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MSC 00019 REVISION A

GENERAL OPERATIONS PLAN AND PROCEDURES

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FOR

RECOVERY QUARANTINE OPERATIONS FOR A LUNAR LANDING MISSION

LANDING AND RECOVERY DIVISION

MANNED SPACECRAFT CENTER HOUSTON, TEXAS

OCTOBER 31, 1969

MSC 00019 REVISION A

LANDING AND RECOVERY DIVISION

GENERAL OPERATIONS PLAN AND PROCEDURES FOR

RECOVERY QUARANTINE OPERATIONS FOR A LUNAR LANDING MISSION

OCTOBER 31, 1969

Chief,

CONTENTS

Sect ion

Page 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-2 1-2 1-4 1- 4 1-7 1-8 2-1 2-1 2-3 2-4 2-7 2-12 2-14 3-1

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION 1 . I I NTRODUCT ION 102 REQUIREMENTS

1.3 GENERAL OPERATIONS PLAN DESCRIPTION 1.4 SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION

1.5 ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN

1.6 REPORTING AND iNFORMATION FLOW PLAN

107 OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS FOR QUARANTINE 1.8 SAFETY CONSTRAINTS AND REQUIREMENTS

2.0 DEPLOYMENT PLAN AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES 2.1 DEPLOYMENT PLAN

2.2 PRERECOVERY PROCEDURES 2.3 POST LAND I NG PROCEDURES 2.4 MQF SHIPBOARD PROCEDURES 2.5 TRANSPORT PROCEDURES

2.6 STORAGE AND RELEASE PROCEDURES 3.0 REFERENCES

iii

SECTION 1.0 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1 c 1 I NTRODUCT I ON

The return to earth of lunar material for detailed comprehensive study has created concern in the scientific community. The uncertainty of the type or existence of any pathogen on the lunar surface has compelled the National Academy of Sciences to recommend and adopt several courses of action in preventing back contamination of the

ea rth.

From the recommendations evolved the family of equipment and operational mission procedures which are to be util ized during the recovery phase of a lunar mission. The purpose of this equipment

and the associated procedures is to provide to the greatest degree possible biological isolation of the fl ight crew, command module (CM) and personnel required to have immediate contact with the fl ight crew. This isolation for the recovery and transportation phases becomes effective in the recovery area and continues until all of the

above mentioned personnel and hardware have been transferred into the Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL). This biological isolation requirement also includes the lunar samples, flight tapes, film and other specified equipment which may be transported separately to the LRL.

1.2 REQUIREMENTS

The general requirements of the recovery quarantine equipment are as follows:

a. Crew Safety - Provide a safe method for the retrieval and return of the fl ight crew and CM.

b. Biological Isolation - Provide isolation during the recovery operation and during the movement of the crew and equipment from the recovery area to the LRL.

c. Sustainment Provisioning - Provide eating, sleeping and hygenic facil ities for the crew and technical personnel during the return phase.

d. Medical and Debriefing Provisioning - Provide some 1 imited medical facil ities and interfaces during the recovery and transportation phases.

e. Transportation - Provide suitable hardware for the transportation of the crew, CM and hardware by ship, aircraft, and truck.

1-1

1.3 GENERAL OPERATIONS PLAN DESCRIPTION

The recovery quarantine equipment is deployed only on a ship which has a high probabil ity of recovering the CM and flight crew. The present plan designates an aircraft carrier stationed in the Mid-Pacific area as the primary recovery ship (PRS). The recovery operation for the lunar landing missions will be handled in much

the same way as recovery operations for the lunar orbital missions. Following the location of the CM by the DOD recovery forces and installation of a flotation collar on the CM, the recovery quarantine phase will begin.

The crew, wearing lightweight overgarments, will be recovered

by a helicopter which will then land on the aircraft carrier. The helicopter will be towed to a Mobile Quarantine Facil ity (MQF) where the astronauts and the recovery physician will enter the facil ity. The CM \vill then be recovered and interfaced with the facil ity using a plastic tunnel to allow the recovery engineer from the MQF to enter the CM.

The lunar sample containers, film, data, etc., from the CM and biomedical samples taken from the crew in the MQF will be packaged and outlocked for quick return to the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) via the closest land base. The MQF, with the astronauts, One doctor, and one recovery engineer inside, will be transported by the recovery ship to Hawaii where it will be off-loaded at the dock. The MQF will then be transferred to Hickam AFB by a 40K aircraft loader where

it will be loaded aboard a USAF C-14l aircraft for a direct fl ight

to Ellington AFB, Houston, Texas. The MQF will then be transported

by a 25K aircraft loader from Ellington AFB to the LRL where an interface will be accompl ished using a plastic tunnel. The MQF will then be sealed and placed into storage until the release from quarantine

is authorized.

In Hawaii, the CM residual reaction control system propellants will be removed. This operation does not require the opening of the CM hatches. Thus, the interior will remain sealed. The CM will then be transported to Ell ington AFB aboard a USAF C-133B aircraft. The CM will arrive approximately three days after the astronauts.

1.4 SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION

1.4.1 Ships and Aircraft - The ship which will be used for the recovery operation in the primary recovery area will be an aircraft carrier. The MQF can be interfaced with various other ships (destroyers, oilers, etc.); however, these ships will be deployed only as secondary ships, if at all.

1-2

The MQF is capable of being transported by either a C-141 or a C-130 type aircraft, but prime dependence is on the C-141 type aircraft because of its higher speed. The CM is capable of being transported only by the C-133B type aircraft.

1.4.2 Mobile Quarantine Facil ity - The MQF is designed to sustain personnel and provide quarantine. The facility is equipped to house

six people, if required, for a duration of 10 days. The interior is divided into four sections--lounge area, galley area, bunk area, and lavatory area. The facility is powered through several systems to interface with various ships, aircraft, and transportation vehicles. The principal method of assuring quarantine is to filter air and provide

a negative pressure differential for biological containment in the

event of leaks. Non-fecal 1 iquids from the trailer are chemically treated and stored in special containers. Fecal wastes will be contained until after the qua r'an t I ne period. Items are passed into or

out of the MQF through a decontamination/transfer lock. A complete communications system is provided for intercom and external communications from ship or aircraft. Emergency alarms are provided for fire, loss of power, loss of negative pressure, and for oxygen alerts while

in transport by aircraft. Redundant power systems and exhaust fans assure maintenance of negative pressure differential. Specially

packaged and controlled meals will be passed into the facility where

they will be prepared in a microwave oven. Medical equipment to complete immediate postlanding crew examination and tests is provided.

1.4.3 Recovery Garments - During transfer from the CM to the MQF, 1 ightweight nylon overgarments and separate respirators will be worn

by the Apollo fl ight crew to serve as biological barriers. A full scuba garment and respirator will be worn during crew egress and hel icopter pickup operations by a swimmer designated to assist the astronauts.

The astronauts' respirators filter exhaled air and the swimmer's respirator filters inhaled air. The respirators have replaceable canister filters which have an efficiency of 99.98 percent for 0.3 micron or larger particles. The astronauts' 1 ife preserver units (LPU's) will be worn over the lightweight overgarments during egress.

Under normal conditions, the astronauts will don the garments while in the CM. However, in case of high sea state or astronaut fatigue, the donning will take place in the raft.

1-3

1.4.4 Transportation Containers - A family of special shipping containers have been fabricated for the return of the samples and hardware from the recovery area to the LRL. The following containers are util ized:

a. Apollo Lunar Sample Return Container (ALSRC) shipping containers (2)

bo Contingency sample/DSEA shipping container (1)

c. Biomedical cryogenic shipping container (I)

d. Biomedical controlled-temperature shipping containers (2)

e. Photographic film shipping containers (2)

f. Data storage equipment (DSE) tape shipping container (1)

For a description and an understanding of system operation of all RQE, see references 1 and 2.

loS ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN

In general, the team aboard the primary recovery ship will function in the same way for a lunar landing mission as it has for recent Apollo missions; however a special team will be used aboard the recovery

ship to augment the recovery team for the recovery quarantine phase

of the operation.

During the recovery operation, the recovery team will report through the recovery coordinator to the Fl ight Director until the astronauts are aboard the recovery ship (fig. 1-1). During the transport operation from the recovery area to the LRL, the recovery team will report through the recovery coordinator to the Mission Review Board (fig. 1-2).

During the entire recovery quarantine phase, the responsibil ity will be assumed by the individuals assigned to the positions shown in figs. 1-1 and 1-2 or the designated representatives of these individuals.

106 REPORTING AND INFORMATION FLOW PLAN

The information flow will follow the same plan as the organization plan as stated in section 1.5. In addition to the verbal reporting which is directed to the Recovery Control Center (RCC) the following written reporting system will be implemented:

1-4

Flight
Director
(MCC)
Mission
~-------------. Review
Board
Recovery
Coord i nator
(ROCR)
I
- - -. - - - - -
Recovery Ship
I Team Leader
Quarantine
.
~----------. Control
Officer
1 I
Recovery T earn
Crew/CM Retrieval
Medical Ops
[ 1
PAO MQF Operations
Photo Coord

r---- ----
MQF Elec Sample I MQF
I
" Engineer Systems Transport I Engineer
I
MQF Engineer Systems I
Engineer I
Engineer I
I , I I I I I I I

MQF I

L.. .J

Figure 1-1. - NASA recovery organization during recovery operations.

1-'5

Mission Review Board

-------------_.

Recovery Coordinator (ROCR)

Representative of Director of

Flight Operations

- --- - --- - --- - --- - --- - --- - --- - ---

Team Leader

Recovery Ship

Quarantine Control Officer

~----------

Recovery Team

PAO

Photo Coord

I

I

Medical Ops

I

MQF Operations

r----- ---- ,
MQF Elec Sample I MQF I
I I
Engineer Systems Transport I Engineer I
I I
MQF Engineer Systems I I
Engineer Engineer I I
I I
I MQF I
L __________ ~ Figure 1-2. - NASA recovery organization during transport operations.

1-0

a. Daily Summary Reports - Daily summary reports will be prepared by the recovery team leader aboard the ship. The team leader will be assisted by the Quarantine Control Officer, the senior medical representative and the senior project engineer for recovery quarantine. The report will include the status, anomal ies, and significant events.

b. Mission Summary Report - A mission summary report will be prepared within 10 days of the transfer of the personnel and equipment into the LRL. The recovery team leader will have the prime responsibility for the coordination, preparation and assembly of this report.

1.7 OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS FOR QUARANTINE

The general operational constraints cover the obvious ground rules which evolved during the recovery quarantine equipment development program. The constraints also cover those rul ings and decisions made during various briefings, operational readiness inspections, and meetings with the Interagency Committee on Back Contamination (ICBC). For detailed guidel ines on operational constraints, see reference 3. The following are the general operatiohal constraints;

a. The operational safety of those involved is paramount. Within the I imits of safety. quarantine and isolation are prime objectives. Quarantine objectives will take precedence over all activities unless the safety of the operational personnel is jeopardized.

b. The degree of isolation will vary with the recovery situation.

c. Except for major Injury or illness prior to retrieval,

the crew will always egress the CM for recovery by hel icopter or boat before the CM. is recovered.

d. All personnel (other than those committed to enter quarantine) who are required to come in close contact with the fl ight crew will wear approved protective clothing.

e. Areas which have possibly been contaminated will be sprayed with a decontaminant solution. This includes CM hatch, rafts, collars,

etc.

f. All items leaving the MQF will be in plastic biological isolation containers. These containers will be passed through the decontamination/trarsfer lock which submerges the package in a sodium hypochlorite solution.

g. The effluent gases from the MQF will be filtered through high efficiency filters.

1-7

h. During normal operation, a negative differential pressure (0.1-0.5 inches of water) will be maintained inside the MQF relative to the outside pressure.

i. During the mating and subsequent withdrawal of the shipboard transfer tunnel from the MQF, the minimum negative differential pressure requirement for the MQF will be 0.02 inches of water.

j. The sodium hypochlorite parts per mill ion (ppm) count on the decontamination/transfer lock solution will be measured daily (minimum: 2000 ppm; maximum: 5000 ppm).

1,8 SAFETY CONSTRAINTS AND REQUIREMENTS

The safety constraints and the general requirements for operation of the recovery quarantine equipment are as follows:

a. During the loading and transportation operations, all nonessential personnel will stay well clear of the working area and equipment.

b. The MQF will not be hoisted higher than approximately 6 feet above a supporting surface when personnel are inside the facility. During all operations the personnel will be seated in the lounge area with the safety belts fastened.

c. At least one channel of two-way communications with the MQF interior is required at all times during the entire operation.

d. During aircraft takeoffs and landings, the MQF occupants will be seated in the lounge area with the safety belts fastened.

e. The MQF bunks directly under the decompression blowout panels will remain unoccupied during the aircraft fl ight phase.

f. The MQF occupants and the support personnel will be briefed in detail concerning emergency procedures.

g. The MQF and all of the operations support hardware will be

under the observation of a security guard who has been briefed concerning nominal and emergency procedures.

h. All recovery quarantine equipment will receive an operational checkout prior to mission support.

i. All activities aboard the ship which are not required to perform the recovery and quarantine missions should be curtailed to enhance the quick and safe return of the samples and crew.

1-8

SECTION 2.0 - DEPLOYMENT PLAN AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

2.1 DEPLOYMENT PLAN

2.1.1 Primary Landing Areas The primary landing areas are

those locations where the CM will land as a result of lunar return trajectories that are targeted to the Mid-Pacific recovery line (a generaly north-sguth line along 1750 west longitude in the Northern Hemisphere and 165 west longitude in the Southern Hemisphere). If the Apollo 12 vehicle is launched November 14 on an azimuth of 720, and the flight is nominal, the primary landing area will be located as shown in figure 2-1.

If the vehicle is launched on November 16 (the second of the two pos-

sible launch days in the November launch window) the primary landing

area will be about 500 nautical miles further south. The target point

will normally be about 1,250 nautical miles downrange of the CM entry

point. If the entry range is increased to avoid bad weather, the re-

covery forces would maintain their positions relative to the relocated target point insofar as possible.

2.1.2 Primary Recovery Forces The recovery forces in the pri-

mary landing area will consist of one ~ircraft carrier and associated search and rescue helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. These units will be deployed in a manner similar to the previous lunar missions.

2.1.3 Contingency Landing Area and Forces If the CM should land

at a location other than the primary landing area, ;recovery support

would be provided by fixed-wing search-and-rescue aircraft from various worldwide staging bases. These aircraft would locate the eM and drop pararescue personnel to attach a flotation collar to the eM and assist theastrbnauts as necessary. If a recovery ship were within reasonable range, it would proceed to the landing point to retrieve the astronauts and CM. If a recovery ship could not recover the CM within a reasonable time, a ship-of-opportunity would be utilized for recovery. Additional information concerning recovery support for low-probability contingency landings is contained in reference 4.

2.1.4 Nominal Post recovery Plan The nominal post recovery plan

for return of the astronauts, lunar samples, biomedical samples, and mission film is essentially the same for either of the two Mid-Pacific recovery line landing locations. The primary recovery ship would complete retrieval of the astronauts and CM and then proceed to a position to be able to launch aircraft to the nearest island base (Samoa). The lunar samples, biomedical samples, mission film and other items requiring minimum return time would be prepared for transport so as to be ready for departure at the earliest possible time. These items are divided into two groups prior to departing the recovery ship and are placed on separate aircraft to reduce the possibility of delay or loss of the entire shipment in case of aircraft trouble. The aircraft would

2-1

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transport the items to the island where they would be transferred to separate jet-type fixed-wing air~raft for direct transport to Houston. The astronauts would remain onboard the carrier in the MQF until the ship reaches Hawaii. At Hawaii, the MQF would be transferred to an aircraft for transport to Houston. The anticipated return times are as follows.

aApproximate length of time after
Subj ect CM landing, hr.
To Hawai i To Houston
b . of samples, etc. 21
First group --
cSecond group of samples, etc. -- 3D
Fl i ght crew (i n MQF) 115 127
Command module and backup MQF 115 200 a Times are based on a November 14 launch date. These times wi 11 be extended if the launch is rescheduled to such a time that the target point latitude is further south.

b Leaves ship 7 hours after landing.

c Leaves ship 13 hours after landing.

2.2 PRERECOVERY PROCEDURES

Following the placement of the recovery quarantine equipment onboard the recovery ship, the MQF is interfaced with the utility sources which are required to support the MQF operation. In summary, these are the electrical power, water, and communications. Following this interface operation, a complete checkout procedure will be conducted on all items of recovery quarantine equipment to assure that all items are operational. The checkout will also include a verification that all items of equipment are on hand and in a satisfactory condition. This che~kout wi 11 be repeated again at Recovery minus 3 days and at Recovery minus 1 day (at which time the transfer tunnel will be erected and attached to the side door of the MQF).

2-3

2.3 POSTLANDING PROCEDURES

The procedures in this section pertain primarily to hel icopter/ swimmer operations during astronaut and CM recovery. Reference 5 contains additional information for helicopter crews and swimmers.

2.3.1 Astronaut Procedures - After splashdown, the CM crew proceeds with the postlanding checklist and awaits the arrival of the recovery fo~c~s. Essentially, the procedures are the same as those used during previous Apollo missions.

2.3.2 Swimmer Deployment and Egress Preparations - When the CM is located, the helicopters move immediately to the landing area. A designated hel icopter then deploys swimmers and the flotation collar.

As soon as the sea anchor is deployed and the flotation collar installed, the first 1 iferaft is deployed, inflated, and attached to the collar.

One of the swimmers remains with this raft (no. 1) to provide assistance in case the astronauts are required to make an emergency egress. The other two swimmers move approximately 70 feet upwind of the CM. The helicopter moves in again and del ivers the second raft (no. 2) to these swimmers. Once the raft is inflated,one swimmer takes the tether line from the raft to the CM and attaches it and returns to raft no. 2.

The hel icopter designated to pickup the astronauts then moves in

to raft no. 2 and drops a specially-trained swimmer who will assist in astronaut egress and perform deccontamination operations (egress swimmer.) This swimmer will wear a full scuba garment including boots, gloves,

body garment and hood. He will also wear a high-efficiency respirator. Once the egress swimmer is in the raft, the pickup hel icopter del ivers

a bag containing the astronauts' lightweight overgarments along with

one decontaminant tank and extra scuba bottles to raft no. 2. The

two swimmers move raft no. 2 to the CM where the egress swimmer, the

bag containing the overgarments, and the decontaminant tank are transferred to raft no. 1. All three swim team members then leave

the CM and move raft no. 2 about 70 feet upwind where they remain

until it is time for astronaut pickup.

The egress swimmer places the decontaminant tank on the collar behind the bungee adjacent to the side hatch. He insures that the bag of overgarments is secured to the raft by means of its special lanyard. The egress swimmer then signals the flight crew that he is ready to pass in the overgarments.

2.3.3 Egress Procedures - The astronauts open the hatch and the egress swimmer hands in the three overgarments in one package. The swimmer then closes the hatch and the crewmen don the garments whi l e in the CM. After donning the garments, the hatch is again opened

and the crewmen egress into the raft.

2-4

Note: Prior to leaving the CM, the astronauts should insure that the postlanding ventilation valves are tightly closed before the last crewman egresses. A cue card packed with the crew overgarments is a reminder of this necessary action. Also, prior to the crewmen egressing the CM, the egress swimmer should insure that the astronauts' water wings are inflated.

Upon completion of crew egress and hatch securing, the egress swimmer signals the three swimmers in the upwind-tethered raft (no. 2) that the fl ight crew is ready for hel icopter pickup. At this point, the raft no. 2 swi mmers hau 1 in the i r sea anchor, go on scuba air, move raft no. 2 to the CM, and attach it to the collar on the side of the side hatch opposite raft no. I. Two swimmers then position themsel ves in the water just off the outboard s ide of raft no. 1.

They stand by in the water during hel icopter pickup operations acting as safety swimmers. The thi rd swimmer stands by raft no. I in the water, holding onto it to insure it does not capsize during hel icopter operations. The egress swimmer then signals the recovery hel icopter to come in and recover the fl ight crew with the Billy Pugh rescue net.

Note: If, during the egress operation, anyone becomes sick, he should vomit in a bag provided with the overgarments. After use, this bag is sealed and placed in the return bag. The emergency radio will also be placed in the return bag.

2.3.4 Retrieval of the Crew and Entry into the MQF - The astronaut retrieval hel icopter will have a NASA fl ight surgeon assisting the

hel icopter hoist operator during the pickup. Just prior to astronaut retrieval, the hoist operator dons protective clothing and a filtered breathing mask. The remainder of the crew (excluding the fl ight surgeon who is not protected) will be furnished masks with filters. These

masks will be worn in the event that one or more of the CM crew becomes sick during transport to the recovery ship.

The astronauts are picked up one by one. The swimmer insures that the contaminated equipment return bag is placed in the rescue

net during the last pickup so that it can be transported to the MQF. When the astronauts are brought up to the helicopter hatch, the fl ight surgeon will assist each of them from the net.

Should an astronaut become sick in the hel icopter, he will use a sickness bag provided by the fl ight surgeon. Decontamination equipment will be aboard the helicopter to permit spraying and scrubbing down any required areas of the hel icopter, hoist operator's garment, or other areas which may have been contaminated as a result of crew sickness. Any used sickness bags will have to be decontaminated, scrubbed, and taken into the MQF.

2-5

The astronauts and fl ight surgeon are flown back to the carrier

fl ight deck and remain in the helicopter until it is lowered by elevator to the hangar deck level. The three crewmen and the °fl ight surgeon

walk from the hel icopter to the MQF, entering through the aft door.

Once inside, the crewmen remove their overgarments. The garments are then packaged and stored in the MQF for return to the LRL. After the astronauts have left the hel icopter, all recovery gear, O2 masks, etc., are left in the hel icopter for decontamination by Fort Detrick personnel.

2.3.5 Retrieval of the Command Module - After the astronauts have been picked up, the swimmers stationed in the water reenter raft no. 2 and remain there while the egress swimmer completes hisdecontamination procedures. The egress swimmer sprays the postlanding vent valve area, the hatch area, and the collar in the area of the hatch with Betadine. He also sprays the decontaminant tank, and sprays and scrubs the raft with Betadine. Getting back on the collar, the egress swimmer cuts the sprayer tube and jettisons the tube and nozzle. The remaining Betadine in the tank is emptied into the raft, beginning a 30-minute contact period. At this point, the three swimmers in raft no. 2 can go off scuba. The egress swimmer removes his garment and ties it securely to the raft no. I I ife line. The Betadine tank is then disassembled, the tank top jettisoned, and the tank filled with sea water and sunk.

Following the 30-minute contact period, the egress swimmer slashes the raft, making several cuts to insure complete sinking of the raft and overgarment container. These items are connected and are to be sunk together.

The four swimmers and the CM are recovered using normal procedures (reference 5). Once the CM is aboa~d the recovery ship, the

flotation collar is removed and the CM is placed on a dolly for subsequent mating to the MQF.

2-6

2.4 MQF SHIPBOARD PROCEDURES

This section outl ines the MQF-associated shipboard operations following astronaut recovery. The flow of these operations is illustrated by figure 2-2.

2.4. I Crew Entry - Crew ingress is through the rear door of the MQF. Immediately following entry into the MQF, the astronauts remove their overgarments. The NASA fl ight surgeon and the recovery engineer assist the astronauts, as required, in removing and storing the suits. The crew can then participate in a short welcome ceremony. Pictures can be taken of the crewmen from outside through the MQF side viewing window. Following the brief ceremony, the curtains are closed and

the medical examination begins.

2.4.2 Medical Procedures - The CM crew begins a complete postflight examination shortly after the welcoming ceremony. Various samples are taken for analysis including blood, feces, urine, and microbiological swabs. The blood samples undergo partial analysis in the facil ity. The samples are marked by the flight surgeon in the MQF as

to the type of shipping container in which the samples are to be stored.

2-7

CM I dinq

an I
1 Helicopter Helicopter Samples COD
~ recovery I-~ decontam- packaged i""'+' no. 1
of crew ination launched

Crew ALSRC Film
CM Postflight CM CM ALSRC and ALSRC
recovery ~ entry ~ medical ~~ microbial ~ ~ and ~ no. 1 -~ medical -~ no. 2 ~
power
operation into exam sampling down film outlocked samples removal
MQF removal outlocked

Steam vent CM
CM and
~ eM mated .-.... urine dump ~ postretri eval
retrieval to MQF filters operation
installed (exterior) r0 I

OJ

(a) CM recovery to I aunch of COD no. 1.

Figure 2-2.- Flow of postrecovery shipboard operations.

I\) I \.D

Samples COD
f-.+ no.2
packaged launched

ALSRC Film CM Water and A-5 volume CM MQF
~ no. 2 I-~ and ~~ Supper f---+ water ~ biomedical and crew ~ interior house-
outlocked DSEA samples samples equip inspection keeping
outlocked outlocked removal operation

CM
unmated
from MQF (b) Outlocking of ALSRC no. 2 to completion of postrecovery operations.

Figure 2-2.- Flow of postrecovery shipboard operations (Conc) ,

Following the marking of these samples, they are transferred to the outside, in biological isolation containers through the decontamination/ transfer lock. The samples are then placed in two types of containers:

A controlled-temperature shipping container at 4°C or a cryogenic shipping container at -700C.

2.4.3 Tunnel Attachment and Equipment Removal - The recovery of the CM occurs while the astronauts are inside the MQF. The dolly, with the CM, is rolled to the MQF area to be attached to the previously erected transfer tunnel. The CM frame ~rness assembly is held in place around the CM hatch by tightening the securing straps.

As other MQF activities permit, the recovery engineer begins the postretrieval procedures in the CM. The MQF exhaust fans are set at maximum to assure a negative pressure differential. The tunnel flap

is then opened to expose the hatch. The hatch is opened very slowly until the negative pressure has equalized. At this time, the activities inside the CM will be started. The following operations are accomplished as stated in reference 6.

Take microbial swabbings Take interior CM photographs Power the CM down

Remove the two ALSRC's Remove the DSEA

Remove the flight film Take potable water samples Take waste water samples

Remove volume A5 with the contingency lunar sample Remove the personnel preference kits

Remove the flight data file

The majority of these items are then out locked so that they can

be quickly returned to the LRL. Because the items are passed out of

the MQF, they must pass through the decontamination/transfer lock.

Each item is heat-sealed in two biological isolation containers, each

of which is vacuum-packed prior to sealing. Since these are critical items, they are sealed in two containers to guard against any decontaminant solution leaking into the article. Each item is outlocked, photographed, and placed in hard shipping containers designed specifical~y for each item. These co~ainers are then moved to an area that is kept under strict security watch until they are transported from the ship.

After all postretrieval operations are complete, the crew hatch is secured. The recovery engineer sprays the outside of the hatch with decontaminant solution. The tunnel flap is then closed and sealed. Using an outside man on each side, the tunnel is brought slowly in toward the MQF as the tubular supports are removed one at a time. All of

2-10

the tunnel material is then placed inside the MQF doorway and the door is secured. The tunnel is then removed from the doorway and stored inside the MQF. The CM hatch is on~e again sprayed with decontaminant and the CM is rolled to a designated secure area.

2.4.4 Routine Operations - The astronauts will spend the majority of their time during the return trip debriefing the mission using the communications MQF interface to the outside of the MQF. The doctor will be occupied with performing daily medical examinations as well as debriefing the crew on the medical aspects of the flight.

The recovery engineer will be responsible for: (1) MQF systems operation, (2) MQF housekeeping, (3) MQF interior motion picture and still documentary photography, (4) CM interior postretrieval procedures, and (5) providing assistance to the medical doctor on an lias required" basis. The majority of these tasks involve the following activities.

a. Monitoring systems - The MQF has a mode panel which displays the status of all the electrical systems. Should an alarm sound, the engineer should be able to determine exactly which system was affected and take appropriate action. In addition, he is to make the appropriate switch movements for continued safe operation of the facility systems.

b. Lock operation - Objects entering or leaving the MQF must be passed through the decontamination/transfer lock. This operation will occur several times each day. This requires the placement of the object in a biological isolation container, pulling a vacuum, and heat-sealing the bag closed. All equipment, garbage, film, notes, etc., will be treated in this manner. Critical hardware (ALSRC's, etc.) will be placed into two biological isolation containers. The decontamination cycle requires approximately 20 minutes. At the completion of the

cycle the inside engineer unlocks the outer door and the item is

removed from the lock by the outside operator and placed in a storage box. In addition, once each day, a ppm count will be made, using

proper test apparatus, of the lock solution to assure biological solution control. Decontaminant will be added to maintain a given

ppm count as necessary.

c. Waste Management - The outside MQF engineer is required to monitor the solution levels in the two waste water tanks. Monitor eapability is provided outside the MQF by a level indicator apparatus. Under normal conditions, each waste water tank requires emptying twice a day.

It is required that the waste water be sterile prior to pumping it into exterior holding tanks. This is accomplished by adding sufficient sodium hypochlorite to the tanks to raise their chlorine level to approximately 5000 ppm. At this time the inside MQF engineer communicates with the outside MQF engineer indicating that the tanks may be drained into the holding tanks.

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d. Food Preparation - Food will be provided from the outside in the form of frozen dinners. They are passed in through the decontamination/transfer lock and heated by the MQF engineer in a microwave oven. The ship will be required to provide space in a frozen food locker for the MQF food supplies.

2.4.5 Security The area around the MQF and CM is to be roped

off and a 24-hour security watch is to be provided following astronaut recovery.

2.5 TRANSPORT OPERATIONS

2.5.1 Urgent Items - Certain items are required to be flown off the primary recovery ship at the earliest possible time. These items include the ALSRC·s, medical samples, DSEA, and photographic film. As soon as the recovery ship i·s in range of a land base, the samples are placed in two COD aircraft with a courier and flown to the airfield. The samples are divided to prevent total loss of a particular sample in the event of loss of an aircraft (see figure 2-3 for further sample explanation). At the land base the samples and equipment are transferred to four-engined jet aircraft and flown to Ellington AFB, Texas. At Ellington, all items are transferred by truck to the LRL for processing.

2.5.2 MQF Transport - Upon arrival in port, the MQF will be switched from shipboard electrical power to diesel generator power. The MQF will then be transported on four heavy-duty roller assemblies from its normal operational location to the elevator for off-loading.

It will be transferred by crane from the ship elevator to a 40K aircraft loader. The MQF will be transported by the loader to the aircraft loading area. For the MQF transfer operation, special security escorts will be provided. This operation shall be carefully planned for minimum' time delays. The C-141 aircraft is to be at Hickam AFB ready for immediate MQF loading upon its arrival. The 40K aircraft loader is compatible with a C-141 aircraft loading system and is used for loading

the MQF into the aircraft. During the MQF loading operation, the two power leads are connected to the aircraft·s 28v dc electrical system. When transfer to this mode of electrical power is completed the recovery engineer stops the diesel generator and performs a MQF systems checkout. Following the completion of the MQF systems checkout, the aircraft commander is immediately notified that all MQF systems are operational for the aircraft flight. Communication onboard the aircraft is provided by headsets which are connected Jnto the aircraft·s intercom radio system. In addition, MQF air-to-ground communications are available through

the aircraft communications systems.

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I ALSRC no. 1
ALSRC no. 11 sh i ppi ng contai ner

IALSRC no. 21 ALSRC no.2
• shipping container

DSE tape
DSE tape * :
shipping container


DSEA:
I ..

Combination
COD aircraft Jet aircraft
shipping container
I
I

Conti ngency

sample** __..
COD aircraft Jet aircraft
~
I Film container no .1 L
I I
C
Photo film
I I Fi 1m container no.2
I
Ell ington AFB
Crew samples
I
(fecal, urine, etc) ~ Controlled temp shipping

...... container no.l (4-10° C)

Support samples Lunar
(fecal, urine, etc) ~ , Receiving
I- Laboratory
Controlled temp shipping
~ container no.2 (4-10° C) * The DSE tape is normally no
Medical samples
removed unless minimum retu
(blood, etc) ~ time is required.

J
Cryogenic shipping ** For a normal mission in whic

Water samples (CM) container (-70° C) two ALSRC's are returned wi
samples, the contingency lun [\) I I--' W

Figure 2-3.- Sample transport flow chart.

t rn

h th ar sample wi II be returned in the MQF.

At Ell ington AFB, the MQF will be off-loaded onto a 25K aircraft loader. The MQF transfer from Ell ington AFB to the LRL is to be accompl ished with a minimum of delay. The transfer will be observed by the press and publ ic; however, the transfer will not stop for any type of ceremony. The 25K aircraft loader will be used to transport the MQF and personnel within the facil ity to the LRL. Following

the arrival of the MQF at the LRL, the crew, doctor, and recovery engineer will transfer into the LRL through the MQF/LRL transfer tunnel.

2.5.3 Command Module - The CM will be off-loaded at dockside

and transported to an area where the deactivation of the CM propellant system will be accompl ished. Following the activity (approximately

3 days) the CM will be transported to the aircraft loading area.

The CM and dolly will then be loaded into C-133B aircraft for transport to Ell ington AFB, Texas. The CM will be off-loaded at

Ell ington AFB and transported to the LRL for storage for the duration of the quarantine period.

2.6 STORAGE AND RELEASE PROCEDURES

2.6.1 Storage of MQF - While the MQF is at the LRL, its systems will operate on LRL 440v ac power. Once the MQF systems are activated on LRL power, the MQF auxil iary power unit (APU) will be shut off.

All systems except the differential pressure fans and certain internal 1 ights will be turned off and the exhaust fan variacs will be adjusted to provide maximum differential pressure.

Immediately prior to the transfer of the MQF from the LRL to Building 228, the recovery engineer is to drain the solution from the decontamination/transfer lock into the waste water tank. At this time, the upper lock and the solution tank will be flushed with fresh waterto minimize acid attack on the metal of the lock while the facility is

in quarantine/storage. Also, at this time, the external alarm system will be connected and checked out.

Prior to the egress of the recovery engineer, he is to completely close the inlet-air back-pressure controls. The MQF engineer will then egress the MQF, close the rear door, and then spray the exposed areas with decontaminant solution. The engineer on the outside of the MQF

will once again spray the rear of the MQF with the decontaminant solution after the MQF is separated from the LRL.

The MQF will then be transferred to Building 228 for storage. During the transfer operation, the MQF electrical systems will be on emergency power. Once the MQF is inside of Building 228, the alarm circuit will be connected to provide an audible alarm if a loss of negative pressure and/or an interruption of electrical power occurs.

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In conjunction with the alarm system, a smoke detection system in the MQF will be activated. The smoke detection unit controls a CO2 fire suppression unit which connects to the MQF through a quick disconnect valve.

A 24-hour security watch will be provided for the duration of the quarantine period. If an alarm is activated at any time during the

. MQF quarantine period, the security guard is to call the "on-riu ty!'

MQF systems engineer. The MQF doors will be locked during the quarantine period to prevent accidental opening of a door.

2.6.2 Release from Quarantine - When the MQF is released from quarantine, the fecal waste tank will be emptied and flushed. The waste water tanks will also be flushed with water to prevent corrosion from

a chlorine residual which may be present. All filters will be tested and all sys t ems wi 11 be checked and refurbished as necessary.

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SECTION 3.0 - REFERENCES

1. Recovery Quarantine Equipment Famil iarization Manual, MSC 00025, NASA-MSC Landing and Recovery Division, Revision A, October 1969.

2. Recovery Quarantine Equipment Systems Operation Manual, MSC 00027, NASA-MSC Landing and Recovery Division, Revision A, October 1969.

3. Back Contamination Mission Rules (Recovery to Lunar Receiving Lab), MSC 00005, NASA-MSC, July 7, 1969, as revised.

4. Recovery Requirements--Apollo 12, NASA-MSC, Landing and Recovery Division, October 3, 1969

5. Apollo Recovery Operational Procedures Manual (Rev. A), NASA-DOD, February 10, 1969, as changed October 9, 1969.

6. Apollo Postretrieval Procedures for NASA Recovery Team, SM2A-08- SC108, North American Rockwell Corpo, August 10, 1969, as changed October 15, 1969.

NASA-MSC

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