NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
NASA Shuttle Specific Sections => Atlantis (Post STS-135, T&R) => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 05/29/2010 02:09 am
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A lot to be decided yet, such as if STS-135 will be added to the manifest, and if Atlantis gains that flight. So for now this is the STS-335 processing latest thread.
Opening post STS-132 article, into STS-335 processing:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/05/atlantis-sts-335-flow-following-impressive-performance/
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Related articles - in published order, note the manifest - and indeed STS-135 being on, off and maybe on again - needs to be taken into account over the months:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/nasa-evaluate-sts-335-sts-133-cross-country-farewell/
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/12/nasa-evaluating-sts-135-addition-to-shuttle-manifest/
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/02/progress-m-04m-launches-to-cost-cutting-iss-sts-135-addition-removed/
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/04/obama-at-ksc-ssp-waiting-on-shuttle-direction/
L2 Members, refer to
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=tags&tags=STS-135
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=tags&tags=2015
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5/27/2010
A train delivers the last space shuttle solid rocket booster segments to the Jay Jay Rail Yard in Titusville, Fla. Six Florida East Coast Railway cars transported the segments on their cross-county journey from the ATK solid rocket booster plant in Promontory, Utah.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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The NASA Railroad train transports the last space shuttle solid rocket booster segments over the Indian River on the 13-mile trip from the Jay Jay Rail Yard in Titusville, Fla., to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Six cars transported the segments along the Florida East Coast Railway, which began at the ATK solid rocket booster plant in Promontory, Utah. The booster segments will be used for shuttle Atlantis on what currently is planned as the "launch on need," or potential rescue mission for the final shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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FYI Chris, this looks like this will be your last ever processing thread on a space shuttle. :'-(.
Orbiter
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FYI Chris, this looks like this will be your last ever processing thread on a space shuttle. :'-(.
Orbiter
Yep :(
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Chris's latest article mentions: "After what is becoming more likely to have been her last flight, ...."
Is this related to STS-135 if approved being potentially taken away from Atlantis (as it was mentioned in another article).
If so, how is Atlantis qualified to fly STS 335 but not good enough for STS-135? (some in the forum mentions that Atlantis is not certified to fly since an OMDP is overdue while others mention that Atlantis does not have the SSTP bonus). But I assume similar to STS-133, if STS-135 flies it will be a 8/10 day mission which Atlantis could do.
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Chris's latest article mentions: "After what is becoming more likely to have been her last flight, ...."
Is this related to STS-135 if approved being potentially taken away from Atlantis (as it was mentioned in another article).
If so, how is Atlantis qualified to fly STS 335 but not good enough for STS-135? (some in the forum mentions that Atlantis is not certified to fly since an OMDP is overdue while others mention that Atlantis does not have the SSTP bonus). But I assume similar to STS-133, if STS-135 flies it will be a 8/10 day mission which Atlantis could do.
Atlantis does not have SSPTS, and with later missions trying to maximize upmass Orbiters like Discovery have removed things like cryo consumables for fuel cells to lift more which necessitates SSPTS for a shorter mission.
Also, who says that Atlantis will get the STS-335 flight? (more on l2)
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If so, how is Atlantis qualified to fly STS 335 but not good enough for STS-135? (some in the forum mentions that Atlantis is not certified to fly since an OMDP is overdue while others mention that Atlantis does not have the SSTP bonus). But I assume similar to STS-133, if STS-135 flies it will be a 8/10 day mission which Atlantis could do.
Not much has changed (yet) since you asked this last time:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=20630.msg584129#msg584129
In short, Atlantis can still be ready the soonest to fly this mission; however, we've been hearing that there's a good chance the current schedule for 133 and 134 will change. If the launch schedule changes, there could be more efficient ways to do things.
ChrisG specifically asked about this at the post landing news conference. You can download and watch that here:
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6021
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Yeah, still too early to know. Thinking about writing up Discovery and Endeavour's flow latest today and will see if map out where they stand right now, and where it might head to.
Chris G is covering STS-133's PRCB/SSP status via a big presentation (L2) for tomorrow too.
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Also, who says that Atlantis will get the STS-335 flight? (more on l2)
So it is not confirmed yet whether Atlantis is assigned to the LON (STS-335) of STS-134? or are you mentioning about STS-135 (sorry I do not have L2 access)
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Basically, Steve....
Currently:
STS-133, Discovery - Sept.
STS-134, Endeavour - Nov.
STS-335, Atlantis - to support STS-134 as LON.
What may happen (although I've gone as far right as I've seen/heard, so you could move things left a bit):
STS-133, Discovery - Nov.
STS-134, Endeavour - Feb/March 2011
STS-135, Atlantis or Discovery - June 2011.
Now if you look at that STS-135 option, and indeed if you look at the slips from a STS-335 standpoint alone, Discovery could be processed to do either. You also gain the benefits of Discovery having SSPTS (for STS-135), you also avoid some challenging processing work with Atlantis (for STS-335 and STS-135), and remove Atlantis from the processing flow to work in those job losses - as sad as that is.
Chris G is writing up the STS-335 PRCB presentation from L2 (it's a big presentation) so I won't go on as he'll get to overview a few things. I may also add some documentation into the STS-134 article I'll write up today.
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So then it sounds like management may take 135 away from Atlantis and give it to Discovery, meaning 132 was indeed Atlantis's last flight.
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So then it sounds like management may take 135 away from Atlantis and give it to Discovery, meaning 132 was indeed Atlantis's last flight.
Yes, that could be the outcome, but don't jump too far ahead of yourself, as there's no STS-135 mission, yet.
We need to look at STS-135 a bit like STS-134. A political process needs to happen (and is), then you've got things like a mission not being a mission until it goes through to the PRCB's FDRD process for baselining....which is when we'll really know which orbiter has got the flight. They may even do that in pre-emption of government approval.
We should know in about a month, and we'll very likely see the process being pre-empted via a SSP standup report, or an 8th Floor etc. So when we know, you'll all know.
As far as STS-335. Actual engineers working on Atlantis are saying they aren't even sure if they are processing for LON or a Museum, with none of the usual long term flow charts and lots of "U/R" (Under Review) stamps on the near term flow, but that could be expected for a flow that currently does not see the orbiter leave the OPF (unless LON was called).
Bottom line, sit tight and see where this all leads.
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So then it sounds like management may take 135 away from Atlantis and give it to Discovery, meaning 132 was indeed Atlantis's last flight.
To (maybe) add to what Chris wrote, the strong implications about assigning Atlantis to 135 are mostly coming from outside the program(s). (As Mike Leinbach and Mike Moses have said a couple of times now -- there's more talk about 135 outside.) Since 135 doesn't exist yet, it can't be taken away from Atlantis.
Despite the similarity between the 335 mission and the outline of a 135 mission, that may be a lesser factor in which orbiter would get the flight if it's approved. The timing of the missions are still officially uncertain and that plays a bigger factor in what to "optimize for," as Mike Moses said during the post-landing conference last week.
Until there's more clarity about schedules and missions, we'll have to wait on decisions. But it's certainly possible that we've seen Atlantis's last flight.
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Thanks a lot Chris and psloss for those great explanations! :). just a thought, if Discovery actually slips to Nov., then again there could be a possibility that it would again slip to Feb. 2011? (November window is some what tight?). And if STS-135 is approved, this could have an impact (if Discovery is chosen)
Anyway currently, seems like that there are a large number of variables on the manifest decisions. As Chris have mentioned, we will have to wait and see :).
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Thanks a lot Chris and psloss for those great explanations! :). just a thought, if Discovery actually slips to Nov., then again there could be a possibility that it would again slip to Feb. 2011? (November window is some what tight?). And if STS-135 is approved, this could have an impact (if Discovery is chosen)
Anyway currently, seems like that there are a large number of variables on the manifest decisions. As Chris have mentioned, we will have to wait and see :).
But that jumps the gun in terms of STS-133's launch date. It's quite possible we're only talking about a two week slip to 133, or a 4-week slip to get it on the other side of the October Soyuz crew rotation. It's also possible Dual Docked Ops could be approved for 133 in October. Basically, what will drive the 133 launch date is PMM modifications and any additional crew training that might be required with the addition of 2 EVAs and three Flight Days to the mission.
Furthermore, June 2011 is an ESTIMATE to when the HYPOTHETICAL STS-135 mission would be flown. June is the earliest. Gerst has said on numerous occasions "Summer 2011."
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It's also possible Dual Docked Ops could be approved for 133 in October.
It is? If that were to happen, would it be possible to get a high-quality hand-held still of the orbiter docked at the station from the visiting vehicle?
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Will give this a standalone thread.
STS-335: NASA continues planning for contingency Launch On Need mission - by Chris Gebhardt:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/05/sts-335-nasa-planning-contingency-launch-on-need-mission/
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Last SRB segment has arrived at the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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FYI Chris, this looks like this will be your last ever processing thread on a space shuttle. :'-(.
Orbiter
Yep :(
I am starting a fund drive to get Atlantis another flight (where is Charles Branson when you need him)
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Payload canister inside the SSPF this morning with the unpressurized return payload from STS-132, which is now out of the canister.
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Update:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/06/sts-135-june-24-2011-evaluation-extra-shuttle-mission/
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Payload canister inside the SSPF this morning with the unpressurized return payload from STS-132, which is now out of the canister.
Go on, let's pack it with ORUs and fly it on 135! ;D
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collectSPACE: "The last ET (ET-122) to leave the MAF this fall will have a special insignia added to its access door in recognition of its unique history".
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000757.html
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Workers watch closely as the booster segment is being lowered onto a transportation and storage pallet in the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After the segments are stacked, they will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The segments will be used for space shuttle Atlantis on what currently is planned as the "launch on need," or potential rescue mission for the final shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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Class of 2009 Astronaut Candidates near Atlantis in OPF-1, it is certain that they will never fly in an orbiter :'(
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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Processing update via L2:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/06/shuttle-fleet-processing-for-new-launch-dates/
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1. When will the crew of STS-335 be announced?
2. Will STS-335 have a mission patch even if it won't fly (wish like that)
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1. When will the crew of STS-335 be announced?
2. Will STS-335 have a mission patch even if it won't fly (wish like that)
No idea when it will be announced, but you can usually look at who is up in the rotation to make an educated guess. With that sort of guess work, Ferguson would probably be CDR.
It's doubtful that the mission would have a mission patch if it is to be STS-335. No special LON mission has had a patch (i.e. STS-400). But if the mission become STS-135, it will most certainly have a patch.
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1. When will the crew of STS-335 be announced?
2. Will STS-335 have a mission patch even if it won't fly (wish like that)
No idea when it will be announced, but you can usually look at who is up in the rotation to make an educated guess. With that sort of guess work, Ferguson would probably be CDR.
It's doubtful that the mission would have a mission patch if it is to be STS-335. No special LON mission has had a patch (i.e. STS-400). But if the mission become STS-135, it will most certainly have a patch.
STS-400 had a patch..
Orbiter
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STS-400 had a patch..
Yes; for example:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=14162.0
But not an official one.
Edit, also:
http://www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000593.html
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STS-400 had a patch
Like Philip said, the "patches" for STS-400 weren't official. They were just quick-drawn Photoshop drawings that were circulated. STS-335 might have one of these, sure. But it's highly unlikely that you'd see an official emblem. However, like I said, if STS-135 is approved, you'd see an official patch since that's an actual mission instead of a rescue flight.
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Here's some images of SSME-3 removal in OPF-1.
Image 1 hi-res: http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images/large/2010-4106.jpg
Image 2 hi-res: http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images/large/2010-4111.jpg
More images can be found at http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm
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Can someone give information on STS-335 processing updates or upcoming milestones in the flow?
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Can someone give information on STS-335 processing updates or upcoming milestones in the flow?
Do you have L2?
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Not OPF processing, but the left forward assembly for the boosters for this flight (BI-146) was moved from the Assembly Refurbishment Facility to the VAB transfer aisle this morning. (Stacking won't begin for a while -- not until after the MLP that the STS-133 vehicle is using is available.)
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Right forward assembly for BI-146 now in the transfer aisle.
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With the passage of S. 3729 last night by the House and after being signed by the President, STS-335 will officially become STS-135
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Will that not happen after Endeavour lands safely ?
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Will that not happen after Endeavour lands safely ?
STS-3XX is simply a contingency option now, ie there is not a STS-334 mission unless called up.
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With the passage of S. 3729 last night by the House and after being signed by the President, STS-335 will officially become STS-135
Signing should occur within the next week (to my understanding). For all intents and purposes we are now looking at STS 135. However, it will probably retain the 335 status until 134 lands safely. Then it will become 135 and actually fly.
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Noting that SSME installation is going on today. This should be the last time that the Space Shuttle Main Engines will be installed for flight. Another last in the list of milestones.
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Noting that SSME installation is going on today. This should be the last time that the Space Shuttle Main Engines will be installed for flight. Another last in the list of milestones.
Should be the last time the SSMEs are ever installed seeing as how the RSMEs are going to be used for museum display configuration of the orbiters.
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Noting that SSME installation is going on today. This should be the last time that the Space Shuttle Main Engines will be installed for flight. Another last in the list of milestones.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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Just as a note, the house approved H.R. 3082 today, which includes nearly $1B for Shuttle Program in 2011. So it looks like the final hurdle for 135 (funding) is out of the way! :)
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Just as a note, the house approved H.R. 3082 today, which includes nearly $1B for Shuttle Program in 2011. So it looks like the final hurdle for 135 (funding) is out of the way! :)
House passage isn't a final outcome. That would be if/when the President signs a bill passed by both the House and the Senate and it is the language in that bill that would become law.
Also, note that the specific "not less than" $989M for Shuttle Ops in this bill only matches the administration's original request for FY11, which didn't necessarily anticipate the subsequent schedule changes. There's also the additional $825M set aside within Space Operations -- part of which could be applied to Shuttle "costs," but also might be needed to some extent for the other things in that list (mostly infrastructure).
The program has been watching the money spent/allocated under the first two CRs since October 1. I believe that "counts against" these numbers, and that could be a significant amount of money at ~1/6th the $3.2B FY10 number.
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NASA TV Video: Shuttle's Main Engines Installed for Final Planned Flight.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsRm11sRi5E
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And it looks like sTS-135 is on the chopping board:
Another $1.8 billion would fund NASA’s space shuttle orbiters in 2011, including $825 million for “additional Space Shuttle costs.” Unlike the NASA authorization act, however, the draft appropriations language does not call for an additional shuttle mission. It also guts the president’s $429 million request to fund a 21st Century Launch Complex initiative to modernize range infrastructure at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
http://www.spacenews.com/policy/101207-draft-increases-nasa-budget.html
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And it looks like sTS-135 is on the chopping board:
Another $1.8 billion would fund NASA’s space shuttle orbiters in 2011, including $825 million for “additional Space Shuttle costs.” Unlike the NASA authorization act, however, the draft appropriations language does not call for an additional shuttle mission.
Think 51D Mascot could explain this better, but IIRC since the Authorization act already gave NASA permission to do the flight, the appropriations bill or CR doesn't have to explicitly call for the flight, as long as it appropriates sufficient funds to the shuttle program and doesn't contain a clause specifically *dis*allowing the extra flight.
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And it looks like sTS-135 is on the chopping board:
Another $1.8 billion would fund NASA’s space shuttle orbiters in 2011, including $825 million for “additional Space Shuttle costs.” Unlike the NASA authorization act, however, the draft appropriations language does not call for an additional shuttle mission.
Think 51D Mascot could explain this better, but IIRC since the Authorization act already gave NASA permission to do the flight, the appropriations bill or CR doesn't have to explicitly call for the flight, as long as it appropriates sufficient funds to the shuttle program and doesn't contain a clause specifically *dis*allowing the extra flight.
That's how it's been explained to me -- along with the fact that since Congress passed the authorization act and the President signed it into law, STS-135 is technically mandated by law.
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And it looks like sTS-135 is on the chopping board:
Another $1.8 billion would fund NASA’s space shuttle orbiters in 2011, including $825 million for “additional Space Shuttle costs.” Unlike the NASA authorization act, however, the draft appropriations language does not call for an additional shuttle mission.
Think 51D Mascot could explain this better, but IIRC since the Authorization act already gave NASA permission to do the flight, the appropriations bill or CR doesn't have to explicitly call for the flight, as long as it appropriates sufficient funds to the shuttle program and doesn't contain a clause specifically *dis*allowing the extra flight.
That's how it's been explained to me -- along with the fact that since Congress passed the authorization act and the President signed it into law, STS-135 is technically mandated by law.
Yes, provided there are sufficient funds to fly it -- which the full-year CR passed by the House would provide. (Though that's not necessarily the only way it could happen.)
NASA is a small part of the overall federal government and the Senate hasn't gotten to appropriations yet (Bush tax cut expiration right now -- much bigger deal). The current CR runs out at the end of this week; given that and that the House has already passed an appropriations bill (the full year CR), we may be getting close to an outcome.
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Includes a processing update for Atlantis:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/12/sts-135-downmass-build-iss-returning-bga-earth/
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images of processing:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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View of the Spacelab Pallets wrapped in shrink wrap in the SSPF, One would be used to return PMA-3 on this flight
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View of the Spacelab Pallets wrapped in shrink wrap in the SSPF, One would be used to return PMA-3 on this flight
Good catch, there, Ron.
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Ah hem...any updates on the MPLMs ..135 vs 133 impacts? (FYI not an L2 member)
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Ah hem...any updates on the MPLMs ..135 vs 133 impacts? (FYI not an L2 member)
Ah hem... WHAT? What possible impacts would there be? STS-133 is launching and leaving Leonardo on the ISS, and STS-135 will be launching and returning MPLM Raffaello to/from the ISS.
I'm at a complete loss to understand what possible impacts you're thinking there could be... let alone why you think we'd keep that information (if it were out there) a secret?
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One impact that I could think of would be flight readiness... Raffaello has not been flown since 2005 so there could be preparatory work required, similarly to the OMDP requirement for Shuttles.
Of course, if there is such a constraint, I'm sure NASA has already accounted for it.
(Out of insatiable curiosity, is there?)
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One impact that I could think of would be flight readiness... Raffaello has not been flown since 2005 so there could be preparatory work required, similarly to the OMDP requirement for Shuttles.
Of course, if there is such a constraint, I'm sure NASA has already accounted for it.
(Out of insatiable curiosity, is there?)
Even though STS-135 was just baselined last week, MPLM Raffaello has been in processing for STS-335/135 for over a full year now and was originally processing for an April 28th launch on STS-335/135.
So, again, there are no processing issues to speak of in terms of the MPLM Raffaello.
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Ah hem...any updates on the MPLMs ..135 vs 133 impacts? (FYI not an L2 member)
Ah hem... WHAT? What possible impacts would there be? STS-133 is launching and leaving Leonardo on the ISS, and STS-135 will be launching and returning MPLM Raffaello to/from the ISS.
I'm at a complete loss to understand what possible impacts you're thinking there could be... let alone why you think we'd keep that information (if it were out there) a secret?
Heard murmurs about inspections needing to be performed on Raffaello that could lead to inpsections of Leonardo. Curious if anyone else has information....
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Ah hem...any updates on the MPLMs ..135 vs 133 impacts? (FYI not an L2 member)
Ah hem... WHAT? What possible impacts would there be? STS-133 is launching and leaving Leonardo on the ISS, and STS-135 will be launching and returning MPLM Raffaello to/from the ISS.
I'm at a complete loss to understand what possible impacts you're thinking there could be... let alone why you think we'd keep that information (if it were out there) a secret?
Heard murmurs about inspections needing to be performed on Raffaello that could lead to inpsections of Leonardo. Curious if anyone else has information....
Please provide a link to the information. We can't comment on "murmurs."
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Ah hem...any updates on the MPLMs ..135 vs 133 impacts? (FYI not an L2 member)
Ah hem... WHAT? What possible impacts would there be? STS-133 is launching and leaving Leonardo on the ISS, and STS-135 will be launching and returning MPLM Raffaello to/from the ISS.
I'm at a complete loss to understand what possible impacts you're thinking there could be... let alone why you think we'd keep that information (if it were out there) a secret?
Heard murmurs about inspections needing to be performed on Raffaello that could lead to inpsections of Leonardo. Curious if anyone else has information....
I haven't heard anything about that. All I know is that Raffaello may be upgraded to allow it to carry aft end-cone stowage, as was done on Leonardo.
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From Ron Garan via Twitter - a look into STS-135 EVA training, now in full swing! :)
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NASA's STS-135 Image Gallery is now online! :)
www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-135/ndxpage1.html
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NASA's STS-135 Image Gallery is now online! :)
www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-135/ndxpage1.html
I love the ring to that...STS-135
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Regarding the external tank, Wikipedia states that ET122 or ET138 would probably be used, with it most likely being ET138 to reduce the chance of foam loss, and ET122 would be moved to STS-134.
Is this just due to the age of the tank, or is there a difference in specification to reduce the chance of foam loss?
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Regarding the external tank, Wikipedia states that ET122 or ET138 would probably be used, with it most likely being ET138 to reduce the chance of foam loss, and ET122 would be moved to STS-134.
Is this just due to the age of the tank, or is there a difference in specification to reduce the chance of foam loss?
No, it's due to ET-122 being the tank that was damaged by Katrina, and subsequently repaired. ET-138 is a "clean" tank.
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NASA's STS-135 Image Gallery is now online! :)
www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-135/ndxpage1.html
I love the ring to that...STS-135
Which reminds me to change the title of this thread ;)
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Regarding the external tank, Wikipedia states that ET122 or ET138 would probably be used, with it most likely being ET138 to reduce the chance of foam loss, and ET122 would be moved to STS-134.
Is this just due to the age of the tank, or is there a difference in specification to reduce the chance of foam loss?
No need to use Wiki, they aren't a source, they are a collection of whatever their edited find (and we do like them as they use this site at times).
If you've got time and the inclination, catch up on the following links. Remember we're a news site first and a forum second.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/sts-134/
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/sts-135/
Both those links will include specifics about ET-122 and ET-138.
And specific to ET-122's return per your question, this will help :)
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/09/maf-pride-returning-et-122-shuttle-manifest/
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Probably questions already answered but I'll go ahead and ask them anyways.
When will Atlantis rollover to the VAB and Rollout to LC39A given a late June launch target?
Also, is there a PRCB for 135 yet?
Orbiter
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Just as a note, the Robotic Refuelling Dexterous Demonstration (R2D2) has been renamed to the Robotic Refuelling Mission (RRM).
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Probably questions already answered but I'll go ahead and ask them anyways.
When will Atlantis rollover to the VAB and Rollout to LC39A given a late June launch target?
Also, is there a PRCB for 135 yet?
Orbiter
I haven't seen it here on this site, but Bill Harwood on his site has Atlantis rollover to the VAB on May 18 and rollout to LC-39A on June 1.
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NASA's STS-135 Image Gallery is now online! :)
www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-135/ndxpage1.html
I love the ring to that...STS-135
Which reminds me to change the title of this thread ;)
And not just this thread, but also the name of the entire Atlantis forum section! :)
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"The Final Four."
Hi-res version: www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-135/hires/jsc2010e196887.jpg
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In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a thermal protection system technician secures a newly installed heat shield tile in place under space shuttle Atlantis. The tiles are part of the Orbiter Thermal Protection System, thermal shields to protect against temperatures as high as 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which are produced during descent for landing. Atlantis is being prepared for the STS-135 mission, which will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the International Space Station.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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Ron - Check your PMs when you get a moment
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New STS-135 article on the mission, includes processing update:
NASA managers insist STS-135 will fly – Payload options under assessment:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/02/nasa-insist-sts-135-will-fly-payload-options-assessment/
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Where are they going to get the funding though if not from Congress?
Orbiter
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Is the mission duration 12+0+2 ? or 11+1+2 ?
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Is the mission duration 12+0+2 ? or 11+1+2 ?
According to the latest documents it is 11+1+2 .
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Is the mission duration 12+0+2 ? or 11+1+2 ?
According to the latest documents it is 11+1+2 .
No, it's a 12+0+2 mission with 1 EVA.
And funding would be allocated from other departments within the agency if need be.
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In NASA HUMANSPACEFLIGHT website, there are pictures of Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus practicing in the NBL (STS-135 mission gallery). However, NASA site says the spacewalk during STS-135 will be performed by the ISS crew. Hence, can some one explain why Rex and Sandy are training as well?
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In NASA HUMANSPACEFLIGHT website, there are pictures of Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus practicing in the NBL (STS-135 mission gallery). However, NASA site says the spacewalk during STS-135 will be performed by the ISS crew. Hence, can some one explain why Rex and Sandy are training as well?
Contingency Shuttle EVA cases, like manually closing the payload bay doors.
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I posted some images on STS-134's processing thread originally of the crawler picking up STS-133's MLP, but since it will be used for STS-135, here it is being moved off of LC39A.
Kevin
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Still moving.
Kevin
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... and moving and moving...
Kevin
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So now both remaining MLP's are each being prepared for their final launches in over 50 years of service. :-(
Are they being disassembled after launch? I thought they were going to be held for future vehicles?
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So now both remaining MLP's are each being prepared for their final launches in over 50 years of service. :-(
Are they being disassembled after launch? I thought they were going to be held for future vehicles?
The simple answer is that there is no current plans to demo the MLPs.
The complex one is that is a HUGE question that has the potential to create one of the famous flaming threads around here. It involves things like will there be a future vehicle, how long before this vehicle comes into existence and how much in common with the STS will it be. It should probably be in a different section.
Edit: I just remembered, the construction of the MLs started in '64. they aren't quite 50 years old yet.
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Thanks - I didn't want to start that discussion, I just was concerned because of the "last launch ever" comment and hoping I didn't miss something ;)
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I thought there is 3 MLP's. One inside VAB for the STS-134 mission, one for the STS-133 mission (Which is supporting the STS-135 mission?) and one outside VAB.
Why isn't the one outside VAB in use?
Here are some pictures I took of the MLP moving back from LC-39A after the STS-133 launch.
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Great shots, that MLP sure has a big scale to it, guess that's visible after seeing it "up close" on the gantry.
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Great shots, that MLP sure has a big scale to it, guess that's visible after seeing it "up close" on the gantry.
Thanks. And you're absolutely right about me being at level 2 on the LC-39 gantry.
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Why isn't the one outside VAB in use?
There are three MLPs. The one at the west refurb site, MLP-1, is the one used for the ARES I-X test launch. They haven't reversed the modifications done to it for that test.
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Nice work with the photos, Oystein - thanks for sharing! :)
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I found some great info on the RRM (Robotics Refuelling Mission), including photos of flight hardware, on the website of Ed Cheung, a scientist working on the Satellite Servicing Demonstration project at GSFC.
http://www.edcheung.com/job/iss/iss.html
http://www.edcheung.com/job/iss/iss2.html
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I found some great info on the RRM (Robotics Refuelling Mission), including photos of flight hardware, on the website of Ed Cheung, a scientist working on the Satellite Servicing Demonstration project at GSFC.
http://www.edcheung.com/job/iss/iss.html
http://www.edcheung.com/job/iss/iss2.html
Great find Pete! Thanks for the link.
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Why isn't the one outside VAB in use?
It was used for the Ares I-X launch in October 2009 and was retired afterward.
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The following is from the Facebook page of Ed Rezac, who is an EVA/EVR Systems Engineer on the Space Servicing Capabilities Project at GSFC, and is posted with his kind permission. Thanks, Ed! :)
Kudos to the awesome team from the Goddard Space Flight Center's Space Servicing Capabilities Project! The Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) payload was loaded on the truck this morning for the trip to the Kennedy Space Center, where we will perform the final preparations for space flight. We are riding with STS-135, the last Space Shuttle mission, to the ISS where we will conduct the first-ever on-orbit robotic satellite servicing tasks. Welcome to a new era of working in space!
www.facebook.com/erezac
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Working on the Rafaello in the SSPF:
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Another article, covering STS-135's status, processing flow, ET modifications and quotes from Wayne Hale on the stringers, per interview with our own Philip Sloss:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/03/sts-135-atlantis-smooth-flow-et-138-mods-hale-stringers/
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Another view of Rafaello
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Couple of tweets on crew training from Dr Sandra Magnus
This afternoon we are learning about some of the science we will be doing- studies on vaccines and genetic changes due to micro-g.
Back at work after a relaxing break. Rex and I are in a class briefing what we are doing in the NBL tomorrow. Tile and RCC repair stuff.
If she keeps it up will definitely be a good complement to the processing flow updates.
http://twitter.com/#!/Astro_Sandy
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Images of RRM (Robotic Refuelling Mission) arriving in the SSPF at KSC.
Hi-res versions are at: http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=226
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2011-2367.jpg also shows a good view of the Spacelab Pallets in the SSPF, of which one might be used to return the PMA-3 from station on this mission.
Edit: from 2011-2366-m.jpg, in the background is the MPESS, which will liftoff with the RRM and then will return the failed pump module
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This was seen in last week's photos of AMS moving to the payload canister in the SSPF - RSPs (Resupply Stowage Platforms) being stockpiled, obviously for STS-135's MPLM.
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Rex and I are at the NBL getting prepared for our run. We have to set up the tools for our suits and the many bags we will take with us.
I am training with Rex for contingencies. Mike and Ron will do the EVA during our mission.
http://twitter.com/#!/Astro_Sandy
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John says that they are working overtime to support June 28th opportunity, and that Atlantis will be moved to the VAB a week early. It's a big push to make that date, with the tanking / XRays at the pad.
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The STS-135 crew portrait and poster is now being previewed on collectSPACE. :)
www.collectspace.com/sts135_crewportrait
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When is the rollover?
Thanks.
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Sounds interesting:
Just finished undock training. ISS will be in an unusual attitude so we will get some unique views and pictures.
http://twitter.com/#!/Astro_Sandy
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When is the rollover?
Thanks.
Was May 18 and June 1, likely to be moved up as stated.
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Another STS-135 update:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/03/sts-135-preparing-srb-stacking-mission-tweaking/
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Ongoing Commercial delta V discussion moved to Commercial Space Flight General board to keep things focused on STS-135 ;)
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John says that they are working overtime to support June 28th opportunity, and that Atlantis will be moved to the VAB a week early. It's a big push to make that date, with the tanking / XRays at the pad.
Sorry to go back to this a few days after it was posted, but I recall reading "discussion" (can't remember if it was here or elsewhere) about a possible request to move STS-135 into the August/September range as late in the FY as possible.
Is that discussion dead as a doornail and are all eyes on the June launch window at this point?
Thanks, in advance.
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John says that they are working overtime to support June 28th opportunity, and that Atlantis will be moved to the VAB a week early. It's a big push to make that date, with the tanking / XRays at the pad.
Sorry to go back to this a few days after it was posted, but I recall reading "discussion" (can't remember if it was here or elsewhere) about a possible request to move STS-135 into the August/September range as late in the FY as possible.
Is that discussion dead as a doornail and are all eyes on the June launch window at this point?
Thanks, in advance.
You're correct. The idea was to see if they could hold out for a few ORUs to get built (as they won't support the June date), but recently - per Gerst - they've become more solid on the June target, as has the ISS side.
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John says that they are working overtime to support June 28th opportunity, and that Atlantis will be moved to the VAB a week early. It's a big push to make that date, with the tanking / XRays at the pad.
Sorry to go back to this a few days after it was posted, but I recall reading "discussion" (can't remember if it was here or elsewhere) about a possible request to move STS-135 into the August/September range as late in the FY as possible.
Is that discussion dead as a doornail and are all eyes on the June launch window at this point?
Thanks, in advance.
You're correct. The idea was to see if they could hold out for a few ORUs to get built (as they won't support the June date), but recently - per Gerst - they've become more solid on the June target, as has the ISS side.
But is that because of the ORUs being ready, or being deffered, crew ops pressure, or funding pressure?
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John says that they are working overtime to support June 28th opportunity, and that Atlantis will be moved to the VAB a week early. It's a big push to make that date, with the tanking / XRays at the pad.
Sorry to go back to this a few days after it was posted, but I recall reading "discussion" (can't remember if it was here or elsewhere) about a possible request to move STS-135 into the August/September range as late in the FY as possible.
Is that discussion dead as a doornail and are all eyes on the June launch window at this point?
Thanks, in advance.
You're correct. The idea was to see if they could hold out for a few ORUs to get built (as they won't support the June date), but recently - per Gerst - they've become more solid on the June target, as has the ISS side.
But is that because of the ORUs being ready, or being deffered, crew ops pressure, or funding pressure?
They've never said. Betting it's to do with funding in some way.
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Just because some would like to know, SRB stacking is scheduled to begin today for STS-135.
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Will be sad to see them do the last ever Shuttle SRB stacking and mating
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Sorry if this has already been mentioned in the thread, but will STS-335 be on LC39B anytime soon for Endeavour's April 19th launch? I will try to be out there April 8th and take photos of the two if they are there. Didn't get a chance to last time (STS-124 and 326). Thanks.
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Sorry if this has already been mentioned in the thread, but will STS-335 be on LC39B anytime soon for Endeavour's April 19th launch? I will try to be out there April 8th and take photos of the two if they are there. Didn't get a chance to last time (STS-124 and 326). Thanks.
No, that was a rarity and was done for the last time for the STS-125 launch in 2009, which was the last non-ISS Shuttle mission. Pad 39B no longer supports Shuttle launches and the Shuttle structures are currently being demolished.
The STS-135 Shuttle is scheduled to roll out to Pad 39A in early June, or perhaps a little earlier than that -- but still well after the STS-134 launch.
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Sorry if this has already been mentioned in the thread, but will STS-335 be on LC39B anytime soon for Endeavour's April 19th launch? I will try to be out there April 8th and take photos of the two if they are there. Didn't get a chance to last time (STS-124 and 326). Thanks.
No, that was a rarity and was done for the last time for the STS-125 launch in 2009, which was the last non-ISS Shuttle mission. Pad 39B no longer supports Shuttle launches and the Shuttle structures are currently being demolished.
The STS-135 Shuttle is scheduled to roll out to Pad 39A in early June, or perhaps a little earlier than that -- but still well after the STS-134 launch.
To add, as well, STS-124 and STS-326 were not on the pads at the same time. STS-326 never made it to the pad since STS-124 was completed successfully. Furthermore, STS-326 would have launched from Pad-A. Endeavour (STS-400) was on Pad-B with the Atlantis (STS-125) on Pad-A in September/Oct. 2008 before the first Hubble delay and again in April/May 2009 for the second Hubble mission campaign. When Endeavour (STS-127) was rolled off Pad-B in late-May 2009, it marked the final time a Space Shuttle vehicle was at Pad-B. The pad was then configured for use of Ares I-X and, as Philip mentioned, is currently being dismantled and can no longer support any kind of Shuttle operation. In fact, Pad-B no longer belongs to the Space Shuttle Program. Pad-B was officially handed off to the Constellation Program in the summer of 2009.
STS-135 is currently set to rollout to Pad-A on June 1 (will likely be moved up a week) for a June 28th launch.
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In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians move a system that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing spacecraft in orbit into the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC). Called the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM), the system is being processed to fly aboard space shuttle Atlantis in the LMC on the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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MPLM rack loading is underway!
In the attached image, you can see that a rack (likely an RSR) has been placed on the Rack Insertion Device, ready to be loaded through the MPLM aft endcone.
It looks like another rack (again an RSR) is already present in the MPLM.
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Sorry if this has already been mentioned in the thread, but will STS-335 be on LC39B anytime soon for Endeavour's April 19th launch? I will try to be out there April 8th and take photos of the two if they are there. Didn't get a chance to last time (STS-124 and 326). Thanks.
No, that was a rarity and was done for the last time for the STS-125 launch in 2009, which was the last non-ISS Shuttle mission. Pad 39B no longer supports Shuttle launches and the Shuttle structures are currently being demolished.
The STS-135 Shuttle is scheduled to roll out to Pad 39A in early June, or perhaps a little earlier than that -- but still well after the STS-134 launch.
To add, as well, STS-124 and STS-326 were not on the pads at the same time. STS-326 never made it to the pad since STS-124 was completed successfully. Furthermore, STS-326 would have launched from Pad-A. Endeavour (STS-400) was on Pad-B with the Atlantis (STS-125) on Pad-A in September/Oct. 2008 before the first Hubble delay and again in April/May 2009 for the second Hubble mission campaign. When Endeavour (STS-127) was rolled off Pad-B in late-May 2009, it marked the final time a Space Shuttle vehicle was at Pad-B. The pad was then configured for use of Ares I-X and, as Philip mentioned, is currently being dismantled and can no longer support any kind of Shuttle operation. In fact, Pad-B no longer belongs to the Space Shuttle Program. Pad-B was officially handed off to the Constellation Program in the summer of 2009.
STS-135 is currently set to rollout to Pad-A on June 1 (will likely be moved up a week) for a June 28th launch.
Thanks. I wasn't sure if it was STS-124 or 125 that had the two out there. I did go to the STS-124 launch (my pic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:STS124LaunchSpoilIslandsView.JPG). I now remember having to be in central Florida the first week of September and last week of October on separate occasions. The gates at Canaveral National Seashore were open without entry fee and we went in and saw the two (LC39B a mile away). Pretty awesome up close. No pics. :(
I'll be there a week from today so I was hoping to get some pics. I guess all I will get are some shots of 39B being dismantled. :/
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In a rendezvous sim with MCC all day. Our first integrated sim and chance to practice. Will find out how the four person crew will work out.
http://twitter.com/#!/Astro_Sandy
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The aforementioned RSR went into the MPLM today.
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Can I just check that the plan is still to bring PMA 3 back?
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Can I just check that the plan is still to bring PMA 3 back?
We're not sure yet.
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Can I just check that the plan is still to bring PMA 3 back?
Unknown at this time.
There are two pieces of evidence to suggest that it's coming back:
1) The fact that they removed the Strela adapter from PMA-3's FRGF during STS-133 EVA-2.
2) The fact that a "road to" ULF-7 activity is listed as ingressing PMA-3 and installing the Node 3 Port CDC (Center Disk Cover).
However, there is no official confirmation from NASA, even on L2, and looking at recent images of Atlantis' Payload Bay on the KSC Media Gallery, the PRLAs (Payload Retention Latch Assemblies) for the SLP (Space Lab Pallet), which would be used to return PMA-3, are not installed.
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the PRLAs (Payload Retention Latch Assemblies) for the SLP (Space Lab Pallet), which would be used to return PMA-3, are not installed.
Umm, you dont need PRLAs for that as the SLP wont need to be removed from the payload bay
Non-deployable payloads are retained by bolted passive retention devices, and deployable payloads are secured by motor-driven, active retention devices.
http://www.shuttlepresskit.com/scom/219.pdf
Edit: Here is the animation from STS-92 showing how the PMA-3 was installed, I would guess it would be returned the same way (except starting at Node 2 zenith:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/video/shuttle/sts-92/mpg/sts92pf05.mpg
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http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/video/shuttle/sts-92/mpg/sts92pf05.mpg
Ooh. Is there any way to browse those videos? The site won't let me view the directory listings.
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Sorry for straying OT but Try:
http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/index.html (http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/index.html)
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Edit: Here is the animation from STS-92 showing how the PMA-3 was installed, I would guess it would be returned the same way (except starting at Node 2 zenith:
Unlatching it from the SLP was an EVA task.
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the PRLAs (Payload Retention Latch Assemblies) for the SLP (Space Lab Pallet), which would be used to return PMA-3, are not installed.
Umm, you dont need PRLAs for that as the SLP wont need to be removed from the payload bay
Yes, I know that. Only active PRLAs are needed for payload removal on-orbit. Passive PRLAs will still be needed to hold the SLP in the PLB. Neither the passive PRLAs nor their supporting PLB longerons are currently installed in Atlantis.
A comparison of active and passive PRLAs is attached.
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Two good looks inside MPLM FM-2 "Raffaello" during the STS-135 CEIT.
Three RSPs are visible at MPLM DECK (top of image), and two RSPs plus one ISP are visible at MPLM OVHD (bottom of image). They have also adapted the end-cone to accommodate end-cone stowage.
Hi-res versions, and more CEIT images are here: http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=226
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While at Kennedy, the STS-135 crew had the chance to check out Atlantis' payload bay.
http://twitpic.com/photos/NASAKennedy
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NASA TV has a Video File item on the CEIT this evening...fairly long (25 minutes), perhaps in part because this would be the final one.
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Just an FYI, three of the four STS-135 crewmembers are now on Twitter!
Chris Ferguson (@Astro_Ferg (http://twitter.com/Astro_Ferg)).
Doug Hurley (@Astro_Doug (http://twitter.com/Astro_Doug)).
Sandy Magnus (@Astro_Sandy (http://twitter.com/Astro_Sandy)).
All we need now is Rex Walheim!
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Excellent explanation of notes on L2 by Mr ISS :)
STS-134 Soyuz Flyabout Cancelled – Planning switched to STS-135 - by Pete Harding:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/04/sts-134-soyuz-flyabout-cancelled-planning-to-sts-135/
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Regarding the Soyuz fly around with STS-135 challenges;
How long Atlantis (without SSTPS) can remain docked to the ISS? Isnt there are a way to extend the mission to 13 days?
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Regarding the Soyuz fly around with STS-135 challenges;
How long Atlantis (without SSTPS) can remain docked to the ISS? Isnt there are a way to extend the mission to 13 days?
We're lucky to get the mission in the first place without a LON shuttle. One of the biggest risks for a shuttle is mmod, and the longer it's up there, the more vulnerable it is.
We want as quick a mission as possible.
(also, Atlantis doesn't have SSPTS, so it can't draw off ISS power, so that affects mission timeline as well)
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We want as quick a mission as possible.
I think the programs would trade the additional MMOD risk over a typical 24-hour period at ISS for another docked day. The mission has already been extended from 11+1 to 12+0.
An extension beyond that would probably be a real-time decision during the mission based on the situation. One of the factors will likely be how quickly the mission lifts off after the PRSD load, but launching on the first attempt is tough to bank on. And that's likely only part of the story.
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Would they be willing to sacrifice a weather day, to go from 12+0+2 to 13+0+1?
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Would they be willing to sacrifice a weather day, to go from 12+0+2 to 13+0+1?
No.
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We want as quick a mission as possible.
I respectfully disagree. However, since my knowledge is based on readings and I am not a NASA worker, I could be totally wrong with the following views;
1. Spending more time in space may yield additional benefits such as more time for science and additional man power time for ISS activities such as cargo transfers. The duration determination of a mission seems a complex issue with the influence of many fixed/dynamic factors. Shuttles were designed to stay up some time in space and MMOD vulnerability can be minimized.
2. Somehow, I felt that with Atlantis, MCC-H is reluctant to extend mission timelines while with Discovery/Endeavour they are happy to do so (both before the mission kicks off the ground and up in space). The main reasons might be Atlantis not having the SSTPS and due to that her missions are planned with less number of tasks (can someone verify this?). In case of STS-129, I remember even though Atlantis had extra Cyro margins to stay up longer, MCC-H did not extend the mission. Once the mission objectives are achieved, the main priority is to bring her home :).
3. However, as psloss had mentioned both STS-132 and 135 have now already been extended by a day. So it seems that NASA is pushing maximum with STS-135. The weather day extension seems to be not an option (also judging from the previous Atlantis missions, NASA may not extend the mission when she is up in space).
4. I wonder, whether an ISS-shuttle photo could be taken using the HST or any other appropriate satellite if the Soyuz does not work out? May be this is not possible? Can someone comment? Of course, even if possible, all the unique vantage point pictures might not be possible.
5. Finally, let’s hope that Atlantis kicks off the ground on the first opportunity (as she did with STS-129 and STS-132!). With some additional Cyro margins and other favorable factors, hope NASA can do the photo shoot (if STS-135 timeline is the most important issue to overcome). Being the last flight, NASA might also like to do additional educational/ PR activities during the mission as well.
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CDR is up late:
The team is working an excellent idea to "yaw" ISS 90 degrees during the shuttle's fly-around maneuver. Stunning ISS side-view expected.
http://twitter.com/#!/Astro_Ferg
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1. Spending more time in space may yield additional benefits such as more time for science and additional man power time for ISS activities such as cargo transfers. The duration determination of a mission seems a complex issue with the influence of many fixed/dynamic factors. Shuttles were designed to stay up some time in space and MMOD vulnerability can be minimized.
No, the trade would be additional transfer time vs. additional MMOD risk. The docked attitude doesn't minimize the MMOD risk to the orbiter, which largely flies in a different attitude while undocked.
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1. Spending more time in space may yield additional benefits such as more time for science and additional man power time for ISS activities such as cargo transfers. The duration determination of a mission seems a complex issue with the influence of many fixed/dynamic factors. Shuttles were designed to stay up some time in space and MMOD vulnerability can be minimized.
No, the trade would be additional transfer time vs. additional MMOD risk. The docked attitude doesn't minimize the MMOD risk to the orbiter, which largely flies in a different attitude while undocked.
To be fair here, the ISS/Shuttle stack's docked attitude does somewhat serve to protect the orbiter's TPS as much as possible.
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4. I wonder, whether an ISS-shuttle photo could be taken using the HST or any other appropriate satellite if the Soyuz does not work out? May be this is not possible? Can someone comment? Of course, even if possible, all the unique vantage point pictures might not be possible.
No, the fact that HST is in a completely different orbit and travelling at a different velocity to ISS would make it next to impossible, even for a computer. It would be much easier to use a stationary ground-based telescope (which has been done many times before).
Being the last flight, NASA might also like to do additional educational/ PR activities during the mission as well.
Yes, they do, but the mission timeline is so packed that NASA are already looking at dropping some PAO events.
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Didn't know where to post this, but Florida Today mentions that it will probably be Atlantis that will go on display at the KSC Visitor Complex
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110411/BREAKINGNEWS/110411014/Sources-Space-shuttle-will-remain-Space-Coast?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home
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Didn't know where to post this
There's info on this in the Orbiter Retirement thread.
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While everyone else was out watching the 30th anniversary press conference, the guys in the SSPF were busy packing Rafaello for the last flight:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
They stayed focused ;)
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Chris Ferguson on Twitter;
Round trip to KSC today for 30th anniversary celebration of STS-1. Atlantis will stay at KSC upon retirement. (I offered "free delivery")
;D
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I just found this great blog at the Houston Chronicle - "Final Mission", a behind-the-scenes look at the STS-135 crew training. :)
http://blogs.chron.com/finalmission
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Fergie's own words in response to a question (not from me) on whether the ISS yaw during the Shuttle flyaround is being done instead of the Soyuz flyabout:
They're considering both, but the Soyuz fly around will be tough to fit in the timeline. We'll see....
Even the mission CDR doesn't sound very confident about it. :(
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An RSP on the Rack Insertion Device.
First it will be loaded with bags, then transferred into the MPLM.
Watch live video of the operations here: http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/channel6
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A very good overview of the challenges faced by mission planners for STS-135...
Troubled STS-135 mission timeline under review - by Chris Gebhardt
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/04/troubled-sts-135-mission-timeline-under-review/
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A very good overview of the challenges faced by mission planners for STS-135...
Troubled STS-135 mission timeline under review - by Chris Gebhardt
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/04/troubled-sts-135-mission-timeline-under-review/
Great article, Chris G!
Basically, they need an extra day in order to accomplish all transfer objectives. Obviously Atlantis' lack of SSPTS prevents that, but even if that extra day was gained through deletion of other activities, the Soyuz flyabout would take out a sizeable chunk of it. In short: it doesn't look good for a Soyuz flyabout.
If the descending node entry was chosen (+ 28 hours), along with the cancellation of the EVA (+ 26 hours), then a Soyuz flyabout might be doable.
With regard to potentially dropping the EVA, I wonder whether the SPDM could be used for the ORU transfers instead (which would be controlled from the ground 24/7, thus freeing up the on-orbit crew)? RRM will be installed onto the SPDM's EOTP by the EVA crew, so there shouldn't be any trouble with the SPDM doing that itself (it recently demonstrated that ability during the HTV-2 ORU transfers). That would just leave the PM transfer from ESP-2 to the LMC - which might be difficult due to the MPLM on Node 2 Nadir blocking access to the PLB. Maybe put the MPLM on Node 2 Zenith - thus creating PLB access and shielding the flight-deck windows during the Soyuz flyabout? Just a thought. :)
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STS-135 was planned from the beginning to get absolute maximum upmass. It seems that they may have gone a little too far with this not leaving enough crew time to accomplish the mission. Why not add back a crew member? The Tim Kopra incident recently demonstrated that they are capable of adding a crew member very late in the planning if the crew member in question is up to speed. I even have a suggestion as to who it might be - Tim Kopra.
Seriously, is there are reason that isn't on the list to be considered? Is it too late to reconfigure the vehicle?
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I believe that limiting the crew size to 4 was due to the lack of a Shuttle rescue mission for STS-135. I understand it could take the better part of a year to have Soyuz spacecraft bring down the STS-135 crew.
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I believe that limiting the crew size to 4 was due to the lack of a Shuttle rescue mission for STS-135. I understand it could take the better part of a year to have Soyuz spacecraft bring down the STS-135 crew.
I forgot about that. That's why I asked.
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Two massive missions. And they say retirement wasn't a mistake?
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The RSP is now loaded with cargo.
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Chris G;
On your latest article about the tight STS-135 timeline;
Currently, 12 day flight means, 11 days 19 hours? (assuming Atlantis lands with no delays). You have mentioned descending node entry will buy 28 hours of extra timeline. So does it mean that 11 days, 19 hours + 28 hours or 11 days, 19 hours remain the same but 28 hours can be added for docked time at ISS?
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3 hours on a Friday afternoon to catch up with paperwork....feels like someone gave me $50. Big move to add Soyuz fly-about to 135.
A "big move"? Sounds promising! :)
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Chris G;
On your latest article about the tight STS-135 timeline;
Currently, 12 day flight means, 11 days 19 hours? (assuming Atlantis lands with no delays). You have mentioned descending node entry will buy 28 hours of extra timeline. So does it mean that 11 days, 19 hours + 28 hours or 11 days, 19 hours remain the same but 28 hours can be added for docked time at ISS?
11days 19hrs + 6hrs, actually. Complicated explanation, but the descending node entry buys 6hrs of orbital time. The additional time (to get us to ~28hrs) comes from the just over 1hr of additional USABLE crew time from each of the four crew members over the life of the mission from sleep shifting forward a total of 2hrs.
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So, I was thinking some more about how the EVA could potentially be dropped from 135.
The EVA objectives (in priority order) are PM transfer from ESP-2 to LMC, RRM transfer from LMC to SPDM, MISSE-8 setup, and CP7 ETVCG R&R.
Let's assume the MISSE-8 setup and CP7 ETVCG R&R are dropped, since they are not "mission essential" items (i.e. they can be done another time).
Now, seems as the PM transfer from ESP-2 to LMC would need to be done first, how about ground controllers remove the PM from ESP-2 prior to 135, using the SPDM? Then, as soon as Atlantis docks and the MPLM is installed, ground control could get to work with the SPDM, installing the PM onto the top of the LMC, and removing RRM from the bottom. In total, those operations shouldn't take more than a day, and would have zero impact on crew time. We already know that the SPDM can successfully complete FRAM ops, since we saw that with HTV-2.
This plan might require the MPLM to be placed on Node 2 Zenith in order to create PLB access for the SSRMS/SPDM, but that shouldn't be a showstopper.
Thoughts?
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I could see the EVA being dropped from 135's timeline in that case Pete.
Orbiter
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11days 19hrs + 6hrs, actually. Complicated explanation, but the descending node entry buys 6hrs of orbital time. The additional time (to get us to ~28hrs) comes from the just over 1hr of additional USABLE crew time from each of the four crew members over the life of the mission from sleep shifting forward a total of 2hrs.
Thank you very much for the explanation Chris. What I thought earlier was, no matter what (ascending/descending entry), each astronaut will have a FIXED rest/sleeping time during a day. Can you briefly explain why depending on ascending/descending entry, the crew resting period changes for STS-135?
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11days 19hrs + 6hrs, actually. Complicated explanation, but the descending node entry buys 6hrs of orbital time. The additional time (to get us to ~28hrs) comes from the just over 1hr of additional USABLE crew time from each of the four crew members over the life of the mission from sleep shifting forward a total of 2hrs.
Thank you very much for the explanation Chris. What I thought earlier was, no matter what (ascending/descending entry), each astronaut will have a FIXED rest/sleeping time during a day. Can you briefly explain why depending on ascending/descending entry, the crew resting period changes for STS-135?
Since no one has answered, I'll give it a try in hopes someone will correct me if I say something wrong.
Start with the fact that the entry day has a pretty fixed timeline, which means you have to start at a particular time for that particular entry.
Next, realize that the ascending and descending nodes are around 12 hours apart. So, in one case you might have to sleep-shift a bit forward (earlier) during the mission to meet that timeline, in the other case you might have to sleep-shift later (by a total of up to a maximum of 12 hours), thus "earning" some extra time in the mission because you are living 25 hour days or so during the mission.
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Was it a mistake to choose Atlantis for this mission? (Or should they have installed a SSPTS?)
Maybe Discovery should have been turned around for this flight. (Although that would have slipped the late June launch, I suppose)
I know I am probably being overly simplistic.........
Brent
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At one point the plan was to equip Atlantis with SSPTS after she returned from STS-125 (Hubble):
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2008/01/atlantis-flying-to-2010-hubble-slightly-delayed-manifest-re-aligned/
So she would have had it for STS-129 and STS-132 (and now STS-135).
I don't know why they decided not to pursue that plan.
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Was it a mistake to choose Atlantis for this mission? (Or should they have installed a SSPTS?)
Maybe Discovery should have been turned around for this flight. (Although that would have slipped the late June launch, I suppose)
I know I am probably being overly simplistic.........
Brent
The underlying problem was the required Orbiter Maintenance Down Period, where they had to go into all the hard-to-reach areas & inspect the orbiter. Discovery's time was up, Endeavour is flying, which leaves Atlantis. That's how the cards fall. Delaying the program is obviously not an option - and we're just lucky to get this flight.
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Next, realize that the ascending and descending nodes are around 12 hours apart. So, in one case you might have to sleep-shift a bit forward (earlier) during the mission to meet that timeline, in the other case you might have to sleep-shift later (by a total of up to a maximum of 12 hours), thus "earning" some extra time in the mission because you are living 25 hour days or so during the mission.
The principle is correct, but ascending and descending nodes are ~6 hours apart.
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Was it a mistake to choose Atlantis for this mission? (Or should they have installed a SSPTS?)
The underlying problem was the required Orbiter Maintenance Down Period, where they had to go into all the hard-to-reach areas & inspect the orbiter.
Time and cycle issues for the other orbiters might be one factor, but the bigger one was resources / money. With the workforce being reduced every quarter, there are no longer enough resources to turn around either of the other two vehicles fast enough after their flights to "go again." (Probably the case for some months now.)
The SSPTS question is an interesting one, but one of the issues was probably circumstance -- a lot of the time between Atlantis's flight after the last HST servicing mission and her next one was eaten up by the last big delay before launch.
That's how the cards fall. Delaying the program is obviously not an option - and we're just lucky to get this flight.
Yes, unfortunately.
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Was it a mistake to choose Atlantis for this mission? (Or should they have installed a SSPTS?)
Maybe Discovery should have been turned around for this flight. (Although that would have slipped the late June launch, I suppose)
I know I am probably being overly simplistic.........
Brent
The underlying problem was the required Orbiter Maintenance Down Period, where they had to go into all the hard-to-reach areas & inspect the orbiter. Discovery's time was up, Endeavour is flying, which leaves Atlantis. That's how the cards fall. Delaying the program is obviously not an option - and we're just lucky to get this flight.
Close, but Discovery's OMDP timeline was extended out through STS-133 and Jan. 2012. As Philip says above, though, money was the bigger factor here. They didn't want to spend all that money installing SSPTS on Atlantis for only two flights (129 and 132). Remember, 135 was not on the radar at that time.
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Was it a mistake to choose Atlantis for this mission? (Or should they have installed a SSPTS?)
Maybe Discovery should have been turned around for this flight. (Although that would have slipped the late June launch, I suppose)
I know I am probably being overly simplistic.........
Brent
Not a mistake at all. Remember, STS-133 was originally an 8+1+2 day mission with 0 EVAs. It was subsequently modified over the course of several months to an 11+1+2 mission with 2 EVAs before finally landing pre-launch at 12+1+2 days. (Any orbiter could have flown this mission based on it's original requirements.)
STS-134 was originally a 12+1+2 day 3 EVA mission. It was subsequently extended to a 14+1+2 day 4 EVA mission and then, just last week, to 14+2+2 mission. (Again, any orbiter could have flown this mission based on it's original requirements.)
STS-135 was originally the STS-335 crew rescue mission for STS-134. Atlantis was next up in the rotation. Decisions and meeting went back and forth between an 11+1+2 day 0 EVA mission and a 12+0+2 day 1 Station-crewed EVA mission. Eventually, they settled on 12+0+2 days. (Again, any orbiter could have been assigned this mission based on its ORIGINAL requirements.)
Further, as outlined in the article on site right now, the timeline issues are not insurmountable -- just highlighted more than usual because Atlantis can only launch into at 12+0+2 day maximum mission.
Lastly, remember that before the Station was equipment with enough solar arrays, the Shuttles could NOT draw power from it. STS-118 was the first mission to use SSPTS -- and that was in a test situation. STS-120 was the first mission to really utilize SSPTS. Further, Discovery has launched into non-/minimal SSPTS missions since then. STS-128 and STS-133 spring to mind immediately.
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Was it a mistake to choose Atlantis for this mission? (Or should they have installed a SSPTS?)
Maybe Discovery should have been turned around for this flight. (Although that would have slipped the late June launch, I suppose)
I know I am probably being overly simplistic.........
Brent
The underlying problem was the required Orbiter Maintenance Down Period, where they had to go into all the hard-to-reach areas & inspect the orbiter. Discovery's time was up, Endeavour is flying, which leaves Atlantis. That's how the cards fall. Delaying the program is obviously not an option - and we're just lucky to get this flight.
Close, but Discovery's OMDP timeline was extended out through STS-133 and Jan. 2012. As Philip says above, though, money was the bigger factor here. They didn't want to spend all that money installing SSPTS on Atlantis for only two flights (129 and 132). Remember, 135 was not on the radar at that time.
But Discovery had to have a CR for an extension for flight STS-133 to make it its 9th flight, not just 2012 (they were only allowed 8 flights or 5.5 years). So it's time was up, regardless.
(based on this L2 document http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=20574.0)
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Another RSP is getting ready to go into the MPLM.
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Was it a mistake to choose Atlantis for this mission? (Or should they have installed a SSPTS?)
Maybe Discovery should have been turned around for this flight. (Although that would have slipped the late June launch, I suppose)
I know I am probably being overly simplistic.........
Brent
The underlying problem was the required Orbiter Maintenance Down Period, where they had to go into all the hard-to-reach areas & inspect the orbiter. Discovery's time was up, Endeavour is flying, which leaves Atlantis. That's how the cards fall. Delaying the program is obviously not an option - and we're just lucky to get this flight.
Close, but Discovery's OMDP timeline was extended out through STS-133 and Jan. 2012. As Philip says above, though, money was the bigger factor here. They didn't want to spend all that money installing SSPTS on Atlantis for only two flights (129 and 132). Remember, 135 was not on the radar at that time.
But Discovery had to have a CR for an extension for flight STS-133 to make it its 9th flight, not just 2012 (they were only allowed 8 flights or 5.5 years). So it's time was up, regardless.
(based on this L2 document http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=20574.0)
The year markers are more important here. Discovery was upped to 9 flights and 6.5 years, as was Atlantis... yet they still did OMDP time-cycle inspections on Atlantis above what was required.
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Some images of the RSP's inserted now up, no fancy Racks for STS-135:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=226
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no fancy Racks for STS-135
Yup, that's right - just boring old RSPs, RSRs and ZSRs. :D
Take a look at the label on the RSP cargo bag - "Menu Food". We're going to see a lot of this kind of cargo on STS-135 - crew provisions to keep ISS operating throughout 2012 in case commercial suffers a setback.
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Planners carving room in flight plan for Soyuz fly-around maneuver while Atlantis docked on STS-135. Should provide picture of a lifetime.
So, it sounds like doing a Soyuz flyabout on 135 is a fairly big priority. Yippee! ;D
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Planners carving room in flight plan for Soyuz fly-around maneuver while Atlantis docked on STS-135. Should provide picture of a lifetime.
So, it sounds like doing a Soyuz flyabout on 135 is a fairly big priority. Yippee! ;D
Interesting. Will be fascinating to see their rationalization for removing mission content - on a flight that was touted as being necessary BECAUSE of all these activities we have to do - just to take a photo.
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Planners carving room in flight plan for Soyuz fly-around maneuver while Atlantis docked on STS-135. Should provide picture of a lifetime.
So, it sounds like doing a Soyuz flyabout on 135 is a fairly big priority. Yippee! ;D
Interesting. Will be fascinating to see their rationalization for removing mission content - on a flight that was touted as being necessary BECAUSE of all these activities we have to do - just to take a photo.
Well, they may not necessarily have to remove mission content - they could deicide to go with the descending node entry, and remove the EVA. This would create close to two extra days of crew time during the docked mission. All mission specific EVA objectives (i.e. PM and RRM xfer) could likely still be performed via the SPDM.
Also, doing the Soyuz flyabout may give them more grounds to remove some PAO events, since the PAO value of the flyabout images will likely be more than an on-orbit news conference, etc.
On an unrelated note to this discussion, I thought of something else yesterday: If the Soyuz flyabout goes ahead, then Atlantis will become the only orbiter to have been photographed while docked to a space station, since the Mir Soyuz flyabout was done with Atlantis as well. Another first for Atlantis! :)
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Planners carving room in flight plan for Soyuz fly-around maneuver while Atlantis docked on STS-135. Should provide picture of a lifetime.
So, it sounds like doing a Soyuz flyabout on 135 is a fairly big priority. Yippee! ;D
Interesting. Will be fascinating to see their rationalization for removing mission content - on a flight that was touted as being necessary BECAUSE of all these activities we have to do - just to take a photo.
Well, they may not necessarily have to remove mission content - they could deicide to go with the descending node entry, and remove the EVA. This would create close to two extra days of crew time during the docked mission. All mission specific EVA objectives (i.e. PM and RRM xfer) could likely still be performed via the SPDM.
Also, doing the Soyuz flyabout may give them more grounds to remove some PAO events, since the PAO value of the flyabout images will likely be more than an on-orbit news conference, etc.
On an unrelated note to this discussion, I thought of something else yesterday: If the Soyuz flyabout goes ahead, then Atlantis will become the only orbiter to have been photographed while docked to a space station, since the Mir Soyuz flyabout was done with Atlantis as well. Another first for Atlantis! :)
But the EVA is classed as mission content and has been scheduled to occur during the docked mission for a reason. Hence, they would still be deleting mission content just to a photo.
And I'm not even going to touch the whole let's a photo and drop PAO events on the LAST Shuttle mission. As they have already noted, deleting PAO stuff is probably not gonna happen.
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Atlantis' airlock was closed today
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=226
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Another first for Atlantis! :)
Another first for Atlantis will be to carry a MPLM into orbit.
Though Discovery and Endeavour have carried Leonardo and Raffaello several times, Atlantis has never hauled the two to the ISS.
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Another first for Atlantis will be to carry a MPLM into orbit.
True, but Atlantis did bring Columbus to station, which is related to the MPLM's (and consequently had the knickname of Michelangelo) . Atlantis has also done logistics runs with Spacehab modules as well.
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STS-135 Mission: Due to some additional pre-rollover work, Atlantis' payload bay doors now will be closed Thursday instead of today.
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STS-135 Mission: Due to some additional pre-rollover work, Atlantis' payload bay doors now will be closed Thursday instead of today.
I think that decides the article I'll write today as there's a fairly hefty IPR overview via the NTD on L2.
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And here's a STS-135 article on the above with a load of L2 meaty-ness.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/04/sts-135-atlantis-may-12-rollover-final-shuttle-milestones/
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And here's a STS-135 article on the above with a load of L2 meaty-ness.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/04/sts-135-atlantis-may-12-rollover-final-shuttle-milestones/
NO accidents in the over 30 years of SRB stacking - WOW! What a way to close that chapter of Shuttle.
It's also worth mentioning that one of the case segment components (the forward cylinder for the left SRB) for STS-135 was used on STS-1. Talk about coming full circle.
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And here's a STS-135 article on the above with a load of L2 meaty-ness.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/04/sts-135-atlantis-may-12-rollover-final-shuttle-milestones/
The article states "The payload bay door closure – the final time the operation will be conducted on an orbiter inside an OPF – has been slightly delayed to Thursday due an issue with a loose fuse cap slipping the schedule for the final cleaning and configuration of the payload bay.
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Do you mean the final payload bay door closure for flight inside the OPF? And not the absolutely final PLBD closure in the OPF?
Surely as Endeavour and Atlantis come back for DMP they'll have to have the PLBDs reopened (to remove payloads / do closeout work) and then reclosed in the OPF to prep them for display, correct?
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And here's a STS-135 article on the above with a load of L2 meaty-ness.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/04/sts-135-atlantis-may-12-rollover-final-shuttle-milestones/
The article states "The payload bay door closure – the final time the operation will be conducted on an orbiter inside an OPF – has been slightly delayed to Thursday due an issue with a loose fuse cap slipping the schedule for the final cleaning and configuration of the payload bay.
"
Do you mean the final payload bay door closure for flight inside the OPF? And not the absolutely final PLBD closure in the OPF?
Surely as Endeavour and Atlantis come back for DMP they'll have to have the PLBDs reopened (to remove payloads / do closeout work) and then reclosed in the OPF to prep them for display, correct?
Yes, he means final PLBD closure for flight.
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It's also worth mentioning that one of the case segment components (the forward cylinder for the left SRB) for STS-135 was used on STS-1. Talk about coming full circle.
I thought the first flights used the original cases that had slightly thicker walls than the current design? Or are you refering to the forward skirt?
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I missed it, but apparently there is a picosat deployment on Flight day 12
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I missed it, but apparently there is a picosat deployment on Flight day 12
Today I reviewed the spacesuit controls and also some lessons learned on the shuttle robot armed. We practised a small satellite deploy too.
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payload bay doors have been closed for rollover:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=226
Looks like PMA-3 is staying onorbit
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The ET and SRBs were mated today
Also images of atlantis' gear and the LWAPA being installed on the MPESS:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=226
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Also images of atlantis' gear and the LWAPA being installed on the MPESS:
Just as a note, this is not the same LWAPA that was removed from the COL EPF during STS-133. That LWAPA converted a FRAM interface to a MISSE interface. This PM adaptor plate converts the LMC attachment points to a FRAM interface.
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ET-138 being mated with the SRBs
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=226
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ET-138 being mated with the SRBs
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=226
For the last time :(
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Check out this great video about the RRM payload. Looks very cool! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvfgp8N7JNs
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Planning ahead for Atlantis' STS-135 launch June 28? New launch time is 3:33:42 p.m. EDT at Kennedy Space Center.
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Planning ahead for Atlantis' STS-135 launch June 28? New launch time is 3:33:42 p.m. EDT at Kennedy Space Center.
Wonder if they're propagating the ATV reboosts into that projection...
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Going to put this video here, since it shows alot of Atlantis:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LlxKoOhCxM
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The First Family walking underneath Atlantis
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Looking at some of the faces, makes one question some decisions....
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Looking at some of the faces, makes one question some decisions....
Not to go on a tangent and get off topic, but I believe those faces show exactly why, in the grand scheme of things, that not a lot of people are interested in space. The President is mere inches from knocking his head on Atlantis' tire, and his children and wife are feet from the TPS. How can you not be smiling like a 2 year old and giddy as heck? Michelle looks like she's ticked off to even be there.
I, personally, believe that the Shuttle program is one of the most amazing achievements in this country. It looks like they don't even CARE that thousands of people are being forced to retire, find another job, or go jobless for a little while, and they're 5 feet from Atlantis, if that.
I'll end my tangent there, so we can get back to the star of this thread, Atlantis.
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C'mon guys -- you're making some wild assumptions about how everyone should act in that situation. Or what that would look like.
Don't forget that they'd also been in Alabama earlier in the day, and being in the area the other day when those storms came through has a way of taking some of the edge off the excitement of a Shuttle launch.
If I was there, I'd also be a couple of feet away from Janet Kavandi -- and I'd want to ask a bunch of serious questions.
Nothing that happened yesterday changes my opinion of the policy decisions already made.
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I wasn't meaning to make it sound like that picture was the tone of the President's policy in any form, just expressing how the picture shows a certain body language without any context - perhaps they were in a discussion at that point... but the way Michelle's arms are crossed, typically means boredom or lack of interest from where I grew up.
And I do agree, seeing destruction and devastation right before something that should be a fun experience would take the edge off - which is a good point. Just commenting on what I see... however, I do wish we had some context with the photo.
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If people are looking for hi-res photos of Obama in OPF-1, they are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto
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I wasn't meaning to make it sound like that picture was the tone of the President's policy in any form, just expressing how the picture shows a certain body language without any context - perhaps they were in a discussion at that point... but the way Michelle's arms are crossed, typically means boredom or lack of interest from where I grew up.
And I do agree, seeing destruction and devastation right before something that should be a fun experience would take the edge off - which is a good point. Just commenting on what I see... however, I do wish we had some context with the photo.
I assume Obama's girls will not spend much time studying math and science. They are probably headed to some Ivy League school to study law like their parents.
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... but the way Michelle's arms are crossed, typically means boredom or lack of interest from where I grew up.
Or she just might be cold, I am pretty sure the A/C is turned up in the LCC to make sure the equipment is cool. All I am saying is that I am too busy looking at the Hardware above them to look too closely at the First Family ;)
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MODERATOR NOTE:
NO more back and forth political jabs at the President and his family. That ends right here, right now on this thread.
Back to Atlantis's processing for STS-135.
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First of all, because of what some people insist on turning everything into, the following post is in no way an endorsement or detraction of the President, his administration or his family. Don't quote part of this to use is in any hater posts one way or the other.
Now that that's out of the way, I had to chuckle at the shot of one of them reaching towards a tire. I was on a ground level facilities tour that included OPF-1 on wensday. Before we went in we were admonished in the strongest terms not to touch anything especially the tires as spinning one would cause $20000 worth of damage :)
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Hey i was just wondering what the rollout date for the STS-135 stack is and how long is the pad turn around from when 134 launchs till the pad is ready to receive the 135 stack?
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Hey i was just wondering what the rollout date for the STS-135 stack is and how long is the pad turn around from when 134 launchs till the pad is ready to receive the 135 stack?
Was May 12, then it went up to May 10 for rollover. They'll have a review this week and set it.
Pad turnaround is about three weeks (? Someone correct me on that)....but I know they've already said 135 is disconnected from 134 slips until this moves a reasonable amount to the right.
If there's a related change, we'll make sure it gets posted.
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Hey i was just wondering what the rollout date for the STS-135 stack is and how long is the pad turn around from when 134 launchs till the pad is ready to receive the 135 stack?
Was May 12, then it went up to May 10 for rollover. They'll have a review this week and set it.
Pad turnaround is about three weeks (? Someone correct me on that)....but I know they've already said 135 is disconnected from 134 slips until this moves a reasonable amount to the right.
If there's a related change, we'll make sure it gets posted.
Rollover TO VAB: May 10.
Rollout to Pad-A: May 18.
Pad turnaround from STS-134 launch to STS-135 rollout is 11 days minimum.
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Hey i was just wondering what the rollout date for the STS-135 stack is and how long is the pad turn around from when 134 launchs till the pad is ready to receive the 135 stack?
Was May 12, then it went up to May 10 for rollover. They'll have a review this week and set it.
Pad turnaround is about three weeks (? Someone correct me on that)....but I know they've already said 135 is disconnected from 134 slips until this moves a reasonable amount to the right.
If there's a related change, we'll make sure it gets posted.
Rollover TO VAB: May 10.
Rollout to Pad-A: May 18.
Pad turnaround from STS-134 launch to STS-135 rollout is 11 days minimum.
*Tips hat* :)
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Rollover TO VAB: May 10.
Rollout to Pad-A: May 18.
Pad turnaround from STS-134 launch to STS-135 rollout is 11 days minimum.
Thanks Chris! So do I take it from those two gems that May 7 is the last launch date for STS-134 before the STS-135 launch date will be affected? Or is there some additional margin in the schedule to cope with a rollout later than May 18?
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Hey i was just wondering what the rollout date for the STS-135 stack is and how long is the pad turn around from when 134 launchs till the pad is ready to receive the 135 stack?
Was May 12, then it went up to May 10 for rollover. They'll have a review this week and set it.
Pad turnaround is about three weeks (? Someone correct me on that)....but I know they've already said 135 is disconnected from 134 slips until this moves a reasonable amount to the right.
If there's a related change, we'll make sure it gets posted.
Rollover TO VAB: May 10.
Rollout to Pad-A: May 18.
Pad turnaround from STS-134 launch to STS-135 rollout is 11 days minimum.
*Tips hat* :)
Thanks guys, hopfully 134 will get off the ground this week and won't effect 135. Thanks again for the clairification!!!
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Thanks guys, hopfully 134 will get off the ground this week and won't effect 135. Thanks again for the clairification!!!
So what does the slip of 134 to next week do to 135's date?
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Thanks guys, hopfully 134 will get off the ground this week and won't effect 135. Thanks again for the clairification!!!
So what does the slip of 134 to next week do to 135's date?
STS-135 was supposed to roll out to the launch pad on May 20. If the STS-134 slips beyond May 10-12, STS-135 will probably be delayed.
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Thanks guys, hopfully 134 will get off the ground this week and won't effect 135. Thanks again for the clairification!!!
So what does the slip of 134 to next week do to 135's date?
STS-135 was supposed to roll out to the launch pad on May 20. If the STS-134 slips beyond May 10-12, STS-135 will probably be delayed.
The most recent from ChrisG was that rollout was scheduled for May 18, with minimum 11 day pad turnaround--that math does not add up to make that rollout with a STS-134 launch May 8-10, n'est-ce pas?
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Thanks guys, hopfully 134 will get off the ground this week and won't effect 135. Thanks again for the clairification!!!
So what does the slip of 134 to next week do to 135's date?
STS-135 was supposed to roll out to the launch pad on May 20. If the STS-134 slips beyond May 10-12, STS-135 will probably be delayed.
The most recent from ChrisG was that rollout was scheduled for May 18, with minimum 11 day pad turnaround--that math does not add up to make that rollout with a STS-134 launch May 8-10, n'est-ce pas?
When I posted that, launch of STS-134 was NET May 2. ;)
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To UPDATE based on information from today's presser,
Atlantis rollout to Pad-A is targeted for May 20.
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Crew doing CEIT, standing in front of Rafaello in the SSPF
http://yfrog.com/user/KSC_MOCOP/photos
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Per L2: KSC *are* rescheduling STS-135 for a rollover of May 16, with a *potential* launch slip to..........July 4 (oh my word, what a way for the program to go out if they go with it).
Still NET June 28 right now, however.
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Per L2: KSC *are* rescheduling STS-135 for a rollover of May 16, with a *potential* launch slip to..........July 4 (oh my word, what a way for the program to go out if they go with it).
Still NET June 28 right now, however.
Now THAT would be the BEST 4th of July FIREWORKS show ever, 2 SRB's and 3 SSME's.... awesome. ;)
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Per L2: KSC *are* rescheduling STS-135 for a rollover of May 16, with a *potential* launch slip to..........July 4 (oh my word, what a way for the program to go out if they go with it).
Still NET June 28 right now, however.
Now THAT would be the BEST 4th of July FIREWORKS show ever, 2 SRB's and 3 SSME's.... awesome. ;)
Works for me, but it's not going to be the same as the STS-121 launch. The current circumstances will be hard to forget.
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Article on the latest, including her flow, via L2:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/05/sts-135-atlantis-rollover-moving-may-16-launch-may-slip-july-4/
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Now THAT would be the BEST 4th of July FIREWORKS show ever, 2 SRB's and 3 SSME's.... awesome. ;)
Holy mackeral! Can you imagine the crowds?
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Now THAT would be the BEST 4th of July FIREWORKS show ever, 2 SRB's and 3 SSME's.... awesome. ;)
Holy mackeral! Can you imagine the crowds?
Yeah, and if it's anywhere near the STS-134 situation (due to workers having to wade through those crowds, meaning 48hr scrub turarounds), it would be no different.
Also, if it does become the new launch date, I (yet again) feel bad for the workers (and their families) of them having to work through their long weekend. Would be a heck of a send-off though.
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From @NASA:
Shuttle Atlantis rollover to Vehicle Assembly Building now May 16 & rollout to pad May 23. STS-135 launch remains targeted for June 28.
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From @NASA:
Shuttle Atlantis rollover to Vehicle Assembly Building now May 16 & rollout to pad May 23. STS-135 launch remains targeted for June 28.
Anyone know how easy it is to see the rollover from the KSC VC tours? Any changes to the tours on rollover days?
Rollout from VAB seems to always be at night lately but rollover from OPF to VAB seems like something that could be seen during the day.
Would be great to see...
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Anyone know how easy it is to see the rollover from the KSC VC tours? Any changes to the tours on rollover days?
Rollout from VAB seems to always be at night lately but rollover from OPF to VAB seems like something that could be seen during the day.
Would be great to see...
The tour doesn't go to the north side of the VAB. The best you could possibly see is from the bus as it goes to or from the Saturn V center. Rollover usually has pretty high security (note the guys standing around with M-4s in photos of previous ones). I don't know if the tour routes get adjusted for the occasion.
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Per L2: KSC *are* rescheduling STS-135 for a rollover of May 16, with a *potential* launch slip to..........July 4 (oh my word, what a way for the program to go out if they go with it).
Still NET June 28 right now, however.
Now THAT would be the BEST 4th of July FIREWORKS show ever, 2 SRB's and 3 SSME's.... awesome. ;)
Anyone know what time launch would be? Maybe a night launch for the nations birthday? Now that is how you go out in style?
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Per L2: KSC *are* rescheduling STS-135 for a rollover of May 16, with a *potential* launch slip to..........July 4 (oh my word, what a way for the program to go out if they go with it).
Still NET June 28 right now, however.
Now THAT would be the BEST 4th of July FIREWORKS show ever, 2 SRB's and 3 SSME's.... awesome. ;)
Anyone know what time launch would be? Maybe a night launch for the nations birthday? Now that is how you go out in style?
ROUGHLY 1306 EDT on July 4th.
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Per L2: KSC *are* rescheduling STS-135 for a rollover of May 16, with a *potential* launch slip to..........July 4 (oh my word, what a way for the program to go out if they go with it).
Still NET June 28 right now, however.
Now THAT would be the BEST 4th of July FIREWORKS show ever, 2 SRB's and 3 SSME's.... awesome. ;)
Anyone know what time launch would be? Maybe a night launch for the nations birthday? Now that is how you go out in style?
ROUGHLY 1306 EDT on July 4th.
Dang it. Thanks anyways
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The tour doesn't go to the north side of the VAB.
The last time I took the tour, in Dec 2006, it did. Had a good look at all three OPF bays, the Crawler parking area, and one of the MLPs being serviced. Here's one photo.
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The tour doesn't go to the north side of the VAB.
The last time I took the tour, in Dec 2006, it did. Had a good look at all three OPF bays, the Crawler parking area, and one of the MLPs being serviced. Here's one photo.
That would be the west side of the VAB, not the north.
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That would be the west side of the VAB, not the north.
I considered the view of OPF 1 and 2 to be most relevant to the chances of seeing a rollover. Here is a photo on the north side of the VAB...
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The tour doesn't go to the north side of the VAB.
The last time I took the tour, in Dec 2006, it did. Had a good look at all three OPF bays, the Crawler parking area, and one of the MLPs being serviced. Here's one photo.
That would be the west side of the VAB, not the north.
Hadn't looked at pictures or the KSC map to actually figure out the specifics of everything.
Guess I'd have to hang out at the LC-39 observation gantry watching this site on my phone until Atlantis peeks her nose out of the OPF!
Of course the Today and Tomorrow tour stops on the south side of VAB and lets you out. Problem is I don't know how much you could see and you can't just "hang out" there as long as you want.
Thanks,
Stuart
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The location of the first photo above, from the west side of the VAB on the main bus tour as it heads to the Saturn V Center, is the way to catch a glimpse.
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Crew doing CEIT, standing in front of Rafaello in the SSPF
Video of the Crew Equipment Interface Test on May 2.
The KSC media gallery has also posted some pix.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIKxeOi-yEM&feature=player_embedded
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Some interesting pics were posted in this gallery of the crew undergoing fit checks Russian Sokol pressure suits on pg 32 and 33 of JSC's STS-135 gallery: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-135/ndxpage32.html
I'm guessing the suits and seat liners will be aboard Atlantis?
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Some interesting pics were posted in this gallery of the crew undergoing fit checks Russian Sokol pressure suits on pg 32 and 33 of JSC's STS-135 gallery: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-135/ndxpage32.html
I'm guessing the suits and seat liners will be aboard Atlantis?
I asked that to CDR Chris Ferguson via Twitter, and he replied to me that only one Sokol will launch aboard Atlantis, which will be for the first person to come home. The other three Sokol suits would be launched on Soyuzes/Progresses if needed.
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With what sounds like a NET 5/16 launch for STS-134 now, I thought I saw it meant a delay to the rollover of Atlantis to the VAB (if 134 was 14th or later). Would the NET 6/28 still be probable or would the rollover delay rule that out (closer to the 7/4 discussion/rumor we've been seeing.)
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With what sounds like a NET 5/16 launch for STS-134 now, I thought I saw it meant a delay to the rollover of Atlantis to the VAB (if 134 was 14th or later). Would the NET 6/28 still be probable or would the rollover delay rule that out (closer to the 7/4 discussion/rumor we've been seeing.)
NET launch date for Atlantis, at this point, is highly depended on A) the investigation in Endeavour's LCA-2 box failure (i.e. determining root cause or acceptable flight rationale) and B) when Endeavour actually launches.
Those two things have to be determined first.
Now, if Endeavour slips beyond May 14, Atlantis's rollover to the VAB will have to be "reevaluated."
Aside from that, the only piece of information we have on L2 is that there are talks/discussions about moving STS-135's NET launch date to July 4.
At this point, I would say there is really no way to answer your question because of the indeterminate nature of things right now.
Sorry. I wish I could be more helpful, but aside from just a quick round-up of where things stand, there's really nothing else to go off of. It's a very fluid situation right now.
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I asked that to CDR Chris Ferguson via Twitter, and he replied to me that only one Sokol will launch aboard Atlantis, which will be for the first person to come home. The other three Sokol suits would be launched on Soyuzes/Progresses if needed.
Thanks. That makes sense, as Atlantis will be hauling enough equipment up, without being weighed down by four extra pressure suits and seat liners.
I just want to add the latest photos on the JSC site are pretty nifty. Maybe because they were taken by someone from the Houston Chronicle.
I especially like this one out Atlantis' airlock, looking down the payload bay: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-135/html/jsc2011e040372.html
Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus under Atlantis' main gear: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-135/html/jsc2011e040345.html
Doug Hurley also under Atlantis: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-135/html/jsc2011e040343.html
A look in a simulator at Ames, from the HUD's POV: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-135/hires/jsc2011e040200.jpg
Its nice to get a different photographer I guess, to look at things from different views. I mean, I've seen hundreds of pictures of shuttle payload bays, but never out the airlock. Or a shuttle simulation viewed from the pilot's POV.
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I just want to add the latest photos on the JSC site are pretty nifty. Maybe because they were taken by someone from the Houston Chronicle.
Yup, they were taken by Smiley Pool, who's tagging along with the STS-135 crew during their training and blogging it at the Houston Chronicle here: http://blog.chron.com/finalmission
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Waiting to find out how the 134 delay will affect 135. It appears that there will be some delay...still not sure how long.
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Waiting to find out how the 134 delay will affect 135. It appears that there will be some delay...still not sure how long.
Me too!!
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Pix of the OTS being moved into position under the orbiter from last Friday are posted on the NASA Kennedy Media Gallery:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=226
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Per Mike Moses, STS-135 is now slipping to the second week of July. No new launch date yet, however.
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Per Mike Moses, STS-135 is now slipping to the second week of July. No new launch date yet, however.
To add (hopefully), they will wait until after the 134 launch to roll over from OPF-1 to the VAB, but looking like 1-2 days after the launch for that.
They are bookkeeping 14 days to turn the launch pad around before it would be ready for the STS-135 vehicle rollout from the VAB to the pad, but then they may need to deconflict the 134 landing and the 135 rollout.
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Earlier, the CBS website reported a Beta angle cutout from Aug 1st to Aug 15th. Is that still valid?
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Earlier, the CBS website reported a Beta angle cutout from Aug 1st to Aug 15th. Is that still valid?
More or less -- it would be in that timeframe.
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Per Mike Moses, STS-135 is now slipping to the second week of July. No new launch date yet, however.
To add (hopefully), they will wait until after the 134 launch to roll over from OPF-1 to the VAB, but looking like 1-2 days after the launch for that.
They are bookkeeping 14 days to turn the launch pad around before it would be ready for the STS-135 vehicle rollout from the VAB to the pad, but then they may need to deconflict the 134 landing and the 135 rollout.
Perfect trip for few days after launch - watch SRB recovery ships come through the locks with the STS-134 SRBs and then go over to VC for a glimpse of the STS-135 rollover. Cool! Hope it works out like that.
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Perfect trip for few days after launch - watch SRB recovery ships come through the locks with the STS-134 SRBs and then go over to VC for a glimpse of the STS-135 rollover. Cool! Hope it works out like that.
If you are planning on using the VC tour to catch rollover just be aware that the odds are stacked against you.
1. Rollover usually starts very early in the morning (7amish) as they try to take advantage of the stable morning weather. Visitor center tours start at 10 or 11am.
2. At normal pace, the rollover takes max 35-45 mins. They may stop for pics hence it might take an hour or two longer. These are for staff pics.
3. The OPF#2 to VAB roadway is a direct shot and it not near the public route. You may be able to catch glimpse for the vicinity of the upclose tour VAB spot or from a moving bus on its way or back from the pad viewing spot.
a lot of variables. Just my 2 cents. ;-)
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Earlier, the CBS website reported a Beta angle cutout from Aug 1st to Aug 15th. Is that still valid?
More or less -- it would be in that timeframe.
Current dates from info on L2 have the Beta Angle from July 31 to August 14 -- but as we've seen in the past, this always changes and fluctuates as we get closer to the actual dates.
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Perfect trip for few days after launch - watch SRB recovery ships come through the locks with the STS-134 SRBs and then go over to VC for a glimpse of the STS-135 rollover. Cool! Hope it works out like that.
3. The OPF#2 to VAB roadway is a direct shot and it not near the public route. You may be able to catch glimpse for the vicinity of the upclose tour VAB spot or from a moving bus on its way or back from the pad viewing spot.
To clarify this statement, Atlantis is in OPF-1 -- has been since at least 2006 ;).
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Perfect trip for few days after launch - watch SRB recovery ships come through the locks with the STS-134 SRBs and then go over to VC for a glimpse of the STS-135 rollover. Cool! Hope it works out like that.
3. The OPF#2 to VAB roadway is a direct shot and it not near the public route. You may be able to catch glimpse for the vicinity of the upclose tour VAB spot or from a moving bus on its way or back from the pad viewing spot.
To clarify this statement, Atlantis is in OPF-1 -- has been since at least 2006 ;).
You are correct. I always get the two mixed up as they sit side by side with one access corridor for staff/visitors. I just turn left or right at the badge gate depending on which orbiter. ;-)
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Perfect trip for few days after launch - watch SRB recovery ships come through the locks with the STS-134 SRBs and then go over to VC for a glimpse of the STS-135 rollover. Cool! Hope it works out like that.
3. The OPF#2 to VAB roadway is a direct shot and it not near the public route. You may be able to catch glimpse for the vicinity of the upclose tour VAB spot or from a moving bus on its way or back from the pad viewing spot.
To clarify this statement, Atlantis is in OPF-1 -- has been since at least 2006 ;).
2003 actually. This was the OPF assignments when Columbia was lost. Well, OV-104 was actually in VAB HB3 at the time being prepared for rollout but following the loss of Columbia, OV-104 was rolled around from HB3 to HB1, destacked and returned to OPF1 to undergo modifications and reconfiguration to support whatever mission she would be assigned to following the accident,. which turned out to be STS-121.
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Perfect trip for few days after launch - watch SRB recovery ships come through the locks with the STS-134 SRBs and then go over to VC for a glimpse of the STS-135 rollover. Cool! Hope it works out like that.
3. The OPF#2 to VAB roadway is a direct shot and it not near the public route. You may be able to catch glimpse for the vicinity of the upclose tour VAB spot or from a moving bus on its way or back from the pad viewing spot.
To clarify this statement, Atlantis is in OPF-1 -- has been since at least 2006 ;).
2003 actually. This was the OPF assignments when Columbia was lost. Well, OV-104 was actually in VAB HB3 at the time being prepared for rollout but following the loss of Columbia, OV-104 was rolled around from HB3 to HB1, destacked and returned to OPF1 to undergo modifications and reconfiguration to support whatever mission she would be assigned to following the accident,. which turned out to be STS-121.
STS-114 ;)
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2003 actually. This was the OPF assignments when Columbia was lost. Well, OV-104 was actually in VAB HB3 at the time being prepared for rollout but following the loss of Columbia, OV-104 was rolled around from HB3 to HB1, destacked and returned to OPF1 to undergo modifications and reconfiguration to support whatever mission she would be assigned to following the accident,. which turned out to be STS-121.
STS-115. STS-121 was Discovery's second post-107 RTF.
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Perfect trip for few days after launch - watch SRB recovery ships come through the locks with the STS-134 SRBs and then go over to VC for a glimpse of the STS-135 rollover. Cool! Hope it works out like that.
3. The OPF#2 to VAB roadway is a direct shot and it not near the public route. You may be able to catch glimpse for the vicinity of the upclose tour VAB spot or from a moving bus on its way or back from the pad viewing spot.
To clarify this statement, Atlantis is in OPF-1 -- has been since at least 2006 ;).
2003 actually. This was the OPF assignments when Columbia was lost. Well, OV-104 was actually in VAB HB3 at the time being prepared for rollout but following the loss of Columbia, OV-104 was rolled around from HB3 to HB1, destacked and returned to OPF1 to undergo modifications and reconfiguration to support whatever mission she would be assigned to following the accident,. which turned out to be STS-121.
STS-114 ;)
True but only up to a certain point. When they decided to fix up a problem with the planetary gears in the rudder/speedbrake on the all the vehicles, STS-114 was given to the newly OMM'ed Discovery leaving Atlantis with two back-to-back missions, STS-121 and STS-115.
Following the LH2 PAL ramp foam loss during the STS-114 ascent, STS-121 was given to Discovery easing the workload and pressure on getting Atlantis ready for STS-115 following STS-121.
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To clarify this statement, Atlantis is in OPF-1 -- has been since at least 2006 ;).
2003 actually. This was the OPF assignments when Columbia was lost.
Those assignments probably didn't become "persistent" until some time after Columbia was lost. Discovery was in OMDP in OPF-3, "bumping" Columbia from there the previous August; at the time of STS-107, the other three vehicles were rotating between OPF-1, OPF-2, and VAB HB-4.
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Processing and scheduling update via L2 for STS-135:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/05/sts-135-ksc-realign-schedule-preliminary-july-12-launch/
I know, there will be at least one "Twitterer" who'll selectivly hole-in-one misread that and try to misrepresent it, but I don't think I can be any clearer on what preliminary is.
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Processing and scheduling update via L2 for STS-135:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/05/sts-135-ksc-realign-schedule-preliminary-july-12-launch/
I know, there will be at least one "Twitterer" who'll selectivly hole-in-one misread that and try to misrepresent it, but I don't think I can be any clearer on what preliminary is.
Any idea what time frame a launch might be on 7/12?
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Processing and scheduling update via L2 for STS-135:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/05/sts-135-ksc-realign-schedule-preliminary-july-12-launch/
I know, there will be at least one "Twitterer" who'll selectivly hole-in-one misread that and try to misrepresent it, but I don't think I can be any clearer on what preliminary is.
Any idea what time frame a launch might be on 7/12?
Roughly 9:45 am EDT according to Chris G. But that will change slightly based on the ISS reboost coming up. Just plan for mid-morning.
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Roughly 9:45 am EDT according to Chris G. But that will change slightly based on the ISS reboost coming up. Just plan for mid-morning.
That would be consistent with what Heavens Above is (currently) showing for an ISS pass just north of KSC that morning
(http://www.heavens-above.com/PassGTrackLargeGraphic.aspx?lat=28.60562&lng=-80.6048&TZ=EST&loc=KSC+LC%2D39A&satid=25544&date=55754.58039773)
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Roughly 9:45 am EDT according to Chris G. But that will change slightly based on the ISS reboost coming up. Just plan for mid-morning.
That would be consistent with what Heavens Above is (currently) showing for an ISS pass just north of KSC that morning
(http://www.heavens-above.com/PassGTrackLargeGraphic.aspx?lat=28.60562&lng=-80.6048&TZ=EST&loc=KSC+LC%2D39A&satid=25544&date=55754.58039773)
Yep. In plane time would be shortly before that pass.
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Any idea what time frame a launch might be on 7/12?
Roughly 9:45 am EDT according to Chris G. But that will change slightly based on the ISS reboost coming up. Just plan for mid-morning.
Any update on when they may announce a new firmer NET date now that Endeavour is on her way?
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We've seen "around July 10" on a MOD note, but KSC is still on a prelim of July 12. So really not worth taking a date to the bank just yet.
We'll know within a few days.
Meanwhile, Atlantis rolls over on Tuesday, 8am first motion was the latest target.
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About five hours until Atlantis is scheduled to leave her home.
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Still on for 8am. Will be another extended duration rollover for the obvious sad reasons.
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Atlantis is rolling.
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I don't see any feeds of it.
Orbiter
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I don't see any feeds of it.
Orbiter
Now crossing the OPF1 threshold. I get the updates from the RadioReference KSC scanner feed.
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I don't see any feeds of it.
Orbiter
Although no good now, I suspect NASA TV will air it in their video file later at 3pm EDT.
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I don't see any feeds of it.
Orbiter
Spaceflight Now has a live feed at http://www.livestream.com/newchannel/popoutplayer?channel=spaceflightnow
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Atlantis has once again stopped. Engineers and other people are gathering around to take a look. Crowd holding a banner (presumptively about Atlantis) and taking a picture.
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Atlantis has once again stopped. Engineers and other people are gathering around to take a look. Crowd holding a banner (presumptively about Atlantis) and taking a picture.
It's the standard "We're behind you" banner.
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Atlantis is once again on the move, she looks great in this weather.
It's very sad to see this for the last time.
Large crowd on the sidelines watching the orbiter.
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Atlantis is out of sight.
EDIT - switched over to another camera. There she is again. Once again motion has stopped.
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more pictures:
http://ow.ly/user/00mb
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http://twitter.com/#!/golux
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http://twitpic.com/photos/RyInSpace
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last one, crew in front of the orbiter
http://yfrog.com/user/tim846/profile
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Thank you very much.
Wish I where there.
--
Oystein
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She's not expected to be spotted in the transfer ailse until 2pm local, so a day out in the sun for Atlantis.
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Any idea what time frame a launch might be on 7/12?
Roughly 9:45 am EDT according to Chris G. But that will change slightly based on the ISS reboost coming up. Just plan for mid-morning.
Any update on when they may announce a new firmer NET date now that Endeavour is on her way?
As stated in yesterday's post-launch news conference, Mike Moses thinks they'll have a NET launch date by Friday, May 20 or Monday, May 23. But that's just preliminary.
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Atlantis is just basking in the sunlight out there.
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She's not expected to be spotted in the transfer ailse until 2pm local, so a day out in the sun for Atlantis.
Based on the location of the VAB and the diagonal slant of the back edge of the Livestream feed there would not be very good chance to see much from the KSC VC tour buses. Looks to be quite far from the road with very narrow window for viewing from a bus.
Granted that didn't stop KSC VC from teasing in a tweet that you could "catch a glimpse" of Atlantis from the tours. For my money the best is still the Livestream feed.
http://www.livestream.com/newchannel/popoutplayer?channel=spaceflightnow
I was torn about whether to try and head over but I think I've decided to try and catch the SRBs coming back in from launch. From what I have seen in other pictures posted you can get a little closer to those in the Canaveral locks.
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Article for Atlantis' rollover, processing and mission/launch date latest:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/05/sts-135-atlantis-vab-mating-et-138/
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KSC images
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Rolling into the VAB for the very last time. Gut wrenching moment for me.
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couple more from KSC
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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Given that the launch ends up targeting July 12 (or 10th as has also been mentioned), does anyone have any info at all yet about how many days would likely be available for launch?
I assume there are no beta cutoffs to worry about in that part of the calendar, but traffic is probably a topic - like always.
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Given that the launch ends up targeting July 12 (or 10th as has also been mentioned), does anyone have any info at all yet about how many days would likely be available for launch?
I assume there are no beta cutoffs to worry about in that part of the calendar, but traffic is probably a topic - like always.
Launch window is June 28th to July 30th
Beta cutout is July 31st - Aug 15th.
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Am sorry but I have been occupied at work but i was just checking to see if the lift had started. I see no posts. Am i correct to assume she is still getting hooked to the crane?
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Correct. http://tinyurl.com/5r3gnj9
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Correct. http://tinyurl.com/5r3gnj9
Thank you for the live link too!
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Here's a timelapse video I shot of the rollout yesterday, from a couple of different angles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuAd3MhzpA8&feature=player_profilepage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuAd3MhzpA8&feature=player_profilepage)
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Very nice work Soma. Looks like she escaped from the OPF, they corner her and then she's off again so they have to chase her down ;D
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Some more pictures of Atlantis moving from the processing facility to the VAB.
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/1.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/2.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/3.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/4.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/5.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/6.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/7.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/8.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/9.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/10.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/11.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/12.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/13.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/14.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/15.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/16.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/17.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/18.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/19.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/20.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/21.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/22.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/Rollout/Images/23.jpg)
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Sorry I can't post pics but the lift has begun.
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That mission patch quilt is amazing!
Thanks for the pics! Wish I could watch the lift at work--cripped version of IE6 means no videos for me :(
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As expected, rollover footage is the first item in today's Video File. Total time is about 12 minutes.
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Some pics from the Lift and Mate a couple hours ago:
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/1.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/2.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/3.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/4.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/5.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/6.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/7.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/8.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/9.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/10.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/11.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/12.jpg)
(http://somafm.com/articles/STS135/LiftMate600/13.jpg)
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Those are awesome pics!! I just noticed all the "We're behind you <orbiter>" banners hanging up.
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Thank you very much for those amazing pictures.
Makes up for not seeing the STS-134 launch and STS-135 rollover in Florida even if I wanted to. ;)
Oystein
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That mission patch quilt is amazing!
Thanks for the pics! Wish I could watch the lift at work--cripped version of IE6 means no videos for me :(
Agree 100% on the quilt. I hope it will be displayed in a museum.
Atlantis looks great.
Not sure if this was posted yet.
Shuttle Atlantis 'Rollover' Spied by Orbiting Satellite : Big Pic
http://news.discovery.com/space/big-pic-satellite-spies-shuttle-atlantis-rollover-110518.html#mkcpgn=twnws1
:)
Nice to see the 4 "Last to Fly a NASA Space Shuttle" astronauts.
They look wonderful.
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Atlantis is now mated with the ET
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Atlantis is now mated with the ET
Nope. That work is just beginning! They haven't even extended the platforms yet! Right now they have only lowered the orbiter into the vertical position for aft soft-mate.
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Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) was installed on the LMC.
High resolution photos here.
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images/large/2011-3781.jpg
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images/large/2011-3780.jpg
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images/large/2011-3779.jpg
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Per L2: Official launch date for STS-135 is NET July 8 at 11:33 AM with a landing on July 20, thanks to good Pad 39A condition
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Per L2: Official launch date for STS-135 is NET July 8 at 11:33 AM with a landing on July 20, thanks to good Pad 39A condition
THX!
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Whoo Hooo!! Just booked a cheapy room at the Econolodge Space Center for the launch!!
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I have well over 1,000 phots from yesterdays events inside the VAB. Slowly starting to sort and edit them. Hope to get a full gallery up on my website later today. I have attached a couple quick edits.
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Found a video of the rollout on YT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pafmHbBcFrw
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Per L2: Official launch date for STS-135 is NET July 8 at 11:33 AM with a landing on July 20, thanks to good Pad 39A condition
I'll probably stay home since it's not a night launch. I guess it could scrub long enough that it would become a night launch. :P
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Looks like there's a lift to mate Video File item running today.
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This is cool - Atlantis' rollover as seen from an orbiting satellite. :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalglobe-imagery/5734496916/sizes/l/in/photostream
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I have posted a link to my photos from yesterdays lift and mate of Atlantis at the link below. Enjoy!
http://scriptunasimages.smugmug.com/Galleries/Nasa-Space-Shuttle-Program/STS-135/ (http://scriptunasimages.smugmug.com/Galleries/Nasa-Space-Shuttle-Program/STS-135/)
(http://scriptunasimages.smugmug.com/Galleries/Nasa-Space-Shuttle-Program/STS-135/i-DS8grjG/0/M/IMG9739-M.jpg)
(http://scriptunasimages.smugmug.com/Galleries/Nasa-Space-Shuttle-Program/STS-135/i-z72MFqP/0/M/IMG9700-M.jpg)
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The NASATech camera has taken flattering photos of our favorite diva:
http://nasatech.net/Atlantis_L-Ma110518/
http://nasatech.net/Atlantis_L-Mb110518/
http://nasatech.net/Atlantis_L-Mc110518/
http://nasatech.net/Atlantis_L-Md110518/
http://nasatech.net/Atlantis_L-Me110518/
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canister is in the SSPF for the last time
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crawler arriving to remove the MLP from the pad
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canister is in the SSPF for the last time
For launch prep, yes, but will return MPLM after 135, too.
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canister is in the SSPF for the last time
For launch prep, yes, but will return MPLM after 135, too.
sorry, what i meant :P
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Per L2: Official launch date for STS-135 is NET July 8 at 11:33 AM with a landing on July 20, thanks to good Pad 39A condition
NASA's now released that officially. They are going with a slightly refined T-0 of 11:40am.
Will note it was pathetic to see blog sites (because they sure aren't journalists) jumping to tweet "Looks like" - "Reports suggest" - "Rumor is" a few hours after we ran the new date *with the 11:33* estimate, so as to avoid mentioning us simply because we beat them down with a stick each and every time on news.
Get up earlier, work later, and then try and take us on.
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MLP moving off the pad.
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MLP near bottom of the ramp.
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Will note it was pathetic to see blog sites (because they sure aren't journalists) jumping to tweet "Looks like" - "Reports suggest" - "Rumor is" a few hours after we ran the new date *with the 11:33* estimate, so as to avoid mentioning us simply because we beat them down with a stick each and every time on news.
Get up earlier, work later, and then try and take us on.
You guys rock. I love this site.
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MLP outside the pad perimeter, and looks like it's stopped because hasn't moved for the past half-hour.
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Get up earlier, work later, and then try and take us on.
Not gonna happen, you guys set the bar too high!!
Thanks for all you do!
And I am showing my appreciation with my pocketbook by getting an L2 subscription, and urge everyone else who enjoys being the first to knwo to do the same!
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The NASATech camera has taken flattering photos of our favorite diva:
Those are *spectacular*!
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confirmed that the STS-135 crew will be at KSC for rollout
we plan on coming down to KSC on May 31st for rollout. I am really looking forward to it!
http://twitter.com/#!/Astro_Rex
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*rollout ;)
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MLP on the move again. Rolling back...
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Nice stitches there Ron! Really like the last one.
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Looks like the LMC is getting ready to move into the canister.
Edit:
I think it's actually being placed on the weighing station.
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And the LMC is in the canister.
Pay attention folks - remember this is the last time we'll see this stuff. :(
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Crane has gone, the LMC is now nestled in the canister.
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And the LMC is in the canister.
Pay attention folks - remember this is the last time we'll see this stuff. :(
Thanks for the reminder, it caused a lovely stabbing pain & upset stomach :(
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Amazing rollover photos from Jim Baker:
http://jbak.deviantart.com/
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Looks like the LMC is getting ready to move into the canistwe
images
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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Full processing, launch date, pre-rollout and upcoming FRR and Tanking Test schedule article via L2:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/05/sts-135-atlantis-preparing-rollout-amid-pride-disappointment/
Includes Mike Leinbach saying it how it is, despite the recent blog surge on how amazingly wonderful everything is about the transition.
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Thanks for the article Chris!
Word count: "final" = 3; "end"/"ends" = 4; "last" = 1 :(
Epic photo of Kwatsi Alibaruho! 8)
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Thanks Chris - good article if so very hard to see "final" so many times :(
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Thanks Jack, and CD - and that's a big copy that on Mr Alibaruho! And that para links to the article where he wrote an Adama style rallying speech. The man is EPIC in a tidy suit! :)
I'll link it here:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/02/endeavour-on-track-alibaruho-rallies-troops-adama-style-address/
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Chris, or anyone else who can do it:
Can anyone post Mike Leinbach's remarks here? It's about time somebody spoke the unvarnished truth about this mess in NASA from somebody inside NASA (oops, looks like it might be time for L2).
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Chris, or anyone else who can do it:
Can anyone post Mike Leinbach's remarks here? It's about time somebody spoke the unvarnished truth about this mess in NASA from somebody inside NASA (oops, looks like it might be time for L2).
While it's always time for L2 (;)), the comments came back from a couple of the guys we know who were in the Firing Room when he said it and posted it as part of a review of the Sim on L2. Because of that, it's impossible to get word for word quotes and thus I could only go as far as what I wrote by way of paraphrasing, as much as we know he said the line I used.
We're hoping someone had a camera phone or camcorder running due to the historic nature, then we'll transcribe it.
Mr Leinbach's brilliant, and has never made a secret about how the orbiters are retiring way before their end date.
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Mr Leinbach's brilliant, and has never made a secret about how the orbiters are retiring way before their end date.
Absolutely.
For me it is Concorde retirement replay once more, thinking how these Ships could go many more flights.
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I'll be writing up another rollout specific article for later, as much as the current STS-135 is a big update article, and start the new coverage thread at that time.
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Article for rollout:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/05/sts-135-atlantis-rollout-tanking-test-debris-investigation/
New thread shortly.