NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
NASA Shuttle Specific Sections => Atlantis (Post STS-135, T&R) => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 10/14/2009 10:02 am
-
Article: Atlantis rolling to Pad 39A – FRR to be aided by clean STS-128 mission - by Chris Gebhardt
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/atlantis-pad-39a-frr-aided-by-clean-sts-128/
STS-129 Articles: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/sts-129/
NTV live coverage has begun.
-
Convoy of cars heading down the crawlerway, so they are either inching out or about to start rollout.
-
No motion yet.
-
30 minutes over schedule, which is not unusual.
-
NASA: STS-129 Mission:Atlantis’ move to Launch Pad 39A is slightly delayed. Teams still are raising the launch platform on the crawler-transporter
-
First motion 6:38am
-
Those heading into work have a great view of her coming out of the VAB:
-
Ha! I think the mic just picked up a woman getting a bit angry about something!
-
What has the weather been like the last day or so??? Is there any concern about a muddy path to the pad like last time?? With the Augustine panel stuff going on, another potential embarassment like a shuttle stack on the crawler getting stuck in the mud won't help the folks looking for extension of the shuttle manifest.
-
-
What has the weather been like the last day or so??? Is there any concern about a muddy path to the pad like last time?? With the Augustine panel stuff going on, another potential embarassment like a shuttle stack on the crawler getting stuck in the mud won't help the folks looking for extension of the shuttle manifest.
Been dry for the last month, no mud issues today.
-
Getting lighter now... great video this morning so far
-
-
-
-
Thanks for the better resolution images Roger!
Article:
Atlantis rolling to Pad 39A – FRR to be aided by clean STS-128 mission - by Chris Gebhardt
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/atlantis-pad-39a-frr-aided-by-clean-sts-128/
-
-
I would love to do this all day, however I must leave for work now :( -
-
Making good speed! :)
-
-
Camera angle showing the water truck.
-
Check out the scale with the cars near the CT tracks.
-
-
Thanks to my amazing skills with MS Paint and Google Earth - here's the progress so far :)
-
She's gained a bit of a crowd.
-
They've stopped for a bit.
-
Looks like the CT is having a bit of trouble as they haven't made much progress in the last 30 mins.
-
Any word on the problems the CT is having?
-
They might be moving again as the water truck is spraying the path again.
EDIT: Or was for a bit, still not moving I hear.
-
Moving again
-
-
-
-
moving along nicely...
-
-
Tried to find out what the problem was, but no one seems to know. Some think it was over heating.
-
-
-
hope these aren't too repetitive...
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
nice reflection in the water
-
The beast close up!!
-
-
-
-
-
-
Haven't heard a word about the ELCs and their delivery to 39-A... any updates??
-
-
Haven't heard a word about the ELCs and their delivery to 39-A... any updates??
Payload to the pad 10-29, install 10-30
-
-
-
ugh.... NASAtv just switched to other planned events... I guess replays of 1962 are more interesting than the rollout!!! grrrrrrrrr...
-
down to stills now from KSC webcam's
-
-
-
making the turn
-
-
Haven't heard a word about the ELCs and their delivery to 39-A... any updates??
Payload to the pad 10-29, install 10-30
Unusually close to the launch date. Usually the payload goes to the pad just before the shuttle arrives and is installed to coincide with the countdown demonstration test. Any reason for the late install date?
-
starting to show up on the pad camera now as well..
-
-
Haven't heard a word about the ELCs and their delivery to 39-A... any updates??
Payload to the pad 10-29, install 10-30
Unusually close to the launch date. Usually the payload goes to the pad just before the shuttle arrives and is installed to coincide with the countdown demonstration test. Any reason for the late install date?
Each payload is different. Nothing more, nothing less. And the TCDT is after payload installation.
-
-
-
-
-
Haven't heard a word about the ELCs and their delivery to 39-A... any updates??
Payload to the pad 10-29, install 10-30
Unusually close to the launch date. Usually the payload goes to the pad just before the shuttle arrives and is installed to coincide with the countdown demonstration test. Any reason for the late install date?
Each payload is different. Nothing more, nothing less. And the TCDT is after payload installation.
As of today's schedule, (insert standard disclaimer here)
TCDT will be next week with simulated T-0 on the 21st.
Payload install on the 30th.
Payload interface verification testing is on the 5th.
Flt crew sharp edge inspection (payload walkdown) is planned for 8th
Payload door closure on the morning of the 9th and then right into S0007 afternoon of the 9th.
EDIT: For clarification, you're correct Chris that TCDT usually covers payload walkdown after its installation. Not sure of the rationale for this flow's deviation from the norm.
-
-
-
Just heard from KSC PAO that the SOMD (Agency-level) FRR for STS-129 is scheduled for October 29th at KSC with the standard media briefing to follow.
-
-
-
-
-
-
I know I've read the answer to this, but I can't find it now.
Why do they spray water in front of the MLP?
Thanks
-
getting close now...
-
-
I know I've read the answer to this, but I can't find it now.
Why do they spray water in front of the MLP?
Thanks
To minimize the dust that's kicked up into the air when the crawler pulverizes the rocks. It's done as a medical safety measure for the workforce standing around the crawler during rollout.
-
-
-
Only two while I'm home on lunch, scarfing down my food. ;)
-
Haven't heard a word about the ELCs and their delivery to 39-A... any updates??
Payload to the pad 10-29, install 10-30
Unusually close to the launch date. Usually the payload goes to the pad just before the shuttle arrives and is installed to coincide with the countdown demonstration test. Any reason for the late install date?
Each payload is different. Nothing more, nothing less. And the TCDT is after payload installation.
As of today's schedule, (insert standard disclaimer here)
TCDT will be next week with simulated T-0 on the 21st.
Payload install on the 30th.
Payload interface verification testing is on the 5th.
Flt crew sharp edge inspection (payload walkdown) is planned for 8th
Payload door closure on the morning of the 9th and then right into S0007 afternoon of the 9th.
EDIT: For clarification, you're correct Chris that TCDT usually covers payload walkdown after its installation. Not sure of the rationale for this flow's deviation from the norm.
Interesting. Where is that source? The last update we got on L2 (that I've seen) has Payload to Pad on Oct. 22.
-
-
looks like we are just about there..
-
-
getting ready to lower down now I believe
-
Great work Roger. They've managed that in good time considering the stop a third the way down the crawlerway.
-
-
Should be getting ready to go hard down, by the looks of it.
-
What time today will the crawler back out and head back down once the shuttle is "Hard Down"?
-
Payload to the pad 10-29, install 10-30
As of today's schedule, (insert standard disclaimer here)
TCDT will be next week with simulated T-0 on the 21st.
Payload install on the 30th.
Payload interface verification testing is on the 5th.
Flt crew sharp edge inspection (payload walkdown) is planned for 8th
Payload door closure on the morning of the 9th and then right into S0007 afternoon of the 9th.
EDIT: For clarification, you're correct Chris that TCDT usually covers payload walkdown after its installation. Not sure of the rationale for this flow's deviation from the norm.
Thanks, lots of useful info here! Appreciate it.
-
slowly getting there
-
What time today will the crawler back out and head back down once the shuttle is "Hard Down"?
Well, you answered your own question. Once the MLP is hard-down and initial work is complete, the crawler will be moved off LC-39A.
-
Thats seems to be about it... nothing left I guess but to tighten a few bolts (still can't fathom how this entire stack sits on only a handfull of those little white posts)...
-
What time today will the crawler back out and head back down once the shuttle is "Hard Down"?
Well, you answered your own question. Once the MLP is hard-down and initial work is complete, the crawler will be moved off LC-39A.
I know it leaves when its done, I am asking ho wlong after hard down do they reverse it back? I am watching video feed online and hoping to catch it back out, so I am wanting to know if anyone knows approx. when it will do that today
-
What time today will the crawler back out and head back down once the shuttle is "Hard Down"?
Well, you answered your own question. Once the MLP is hard-down and initial work is complete, the crawler will be moved off LC-39A.
I know it leaves when its done, I am asking ho wlong after hard down do they reverse it back? I am watching video feed online and hoping to catch it back out, so I am wanting to know if anyone knows approx. when it will do that today
There isn't a set time. I've seen it leave anywhere between 30-minutes to 2-hrs after hard-down. All depends on what needs to be down after hard-down and how the engineers maximize their numbers.
-
arm extended for GUCP work...
-
Crawler moving off now
-
-
-
-
Crawler now showing up on this web cam
-
-
Just about outside the gate now...
-
Can/does the crawler move faster on the way back to its 'parking Lot" without the Shuttle?
-
Some pictures of today's rollout now appearing on the KSC Media Gallery:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
-
Only one more time Atlantis will rollout to the pads.. she's been a good vehicle, and will be sad to see her go.
Orbiter
-
It has been sitting there for a while now, Maybe staying there overnight?
-
It has been sitting there for a while now, Maybe staying there overnight?
It usually parks just outside the gate for some time.... not unusual.. .could be there for days or weeks...
-
Yeah I kind of thought since the one who operated it this morning started at 6am this morning, that they will just return it later.
-
It has been sitting there for a while now, Maybe staying there overnight?
It usually parks just outside the gate for some time.... not unusual.. .could be there for days or weeks...
It will be there until a few days or so before launch. They keep it there so they don't have to make the entire trip again in the event of a rollback being called.
-
It has been sitting there for a while now, Maybe staying there overnight?
It usually parks just outside the gate for some time.... not unusual.. .could be there for days or weeks...
It will be there until a few days or so before launch. They keep it there so they don't have to make the entire trip again in the event of a rollback being called.
Just got cuaht up on everything missed today. Great Job Chirs and Roger!
Will they leave the crawler there and use the second one for Ares 1X as it rolls out very soon?
-
It has been sitting there for a while now, Maybe staying there overnight?
It usually parks just outside the gate for some time.... not unusual.. .could be there for days or weeks...
It will be there until a few days or so before launch. They keep it there so they don't have to make the entire trip again in the event of a rollback being called.
Just got cuaht up on everything missed today. Great Job Chirs and Roger!
Will they leave the crawler there and use the second one for Ares 1X as it rolls out very soon?
Yep.
-
Only one more time Atlantis will rollout to the pads.. she's been a good vehicle, and will be sad to see her go.
Orbiter
Wow. I completely forgot about that. Today (I say this knocking on wood, holding a rabbits foot, and throwing salt over my shoulder) was Atlantis' penultimate rollout.
-
Here's a YouTube of today's roll from the VAB to LC-39A.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmmH0xvrXU8
-
Thats seems to be about it... nothing left I guess but to tighten a few bolts (still can't fathom how this entire stack sits on only a handfull of those little white posts)...
There are no bolts to tighten. The MLP literally just sits on top of the pedestals with a large guide pin in the center of each pad/pedestal.
-
ELC-2 (CMG, HPGT, CTC-1)
-
RSS has been moved to the PARK position around Atlantis.
-
ELC-2 (CMG, HPGT, CTC-1)
When's payload to pad?
-
ELC-2 (CMG, HPGT, CTC-1)
When's payload to pad?
Try scrolling back to pages 5 and 6 of this very thread. You'll find the answer right there.
-
STS-129 may slip to around Nov 17.....
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-may-slip-several-days-due-range-battle-with-atlas-launch/ - by me (top half) and Chris G (second half).
-
STS-129 may slip to around Nov 17.....
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-may-slip-several-days-due-range-battle-with-atlas-launch/ - by me (top half) and Chris G (second half).
Shuttle is more important, so can't NASA just say "we're going first"?
-
No, it comes down to negotiations with the people who bought the Atlas and Delta for the launch. If they agree to slip because they see that the SSP is "more important", then woohoo.. if not, they have the range.
-
Yesterday I went over to the Playlinda beach area and got some great photos of the rollout. Besides getting a bus tour this is about as close as you can get to the orbiter. Definitely worth the trip ;D
I have posted my photos on Associated Content, view them here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/31363/space_shuttle_atlantis_rollout_on_october.html?cat=58 (http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/31363/space_shuttle_atlantis_rollout_on_october.html?cat=58)
Too bad they were not rolling out to pad 39 B, that would have been a lot closer.
-
STS-129 may slip to around Nov 17.....
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-may-slip-several-days-due-range-battle-with-atlas-launch/ - by me (top half) and Chris G (second half).
Shuttle is more important, so can't NASA just say "we're going first"?
NASA can pull some strings, but they are not in a good position with this range situation now.
-
STS-129 may slip to around Nov 17.....
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-may-slip-several-days-due-range-battle-with-atlas-launch/ - by me (top half) and Chris G (second half).
Atlantis vs Atlas battle. Nice! Picturing Atlantis with a karate headband heading over to the Cape to beat up the Atlas rocket with a couple of well timed swipes from her vertical stablizer. Atlas limps away with RSBs embedded in his first stage :D
-
STS-129 may slip to around Nov 17.....
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-may-slip-several-days-due-range-battle-with-atlas-launch/ - by me (top half) and Chris G (second half).
Atlantis vs Atlas battle. Nice! Picturing Atlantis with a karate headband heading over to the Cape to beat up the Atlas rocket with a couple of well timed swipes from her vertical stablizer. Atlas limps away with RSBs embedded in his first stage :D
lol, could someone draw us a cartoon of that? ;)
-
STS-129 may slip to around Nov 17.....
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-may-slip-several-days-due-range-battle-with-atlas-launch/ - by me (top half) and Chris G (second half).
Atlantis vs Atlas battle. Nice! Picturing Atlantis with a karate headband heading over to the Cape to beat up the Atlas rocket with a couple of well timed swipes from her vertical stablizer. Atlas limps away with RSBs embedded in his first stage :D
HA! That gave me a chuckle. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!
Paging Zerm!
-
Awesome shots K466 8)
-
Mr Shannon said we'll know more about moving one of the other launches early next week, and expect to set a date by the end of the week. If we can't get off in November, then no big impact to the schedule and the worst they'd do is shift followup flight 2 weeks.
Currently only day available is the 16th. If they can move things around to try the 19th, it's the last available option but they lose the +1 day.
-
Yesterday I went over to the Playlinda beach area and got some great photos of the rollout. Besides getting a bus tour this is about as close as you can get to the orbiter. Definitely worth the trip ;D
I have posted my photos on Associated Content, view them here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/31363/space_shuttle_atlantis_rollout_on_october.html?cat=58 (http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/31363/space_shuttle_atlantis_rollout_on_october.html?cat=58)
Too bad they were not rolling out to pad 39 B, that would have been a lot closer.
We just so happen to have something rolling out to Pad B next Wednesday! :)
Is it me, or are the space shuttles having REALLY bad luck with lightning this year?
Orbiter
-
"Bad" luck would be having the shuttles damaged by lightning... Being in Florida means it is a fact of life - having NSF in existence means we hear about it now.
-
Yesterday I went over to the Playlinda beach area and got some great photos of the rollout. Besides getting a bus tour this is about as close as you can get to the orbiter. Definitely worth the trip ;D
I have posted my photos on Associated Content, view them here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/31363/space_shuttle_atlantis_rollout_on_october.html?cat=58 (http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/31363/space_shuttle_atlantis_rollout_on_october.html?cat=58)
Too bad they were not rolling out to pad 39 B, that would have been a lot closer.
We just so happen to have something rolling out to Pad B next Wednesday! :)
Is it me, or are the space shuttles having REALLY bad luck with lightning this year?
Orbiter
Unfortunately I won't be able to make it out Wednesday for Ares 1-X :(
Seems like the past 3 missions have had lightning strikes. Thankfully that little white rod is doing it's job ;)
-
Processing latest from Atlantis' Pad Flow and Flight Rationale for her SSMEs, post nozzzle leaks on the last two flights:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-atlantis-in-preps-for-tcdt-ssme-nozzle-flight-rationale/
-
Good articles Chris...
So I'm in a bit of a bind. Over on the "Going to the launch" thread it says that launch tickets will be released this week. The problem I have got is if its the 12th, I can go, if its on or after the 16th I can't make it :-(.
Will we know anything early this week, or is there any update now on what NASA intends to do with the range conflicts?
Thanks,
Steve
-
Good articles Chris...
So I'm in a bit of a bind. Over on the "Going to the launch" thread it says that launch tickets will be released this week. The problem I have got is if its the 12th, I can go, if its on or after the 16th I can't make it :-(.
Will we know anything early this week, or is there any update now on what NASA intends to do with the range conflicts?
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks :)
We should know very shortly. They were banking on the VAFB Atlas to slip to knock on to the Cape Atlas, but that didn't happen, so the money is on a slip right now as last we heard Atlas booked the range first and they won't budge.
The only thing that could happen to save the 12th is for Atlas to agree to move via NASA pressure.
The Delta IV on the other side of the STS-129 launch is also a problem, and what we heard is they'll try and get that to move to give Atlantis something of a launch window.....but that's still no good for the 12th.
We've got people keeping an eye on the decision.
-
Thanks Chris. Informative as always!
Steve
-
Interesting camera view from the RSS this morning.
-
Apologies if this raised before but why is NASA allowing the launch of flight-untested Ares-I-X while STS-129 Atlantis sits on its pad just a few thousand yards away ?
I would have thoiught it more prudent to launch Ares-I-X then roll out STS-129 ?
Or , postpone Ares-I-X launch until after STS-129 launched ?
What parameters for Ares-I-X vehicle destruction does the Range Safety Officer have available ? From on-pad destruction to what altitude ?
Phill
-
November 16 is the new NET. Article shortly.
-
Apologies if this raised before but why is NASA allowing the launch of flight-untested Ares-I-X while STS-129 Atlantis sits on its pad just a few thousand yards away ?
I would have thoiught it more prudent to launch Ares-I-X then roll out STS-129 ?
Or , postpone Ares-I-X launch until after STS-129 launched ?
What parameters for Ares-I-X vehicle destruction does the Range Safety Officer have available ? From on-pad destruction to what altitude ?
Phill
I spoke with Chris Gebhardt about this recently. He told me it was determined that Ares I-X poses no more threat to Atlantis than would another shuttle launching from pad B. As far as I know, the vehicle can be destroyed at anytime from T-0 to the end of first stage flight. Someone correct me if that's incorrect.
-
Apologies if this raised before but why is NASA allowing the launch of flight-untested Ares-I-X while STS-129 Atlantis sits on its pad just a few thousand yards away ?
Because it's safe. It's been talked about here, so scan back a bit, and it was also discussed at last week's 129 press conferences.
-
November 16 is the new NET. Article shortly.
That's a shame but at least it slipped before people have purchased tickets, though it didn't slip too much (yet... *keeping fingers crossed*)
-
One launch attempt - with the potential for another on the 17th (but needs work to make it two attempts) then standdown. Very tight window.
-
Here is to hoping the Delta group pushes to the right to give SSP a little room
-
Per Friday's presser it didn't sound very likely.
-
Thanks for the timely update!
3rd year of Florida, 3rd year I missed it! Doh! Running out of chances :-(
Good luck to them getting off on the 16th, seems like they are going to need a nice trouble free flow, and I hope they get it...
Now that Atlas launch...
Steve
-
Initial article - will add more:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-slips-to-november-16-after-atlas-wins-range-battle/
-
You'd think the SPP would have gotten the priority since they have to get 6 more flights done by the end of Sept. 2010. Perhaps they are counting on a SPP extension? I don't see how they will make it otherwise.
-
Per Friday's presser - moving to December is only a two week hit on the manifest.
-
You'd think the SPP would have gotten the priority since they have to get 6 more flights done by the end of Sept. 2010. Perhaps they are counting on a SPP extension? I don't see how they will make it otherwise.
Number of flights left on the manifest has nothing to do with priority.
Remember, since the Hubble change up that gave Atlantis this flight, STS-129 has been holding pretty steady in mid-November. Atlas and Delta have slipped out of their initial windows and are either losing money from their costumers or very close to losing money from their costumers as a result. Furthermore, and this has been been discussed numerous times on this site, Atlas and Delta waited to book the Range until Shuttle made its decision on Atlantis' launch date. Shuttle decided on Nov. 9 and Atlas booked for Nov. 14 and Delta for Nov. 18 and 19. Then, Shuttle got dumped by Russia for MRM-2 and here we are.
-
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-slips-to-november-16-after-atlas-wins-range-battle/
Wouldn't you think that a human space flight mission, would take precedence over any unmanned rocket launches, given that the Shuttle's launch window, ISS beta angle. etc. is far more a limiting factor as to when the Shuttle can launch?
-
I would have, Fred - but as Chris G explained this all in the post above yours about as well as I've seen.
-
Good explanation Chris, makes sense now.
I'm curious why the need 36 to 48 hours between the launches, seems like they could squeeze down to 24 hours in a case like this.
-
Pictures of the STS-129 crew arriving at KSC today are now surfacing at the Kennedy Media Gallery:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
-
Good explanation Chris, makes sense now.
I'm curious why the need 36 to 48 hours between the launches, seems like they could squeeze down to 24 hours in a case like this.
Earlier discussion...start here:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=15996.msg374489#msg374489
And read the subsequent responses...
-
The flight crew is doing the traditional media Q&A out at Pad A right now...also on NASA TV.
-
If Atlas launch slips, will they be able to move up 129 launch to November 12?
Thanks.
-
If Atlas launch slips, will they be able to move up 129 launch to November 12?
In all likelihood, no.
-
If Atlas launch slips, will they be able to move up 129 launch to November 12?
Thanks.
They've pretty much ruled that out per latest info.
Lots of articles coming over the coming couple of week as the SSP FRR was packed (meeting today and tomorrow - L2 has the presentations). Will create a standalone thread for those specific articles. Flow updates will go into here.
-
ELC-1 is now in the payload canister and also ELC-2:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
-
Delta IV may yield to Atlantis – Second Flight Readiness Review complete - by Chris Gebhardt:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/delta-yield-atlantis-flight-review-complete/
-
Great article Chris G.
Wow, a big hats off to the D4's customer if they yield the range to Atlantis; very decent of them!
-
Great article Chris G.
Wow, a big hats off to the D4's customer if they yield the range to Atlantis; very decent of them!
Which is the same as the owner of the Range, the USAF. Payload is WGS-3.
-
According to notes via Mr Shannon and Mr Moses on L2, it's going to be a three day launch window for Atlantis. Will write it up, but posting the update here to help people who are booking travel etc.
-
KSC put a helicopter shot of pads 39A&B online. Atlantis has seen quite a change from her view of 39A:
As her role in STS-125 with Endevour in the background:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/detail.cfm?mediaid=37482
(http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images/medium/08pd2731-m.jpg)
Still as her role in STS-125 again with Endevour in her STS-400 role.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/detail.cfm?mediaid=40840
(http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images/medium/2009-2738-m.jpg)
And now 39B has finally transformed into her Constellation role with Ares I-X. What a nice view Atlantis has had.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/detail.cfm?mediaid=43780
(http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images/medium/2009-5724-m.jpg)
-
Atlantis is covering her face in embarrassment at the ugly girl sitting right next to her. :P
-
As lovely as the last picture is that stick just seems totally out of place and the wrong fit.
Quick question though Chris, three day launch window would this mean, if need be, NASA would do tanking 3 times in a row even though they prefer not to (as mentioned during 128 discussions)? Or would there be discussions before attempting it?
-
Quick question though Chris, three day launch window would this mean, if need be, NASA would do tanking 3 times in a row even though they prefer not to (as mentioned during 128 discussions)? Or would there be discussions before attempting it?
They'll have a scrub turnaround plan going in, which will be reported here when it's official, and then the launch team would re-assess after each hypothetical scrub. Like a lot of these choices, they are situation-dependent, and the situation can change with each scrub. I would not be surprised to hear the "three-in-a-row" question at the post FRR media briefing next week.
-
Atlantis is covering her face in embarrassment at the ugly girl sitting right next to her. :P
Can't call it ugly but the shuttle definitely looks better.
Is there a chance they will have RSS rolled back for photo ops during the Ares launch?
-
Is there a chance they will have RSS rolled back for photo ops during the Ares launch?
Definitely not during the launch -- same safety issues as for all the Shuttle launches with another vehicle at the other pad. The Pad A RSS will be moved to park for payload installation; if I-X doesn't launch, then there might be an opportunity for photos. But I think they'd rather launch and execute the test than get a photo-op.
-
Atlantis' RSS won't be rolled back until the 30th for the payload installation, after Ares.
-
Atlantis' RSS won't be rolled back until the 30th for the payload installation, after Ares.
They are going to wait until after this specific opportunity for I-X (Oct. 27-28) to do the payload operations at the pad. But they're going to have to take the canister out to Pad A around the end of next week if they want to support a mid-November launch, regardless of whether I-X launches next week or not.
-
Window and Processing updates via L2:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-three-day-window-et-134-arrives-sts-130/
-
Have a few different OTV cameras in the Pad A area available today...don't recall seeing OTV 060 since the lightning that hit the water tower...
-
Includes processing update. Will do a standalone thread for the FRR articles - with this being one of them.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-special-minicam-approved-film-et-ramps/
-
Atlantis getting buttoned up for the I-X launch.
-
Is there a chance they will have RSS rolled back for photo ops during the Ares launch?
Definitely not during the launch -- same safety issues as for all the Shuttle launches with another vehicle at the other pad. The Pad A RSS will be moved to park for payload installation; if I-X doesn't launch, then there might be an opportunity for photos. But I think they'd rather launch and execute the test than get a photo-op.
Already noted on the news article portion of this site (;)) that attempting three in a row is an option. But, as Philip said, it's all situation dependent. Are they open to the idea? Yes. Will they do it? Remains to be seen.
-
STS-129 Press kit
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/397216main_sts129_presskit.pdf
-
With the Ares I-X scrub today, will STS-129 be affected greatly? I would imagine that the payload wont rollout until I-X has launched, would imagine that there is some wiggle room in the processing timeline though.
-
I didn't think the payload was rolling out until Friday?
-
I didn't think the payload was rolling out until Friday?
Yes, payload was originally expected at 39A *after* Ares launched. There should be no impact to STS-129, they accounted for this.
-
Engineers back at Atlantis for more pre-S0007 work, they'll have to button her back up before they leave tonight:
-
I know Ares is the hot topic today - but as an FYI there were lightning strikes within 1/3rd of a mile from Atlantis at the pad last night.
-
I know Ares is the hot topic today - but as an FYI there were lightning strikes within 1/3rd of a mile from Atlantis at the pad last night.
Yes, found Mother Nature taking a flash picture last night...
-
And just FYI, Atlantis has been opened back up to process for her mission:
-
And just FYI, Atlantis has been opened back up to process for her mission:
Yes, sounds like they are retracting the orbiter weather protection, presumably to get ready to move the RSS back to park and get ready for the arrival of the payload canister.
-
This person doesnt seem to happy to be back at the pad...LOL
-
This person doesnt seem to happy to be back at the pad...LOL
hmmm...strange capture.
-
This person doesnt seem to happy to be back at the pad...LOL
Perhaps he was tired?
-
This person doesnt seem to happy to be back at the pad...LOL
Maybe Atlatis mocked his ponytail ;)
-
Prepping for RSS retract already.
-
Prepping for RSS retract already.
Nice, good start to the day. If anyone at KSC could also keep an eye out for that Payload Canister making a trip down to the pad, that'd be great too.
Meanwhile, Agency FRR ongoing. Writing up the L2 notes on the structure issue relating to time of Main Engine Ignition. Sounds dramatic on the notes, but you tend to learn these SSP guys simply double check *everything*.
It is classed as a constraint to launch, but I'd guess (so don't hold me on this till I know) they'll approve the 16th with forward work on inspections.
Also, looks like a two day launch window now as Delta IV will only budge two days on the range.
I'll write it all up for a better overview.
-
Judging by Delta IV and DoD payload history I woundn't be surprised if it slips.
Analyst
-
RSS is on the move!
-
The rear drive-truck is about to move over the flame trench bridge:
-
Nice to see this with streaming video for a change... Still a slow process, but it's obvious.
-
Now on the bridge:
-
Almost past the bridge:
-
Now heading to the PARK position:
-
Now in the PARK position:
-
Great work with the RSS screenshots Dave.
Meanwhile, just recieved note from an MOD memo that they are looking at negotiating to 16th to 19th on the window with Delta IV.
As before, the 16th NET only is available if the Atlas V launches first time (or scrubs for a long period of time).
-
Excellent news. And per Mike Currie in the FRR, they are now talking about the ET.
-
Here is full frame gif:
(click to animate)
-
And video version with better quality
-
Article on the SSME Ignition and Structure debate at the FRR:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-main-engine-ignition-acoustic-debate-frr/
-
If Atlantis not launch in November when will the next window open?
-
December.
-
Chris,
Or any other Shuttle gurus out there...
If that vibration problem is considered serious, from what I read, does it mean Atlantis gets destacked, taken back to OPF, and it and the other orbiters have to go through some serious testing before they are approved to fly?
Could this be a sign of general fatigue of the older orbiters, or even all of them?
If that happens, what happens to the Shuttle manifest?
This sounds like very, very bad news to me. But then I don't work in the SSP.
-
This sounds like very, very bad news to me. But then I don't work in the SSP.
Check the article again - concentrating on the 4 points from John Shannon at the bottom.
-
December.
When in Dec?
-
December.
When in Dec?
Hasn't changed any from the earlier story - http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/delta-yield-atlantis-flight-review-complete/
-
December.
When in Dec?
Hasn't changed any from the earlier story - http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/delta-yield-atlantis-flight-review-complete/
Ok, thanks.
-
Prepping for RSS retract already.
Nice, good start to the day. If anyone at KSC could also keep an eye out for that Payload Canister making a trip down to the pad, that'd be great too.
I'm hearing midnight tonight for payload cannister roll.
-
Accordring to NTV Schedule, there will be a post-FRR news conference today, but the time shows as TBD... Anyone know if the presser is still on tap?
-
I can't imagine they would be canceling it... Keep an eye on the NASA TV schedule at http://nasa.gov/ntv
-
This sounds like very, very bad news to me. But then I don't work in the SSP.
Check the article again - concentrating on the 4 points from John Shannon at the bottom.
My apologies Chris and thanks rdale.
-
Accordring to NTV Schedule, there will be a post-FRR news conference today, but the time shows as TBD... Anyone know if the presser is still on tap?
According to http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
"Following the meeting, there will be a news conference broadcast no earlier than 6 p.m. EDT on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv. An official launch date is expected to be announced at the briefing."
-
"Following the meeting, there will be a news conference broadcast no earlier than 6 p.m. EDT on NASA TV..."
Thanks. I was questioning this because the NTV schedule page shows TBD wedged in between 1 PM and 4 PM EDT and no guidance has been displayed on NTV live.
-
Article on the SSME Ignition and Structure debate at the FRR:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-main-engine-ignition-acoustic-debate-frr/
Will do a second article on this as we now have the FRR presentations (L2) and there's a LOT on this.
Still stand by my armchair FRR decision, that they'll push on, with further evaluations into this over the next few weeks.
-
And it looks like today's MOD note about dealing with Delta IV and getting a window from the 16th to the 19th is the real deal.
Per @NASA's Twitter (PAOer at the FRR): "FRR-Shuttle Processing says we have the ability to try three launch attempts in four days if required. No issues"
-
And it looks like today's MOD note about dealing with Delta IV and getting a window from the 16th to the 19th is the real deal.
Per @NASA's Twitter (PAOer at the FRR): "FRR-Shuttle Processing says we have the ability to try three launch attempts in four days if required. No issues"
I parsed that as more the capability of the hardware and the launch team than securing the range for the period...not sure getting dates beyond the 17th is a done deal yet.
-
NASA has tweeted (http://twitter.com/NASA) that the FRR concluded; SpaceflightNow is reporting that the briefing will start at 5:30 pm Eastern.
Edit -- and now they've updated to say a 6 pm start.
-
Good news that the 16th is approved.
-
Any word of what time the payload will roll?
-
Any word of what time the payload will roll?
Noted a few posts earlier -- there's tons of good information in these threads, I will always suggest folks read even the long ones.
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=19081.msg497186#msg497186
-
Any word of what time the payload will roll?
Noted a few posts earlier -- there's tons of good information in these threads, I will always suggest folks read even the long ones.
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=19081.msg497186#msg497186
I confess that I'am a lazy person ;). But I blame my headteacher in Hight School for that. His motto is that "Man is born lazy". ;)
-
Prepping for RSS retract already.
Nice, good start to the day. If anyone at KSC could also keep an eye out for that Payload Canister making a trip down to the pad, that'd be great too.
I'm hearing midnight tonight for payload cannister roll.
Great, thanks for that :)
Presser coming up.
-
Gerst - congrats Ares I(-X) team.
It's a big spares mission for the Station. ELC - you need to look at it, it's much more than a payload carrier.
Some open work for Station (OGS - repairs next week). Not a constraint to mission.
Notes SpaceX DTO for Dragon. Very similar to what HTV uses.
Biggest issue with the orbiter is the MEI - not able to clear the stinger yet.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-main-engine-ignition-acoustic-debate-frr/
That was the biggest technical issue.
Notes the LO2 IFR ramp camera
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-special-minicam-approved-film-et-ramps/
Will be dramatic to see the foam popcorning and the flashes of the boosters and RCS.
Talked about SSME leaks - very small leaks. Don't affect engine performance, but want to understand it. Notes the sponges that may be the cause.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-atlantis-in-preps-for-tcdt-ssme-nozzle-flight-rationale/
Date set for 2:28pm for the 16th - depending on Atlas V.
-
Mike Moses.
Very smooth FRR. Thanks the shuttle contractors, very proud of them.
Ares I-X was a big milestone, but from the KSC team it was a dual pad operation with two pads working for two launches two weeks apart. Did an outstanding job.
Today's review shows we are constantly learning - MEI is a good example. STS-95 we saw the drag chute door come off and we saw we have more going on in that area. Speaks about the history (no way to keep up with him :))
Will put in some gap fillers around the one and only tile that was above the 1.4 safety limit.
Big issue is the main structure on the stinger. Held on at four points. One showed negative margins, and we have some homework to do. Working off conservative factors/worst case situations over the life of the program. Very dynamic and won't get that envioroment every time.
Will do some inspections to check it doesn't have any big cracks. White Sands testing on a structural repair via NDE.
ET is a really good story. Plug pulls are really good on this tank. Xrays and NDE on the ramps, all good.
SRBs are good. Speaking about the bit of rubber on the engine bell.
New camera will see some really good stuff.
Wrapped up pretty good. Challenging 11 day mission with three EVAs and set the Station up with supplies.
-
Mike L thanks Pete N for his role as launch director on previous missions.
Payload heading to pad tonight. Should get to 16th with no problems. Very easy to move to the 17th if Atlas scrubs for 24 hours. Can react to that very easily.
Glad to be back in the saddle :)
-
AP Marcia on windows.
Range 16th and 17th. Delta IV on the 19th - will move a few days to the right to allow the two days. Could go as far as the 19th or maybe even 20th based on Beta Angle. No arrangements to use the full window yet, but watching the status of Delta IV.
December 6th for the December window.
Someone's show Marcia the big dent in the side of Ares I-X's booster through recovery photos. We've got a set of images in L2 (seeing some of them are also acquired by some other sites too).
Gerst says they need to talk to them about it (Ares people), not an impact to Shuttle.
Bill Harwood says he can't find Ares people.
They don't want to talk about Ares at this presser it seems!
-
Chris G ask about the camera and pad clearance during Atlas V's launch.
Hard set for the 16th, but will take another look if they could go earlier if Atlas V can't launch on the 14th.
Mike Moses talks more about the single parachute failure on 128. In family, but unknown.
Mike L says Ares I-X got a lot out of it via the ground processing with a new vehicle.
-
Chris G with a follow up :)
Asking about meteor shower related attitudes.
Gerst. Look at those things in detail and all looks fine.
And big time engineering question with the Fuel Cell KOH levels. Nice!
Mike Moses: Been seeing it since they had SSPTS online. Different power levels are being put on the cells. Couple of limits running close to the flight rules. KOH concentration is not an issue. Next batch of FCs are not old. Good review.
-
I'd wait for John 44's recording as Mike is going 100mph with his answers - but he's still awesome.
Bill Harwood on budget.
Gerst - we'll get passback around thanksgiving. Budget gets openly discussed in Feb next year.
James Dean on December window impacting downsteam.
Mike M: Not a big impact, next mission a little bit. 131 gets close to a Beta cut out and would change it to a four day window.
Mike L: Four attempts in five days depends on the scrubs.
On Falcon 9 moving to next year.
Gerst doesn't know too much and will see how it plays out.
Marcia on December 6 opportunity.
Mike M: Dec 6-11 is the window. Russians cut it off for the 12th.
Chris G on ELC1 having to come out first.
Gerst confirms it's CG related to ELC2 coming out second.
Mike M speaks about ballast and order. Maximized upmass to the Station. Gerst speaks about how much payload is going up.
That's it.
-
Chris G on ELC1 having to come out first.
Gerst confirms it's CG related to ELC2 coming out second.
Mike M speaks about ballast and order. Maximized upmass to the Station.
I think Mike Moses mentioned the CG "box" -- IIRC, a center-of-gravity too far forward presents issues with nose gear landing loads and can also be a problem for orbiter controllability. There may be other issues, but CG is one of reasons heavy return payloads tend to mounted to points farther back in the payload bay.
Forward CG was noted to some extent by the program after the short-circuit on STS-125 when looking at what-ifs for hypothetical "next failures":
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/05/atlantis-targets-expansive-asa-contingency-plan/
-
STS-129 Post-FRR News Conference
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5468
-
Thanks Chris for the presser play-by-play. I can't watch videos for a while (need a new computer) so it really helps reading at least.
-
Hard set for the 16th, but will take another look if they could go earlier if Atlas V can't launch on the 14th.
I think Bill Gerstenmaier said during this Q&A that there's still a lot of analytical work at the program level to make the L-2 MMT for a 16th launch date...and so therefore, the 16th might be about as soon as is realistic, even if the hardware processing could be accelerated a little bit.
-
Canister has left and is expected to arrive at 0300 hours per KSC radio, clearing pad surface for hoist operations
-
So is the payload at the pad yet?
-
So is the payload at the pad yet?
Yes, the canister arrived at the pad at about the time that Ron posted last night, a little before 3 am local. They even turned on the stadium lights to support the early part of lifting ops.
The next thing to watch for visually is the RSS will be returned to the mate position. At that point, we'll know the payload is secured in the payload changeout room and the canister has been lowered and moved away.
Edit: actually, we might see the same sequence as yesterday in reverse -- the canister leaving the pad, then the RSS move.
-
Thanks psloss. So 15 hours ago. Does it normally take that long?
Is there somewhere I can look for this kind of info, without bugging you lot (a website) or is it just a matter of watching the cameras?
-
1. So 15 hours ago. Does it normally take that long?
2. Is there somewhere I can look for this kind of info, without bugging you lot (a website) or is it just a matter of watching the cameras?
1. Yes.
2. http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/ -- that's the NASA OTV camera links. Some are of Pad-A.
-
Head to livestream and the spaceflightnow channel has live video of the operations at Pad A.
-
Canister is now demated from the PCR. Lowering operations to commence shortly.
-
Canister now being lowered back onto the deck of the Canister Transporter.
-
RSS First Motion to the MATE position is scheduled for 0715 EDT this morning. 0530 EDT for the RSS pre-rotation walkdown, 0630 EDT for RSS rotation observers on stations.
-
And the Canister has been lowered onto the deck of the Canister Transporter.
-
The RSS hoist bracket is free from the Canister. This should lead to the Cansiter Transporter with the now empty Canister leaving 39A and heading back to the Canister Rotation Facility.
-
Payload Canister transporter is now leaving 39A.
-
They're going to hold off on performing the -Y OWP extension until they have completed the RSS rotation walkdown which will be performed shortly.
-
RSS Rotation to MATE position is in work.
-
RSS is now back in the MATE position to support the opening of the Orbiter PLBDs and PL installation. Next up is the triple-flips and the extensions of the +Y/-Y OWPs. They're starting the walkdown for the +Y OWP extension right now.
-
Another item in work is a side hatch functional test.
-
Cool that we have had this white room shot.
Hatch is currently closed
-
-Y OWP extension is now complete. Getting ready for the +Y OWP extensions.
-
Images of the payload canister arriving at the pad are up, hopefully we will get to see PCR photos soon:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
-
STS-129 Latest, more on the MEI/Stinger issue and a NBL incident:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/sts-129-mei-issue-may-require-additional-instrumentation-nbl-incident/
-
Thank goodness nobody was hurt. All the worries of incidents flying, and yet these boys and girls are tested just as fiercely on the ground in sometimes life-threatening conditions. A day in the life of an astronaut.
-
Short article to mark payload installation milestones - by Chris Gebhardt.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/atlantis-payload-installation-milestone-for-sts-129-flow/
-
Processing update via L2:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/sts-129-atlantis-ordnance-mei-evaluations-continuing/
-
I got this from this link.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/sts-129-mei-issue-may-require-additional-instrumentation-nbl-incident/
"Engineers are closing in on a plan to install instrumentation on Atlantis – in time for her November 16 launch date – in order to understand a potential issue with a stinger structure on the aft of the vehicle, which may be susceptible to the stresses of Main Engine Ignition (MEI)."
If this topic is already being discussed, I didn't see it. This sounds really, really bad. What happens of this stringer structure fails? It can't be any good.
Throw in a complete failure of one of the flight controller channels and shuttle is not looking very good. I am glad John Shannon is in charge.
Danny Deger
Danny Deger
-
Lots of stuff on L2, or http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=19375.0
-
Danny, I though you had L2? Oh well. Lots of borescope videos on there of the stingers. Some neat presentations too. Basically a lot of unknowns unless they gain more data (and thus confidence) with the instrumentation added.
Actually, I don't think anyone has given it a whole lot of weight on here, surprisingly...just one of those 'NASA is on top of it' scenarios.
-
Judging by Delta IV and DoD payload history I woundn't be surprised if it slips.
Analyst
And big surprise, there it does:
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/tracking/index.html
Analyst
-
MEI issue is become less of a "concern" - will write it up. And the D4H delay is specific to a delay to spacecraft stacking due to winds and also recharge the spacecraft batteries, we understand.
Window will likely go out to four days.
-
MEI issue is become less of a "concern" - will write it up. And the D4H delay is specific to a delay to spacecraft stacking due to winds and also recharge the spacecraft batteries, we understand.
Window will likely go out to four days.
Not a Heavy(3 CBCs) launch. It's a Medium+ config flying for the first time. It will use a 5 m diameter US/PLF with 4 GEMs. Previous Delta IV Mediums had been limited to either the plain Medium config or the Medium+ config with a 4 m US/PLF and 2 GEMs.
-
Yep, my bad. Knew it wasn't the 3 CBC version, but somehow decided to call it a Heavy. I'm losing my marbles :D
Anyhoo. Processing report coming in a few hours. No IPRs, just a check in SSME 1 - but the solution is no impact to the flow, so all looking good.
-
The flight plan walkthrough can be found at:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/129/129walkthrough.pdf
-
STS-129 NASA TV Schedule Rev.0
http://www.nasa.gov/tvschedule/pdf/tvsked_rev0.pdf
-
Next processing article will be tomorrow as we're holding to check something relating to MEI findings.
-
I'll start a formal weather thread tomorrow - but as a heads up, right now Monday looks beautiful. Conditions deteriorate just a bit for Tuesday.
-
MEI Flight Rationale draws near – Delta IV delay aids Atlantis’ launch window - by Chris Gebhardt.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/mei-flight-rationale-near-delta-iv-larger-window-atlantis/
There's a reference to some negative opinion on MEI, but we are following it up and understand it to be from a traditionally conservative engineering body.
-
I'll start a formal weather thread tomorrow - but as a heads up, right now Monday looks beautiful. Conditions deteriorate just a bit for Tuesday.
Good to hear!
Could you give a heads up on the Atlas launch early Saturday morning? That is relevent to getting a Monday launch attempt. Thanks!!
-
I'll start a formal weather thread tomorrow - but as a heads up, right now Monday looks beautiful. Conditions deteriorate just a bit for Tuesday.
Good to hear!
Could you give a heads up on the Atlas launch early Saturday morning? That is relevent to getting a Monday launch attempt. Thanks!!
I'll defer to Rob, but the official Air Force forecast for Saturday morning is for partly cloudy skies, a token chance of rain, and winds at 10G15. Overall, weather looks beautiful for Atlas.
-
I'll start a formal weather thread tomorrow - but as a heads up, right now Monday looks beautiful. Conditions deteriorate just a bit for Tuesday.
Good to hear!
Could you give a heads up on the Atlas launch early Saturday morning? That is relevent to getting a Monday launch attempt. Thanks!!
I'll defer to Rob, but the official Air Force forecast for Saturday morning is for partly cloudy skies, a token chance of rain, and winds at 10G15. Overall, weather looks beautiful for Atlas.
More good news, thanks Chris.
-
I see no weather issue at all for Saturday...
-
Crew is heading to KSC in the STA it seems:
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/NASA949
-
-
-
-
-
Touchdown
-
-
-
-
-
After wordes, group shot and then off to the astronaut quarters
-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-d6AUBfUQk
-
Check out L2 (STS-129 section) if you want a few shots from crew arrival that the Max-Q guys shot today from the SLF. There will definitely be more than what is up right now, just need time to process them. :)
-
PRCB management have cleared the MEI issue as a constraint to launch. Documentation going to the MMT L-2. Will gain that documentation and write it up.
-
NASA images:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
-
In the countdown for STS-129!
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/sts-129-atlantis-countdown-no-major-issues-for-l-2-mmt/
-
Great work with the MEI discussions. SSP at its best again.
-
Thanks for the summary. The standup reports on L2 are really jam-packed with details these days. :)
-
Yeah, Mr Shannon and co are doing fantastic work.
Just to note to new people, we'll start the Launch Day coverage ahead of tanking on Monday morning.
-
Vernier thruster cover removal complete per KSC engineering radio
-
Atlas scrubs, so STS-129 isn't launching Monday if they declare 24 hour scrub turnaround.
-
Atlas rolling back - more than 24 hour scrub, so Atlantis remains on track for Monday!
-
Can anyone point me at an STS 129 countdown clock? The main NASA site seems to have stopped doing one.
I take it we're at T-33 hours at counting since 03:00?
-
Can anyone point me at an STS 129 countdown clock? The main NASA site seems to have stopped doing one.
I take it we're at T-33 hours at counting since 03:00?
http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/cdt/
Holi
-
T-27h and holding.
Does the hold last the usual 4 hours?
-
Can anyone point me at an STS 129 countdown clock? The main NASA site seems to have stopped doing one.
I take it we're at T-33 hours at counting since 03:00?
I've noticed our countdown sidebar gadget doesn't seem to be working either...
-
The Shuttle 'Launch and Landing' page, which normally shows the yellow clock, says it is due to be up sometime today.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/index.html
-
Here is where we are in the count. Via the Coundown bar chart in L2.
Still working on how to crop it and make it better. Sorry
-
From NASA's main Twitter account:
http://twitter.com/NASA/status/5711079254
This morning, the Mission Management Team gave a "go" for launch - Prelaunch news conference at 11a ET on NASA TV
-
Here is where we are in the count. Via the Coundown bar chart in L2.
Still working on how to crop it and make it better. Sorry
GIMP is what you want
http://www.gimp.org/
Also, diagrams work better as GIF than JPEG (the latter is best for photos)
cheers
Mike
-
The Shuttle 'Launch and Landing' page, which normally shows the yellow clock, says it is due to be up sometime today.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/index.html
... and now the Sidebar Gadget is up too!
For those who haven't found it, it's at the top of this thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=16128.msg372469#msg372469
-
images of the payload bay doors being closed are now up:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
-
Click to animate:
-
Didn't take my laptop to L-2 Briefing this morning. Was a really informative briefing, but the main point was that there are NO issues for Atlantis. Mike L commented on this and praised all the teams. Mike M talked a lot about the MEI Overpressure analyses and the justification for Flight Rationale acceptance.
I asked Kathy Winters about the SRB recovery forecast. She said that even if wave height and period is NOT acceptable at launch time for SRB recovery ops, launch CAN STILL occur without issue.
Also asked her about the new Anvil Cloud rule in effect starting with STS-129.
Also, forward action on the MEI analysis includes installation of a Base Heat Shield acoustic sensor on Endeavour for STS-130.
Also, on the Station side, would really like to get the Distillation Assembly back on STS-129 from ISS. Adds some work to the docked mission content but nothing that can't be handled.
I'm sure John44 will have the briefing uploaded shortly. But those, at least, are the highlights.
-
He put it up a while ago - just didn't link it in this thread.
-
STS-129 Prelaunch News Conference
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5488
-
Also, on the Station side, would really like to get the Distillation Assembly back on STS-129 from ISS. Adds some work to the docked mission content but nothing that can't be handled.
Thanks Chris. So with only one unit up there as a spare (I believe), and no chance for a spare to be launched up on Atlantis, that makes for a precarious next few months until a new spare is launched to ISS, or the one removed is refurbished & sent back up.
I love out test bed in space :)
EDIT: DA spares question answered in ISS thread.
-
Didn't take my laptop to L-2 Briefing this morning. Was a really informative briefing, but the main point was that there are NO issues for Atlantis. Mike L commented on this and praised all the teams. Mike M talked a lot about the MEI Overpressure analyses and the justification for Flight Rationale acceptance.
I noticed you had your trusty notepad and pencil with you. :)
Great questions and equally good answers. I appreciated the remark Mike L made after Kathy's answer on the anvil question, they are still trying to improve the process even with only a few flights to go.
"Kaizen" is alive and well at NASA.
-
Nice work again by Chris G above!
-
Into L-1 and all proceeding on the timeline so far.
Status article based on MMT documentation for L-2 and L-1....on L2
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/l-1-mmt-prepare-for-tanking-engineers-discuss-atlantis-crew/
-
Steve Payne (NASA Test Director) noted during this morning's status briefing that the PRSD (Power Reactant and Storage Distribution) load for the orbiter fuel cells was a little different than planned, but no impact to the launch attempt plan. They ended up with 2 days of hold time for hydrogen, 5 days for oxygen, which supports three attempts in a row or four attempts in five days.
-
raising stairs for RSS rotation
RSS pre-rotation walkdown complete, looks good
-
crane used to remove equipment on MLP
pre-rotation lock down done
-
Done with the look at the flame trench, I am guessing we will be seeing this on L2 soon.
removing handrails
-
Representatives from NSF are on site at the pad 39A perimeter gate. Will be uploading pictures sent from our guys as they become available.
-
Sounds like something is wrong, might have to hold in the middle of rotation, sounds like an issue with duct work
-
Sounds like something is wrong, might have to hold in the middle of rotation, sounds like an issue with duct work
They have time to clear this up. We have more information on this nowadays in almost real-time, but a lot of these discussions are likely typical going back years. In the past, we'd just see the RSS move to park and not know why it was a little off the timeline.
-
First rotation any minute now
-
Representatives from NSF are on site at the pad 39A perimeter gate. Will be uploading pictures sent from our guys as they become available.
Sweet! Webcam and live on site shots. Liking that!
-
Representatives from NSF are on site at the pad 39A perimeter gate. Will be uploading pictures sent from our guys as they become available.
Sweet! Webcam and live on site shots. Liking that!
...and the live streaming video of Cam 071 ready to see her -- nice combination of all available feeds!
-
She moves!
-
Talking about turning on flood lights
-
Talking about turning on flood lights
The request was for the stadium lights -- you can see one of those in the shot from OTV 060 in the lower left.
-
NASASpaceflight's Chris Gebhardt and Max-Q's Brian Papke, Larry Sullivan and Steven Burgess (all on assignment from NSF) are stationed at the pad perimeter gate. They're tight-in with their high-res cameras and are reporting very slight motion in inch mode.
-
Going fast now
-
Steven reporting faster motion at this time.
-
NASA TV has switched to KSC now; starting with the camera on the east perimeter looking west. Not sure if this will be a static shot or if they'll switch cameras a little bit as we've seen in the recent past.
-
Motion seems to have stopped, and going again
-
Atlantis coming into view.
-
Atlantis now fully visible from the east camera.
-
-
Steven reporting that her right wing and SSME are visible from the perimeter gate south of the pad. Picture coming shortly.
-
Just turned on NASA TV, WOW!!! She's looking beautiful in the waning sunlight.
-
-
Phone image from Brian Papke. High resolution images will be available on L2 later.
-
-
-
-
wow
-
-
View from the gate.
-
slowing down
-
think it is stopped now
-
Views are breath-taking today, its surely one of the most beautiful move of RSS to park position which I ever seen..
-
Views are breath-taking today, its surely one of the most beautiful move of RSS to park position which I ever seen..
Agreed.
-
Views are breath-taking today, its surely one of the most beautiful move of RSS to park position which I ever seen..
Agree on the former, particularly with the autumn sunset, skeptical about singling this out so quickly, given there have been so many of these.
-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACjDM3DtTVI
-
Reference shot that shows flood lights (one set) and stadium lights (two of them), and relative locations/vicinity to the pad surface...
-
The nothing like a nice sunset topped off with some bright lights..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8vCzQ-YAI4
-
Thanks dave k for the ffwd video, I have always wanted to see it that way. Thanks to all the other correspondents and I am especially jealous of you MaxQ guys and Chris G at the gates of heaven. This should be a spectacular launch with beautiful skies, can't wait.
-
http://twitpic.com/ppem2
http://twitpic.com/pperz
-
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
-
Not much visible activity. Vent hood has been lowered
-
T-6 hours and holding.
-
Launch day thread in about 30 mins, along with a live article (baseline info, pumped up with L2 info during the day).