[All] ORACLES São Tomé Update #2

[Luna, Bernadette (ARC-SGG)]

Dear ESPO,

We have had many more science team members arrive since my update a week ago. They are holding daily flight planning meetings here at the hotel, for the pending P3 transit leg flights. P3 flew to Barbados Monday. On Tuesday after takeoff, P3 had a leak blowing hot air across the engine fire sensor, which triggered the sensor, extinguisher discharge, and a return to Barbados with fuel dump and emergency landing. They first shipped parts to Barbados but they didn’t clear customs, so they decided to return to Wallops Friday. Saturday the plan is to fly to Barbados; Sunday, August 6, to Ascension; Monday, August 7, to São Tomé.  The flyers had a down day in Barbados Thursday, which I’m sure was pleasant. But as PM I see double lodging, extra cost, etc etc. Jens is diligently trying to not extend the deployment, but to maximize fly days during the existing deployment window in August. We may do some back to back flights if crew is willing. Right now, first science flight is planned for August 9, 2 days after the aircraft arrives.

You may have heard that on Saturday last weekend (July 29), the AN72 aircraft from Air Cargo Consultants BV (Netherlands), which delivered our air shipment very efficiently very early Friday morning (July 28), crashed during takeoff. There is speculation about the cause but nothing definite. The crew suffered minor injuries but there were no fatalities. Dan happened to be at the airport just after the crash occurred and has many photos he can share. We hear some reports mention the fact that the aircraft was delivering equipment for NASA.

Our 2nd sea shipment is due at port either August 7 or 9 (I hear both dates) – late. Sommer successfully orchestrated a stop-gap order for gases from Europe, so instruments could fly before receiving their gas cylinders in the Wallops sea containers. She also coordinated procurement of adapters for the European cylinders to our US fittings/regulators. Those are being Fedexed to Lisbon, where Yana Karol (of Ames) will receive them at a hotel and carry them with her. It is difficult to get anything here quickly so piggybacking on the planned travel of team members is wise. (Jhony brought us some snacks.)

At the airport our lab room is almost ready. This has taken For.Ev.Er. Sommer and Adam were anxious to make it functional, and finally were able to do so. Dan was persistent and persuasive in getting the rental agreement finalized and signed, and in pushing the work crew to finish. Everything seems to take 5-10 times as long here as I would expect. The work crew has installed a ceiling and painted. We bought and had a/c installed. Lights went in yesterday (but need new bulbs) and, a day before her departure, Sommer (and Adam) furnished the room with tables, chairs, and more. They unwrapped the air shipment pallets, and scientists will get to access them for the first time today (Saturday). We arranged with airport police to provide night watch at the hangar, since the doors do not close and many crates are on the hangar floor. Our translator/driver/helper/fixer, Mario, is invaluable in arranging the various support groups for very reasonable cost.

On the down side, we have not found an acceptable man lift for SSFR work; we may make due with stairs or stands.

We arranged an outing Thursday for the entire São Tomé team at Roca São João dos Angolares. Look it up on TripAdvisor. Everyone was pleased.  ESPO stayed back to continue preparations for P3 arrival.

Jhony arrived Thrusday night and Sommer leaves today. Dan leaves tomorrow, Sunday. It will be Susan, Jhony, Adam and me for another 4 days. Then Adam departs August 10. Pats on the back to all of them for working so hard and having so much patience. Things move slowly here.

Zipped photos attached; not the greatest. Another update in about a week.

Bernie



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