NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
NASA Shuttle Specific Sections => Atlantis (Post STS-135, T&R) => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 11/17/2009 03:37 am
-
LIVE and interactive coverage of STS-129's Flight Day 2:
Previous article: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/launch-day-live-atlantis1/
FD2 article (1): http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/sts-129-atlantis-clean-launch-ahead-opening-tps-inspections/
FD2 article (2): http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/sts-129-tps-inspections-fd2-photos-extremely-clean-et-133/
FD2: TPS Inspection and Rendezvous Prep
– FD2 TPS Inspections (OBSS, OMS Pod Digital)
– ELC1 grapple with SRMS (post OBSS stow)
– NC2 & NC3
– EMU Checkout
– C/L Camera Install, Docking Ring extension (during AOS), Rendezvous Tool C/O
Please note, this is interactive, but all posts need to be on topic. If you post images, no more than two per post.
*Rough timeline below - executive package will be the updated version*
-
FD2 tasks:
-
The 1st wake up call for STS-129!
The song is I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe for Butch.
-
Wakeup song is I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me (Now that was quick Googling)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ipY4L8FfcE
Edit: Bah, beaten while looking for a video :p
-
ISS and Atlantis orbit graphic:
-
Here's the NASA TV schedule for today (Rev A).
-
Mike Massimino interviews: priceless!
-
Mass could surely be a TV presenter when he's done. He seems to be very into that role when he did the video highlights for his last flight, and for this. So comfortable in front of a camera.
-
Hmm, seems houston is watching the forward window launch video:
-
FYI, today's Video File is a one-time thing...schedule for the rest of the week:
VIDEOFILE SCHEDULE DURING MISSION COVERAGE OF STS-129 (all times Eastern)
Tuesday, November 17 - 6:00 a.m.
Wednesday, November 18 - 6:00 a.m.
Thursday, November 19 - 6:00 a.m.
Friday, November 20 - 7:00 a.m.
Monday, November 23 - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 24 - 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 25 - 2:00 p.m.
Reference:
ftp://ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/pao/tv-advisory/nasa-tv.txt
-
Josh Byerly, PAO for the Orbit 1 team that is on its first shift of the mission, just noted that the NC-2 burn is coming up...delta-V of 8 feet per second.
-
NC-2 burn coming up
And live from the flight deck:
-
Two burns scheduled for today. NC-2 is early in the day, at approx. 16 hours MET. NC-3 is later, at approx. 27 hours MET.
-
Atlantis in proper orientation for NC-2 burn
-
4 minutes to OMS, pre-burn Gimbal for OMS engines
-
Good config for the burn.
-
burning, good burn no trim
-
no NPC burn
-
Notice the manual movement with OMS burn:
-
ready to start working on OBSS unberth
-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1_sLRc7EiY
-
Flying over the middle East
-
Starting OBSS unberth
-
-
Nice view of the Nile river in Egypt
-
I'm surprised by the shaking prior to actually seeing the white flash of OMS ignition.
-
-
-
OBSS grappled:
-
Good catch Ron. Forgot GMT is actually GMT+0 at this time of year!
-
Any sign of execute packages yet? I can't find any at all.
-
-
Boom unberthed:
-
working LDRI activation
-
View of the Starboard OMS pod from the end of the OBSS
-
-
-
I've got my armchair DAT hat on and I'm calling this the cleanest tank ever based on the ET Umbilical Well photography on L2 (using some images in next article) - super impressive performance - probably only two areas of visible liberation, both small.
Going to start writing up another article now.
-
maneuvering to the + Y direction for survey
-
-
-
-
-
-
Any sign of execute packages yet? I can't find any at all.
Nope...not up...somebody stateside please give the PAO a call in an hour or so...they are quite pleasant bunch and will usually sort it out!
(or an e-mail from an @nasaspaceflight.com address)
-
-
STS-129 - EXTERNAL TANK HANDHELD VIDEO
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5505
STS-129 - Crew Profile
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5506
STS-129 - Mission Profile
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5507
-
In class, cant post snap shots right now
-
What's the "mythical team mascot" they keep mentioning?
-
Tilt is a bit off when they panned to this area of the WLE. Asked to backstep.
-
Any sign of execute packages yet? I can't find any at all.
Nope...not up...somebody stateside please give the PAO a call in an hour or so...they are quite pleasant bunch and will usually sort it out!
(or an e-mail from an @nasaspaceflight.com address)
Any chance of also asking them to update http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/isstodate.html and http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/ISSRG/pdfs/on_orbit.pdf a bit more often, please? The ISS article on Wikipedia makes use of them as a main source and they're pretty out of date. Thanks!
-
CAPCOM thanks the crew for their patience. With the tilt/pan changes.
"It's our pleasure, Houston."
Will be a nice view on the flight deck, given Atlantis' attitude:
-
Lower end WLE and RCC survey continuing.
-
If someone's got a better feed, please post screenshots, as mine isn't great.
-
Bird poop??
-
Can't help too much as very busy at work.. may only get a few in.
-
Bird poop??
Great capture Roger. That's why I was hoping someone had a better feed. And yeah - probably space poo :)
-
-
Survey on the starboard (right) wing.
-
-
-
EMU checkouts are in work.
-
-
-
-
-
-
FD2 Execute package has now been posted:
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/403252main_fd02_exec_pkg.pdf
-
-
-
-
-
FD2 Execute package has now been posted
Anyone want to take a stab at what page 1 means?
-
FD2 Execute package has now been posted:
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/403252main_fd02_exec_pkg.pdf
Great, thanks!
-
-
FD2 Execute package has now been posted
Anyone want to take a stab at what page 1 means?
Maybe for the anomalies on the LH2 pump for the fuel cell, and finally getting all green across the board? They have PGSC underlined there...
-
STS-129 - EXTERNAL TANK HANDHELD VIDEO
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5505
STS-129 - Crew Profile
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5506
STS-129 - Mission Profile
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5507
For what it's worth, the video labeled "EXTERNAL TANK HANDHELD VIDEO" isn't the handheld video. It's the out-the-PLT-window video and it's incredible! I'm quite jealous of Wilmore at this point!
-
-
I have to step away for a bit.. will try to get more on later...sorry.
-
My feed is really bad s someone else is more than welcome to step in.
-
-
Starboard wing inspection is complete.
-
Now lunch for the crew before they move on with the inspection of the nose.
-
FD2 Execute package has now been posted
Anyone want to take a stab at what page 1 means?
I was wondering if it referred to the problem they had with one of the CRT displays they noted during the L-1 Crew Briefing session:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/l-1-mmt-prepare-for-tanking-engineers-discuss-atlantis-crew/ (http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/l-1-mmt-prepare-for-tanking-engineers-discuss-atlantis-crew/)
The old "have you tried turning it off, then on again" advice ;)
EDIT: This guess was wrong - it refers to the "Orbiter Communications Adaptor" (OCA) and a procedure in the "Orbit Operations Checklist" headed "OCA SSR-1 REGAIN 2 GREEN LIGHTS"
-
They will change the attitude of the Shuttle for better lighting of the RCC on the nose which is the next step of the inspection. The crew will start with the RCC now and wait with the lunch. The inspection of the RCC is expected to take 40 minutes.
-
Good work Ron, Roger and Arkaska.
Crew lunch, so let's get that next article completed. Already have another one to write after that! :)
-
Docking ring in view:
-
-
current config
-
-
-
-
-
What happened to crew lunch? Now after nose cap survey?
-
What happened to crew lunch? Now after nose cap survey?
MAybe getting it in place before lunch?
-
What happened to crew lunch? Now after nose cap survey?
PAO sad they where ahead of schedule and would do nose before lunch.
-
-
Interesting!
Asked where they are in relation to the ISS. Following confirmation....
"Hmm, we see someone, but it can't be them (ISS)."
MCC: "Can you get a licence plate for us" :D
UFO fans will be falling off their chairs if they were listening to that ;)
-
RCC inspection on the nose cap
-
Interesting!
Asked where they are in relation to the ISS. Following confirmation....
"Hmm, we see someone, but it can't be them (ISS)."
MCC: "Can you get a licence plate for us" :D
UFO fans will be falling off their chairs if they were listening to that ;)
haha...funny.
-
You can see the shadows of the equipment on the OBSS.
-
-
-
-
57 minutes ahead of timeline
-
-
Nose cap survey complete
-
Moving over to the port side. That inspection is expected to take between 1 and 1.5 hours.
-
-
Hmm, so much for lunch
-
Hmm, so much for lunch
The PAO have sad before the finish of both the starboard side and the nose cap that they would have lunch after each respectively.
We can see the edge of South America below.
-
OBSS in place for Port survey
-
Flight Day 2 - article 2:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/sts-129-tps-inspections-fd2-photos-extremely-clean-et-133/
Based on the always-stunning ET Umbilical Well and Handheld Imagery, plus MER and MMT status on Atlantis.
You'll get a bigger image of the tank if you go via www.nasaspaceflight.com front page. Also added a handheld image to the article, as this one had impressive venting.
-
Takes around 14 minutes to rote the shuttle for the right lighting conditions before the survey can start.
-
EMU's are in great shape according to Houston
-
Looks like we are getting sequential stills of the OBSS
-
Shuttle flying over central Germany right now.
-
Flight Day 2 - article 2:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/sts-129-tps-inspections-fd2-photos-extremely-clean-et-133/
Based on the always-stunning ET Umbilical Well and Handheld Imagery, plus MER and MMT status on Atlantis.
You'll get a bigger image of the tank if you go via www.nasaspaceflight.com front page. Also added a handheld image to the article, as this one had impressive venting.
Props to the MAF guys.
-
S-Band Stills coming down from the OBSS
-
-
Flight Day 2 - article 2:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/sts-129-tps-inspections-fd2-photos-extremely-clean-et-133/
Based on the always-stunning ET Umbilical Well and Handheld Imagery, plus MER and MMT status on Atlantis.
You'll get a bigger image of the tank if you go via www.nasaspaceflight.com front page. Also added a handheld image to the article, as this one had impressive venting.
Updated, as we've found some areas of intertank foam loss on the backside of the tank via handheld ET footage. Note: That's not a threat to the orbiter, given the foam is highly unlikely to make its way around the tank and hit the orbiter.
-
-
Interesting!
Asked where they are in relation to the ISS. Following confirmation....
"Hmm, we see someone, but it can't be them (ISS)."
MCC: "Can you get a licence plate for us" :D
UFO fans will be falling off their chairs if they were listening to that ;)
LOL, priceless! I missed that, thanks for posting!
-
-
-
-
-
-
New TV schedule - TI burn tomorrow was adjusted by 2 minutes:
http://www.nasa.gov/tvschedule/pdf/tvsked_revb.pdf
-
-
-
-
-
What are those black areas? just tile or something different?
-
What are those black areas? just tile or something different?
I dont remember what they are named, but they are holes to allow air to exit and enter the frame of the shuttle during ascent/emtry
-
THis one would have been good for Halloween... looks like a ghostly face...
-
What are those black areas? just tile or something different?
I dont remember what they are named, but they are holes to allow air to exit and enter the frame of the shuttle during ascent/emtry
thank you
-
-
What are those black areas? just tile or something different?
I dont remember what they are named, but they are holes to allow air to exit and enter the frame of the shuttle during ascent/emtry
thank you
They are vent doors.
In addition to Squid.erau's note, this has, of course, been asked and answered in the Shuttle Q&A thread(s) before. Here's the question post from one occurrence, answers follow it:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=6156.msg145917#msg145917
-
Those are vent doors 1 and 2 on the left side. The vent the the unpressurized volume of the forward compartment during ascent and re-entry.
-
-
-
-
Handover to Orbit 2 at MCC-H FCR.
-
-
THis one would have been good for Halloween... looks like a ghostly face...
Ha! Took me a few second, then fell off my chair :D
MSB in 40 mins.
-
-
Still far ahead on timeline
-
THis one would have been good for Halloween... looks like a ghostly face...
Ha! Took me a few second, then fell off my chair :D
MSB in 40 mins.
at the risk of cluttering this up... here is a tilted view for better viewing and something to compare to... just for fun.. - now back to our regularly schedule program..
-
-
Done with port wing survey
-
I guess that is how it's going to be...sounds like Charlie Hobaugh is still messing with Megan McArthur...
CapCom: "...step 3 of that procedure tells you to mark that CWC with gray tape marked 'Condensate. Do not transfer to ISS.' We actually do plan to transfer this CWC, so you can just label it 'Condensate.'"
CDR: "OK, will put gray tape on it and put 'Do not transfer to ISS' and 'Shuttle Condensate' -- no problem"
CapCom: "OK, Scorch, let me just clarify, it should say 'Condensate' and nothing--"
CDR: "I'm just messing with you."
CapCom: "I'm shocked."
CDR: "I know, it never happens."
-
MSB on.
No issues. An hour ahead of the timeline. Video on the HD the biggest problem - looks like damaged cable via troubleshooting.
Showing the Window 4 video again.
-
-
Run of the mill stuff. RPM explained. One asking about an expecting father (missed who).
Ah, it's about Randy. AP ask if they'd do a live conference with the delivery room. Will be based on assets available.
No obvious sign of issues with Atlantis' TPS, but they have to wait for RPM and DAT.
Todd asks about the MADS recorder, heh - he's paraphasing what we've written about with the questions.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/sts-129-tps-inspections-fd2-photos-extremely-clean-et-133/
-
According to the timeline the OBSS should have been berthed
Edit: Nope, still being held by the RMS
-
-
-
and latched, go to continue
-
-
ELC 1 has now been grappled
-
Now here is a timelapse video that turns hours of scanning into a four minute video, please watch it as I worked very hard and long on it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWMlUYeUCg4
-
view from station now... should see a lot of this tomorrow.
-
Now here is a timelapse video that turns hours of scanning into a four minute video, please watch it as I worked very hard and long on it:
:o
That is JUST what I needed to see what I missed at school all day.
Great job!!!!
-
Now here is a timelapse video that turns hours of scanning into a four minute video, please watch it as I worked very hard and long on it:
Good work, Ron
-
STS-129 - MISSION STATUS BRIEFING FD 2
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5508
-
-
Yes.. Right over MY head... Great lakes in Ontario Canada.... Lake Erie and Lake Onario :)
-
Centerline Camera installed to ODS:
-
RMS grappling ELC 1 (always will be RMS to me, not SRMS)
Also downlinking OBSS scans during KU outages:
-
Deactivating heaters in airlock
-
Time lapse was great. A lot of hard work in putting it together.
-
-
Question: Why do they grapple ELC-1 already and not just put the RMS back to launch/re entry position? I thought they won't be using it until tomorrow at the ISS.
And Ronsmytheiii: thank you for the stopmotion movie of the TPS inspection!
-
It's funny to listen these conversations Megan with Charles. Again messy action while ago ;)
Amazing job with that movie Ron!
-
Question: Why do they grapple ELC-1 already and not just put the RMS back to launch/re entry position?
Per L2 documentation, it was a crew request. I'm not sure about the "why" part though.
-
One asking about an expecting father (missed who).
Ah, it's about Randy. AP ask if they'd do a live conference with the delivery room. Will be based on assets available.
I hope that was a joke. Surely this would come under "private medical conference" and certainly not be televised? I don't think I would have wanted my childrens' delivery to be shown on national television.
-
One asking about an expecting father (missed who).
Ah, it's about Randy. AP ask if they'd do a live conference with the delivery room. Will be based on assets available.
I hope that was a joke. Surely this would come under "private medical conference" and certainly not be televised? I don't think I would have wanted my childrens' delivery to be shown on national television.
Not a live conference for everyone to see. A live connection between Randy and his wife in the delivery room.
-
[...]
Per L2 documentation, it was a crew request. I'm not sure about the "why" part though.
Thanks.
So perhaps the crew just wanted to skip the dock/undock actions.
-
Question: Why do they grapple ELC-1 already and not just put the RMS back to launch/re entry position?
Per L2 documentation, it was a crew request. I'm not sure about the "why" part though.
Timeline constraints post-dock would be extremely tight if they had to dock, then unberth SRMS, then grapple ELC-1, then remove ELC-1. Grappling ELC-1 tonight simplifies the timeline tomorrow.
-
flight day 2 hd downlink
-
-
Timeline constraints post-dock would be extremely tight if they had to dock, then unberth SRMS, then grapple ELC-1, then remove ELC-1. Grappling ELC-1 tonight simplifies the timeline tomorrow.
It's on the timeline during crew sleep, but there's also a Mobile Transporter translation that needs to happen between completion of the ELC install and the beginning of EVA-1. (From Work Site 7 for the former activity to Work Site 4 for the latter.)
-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCT0KcbazyE
-
docking ring has been extended
-
Might miss it as it's downlinked, but I believe it was Butch that called down a few minutes ago that they have the flight deck video recorded during ascent available. I believe he said with audio, too. As Megan McArthur was out of the room momentarily, Gary Horlacher called up that they're in a period of ratty comm right now. The Post MMT briefing is scheduled for the top of the hour, so we'll see what happens.
-
Still looking to downlink the video tonight, but they are configured to transfer OMS pod survey images right now and there's about 40 of those that need to be transferred, along with some config to downlink video and then back for overnight after. They were going to start transferring the OMS pod images in about 10 minutes or so...guess it's kind of 'play it by ear.'
-
Post MMT Presser on.
LeRoy couldn't be happier with the launch. Notes four launches in a short period. Proud of the team.
Notes the Atlantis' extension to 2010 via the HST challenges, FCVs, GUCP, F&D, weather and other issues.
High praise for the shuttle processing team, along with their help for the I-X team.
Amazing team, that stretches througout the country and couldn't be more proud of that team.
A great start to the mission.
-
First MMT - everything going very well.
Prelim assessment is that Atlantis' performance was really good. Outstanding performance of the ET. Prelim very few events of interest.
MMT discussed some challenges on ISS. DA on the UPA is not working properly. They'd like to remove and replace that part - so DA is coming home on Atlantis. LeRoy notes the way shuttle is good at allowing for late changes. New pieces may go up on 130.
WPA also has challenges, but they should be able to manage for the interim until Endeavour arrives in Feb, 2010.
Everything still on for a nominal docking and mission. Very much looking forward to 10:53am Central docking.
Atlantis and the Atlantis crew are doing very well. We're in great shape.
-
Bill Harwood asking about ET liberations from footage.
LeRoy:
Number of events hasn't been refined (was 3). 177 second event - bipod ramp. Past the time of concern for liberation (all 3 are). No new data from Gerst's quick-look.
On the minicam: Really neat thing. Another illustration of the team where they can implement such items at a very short period of notice. It's a Sony lipstick camera. The neatest thing about the video is just watching, as they roll and punch through the clouds - that's really neat.
Video may be enhanced some more, may use a different lens or tweak it some more on other missions, due to sun angle - which also gave great ET photos. Washed out the powered flight for the minicam, however.
Prelim on the tank is no losses from the IFRs.
-
Bill on loss of up and down mass after shuttle (using DA as the example).
LeRoy: It'll be challenging. The partners can certainly accomplish the same ability, but relies on all their vehicles to be ready to support. These other plans will have to come to fruitition. If that happens, all the upmass and downmass ability can be successful. It will be a great challenge to maintain their schedule for the outpost and the shuttle has demostrated to perform that mission. Some of the other assests are yet to show that ability (Good stuff!)
-
Gina on minicam and other abilities to watch the tank:
LeRoy: Integration team continually update what the shuttle flies through. It's a work in progress, such as the MEI on the stinger via enviorments.
Notes the instrumentation for the MEI IOP data (not sure how he's got to the MEI addition - must have missed part of Gina's question).
Ah.....LeRoy: That's an example of tweaking the system, to get better data, such as the minicam watching the tank. These new capabilities allow us to allow to monitor the vehicle better.
Putting the minicam and the Stinger instrumentation.....Yes, we're going to continue to make changes to add capabilities, all the way up to the last flight of this vehicle. We need to stay hungry.
This vehicle is still very much a test vehicle in a test program. This is the 129th flight. Compared to other test flight programs that's a small number.
We need every ounce of data from these flights.
-
AP's Marcia asking about the FD2 inspections:
LeRoy: Prelim, the engineers monitoring the scans in real time shows no issues with the RCC. They will do level 1 and level 2 and then peer review of that data. So far it's all very good. No issues at all.
Q) Any idea when the removal of the UPA will take place? How big is the unit?
LeRoy: Relatively late in the mission - FD8 when we do the removal. There's a lot of planning to go on.
The size - it's bigger than a toaster, it's smaller than a WV :D It's 150lbs and about the size.....couple of feet wide, couple of feet long, a foot depth.
Q) WPA having trouble?
LeRoy: I don't want to get too much into detail as I'm not ISS. The system may of been contaminated via one of the hoses to fill the system. May have caused some friction in the rotating parts of the system. Saw some pressures that made them uncomfortable with, or should operation nominally, so shut it down.
-
Bill on loss of up and down mass after shuttle (using DA as the example).
LeRoy: It'll be challenging. The partners can certainly accomplish the same ability, but relies on all their vehicles to be ready to support. These other plans will have to come to fruitition. If that happens, all the upmass and downmass ability can be successful. It will be a great challenge to maintain their schedule for the outpost and the shuttle has demostrated to perform that mission. Some of the other assests are yet to show that ability (Good stuff!)
Good stuff indeed. Read it and understand the issue peopel (as in politicians).
I might make that my new bottom header... ;)
-
Todd H: Five more flights for a program going out of business, what's the biggest challenges?
LeRoy: This is something we pay a lot of attention to. The biggest concerns we have are the ones we always have. The next mission is always the priority (when not actually flying a mission). The challenges are the same at least we understand them. We're dealing with extreemly volitle systems, and incredible amount of energy.
Beyond that are the things we don't know about. We are continuing to stay hungry as we can, as curious as we can, to follow things to the finest degree. Our challenges, in that regard, will be unchanged.
Our rocket, the shuttle, is not easy. When we do it like we did yesterday, there's nothing more spectacular than when we bring the vehicle home.
There may be more FCV problems, there may be more GUCP problems etc. Understanding challenges from the previous flight is how we see the year forward.
Manifest - I have very high confidence we can make the manifest, as shown over the past few years by overcoming challenges. We have an incredibly creative and highly motivated team. Someone asked me on a plane how we're doing, if we're operating at a safe way, I said yes, I do believe we are, but at the same time that is what concerns me the most. I do feel like that and we're having a lot of success, so we as a team are staying dedicated and don't rest on our laurels (sp).
That we fly every mission as best we can, right to the last one being the safest on the manifest. We have a team capable of overcoming obsticles. This is the fourth in six months, I have every belief we can complete the manifest.
-
Todd H on retirement again, that a survey said 80 percent of workers will stay loyal to the last mission despite the shutdown.
LeRoy: I don't think you would find that in other industrys. I don't think I can explain it, but in my experience of getting to know these team, it's something that comes from within.
In the HSF business, the highs are pretty high, and the lows are pretty low, but the rewards are there. I'm not a very creative person, and can't articulate proper the notions about how these people love their work, they believe in it, they believe in each other. They trust each other, they trust the leadership, the leadership trusts them.
To be part of 129's launch yesterday was pretty special, that he saw people experience their first launch, you can only describe that yourself. But to do it as part of that team, where you were partly responsible for making that happen. It's incredible to watch.
We challenge them day in, day out. They love the challenge and they love the reward of a successful launch and a successful mission. When they get to bring the orbiter back and take the tires off and give the tender loving care of processing for the next mission - they are dedicated. They love the job that they do.
Some point we will no longer be flying orbiters. We'll lose some people. Even in the midst of all of that being just around the corner, they still indicate they want to stay to the end, they want to give it their all. To me that means everything. It's the kind of team I want to be part of. I personally plan to stay to the end, to as long as they'll have me. I can't describe it very well, but they love their jobs.
((WOW!))
-
This is the fourth in six months, I have every belief we can complete the manifest.
I'll do you two better. It's the sixth Shuttle flight in one year and two days.
STS-126 (Nov. 14, 2008)
STS-119 (March 15, 2009 -- accomplished after FCV discussions and analyses)
STS-125 (May 11, 2009 -- accomplished with STS-400 dual pad flow)
STS-127 (July 15, 2009 -- accomplished after resolution of GUCP leaks)
STS-128 (August 28, 2009 -- accomplished after PV-12 discussions)
STS-129 (November 16, 2009 -- accomplished with Ares I-X dual pad flow)
-
Todd H on retirement again, that a survey said 80 percent of workers will stay loyal to the last mission despite the shutdown.
LeRoy: I don't think you would find that in other industrys. I don't think I can explain it, but in my experience of getting to know these team, it's something that comes from within.
In the HSF business, the highs are pretty high, and the lows are pretty low, but the rewards are there. I'm not a very creative person, and can't articulate proper the notions about how these people love their work, they believe in it, they believe in each other. They trust each other, they trust the leadership, the leadership trusts them.
To be part of 129's launch yesterday was pretty special, that he saw people experience their first launch, you can only describe that yourself. But to do it as part of that team, where you were partly responsible for making that happen. It's incredible to watch.
We challenge them day in, day out. They love the challenge and they love the reward of a successful launch and a successful mission. When they get to bring the orbiter back and take the tires off and give the tender loving care of processing for the next mission - they are dedicated. They love the job that they do.
Some point we will no longer be flying orbiters. We'll lose some people. Even in the midst of all of that being just around the corner, they still indicate they want to stay to the end, they want to give it their all. To me that means everything. It's the kind of team I want to be part of. I personally plan to stay to the end, to as long as they'll have me. I can't describe it very well, but they love their jobs.
((WOW!))
Wow indeed! For someone who says they can't articulate how their workers feel, he does a good job himself. Great speaker, great words.
-
Todd H on the seven year gap and skill set.
LeRoy: I am concerned about it. For a lot of reasons I've concerned about having a gap in HSF. But I'm optimistic we can do better (on the gap). We will make a plan and execute that plan to minimize that gap and retain that the national assest of the workforce.
(Backing SDLV?)
In any case, we'll carry out the desires of the national leadership, and we'll do it in a way to minimize the gap.
-
This is the fourth in six months, I have every belief we can complete the manifest.
I'll do you two better. It's the sixth Shuttle flight in one year and two days.
STS-126 (Nov. 14, 2008)
STS-119 (March 15, 2009 -- accomplished after FCV discussions and analyses)
STS-125 (May 11, 2009 -- accomplished with STS-400 dual pad flow)
STS-127 (July 15, 2009 -- accomplished after resolution of GUCP leaks)
STS-128 (August 28, 2009 -- accomplished after PV-12 discussions)
STS-129 (November 16, 2009 -- accomplished with Ares I-X dual pad flow)
Yeah, and there were a LOT of days in there for troubleshooting the GUCP & FCVs. Great bunch of workers.
-
Bill H on booster return and how the parachutes did.
LeRoy: Boosters back on Thursday, open assessment on Friday. Sent a chase plane out to watch the boosters and follow both boosters, and focus on one booster to splashdown.
Not seen the video yet, but thinks the parachutes performed nominally.
End of presser. Damn that was a good one! LeRoy reckons he can't articulate all that well. Nonsense, that was brilliant.
-
LeRoy: Boosters back on Thursday, open assessment on Friday. Sent a chase plan out to watch the boosters and follow both boosters, and focus on one booster to splashdown.
Not seen the video yet, but thinks the parachutes performed nominally.
As he noted, this is the same plane/platform that was used to record the descent of the I-X booster.
-
Good NC3 burn completed via the RCS. Next burn in 12 hours.
-
NTV's going to a non-shuttle presser replay. Might be a window of opportunity for some MW2 ownage on the 360 ;)
In the meantime, related to some of the notes from the MMT presser:
That minicam:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-special-minicam-approved-film-et-ramps/
ET-133's performance, booster arrival notes etc:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/sts-129-tps-inspections-fd2-photos-extremely-clean-et-133/
-
Still looking to downlink the video tonight, but they are configured to transfer OMS pod survey images right now and there's about 40 of those that need to be transferred, along with some config to downlink video and then back for overnight after. They were going to start transferring the OMS pod images in about 10 minutes or so...guess it's kind of 'play it by ear.'
After the press briefing, sounded like they've been having more issues with OCA and haven't been able to get the images transferred. Still troubleshooting...
-
Going to set aside trying to get high data rate on OCA and go back to low data rate config. Will be troubleshooting on the ground for the next couple of days.
-
-
nice shots from ISS
-
Crossing South Eastern Coast of Australia...
-
over the eastern part of Australia
-
and now exiting over the north Eastern shore of Australia heading into the Pacific.
-
approaching orbital sunset over the western coast of Canada - Australia to Canada in 30 minutes... Its the only way to fly.. :)
-
approaching orbital sunset over the western coast of Canada - Australia to Canada in 30 minutes... Its the only way to fly.. :)
That's how I want to visit Australia one day! ;)
-
-
STS-129 - POST MMT BRIEFING FD 2
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5509
STS-129 - FLIGHT DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5510