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| Issue 022/2005 |
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21490 Ex Cadet Kirsten MacDonell (RMC 99) Leads Multi-National Team (continued...) A first of its kind, memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the DND, the CSA and EADS-ST was completed and activated September 2003. The MOU made provisions to extend Capt MacDonell's secondment to the CSA and loan her services to EADS-ST, who was under an ESA contract to develop and deliver the ATV training program for ESA at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany. Capt MacDonell has taken a lead role in developing classroom and simulator lessons, as well as training materials to deliver effective ATV training. Her past experience in astronaut training has helped to streamline lessons and make them more suitable and operationally effective. Capt MacDonell was appointed as lead of the multi-national ATV instructor team. "This is a wonderful opportunity both as an officer in the Canadian military and for personal growth and enrichment," said Capt MacDonell. ATV astronaut training at EAC takes two weeks, which are divided into two parts. The first part contains theoretical lessons and hands on mock-up and simulation exercises. The second part focuses almost entirely on hands-on activities based on all phases of ATV operations. EAC has a full scale mock-up of the ATV pressurized module, as well as a simulator that can represent the various phases of the ATV mission from rendezvous and docking to departure. Although the ATV is an automated vehicle, meaning that it navigates by using onboard sensors and there is no pilot, the astronauts play an important role in monitoring the vehicle to ensure a safe docking with the ISS. They are capable of sending commands to the vehicle in case an off-nominal situation occurs. The first ATV mission, named Jules- Verne, is considered a test flight.The sensors used to measure the ATV position and orientation with respect to the ISS, have never been used on a space vehicle before. "It is a remarkable experience to work in Europe on a project that is at the leading edge of technology with astronauts, engineers and scientists from all over the world," said Capt MacDonell. "I am proud to be a part of ATV's maiden voyage to space." The ATV initiative is vital to the sustainment of life support needs onboard the ISS. Capt MacDonell is making a big difference in this ground breaking space initiative and representing Canada, the CSA and DND in an exceptional manner. |
