(Figure R-31 illustrates the solar blanket installation operation.) Similarly, power distribution system (PDS) switches are installed on the frame and main feeders are positioned for unrolling. These operations, requiring 39 men per shift, are accomplished during the first two and one-half shifts. During beam machine operation the same crew installs and fastens the various rolls to longerons and cables as they deploy. The longerons are fabricated automatically during 2 shifts starting with the third shift. The beam machines produce longerons at the rate of 2 m/minute or 800 meters in approximately one 8 hour shift. The operation is spread over 2 shifts to allow for fastening of blankets, cables, etc., as the longeron advances. The transverse beams are fabricated during the first of the two shifts. During the next shift,end fittings are added to them and the beams are translated, installed into position, and attached to the longerons. Installation of transverse beam end fittings, beam translation, and securing in place are remote-manual operations requiring manned manipulator modules at each beam end. All beam machines are shutdown during the transverse beam joining operations. While the wing No. 1 construction is taking place, the antenna crews are proceeding with the assembly, test, and installation of the antenna elements into the antenna frames. (This activity was initiated during construction of the previous satellite.) The antenna assembly continues during construction of the center section. The synopsis of the antenna construction and assembly operations is shown in Figure R-32 which is described. The antenna frame is constructed on its dedicated hexagonal work fixture located on the (otherwise) inactive side of the SCB, Panel A of the figure. Beam machines located at each corner of the hex fixture produce the antenna frame. The antenna corner elements are constructed initially, followed by the connecting beams. The catenary cables and suspension web cables upon which the antenna RF elements are subsequently mounted are then deployed and tensioned by two track-mounted vehicles operating on opposite sides of the frame and connected by a closed-loop cable conveyor.
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