Atlantis' SRB and ET mating update thread

[Chris Bergin]

SRB's are on the MLP in the VAB and stacked.

Mating of the ET is set for April 23.

[NASA_LaRC_SP]

Here's a though (although I don't wish for it to happen, obviously.)

If there's a real problem prior to launch with Discovery, she'd have to be rolled back into the VAB. Meanwhile, Atlantis will be in the process of being mated with her stack in the VAB too. We could have two stacked Shuttles in the VAB at the same time!  

[norm103]

NASA_Langley_spammer - 12/4/2005  10:10 PM

Here's a though (although I don't wish for it to happen, obviously.)

If there's a real problem prior to launch with Discovery, she'd have to be rolled back into the VAB. Meanwhile, Atlantis will be in the process of being mated with her stack in the VAB too. We could have two stacked Shuttles in the VAB at the same time!  

we can have up to three shuttle stacks in the VAB at once with the safe havein

[Chris Bergin]

SG on SDC says Atlantis is a complete ship now, following OMS pod installation.

[NASA_Twix_JSC]

Everything is on track with Atlantis, after checking today.

[WARPed]

Great news!

[Chris Bergin]

Mission: STS-121 - 18th ISS Flight (ULF1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics

Module

Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: Launch Planning Window: July 12 - July 31, 2005

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak and Wilson

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Processing continues on Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 for its mission (STS-121) to the Space Station. After installation of the Space Shuttle Main Engines, technicians began installing the engines' dome-mounted heat shields. The heat shields are two semi-circled-shaped sections of Thermal Protection System tile that fit around the engine interfaces. The right-hand Orbiter Maneuvering System was installed Thursday.

Atlantis' new Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) underwent final checkout and testing in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and was installed last week. The 50-foot-long OBSS will attach to the Remote Manipulator System, or Shuttle robotic arm. It is one of the new safety measures for Return to Flight, equipping the orbiter with cameras and laser systems to inspect the Shuttle's Thermal Protection System while in space.

Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) stacking for Atlantis' launch continues in the VAB high bay 3. The External Tank remains in the checkout cell for final testing. Following the completion of SRB stacking, the tank will be moved and attached to the SRBs in late April.

[Chris Bergin]

Atlantis is on hold while they work out the issues with Discovery. So rollover isn't till July safe to say.

[NASA_LaRC_SP]

Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) stacking for Atlantis' launch continues in the VAB high bay 3.

I never understand these reports from NASA releases given I'm sure the SRB's are already stacked and awaiting the ET?