STS-126: Post Flight (Dryden, SCA Ferry to KSC) Coverage

[rdale]

A very impressive storm system affects much of the county in the Mon/Tue timeframe - I think the slot they've picked isn't going to work for the timeline to match the schedule. They'll probably have to stay behind the system as it sweeps across the southern states.

[glanmor05]

Any thoughts on if any of this will affect the AFBs used?

I've been trying to include a map (it helps for me to visualise the route, especially not being from the US) but I lack the technical skills!!  Can anyone step up?

[AndrewSTS]

Any thoughts on if any of this will affect the AFBs used?

I've been trying to include a map (it helps for me to visualise the route, especially not being from the US) but I lack the technical skills!!  Can anyone step up?

Was thinking that myself. There's a bunch of alternative bases on the Flight Plan on L2. So they could dodge and weave the storm Rob speaks of? Or is that storm going to cover the length of the country?

[Lawntonlookirs]

I will try this map

[glanmor05]

That's brilliant, thank you.

It always helps me to actually see things (visual learner I think).

Being cheeky, can anyone do a similar thing with the route taken by the ETs from MAF to KSC (probably to be moved to another thread)?

[sprtnsky]

The pairing were to take in Altus AFB in Oklahoma - for an overnight stop - before heading to Columbus AFB, Mississippi, with what would have resulted in a Tuesday afternoon at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), KSC.


Is this the flight path for Monday


Daniel

[rocketguy101]

That's brilliant, thank you.

It always helps me to actually see things (visual learner I think).

Being cheeky, can anyone do a similar thing with the route taken by the ETs from MAF to KSC (probably to be moved to another thread)?

ask ye shall receive
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=11969.msg341946#msg341946

[Ronsmytheiii]

Will it be covered by flight aware?  One could only hope.....

Edit, yes it will:

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/NASA911

[DaveS]

DELAY: the as noted by rdale above weather has prompted a delay to Tuesday for take-off. They'll re-assess the weather Monday.

[rdale]

A Tuesday departure should put them behind the bulk of this storm system... It's not something they can dodge - severe thunderstorms are expected in the Gulf Coast states on Tuesday, and that same system is hitting my state with up to a foot or more of snow...

But afterwards I think it'll be quiet. It'll be COLD across the southern US, but no major systems. The timing should have the front in Florida Thursday morning, so I'd expect that they will have to park somewhere extra so that the timing brings them in later on Thursday.

[sprtnsky]

Where did you find that trip is off until Tuesday, I can't find it on NASA site

Daniel

[collectSPACE]

The info comes from this site and its sources.

With all due respect to this site and its sources, in this case, NASA has been quite good about promptly sharing the news of the delay(s) with accredited media. Not all the information gets posted to NASA's website; some of it is directly e-mailed and some is by phone.

[johng]

Here is an image of the two SCA's nose to nose, N911 is on the left while N905 is on the right.  You can tell the difference based on the number of windows behind the cockpit, N905 is a 747-100 , with only two upper deck windows on one side, while N911 is a 747-100 SP with 5 Windows per side on the upper deck. 

I think you meant to say N911 is a -100 SR, which is a strengthened short range version.  The 747 SP is a high performance 747 model built with a much shorter fuselage (almost 50 ft shorter).  The lower GW allowed higher, faster flight and use of shorter runways.   An orbiter would not fit on an SP.

[Chris Bergin]

This one from L2: There may be another delay, to Wednesday, due to high winds in the Edwards area. Weather briefing at 2pm Eastern - then there will be official word.

[Lawntonlookirs]

Thanks Chris for the update. 

[psloss]

I think you meant to say N911 is a -100 SR, which is a strengthened short range version.  The 747 SP is a high performance 747 model built with a much shorter fuselage (almost 50 ft shorter).  The lower GW allowed higher, faster flight and use of shorter runways.   An orbiter would not fit on an SP.

FWIW, the platform for NASA's SOFIA is a 747 SP (N747NA).

[glanmor05]

This one from L2: There may be another delay, to Wednesday, due to high winds in the Edwards area. Weather briefing at 2pm Eastern - then there will be official word.

Obviously they want the orbiter back ASAP, but is there a point when delays start become a real nuisance for processing timelines?

Also, everything OK in the MPLM with the delay?  i.e. no milk going off or anything, he, he.

[Chris Bergin]

There's been stories about them opening the MPLMs during post flight processing - and absolutely stinking. The delay isn't going to help

[Ronsmytheiii]

There's been stories about them opening the MPLMs during post flight processing - and absolutely stinking. The delay isn't going to help

As a college form resident I know the answer, open a window and spray a bottle of Febreeze.

[Chris Bergin]

There's been stories about them opening the MPLMs during post flight processing - and absolutely stinking. The delay isn't going to help

As a college form resident I know the answer, open a window and spray a bottle of Febreeze.

We couldn't afford Febreeze when I was at Uni! Those rich American colleges, I don't know

Meanwhile, windy Edwards still doesn't look good. They've got everything ready for Endeavour to be put back on top of the SCA, but winds are a constraint.

Weather briefing in just over 30 mins. May end up with a delay to Wednesday still.