STS-3 Snowflake study

Abstract

Videotape recordings were made of particles observed being released from the orbiter and image processing techniques were used to reduce the data in order to obtain sources and sizes. Results show that a significant number of 1 mm to 1 cm diameter particles were in the vicinity of STS-3. Their origin may be near the aft end of the orbiter; however, 19 of the 33 examined trajectories show that the origin was definitely forward of the aft end of the bay. There may be larger particles near the aft end of the orbiter. Most particles move generally rearward with respect to the orbiter (+X direction).