scope:

Abstract:

During the terminal countdown for the first attempted launch of Cassini, spacecraft telemetry channels indicated a false alarm condition that delayed verification of spacecraft readiness for launch, and contributed to a delay on the first launch day. The anomaly was traced to erroneous telemetry documentation.

Develop and release the launch procedure early enough for comprehensive testing prior to launch. Rigorously test and verify all telemetry channels and their alarms, and ensure documentation such as telemetry definitions is kept up to-date.