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International Space Flight (ESA, Russia, China and others) => ESA Launchers - Ariane, Soyuz at CSG, Vega => Topic started by: Space Pete on 01/19/2011 07:10 pm

Title: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 01/19/2011 07:10 pm
Parts of ATV Edoardo Amaldi coming together.
 
19 January 2011
While ESA's second Automated Transfer Vehicle, Johannes Kepler, is undergoing final launch preparations, its successor, ATV Edoardo Amaldi, is shaping up in Bremen. The launch of Europe’s third space ferry is planned for February 2012.
 
The three main parts of ATV-3 arrived at the premises of EADS Astrium in Bremen, Germany, in December. The vehicle is now waiting to be assembled at the end of January.

The Integrated Cargo Carrier, built by Thales Alenia Space Italy, was transported by a voluminous Beluga aircraft from Turin airport just before Christmas.

This module represents about 60% of the total ATV volume and will hold all the liquid and dry cargo, totalling up to 7.5 tonnes. 
 
Europe-wide engineering expertise
 
The Equipped Propulsion Bay, containing the rocket engines and propellant tanks, was built on site in Bremen. The Equipped Avionics Bay – ATV's 'brain' – was delivered from Toulouse, France, after thermal vacuum testing.

As the computers in the avionics bay generate a lot of heat, the thermal control system of this section is particularly sophisticated – and vital for ATV's success.

These two modules will be combined at the end of the month into their final configuration for launch. Later in the spring, the cargo carrier will be electrically connected with them for final testing.

ATV-3 will be shipped to the launch site, Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, in September for dispatch to the ISS in February 2012.
 
Mass-producing the cargo craft
 
The newest ATV, named after a leading figure in Italian space science last century, will be the first to be processed and launched within the target cadence of one ATV per year.

Construction of the following ATVs is also on schedule to keep up the tempo.

"The main challenges of Edoardo Amaldi will be not only to perform its very complex mission as successfully as its predecessors, but also to prepare it within a much shorter interval since the previous one," says Massimo Cislaghi, ESA’s ATV-3 Mission Manager.

"This implies, for instance, that any technical information from the Johannes Kepler mission will become available only when the Edoardo Amaldi preparations are already at a very advanced stage."

So far, the only differences between the two spacecraft are the name and the cargo manifest.

The launch by the end of February 2012 will be, "vital for space station logistics, especially at a time when the operational life of the US Space Shuttle will have come to an end, and its replacement might not yet be ready," comments Massimo.

After being happily mated in Bremen for system integration and testing, the parts will then be separated. Their next destination is French Guiana, where all the pieces will be reassembled and tested again before the vessel's voyage into space.

www.esa.int/esaMI/ATV/SEMECJ6SXIG_0.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Capt. Nemo on 01/20/2011 06:55 pm
Not that anyone is going to ask my opinion, but I was kind of hoping that they would name one of the ATV's for H.G. Wells.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: anik on 08/11/2011 05:12 pm
Astrium ships ATV “Edoardo Amaldi”
11 august 2011

http://www.astrium.eads.net/node.php?articleid=7404

• Third ATV en route to Kourou
• “Edoardo Amaldi” scheduled to fly to the ISS in the spring of 2012
• ATV plays an indispensable role in carrying supplies to the ISS

Bremen, 11 August 2011 – “Edoardo Amaldi”, the third European cargo spacecraft for the International Space Station (ISS), is on its way to the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) has undergone extensive system testing at Astrium’s Bremen site over the last few months and has now been given the go-ahead for the final stage prior to the cargo spacecraft’s flight to the ISS.

“Edoardo Amaldi” is slated for launch in the spring of 2012. On behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA), Astrium is responsible for both development and production of the ATV. The production of ATV units two to five – as well as mission preparation and operations support – is covered by the “Exploitation” contract, which governs the operation and provisioning of the European components of the ISS. Astrium is responsible for carrying out these activities on ESA’s behalf.

“Edoardo Amaldi” is the second production unit, following on from the highly successful first flight model “Jules Verne” and the first production unit “Johannes Kepler”. Astrium has orders for a total of four ATV production units from ESA – a testimony to the high reliability Astrium has shown as ESA’s prime contractor for the development of ATV and also of Columbus.

“The extension of the ISS mission until 2020 presents Astrium with further opportunities in regard to both the supply and the operation of the ISS,” explained Dr. Michael Menking, Astrium’s Senior Vice President of Orbital Systems and Exploration, speaking as the ATV set off from Bremen on Thursday. He also confirmed that production of the ATV units is currently running according to schedule: “Edoardo Amaldi” is on its way to Kourou, and ATV 4 “Albert Einstein” has reached the integration stage in Bremen. Menking added that delivery of the first batch of structures for ATV 5 is imminent, which will enable integration work to begin soon.

ATV must comply with the safety requirements for human spaceflight. Thus ATV’s digital and electronic architecture features double and triple redundancies. A fault-tolerant computer – consisting of three computer modules – ensures the reliable and smooth execution of the ATV mission.

“With the retirement of the US Space Shuttle, ATV is the largest vehicle supplying the ISS. Considering its technological challenges, like automatic rendezvous and docking, ATV is the most sophisticated space vehicle ever built in Europe,” said Menking.

 “Edoardo Amaldi” will be shipped to the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, in three special containers, accompanied by some 45 sea containers taking care of test equipment. At Kourou’s spaceport, final assembly will be performed on the spacecraft, Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC), solar panels and the Separation and Distancing Module (SDM), which forms the interface between ATV and the Ariane 5 launcher. The ATV will then be subjected to further extensive tests on site before being fuelled, loaded and integrated as a payload on an Ariane 5. “According to our schedule planning, we will be ready for launch for this third mission to the ISS in the spring of 2012,” Menking added. The other ATVs are being produced at a rate of one per year.

ATV is Europe’s contribution to supplying the ISS. On a typical mission, ATV carries water, gases, fuel, food and scientific equipment to the ISS. Once its mission is over, ATV is loaded with waste, undocked from the ISS and burns up during a controlled re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. ATV is also responsible for regularly boosting the ISS to its operational orbit of around 400 km, performing attitude control for the ISS, and carrying out manoeuvres to avoid collisions with space debris.

Weighing in at 20 metric tons, ATV has a maximum net cargo capacity of up to 7 metric tons. The composition of this payload can vary depending on the mission: 1.5 to 5.5 metric tons of freight and supplies (food, research instruments, tools, etc.), up to 840 kilograms of drinking water, up to 100 kilograms of gases (air, oxygen and nitrogen), up to 4.6 metric tons of fuel for orbit correction and attitude control, and up to 860 kilograms of propellant to refuel the space station.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: erioladastra on 08/11/2011 05:20 pm
Just to be clear on the thread title, March 5 is a NET at this point.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 08/11/2011 05:29 pm
Moderator note: Threads merged.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 08/11/2011 06:13 pm
Just to be clear on the thread title, March 5 is a NET at this point.

Thanks.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 08/11/2011 09:42 pm
Not that anyone is going to ask my opinion, but I was kind of hoping that they would name one of the ATV's for H.G. Wells.

Very very very unlikely, since Great Britain is not much invested in the ATV program. Even the British flag has desappeared in the ISS !
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: nacnud on 08/11/2011 09:51 pm
We had a flag on the ISS, wow considering we've hardly contributed enough to buy the sticker ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 08/11/2011 10:12 pm
Even the British flag has desappeared in the ISS !

Once again, Britain is at the forefront of modern science and exploration! ::)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Prober on 08/16/2011 01:05 am
Not that anyone is going to ask my opinion, but I was kind of hoping that they would name one of the ATV's for H.G. Wells.

Very very very unlikely, since Great Britain is not much invested in the ATV program. Even the British flag has desappeared in the ISS !

Never realized this.  Maybe the UK will wise up and talk to Bigelow, would be a nice addition to the ISS.
 
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Salo on 08/16/2011 09:22 am
“Edoardo Amaldi” slated to launch to the ISS on March 7, 2012.
http://www.ria.ru/science/20110816/418230135.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Holi on 08/26/2011 11:13 am
ATV Edoardo Amaldi arrives in Kourou

http://www.esa.int/esaHS/SEMYCVRTJRG_index_0.html

"26 August 2011
ATV-3, Europe’s next unmanned cargo carrier to the International Space Station, has completed its first long voyage – sailing across the Atlantic. It is now at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana to be prepared for launch early next year..."


Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/esa_events/sets/72157627397530403/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 08/26/2011 07:24 pm
The next ATV resupply spacecraft arrives for Arianespace's 2012 mission to service the International Space Station

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/834.asp

August 26, 2011 – Ariane flight with ATV Edoardo Amaldi

Arianespace’s role in supporting the International Space Station’s continuing operations was underscored with the arrival of Europe’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) resupply vessel in French Guiana, which is to be launched next year by an Ariane 5 for servicing of the crewed facility in Earth orbit.

The ATV Edoardo Amaldi – named after the Italian cosmic ray physicist who was a founding father of European space research – is now at the Spaceport after arriving yesterday in French Guiana aboard the MN Toucan.  This roll-on/roll-off seagoing vessel is one of two used by Arianespace to transport launch vehicle components from Europe to South America, and the ships also are made available for exceptional loads such as the ATV.
 
For its three-week voyage from Germany’s North Sea harbor of Bremerhaven, the ATV Edoardo Amaldi was shipped in three sections that were protected by hermetically-sealed containers, accompanied by some 45 other containers with test and checkout equipment for the spacecraft’s preparation at the Spaceport.

This will be the third ATV launched by Arianespace, following its orbiting of the ATV Johannes Kepler last January, and ATV Jules Verne in March 2008. 

With the retirement of the U.S. Space Shuttle fleet, Europe’s ATV is the largest vehicle supplying the International Space Station, and is among the heaviest payloads orbited by Ariane 5 – weighing in at some 20 metric tons for liftoff.  Pre-launch preparations at the Spaceport are performed to strict safety and cleanliness standards of a manned spacecraft, as the vehicle becomes part of the International Space Station while docked to the orbital facility.

The ATVs typically carry water, gases, fuel, food and scientific equipment to the International Space Station.  While docked to the facility for up to six months, the ATVs are used as well to regularly boost the station back up to its operational orbit of approximately 400 km., while also performing attitude control duties, and carrying out maneuvers to avoid collisions with space debris.  Once their missions are completed, the ATVs are loaded with waste and undocked for a controlled re-entry and burn-up in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Current planning calls for the ATV Edoardo Amaldi to be launched in the spring of 2012, carrying about two metric tons of dry cargo, 285 kg. of water and more than three tons of propellant.

The ATV program is performed under management of the European Space Agency, and is part of Europe’s contribution to International Space Station’s creation and operation.  Production of the resupply spacecraft involves a European industry team led by prime contractor EADS Astrium.

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 08/31/2011 03:52 pm
Europe's third Automated Transfer Vehicle begins its preparations for launch on Ariane 5

August 31, 2011 – Ariane flight with ATV Edoardo Amaldi

The preparation campaign for Europe’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) has begun in French Guiana as this large cargo resupply spacecraft is readied for a spring 2012 Ariane 5 launch by Arianespace to service the International Space Station.

During activity in the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation facility, the ATV’s two main components – its Integrated Cargo Carrier and the Service Module – are undergoing initial checkout, starting a 180-day launch campaign.

Both elements are in the S5 facility’s large S5C hall, having been unloaded from the shipping containers that protected them during the multi-week sea voyage from Europe to South America.  S5C is the largest of the S5 building’s preparation halls, and has 700 sq. meters of clean room facilities for major payloads such as the ATV.  It also includes adjacent dedicated office areas for the technical teams performing payload checkout duties.

The ATV arrived in French Guiana last week aboard the MN Toucan – one of two roll-on/roll-off seagoing vessels used by Arianespace to transport launch vehicle components from Europe to South America, and which also are made available for exceptional loads such as the ATV.

Named after Italian cosmic ray physicist Edoardo Amaldi, this latest ATV will carry about two metric tons of dry cargo, 285 kg. of water and more than three tons of propellants, based on current planning.

ATV Edoardo Amaldi will be the third such resupply spacecraft launched by Arianespace for servicing of the International Space Station.  The first was ATV Jules Verne, orbited in March 2008, followed by ATV Johannes Kepler last January.

Managed by the European Space Agency, the ATV program is part of Europe’s contribution to the International Space Station’s creation and operation.  EADS Astrium is the ATV’s prime contractor, leading a European industry team.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/835.asp
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: arkaska on 08/31/2011 04:34 pm
I thought that after ATV-2 the cargo would be focused on dry cargo and not propellant. Have this changed?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 08/31/2011 04:44 pm
I thought that after ATV-2 the cargo would be focused on dry cargo and not propellant. Have this changed?

Yes - ATV-3 was supposed to have lots of internal modifications to support dry cargo. Propellants were supposed to be less of a priority due to the "big boost" performed by ATV-2.

I don't know what the status of this is though.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: arkaska on 09/01/2011 09:42 am

Yes - ATV-3 was supposed to have lots of internal modifications to support dry cargo. Propellants were supposed to be less of a priority due to the "big boost" performed by ATV-2.

I don't know what the status of this is though.

That's what I read as well. But I don't see "more than 3 tones of propellant" to be less of a priority on propellant.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 10/28/2011 01:57 pm
The Arianespace launcher family comes together in French Guiana

October 26, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA205, Vega Flight VV01 and Soyuz Flight VS02

Arianespace’s full launcher family is now an operational reality as flight-ready versions of all three vehicles – Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega – are together at the Spaceport for the first time, positioning them for upcoming missions with payloads that range from compact scientific and educational spacecraft to a large resupply vessel for the International Space Station.

The most recent arrivals in French Guiana are a heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the initial lightweight Vega – both of which were delivered this week to the Spaceport by the MN Colibri roll-on/roll-off ship after a trans-Atlantic voyage from Europe.  They join a medium-lift Soyuz launcher that was transported from Russia aboard the MN Colibri earlier this year.

The Ariane 5 will be assembled for an early 2012 liftoff from the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone with Europe’s latest Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), which is the third entrusted to Arianespace for orbiting.

This ATV, named after Italian physicist Edoardo Amaldi, will be loaded with dry cargo, water and propellants for a rendezvous with the space station in low-Earth orbit.  It will be launched on a mission designated VA205 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering, signifying the 205th flight of a vehicle in the Ariane series.

Its ATV payload was developed in a program managed by the European Space Agency, and is a 20-metric-ton-class spacecraft that serves as a vital element of the International Space Station’s logistics. 

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/859.asp
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 11/08/2011 08:07 am
Launcher build-up begins for Arianespace's third Ariane 5 mission to orbit an Automated Transfer Vehicle


November 7, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA205

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s third flight to service the International Space Station has begun its build-up at the Spaceport, preparing this heavy-lift launcher for an early 2012 mission from French Guiana with a European Automated Transfer Vehicle cargo resupply vessel.

During activity in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building, the Ariane 5’s core cryogenic stage was removed from its protective shipping container and raised into position over one of two operational mobile launch tables.

This cleared the way for rollout of the two solid propellant boosters, which will be mated to the core stage.  It is to be followed by integration of the EPS storable propellant upper stage and vehicle equipment bay, completing the basic assembly for the Ariane 5 ES version used on missions with Automated Transfer Vehicles.

The upcoming flight will continue Arianespace’s support of International Space Station servicing, orbiting ATVs that support operation of the crewed orbital facility.  Named after Italian cosmic ray physicist Edoardo Amaldi, this latest Automated Transfer Vehicle will carry dry cargo, water and propellant.

The previous Ariane 5 missions with ATVs were launched by Arianespace in February of this year and in March 2008.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/864.asp
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 11/09/2011 08:11 pm
During activity inside the Spaceport’s integration building, the Ariane 5’s core cryogenic stage is raised into position over its mobile launch table.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Fuji on 11/14/2011 01:28 am
ATV3 Edoardo will carry
    2,900 kg of prop for our engines
       860 kg of Russian propellant
       285 kg of Russian water
       102 kg of gas
    2,450 kg of dry cargo

In other words, a total of 6,960 kg of cargo for the ISS.

http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2011/11/10/dry-cargo-for-atv/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 11/18/2011 08:11 pm
An assembly milestone is reached with the Ariane 5 that will orbit Europe's next ATV

November 18, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA205

Basic build-up of the Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s upcoming mission with the no. 3 Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) has been completed, as preparations continue for an early 2012 launch from the Spaceport to service the International Space Station.

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 was “topped off” this week with its vehicle equipment bay and EPS storable propellant upper stage, which were installed atop the core cryogenic stage that previously had been joined with the launcher’s two solid propellant boosters.

Ariane 5’s EPS upper stage is designed to be reignited during flight – a capability required in the mission profile to loft the ATV for its low Earth orbit rendezvous with the International Space Station.

Once the built-up Ariane 5 has finished the current phase of validation tests in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building, it will be moved to the Final Assembly Building and delivered to Arianespace for installation of the ATV and the final operations leading to launch.

This latest ATV is named after Italian cosmic ray physicist Edoardo Amaldi and will carry cargo, water and propellant to the International Space Station.  It will be the third such resupply spacecraft launched by Arianespace, following missions this past February with ATV Johannes Kepler and in March 2008 with ATV Jules Verne.

The ATV is part of Europe’s contribution to the International Space Station’s operation.  It is produced in a multi-national team led by EADS Astrium, which also is the industrial prime contractor for Ariane 5.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/865.asp
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 11/30/2011 03:44 am
Europe's third Automated Transfer Vehicle is loaded with cargo for its 2012 launch by Arianespace


November 29, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA205

Cargo loading is underway in French Guiana for the no. 3 Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), which is being readied for a 2012 launch from the Spaceport on Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 servicing mission to the International Space Station.
 
This ATV will carry an estimated 6,960 kg. of dry cargo, propellant, water and gas, with transfer operations to the spacecraft’s Integrated Cargo Carrier section now occurring inside the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation building.
 
The actual cargo mix of each ATV is defined according to the International Space Station’s needs prior to a launch of the resupply vessel to the crewed orbital facility. 

For the no. 3 ATV – which is named after Italian physicist Edoardo Amaldi – the payload will consist of 2,900 kg. of propellant for its own propulsion system, 860 kg. of Russian propellant for the International Space Station’s engines, 285 kg. of Russian-supplied water, 102 kg. of gas (consisting of air, oxygen and/or nitrogen), and 2,450 kg. of dry cargo (composed of such items as food, clothing and spare parts).
 
The dry cargo is contained in special bags that are positioned on racks inside the ATV’s Integrated Cargo Carrier, with the locations calculated based on their contents and considerations for the resupply spacecraft’s center-of-mass determination.
 
Loading of the cargo is performed in clean-room conditions that meet standards for manned spaceflight, as the ATV becomes an integral part of the International Space Station while docked to the platform in Earth orbit. 

Prior to the ATV’s Ariane 5 launch by Arianespace in March 2012, its Integrated Cargo Carrier will be mated with the Service Module in French Guiana to form the complete vehicle.  The ATV’s unpressurized Service Module contains propulsion systems, electrical power, computers, communications and a majority of the vessel’s avionics.
 
The ATV is an important element of Europe’s contribution to the International Space Station’s operation, with program management performed by the European Space Agency.   Its series of resupply spacecraft is produced in a multi-national team led by the Astrium business unit of EADS, which also is the industrial prime contractor for Ariane 5.
 
Arianespace lofted the no. 1 ATV (named after Jules Verne) in March 2008, followed by its orbiting of ATV Johannes Kepler this past February.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/867.asp
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Fuji on 12/08/2011 11:15 pm
ATV-3 fact sheet.
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2011/12/08/almost-all-about-atv-3/

Launch date: 9 March 2012
(as of 7 December 2011)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Jester on 12/14/2011 09:02 am
Local wildlife checking out ATV-3 security...
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: hektor on 12/14/2011 04:18 pm
The kind of Jaguar I wouldn't like in my garage.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: woods170 on 12/14/2011 07:42 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 12/17/2011 07:52 am
The Integrated Cargo Carrier section (at left) is hoisted for mating this week with the Service Module (partly visible at right) of Europe's no. 3 Automated Transfer Vehicle, which will be launched in March 2012 by an Ariane 5.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/vs02-success.asp
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Lewis007 on 12/20/2011 07:34 am
CNES has a gallery of launch preparations here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pkpro/sets/72157628430606949/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 12/22/2011 08:07 am
Ariane 5 is prepared for its initial 2012 mission, which will orbit Europe's next Automated Transfer Vehicle

December 21, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA205

Arianespace is readying the first Ariane 5 for launch in 2012 from French Guiana following delivery of this heavy-lift workhorse yesterday at the Spaceport by its industrial prime contractor, Astrium.

The Ariane 5 ES vehicle is now in the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building following its transfer from the Launcher Integration Building – where it underwent integration of its core cryogenic stage, solid propellant boosters, equipment bay and EPS upper stage.

This version of Arianespace’s workhorse heavy-lift launcher is now ready to receive its payload: the no. 3 Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) cargo resupply vessel developed by Europe for servicing of the International Space Station.

 The latest ATV is named after Italian physicist Edoardo Amaldi and will carry an estimated 6,960 kg. of dry cargo, propellant, water and gas when it lifts off next March 9 from French Guiana.

Arianespace is entrusted with the orbiting of ATVs under contract to the European Space Agency.  The company lofted ATV no. 1 (named after Jules Verne) in March 2008, which was followed by the launch of ATV Johannes Kepler this past February.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/877.asp

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 01/09/2012 05:46 pm
Moderator note: Duplicate ATV-3 threads merged.

And, we are now exactly L-2 months. :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 01/21/2012 08:29 am
The third Automated Transfer Vehicle is fueled for its March launch on Ariane 5
 

January 20, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA205

Fueling is underway for Europe’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) at the Spaceport in French Guiana, which will be launched by Arianespace in March aboard an Ariane 5 on an International Space Station servicing mission.

This process is being performed in the S5B hall of the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation facility, where the large cargo vessel was integrated and received its cargo.
 
Named after Italian physicist Edoardo Amaldi, the ATV will carry a fuel load estimated at 6,060 kg.  Of this total, approximately 2,200 kg. is for use on the spacecraft’s travel to the International Space Station after launch by Ariane 5, and for the post-mission de-orbiting; some 3,000 kg. will be consumed in attitude control and re-boost maneuvers while the ATV is mated to the International Space Station; and the remaining 860 kg. is destined for transfer from the ATV to the station’s Russian portion.
 
Liftoff of the ATV Edoardo Amaldi is scheduled for March 9 from the Spaceport, carrying some 6,960 kg. of dry cargo, water, gas and propellant for delivery to the International Space Station.
 
Arianespace’s mission will follow Ariane 5 launches of ATVs in February 2011 and March 2008.  The ATV program is managed by the European Space Agency, with production of the spacecraft performed by an Astrium-led industry consortium.   

In separate activity, the cargo module for Europe’s fourth ATV, named after Albert Einstein, was transferred from its production location in Turin, Italy to Bremen, Germany on December 30 for final testing.  Shipment of the full ATV – consisting of the cargo section and service module – to French Guiana is expected in the second half of this year, for a launch on Ariane 5 targeted for early 2013.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/880.asp
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 01/25/2012 02:25 pm
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/01/25/atv-3-launch-and-docking-schedule/

Quote
ATV-3 launch via Ariane flight VA205 is set for 11:00 CET, 9 March, followed by docking at 3:31 CET, 19 March. Note that these dates/times may shift.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 02/02/2012 11:21 am
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/02/01/last-minute-addition-to-atv-3/

Recycling urine: Last-minute cargo addition to ATV-3
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Fuji on 02/04/2012 12:17 am
Updated ATV-3 docking time
Quote
ESA’s Jean-Michel Bois sent in a brief update this AM. As of today, the forecast for ATV-3 docking on 19 March is 02:38 UTC (03:38 CET) +/- 45min.
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/02/03/update-on-atv-3-docking-time/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 02/08/2012 12:31 pm
Europe’s ATV space ferry set for launch to Space Station
 
8 February 2012

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMRNPVX7YG_index_0.html

Quote
Fuel, water, oxygen, air and most of the dry cargo have been loaded into ESA's third Automated Transfer Vehicle, Edoardo Amaldi, as the 9 March liftoff approaches.

Quote
The vessel's mission is set to start with liftoff at 10:00 GMT (11:00 CET) on 9 March on a powerful Ariane 5 ES launcher. It will dock automatically with the Station at 01:38 GMT (02:38 CET) on 19 March, remaining attached until the end of August.

Quote
ATV-3 assembly on Ariane
 
"On 7 February, ATV Edoardo Amaldi will be moved to the huge Vertical Integration Building for mounting on the top of its Ariane launcher two days later,"
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 02/10/2012 07:28 am
Europe's Automated Transfer Vehicle is integrated on Ariane 5

February 9, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA205

The third European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for launch by Arianespace was installed atop its Ariane 5 at the Spaceport today, marking one of the final steps in preparations for a March 9 liftoff on a servicing mission to the International Space Station.

Named after Italian physicist Edoardo Amaldi, the ATV will carry dry cargo (including food, clothing, experiments and spare parts), along with water, gas and propellant for delivery to the crewed orbital facility.

This latest ATV flight in support of International Space Station operations will utilize an Ariane 5 ES version of Arianespace’s heavy-lift workhorse, underscoring the launcher’s flexibility in meeting a full range of mission requirements.

The launch of ATV Edoardo Amaldi follows Arianespace missions with Europe’s first two Automated Transfer Vehicles, performed in February 2011 and March 2008 from the Spaceport in French Guiana. 

An industry consortium led by Astrium produces the ATVs in a program managed by the European Space Agency. 

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/883.asp
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 02/20/2012 03:31 pm
SpaceTweetup to highlight ATV mission
 
http://www.esa.int/esaHS/SEM8IF1YRYG_index_0.html

Quote
ESA and the French space agency, CNES, are inviting 60 Twitter followers to a joint European SpaceTweetup in Toulouse, France, for the docking of ATV Edoardo Amaldi to the International Space Station next month.

Quote
The Tweetup will take place at the CNES Toulouse Space Centre overnight during the docking of ATV-3, Edoardo Amaldi, set for 19 March at 04:05 CET. ATV missions are operated from the centre by a joint ESA/CNES team. 

Quote
The application window is open now and closes on 26 February at 22:00 CET. The number of participants is limited to 60; all others will be placed on a waiting list. Selected applicants will be notified by email on 29 February.

Quote
Application & further information

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ATV/SEMFTF1YRYG_0.html


Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 02/24/2012 03:08 pm
Now L-2 weeks! :)

For those who aren't doing so already, check out the ESA ATV blog for insider updates: http://blogs.esa.int/atv
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Holi on 02/27/2012 09:25 pm
ATV-3 is now encapsulated on top of the Ariane rocket ... we see you again when approaching the ISS... :)

Tonight in Kourou: lowering the huge Ariane 5 fairing over ATV-3

http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/02/27/tonight-in-kourou-lowering-the-huge-ariane-5-fairing-over-atv-3/

Quote
An excellent series of images taken in the past few hours showing the work taking place this evening in Kourou’s BAF building, as the aerodynamic fairing is lowered over top of ATV-3.

These provide some of the final views of ATV-3 that we’ll see until its in orbit and approaching the International Space Station.

Many thanks to ESA’s Alberto Novelli for taking time to send these in!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 02/29/2012 03:35 pm
ATV-3 set to provide ESA's annual service to Space Station

ESA's third Automated Transfer Vehicle cargo ferry, Edoardo Amaldi, is ready for launch on an Ariane 5 to the International Space Station on 9 March from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The liftoff at 10:05 GMT (11:05 CET) will be covered live from Kourou for broadcasters and on the web, and followed at launch events around Europe.

ATV Edoardo Amaldi follows the two highly successful supply missions carried out by ATV Jules Verne in March 2008 and ATV Johannes Kepler in February 2011.

ATV-3 is named after the Italian physicist and spaceflight pioneer Edoardo Amaldi. A founding father of the European Space Research Organisation - precursor of ESA - and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Amaldi is famous for being part of the group that discovered slow neutrons.

This third vessel in the ATV series is the first to have been processed and launched within the target rate of one per year.

This marks the start of ATV as an annual production-line supply vehicle for the Space Station, positioning Europe as an essential partner in operating the orbital outpost.

The next ATVs, Albert Einstein and Georges Lemaître, will follow in 2013 and 2014.

The spaceship will deliver essential supplies and propellant as well as reboost the Station's altitude.

At more than 20 tonnes, the highly sophisticated spacecraft is the heaviest payload ever launched by Europe. It combines an autonomous free-flying platform, a manoeuvrable space vehicle and - when docked - a Space Station module.

To achieve an automated docking under the very tight safety constraints imposed by human spaceflight rules, ATV carries high-precision navigation systems, highly redundant flight software and a fully independent and autonomous collision-avoidance system with its own power supplies, control and dedicated thrusters.

About 10 m long and with a diameter of 4.5 m, ATV incorporates a 45-cubic metre pressurised module and a Russian docking system, similar to those used on the Soyuz manned ferries and the Progress supply ships.

With its solar wings deployed, ATV spans 22 m. Almost three times larger than Russia's Progress, it can also deliver about three times the cargo load.

Propellant and cargo for the Station

ATV is the largest supply ship to travel to the International Space Station since the US Space Shuttle fleet was retired last year. ATV-3 will deliver 4395 kg of propellant, oxygen, air and water to the Station.

Once docked, the propellant will be used by ATV's own thrusters to raise the Station's orbit periodically to compensate for the natural decay caused by atmospheric drag.

ATV can also be used to move the Station out of the way of potentially dangerous space debris that come too close to the manned space complex.

Before leaving the Station, Edoardo Amaldi will be filled with waste bags and unwanted hardware by the crew.

It will then be deorbited over the southern Pacific Ocean to burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere.

Astrium is the industrial prime contractor, leading a team of more than 30 contractors in 10 European countries. The ATV Control Centre is located in Toulouse, France, on the premises of the French Space Agency, CNES.

For more information about ATV please visit http://www.esa.int/ATV/

Notes for Editors

The launch video transmission will be available live on www.esa.int

Background media briefings

In France, a pre-launch media encounter will be held in cooperation with the national space agency, CNES, on 6 March.

In Spain, a pre-launch media encounter will be held at ESAC, on 9 March,  the day of the launch. More information is available at http://www.esa.es/

Launch events

Launch events will be organised at the main ESA establishments in France (ESA HQ, Paris), Germany (ESOC, Darmstadt), Italy (ESRIN, Frascati), the Netherlands (ESTEC, Noordwijk), and Spain (ESAC, Madrid).

Media wishing to attend are invited to contact:

- ESA HQ: [email protected]
- ESOC: Nicola Gebers, [email protected], +496151902516
- ESRIN: [email protected]
- ESTEC: [email protected]
- ESAC: [email protected]

In addition, in Germany, in cooperation with DLR and EADS Astrium, a launch event for the launch will take place at the Astrium facilities in Bremen.  Media willing to attend must register at : [email protected].

More information about the event can be obtained by contacting EADS Astrium Communication, Kirsten Leung at +49 4215 395326.

Due to security reasons it is necessary to identify yourself by a valid ID-Card or Passport. Press cards will not be accepted.

Material for online news sites

The launch video transmission will be available for all interested online media as an embeddable livestream at http://www.livestream.com/eurospaceagency/

Online media outlets can find background videos at:
- ESA online video archive: http://multimedia.esa.int/
- Broadcast standard (MPEG 2) on the FTP server at: http://television.esa.int/default.cfm

Still images

The latest high-resolution still images can be found at:
- Multi-Media Gallery: http://www.esa.int/esa-mmg/mmghome.pl
- ESA's Photo Library for Professionals: http://www.esa-photolibrary.com

Media image queries can be directed to [email protected]

Material for broadcasters

Leading up to launch day, ESA TV will be providing broadcasters with a series of video news releases and B-rolls featuring all aspects of the mission.

The launch will be transmitted live from Kourou via satellite. All details can be found on ESA TV's site at: http://television.esa.int/

For further information, please contact:

ESA Media Relations Office
Communication Department
Tel: + 33 1 53 69 72 99
Fax: + 33 1 53 69 76 90
Email: [email protected]
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 03/01/2012 05:02 pm
ATV-3 Mission overview

http://multimedia.esa.int/Videos/2012/02/ATV-3-Mission-overview
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Holi on 03/01/2012 10:59 pm
Arianespace Launch Kit:

http://www.arianespace.com/images/launch-kits/launch-kit-pdf-eng/VA205-ATV3-GB.pdf
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 03/02/2012 07:32 am
The initial Ariane 5 for launch in 2012 completes its final assembly

March 1, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA205

Arianespace’s heavy-lift Ariane 5 for the orbiting of Europe’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) is now complete following installation of its payload fairing – marking an important step as final preparations continue for the March 9 mission from French Guiana to service the International Space Station.

Integration of the 17-meter-tall launch vehicle component – which is designed to protect the ATV payload during its initial ascent through the atmosphere – was handled this week at the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building.

Europe’s third ATV is named after Italian physicist Edoardo Amaldi, and it will carry dry cargo, water, gas and propellant for delivery to the crewed orbital facility. The mission’s total lift performance is some 20,000 kg., including the ATV’s mass of more than 19,700 kg.

Utilizing an Ariane 5 ES version, the March 9 mission will lift off from Europe’s Spaceport at approximately 7:00 a.m. local time in French Guiana, based on the timing required for its rendezvous with the International Space Station. The precise moment is to be determined during the launch readiness review scheduled three days earlier (March 6). This review – which is held prior to each Arianespace mission – also will clear the way for Ariane 5’s rollout to the ELA-3 launch zone on March 7.
 
The Ariane 5’s mission with ATV Edoardo Amaldi is to last just over one hour, and it will include two burns of the launch vehicle’s EPS storable propellant upper stage – separated by a 42-minute ballistic coast phase.

This upcoming flight will follow Arianespace’s Ariane 5 launches of ATVs in February 2011 and March 2008.  The ATV program is managed by the European Space Agency, with the spacecraft’s production performed by an Astrium-led industry consortium.


http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/886.asp
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 03/02/2012 09:07 am
A reliable source on the French Space forum confirms that the launch is delayed to the end of march, because of a technical issue on the ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi".

http://www.forum-conquete-spatiale.fr/t12677p30-atv-3-edoardo-amaldi-preparatifs
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/02/2012 09:13 am
A reliable source on the French Space forum confirms that the launch is delayed to the end of march, because of a technical issue on the ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi".

http://www.forum-conquete-spatiale.fr/t12677p30-atv-3-edoardo-amaldi-preparatifs

An ATV problem or a cargo problem? (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=61.msg868528#msg868528)

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Satori on 03/02/2012 10:33 am
Press Release
N°07-2012

Paris, 2 March 2012

A routine inspection has concluded that additional measures are required to ensure the maximum readiness of the third Automated Transfer Vehicle for launch. It has therefore been decided to postpone the launch previously scheduled for 9 March.

A new launch date will be announced as soon as possible.

The launch of ESA’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-3) is part of the internationally coordinated servicing effort to support the International Space Station.
More information on ATV is available at http://www.esa.int/esaMI/ATV/index.html


For further information, please contact:
ESA Media Relations Office
Communication Department
Tel: +33 1 53 69 72 99
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: anik on 03/02/2012 11:27 am
I was told ATV-3 launch is postponed to March 22-23, its docking - to March 27-28.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/02/2012 12:27 pm
I was told ATV-3 launch is postponed to March 22-23, its docking - to March 27-28.

Ughh...thanks anik
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/02/2012 01:18 pm
Working an article. Loose strap, needs reconnecting (and thus access to the ATV) is the cause we're told. NET March 23 (plus or minus - concur with Anik). Launch date may be coming later today.

Loose strap reminds me of a shuttle pre-launch issue. Anyone remember?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: stockman on 03/02/2012 01:25 pm
Working an article. Loose strap, needs reconnecting (and thus access to the ATV) is the cause we're told. NET March 23 (plus or minus - concur with Anik). Launch date may be coming later today.

Loose strap reminds me of a shuttle pre-launch issue. Anyone remember?

STS-126 - white room door not tied down properly??
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: anik on 03/02/2012 01:46 pm
The head of ESA in Russia Rene Pishel has told me that ATV-3 docking will be on March 28-29. He has confirmed the March 22-23 launch date and problem with cargo in ATV-3.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/02/2012 02:17 pm
Article on the slip, pending more info from ESA:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/atv-3-launch-slipped-to-late-march/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: anik on 03/02/2012 03:13 pm
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/03/02/ready-to-go-and-then-murphy-never-sleeps/#more-4592

"Delay

1 Mar, Thursday: Our Quality Review Board (QRB) discuss a problem related to the late cargo loading that was identified a couple of days earlier. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and when seen a problem, no matter how late it is identified, it must be addressed.

The available plans of action range from ‘launch as is’, to ‘stop and fix the problem’. It all comes down to a proper risk assessment of the consequences of (a) doing nothing and (b) doing something.

After careful analysis and lengthy discussions, the decision is taken to rectify the problem, even though it means re-opening ATV’s hatch — and this when the vessel has already been encapsulated.

This, in turn, will require removal of the fairing and re-installation of mechanical elevator (the LCAM) to allow an operator to descend into ATV. All of this takes time and — with regret — the ESA Mission Manager, Massimo Cislaghi, is obliged to announce a launch delay.

Even with this delay, at this time, we expect we can meet the ATV docking window that runs to the end of March.

To quote the famous Tiger Woods advertising campaign that used to be seen in Schiphol airport (Not anymore! – Ed.) — the one of a golfer standing in a thicket with grass up to his knees and addressing the golfball: “This is not a setback, it is a challenge.”

Stay tuned…

– Charlotte"
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/02/2012 04:19 pm
Just the other week, in another thread I was saying that ATV is the only vehicle that hasn't experienced problems/delays recently. I guess I jinxed it. :(

Attachment 1 below shows the interior of the ATV-3 Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC). You can see that, in addition to the eight Integrated Light Racks (ILRs) arranged circumferentially around the ICC, all of which contain Cargo Transfer Bags (CTBs), there are also some larger bags (M-01 bags) mounted to adapter plates, which are in turn attached to the Aft-Port and Aft-Starboard ILRs.

If the problem is with a strap, then there are two types inside ATV - ones that hold CTBs into the ILRs (see attachment 2), and ones that hold the large M-01 bags onto the adapter plates (see attachment 3).

Now, if we want to venture into speculation country - and I stress that the following is my thoughts only - then this could have something to do with the late load of the Fluids Control Pump Assembly (FCPA). This was a very challenging late load item due to its size, and it was the first time such a large item had been late loaded (you can read all about the challenges associated with the load in the ESA ATV blog here (http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/02/01/last-minute-addition-to-atv-3/)).

Given that this was a never-before-performed operation with such a large, challenging item, it's possible that the loose strap could be associated with this. However, it's important to stress that it could indeed be any strap, anywhere inside ATV-3.

Either way, they'll now have to remove the fairing, set up the Late Cargo Access Means (LCAM), open the hatch, go inside and fix the strap, close the hatch, re-flush the ATV atmosphere with ultra-clean air, dismantle the LCAM, and re-install the fairing.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Prober on 03/02/2012 04:20 pm
Article on the slip, pending more info from ESA:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/atv-3-launch-slipped-to-late-march/

2012 is turning into a very wild year!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Litsas on 03/02/2012 05:27 pm
Please change the date in the header of this topic to March 22-23, 2012!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/02/2012 05:33 pm
"Report to moderator" is faster, but you got lucky and I saw your post ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/03/2012 04:12 pm
New dates expected for ATV-3 launch and docking

There should be a formal confirmation early next week, but for now it looks like the new launch and docking dates for ATV-3 are expected to be:

• Launch – 23 March 2012 (04:31 GMT)
• Docking – 28 March 2012 (22:51 GMT)

As always, these dates and times are subject to change and delay.

http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/03/03/new-dates-expected-for-atv-3-launch-and-docking
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Spiff on 03/03/2012 08:14 pm
Something I don't understand.

Finding a problem that needs to be fixed? Ok.
This problem requiring de-installation of the fairing and entry into ATV? Ok.
This being a loose strap and it taking two weeks to tighten it? Ok

But... how is it possible that they find out about a loose strap after all kinds of other stuff (like closing the ATV, mating it to the Ariane 5, and installing the fairing) have already happened? If a strap is loose, then why didn't somebody say 'hey I've got to tighten this strap before we do all these other things!'

What am I missing?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: woods170 on 03/03/2012 09:20 pm
Something I don't understand.

Finding a problem that needs to be fixed? Ok.
This problem requiring de-installation of the fairing and entry into ATV? Ok.
This being a loose strap and it taking two weeks to tighten it? Ok

But... how is it possible that they find out about a loose strap after all kinds of other stuff (like closing the ATV, mating it to the Ariane 5, and installing the fairing) have already happened? If a strap is loose, then why didn't somebody say 'hey I've got to tighten this strap before we do all these other things!'

What am I missing?

You're not missing anything. However, you've got your order wrong. ATV-3 was first mated to Ariane 5 (february 9), and then 5 days later (february 14) the late-cargo loading took place. After late loading, everything inside was carefully photographed and final close-out took place. Those photographs were analysed and a go was given for fairing installation. However, even before the fairing was installed, questions were raised about some aspects of the late-cargo loading. Nevertheless, the fairing went on. It wasn't until after the fairing was installed that the move to 'better-safe-than-sorry' tipped the scales towards postponing the flight and fixing the problem.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Spiff on 03/04/2012 08:28 am
Thanks Woods for correcting me about the order. :)

Still seems to me then that at some point a decision was taken to go ahead with fairing installation that should not have been taken.

However, it's always easier from the safety of my couch of course....
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: erioladastra on 03/04/2012 05:17 pm
Something I don't understand.

Finding a problem that needs to be fixed? Ok.
This problem requiring de-installation of the fairing and entry into ATV? Ok.
This being a loose strap and it taking two weeks to tighten it? Ok

But... how is it possible that they find out about a loose strap after all kinds of other stuff (like closing the ATV, mating it to the Ariane 5, and installing the fairing) have already happened? If a strap is loose, then why didn't somebody say 'hey I've got to tighten this strap before we do all these other things!'

What am I missing?

You're not missing anything. However, you've got your order wrong. ATV-3 was first mated to Ariane 5 (february 9), and then 5 days later (february 14) the late-cargo loading took place. After late loading, everything inside was carefully photographed and final close-out took place. Those photographs were analysed and a go was given for fairing installation. However, even before the fairing was installed, questions were raised about some aspects of the late-cargo loading. Nevertheless, the fairing went on. It wasn't until after the fairing was installed that the move to 'better-safe-than-sorry' tipped the scales towards postponing the flight and fixing the problem.

The bags witht he issue were not part of the late load.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: woods170 on 03/04/2012 07:08 pm
Something I don't understand.

Finding a problem that needs to be fixed? Ok.
This problem requiring de-installation of the fairing and entry into ATV? Ok.
This being a loose strap and it taking two weeks to tighten it? Ok

But... how is it possible that they find out about a loose strap after all kinds of other stuff (like closing the ATV, mating it to the Ariane 5, and installing the fairing) have already happened? If a strap is loose, then why didn't somebody say 'hey I've got to tighten this strap before we do all these other things!'

What am I missing?

You're not missing anything. However, you've got your order wrong. ATV-3 was first mated to Ariane 5 (february 9), and then 5 days later (february 14) the late-cargo loading took place. After late loading, everything inside was carefully photographed and final close-out took place. Those photographs were analysed and a go was given for fairing installation. However, even before the fairing was installed, questions were raised about some aspects of the late-cargo loading. Nevertheless, the fairing went on. It wasn't until after the fairing was installed that the move to 'better-safe-than-sorry' tipped the scales towards postponing the flight and fixing the problem.

The bags witht he issue were not part of the late load.

Correct, but final close-out images were taken after late loading.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 03/05/2012 05:11 pm
New target launch date for ATV-3

5 March 2012

A routine inspection has concluded that additional measures are required to ensure the maximum readiness of the third Automated Transfer Vehicle for launch. It has therefore been decided to postpone the launch previously scheduled for 9 March.
 
The launch of ESA’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-3) is targeted at 23 March, with a liftoff scheduled for 4:31 UT (5:31 CET). It is part of the internationally coordinated servicing effort to support the International Space Station.

More information on ATV is available at http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ATV/index.html 
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/06/2012 06:19 pm
Awesome article, with exclusive quotes, by Pete Harding:

Europe’s ATV-3 spacecraft set to deliver large cargo load to ISS:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/europes-atv-3-spacecraft-deliver-large-cargo-load-iss/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/06/2012 09:48 pm
Awesome article, with exclusive quotes, by Pete Harding:

Europe’s ATV-3 spacecraft set to deliver large cargo load to ISS:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/europes-atv-3-spacecraft-deliver-large-cargo-load-iss/


Yes indeed.

Always good to get a refresher on previous vehicle capabilities for comparison. Thanks Pete!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Mark Max Q on 03/07/2012 03:01 am
Excellent article Pete!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 03/07/2012 09:44 am
I'm guessing that the change of Amaldi's manifest is due to the slip of CRS to the latter half of the year.  No criticism intended, indeed it is good to see that there was margin to compensate for such a slip in the non-CRS resupply program.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 03/08/2012 07:21 pm
Docking date for ATV-3 with Space Station
 
8 March 2012

ESA’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle, scheduled for launch on an Ariane 5 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on 23 March, is planned to dock with the International Space Station five days later.
 
ATV-3 will automatically dock with the Station’s Russian Zvezda module during the night of 28–29 March. The precise time will be known after launch, which is set for 04:31 GMT (05:31 CET) on Friday, 23 March.
The flight of ATV-3 is part of the internationally coordinated servicing effort to support the International Space Station. 
 
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ATV/SEML748YBZG_0.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 03/08/2012 08:10 pm
March 23 is targeted for Ariane 5’s heavy-lift mission with ATV Edoardo Amaldi
 
March 7, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA205

Arianespace’s upcoming Ariane 5 flight for servicing of the International Space Station is now being targeted for a March 23 liftoff after the original timing was delayed to facilitate additional checks on Europe’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV).

The mission was postponed this month after a routine inspection concluded that further measures were necessary to maximize the launch readiness of ATV Edoardo Amaldi – which is named after the noted Italian physicist. 
 
Lifting off from the Spaceport in French Guiana, this ATV will carry dry cargo (including food, clothing, experiments and spare parts), along with water, gas and propellant for delivery to the crewed orbital facility.
 
Arianespace’s mission – which utilizes an Ariane 5 ES version of the heavy-lift workhorse – follows ATV launches in February 2011 and March 2008.  The ATV program is managed by the European Space Agency, with production of the spacecraft performed by an Astrium-led industry consortium.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/888.asp
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: dgscuka on 03/15/2012 09:08 pm
Excellent report! Pete did a lot of homework...


Awesome article, with exclusive quotes, by Pete Harding:

Europe’s ATV-3 spacecraft set to deliver large cargo load to ISS:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/europes-atv-3-spacecraft-deliver-large-cargo-load-iss/


Yes indeed.

Always good to get a refresher on previous vehicle capabilities for comparison. Thanks Pete!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Fuji on 03/15/2012 11:06 pm
The Big ATV Cargo Post v3.0
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/03/14/the-big-atv-cargo-post-v3-0/
Part-1: ATV-3 cargo in video
Part-2: ATV-3 orbital science payloads
Part-3: ATV-3 cargo by mass and type

And ;)
Quote
For even more on ATV-3 cargo, journalist Pete Harding and the nice folks over at NASASpaceFlight.com have put together a great ATV-3 cargo update including additional details on how the various cargo items were selected for launch.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/16/2012 03:15 pm
And ;)
Quote
For even more on ATV-3 cargo, journalist Pete Harding and the nice folks over at NASASpaceFlight.com have put together a great ATV-3 cargo update including additional details on how the various cargo items were selected for launch.

That sure was nice of the guy who writes the ATV blog to mention my article. Big thanks to him, whomever he is. ;)

Excellent report! Pete did a lot of homework...

Thank you!

;)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 03/16/2012 05:17 pm
Ariane 5 is readied for its ATV mission following reinstallation of the payload fairing

March 16, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA205
 
Arianespace’s Ariane 5 with its Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) payload is complete once again after reinstallation of the launcher’s payload fairing this week at the Spaceport in French Guiana.
 
The activity follows additional inspections required inside the ATV cargo carrier, which was decided after the Ariane 5’s initial payload fairing encapsulation had been completed in late February.  In order to enable this unplanned inspection – ordered by the mission’s European Space Agency customer – launch team members removed the payload fairing while the Ariane 5 remained inside the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building.  It was followed by the fairing’s second integration after the inspections were completed.
 
The ATV, named after Italian physicist and spaceflight pioneer Edoardo Amaldi, is now undergoing final checkout for the March 23 launch on a resupply mission to the International Space Station.  Fitted with 6.6 metric tons of cargo, the ATV will serve as a resupply spacecraft and “tug” for the orbital station during several months. 

In addition to a cargo composed of experiments, food, clothing, tools and spare parts, ATV Edoardo Amaldi also carries oxygen, air and water, along with propellants for its own propulsion systems and to refuel the International Space Station.
 
For the upcoming launch, Ariane 5’s total payload lift performance is 20,075 kg. – which includes 19,714 kg. for the ATV, making it the heaviest payload ever lofted by Arianespace’s workhorse launcher.
 
The ATV is a European Space Agency-led program, with the resupply spacecraft built by EADS’ Astrium business unit as the lead in a large European industrial consortium.   


http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/889.asp
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 03/19/2012 06:25 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M12-044

COVERAGE SET FOR EUROPEAN CARGO DELIVERY TO SPACE STATION

HOUSTON -- NASA Television will broadcast live the flight of the
European Space Agency's third Automated Transfer Vehicle cargo ship
to the International Space Station. Coverage will begin with its
launch on Thursday.

The 13-ton "Edoardo Amaldi" spacecraft, named in honor of the
20th-century Italian physicist who is regarded as one of the fathers
of European spaceflight, will carry 7.2 tons of propellant, water and
supplies to the six crew members aboard the orbital laboratory.

An Ariane 5 rocket that will place the cargo ship into orbit is
scheduled to launch at 11:34 p.m. CDT on March 22 from the
Arianespace launch site in Kourou, French Guiana. NASA TV's coverage
of the launch will begin at 11 p.m.

Like two predecessors that flew to the station in 2008 and 2011, the
Edoardo Amaldi will conduct a slow, methodical trek to the complex
under the guidance of engineers at the Automated Transfer Vehicle
Control Center in Toulouse, France. It automatically will dock to the
aft port of the Russian Zvezda service module at 5:34 p.m. on March
28. NASA TV coverage of the docking will begin at 4:45 p.m.

Edoardo Amaldi is expected to remain at the outpost through early
September, when it will undock and be commanded to deorbit and burn
up upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean.

For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For information about the International Space Station, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/station
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 03/20/2012 01:25 pm
ATV: Late cargo access

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHhANFOse0Q
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Holi on 03/20/2012 09:03 pm
Readiness review clears Ariane-5 for flight: :)

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/890.asp

Arianespace's third ATV launch for International Space Station servicing is given a “go” for liftoff

"The Ariane 5 launch of Europe’s no. 3 Automated Transfer Vehicle was given the green light today for a March 23 liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana on a servicing mission to the International Space Station.

Today’s approval came at the conclusion of a comprehensive Launch Readiness Review, which is performed before every Arianespace mission to review the “go” status of the launcher, its payload, the Spaceport’s infrastructure, and the network of ground tracking stations.

This clears the way for tomorrow’s rollout of the Ariane 5 from its Final Integration Building at the Spaceport to the facility’s ELA-3 launch site. The flight will mark another operational milestone for Arianespace, as its workhorse Ariane 5 will be carrying its heaviest payload ever – with the Automated Transfer Vehicle weighing more than 20 metric tons..."


Holi

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/20/2012 11:19 pm
Readiness review clears Ariane-5 for flight: :)

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/890.asp

Arianespace's third ATV launch for International Space Station servicing is given a “go” for liftoff

"The Ariane 5 launch of Europe’s no. 3 Automated Transfer Vehicle was given the green light today for a March 23 liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana on a servicing mission to the International Space Station.

Today’s approval came at the conclusion of a comprehensive Launch Readiness Review, which is performed before every Arianespace mission to review the “go” status of the launcher, its payload, the Spaceport’s infrastructure, and the network of ground tracking stations.

This clears the way for tomorrow’s rollout of the Ariane 5 from its Final Integration Building at the Spaceport to the facility’s ELA-3 launch site. The flight will mark another operational milestone for Arianespace, as its workhorse Ariane 5 will be carrying its heaviest payload ever – with the Automated Transfer Vehicle weighing more than 20 metric tons..."


Holi


Yippee!!

Hoping for another uneventful, beautiful launch  :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Lewis007 on 03/21/2012 07:04 am
The Arianespace launchkit has been published. I also attach the ATV-3 factsheet.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 03/21/2012 09:40 am
ATV Edoardo Amaldi set for liftoff

 
21 March 2012
ESA’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle, Edoardo Amaldi, is ready for launch to the International Space Station. ESA’s formal Launch Readiness Review on Monday revealed no problems with the vessel. Launch is set for this Friday at 04:34 GMT (05:34 CET).

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMQID2T00H_index_0.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: MarsMethanogen on 03/21/2012 01:48 pm
The Arianespace launchkit has been published. I also attach the ATV-3 factsheet.

Thanks.  Got the Fact Sheet OK, but keep getting an error message when I try to 'Save Target As', 'Open', 'Open in New Tab' or 'Open in New Page' the Press Kit.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: dsmillman on 03/21/2012 02:12 pm
The Arianespace launchkit has been published. I also attach the ATV-3 factsheet.

Thanks.  Got the Fact Sheet OK, but keep getting an error message when I try to 'Save Target As', 'Open', 'Open in New Tab' or 'Open in New Page' the Press Kit.
I think you can also get the presskits at:

http://www.arianespace.com/arianespace/images/launch-kits/launch-kit-pdf-eng/VA205-ATV3-GB.pdf
http://download.esa.int/docs/ATV/Information_kit_ATV-3_FINAL.pdf

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 03/21/2012 02:55 pm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/europeanspaceagency/6856781560/

Quote
Ariane 5 and ATV Edoardo Amaldi in the final assembly building, on 21 March 2012, in Kourou, French Guiana.

Weighing in at 19 714 kg, including 6596 kg of fuel, air, oxygen, scientific equipment, spare parts and crew supplies, ATV-3 is the heaviest payload ever lifted by Ariane 5. Including the launcher itself, 777 tonnes will be pushed off the pad.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 03/21/2012 06:16 pm
Ready for liftoff: Arianespace's Ariane 5 arrives at the launch pad with ATV Edoardo Amaldi

March 21, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA205

Ariane 5 is now in the launch zone for Arianespace’s latest International Space Station servicing mission, which will loft Europe’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle from the Spaceport in French Guiana on March 23.
 
The launcher rolled out this morning under sunny skies during a one-hour, 15-minute transfer that began at 11:15 a.m. from the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building, where it was fitted with the ATV Edoardo Amaldi payload. Installed atop one of two mobile tables used for Ariane 5, it is now in place at the ELA-3 launch zone – enabling final preparations to begin for a departure at precisely 1:34 a.m. local time in French Guiana.
 
Utilizing an Ariane 5 ES version of Arianespace’s heavy-lift workhorse, this flight is to last just over one hour, and it will include two burns of the launcher’s EPS storable propellant upper stage – separated by a 45-minute ballistic coast phase. ATV Edoardo Amaldi is to be released into a 260-kilometer orbit.
 
Named after Italian physicist Edoardo Amaldi, Europe’s third ATV will carry dry cargo, water, gas and propellant for delivery to the crewed orbital facility. The mission has a total lift performance of over 20,000 kg., which includes the ATV’s mass of more than 19,700 kg. It represents the heaviest payload ever to be orbited by Ariane 5.

The ATV program is managed by the European Space Agency, with production of the spacecraft performed by an Astrium-led industry consortium.

Arianespace is entrusted with the orbiting of ATVs under contract to the European Space Agency.  ATV no. 1 (named after Jules Verne) was lofted in March 2008, followed by the February 2011 launch of ATV Johannes Kepler.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/891.asp
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 03/21/2012 07:49 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/21/2012 08:00 pm
Just in case anyone was wondering, this is the live launch thread. We'll move it to the live area tomorrow evening.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/22/2012 06:09 am
Chris Gebhardt's very interesting launch preview article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/atv-3-esa-important-resupply-mission-to-iss/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: spectre9 on 03/22/2012 06:26 am
First the heaviest Atlas V and now the heaviest Ariane 5?

We're being spoilt this year  8)

Go Ariane 5, Go ESA, Go ATV-3 Edoardo Amaldi!!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: dgscuka on 03/22/2012 09:38 am
Chris Gebhardt's very interesting launch preview article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/atv-3-esa-important-resupply-mission-to-iss/

Just linked Chris' great report from the ATV blog:

http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/03/22/atv-3-report-in-nasaspaceflight-com/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Rahkashi on 03/22/2012 10:05 am
According to Wunderground.com, their's a chance of thunderstorms and rain in Kourou today. Their's also supposed to be a lot of cloud cover.

But when has this stopped them from launching before?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Satori on 03/22/2012 10:53 am
I hope this one goes at the predicted time. Last orbital launch was almost one month ago!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 03/22/2012 11:01 am
According to Wunderground.com, their's a chance of thunderstorms and rain in Kourou today. Their's also supposed to be a lot of cloud cover.

But when has this stopped them from launching before?

If you are interested by meteo management in Kourou, I've just written a big article (in French) on this question, with a little photo report at the CSG's meteo station :

http://www.aeroplans.fr/Europespace/rouge-meteo.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: spectre9 on 03/22/2012 11:30 am
I hope this one goes at the predicted time. Last orbital launch was almost one month ago!!!

Should've been longer too without the delays to MUOS.

I'm sure we're not the only ones getting a bit edgy for some smoke and fire  :D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Satori on 03/22/2012 01:41 pm
Does anyone knows this vehicle serial number?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 03/22/2012 02:05 pm
Does anyone knows this vehicle serial number?

L553.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Satori on 03/22/2012 02:14 pm
Does anyone knows this vehicle serial number?

L553.

Thanks Nicolas!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/22/2012 02:26 pm
Chris Gebhardt's very interesting launch preview article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/atv-3-esa-important-resupply-mission-to-iss/

Just linked Chris' great report from the ATV blog:

http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/03/22/atv-3-report-in-nasaspaceflight-com/

Thanks! :)

Loving your work on: http://blogs.esa.int/atv/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: dsmillman on 03/22/2012 02:29 pm
It was mentioned in today's ISS coverage that there will be showers this evening around the launch site.  Does anyone know what the launch commit criteria for an Ariane 5 launch?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 03/22/2012 02:45 pm
It was mentioned in today's ISS coverage that there will be showers this evening around the launch site.  Does anyone know what the launch commit criteria for an Ariane 5 launch?

If you are interested by meteo management in Kourou, I've just written a big article (in French) on this question, with a little photo report at the CSG's meteo station :

http://www.aeroplans.fr/Europespace/rouge-meteo.html

There is no postponment criteria on raining. Only winds and clouds can delay an AR5 launch.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Mapperuo on 03/22/2012 03:23 pm
They say those in Western Europe may see ATV-3 with clear skies:

http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/03/22/clear-skies-may-offer-glimpse-of-atv-over-europe/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: John44 on 03/22/2012 05:04 pm
Expedition 30 - ATV 3
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7414

ATV-3 Overview From Eric Van der Wal
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7409

ATV-3 Launch and Operations
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7410

ISS Flight Director Royce Renfrew Talks Station "Stuff"
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7408



Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Prober on 03/22/2012 06:05 pm
impressive pics, had no idea how large the Ariane Pad etc. were.

Look's like alot of room to add larger tanks etc.

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 03/22/2012 08:13 pm
ATV-3 - From construction to launchpad

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N6c7v6CTKs
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Holi on 03/22/2012 09:46 pm
some roll-out footage from ESA-TV (http://www.livestream.com/eurospaceagency) :) :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6kYl2QpFg8

Holi

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Hungry4info3 on 03/22/2012 11:59 pm
Can't seem to find a reference to the duration of the launch window. Is it instantaneous?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 12:08 am
from NTV ISS file today
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 12:26 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 12:30 am
Esa clip playing on NASA TV
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 12:33 am
cool ending graphic showing ATV-3/RS
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 12:47 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/23/2012 02:02 am
1 hour 30 mins to launch.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 02:51 am
20 mins to the Arianespace webcast.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 02:55 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:00 am
Webcast beginning
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:01 am
reports of rain in launch area, but no lighning
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: QuantumG on 03/23/2012 03:02 am
http://www.arianespace.tv/

FYI
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:03 am
Per NTV PAO, things are good for launcher and weather so far
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:03 am
PAO Josh covering.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:04 am
Will be superior coverage on NASA TV. No adverts in French etc.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:04 am
L-minus 30 minutes
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:05 am
Josh confirms they will take Arianespace's pictures when their webcast starts - shortly
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:08 am
view in ATV control center
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:10 am
Five mins to webcast as MCC-H conduct their final go/no go poll.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:10 am
Houston Go for ATV-3 launch!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:14 am
ISS MCC will handover shifts before launch
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:15 am
Here we go. Looks like NTV's taking the entire Arianespace feed. Will be funny if Arianespace run some ads about their launch contracts ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Mapperuo on 03/23/2012 03:15 am
This is the english sound track from French Guiana...
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:16 am
Arianespace webcast running.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:17 am
switching to arianespace feed
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:17 am
Green Board at T-17 mins.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:17 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: spectre9 on 03/23/2012 03:17 am
Just started on livesteam.

I was wondering what was going on. NTV started early hey?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:17 am
Green board (so far...)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:18 am
all green
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:18 am
Nice and green.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:20 am
Ariane is all green, and its not St patricks day!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:20 am
61st Ariane 5.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:20 am
"All the greeeeens" :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:21 am
view in launch control
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: ChrisC on 03/23/2012 03:22 am
"Most versatile" of the three cargo ships -- that's debatable.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:22 am
"ATV most versatile resupply craft for ISS"  Until the magic number is up (5)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:24 am
T-10 mins.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:24 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:25 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:25 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:26 am
Thomas REiter!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:27 am
T-7 minutes. Start of synchronized sequence.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:27 am
Into the seven minute mark on the autosequence.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:27 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:29 am
l minus 5 minutes
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:29 am
T-5 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:30 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:31 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:32 am
T-120 seconds. Looking good!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:32 am
T-2 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: spectre9 on 03/23/2012 03:33 am
1 minute  8)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:33 am
T-60 seconds. Go Ariane!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:33 am
T-60 seconds.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:34 am
Liftoff!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:34 am
LAUNCH!!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:34 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:35 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:35 am
Right into the clouds...
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:35 am
That one seemed to really bounce off the pad compared to recent ECA versions.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:35 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:35 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:35 am
Pitched into the clouds.

MaxQ.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:35 am
Mach 1.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:35 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:36 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:36 am
Nominal first stage at T+90 seconds.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:36 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:36 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:36 am
Booster sep.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:37 am
Staging. Booster Sep.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:37 am
SRB sep
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:38 am
Fairing sep.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:38 am
Fairing Jettison.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:38 am
fairing sep
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:39 am
Commercials by arianespace via NASA
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Mapperuo on 03/23/2012 03:39 am
Expect a NASA fade to ISS control room any point now...?  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:39 am
T+5 minutes. Altitude 136 km, speed 3.21 km/sec.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:41 am
PAO confirms signal acquisition downrange
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:43 am
Core burnout, and staging
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:43 am
Main stage shutdown, staging and second stage start.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:43 am
Staging.

1-2 Sep.

Upper Stage ignition.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:44 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:50 am
picked up by Azores ground control station
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 03:51 am
First second stage shutdown. Into the coast phase.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 03:52 am
First burn complete.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:52 am
EPS burn 1 done, going to coast
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:54 am
maybe CGI, but a beautiful sight form orbit

ballistic phase declared a success.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:56 am
looks like NTV briefly lost feed
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 03:58 am
Over central Europe in a BBQ roll
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 04:02 am
NTV breaking in, guess Josh doesnt want to give ESA free reign ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 04:03 am
NTV cutting into the Arianespace webcast for a few minutes. Got too sick of the films?

Also the ISS crew stayed up late to watch the launch.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 04:03 am
Crew scheduled to be awake in an hour, but they were already up watching the launch ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 04:05 am
Smiles in Toulouse
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 04:05 am
Back to Arianespace
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 04:13 am
ATV-3 bringing a bus to ISS, now THAT is why they wanted to make sure it was strapped down  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 04:15 am
View of ATV's expected destination, 18 minutes to u/s restart (equivalent to OMS 2 burn?)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 04:18 am
ATV-3 bringing a bus to ISS, now THAT is why they wanted to make sure it was strapped down  ;D

ATV payload = 7667 kg
Routemaster bus = 7467 kg

Hmmm.... ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 04:25 am
Big red double deckers used to be fun. Now they are just touristy....at least outside of London.

A cheeky Q&A event it seems! Big hair! ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Mapperuo on 03/23/2012 04:25 am
Wow never seen the Arianespace commentator before.. Totally not what I expected.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 04:26 am
General Léopold Eyharts: Veteran of STS-122/Expedition 16
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 04:27 am
Wow never seen the Arianespace commentator before.. Totally not what I expected.

Seen him before. Really nice bloke, but yes.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 04:27 am
PS, if santa is watching I would like this for Christmas  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 04:27 am
Wow never seen the Arianespace commentator before.. Totally not what I expected.

Same here... :D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 04:29 am
Now I know what I want for Christmas....

PS, if santa is watching I would like this for Christmas  ;D

Oh you are fast! :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: John44 on 03/23/2012 04:30 am
ATV 3 Launch
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7415
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 04:33 am
10 mins to S/C Sep.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 04:34 am
coming up to u/s restart, acquired by ground
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 04:34 am
Second stage start for 28 seconds.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 04:34 am
Second burn underway.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 04:34 am
stage restarted for 28 seconds
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 04:35 am
looks done per graphic on left
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 04:37 am
Coming up on ATV sep.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 04:38 am
ATV separation!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 04:38 am
Spacecraft separation
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 04:38 am
Excellent. ATV-3 on its way to the ISS!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/23/2012 04:39 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AILkzowJK1E
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 04:47 am
Chris Gebhardt's article updated for post-launch:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/atv-3-esa-important-resupply-mission-to-iss/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nick L. on 03/23/2012 04:50 am
Interesting note brought up by one of the speakers - today is Wernher von Braun's 100th birthday.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/23/2012 04:58 am
Well, what can I say - that was worth staying up for. :)

Congrats to ESA on a flawless launch - ATV mission ops have once again begun.

So have a great mission, ATV-3, and I can't wait for you to meet your friends - Dragon and HTV-3. ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 04:59 am
NASA TV back to the ISS FCR.

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 04:59 am
Waiting on solar arrays. Josh notes they are like out of a Hollywood movie. (Big X wings)


Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 05:01 am
Back to Arianespace. Need some beauty sleep (no jokes, thanks ;))

Thanks to Ron and everyone for the coverage!

Keep an eye on @esaoperations for some good technical updates.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Lewis007 on 03/23/2012 07:01 am
Better late than never: the EADS-Astrium launchkit
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: hektor on 03/23/2012 07:13 am
Congratulations. Sadly, only two launches left.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/23/2012 08:43 am
ATV's solar arrays deployed nominally and are generating power.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/23/2012 10:31 am
Thanks for the great coverage guys.

Congrats Arianespace on another successful launch!

Now let's get it docked to the ISS  :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: collectSPACE on 03/23/2012 04:28 pm
Dispatches to orbit: Writings by visionaries von Braun and Amaldi fly to space
http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-032312a.html

Two early space leaders whose work helped lead to the International Space Station (ISS) were remembered on Friday (March 23) with the launch of their writings on board an unmanned supply craft bound for the orbiting laboratory.

German rocket pioneer Wernher von Braun, who was born 100 years ago to the day, and Edoardo Amaldi, an Italian physicist who was also memorialized with his name on the spacecraft, were each represented on board by copies of vintage dispatches that illustrated their respective visions for space exploration.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 03/23/2012 04:44 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/23/2012 05:01 pm
e2v imaging sensors launched into space onboard

the third unmanned spacecraft to be sent to the International Space Station

 

On 23 March 2012, e2v high performance imaging sensors were launched into space onboard the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Edoardo Amaldi spacecraft, the third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) to be sent to the International Space Station (ISS).

 

e2v CCD47-20 imaging sensors were selected by SODERN as part of the two key systems they delivered for the ATV; an SED16 star tracker, an optical device used for determining the orientation of the spacecraft by measuring its position relative to stars, and a Videometer, a system SODERN developed which is the primary rendezvous and docking sensor for the spacecraft.  Built under Astrium prime contractorship, the first and second ATVs (Jules Verne and Johannes Kepler) were also equipped with these e2v imaging sensors and successfully completed their missions in 2008 and 2011 respectively.

 

The Edoardo Amaldi ATV (named after the famous Italian physicist and spaceflight pioneer) was carried into orbit onboard an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana and hauled almost 7 tonnes of cargo to the ISS 360 km above the Earth. The spacecraft is the most powerful automatic spaceship ever built and is equipped with its own propulsion and a high-precision navigation system, which uses e2v imaging sensors to automatically guide it into dock at the ISS. The ISS relies on frequent deliveries of equipment, spare parts, food, air and water for its permanent crew.  The unmanned ATV is essential in delivering supplies to it and will stay attached to the station, providing reboost and attitude control until the 27th August 2012. It will then be undocked and commanded to burn up in the atmosphere over an uninhabited area of the southern Pacific Ocean.

 

e2v’s marketing manager, Jon Kemp said, “Edoardo Amaldi is the third ATV to have been successfully launched into space. e2v’s imaging sensors are a key component in enabling the ATVs to successfully dock with the ISS and provide essential support to the astronauts onboard.”

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: edkyle99 on 03/23/2012 05:04 pm
19.714 tonnes of working, separated spacecraft payload.  The U.S. hasn't hit that mark since probably ASTP in 1975.  (The heaviest Shuttle payloads, like Chandra, were mostly kick stage, not spacecraft, mass.)  It has been a dozen years since Russia lifted as much mass to orbit (Proton K with Zvedsa).

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 03/23/2012 05:47 pm
Can't seem to find a reference to the duration of the launch window. Is it instantaneous?

Yes, there is no launch window for ATV launches. Liftoff is on time or on the day after !  :D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: baldusi on 03/24/2012 06:37 pm
I have just seen the video. I can't believe how tight is the ATV when entering the clean room (or is it where they load the hypergolics?). In any case this does gives me a better understanding about how size critical are the ground structures and buildings.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/25/2012 10:52 pm
Mission Update:
An issue has been noted with ATV-3's Antenna Deployable Boom (ADB) - the big "stick" that protrudes from the top of the ATV.

From the ESA ATV Blog (http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/03/25/update-from-atv-cc-atv-is-on-its-way-to-the-iss/):
Quote
One minor issue was seen during the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) — it was noted that the ATV’s Proximity Link Antenna Boom (the Antenna Deployable Boom or ADB) had correctly deployed, but the final sensor confirmation that the boom was locked into place was not received.

Yesterday, since ATV is orbiting just 100km below the ISS, it was decided to ask the crew to get a picture for a visual confirmation that the antenna was in place. The ATV attitude was accordingly manoeuvred a bit, so that the astronauts would get a good view of the antenna boom the next time ATV passed by below.

Before the astronauts could do so however, at 09:03 CEST this morning, the telemetry status from ATV switched over to ‘ADB Locked’. End of problem.

But what caused the sensor to switch to green? ESA’s Daniel Firre, the Mission Director on console this morning when it switched, says a number of causes are possible. It could be vibrations from the manoeuvre, exposure of a boom element to solar heat, or even the unfreezing of a small piece that might have been blocking the mechanism or the sensor.

Although the issue is now resolved, I am unsure as to whether the ISS crew performed the photography or not, since this note was included in the ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 25/03/2012:
Quote
ATV Photography:
In a last-minute addition to their timeline, between 7:55 AM - 8:15 AM GMT, CDR Dan Burbank, FE-5 Andre Kuipers & FE-6 Don Pettit shot long-lens photography of the ATV-3 (Automated Transfer Vehicle-3) cargo ship as it passed underneath the ISS at a closest range of 104 km. Purpose: Ground analysis of the photos to verify full deployment of the ATV proximity operations antenna boom. [There have been indications that the boom may not be fully deployed (no "boom locked" signal received after deployment after launch). For the photography, Dan, Andre & Don carefully removed window scratch panes 5 & 6 in the Cupola and later reinstalled them, using PPE (Personal Protective Equipment (dust masks, nitrile gloves, photo/TV lens cloth) to protect the window scratch panes and primary pressure pane glass.]

Interestingly, this same issue also occurred during the ATV-2 mission, with the STS-134 crew being required to photograph the ADB during their ISS flyaround - full story in the ESA ATV Blog (http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2011/05/31/shuttle-astronauts-snap-pictures-of-atv/):
Quote
“The reason we asked for the images is that there was some delay in the locking of the boom after deployment and we wanted to see if there was anything to be learnt from the imagery that might shed some light on the reason for this delay,” says ESA’s Nico Dettmann, Head of the ATV Production Programme.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/26/2012 12:56 pm
HAHA! Oh dear! ;)

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMLUAGY50H_index_0.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/26/2012 02:45 pm
This is cool:

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMAFBGY50H_index_0.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: rdale on 03/26/2012 07:52 pm
Any ideas when the Visiting Vehicle Officer display on SpaceStationLive would be activated for docking?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/26/2012 10:36 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 26/03/2012.

ATV-3 Update:
Ground analysis of the long-lens photography conducted by the crew yesterday has confirmed that the Proximity Antenna boom is properly deployed and in the locked position. ESA reports that ATV-3 is in good shape for rendezvous and docking.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 03/27/2012 11:50 am
From http://twitpic.com/photos/Marco_Langbroek

ATV3 passing near Altair this morning. Photographed from Leiden, Holland

http://twitpic.com/91vho0
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/27/2012 10:30 pm
Aerojet Propulsion Helps Deliver Astronaut Care Packages

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet, a GenCorp company, announced today that its engines will be providing the main propulsion for Europe's Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) as it maneuvers for a scheduled docking with the International Space Station (ISS) on March 28.

Working with the ATV prime contractor Astrium, an EADS company, Aerojet provides four R-4D-11 110 lbf class liquid bipropellant engines for ATV maneuvering as the spacecraft approaches the ISS. The vehicle's flight profile includes several burns for each orbit change, main propulsion and braking for the docking approach.

"Originally developed to provide reaction control for the Apollo missions to the moon, Aerojet's R-4D rocket engines have been an integral part of human spaceflight for more than 50 years," said Steve Harper, manager of the Bipropellant Propulsion product line at Aerojet. "No R-4D has ever failed in flight during five decades of service, with numerous missions, including the daring recovery of Apollo 13. We look forward to continuing this engine's legacy of reliability with its use on the ATV, the Orion service module and other ambitious space missions."

The ATV is Europe's ISS re-supply vehicle and delivers propellant, air, food and spare parts. The supplies on this particular mission also will include care packages for all six ISS crew members. This vehicle is Europe's third ATV and has been named Edoardo Amaldi in recognition of the Italian physicist who pioneered the search for gravitational waves. The vehicle was launched March 23, 2012 aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from Kourou, French Guiana.

Aerojet is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader principally serving the missile and space propulsion, defense and armaments markets. GenCorp is a leading technology-based manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate segment that includes activities related to the entitlement, sale, and leasing of the company's excess real estate assets. Additional information about Aerojet and GenCorp can be obtained by visiting the companies' websites at http://www.Aerojet.com and http://www.GenCorp.com.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/aerojet-propulsion-helps-deliver-astronaut-120000631.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: MarsMethanogen on 03/28/2012 02:43 am
Aerojet Propulsion Helps Deliver Astronaut Care Packages


"Originally developed to provide reaction control for the Apollo missions to the moon, Aerojet's R-4D rocket engines have been an integral part of human spaceflight for more than 50 years."

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/aerojet-propulsion-helps-deliver-astronaut-120000631.html

Interesting.  Does anyone know if these RCS engines were used on the SM RCS "quads", the LM "quads" or both?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: STS-200 on 03/28/2012 09:11 am

Interesting.  Does anyone know if these RCS engines were used on the SM RCS "quads", the LM "quads" or both?

Both - these thrusters were the only item that was common between the two vehicles. Greater commonality was wanted, but neither side could ever quite agree on it.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Jester on 03/28/2012 09:55 am
Any ideas when the Visiting Vehicle Officer display on SpaceStationLive would be activated for docking?

http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/displays/vvoDisplay1.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 04:29 pm
This is a brilliant article by Pete Harding:

ATV-3 set to dock to ISS – minor antenna deployment issue now resolved:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/europes-atv-3-dock-iss-antenna-deployment-issue-resolved/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: rdale on 03/28/2012 05:06 pm
Any ideas when the Visiting Vehicle Officer display on SpaceStationLive would be activated for docking?

http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/displays/vvoDisplay1.html

Thanks - interesting that you cannot click it from the console page. Bug?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Thomas ESA on 03/28/2012 05:25 pm
This is a brilliant article by Pete Harding:

ATV-3 set to dock to ISS – minor antenna deployment issue now resolved:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/europes-atv-3-dock-iss-antenna-deployment-issue-resolved/

Great article Pete! Wow!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 07:19 pm
Live coverage to start in about 2:40 from CNES

http://www.cnes.fr/web/CNES-fr/10010-gp-amarrage-de-l-atv-3-en-direct-et-tweetup-a-toulouse.php

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: mrhuggy on 03/28/2012 07:21 pm
The ATV is about 20km away from the ISS.

Would have some pictures from the Nasa ISS feed but VLC is playing up.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 07:24 pm
 @esaoperations: #ATV3 arrived at S1 waypoint, 15.5km behind #ISS. Next: 1 long & 2 short & 1 long engine burn
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 07:25 pm
End of First Homing boost burn - ATV3 is 10683 m from ISS
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 07:36 pm
The ATV is about 20km away from the ISS.

Would have some pictures from the Nasa ISS feed but VLC is playing up.

Have you got a link? I'll try.

ATV-3 5698 m from ISS - ESA.

Three hours to docking.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 07:39 pm
Live stream:
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/isslivestream.asx

Thought I saw ATV before they (temporarily) lost video...

(Back now)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/28/2012 07:42 pm
ATV-3 now visible as a white dot on the ISS cameras.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 07:43 pm
converting picture back to 4:3 aspect ratio, should look cool along the Earth's limb
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 07:44 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 07:46 pm
Zoomed in
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: chawleysnow on 03/28/2012 07:47 pm
Lock s-foils in attack position!  :D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 07:47 pm
Any ideas when the Visiting Vehicle Officer display on SpaceStationLive would be activated for docking?

http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/displays/vvoDisplay1.html

A current view of the console
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 07:49 pm
If I'm looking at the timeline correctly, Homing Maneuver 4 should be in progress...
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 07:50 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 07:52 pm
Cool, thanks Philip!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 07:52 pm
Lock s-foils in attack position!  :D

So true! ;D

I'm also enjoying Aerojet's thruster firings!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 07:53 pm
At the end of the HM4 maneuver (10 minutes in duration), should be at the S2 holdpoint.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 07:53 pm
3249m distance.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 07:55 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 07:56 pm
Can see some thruster pulses on the video...no time tag so not sure about the lag...
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 07:57 pm
From the "live stream" (again, not sure much I'm lagging), S/G call up -- approaching S2, range about 3.5 km...

Now into night pass...
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 07:58 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 08:00 pm
NASA TV live coverage to start at 5:45PM Eastern
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 08:07 pm
ESA: ATV-3 has arrived at S2 holdpoint 3.5km behind
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 08:10 pm
Not much to see right now, about 20 minutes to sunrise; this D/L 1 feed is from P1 Lower Outboard.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 08:14 pm
Next maneuver is Closing Maneuver 1 (CM1) at about the bottom of the hour.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 08:17 pm
Lost video for the time being...

Edit: have to step away from keyboard for a few minutes, so hopefully someone else can do screenshots...

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 08:26 pm
This is a brilliant article by Pete Harding:

ATV-3 set to dock to ISS – minor antenna deployment issue now resolved:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/europes-atv-3-dock-iss-antenna-deployment-issue-resolved/

Great article Pete!

Loved this line: "The ATV-3 mission will be a baptism of fire for the European Space Agency..."  :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 08:33 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 08:46 pm
Lovely!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 08:46 pm
CM2 should be completing about now...CM3 around 56 minutes after the hour...
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 08:48 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 08:51 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 08:57 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:00 pm
CM4 would be around 4 minutes after the hour; the schedule had arrival at the S3 holdpoint around 10 minutes after the hour.

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:03 pm
Start of Closing Manoeuvre CM3 confirmed - 1236m from ISS
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:03 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:05 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:06 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:08 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:09 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:10 pm
Looks like might be at S3...
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:12 pm
Beginning to rotate...should have NASA TV coverage around the time of the next maneuver...

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:13 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:14 pm
Amazing shots before LOS. Great work Philip.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:14 pm
NASA TV coverage scheduled for 45 minutes after the hour, in about 30 minutes from now...

(Welcome Chris...IIRC, I was between KSC and JSC for the last ATV docking. :))
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:15 pm
ESA: Now at S3 holdpoint. Videometer & Telegoniometer start to provide laser-guided nav. Waiting for GO
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:16 pm
Video back.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:23 pm
Maneuver out of S3 would be around 46 minutes after the hour.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:27 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:29 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:34 pm
@esaoperations #ATV3 flashing navigation lights now clearly visible #spacealien #atvtweetup 246m from #ISS
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:37 pm
Stationkeeping confirmed.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 09:38 pm
One more before I have to break, showing the "running" lights...
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:39 pm
I've got it Philip. Appreciate the coverage.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:41 pm
ATV's lights:
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:42 pm
NASA TV (main channel) coverage about to begin. Going to switch to them.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 09:42 pm
Huston ready for final approach.
Moskow is also go for final approch
ATV is go for final approach
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 09:46 pm
S3 Departure
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 09:46 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:47 pm
And we've got the awesome Josh Byerly commentating.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/28/2012 09:47 pm
Here we go! First spacecraft to touch the SM Aft port in just over six months. This is significant because.....I like useless ISS factoids. :D
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 09:48 pm
Distance from ISS, about 200m
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:49 pm
As covered in Pete's article - UK docking lasers!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:50 pm
Monitoring from the Station:
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:52 pm
Very pretty light show between the two spacecraft.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Lee Jay on 03/28/2012 09:52 pm
As covered in Pete's article - UK docking lasers!

Based on the impressive visual stability of the station keeping, I'm certain that they are tractor beams.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:52 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:52 pm
ESA: ATV-3 will exit orbital night at 22:04 GMT
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:53 pm
40 mins to docking.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:54 pm
Hard to capture, so I hope you're all watching NTV, but the flashing is very pretty (in a very manly way :D).
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 09:54 pm
Distance from ISS, 100m
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:56 pm
There's the docking times for Eastern and Central.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: stockman on 03/28/2012 09:56 pm
picture from the ISS channel
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:56 pm
Josh: 13 mins to S4 hold point - for a hold duration of 10 minutes.

Range 75m at the moment.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 09:58 pm
Seems like I'm just in time for the show! Do you want me to help with the coverage?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:59 pm
Video of late loading ops for ATV-3.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 09:59 pm
Range 65m
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Beemer on 03/28/2012 10:02 pm
That is a nice light show  :)

Question- once ATV is docked how is the cargo unloaded? Do they pump out the oxygen & propellent into the ISS?? What about the other cargo?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:03 pm
Closing in on S4.

d3jf - would appreciate some additional screen captures as ATV closes right in on ISS for docking, as that'll happen reasonably fast.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:03 pm
Range 40m.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:04 pm
Starting to see a good outline now.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:05 pm
Now we can really see ATV-3.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:05 pm
Closing in on S4.

d3jf - would appreciate some additional screen captures as ATV closes right in on ISS for docking, as that'll happen reasonably fast.

Copy
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:05 pm
Good view of the (Russian) docking system.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:07 pm
And the ATV is getting bigger. 30 meters.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:07 pm
Change of mode to GNC - Range 27m.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:08 pm
Range 25m
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:08 pm
Closure rate decreasing.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 10:09 pm
Arrived in S4
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:09 pm
Range 19m. Holding.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: stockman on 03/28/2012 10:10 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:10 pm
Holding at S4 for 10 mins.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:10 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 10:11 pm
ATV-CC is all green for relative attitude navigation
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: stockman on 03/28/2012 10:11 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:11 pm
A view of the ripped radiator :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 10:12 pm
Huston is also go for transition to relative attitude navigation
Moskow is also go.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:12 pm
Never ceases to amaze me how they appear to be just sat there. Both vehicles are moving at 17,500mph!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: litton4 on 03/28/2012 10:12 pm
Is that the damaged radiator panel in the foreground?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: stockman on 03/28/2012 10:12 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 10:13 pm
ATV transition to relative attitude navigation confirmed
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:14 pm
Is that the damaged radiator panel in the foreground?

yep
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:15 pm
ESA: All stations reporting GREEN/GO at ATV-CC for departure from S4
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:16 pm
There's that laminated panel on the raidators.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:16 pm
It's no orbiter, but still very nice!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:17 pm
Five minutes until final approach.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:18 pm
ESA: ISS confirmed in docking mode
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 10:21 pm
S4 Departure
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:22 pm
Departing S4
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:22 pm
10 mins to docking
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:23 pm
17 meters
11 mins to docking
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 10:23 pm
Range and range rate (in meters, meters/sec) in lower left of the engineering view.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:23 pm
Range 15m.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:24 pm
12m
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 10:24 pm
ATV has arrived in S41 hold point
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:24 pm
Arrived at S41 holdpoint at 11 meters.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:25 pm
MCC ISS FCR Polling for docking.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:26 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:26 pm
Josh with the Mach 25 reference. It is amazing, so good to point out.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:27 pm
GO from MCC. Everyone in good mood :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:27 pm
Three mins to departure from S41. Five minutes to docking.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 10:27 pm
ATV-CC is ready for ATV docking
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 10:27 pm
Wow, you could even see the astronauts moving around (past a window) inside the Russian segment just then
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 10:28 pm
GO for docking
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:29 pm
Here we go. Final approach.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: asmi on 03/28/2012 10:29 pm
Josh with the Mach 25 reference. It is amazing, so good to point out.
Well, technically he's wrong - Mach refers to a speed of sound, and since there is no air - speed of sound is zero. So it's Mach infinity :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:30 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:30 pm
6 meters.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:30 pm
4 meters.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:31 pm
3m
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 10:31 pm
contact
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:31 pm
Two meters. Waiting for contact and capture.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Beemer on 03/28/2012 10:32 pm
Simply amazing. Well done.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: IW1DGG on 03/28/2012 10:32 pm
Automatic docking sequence started
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:32 pm
Contact and Capture!! 31 minutes past the hour.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:32 pm
Docking confirmed.
Dumping screenshots of the final approach.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:33 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:33 pm
ISS Crew said they didn't even feel it.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: d3jf on 03/28/2012 10:33 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Silmfeanor on 03/28/2012 10:34 pm
Crew and PAO noting it was a very soft docking, the crew couldn't feel it.

That was also visible on the feed; there was no bump or jolt.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: catfry on 03/28/2012 10:35 pm
Wow, you could even see the astronauts moving around (past a window) inside the Russian segment just then

I think it is reflections of the Earth atmosphere in a window.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 10:35 pm
ISS Crew said they didn't even feel it.

(were they free floating at the time?)  ;)

Such an important (critical) flight. Well done to all at ESA & the people that got it up there.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:36 pm
ISS just got a little bigger.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/28/2012 10:36 pm
Wooo! Excellent work ESA! And now we have five months of attached phase operations to look forward to. :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 10:36 pm
Wow, you could even see the astronauts moving around (past a window) inside the Russian segment just then

I think it is reflections of the Earth atmosphere in a window.

Yeah, on second look I think you're right.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 10:38 pm
Wooo! Excellent work ESA! And now we have five months of attached phase operations to look forward to. :)

Yeah, and I bet the crews are anxious for some fresh produce.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:38 pm
VV officer at ISS FCR confirms hooks and latches are driving.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:39 pm
Hooks closed on display - ISS.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:41 pm
Latches in place.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:41 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:42 pm
Docking probe fully retracted - ISS FCR.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:42 pm
"Ok guys, congratulations on a successful docking, and to everyone on the ground" - MCC-M
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:43 pm
Right, that'll do it I reckon! Thanks to all who helped with coverage.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/28/2012 10:44 pm
Pete's article, updated:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/europes-atv-3-dock-iss-antenna-deployment-issue-resolved/
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/28/2012 10:44 pm
Looks like the SM thrusters are active now after hard mate...assuming going back to attitude...
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 10:45 pm
Looks like the SM thrusters are active now after hard mate...assuming going back to attitude...


Yeah, some serious activity on those!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/28/2012 10:46 pm
Live Coverage has ended. Thanks NASA TV
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: John44 on 03/28/2012 11:05 pm
ATV 3 Docking
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7429
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: rdale on 03/28/2012 11:08 pm
Looks like the SM thrusters are active now after hard mate...assuming going back to attitude...


CMG saturation was about 35% during docking. Now down to 0% but still showing in free drift.

http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/resources/vvoTelemetry.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/29/2012 12:33 am
Looks like the SM thrusters are active now after hard mate...assuming going back to attitude...


CMG saturation was about 35% during docking. Now down to 0% but still showing in free drift.

http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/resources/vvoTelemetry.html

I would imagine if this were like a shuttle docking, ATV, would take control of the stack to get the attitude back after free drift

ISS now in CMG Thruster Assist

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/29/2012 01:02 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrAGGBfoL8A
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: TrueBlueWitt on 03/29/2012 01:08 am
Looks like the SM thrusters are active now after hard mate...assuming going back to attitude...


CMG saturation was about 35% during docking. Now down to 0% but still showing in free drift.

http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/resources/vvoTelemetry.html

Nice link.  CMG close to 50% Saturation right now.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Prober on 03/29/2012 01:15 am
Was very entertaining watching live.  The utube videos are great as well.

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: ChrisC on 03/29/2012 01:22 am
ATV 3 Docking

Thanks John44 for staying up late to get this posted right away!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: spectre9 on 03/29/2012 01:24 am
So do they open the hatch straight away?

Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/29/2012 01:30 am
So do they open the hatch straight away?

Nope. That's tomorrow, when (usually) one goes in with a mask on (because debris could be flying around that could be inhaled, or outgassing since encapsulation) and sample the air. They also will have fans running to scrub the air of such contaminants, and when all is well, they can (all) go in without masks and start retreiving/unpacking items.

Also, in this case, they sleep shifted and were up later than normal, so they would be too tired. They are close to their sleep period now.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: spectre9 on 03/29/2012 01:38 am
Thanks for that info robertross.  8)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 03/29/2012 07:15 am
Europe’s third cargo vehicle docks with the Space Station

29 March 2012

PR 10 2012 - ESA’s ATV Edoardo Amaldi has completed the first stage of its docking with the Russian Zvezda module of the International Space Station.
 
The docking occurred smoothly when ATV’s docking probe was captured by Zvezda’s docking cone at 00:31 CEST ( 22:31 GMT).

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMUASGY50H_index_0.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Prober on 03/29/2012 05:12 pm
Wooo! Excellent work ESA! And now we have five months of attached phase operations to look forward to. :)

Yeah, and I bet the crews are anxious for some fresh produce.

I've never understood this "fresh produce", maybe food for comments.  Even in the cold of space its been ten days, plus the time in the fairing waiting for launch.  How can this be "fresh produce" 

Monitor: if this is better for a new thread, just move it.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: erioladastra on 03/29/2012 05:16 pm
Looks like the SM thrusters are active now after hard mate...assuming going back to attitude...


CMG saturation was about 35% during docking. Now down to 0% but still showing in free drift.

http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/resources/vvoTelemetry.html

I would imagine if this were like a shuttle docking, ATV, would take control of the stack to get the attitude back after free drift

ISS now in CMG Thruster Assist



No, ATV cannot take attitude control until 1) the hatch has been opened and electrical interfaces are complete asd 2) until a thruster test is completed ensuring it could do so.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/29/2012 05:33 pm
Go for hatch opening!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/29/2012 05:40 pm
Go for hatch opening!

Yaaaaaay! :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: paycom on 03/29/2012 06:05 pm
The crew was in the process of opening the hatches, but experienced some problems...
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: paycom on 03/29/2012 06:09 pm
SM hatch seems to ne open now after Oleg Kononienko used some more force.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: paycom on 03/29/2012 06:26 pm
According to ESA, both hatches are open now.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/29/2012 06:31 pm
SM hatch seems to ne open now after Oleg Kononienko used some more force.

Probably just stiff after being closed for the past six months.

Great work on getting both hatches open. :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/29/2012 06:38 pm
Wooo! Excellent work ESA! And now we have five months of attached phase operations to look forward to. :)

Yeah, and I bet the crews are anxious for some fresh produce.

I've never understood this "fresh produce", maybe food for comments.  Even in the cold of space its been ten days, plus the time in the fairing waiting for launch.  How can this be "fresh produce" 

Monitor: if this is better for a new thread, just move it.


meaning apples, oranges, ect.
The stuff that doesn't come in a pre-packaged container, likely freeze dried or dehydrayed.

And the VV needs to maintain certain internal thermal constraints for the parcels it transports, even circuit cards, but especially for elastomers & experiments. So that 'fresh produce' can be kept safe (hopefully).
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: ChrisC on 03/29/2012 06:49 pm
meaning apples, oranges, ect.
The stuff that doesn't come in a pre-packaged container, likely freeze dried or dehydrayed.

In an interview on NTV last week (http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7416:interview-with-nasa-astronaut-mike-fossum-march-23&catid=1:latest), Mike Fossum relayed a story about how the crew anticipates the smell of the newly arrived cargo vessel.  As they open the equalization valve, a little bit of the cargo craft's air leaks out and they can smell the oranges :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/29/2012 07:37 pm
meaning apples, oranges, ect.
The stuff that doesn't come in a pre-packaged container, likely freeze dried or dehydrayed.

In an interview on NTV last week (http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7416:interview-with-nasa-astronaut-mike-fossum-march-23&catid=1:latest), Mike Fossum relayed a story about how the crew anticipates the smell of the newly arrived cargo vessel.  As they open the equalization valve, a little bit of the cargo craft's air leaks out and they can smell the oranges :)


It's the simple pleasures in life really  :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 03/29/2012 07:40 pm
From http://twitter.com/#!/astro_Pettit (http://twitter.com/#!/astro_Pettit)

ATV docks, breathing fire and bringing good stuff.

http://t.co/5GrplyGV
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 03/29/2012 07:45 pm
http://twitpic.com/92kuab
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/29/2012 11:48 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 29/03/2012.

After reviewing an OBT (Onboard Training) drill covering ATV APO (Attached Phase Operations) procedures to refresh their proficiency, Oleg Kononenko & Andre Kuipers after their lunch break:
・ Conducted the one-hour leak check on the SM PrK (Transfer
  Tunnel)/ATV vestibule,
・ Opened the PrK-SU (Vestibule) transfer hatch on TsUP-Moscow Go,
・ Set up the POTOK Air Purification Unit of the SOGS Air Revitalization
  Subsystem in the PrK and powered it up,
・ Opened the ATV transfer hatch on TsUP-Moscow Go, and
・ Installed the BZV quick release screw clamps of the SSVP docking
  mechanism, and ingressed ATV (wearing dust respirator & vacuum
  cleaner).
After the hatch opening, Ivanishin sampled the air with the Russian AK-1M and Draeger IPD-CO sampling equipment.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: woods170 on 03/30/2012 06:42 am
From http://twitter.com/#!/astro_Pettit (http://twitter.com/#!/astro_Pettit)

ATV docks, breathing fire and bringing good stuff.

http://t.co/5GrplyGV

Now THAT is an awesome picture!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: litton4 on 03/30/2012 12:38 pm
meaning apples, oranges, ect.
The stuff that doesn't come in a pre-packaged container, likely freeze dried or dehydrayed.

In an interview on NTV last week (http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7416:interview-with-nasa-astronaut-mike-fossum-march-23&catid=1:latest), Mike Fossum relayed a story about how the crew anticipates the smell of the newly arrived cargo vessel.  As they open the equalization valve, a little bit of the cargo craft's air leaks out and they can smell the oranges :)


Must beat the rotting smell of <you know what> when the MPLM eventually arrived back at KSC for opening, after diverting to Edwards,
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/30/2012 01:16 pm
meaning apples, oranges, ect.
The stuff that doesn't come in a pre-packaged container, likely freeze dried or dehydrayed.

In an interview on NTV last week (http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7416:interview-with-nasa-astronaut-mike-fossum-march-23&catid=1:latest), Mike Fossum relayed a story about how the crew anticipates the smell of the newly arrived cargo vessel.  As they open the equalization valve, a little bit of the cargo craft's air leaks out and they can smell the oranges :)


Must beat the rotting smell of <you know what> when the MPLM eventually arrived back at KSC for opening, after diverting to Edwards,

That's certainly one advantage of having a vehicle normally burn up in the atmosphere. :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 03/30/2012 02:07 pm
From http://www.flickr.com/photos/astro_andre/6882663052/

First time floating inside ATV. Wearing mask and protective glasses in case the air is bad or there is anything floating around inside. All ok.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/30/2012 04:05 pm
Rendezvous & docking photos now up on NASA.gov - pages 56, 57 & 58.

http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-30/inflight/ndxpage56.html

This one is amazing!!! :o
http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-30/html/iss030e175120.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/30/2012 06:34 pm
Maybe only interests me, but upcoming reboosts using ATV-3; looks like less eccentric orbit at the end of the second burn:

IMPULSIVE TIG (GMT)   M50 DVx(FPS)      LVLH DVx(FPS)      DVmag(FPS)
IMPULSIVE TIG (MET)   M50 DVy(FPS)      LVLH DVy(FPS)      Invar Sph HA
DT                    M50 DVz(FPS)      LVLH DVz(FPS)      Invar Sph HP
------------------------------------------------------------------------
091/21:57:23.851          -1.3               3.1              3.1   
N/A                       -1.1              -0.4              214.2 
000/00:06:47.703           2.6              -0.0              207.7 
   
096/19:03:28.240          -0.2               6.6              6.6   
N/A                       -4.7              -0.7              212.5 
000/00:14:56.480           4.7              -0.4              212.1 

Reference:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/SSapplications/Post/JavaSSOP/orbit/ISS/SVPOST.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/30/2012 09:38 pm
Power issue related to ATV?  (Missed today's ISS update hour.  Edit -- was noted at the top of today's broadcast.)

Seen via @NASA_Johnson tweet:
http://mobile.twitter.com/nasa_johnson/status/185841586834374656

Link to status here:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/index.html

Excerpt:
Quote
Late Thursday, Russian atmosphere scrubbers were activated to ensure the removal of any contamination in the ATV-3 that may have occurred when the pressurized cargo compartment was opened for pre-launch packing adjustments in the European space port in Kourou, French Guiana. When the scrubbers were activated, ATV flight controllers in Toulouse, France, reported the failure of one of two redundant Russian Equipment Control System channels that provide station power to ATV-3. The backup power channel passed an initial test today, but it has not yet been connected to station power systems. If a Saturday morning test is successful, the backup power channel will be used for a planned reboost Saturday afternoon using ATV-3 thrusters. If the backup channel does not function properly, the reboost will be cancelled.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Retired Downrange on 03/30/2012 11:15 pm
Any other recent news on the problem with routing electric power to the ATV?
 
This is source of my query...http://www.spaceflightnow.com/ariane/va205/status.html
 
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/30/2012 11:36 pm
Wow, so this is serious enough for a contingency undocking? :o

ATV-3 seems to be having an unfair share of problems.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/30/2012 11:47 pm
I posted the NASA status over in the Exp. 30 thread; largely the same:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=25462.msg878769#msg878769

They do characterize an early undocking as "highly unlikely."  Will try to keep an ear on S/G ahead of the test burn/reboost tomorrow (also copied over the prelim. burn numbers in the Exp. 30 thread).
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: erioladastra on 03/31/2012 01:00 am
Any other recent news on the problem with routing electric power to the ATV?
 
This is source of my query...http://www.spaceflightnow.com/ariane/va205/status.html
 

As part of a changed scrubbing process they had extra equipment that had not been certified plugged in.  Likely caused a trip.  Tmorrow the alternate power string will be brought up and determine if there is a real problem or not.  Very likely just caused a trip and no failure but folks are planning how to unload the dry cargo ASAP just in case.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: GoForTLI on 03/31/2012 01:43 am

As part of a changed scrubbing process they had extra equipment that had not been certified plugged in.  Likely caused a trip.  Tmorrow the alternate power string will be brought up and determine if there is a real problem or not.  Very likely just caused a trip and no failure but folks are planning how to unload the dry cargo ASAP just in case.

Really appreciate that information, especially heading into the weekend.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: robertross on 03/31/2012 01:54 am
Any other recent news on the problem with routing electric power to the ATV?
 
This is source of my query...http://www.spaceflightnow.com/ariane/va205/status.html
 

As part of a changed scrubbing process they had extra equipment that had not been certified plugged in.  Likely caused a trip.  Tomorrow the alternate power string will be brought up and determine if there is a real problem or not.  Very likely just caused a trip and no failure but folks are planning how to unload the dry cargo ASAP just in case.

Wow, shocking news, but thanks for that tidbit.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: The-Hammer on 03/31/2012 01:59 am
What kind of timeline would we be looking at in the event that this can't be resolved? A few days, a week, a couple of weeks?
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Jester on 03/31/2012 09:03 am
per L2, as early as Monday, however, let's not go overboard here, let the folks work the problem and see what they come up with.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: dgscuka on 03/31/2012 09:25 am
per L2, as early as Monday, however, let's not go overboard here, let the folks work the problem and see what they come up with.

No mention from the Russians on possible undocking; it fact, seems as though they expect first test reboost will take place as planned based on my far-less-than-expert use of Google translate:

http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=18880

Quote
According to the ballistic Service Mission Control Center Engineering Research Institute engines will be included in 1:00 and 54 minutes Moscow Time (March 31 at 21:54 GMT) and have worked for 411 seconds. As a result, the ISS will receive an additional boost of 1 meter per second. The average height of its orbit will increase by 1.7 kilometers and will be 389.8 kilometers.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: dgscuka on 03/31/2012 11:30 am
Update from ESA's ATV programme head Nico Dettmann now live in the ATV blog (blogs.esa.int/atv); the text is below.

Quote
    On 30 March, the command path to one (of four) RICU units (the Russian Systems Interface Unit – these are electrical interface boxes between the ISS and ATV) failed. The ATV’s failure detection, isolation and recovery function switched off, as foreseen, the ATV’s Russian avionics Chain 1.

    ATV functions continued nominally with the ATV’s own autonomous power supply. In the meantime, the second chain, Chain 2, was successfully used to take over the lost command path.

    ATV operations to re-boost the ISS later today, set for 18:05 & 23:45 GMT, will be performed as planned.

    The loss of one out four redundant functions is not considered critical and re-integration of the lost command path is under investigation.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/31/2012 11:43 am
Thanks! That sounds much better. The key there is the second string (chain 2), which avoids the undock potential (on Monday, if that had been unsuccessful).
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/31/2012 12:06 pm
Courtesy of the ISS audio archived earlier in the morning:
http://issaudio.servehttp.com/

The crew was still working ATV unloading (and trash load) earlier this morning, to keep options open.  Starting with the three USOS crew members working that.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: rdale on 03/31/2012 12:25 pm
Ground sent up new unload list this morning, but at this time the Russians are not helping. If the power issue isn't fixed today, then they will do an all hands throw the stuff anywhere push, but for now it's still organized.

List also has garbage loading for center of gravity issues in case they need a Monday undock.

To make it more interesting, Houston lost all comms for a bit too!
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: psloss on 03/31/2012 12:40 pm
Ground sent up new unload list this morning, but at this time the Russians are not helping. If the power issue isn't fixed today, then they will do an all hands throw the stuff anywhere push, but for now it's still organized.

List also has garbage loading for center of gravity issues in case they need a Monday undock.

To make it more interesting, Houston lost all comms for a bit too!
Listening to your archive this morning, too, Rob...at least until I caught up (temporarily).  As you noted the Russian crew weren't needed, only the three USOS crew were needed for the unstow activities that were going on.

Weekly planning conference (on the USOS side) deferred given the plan is in flux...Russian part in progress.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/31/2012 12:49 pm
Moderator note: Consolidated all posts relating to the ATV power issue by moving some posts from the Expedition 30 thread over to this thread.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/31/2012 01:11 pm
MCC Checking ATV-3 Power, Crew to Begin Unpacking Cargo

The Flight Control team at Mission Control, Houston continued precautionary planning Friday night to deal with a possible shortfall of power for the ATV-3 in the event attempts to connect ISS power to the European cargo ship on Saturday prove unsuccessful.

Lead ATV-3 Flight Director Jerry Jason was directed Friday night by the Station Program not to work toward any alternate orientation schemes for the ISS to extend power to the ATV through its solar arrays. ESA Flight controllers at the ATV Control Center in Toulouse, France say the ATV will not be able to generate power through the solar arrays as of Monday due to the beta angle, or position of the sun relative to the station, that the ISS will fly into at that time.

Instead, all efforts will be concentrated on the activation of a backup power channel in the Russian Equipment Control System or RECS, that is designed to route power to the ATV from the station, much like the SSPTS, or Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System did for the Shuttle when it was docked to PMA-2. The primary channel of the RECS failed late Thursday during air scrubbing of the interior of the ATV. The backup channel was activated Friday, but has not yet been integrated into the power bus for the RECS.

Plans call for the backup channel to be connected to the ATV around 11 a.m. Central time Saturday. In advance of that, again, as a precautionary measure, the crew will be directed to forego its off-duty day Saturday and will begin unloading cargo from the ATV-3 starting at 5 a.m. Central time. This will protect a timeline that would enable the crew to unload cargo all day Saturday, and stay up three hours past its regular bedtime on Saturday to sleep shift for a potential expedited undocking of the ATV-3 on Monday sometime between 1:45 p.m. and 6:18 p.m. Central time, if the power connection on the RECS backup channel does not work. Sunday would be devoted to additional cargo transfer, the set up and testing of proximity communication equipment in the ATV-3 and the closing of hatches.

The crew was informed of the preliminary plan before it went to bed late Friday afternoon. A complete rundown of the plan will be provided to the crew in its morning Daily Planning Conference in the wee hours Saturday.

If the power connection is successful, then the crew will be told to stand down from any further cargo transfer and the Flight Control team in Houston will be directed to stop working toward an undocking on Monday. Additionally, if the power connection works, ESA flight controllers in Toulouse, working with their Russian counterparts at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, would then press ahead to fire the ATV engines for 4 minutes and 51 seconds Saturday at 4:54 p.m. Central time to test the reboost functionality of the ATV propulsion system and to set up phasing for the ISS Progress 47 launch on April 20, the undocking and landing of Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank and Flight Engineers Anton Shkaplerov and Anatoly Ivanishin on April 27, and the launch of Expedition 31/32 crewmembers Gennady Padalka, Joe Acaba and Sergei Revin on May 15

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/index.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/31/2012 02:38 pm
Based on erioladastra and Nico Dettmann's comments, is this whole issue caused by a RICU that actually failed, which in turn shut off Chain 1, or did the RICU detect some un-certified equipment and trip, and thus shut off Chain 1?

What's interesting is, providing a power trip did occur due to uncertified equipment, is how all this can be traced via cause & effect back to the same issue: the loose strap.

The loose strap caused the re-ingress, which caused the atmosphere concern, which caused the extra un-certified air scrubbing equipment being used, which caused the power trip, which caused the loss of Chain 1.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: erioladastra on 03/31/2012 03:33 pm
Wow, so this is serious enough for a contingency undocking? :o

ATV-3 seems to be having an unfair share of problems.

Huh?  The only other problem was the prox boom - which happened on the other flights.  Other issues (including that one) are all self inflicted and/or politcal.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: dsmillman on 03/31/2012 05:11 pm
The ISS crew was just informed by MCC-H that the testing of the backup power channel to the ATV is going well and the crew will probably be able to end the rapid transferring of ATV supplies.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/31/2012 05:38 pm
All good now:

ESA: Power bus connection restored a few mins ago. #ATV3 back to nominal operations, incl.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/31/2012 06:22 pm
Wow, so this is serious enough for a contingency undocking? :o

ATV-3 seems to be having an unfair share of problems.

Huh?  The only other problem was the prox boom - which happened on the other flights.  Other issues (including that one) are all self inflicted and/or politcal.

Well, there was the loose strap, then the boom, then the possible contamination, then the power issue. But I agree they are all related and cannot be attributed to the vehicle itself.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: erioladastra on 03/31/2012 06:30 pm
All good now:

ESA: Power bus connection restored a few mins ago. #ATV3 back to nominal operations, incl.

Not totally nominal.  RECS is still off and they have to determine if string 1 is failed or just tripped (likely).
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: bolun on 03/31/2012 07:25 pm
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/03/31/atv-3-on-board-power-anomaly/

Quote
(Updated 19:24 CEST) An update on the information we posted earlier today on the ATV electrical problem has just arrived from Massimo Cislaghi, ESA’s ATV Mission Manager. The news is very positive!

On 30 March, the command path to one (of four) RICU units (part of the ATV-ISS electrical interface system) failed. The ATV’s failure detection, isolation and recovery function switched off, as foreseen, the ATV’s Russian avionics Chain 1.

ATV functions continued nominally with the ATV’s own autonomous power supply.

In the meantime, the second chain, Chain 2, was successfully switched on to take over the lost command path and the ATV-ISS power bus connection was restored in the evening of 31 March.

The ATV operations to test the ATV engines for ISS re-boost will be performed as planned during the evening of 31 March.

The loss of one out four redundant functions is not considered critical and re-integration of the lost command path is under investigation.

This is good news and means that the ATV is now re-connected to ISS electrical power.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: rdale on 03/31/2012 08:44 pm
ATV-3 Power Status: ATV-3 power has been successfully reintegrated with ISS power.
・ The lights are on in ATV but the outlets remain unpowered. The plan is to move forward with the reboost this afternoon.
・ Yesterday, power feed from the ISS SM (Service Module) to ATV-3 (Automated Transfer Vehicle 3) was lost when RECS (Russian Equipment Control System) power channel 1 in the DRS (Docking & Refueling System) Rack located in the ATV failed. RECS channel 2 was activated, and its integration into the ISS power grid was successfully attempted today at ~12:00pm EDT, taking about an hour.
・ The POTOK air purifier is disconnected from SM power since DRS/RECS failure analysis by ATV-CC (Control Center)/Toulouse has not yet excluded it as a possible cause. Until then, if POTOK is connected to SM power, ATV will be electrically isolated from SM power.
・ The crew has almost completed the high-priority cargo transfers started this morning at ~6:00am EDT. They will complete those operations today. Later, the status of cargo transfer will be discussed so that the IMS (Inventory Management System) can be updated by the ground. No further transfer operations will be conducted today, and some planned activities were deferred.

[And don't forget to watch the following at SpaceStationLive]

ISS/ATV Test Reboost: Tonight at 5:54pm EDT, a one-burn ISS test reboost with ATV3 “Edoardo Amaldi” OCS (Orbit Correction System) thrusters will be conducted for a duration of 6 min 51 sec (351 sec) and a delta-V of 1.0 m/s. Attitude control authority will be handed over to Russian MCS (Motion Control System) thrusters at ~4:25pm, followed by ISS transition to reboost mode at ~4:54pm. Attitude control authority returns to US CMG momentum management at ~6:40pm. Purpose of the reboost is to test the ATV OCS thrusters as well as set up phasing for 28S landing on 4/27.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 03/31/2012 09:14 pm
ATV-3 Power Connection Successful, Reboost Set

Multi-national flight controllers successfully connected a backup power channel Saturday to the European Space Agency’s “Edoardo Amaldi” Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) cargo ship, enabling electricity to flow from the International Space Station to the ATV to set the stage for a reboost of the station Saturday afternoon while avoiding an early undocking of the resupply craft.

The operation involved commanding from the European Space Agency’s ATV Control Center in Toulouse, France to connect a backup power channel in the Russian Equipment Control System or RECS, that is designed to route power to the ATV from the station, much like the SSPTS, or Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System did for the Shuttle when it was docked to PMA-2 for station assembly missions. The primary channel of the RECS failed late Thursday during air scrubbing of the interior of the ATV. The cause of that failure is under investigation.

Working together, flight controllers at NASA’s Mission Control, Houston, Toulouse and the Russian Mission Control Center outside Moscow reported that the backup RECS channel was connected to the proper power bus with all relays closed at 12:03 p.m. CDT, enabling electricity to reach the ATV, which automatically docked to the aft port of the Russian Zvezda Service Module on Wednesday.

The ATV can either receive power-producing electricity through the RECS or through its solar arrays. But the station will enter a timeframe Monday in which the angle of the sun relative to the station would have made it impossible for proper power generation for the spacecraft’s systems through its arrays alone. Had today’s connection operation been unsuccessful, flight controllers would have begun work for an undocking of the ATV early next week.

To prepare for that possibility, NASA’s Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank and his five crewmates gave up their off-duty time on Saturday and began to unload critical cargo from the ATV at 5 a.m. Central time. Working efficiently off of a priority list, the crew moved bags of vital supplies of clothing, food, spare parts and other crew provisions from the European ship to the station and began loading trash back into the cargo vehicle.

After word was received that the power connection had been made and that the path had been cleared for today’s reboost, Flight Director Ginger Kerrick directed the crew to forego any further transfer of cargo for today and for flight controllers to stand down from any additional work to protect for an undocking of the ATV next week.

The station reboost, which is scheduled for 4:54 p.m. Central time Saturday, would only have been possible had the power connection been made from the RECS to the ATV. The reboost, which involves a 4 minute, 51 second firing of the ATV’s primary thrusters, is designed to raise the perigee of the station’s orbit by about 2 statute miles, setting up the proper phasing for the ISS Progress 47 docking to the station on April 22, the undocking and landing of Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank and Flight Engineers Anton Shkaplerov and Anatoly Ivanishin on April 27, and the launch of their replacements on the complex, Expedition 31/32 crewmembers Gennady Padalka, Joe Acaba and Sergei Revin, on May 15.

Because the crew pressed into action Saturday for an expedited unloading of cargo from the ATV, they will be given Sunday and Monday off. One of the activities originally planned for next week was the continuing engineering analysis of the Robonaut humanoid robot on board the orbital laboratory. Robonaut activities have been rescheduled for the week of April 9. Scientific research on the station was not affected by the power channel connection work and will not be affected by the rescheduling of other lower priority work.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Moe Grills on 03/31/2012 09:16 pm
Wow, so this is serious enough for a contingency undocking? :o

ATV-3 seems to be having an unfair share of problems.

You and I may not make good handymen or repair persons, but
never never NEVER underestimate those persons, astronauts or otherwise, who excel at handyman or repair work!
 There are plenty of Mr. and Ms Fixits in the astronaut/spacionaut/cosmonaut communities.
 We can't all be Bob Villas, but there are plenty to be found in the ESA, NASA, etc.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: rdale on 04/01/2012 08:14 pm
ISS/ATV Test Reboost Update:   Last night at 5:54pm EDT, a one-burn ISS test reboost with ATV-3 “Edoardo Amaldi” OCS (Orbit Correction System) thrusters was successfully conducted for a duration of 6 min 51 sec (351 sec), achieving a delta-V of 1.0 m/s (planned: 1.0 m/s) and increasing mean altitude by 1.73 km (planned: 1.73 km). After the burn, ISS was at 389.7 km mean altitude, with 395.6 km apogee height and 383.7 perigee height.  Purpose of the reboost was to test ATV OCS reboost functionality as well as set up phasing for 28S undock/landing (4/27), Progress 47P launch & Soyuz 30S launch.
Title: Re: LIVE: Ariane ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch and Docking - March 23/28, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/01/2012 09:16 pm
Pete "Mr ISS" Harding with the best status update:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/04/atv-3-electrical-power-issue-successfully-resolved-first-reboost-performed/
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 04/03/2012 06:37 pm
Busy first days for ATV Edoardo Amaldi
 
3 April 2012
Just two days after a flawless docking with the ISS on 29 March, ESA's third ATV has conducted its first 'test' reboost, proving that it is fully integrated with the Station and ready to perform orbit boosts and manoeuvres if necessary.
 
ESA's ATV Edoardo Amaldi completed a technically perfect automated docking with the Russian Zvezda module of the International Space Station (ISS) at 00:31 CEST on 29 March. The procedure was monitored by ESA astronaut André Kuipers and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko from inside the ISS and by the ESA/CNES mission operations team at the ATV Control Centre, Toulouse.

Docking marked the start of an intensive period of activity to open the hatch, enter ATV and confirm that all its systems were operating normally and were fully integrated with the data, electrical and other systems of the ISS. 

Crew enters ATV for the first time
 
Hatch opening and first ingress took place at 16:15 CEST, and the crew installed an air scrubber to remove any contaminants that may have come loose inside ATV's pressurised cargo area.

Early on 30 March, the crew also installed the Russian POTOK air filter unit as a measure against any bacterial contamination that may have occurred on ground before the hatch was closed for launch.
 
Electrical fault triggers circuit breaker
 
At 03:39 CEST, the ATV experienced a fault in one of the two channels of the onboard electronics system that controls its electrical power connections to the Zvezda module.

"The ATV system is designed to handle this kind of failure so it promptly shut down the faulty equipment and made sure everything was safe," said ESA's Charlotte Beskow, ATV Operation Interface Manager.

"It's a bit like when you blow a fuse at home, you do not know exactly what went wrong but your house is safe."
 
Later, ground teams sent commands that isolated ATV's electrical systems from the rest of the Station.

"As a precaution, the crew were asked to begin unloading priority cargo, in case the ISS power supply to ATV could not be re-established and — in the worst case of onboard autonomous power shortage — if we had to undock," says Massimo Cislaghi, ESA's ATV-3 Mission Manager.

"This would have been necessary in case of additional ATV onboard anomalies, while in the nominal case the amount of power ATV can generate from its own solar arrays would have still been sufficient for a long time even without ISS power."
 
After consultations between the crew, ATV Control Centre and the ISS Mission Control Centres in Houston and Moscow, the ATV power connection to the ISS was switched to a redundant channel. Power from the ISS to ATV was re-established at 19:03 CEST on 31 March.
 
Teams are investigating the problem to determine the cause of the electrical fault.

First Station boost using ATV thrusters
 
Once the power issue was resolved, mission controllers at ATV-CC began working on the first 'test' reboost of the ISS, conducted during the evening of 31 March.

ATV's thrusters ran for 351 seconds, increasing ISS velocity by 1.0 m/s and boosting average altitude by 1.73 km.

"In the boost test, ATV thrusters are commanded by the Russian computers inside the Zvezda module," says Charlotte Beskow.

"This is a standard test performed as soon as possible after docking."

The successful test burn means that ATV is ready for a series of larger planned reboosts (the first expected on 5 April) and to conduct debris avoidance manoeuvres when necessary.


http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM6E6EWF0H_index_0.html
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: bolun on 04/04/2012 11:45 am
Tour of ATV-3 from the International Space Station

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AORrisDldqM&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: Jester on 04/04/2012 11:56 am
Full Hi-Res set on L2
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: bolun on 04/04/2012 12:04 pm
Full Hi-Res set on L2

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=23868.msg878317#msg878317
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: Jester on 04/04/2012 12:14 pm
Full Hi-Res set on L2

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=23868.msg878317#msg878317 (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=23868.msg878317#msg878317)

That's just one in low res.
Try 70 in hi-res...
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=28541.msg880402
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 04/04/2012 05:36 pm
Cool video of Saturday's ATV-3 reboost from Don Pettit:

http://blogs.airspacemag.com/pettit/2012/04/03/a-needed-boost/
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: Space Pete on 04/04/2012 10:23 pm
I've heard that ATV-3 cargo transfers are already 63% complete! Most of the cargo has gone into the PMM.
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: robertross on 04/05/2012 01:18 am
I've heard that ATV-3 cargo transfers are already 63% complete! Most of the cargo has gone into the PMM.

Always nice to have a pantry  :)

More of an ISS note: With the potential situation of a massive cargo extraction for this flight (before possible early departure), I wonder if future missions might do well to have crew extract high priority items not too long after hatch opening, and then an expedited cargo removal effort to ensure the bulk of the items get aboard prior to an issue cropping up.

Just a thought.
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: pargoo on 04/05/2012 05:35 am
     Did a good launch pic ever show up?  All I've seen are longer-range ones such as: http://www.arianespace.com/news-image_library/photo_library_files/ariane5/web/VA205-liftoff-3-23-2012-lr.jpg

     or those taken from very low down in relation to the vehicle, as so: http://www.esa.int/images/_SCO0356.jpg

     but nothing so far to match something like: http://www.arianespace.com/news-image_library/photo_library_files/ariane5/print/atv_launch_9march2008_hr.jpg
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 04/05/2012 08:59 am
but nothing so far to match something like: http://www.arianespace.com/news-image_library/photo_library_files/ariane5/print/atv_launch_9march2008_hr.jpg

http://www.arianespace.com/news-image_library/photo_library_files/posters/VA205_Poster.jpg
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: pargoo on 04/05/2012 09:38 am
      Nothing without all that poster text ****?  Too much effort to try and Photoshop it all out :/
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: erioladastra on 04/05/2012 08:17 pm
I've heard that ATV-3 cargo transfers are already 63% complete! Most of the cargo has gone into the PMM.

Always nice to have a pantry  :)

More of an ISS note: With the potential situation of a massive cargo extraction for this flight (before possible early departure), I wonder if future missions might do well to have crew extract high priority items not too long after hatch opening, and then an expedited cargo removal effort to ensure the bulk of the items get aboard prior to an issue cropping up.

Just a thought.

Always the case if there are critical items.  But generally crew time and priorities dictate schedule and acceptance of risk if need be.
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: erioladastra on 04/06/2012 12:46 am
ATV continues to have issues - today one of the TDRS channels failed.  Switched to the backup system.
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/06/2012 04:29 am
Latest article for the issues and the reboost:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/04/atv-3-raises-iss-400km-reboost-power-loss-latest/


Try 70 in hi-res...in L2
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=28541.msg880402

As per the above post, check out the .gif he created out of them! :) (No leeching please, link to the article, not the image if you pass it around, thanks).
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/06/2012 04:43 pm
Article updated with additional TDRS notes.

PS No reaction to the amazing gif? Do I need to come round to your houses and personally shake my head at you? ;D
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: Silmfeanor on 04/06/2012 07:19 pm
Article updated with additional TDRS notes.

PS No reaction to the amazing gif? Do I need to come round to your houses and personally shake my head at you? ;D
I'll reply before you get across the channel -
It looks amazing, thanks for putting it together!
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: Rik HS on 04/07/2012 12:49 pm
The gif is really neat (saves you a trip to the midlands ;))
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: woods170 on 04/12/2012 07:34 am
Article updated with additional TDRS notes.

PS No reaction to the amazing gif? Do I need to come round to your houses and personally shake my head at you? ;D

Sorry Chris, but I've been spoiled by the many goodies found on L2.  :)
The .gif is beautiful. Kudos to Lee Jay, arkaska and Jester for the work they did turning the original Hi-res images into animations.
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 04/17/2012 01:01 pm
      Nothing without all that poster text ****?  Too much effort to try and Photoshop it all out :/
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: woods170 on 04/18/2012 09:09 am
What?! No reaction from Pargoo yet?  ;)
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: bolun on 07/17/2012 08:16 pm
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/07/17/atv-mission-update/

Quote
ATV-3 status as of 13 July; courtesy ATV-CC

CARGO and FUEL STATUS

- Cargo status : 100% transferred
- Accepted trash : 592 kg so far
- Air status : 100% transferred, tank empty
- Oxygen status : no transfer so far
- Water : 280 litres, transfer completed
- Fuel : 100% transferred, ATV tanks empty
- Propellant status : around 2140 kg used, around 1917 kg available for ISS reboost & attitude control

Upcoming operations (dates, as always, subject to change):

17 July: Soyuz 31S docking, ISS attitude change (no ATV propulsion support)
17 July: **Reboost manoeuvre No. 6 -- alternate slot on 19 July
19 July: ATV-4 System Validation Test 1 (SVT1) -- alternate slot on 20 July

Note**: Reboost No. 6 is set for the night from 17 to 18 July; start set for 03:16 UT
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: bolun on 07/18/2012 12:16 pm
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/07/18/atv-3-reboosts-iss-look-behind-the-scenes-at-atv-cc/

Quote
ATV-3 conducted its 6th ISS reboost manoeuvre early this morning

Quote
05:35 - Successful end of reboost and transition back to 'ISS Attitude Control' mode. Delta-V (change in velocity) achieved was around 2.8 m/s, which raised the ISS approximately 5 km.
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: bolun on 08/17/2012 08:13 pm
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/08/17/tonights-o2-delivery-complete/

Quote
The ISS crew has just finished (at 22:24 CEST) the O2 repressurisation with a DP [Delta-P = change in ISS cabin pressure] of 8.9 mm Hg.

Quote
Tonight's first O2 'repress' used ATV's tanks 2/3 and ran for 1 hr and 45 mins starting at 20:35 CEST. 14 kg of O2 were delivered, and Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko took 10 minutes to start/stop the flow.
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: bolun on 08/22/2012 08:07 pm
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/08/22/atv-reboost-station-reaches-400-km-altitude/

ATV reboost: Station reaches 400 km altitude
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: bolun on 08/27/2012 10:27 am
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/08/27/a-breath-of-fresh-oxygen/

Quote
This afternoon, the ATV tanks successfully transferred around 19 kg of Oxygen (O2) into the air cabin of the Station.

The tank valve was opened for 2 hours and 30 minutes by the crew to directly and slowly diffuse the Oxygen in the cabin; the ISS air ventilation system ensuring a good mixing and distribution of the oxygen inside the various ISS modules.

The valve was nominally closed by the crew at 19:15 CEST when the planned increase in cabin air pressure had been reached.

This transfer allowed, in particular, making up the oxygen lost during the last Extra Vehicular Activity on Monday, 20 August.
 
This is the second oxygen transferred performed by ATV-3. The ATV tank containing air was emptied at the very beginning of the current ATV mission. Two additional transfers of oxygen are foreseen before ATV-3 undocking on 25 September; these will empty the last ATV tank and successfully complete the transfer of the entire ATV-3 cargo load to the ISS!
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: bolun on 09/11/2012 04:28 pm
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/09/09/atv-3-final-days-annotated-timeline/

Quote
ATV-3 final days: annotated timeline

Note, as always, that these dates/events are forecasts only and are subject to change.
 
In the annotations below, FE-4 and FE-6 are ISS flight engineers Yuri Malenchenko and Akihiko Hoshide, respectively.

- 12 Sep: ATV Reboost manoeuvre No. 9, set for 05:26 CEST (Final planned ATV-3 reboost!)
- 14 Sep: ATV Reboost maneuver No. 9, backup slot
- 16 Sep: 30S Undocking
- Week of 17 Sep: Final ATV trash loading with close-out photos
- 20 Sep: Photos/videos for MCI calculation/final Cargo configuration
- 21 Sep: On-board training (OBT-ATV-UNDOCK-DRILL) - Planned for 45 min by FE-4 and FE-6
- 24 Sep: ATV Tools gathering for final egress from ATV (15 min by FE-6)
- 24 Sep: ATV-3 Hatch closure
- 25 Sep: ATV-3 Photos for sensor cleanliness (ensure external laser sensors on ATV are uncontaminated)
- 25 Sep: ATV-3 Undocking (time TBC; likely evening GMT)
- 25 Sep: ATV Tools restow (15min by FE-6)
- 26 Sep: ATV-3 Re-entry

Quote
ATV-3 cargo/propellent status as of 7 September:

- Cargo status: done
- Accepted trash: 840 kg so far
- Liquid waste: 218 Kg so far
- Air status: done
- Oxygen status: 53kg (80%) transferred
- Water: done
- Fuel: done
- Propellant status: 3769kg used, 331kg available for ISS reboost & attitude control
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: anik on 09/11/2012 05:27 pm
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/MM_NTV_Breaking.html

September 25, Tuesday
6:15 p.m. - ISS Expedition 33 Undocking of the "Edoardo Amaldi" Automated Transfer Vehicle (Undocking scheduled at 6:37 p.m. ET) - JSC (All Channels)
Title: Re: Ariane V ES - ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi" Launch, Docking & APO - Mar-Sep, 2012
Post by: bolun on 09/14/2012 10:22 am
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/09/14/6125/

Quote
The last reboost of the ISS by ATV3 has been successfully performed early this morning. The purpose of the reboost was to set up correct phasing for the Soyuz 30 landing and Soyuz 32 launch.
 
Post-manoeuvre evaluation of the orbit by the NASA trajectory specialists confirmed the following:

- Time of ignition was 05:05 CEST, with a total burn duration of 08 min 56 sec.

- ISS reached a delta-V of 1.28 m/sec, which in this case corresponds to an altitude increase of 2.23 km

- Propellant expenditure was in the order of 175 kg
 
ATV-3 now has almost no propellant left, apart of course from the reserve kept for the separation and reentry boosts, and a small margin in case a short-notice ISS debris avoidance manoeuvre