NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
NASA Shuttle Specific Sections => Atlantis (Post STS-135, T&R) => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 06/04/2009 08:09 pm
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Opening processing for Atlantis after arriving back in her OPF:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/06/atlantis-returns-to-opf-for-sts-129-processing-endeavour-ssme-contamination/
Includes the OMS Nozzle MMOD.
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Thanks for the article and fleet round up! Glad STS-125 wasn't her last mission as previously planned.
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ELC being flipped in the OPF:
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Which camera is this on Ron?
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Which camera is this on Ron?
From the normal site; the camera (and the "action") is in the SSPF.
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Which camera is this on Ron?
From this selection:
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/
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First payload getting attached to one of the ELCs
Upd.: And another one...
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From looking at the FDRD on L-2 it looks like this is ELC-2. We're looking at the nadir side as it sits in the payload bay. (EDIT: Starboard as it sits on the Starboard Outboard Zenith PAS.) The first ORU was the Trailing Umbilical System - Reel Assembly (part of the Mobile Transporter). The second is a Nitrogen Tank Assembly.
(I think)
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Yes, that is correct.
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Next one attached to the ELC
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Per the FDRD: that should be a Pump Module. The remaining FRAM on this side will be vacant at launch.
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Includes processing information via L2:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/06/root-cause-found-on-atlantis-sts-125-asa-issue-ssmes-removed/
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Includes processing latest via L2. Standalone thread for the window issue.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/06/window-damage-on-atlantis-threatens-six-month-delay-to-sts-129/
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When is ET-133 scheduled to leave MAF?
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Includes another incident (longeron cart falling off a truck).
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/06/atlantis-window-pane-begins-longerons-damaged-accident/
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Includes processing update for 129 via L2:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/07/endeavour-into-countdown-atlantis-window-damage-cleared/
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I spy... An ET approaching KSC. Just headed north up Banana River. Expect to see it in the turning basin in a few hours.
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I spy... An ET approaching KSC. Just headed north up Banana River. Expect to see it in the turning basin in a few hours.
Hopefully, someone with access to the NASA cameras will capture a few images of ET-133's arrival, off-loading and transfer to the VAB and post them to this site!
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ET-133 rolled out at MAF on July 29.
Images here: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ssc/michoud/MichoudImages/et-133.html
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ET-133 is being transported to the VAB right now.
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Can anyone post some images of this? Thanks.
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ET-133 is now inside the VAB.
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ET in the VAB!!
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Pictures of the ET's arrival at KSC are now surfacing on KSC's media gallery.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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This is how the program should be.
One orbiter lands, heads back to next flight processing.
One orbiter heads to the pad, ready for a launch at the end of the month
One orbiter sees her tank arrive in the VAB.
Can't believe some people are willing to rush into retirement and endure six, maybe seven years of watching the Russians launch some of their astros (nothing against the Russians - I'm sure they'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed).
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This is how the program should be.
One orbiter lands, heads back to next flight processing.
One orbiter heads to the pad, ready for a launch at the end of the month
One orbiter sees her tank arrive in the VAB.
Can't believe some people are willing to rush into retirement and endure six, watching the Russians launch some of their astros (nothing against the Russians - I'm sure they'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed).
Chris, that is the way the shuttle program was suppose to be when it started. Good to see the flow going that fast although we have seen a lot of things come up. But that is part of the growing process. I for one will hate see the program end.
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This is how the program should be.
One orbiter lands, heads back to next flight processing.
One orbiter heads to the pad, ready for a launch at the end of the month
One orbiter sees her tank arrive in the VAB.
Can't believe some people are willing to rush into retirement and endure six, watching the Russians launch some of their astros (nothing against the Russians - I'm sure they'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed).
I'll hoist a few pints to that! And while we're at it, given the capacity of the VAB, we simply double the work force at all the centers (well, at least KSC, JSC and MAF) and double this. So now we're up to 24 missions per year!
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This is how the program should be.
One orbiter lands, heads back to next flight processing.
One orbiter heads to the pad, ready for a launch at the end of the month
One orbiter sees her tank arrive in the VAB.
Can't believe some people are willing to rush into retirement and endure six, watching the Russians launch some of their astros (nothing against the Russians - I'm sure they'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed).
I'll hoist a few pints to that! And while we're at it, given the capacity of the VAB, we simply double the work force at all the centers (well, at least KSC, JSC and MAF) and double this. So now we're up to 24 missions per year!
You would need a few new orbiters then, and maybe more OPFs and MLPs, and might as well add in a new pad.....
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This is how the program should be.
One orbiter lands, heads back to next flight processing.
One orbiter heads to the pad, ready for a launch at the end of the month
One orbiter sees her tank arrive in the VAB.
Can't believe some people are willing to rush into retirement and endure six, watching the Russians launch some of their astros (nothing against the Russians - I'm sure they'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed).
I'll hoist a few pints to that! And while we're at it, given the capacity of the VAB, we simply double the work force at all the centers (well, at least KSC, JSC and MAF) and double this. So now we're up to 24 missions per year!
You would need a few new orbiters then, and maybe more OPFs and MLPs, and might as well add in a new pad.....
Really makes you think about how originally they thought they could do up to 50 launches a year.
I remember reading that during the construction of the VAB there were pilings sunk for two additional high bays... and don't forget about LC-39C which was in the planning stages.
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I remember reading that during the construction of the VAB there were pilings sunk for two additional high bays... and don't forget about LC-39C which was in the planning stages.
[/quote]
Actuall, this was an artifact of/early in the Apollo Program. (See Moonport: A History of Apollo Launch Facilities and Operations). Not only did the engineering plans exist for 39C, but sufficient land was purchased for a fourth Saturn V launch complex. If I remember correctly, this reference cited even has an old map showing all their locations. But folks, we've gotten off topic here. Can we just go back to STS-129 processing? Thanks.
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SSP looking at advancing STS-129 from Nov. 12 to November 9th.
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At what point will the launch date become reasonably firm?
I'm thinking of making the journey over from the UK to see the launch and am wondering when I need to get my planning into high gear and start getting excited!!
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We'll know more once 128 is complete and we begin processing in earnest for 129. Since it's only a three day advancement, it could be something were the official NET date stays as Nov. 12 but the pad teams process her toward Nov. 9 with the final decision being made at the SOMD FRR.
I seem to remember this happening to STS-116 (Discovery) in December 2006. She was targeting December 14 but they challenged to teams to get her ready for December 7th and they were able to accomplish that.
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The vehicle is fine schedule wise, NASA and Russia need to work out a schedule that works for 5R,129, and the Soyuz. It will be early October when a date is set.
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If they do launch on November 9th, that looks like it'll be right after sunset just like STS-119, if the sunrise/sunset tables I looked up on Google for the Cape Canaveral area are right. (STS-129's launch time was listed at 4:22 pm on Spaceflightnow, on 11/12, figure adding 23 min. per day when going back, that gives a time at ~5:31 pm on 11/9).
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Thanks for the information all.
I should have remembered what happened to STS-116. That's the one and only shuttle launch I've seen. Perhaps I should take that as a good omen for seeing STS-129.
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What is the exact duration of the STS 129 mission? Some web sites quote it as 15 days while others mention it as a 11 day mission with the possibility of an added extra day.
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What is the exact duration of the STS 129 mission? Some web sites quote it as 15 days while others mention it as a 11 day mission with the possibility of an added extra day.
The latter. (Atlantis is not equipped with SSPTS.)
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SSP looking at advancing STS-129 from Nov. 12 to November 9th
It correlates well with info about delaying of 5R launch from November 10 to end of month.
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SSP looking at advancing STS-129 from Nov. 12 to November 9th
It correlates well with info about delaying of 5R launch from November 10 to end of month.
Thanks, anik. I was wondering about that launch. Would make a little more sense to move that to the end of the month given Shuttle is prohibiting for launching then because of the Solar Beta Angle. (Than again, I don't know if that's the official reason for delaying 5R?)
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Hi,
How late can Atlantis launch in November before the Solar Beta Angle prohibits it? (Thinking about my planning again.)
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Hi,
How late can Atlantis launch in November before the Solar Beta Angle prohibits it? (Thinking about my planning again.)
Currently (as of Aug 31) beta angle predicted cut-out is from Nov 20 to Dec 5.
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IIRC it would be November 19th
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Thanks. Out of curiosity, is this information, or software to calculate it publically available?
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November 19 or 20. Still up in the air as to which day it actually begins as there is some give and take to this process.
Also, while the Beta ends on December 5 (my birthday), there is a Soyuz Crew rotation cutout that lasts until the 14th of 15th of December which also prevents Atlantis from launching in early-December.
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Also, while the Beta ends on December 5 (my birthday), there is a Soyuz Crew rotation cutout that lasts until the 14th of 15th of December which also prevents Atlantis from launching in early-December
A Soyuz cutout actually ends on December 10th. Soyuz TMA-17 will launch on December 7th and dock on December 9th. In this case Atlantis can be launched on December 9th with docking on December 11th.
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Also, while the Beta ends on December 5 (my birthday), there is a Soyuz Crew rotation cutout that lasts until the 14th of 15th of December which also prevents Atlantis from launching in early-December
A Soyuz cutout actually ends on December 10th. Soyuz TMA-17 will launch on December 7th and dock on December 9th. In this case Atlantis can be launched on December 9th with docking on December 11th.
Anik,
That's what I thought as well. But I've been told multiple times here that they will not launch until the Soyuz that will be bring the Expedition 21 crew home undocks around December 15 -- thereby making December 16 the first day of Atlantis' window.
Is there a document out there outlining the approval to let a Shuttle launch and dock during a soyuz crew rotation?
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Also, while the Beta ends on December 5 (my birthday), there is a Soyuz Crew rotation cutout that lasts until the 14th of 15th of December which also prevents Atlantis from launching in early-December
A Soyuz cutout actually ends on December 10th. Soyuz TMA-17 will launch on December 7th and dock on December 9th. In this case Atlantis can be launched on December 9th with docking on December 11th.
Anik,
That's what I thought as well. But I've been told multiple times here that they will not launch until the Soyuz that will be bring the Expedition 21 crew home undocks around December 15 -- thereby making December 16 the first day of Atlantis' window.
Is there a document out there outlining the approval to let a Shuttle launch and dock during a soyuz crew rotation?
Chris, according to Schedule of ISS flight events on this forum, there´s no Soyuz undocking & landing in December. The Soyuz you´re talking about will undock & land on November 23.
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According to the current Table of Flight Statistics on the Wikipedia page, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_program (as at 3 Sept 2009) Atlantis (270+ days) has been on orbit approximately 4 days more than Endeavour (266+ days). In terms of the number of orbits, the difference between the two shuttles is 390 orbits (in favor of Atlantis).
My question is: Normally a shuttle takes about 90 minutes to make a single orbit and that makes 16 orbits per single day. Hence, would not the difference should be approx. 16*4 = 64 orbits instead of 390?. Can some one please explain the big disparity between the days and the orbits of the two shuttles ?
If Wikipedia is correct, wonder whether the large number of DoD missions carried out using Atlantis had much smaller orbital periods than the usual 90 minute period.
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According to the current Table of Flight Statistics on the Wikipedia page, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_program (as at 3 Sept 2009) Atlantis (270+ days) has been on orbit approximately 4 days more than Endeavour (266+ days). In terms of the number of orbits, the difference between the two shuttles is 390 orbits (in favor of Atlantis).
My question is: Normally a shuttle takes about 90 minutes to make a single orbit and that makes 16 orbits per single day. Hence, would not the difference should be approx. 16*4 = 64 orbits instead of 390?. Can some one please explain the big disparity between the days and the orbits of the two shuttles ?
If Wikipedia is correct, wonder whether the large number of DoD missions carried out using Atlantis had much smaller orbital periods than the usual 90 minute period.
The answer is simple: The Wikipedia orbit totals are incorrect.
I'm sure there's a consolidated list somewhere, but I had to dig through multiple sources to get the orbit count for each flight (I'm OCD that way). Through STS-127 I came up with:
Columbia 4809
Challenger 996
Discovery 5094
Atlantis 4280
Endeavour 4308
There's still a bit of a mismatch, as Atlantis has slightly more flight time; maybe I'll try to reconcile that at some point.
I was able to find orbit counts for all missions including the DoD ones. Shuttle flights to LEO simply don't have enough altitude variation to have more than a few minutes range of orbit periods, and anything trying to orbit at substantially less than 90 minutes would be burning up in the atmosphere...
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Depending on the exact definition of "slightly", could it have to do with the the higher number of individual missions Atlantis has flown?
Presuming that the final orbit is counted. The portion of the orbit from DOB to landing takes longer than if they simply remained in orbit from the DOB point to over the landing site.
Since Atlantis has undergone more reentries than Endeavour, could that account for the difference?
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Have not seen any status updates here lately. Are the STS-129 SRB's stacked yet?
L2 saying that the Left Forward segment stacking is in work today, and that the Right Forward segment will arrive in the VAB later today.
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Completed the first day of Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) today in OPF Bay 1. The crew is here at KSC reviewing the orbiter and payload bay items. We'll wrap up tomorrow morning. Not sure why there haven't been many press or status updates. All is going well!
Rollover to the VAB is scheduled for Oct. 6th.
Rollout to the pad is scheduled for Oct. 13th.
Targeting launch on Nov. 9 at 1741 EST.
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Completed the first day of Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) today in OPF Bay 1. The crew is here at KSC reviewing the orbiter and payload bay items. We'll wrap up tomorrow morning. Not sure why there haven't been many press or status updates. All is going well!
Rollover to the VAB is scheduled for Oct. 6th.
Rollout to the pad is scheduled for Oct. 13th.
Targeting launch on Nov. 9 at 1741 EST.
Question: is this the official engineering "work-to" date with November 12 still the NET? Or is Nov. 9 the official NET now?
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Not official yet as far as I know. The CR still isn't approved but the date has ended up on several planning schedules already.
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And per the STS-128 post-flight news conference: Nov. 9 is the internal "work to" date at this time with final approval of that date pending.
External Tank for Discovery performed exceptionally well. Have no issues moving forward with Atlantis' tank.
SRB stacking is well underway. ET/SRB mate review is next Wednesday, September 16 at 1p.m.
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SSP looking at advancing STS-129 from Nov. 12 to November 9th
It correlates well with info about delaying of 5R launch from November 10 to end of month
I was told 5R launch is still officially scheduled for November 10th. Information about launch in the end of November was at RSC Energia website. STS-129 launch on November 9th is possible only after moving of 5R launch date.
Also, while the Beta ends on December 5 (my birthday), there is a Soyuz Crew rotation cutout that lasts until the 14th of 15th of December which also prevents Atlantis from launching in early-December
A Soyuz cutout actually ends on December 10th. Soyuz TMA-17 will launch on December 7th and dock on December 9th. In this case Atlantis can be launched on December 9th with docking on December 11th
I was told Soyuz TMA-15 landing is postponed from November 23 to December 7. Accordingly Soyuz TMA-17 launch is postponed from December 7 to December 21. So there will be very small launch window (December 7-10 probably) for STS-129 in December.
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View of one of the ELC's:
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Members of the STS-129 crew spend time in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility looking over the payloads installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC. The crew is at Kennedy for a Crew Equipment Interface Test, which provides hands-on training and observation of shuttle and flight hardware.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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The PRCB CR to accelerate the STS-129 launch date will be withdrawn; will now proceed towards a November 12, 2009 launch.
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Interesting news... The launch window ends on November 12 (13th if Atlas will move a day) - what are the odds they'll even bother trying for only one or at best two shots? Any reason why the CR was withdrawn?
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They won't move the 5R/MRM2 launch/docking dates so yes, looks like only a 5 day launch window (12th-17th) unless they can renegotiate the range with Delta IV.
Isn't the Atlas now planned for Oct 30?
The potential range conflict is currently the Delta IV for Nov 17-20?
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Dual-docked ops constraint begins on the 13th then the Atlas V has the range per the latest on L2.
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Dual-docked ops constraint begins on the 13th then the Atlas V has the range per the latest on L2.
Is the dual docked ops constraint for MRM-2? They did not make that clear in the presentation on L2. If it because of MRM2, why withdraw the CR for Nov. 9?
Also, for someone in the know: If they're not off by November 12 (or just decide not to try for November at all now), when can they try again? I know the Soyuz TMA-17 launch has changed, as has the previous Soyuz undocking which has been scheduled for late-November.
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View of one of the ELC's:
Per the FDRD and Delta-LSFR on L2 this is ELC-2. We are seeing the zenith side as it sits in the payload bay and the inboard side as it is mounted on the S3 truss.
The item in the top left is a High Pressure Gas Tank which will be installed on the Airlock during EVA 3.
The top right is a CMG, bottom right is a Cargo Transport Container which will store RPCMs.
The other two FRAMs will be vacant at launch.
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Members of the STS-129 crew spend time in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility looking over the payloads installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC. The crew is at Kennedy for a Crew Equipment Interface Test, which provides hands-on training and observation of shuttle and flight hardware.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
Also per the FDRD and Delta LSFR on L2:
5079 is a view of ELC-2 from a different angle.
5074 is a view of ELC-1. We are seeing the top side as it sits in the payload bay and the outboard side as it sits on the P3 truss.
Foreground right is another CMG. Foreground left should be a spare LEE for the SSRMS. Background behind the CMG should be a BCDU (per the Delta LSFR).
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Fleet processing update includes STS-129 latest:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/shuttle-fleet-processing-both-sides-united-states/
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Fleet processing update includes STS-129 latest:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/shuttle-fleet-processing-both-sides-united-states/
Really enjoyable read Chris!
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Thanks Harold!
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STS-129 launch date target debate latest - by Chris Gebhardt:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/nasa-evaluates-options-sts-129-launch-window-november/
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Gotta read that several times to figure out - but nice explainer!
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Gotta read that several times to figure out - but nice explainer!
Thanks. That was a bear to figure out and then write up.
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Bunch of questions:
What are the launch priorities at KSC? Priority to whoever chooses a date first or does the mission (and it's launch requirements) being flown factor in?
I assume the cost of delay is factored in, what would be the cheapest option for range conflicts? Delaying a shuttle, Atlas V, Delta IV or whatever other launch vehicle they use?
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Question: I seem to recall reading, back in the whole Y2K frenzy days, that the shuttle flight software cannot handle calendar year rollovers (i.e. Dec 31, 2009 to Jan 1, 2010). Is that still the case with the recent upgrades and so forth?
The only reason I ask is because, given the kind of unanticipated delays and so forth with flights like STS-127, it seems like there's a possibility of STS-129 having launch opportunities that could carry their 11+1+2 mission over that New Year's Day line. No one's mentioned launching that late in December yet and I was just wondering if the reason for that was the limitation of the flight software still existing (assuming it was ever real in the first place).
Thanks!
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Question: I seem to recall reading, back in the whole Y2K frenzy days, that the shuttle flight software cannot handle calendar year rollovers (i.e. Dec 31, 2009 to Jan 1, 2010). Is that still the case with the recent upgrades and so forth?
The only reason I ask is because, given the kind of unanticipated delays and so forth with flights like STS-127, it seems like there's a possibility of STS-129 having launch opportunities that could carry their 11+1+2 mission over that New Year's Day line. No one's mentioned launching that late in December yet and I was just wondering if the reason for that was the limitation of the flight software still existing (assuming it was ever real in the first place).
Thanks!
No. The software has a patch that will allow Orbiters to be on orbit and docked to the ISS during the YERO. However, they won't do this because it is not necessary. If they can't launch in November and December, they'll wait until January.
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Bunch of questions:
What are the launch priorities at KSC? Priority to whoever chooses a date first or does the mission (and it's launch requirements) being flown factor in?
I assume the cost of delay is factored in, what would be the cheapest option for range conflicts? Delaying a shuttle, Atlas V, Delta IV or whatever other launch vehicle they use?
It differs from mission to mission. It depends on who has the range, costs of delaying, how long the mission as already slipped, wishes of the consumer, etc. It's not a clear cut answer.
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No. The software has a patch that will allow Orbiters to be on orbit and docked to the ISS during the YERO. However, they won't do this because it is not necessary. If they can't launch in November and December, they'll wait until January.
Thanks, Chris! That's one of those things I've wondered for a while now.
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If you search YERO on the news site, you'd of gotten the below..... ;)
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2007/02/nasa-solves-yero-problem-for-shuttle/
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If you search YERO on the news site, you'd of gotten the below..... ;)
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2007/02/nasa-solves-yero-problem-for-shuttle/
It should be noted that the solution is more than just a software patch. The patch is only a small part of it. There are various ground system resets that would be done at the time...however it's moot at the moment.
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Hi all,
Lurker here...but find this forum, articles and depth of information fascinating. Keep up the good work!
Can anyone enlighten me to the process of finalizing the launch date and window for STS-129? - Is this likely to be soon and is there likely to be a some jockeying going on behind the scenes to work with the various range constraints as described in Chris's excellent article.
I'm from the UK and booked a holiday to see this launch. Have travelled to Florida around the same time the last two years and both were scrubbed long term so hoping third time lucky! Would be good to see Atlantis launch on Nov 9th or 12th (I have up to the 15th) but I fully appreciate that there can be technical / safety issues and fully applaud NASA for not going unless they are absolutly sure..
Thanks,
Steve
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Hi all,
Lurker here...but find this forum, articles and depth of information fascinating. Keep up the good work!
Can anyone enlighten me to the process of finalizing the launch date and window for STS-129? - Is this likely to be soon and is there likely to be a some jockeying going on behind the scenes to work with the various range constraints as described in Chris's excellent article.
I'm from the UK and booked a holiday to see this launch. Have travelled to Florida around the same time the last two years and both were scrubbed long term so hoping third time lucky! Would be good to see Atlantis launch on Nov 9th or 12th (I have up to the 15th) but I fully appreciate that there can be technical / safety issues and fully applaud NASA for not going unless they are absolutly sure..
Thanks,
Steve
STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. The launch period should run to Nov. 19. From Nov. 20 to early Dec. there is a Beta angle cutoff at the ISS. NASA is showing the launch period from Nov. 12 to Nov. 16. Apparently there is a conflict on the launch range after Nov. 16.
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STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. The launch period should run to Nov. 19. From Nov. 20 to early Dec. there is a Beta angle cutoff at the ISS. NASA is showing the launch period from Nov. 12 to Nov. 16. Apparently there is a conflict on the launch range after Nov. 16.
It's all in the article. Right now, NASA has the range for Nov. 12. Then, Atlas V from the 13-15 (assuming the Atlas stays on target for Nov. 14), then NASA could have the range back on Nov. 16, then Delta IV has the range reserved from Nov. 17-20.
Hi all,
Can anyone enlighten me to the process of finalizing the launch date and window for STS-129? - Is this likely to be soon and is there likely to be a some jockeying going on behind the scenes to work with the various range constraints as described in Chris's excellent article.
Thanks,
Steve
Steven, You are correct. There will be discussions between NASA, the Atlas V folks, and the Delta IV folks, but nothing will be finalized until we're closer to the launch date. There's always the possibility that Atlas won't be ready for Nov. 14 and that Delta IV won't be ready for Nov 17-20. It's also possible Atlantis may not be ready to Nov. 12 as well. It's just WAY to early to make any type of decisions regarding who gets range priority for mid-November.
As we've seen in the past, this is probably something that (as long as all three rockets keep targeting mid-November) won't be resolved until a week or so before Nov. 12.
As for how range priority is determined, it's very complicated and depends on many factors (i.e. costumer wishes on Atlas and Delta, the criticality of launching Shuttle in the window v. waiting until later, money, etc...).
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Steven, You are correct. There will be discussions between NASA, the Atlas V folks, and the Delta IV folks, but nothing will be finalized until we're closer to the launch date. There's always the possibility that Atlas won't be ready for Nov. 14 and that Delta IV won't be ready for Nov 17-20. It's also possible Atlantis may not be ready to Nov. 12 as well. It's just WAY to early to make any type of decisions regarding who gets range priority for mid-November.
As we've seen in the past, this is probably something that (as long as all three rockets keep targeting mid-November) won't be resolved until a week or so before Nov. 12.
As for how range priority is determined, it's very complicated and depends on many factors (i.e. costumer wishes on Atlas and Delta, the criticality of launching Shuttle in the window v. waiting until later, money, etc...).
Not to mention the possibility of extension, which would mean STS-129 would be delayed past this year I believe...
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Not to mention the possibility of extension, which would mean STS-129 would be delayed past this year I believe...
At this point, it seems almost too late to delay ULF-3/STS-129 based on an extension decision, which may not come until after the payload and vehicle are at the pad -- or even after the current target launch date. If they are able to launch this year, that will provide more schedule buffer for whichever manifest option emerges (whenever that is).
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Not to mention the possibility of extension, which would mean STS-129 would be delayed past this year I believe...
At this point, it seems almost too late to delay ULF-3/STS-129 based on an extension decision, which may not come until after the payload and vehicle are at the pad -- or even after the current target launch date. If they are able to launch this year, that will provide more schedule buffer for whichever manifest option emerges (whenever that is).
Yeah. STS-129 isn't moving because of any extension (which I wouldn't hold my breath for at this point).
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Bill Harwood has an STS-129 summary flight plan at:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/129/129flightplan.html
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Ares I-X article, but includes SSP/CxP evaluations into a potential conflict of having Atlantis on the pad for her launch when Ares I-X launches.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/ares-i-x-ordinance-installation-i-xsts-129-conflict-evaluations/
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Ares I-X article, but includes SSP/CxP evaluations into a potential conflict of having Atlantis on the pad for her launch when Ares I-X launches.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/ares-i-x-ordinance-installation-i-xsts-129-conflict-evaluations/
Wow, Chris, I can't wait to get off work and read the article. I'm having trouble coming up with a word that expresses how wierd that sounds. A STS conflict with Ares 1-X. It's real, not just some NASA news release.....
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STS-129 ET/SRB mate notes and related flow included in this latest article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/discovery-arrives-home-ksc-sts-129-etsrb-mate/
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Some pictures of ET/SRB mating work on the NASA Kennedy Media Gallery now:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204
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Some pictures of ET/SRB mating work on the NASA Kennedy Media Gallery now:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204
Yeah, when I looked earlier today, these hadn't yet been posted. Some good images of them slinging around that ET.
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Some pictures of ET/SRB mating work on the NASA Kennedy Media Gallery now:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204
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Some pictures of ET/SRB mating work on the NASA Kennedy Media Gallery now:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204
A bit more obvious foam age differences here in the tank sections than are usually visible.
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I never tire of NASA pictures... just thought I'd mention here that launch time has changed to 4:04pm according to the launch schedule at nasa.gov and the Ares I-X test has been pushed foward to Oct. 27th.
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Been working a couple of big news articles, but both need further work/research, so pushing on a STS-129 processing latest, along with the debate on what is now classed as a fleet-wide issue with the actuators on the Fill and Drain valves (remember that from 128?)
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/sts-129-atlantis-rollover-fill-and-drain-valve-debate/
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Been working a couple of big news articles, but both need further work/research, so pushing on a STS-129 processing latest, along with the debate on what is now classed as a fleet-wide issue with the actuators on the Fill and Drain valves (remember that from 128?)
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/sts-129-atlantis-rollover-fill-and-drain-valve-debate/
The photo in the article reminded me. But now I'm surprised. I thought the conclusion following the STS-128 countdown was that it was a sensor problem, nothing to do with the actual valve.
The issue with STS-129 seems to be with the actuator, ie a real problem with the valve itself not the sensor. So does this suggest that STS-128 problem was really with the valve itself and they were just fortunate it flew subsequently without problems?
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It looks to me like the sensors, valve, and valve actuator mechanism are part of a complete sealed assembly. So, no matter what part is actually at fault, sensor lever or sensor itself, the entire valve assy must be R&R'd.
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Atlantis' payload bay door closure images:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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Question: sorry if this was asked earlier When is Atlantis going to roll out to Pad A? Because last I heard Ares I-X will be on Pad B during that time frame. Thanks!
Orbiter.
Also, its nice to see Atlantis w/ her ODS again.
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Question: sorry if this was asked earlier When is Atlantis going to roll out to Pad A?
Don't forget this site has a great news side...
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/nasa-evaluates-options-sts-129-launch-window-november/
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Is a Nov 9 launch already off the table or is it still possible ? When can we expect NASA's decision ?
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Is a Nov 9 launch already off the table or is it still possible ? When can we expect NASA's decision ?
The Russians are launching to ISS on Nov. 10 with a docking on Nov. 12. Atlantis will not launch before that docking.
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Is a Nov 9 launch already off the table or is it still possible ? When can we expect NASA's decision ?
Don't forget that we DO have a news side to this site! This information on Atlantis' launch window has been known and posted for two weeks now.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/nasa-evaluates-options-sts-129-launch-window-november/
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If STS 129 launches 12th November, anyone know the exact proposed launch time?
16:04:?? (Eastern).
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If STS 129 launches 12th November, anyone know the exact proposed launch time?
16:04:?? (Eastern).
You can get a table of the launch windows at:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html#WINDOWS
Please note that the times could change by as much as a minute in the next 6 weeks.
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KSCPAO: STS-129 Mission: Atlantis will be lowered on its wheels today in its hangar, it'll be weighed & its center of gravity balance checked.
NASA's shuttle program & Air Force are holding an emergency launch pad drill today known as a Mode II-IV. It also involves 3 Fla., hospitals
[I am hearing more comms than normal on the KSC audio feed's VHF side, but not sure how related that is to the drill.]
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Drill complete - you could hear quite a bit connected to the testing. It was interesting.
KSC PAO: In the Space Station Processing Facility, 2 Logistics Carriers loaded with spare parts are being closed out for flight
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Some images of the drill are now up in the KSC Media Gallery.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm
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KSC: STS-129 Mission: In preps for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building Oct. 6, the orbiter transport system was rolled under Atlantis Friday
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Fleet update via L2 - including 129 updates:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/atlantis-tracking-tuesday-rollover-two-more-ets-due-at-ksc-this-year/
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I assume the weather is ok in the local area for rollover?
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All quiet... Chance of maybe a few sprinkles this morning - any good rain wouldn't come til later today.
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Cool, thanks. Thought it was best to ask, rather than post a weather.com link ;D
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Atlantis is moving, by the way.
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And she's in the VAB. Will have an article shortly.
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And she's in the VAB. Will have an article shortly.
Thanks for the update. :)
Kevin
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Pictures of the roll-over just posted up on the KSC site within the last few minutes:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204
(Mod edit: Added pictures)
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Pictures of the roll-over just posted up on the KSC site within the last few minutes:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204
Video in the today's Video File coming up shortly, too.
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THanks for the heads up psloss... Only managed to catch the end but here are a few snaps for interest sake
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Rollover and SSME update article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-atlantis-arrives-in-vab-for-mating-ssme-mystery/
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THanks for the heads up psloss... Only managed to catch the end but here are a few snaps for interest sake
No problem; you probably already know this, but it will be replayed a lot over the next 24 hours (or more). The items generally are played in a loop and it is likely to be replayed again at least once between now and 2 pm Eastern. The Video File is replayed numerous times on the Media and Public Channels during the day. (And of course John44 probably got it, too.)
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I notice that the tail cone that was attached to Discovery for its ferry flight to Florida is inside the VAB (right in front of Atlantis in this pic). I wonder why?
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Logically it would be to keep it out of the elements 8)
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Pictures of the roll-over just posted up on the KSC site within the last few minutes:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204
A few pictures of working to attach the lifting sling and lifting Atlantis off the transporter are online now. Attached a low-res example.
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Pictures of the roll-over just posted up on the KSC site within the last few minutes:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204
A few pictures of working to attach the lifting sling and lifting Atlantis off the transporter are online now.
And a few more now of rotating to vertical and then the twist to get into the integration cell.
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KSC PAO: An issue with a crane in the Vehicle Assembly Building has delayed Atlantis' attachment to its external tank and boosters.
Teams are working to fix the problem, and NASA managers still are looking to have Atlantis moved to its launch pad Oct. 13
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PAO: A wiring problem w/ a crane in the VAB is fixed & Atlantis again is being moved to be attached to its external tank & boosters
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Hmm, unique angle:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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Getting lowered to the SRB's and Tank =)
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Nice view here of connections to the T0 Umbilical.
Suspended over the transfer isle, before heading to the stack.
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Well! Check out this one, another unique angle. I did not realize the cranes were set up like that.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204 (http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204)
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PAO: Atlantis was attached to its external tank & 2 boosters by 2:45 a.m. EDT today. Rollout to its launch pad still is Oct. 13
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Well! Check out this one, another unique angle. I did not realize the cranes were set up like that.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204 (http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204)
The high cranes (the one that is attached to the forward end of the sling) travel north and south between the highbays. this particular one moves between HB1 and HB2. the low crane moves east and west along the transfer isle. the high cranes are 250 tn cap. and the low one is 125tn cap.
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Well! Check out this one, another unique angle. I did not realize the cranes were set up like that.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204 (http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204)
The high cranes (the one that is attached to the forward end of the sling) travel north and south between the highbays. this particular one moves between HB1 and HB2. the low crane moves east and west along the transfer isle. the high cranes are 250 tn cap. and the low one is 125tn cap.
Actually, it's the other way around. The high bay cranes travel east/west with the low bay crane travelling north north/south. The low bay is located on the south side of the VAB with high bays 1 and 3 located on the east side and high bays 2 and 4 is located on the west side.
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A lot of great pictures showing up in the Kennedy Media Gallery.
One question, when the roll out occurs, where should I go to view it? I might be over there on the 13th anyway.
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The public can only hope to get on the first tour out to the gantry, but if she rolls at night you wont see anything and not allowed in. Other than that your only hope is maybe getting into the Playlinda beach area
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A lot of great pictures showing up in the Kennedy Media Gallery.
There's supposed to be a new item in this afternoon's Video File, coming up a little after the top of the hour. (Probably already ran on the Media Channel; This Week @ NASA airs before the Video File at 6 pm Eastern.)
ITEM 5 - NASA’S ATLANTIS IS ATTACHED TO ITS EXTERNAL TANK AND BOOSTERS FOR STS-129 MISSION – KSC (NEW)
Space shuttle Atlantis is attached to a lifting sling for rotation and hoisting on Oct. 6
inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Fla. On Oct. 7,
the shuttle was bolted to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters for its
rollout to Launch Pad 39A Oct. 13.
During the 11-day mission, Atlantis’ six astronauts will bring supplies, spare parts and research
material to the space station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 12.
TRT: 4:50
Super: NASA
Center Contact: Allard Beutel, 321-867-2468
HQ Contact: John Yembrick, 202-358-1100
For more info, www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Reference:
ftp://ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/pao/tv-advisory/nasa-tv.txt
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Rollout now next Wednesday.
(see: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=18784.msg488802#msg488802)
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There is a new and very cool poster in pdf of the STS-129 crew on the Space Flight Awareness site. Check this one out!
http://www.sfa.nasa.gov/MISSIONPOSTERS/sts129/NW-2009-08-016A-JSC%20STS-129%20SFA%20PosetrSMALL.pdf
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I saw the low res of this on one of the nasa facebook pages, glad to see it is the crew poster
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NASA now saying that Rollout will start at 6am EDT tomorrow.
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11am UK, a much more civil rollout time :)
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11am UK, a much more civil rollout time :)
Oh, I don't know.... that would put it around 3:00 AM on the US west coast. :P ;)
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4am up here in Saskatchewan, Canada!!!
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6am here in Florida :P
Reason for change in time from normal?
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6am here in Florida :P
Reason for change in time from normal?
The extra time in the VAB because of the crane and the wire issue experienced during interface testing. Also, delays to some of the validation testing put them slightly behind in terms of final closeouts and platform retractions.
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45 minutes to CTS (Call to Stations) for rollout. Will start a new thread - with a new article - at first motion.
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Should be in CTS. 20 minute to scheduled rollout, though the webcams are pretty useless until it brightens up.