scope:

Abstract:

In August 2008, the Mars Science Laboratory flight spare heatshield and fixture was dislodged from its tracks and fell 6-7 inches when being moved for a characterization test at a contractor facility. When ground handling flight hardware, even simple operations can fail without adequate procedures and training. Perform a fixture validation move prior to the first time flight hardware is to be moved, involve the designated cognizant engineer, and always use a steering stick or T-bar to guide the casters or wheels.