actual ascent are much more limited than crews become accustomed to in SMS training. Accordingly, it is still recommended that the software change request (CR) that allows keyboard troubleshooting of the Orbiter Maneuvering/Reaction Control System (OMS/RCS) be incorporated as soon as possible (Recommendation (R)). Throttle-down during maximum aerodynamic pressure was in two stages with a 7-second delay at 92% thrust. Two crewmembers commented on the noticeable difference between 3 "g's" through the spine versus 3 "g's" through the chest, a casual difference that most aviators don't experience. The normal film coating following Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) separation caused side windows (W1,W2,W5 and W6) and the hatch window to appear opaque. RCS jet R3R failed between OMS-1 and OMS-2. It was determined that the oxidizer valve failed to open, and the jet was not used during the remainder of the flight. Habitability General: The Orbiter afforded adequate and, in most cases, comfortable living conditions for the seven crewmembers. Pre-flight groundrules regarding positioning of crewmembers during periods of peak activity on the flight deck or mid-deck of seven was the limit with respect to good habitability. It is recommended that seven crewmembers be established as the limit for a non-Spacelab type flight(R). Cabin pressure and temperature: For the first time since STS-1, cabin temperature maintained using the automatic mode of the cabin temperature controller. It was felt that the "auto" mode worked well and should be adopted as a standard operating procedure (SOP). The one instance of elevated cabin temperature was due to a Flash Evaporator System (FES) failure and subsequent operations in the "Rad out-hi" mode in an attempt to thaw out a suspected ice blockage in the FES. The crew "dressed down" to shorts and T-shirts during the period when the temperature was estimated to be 85°F. The crew felt that the cabin temperature sensor reading of 92°F was not a realistic value. Cabin pressure was maintained automatically at 14.7 PSI and manually while at 10.2 PSI for the EVA. Both procedures worked well, except for an occasional off-scale-high alarm for 02 when system 1 activated for oxygen make-up. This flow problem needs a solution before automatic pressure control is considered to be SOP. Waste Control System (WCS)/Personal Hygiene Station (PHS): Considering the crew size, the WCS worked well. It was generally felt that the air flow was satisfactory and that, in fact, air flow was higher than on previous missions. Urine collection
