NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
NASA Shuttle Specific Sections => Atlantis (Post STS-135, T&R) => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 09/08/2006 10:12 pm
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Live updates of Saturday's attempt for the launch of Atlantis on STS-115.
As always, only relevant updates should go in here. None of that "Go Atlantis" or "I'm biting my bloody nails" etc. As people come to this page for updates on the mission, and not to find out what you've just had for lunch. ;)
Any questions like "How does an SSME work" - into the Shuttle Q and A thread - top of the general section (although that sort of answer will be in there). Any questions specific questions to an update are ok.
Weather questions must go here: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=4126&start=31&posts=32
Images are now option to view (via attached links) so we will be able to cope with the huge demands as with Sept. 8 attempt, where it was the 10,000s of refreshings of pages full of images that slowed the site down.
So, off we go with coming out of the T-11 hours hold.
God Speed Atlantis.
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One other cleanup item from today's attempt thread; as Dave noted, Bill Harwood reported that due to weather they weren't able to get the RSS moved into the orbiter to put a new Tvyek cover on the F3L thruster:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html
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I may be off, but wasn't the Tyvek cover from a thruster on the port side of the orbiter's forward RCS? I know it wasn't on the upper nose so at least it has a chance of working on orbit if the rain comes in sideways from the East (if my thoughts on the thruster location are correct). I'm guessing they can fly without it if it goes bad like the after thruster on Discovery for STS-121?
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Still holding at T-11 hours. Seems like I miscalculated the time that they were going to release it at.
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DaveS - 8/9/2006 6:35 PM
Still holding at T-11 hours. Seems like I miscalculated the time that they were going to release it at.
I'll duplicate my post in the other thread here on my calculations:
Here's how I have it -- all EDT -- based on a target T-0 of 11:09 am (window open, rounded "back" to the minute), a one-hour hold at T-6 hours, and then everything else "standard":
T-11 hours counting: 7:19 pm
T-6 hours holding: 12:19 am
T-6 hours counting: 1:19 am
T-3 hours holding: 4:19 am
T-3 hours counting: 7:19 am
T-20 min. holding: 9:59 am
T-20 min. counting: 10:09 am
T-9 min. holding: 10:20 am
(Can't confirm, but that's the way I have it.)
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nathan.moeller - 8/9/2006 6:27 PM
I may be off, but wasn't the Tyvek cover from a thruster on the port side of the orbiter's forward RCS? I know it wasn't on the upper nose so at least it has a chance of working on orbit if the rain comes in sideways from the East (if my thoughts on the thruster location are correct). I'm guessing they can fly without it if it goes bad like the after thruster on Discovery for STS-121?
I still can't do port and starboard; the thruster is F3L, a yaw jet -- on the pad it "looks" west. I posted dramatic (heh) screenshots of the Tyvek paper coming off the thruster on Wednesday night in thread for today's launch attempt:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=4244&posts=324&mid=65337&highlight=&highlightmode=1&action=search#M65337
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Port = Left
Starboard = Right
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I'll try to find the images when they come back online. Yeah I understand about port and starboard being hard...especially when the vehicle's standing straight up! The window is from 11:15-11:20 AM EDT tomorrow correct?
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nathan.moeller - 8/9/2006 6:48 PM
I'll try to find the images when they come back online. Yeah I understand about port and starboard being hard...especially when the vehicle's standing straight up! The window is from 11:15-11:20 AM EDT tomorrow correct?
According to:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/115/115windows.html
Open: 11:09:55 am
In Plane: 11:14:55 am (this is the preferred)
Close: 11:19:55 am
(All EDT)
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Do we know if the ECO sensor is still showing wet? Just wondering, now that the tank has warmed up, if the state had chanced since the draining.
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nathan.moeller - 8/9/2006 3:48 PM
I'll try to find the images when they come back online. Yeah I understand about port and starboard being hard...especially when the vehicle's standing straight up! The window is from 11:15-11:20 AM EDT tomorrow correct?
Launch window closes at 11:19:55 AM EDT tomorrow
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And we are T-11 hours and counting.
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First order of business post T-11 is to activate the fuel cells, so I hope we can get some positive feedback
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Do we know what is stored here... looks like some work in progress
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Sure don't think that guy should be sat on it if it was cryos! Where are with with the count by way of proceedure - maybe that would be a clue.
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Normal high level items at T-11 and counting
Activate the orbiter's fuel cells
Clear the blast danger area of all non-essential personnel
Switch Atlantis' purge air to gaseous nitrogen
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By what time do they have to place the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood ( Beanie Cap ) over the tank again in preparation for tanking?
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Avron - 8/9/2006 7:31 PM
First order of business post T-11 is to activate the fuel cells, so I hope we can get some positive feedback
That's definitely the case if that point hasn't occurred before (as was the case on Tuesday night), but I don't see that called out in the S0007 extended hold document after the scrub of the Wednesday attempt.
Can someone clarify whether the fuel cells have been turned off since they were activated on Tuesday night (obviously FC #1 was stop/started during the initial troubleshooting on Tuesday night) or have they been left on?
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shuttlefan - 8/9/2006 7:43 PM
By what time do they have to place the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood ( Beanie Cap ) over the tank again in preparation for tanking?
Kiley
I think that will happen in around T-9 hours
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when does tanking start?
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dougb - 8/9/2006 8:03 PM
when does tanking start?
Normally 10 mins past T6 and counting
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psloss - 8/9/2006 7:47 PM
Avron - 8/9/2006 7:31 PM
First order of business post T-11 is to activate the fuel cells, so I hope we can get some positive feedback
That's definitely the case if that point hasn't occurred before (as was the case on Tuesday night), but I don't see that called out in the S0007 extended hold document after the scrub of the Wednesday attempt.
Can someone clarify whether the fuel cells have been turned off since they were activated on Tuesday night (obviously FC #1 was stop/started during the initial troubleshooting on Tuesday night) or have they been left on?
see.. S00E00.690 SHUTDOWN FUEL CELLS
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dougb - 8/9/2006 8:03 PM
when does tanking start?
Scheduled for T-6 hours and counting, but it's really whenever in that timeframe (for this attempt about 1:20 am EDT) that the team and vehicle are ready. I believe they've started "early" before and certainly they've started "late" -- chilldowns started about 60 minutes past the schedule for today's attempt. They have a three-hour hold at T-3 hours for catch up.
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Avron - 8/9/2006 8:05 PM
see.. S00E00.690 SHUTDOWN FUEL CELLS
Thanks...which document and revision?
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psloss - 8/9/2006 8:07 PM
Avron - 8/9/2006 8:05 PM
see.. S00E00.690 SHUTDOWN FUEL CELLS
Thanks...which document and revision?
Jim's link.. see L2.. now I must admit.. I find it not easy to read the text versions
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Here is a shot of F3L late in the day as the sun was going down
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Can someone verify the T - 06:00:00 scheduled hold duration? (1 or 2 hours)
Currently 4 hours remaining until the hold
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Austin - 8/9/2006 8:21 PM
Can someone verify the T - 06:00:00 scheduled hold duration? (1 or 2 hours)
Currently 4 hours remaining until the hold
Sorry cannot.. but note that the normal two items in the hold are:
no violations of launch commit criteria
clear pad
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Avron - 8/9/2006 5:25 PM
Austin - 8/9/2006 8:21 PM
Can someone verify the T - 06:00:00 scheduled hold duration? (1 or 2 hours)
Currently 4 hours remaining until the hold
Sorry cannot.. but note that the normal two items in the hold are:
no violations of launch commit criteria
clear pad
Ok thank you, sir.
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Avron - 8/9/2006 8:13 PM
psloss - 8/9/2006 8:07 PM
Avron - 8/9/2006 8:05 PM
see.. S00E00.690 SHUTDOWN FUEL CELLS
Thanks...which document and revision?
Jim's link.. see L2.. now I must admit.. I find it not easy to read the text versions
OK, I understand now; those are the text docs on NASA KSC (tougher format perhaps, but I like a little whitespace); in this case, specifically:
http://ftp.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/omi/s0007/S0007VL3.TXT
it's in sequence 30...although there is this note:
FUEL CELL DEACTIVATION
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NOTE
PERFORM NEXT STEP IF
ESTIMATED HOLD PERIOD IS
GREATER THAN 96 HOURS OR
IF PRSD TANKS REQUIRE
TOP-OFF WITH FUEL CELLS
SHUTDOWN.
OMRS S00E00.690
Even though it's just trivia, I'm still curious given the fuel cell troubleshooting and the situation with fuel cell #1 whether there are any issues with restarting at least that one. (Mark's busy, but I had a question about the extended hold sequences...hopefully he'll be a little less busy after they launch tomorrow -- he said hopefully.)
Were you able to find the call out in Rev. F of the S0007 document for fuel cell activation? I see it in Rev. B on Page 9, but not in the same place (T-11 hours counting) in Rev. F.
Not a biggie, but still interesting...
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Austin - 8/9/2006 8:21 PM
Can someone verify the T - 06:00:00 scheduled hold duration? (1 or 2 hours)
Currently 4 hours remaining until the hold
I'm paraphrasing Mark, but I believe they shortened the hold at T-6 hours for today's (Friday's) attempt because (in part) some of the sequences performed Tuesday night into Wednesday morning between T-11 hours and T-6 hours did not need to be redone. That's probably true again tonight, which is why I'm guessing it's a one hour hold again.
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psloss - 8/9/2006 8:29 PM
Were you able to find the call out in Rev. F of the S0007 document for fuel cell activation? I see it in Rev. B on Page 9, but not in the same place (T-11 hours counting) in Rev. F.
Not a biggie, but still interesting...
Cannot find it as a stand alone..
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psloss - 9/9/2006 2:35 AM
I'm paraphrasing Mark, but I believe they shortened the hold at T-6 hours for today's (Friday's) attempt because (in part) some of the sequences performed Tuesday night into Wednesday morning between T-11 hours and T-6 hours did not need to be redone. That's probably true again tonight, which is why I'm guessing it's a one hour hold again.
As far as I know, the MMT will meet at midnight EDT for the standard pre-tanking meeting with tanking shortly after 1 am EDT.
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DaveS - 8/9/2006 8:27 PM
As far as I know, the MMT will meet at midnight EDT for the standard pre-tanking meeting with tanking shortly after 1 am EDT.
According to Rev. G of the STS-115 Countdown Highlights (a hand-out at the press site), MMT meeting will begin at 12:30am and fueling begins at 1:20am EDT with the resumption of the countdown at the T-6 hour mark.
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collectspace - 8/9/2006 8:34 PM
DaveS - 8/9/2006 8:27 PM
As far as I know, the MMT will meet at midnight EDT for the standard pre-tanking meeting with tanking shortly after 1 am EDT.
According to Rev. G of the STS-115 Countdown Highlights (a hand-out at the press site), MMT meeting will begin at 12:30am and fueling begins at 1:20am EDT with the resumption of the countdown at the T-6 hour mark.
Has NASA released a x% probability of weather prohibiting tanking tonight? ;)
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psloss - 8/9/2006 5:35 PM
Austin - 8/9/2006 8:21 PM
Can someone verify the T - 06:00:00 scheduled hold duration? (1 or 2 hours)
Currently 4 hours remaining until the hold
I'm paraphrasing Mark, but I believe they shortened the hold at T-6 hours for today's (Friday's) attempt because (in part) some of the sequences performed Tuesday night into Wednesday morning between T-11 hours and T-6 hours did not need to be redone. That's probably true again tonight, which is why I'm guessing it's a one hour hold again.
Thanks much
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shuttlefan - 8/9/2006 10:00 PM
Has NASA released a x% probability of weather prohibiting tanking tonight? ;)
Pretty sure someone created a weather thread here?
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That's my fault for not noting it in the first post. Have updated that.
Weather thread: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=4126&start=31&posts=32
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Chris; Thanks for converting images to links on the forum earlier today, it loads up a lot quicker on my cellphone, monitoring the forum works there when I cannot get on online (that would be most all of the time I'm on KSC)
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Are we tracking any issues at this time? And do we know the state of the Failed ECO sensor, is it still in the wet state?
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Avron - 8/9/2006 10:51 PM
Are we tracking any issues at this time? And do we know the state of the Failed ECO sensor, is it still in the wet state?
No new issues as of 12EST. LH2 ECO #3 came back about 5hrs after detanking (no longer failed wet).
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Countdown clock is holding at T - 06:00:00 (1 hour scheduled hold)
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I haven't had a chance to look at the latest info on L2, so how does this latest news (sensor came back) impact the criteria for launch?
As I understood:
Stays wet == launch with waver.
Turns dry, keeps functioning nominally during tonight's count == launch under standard conditions.
More anomelous behavior (turning dry then failing wet again, etc.) == don't launch.
If we assume that the sensor did come back some hours after tanking, then the first option is out, right? Correct me if I'm wrong but now we need to hope for correct functioning from this point on to get off the ground.
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If we see the exact same behavior (ECO #3 failing wet again) = launch with waiver.
Nominal = launch
Any other permutation = likely scrub
FYI tanking set to begin at about 01:19 EST
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just-nick - 8/9/2006 9:46 PM
I haven't had a chance to look at the latest info on L2, so how does this latest (sensor came back) impact the criteria for launch?
As I understood:
Stays wet == launch with waver.
Turns dry, keeps functioning nominally during tonight's count == launch under standard conditions.
More anomelous behavior (turning dry then failing wet again, etc.) == don't launch.
The first option is out, since the sensor came back dry after draining. So, and please correct me, we need to hope for correct functioning at this point to get off the ground.
If 3 ECO sensors accurately give a "wet" indication following tanking procedures, NASA is considering giving the go ahead, even if the fourth continues to indicate "dry." This would essentially be a flight rule waiver because as it stands, all four sensors must be functioning properly.
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Amedeo - 9/9/2006 12:09 AM
No new issues as of 12EST. LH2 ECO #3 came back about 5hrs after detanking (no longer failed wet).
Thanks for the update -- that sounds very similar to the behavior seen during the detanking after the 13 July 2005 launch attempt for STS-114.
For everyone, tanking is reported underway:
http://www.floridatoday.com/floridatoday/blogs/spaceteam/2006/09/live-from-ksc-fueling-under-way.html
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Austin - 9/9/2006 1:03 AM
If 3 ECO sensors accurately give a "wet" indication following tanking procedures, NASA is considering giving the go ahead, even if the fourth continues to indicate "dry." This would essentially be a flight rule waiver because as it stands, all four sensors must be functioning properly.
That's generally correct; however, some point after the LH2 ECO sensors start reading WET this morning, SIM test commands will be sent to the sensor system, at which point the sensors should give a DRY indication.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=4583
Yesterday, I believe that initially all four sensors read DRY for the SIM test, but then as Amedeo reported to us, the #3 sensor indication "failed" WET after fast-fill started.
Edit: fixing the sensor reading "history" for SIM tests yesterday.
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FWIW, in case anyone is sleepwalking at this hour like me, the NASA TV media channel feed appears to be live from KSC with the shot from east camera site at Pad B. The feed I got appears to have the contrast cranked way down, at least right now, anyway.
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http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177&Itemid=2
The Media Chans
BTW if you are in need of more feeds this page has alot of NTV steam links.
http://www.idb.com.au/pages/nasatv.html
The best steam i've found tho is the Yahoo NTV Stream (500K of windows media goodness better than my Sat TV) http://news.yahoo.com/fc/science/space_shuttle
Direct mms://a2swmod072.bcst.a2s.yahoo.com/bcenc202053?StreamID=28241174&pl_b=003FFAC3324896F9B742EE616145011CC8&CG_ID=1368570
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We're past the point where ECO #3 failed yesterday and all 4 ECO's appear to be performing nominally. Both tanks are in fastfill.
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Amedeo - 9/9/2006 2:34 AM
We're past the point where ECO #3 failed yesterday and all 4 ECO's appear to be performing nominally. Both tanks are in fastfill.
Interesting, since this procedure wasn't in place after the first 114 attempt last year. Obviously, there's still a lot of time for LH2 ECO #3 to behave as it did yesterday, but this sounds like new data.
Thanks for the update.
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If we manage to launch today, how much of the mission will be shortened? Will they still be able to do 3 EVAs?
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chksix - 9/9/2006 4:16 AM
If we manage to launch today, how much of the mission will be shortened? Will they still be able to do 3 EVAs?
They can fly a nominal mission with 3 EVAs if they launch today.
They were holding extension days for a possible focused TPS inspection (which would be inserted on FD4) and a day for issues with any of the EVAs. They were able to save one extension day by agreeing to undock no later than Sept. 18.
I believe the priority for that day would be focused inspections, but it depends on what is seen in the laser scans on FD2 and the FD3 photography. If they don't need to do inspections, they could use that day to finish up items leftover from the planned EVAs.
Edit: clarifying extension day priorities
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chksix - 9/9/2006 10:16 AM
If we manage to launch today, how much of the mission will be shortened? Will they still be able to do 3 EVAs?
Wayne Hale answered this question during yesterday's post-scrub press conference: No change in duration. All three EVAs, but you loose one contigency day for handling any assembly difficulties or focused inspections.
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T-3 hours and holding.
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Or just under 7hrs till Launch.
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And by nominally i suppose you mean "as expected", because that's what I get from Bill Harwood's latest update from http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html
"Early today, the presumably healthy sensors indicated they were wet, as expected, when they were covered by liquid hydrogen. Computer commands then were sent to simulate a dry condition and again, ECO sensors 1, 2 and 4 operated normally."
GO ATLANTIS!
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Sept. 8, 4:45 a.m. EDT
At Launch Pad 39B, the loading of Space Shuttle Atlantis' orange external tank with about 528,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen began on time at 1:15 a.m. EDT today. The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until liftoff. All systems onboard the space shuttle, including the four engine cut-off (ECO) sensors, are functioning normally and are ready for launch at 11:15 a.m. EDT.
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jacqmans - 9/9/2006 4:58 AM
Sept. 8, 4:45 a.m. EDT
At Launch Pad 39B, the loading of Space Shuttle Atlantis' orange external tank with about 528,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen began on time at 1:15 a.m. EDT today. The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until liftoff. All systems onboard the space shuttle, including the four engine cut-off (ECO) sensors, are functioning normally and are ready for launch at 11:15 a.m. EDT.
What are you quoting this from?
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From here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
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jacqmans - 9/9/2006 10:58 AM
Sept. 8, 4:45 a.m. EDT
At Launch Pad 39B, the loading of Space Shuttle Atlantis' orange external tank with about 528,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen began on time at 1:15 a.m. EDT today. The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until liftoff. All systems onboard the space shuttle, including the four engine cut-off (ECO) sensors, are functioning normally and are ready for launch at 11:15 a.m. EDT.
That seems to be yesterday...
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ECO sensor#3 is working. - per George Diller on NASA TV
Right now in a "go" configuration.
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NASA TV commentary has started, with PAO George Diller...nothing new was reported in the opening that hasn't already been reported here.
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What happned to FUEL CELLS cooling motor problem? Are all three phases working? Any news regarding this problem?
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nitin52 - 9/9/2006 11:32 AM
What happned to FUEL CELLS cooling motor problem? Are all three phases working? Any news regarding this problem?
FC#1 coolant pump motor phase A on AC1 is still dead.
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nitin52 - 9/9/2006 11:39 AM
Hope this will not come in way of launch today.
It won't. Unless they loose a second phase on FC#1.
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PAO relaying report that the final inspection team finds no water accumulation in the F3L thruster.
The traditional crew breakfast photo opportunity also just concluded, so they'll be off to get a weather briefing and suit up soon.
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From NASA TV:
ECO Sensor 3 is OK
Fuel Cell is working as they want
Thruster have to water in it overnight
No problems so far! :)
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There is a flash light seen near shuttle on NASA TV and flame far off. Any info. what is that.
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nitin52 - 9/9/2006 12:01 PM
There is a flash light seen near shuttle on NASA TV and flame far off. Any info. what is that.
Flash: Strobe light on top of the water tower
Flame: The excess hydrogen burn-off flare stack
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Thanks. Whats news from pad 39B.
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Watch NASA TV ( http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html ).
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From all reports, it's been a smooth countdown so far -- we're probably going to get more details on the behind the scenes discussions once Chris joins us.
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News from NASA's launch blog
5:58 a.m. - We are still in our planned T-3 hour hold. The Ice Team members are now at the Mobile Launcher Platform level of the launch pad as they finish up their inspection. The team uses a portable infrared scanner that gathers temperature measurements on the surface area of Atlantis. Preliminary reports indicate no issues at this time.
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george (diller) said that it's very hot out and we did see ice melting off the tank (via camera 163). looking forward to a launch today!
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NTV is saying ECO sensor is good to go. Can someone tell me if it is "GO" because tanking made the sensor go wet or have they forced it dry and it answered OK? I posted this one level up on mistake. You would think an IT Manager would know how to navigate a website!
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gruff68 - 9/9/2006 6:39 AM
NTV is saying ECO sensor is good to go. Can someone tell me if it is "GO" because tanking made the sensor go wet or have they forced it dry and it answered OK? I posted this one level up on mistake. You would think an IT Manager would know how to navigate a website!
The problem yesterday is still an unexplained anomaly (UA). They don't know why they occasionally see this behavior, but based on past experiences, they developed a plan which says that launch is acceptable on the second tanking if the sensor works correctly (currently the case) or if it fails WET, like it did yesterday.
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Well the ECO sensor did go dry 5 hours after detanking. It when wet when it should've during the fast fill.
"You would think an IT Manager would know how to navigate a website!
No really, but I would expect an IT worker too :P
The problem with these sensors is that they used the ECO ones, not the Delux ones :)
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Earth_Bound_Misfit - 9/9/2006 6:44 AM
Well the ECO sensor did go dry 5 hours after detanking. It when wet when it should've during the fast fill.
Yes, but just because that behavior fit the pattern seen in previous experience, it doesn't mean that it is explained.
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Can any one confirm that there is no other Firing Room Audio available on the web until Nasa TV starts to carry it?
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triddirt - 9/9/2006 12:55 PM
Can any one confirm that there is no other Firing Room Audio available on the web until Nasa TV starts to carry it?
It's not until after the T-20 min hold that the launch controllers switch over to channel 212 which is the audio channel that NASA TV covers.
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spaceshuttle - 9/9/2006 6:29 AM
george (diller) said that it's very hot out and we did see ice melting off the tank (via camera 163). looking forward to a launch today!
It's more humid than hot -- within the last hour, the observation at the SLF had 75 degrees F and relative humidity of 100%, which could be seen in recent views of the shuttle on the pad (i.e., fog).
http://weather.noaa.gov/weather/current/KTTS.html
NASA TV now showing crew suit-up activities.
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Are there any LCC constraints regarding launching in excessively humid conditions? I know they can't launch in excessively hot weather (correct me if i'm wrong but I think I read somewhere that it can't be any more than 89F for more than 30 mins prior to launch...).
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ianeck - 9/9/2006 7:02 AM
Are there any LCC constraints regarding launching in excessively humid conditions? I know they can't launch in excessively hot weather (correct me if i'm wrong but I think I read somewhere that it can't be any more than 89F for more than 30 mins prior to launch...).
I don't want to stray too far off topic in this thread -- would suggest taking that question over to the Weather thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=4126
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Final inspection team is leaving the pad.
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psloss - 9/9/2006 11:19 AM
From all reports, it's been a smooth countdown so far -- we're probably going to get more details on the behind the scenes discussions once Chris joins us.
Yep, smooth count.
Note: Seems we have a few people who totally ignored the notice on the opening page. Live news updates only - anyone that continues to post pointless posts will be banned to ensure this is complied with. Thanks.
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T-3 hours and counting!
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Coming out of the T-3hours hold. Absolutely no issues of note. Only thing mentioned is an issue with Edwards, where an F-22 made an emergancy landing and thus the runway is not green.
T-3 hours and counting.
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Flight crew now departing the O&C bldg. for 39B.
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Chris Bergin - 9/9/2006 7:23 AM
Only thing mentioned is an issue with Edwards, where an F-22 made an emergancy landing and thus the runway is not green.
Based on the SMG CONUS forecasts, Edwards would not be "available" until orbit 3; their forecast looks at a landing time of 2008 GMT (1308 local) based on an on-time launch...I'm assuming the lakebed could be used if necessary (though I don't know what the recent weather out there has been), but was there any estimate on the availability of Runway 05/22?
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video - STS-115 launch activities - September 9
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=881
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Chris Bergin - 9/9/2006 6:23 AM
Coming out of the T-3hours hold. Absolutely no issues of note. Only thing mentioned is an issue with Edwards, where an F-22 made an emergancy landing and thus the runway is not green.
T-3 hours and counting.
The only other item being discussed still that I am aware of is the F3L thruster. Should not be any problem but about a half hour ago there was suposed to be an Orbiter Project Telecon to put the issue to bed.
Mark Kirkman
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Flight crew now at the Fixed Service Structure getting ready to go up to the 195 ft level.
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Just mentioned on NASA TV that this is definitely the last launch attempt for this window - no issues arisen during countdown so far - crew preparing to enter.
ETA:
Subtle update to the launch window remark - definitely no launch attempt tomorrow Sunday; Monday and Tuesday have not been ruled in or out, although I wasn't aware they were even possibles.
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CDR Brent Jett now getting into his seat on the flight deck.
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Joffan - 9/9/2006 7:53 AM
Just mentioned on NASA TV that this is definitely the last launch attempt for this window - no issues arisen during countdown so far - crew preparing to enter.
Wayne Hale pretty much announced this in the post-scrub briefing yesterday, so PAO may be relaying a "formal" announcement to the launch team that there would be no short term recycles after this attempt.
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PAO just relayed that Zaragoza (ZZA) has been selected as the prime TAL site for today.
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MS1 Joe Tanner now getting into his seat on the middeck.
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Will there be a MMT meeting before this flight?
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PLT Chris Ferguson now getting into his seat on the flight deck.
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dutch courage - 9/9/2006 1:03 PM
Will there be a MMT meeting before this flight?
The main one was last night/this morning (12:30am ish EDT) - It's mainly polls etc. presented to members of the MMT from now on, unless there's a related issue to discuss (like the ECOs yesterday).
Absolutely nothing of note on problems, so if you're wondering why there were about 100 notes from me in yesteday's count, that's why, and that's good. You don't want to be hearing from me too much ;)
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MS3 Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper now getting into her seat on the middeck.
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MS4 Steve MacLean now getting into his seat on the flight deck.
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Very smooth countdown so far from all concerned.
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Launch today or not, I would like to say what a joy it's been following STS-115 with you all on the forums. I only found this place recently, and the community demonstrated here - NASA staff, employees, experts, and us armchair enthusasts alike - have quickly made this one of my favorite sites ever. Good work! Now let's get this Penguin upstairs!
Mark
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MS2/FE Dan Burbank now getting into his seat on the flight deck. Now all of the flight crew members are onboard.
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Something just now about a waiver? Any more info?
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Comchecks with the crew underway.
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triddirt - 9/9/2006 1:46 PM
Something just now about a waiver? Any more info?
Checking. Nothing noted at this time.
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Voice checks complete.
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Hatch closure is imminent.
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Aww man - we were doing so good with people not posting meaningless video captures :<
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rdale - 9/9/2006 3:04 PM
Aww man - we were doing so good with people not posting meaningless video captures :<
I hear ya!
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Side hatch has now been closed.
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Does anyone know whether this is going to be covered by Sky News or BBC News 24 - NASA TV is unreliable for me at the moment. Thanks.
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Should be on Sky News Active at some point.
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Leak checks in work
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Ctrl.Alt.Del. - 9/9/2006 2:08 PM
Does anyone know whether this is going to be covered by Sky News or BBC News 24 - NASA TV is unreliable for me at the moment. Thanks.
The launch will certainly be on both of those channels. BBC Multiscreen should start covering it soon, same with Sky Active, but if you're watching "normal TV" then you'll at least get the launch. UK channels - especially Sky - cover the Shuttle really well....and Sky have a mini Harwood via their US political correspondant, who just happens to be a Shuttle fan. BBC tend to send complete monkeys to give news updates though
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During the current leak check the pressure will be increased from 14.7 psia to 16.7 psia.
Details: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/reference/shutref/orbiter/eclss/cabinpress.html
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Well, go http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/video45m.html and open that in another window along the forum.
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Beat that...
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GLS initialization is in work.
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Lindsey and Rominger is now airborne in the Shuttle Training Aircraft to perform test approaches to the SLF in order to evaluate weather conditions.
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Its the Buzzard plan in work.. Ie hold at 31 secs..?
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What a great day... look a that sky..
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What is the flight # for the weather aircraft? I wanted to track it on flightaware again...
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GLS mainline activation is complete.
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So, Absolutely no issues with the ECO sensors today?
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shuttlefan - addressed already, scroll back.
backspace - put TTS in FlightAware for the airport
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shuttlefan - 9/9/2006 9:40 AM
So, Absolutely no issues with the ECO sensors today?
So far.
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Avron - 9/9/2006 2:33 PM
Its the Buzzard plan in work.. Ie hold at 31 secs..?
Yes. T-60 hold would be called if so. Article: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=4553
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Cabin leak checks complete
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launch time 11:14:55
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The update PAO just called out for preferred T-0 is as already reported - 11:14:55 am EDT (15:14:55 GMT)
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The White Room is being closed out prior to the Orbiter Closeout Crew's departure from the pad.
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Clean room breakdown in work...
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Avron - 9/9/2006 3:46 PM
Clean room breakdown in work...
Not clean room. White Room as it's only color is white.
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Just to ensure we all know how this will pan out with the ET at least.
ECOs: All ok, LH2 ECO 3 has a waiver if needed. 1, 2 or 4 issues would cause scrub.
Pre-Press: Cycle count during the final few minutes is still an open ended issue. New LCC gives they more counts allowable, after STS-114 was within one cycle of a late scrub. STS-121 was high, but we never got the actual count (which is not like us ;) )
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DaveS - 9/9/2006 9:47 AM
Avron - 9/9/2006 3:46 PM
Clean room breakdown in work...
Not clean room. White Room as it's only color is white.
My bad... color blind.. :)
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Nasa TV commentator says the training aircraft is heading out west to look at some clouds that are forming - probably not an issue.
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PAO reported that the STA will be checking out the area of clouds west of the SLF -- I believe he said they want to check the thickness of the clouds; the concern is if the clouds are greater than 4500 feet thick. Also reported that weather out in the booster recovery area is deteriorating; the recovery ships will stationkeep until the weather permits recovery.
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Had it confirmed that everything is fine on the ET so far.
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comm checks ...
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MCC now doing ascent checklist updates with the crew.
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Closeout crew is off the pad!
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Felix - 9/9/2006 9:57 AM
Closeout crew is off the pad!
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T - 20min and holding for 10min
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T-20 minutes and holding for 10 minutes.
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PAO relayed a report from the STA on the clouds west of the SLF, saying that it didn't look that thick and wasn't developing.
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1hr 15min to launch.
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Looks like most of the weather is moving away to the Northeast. Rominger and Lindsey reporting that the clouds don't look like much and aren't developing into a whole lot yet.
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Note: CSPAN providing live NASA TV coverage at this time
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How long do we expect to have coverage from CSPAN?
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LOX drainback time today is 5 minutes 0 seconds.
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NTD T-20 minute briefing:
Window open: 11:10:39 am
Window close: 11:19:36 am
LOX drainback hold time is 5 min, 6 seconds, with preferred T-0 it would be 3 min, 38 seconds. (This will be updated at T-9 minutes.)
No COLAs.
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 7:08 AM
How long do we expect to have coverage from CSPAN?
I believe throught the launch
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As always, only relevant updates should go in here. None of that "Go Atlantis" or "I'm biting my bloody nails" etc. As people come to this page for updates on the mission, and not to find out what you've just had for lunch.
Any questions like "How does an SSME work" - into the Shuttle Q and A thread - top of the general section (although that sort of answer will be in there). Any questions specific questions to an update are ok.
Weather questions must go here: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=4126&st...
Images are now option to view (via attached links) so we will be able to cope with the huge demands as with Sept. 8 attempt, where it was the 10,000s of refreshings of pages full of images that slowed the site down.
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For those in the US - C-SPAN just started live NASA TV feed.
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Two minutes to resume count.
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T Minus 20 minutes and counting.
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She looks beautiful in this morning weather!
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 4:15 PM
She looks beautiful in this morning weather!
No comments, only updates please!
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MPS helium reconfig is in work.
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Is the MMT working any remaining issues? Sounds like weather, ECO, and FC problems are go.
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3 minutes to T Minus 9 minute hold.
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daveglo - 9/9/2006 3:20 PM
Is the MMT working any remaining issues? Sounds like weather, ECO, and FC problems are go.
No issues. We'll note them if any occur.
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T-9 minutes and holding! Last built in hold.
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Some clouds expected at launch time, but no more than 1500 feet thick...now getting an MCC status from JSC PAO.
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Moron, Spain is expected to be prime TAL site, followed by Istres, France.
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The 41 minute, 39 second hold time is based on window open; however, barring a change, the clock will start 9 minutes prior to the preferred T-0 of 11:14:55 am EDT.
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Hardware Caution&Warning memory clearing is complete, no errors.
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Backup generator at SLF acting up - no violation of launch commit criteria. Houston working no issue. Leinbach and Spaulding have set the preferred launch time as 11:14:55 AM EDT as the official launch time.
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Everything fine on the ET. Poll coming up through all related areas to come out of the hold.
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MCC just reported no updates required to the T-20 briefing parameters briefed by NTD.
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Engineering camera at the pad down. Still within minimum requirements for liftoff.
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generator Back on line.. ?
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PAO reports that SMG has taken the chance of showers out of the RTLS forecast.
Also: currently observed and forecast go for RTLS weather.
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Avron - 9/9/2006 10:41 AM
generator Back on line.. ?
If I heard correctly, that was for the PAPI system at the SLF:
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/facilities/slf.html
Visual aids are provided by Precision Approach Path Indicators, known as the PAPI system. They utilize arrays of red and white lights that, when lined up properly by the pilot, will indicate the proper glide slope. A ball/bar light system is used for inner glide slope information on final approach - to inform the pilot whether he is on, above or below the glide slope for an orbiter touchdown point marked on the runway.
They were talking about that with respect to the ball/bar system. (That's just been cleared.)
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psloss - 9/9/2006 10:44 AM
Avron - 9/9/2006 10:41 AM
generator Back on line.. ?
If I heard correctly, that was for the PAPI system at the SLF:
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/facilities/slf.html
Visual aids are provided by Precision Approach Path Indicators, known as the PAPI system. They utilize arrays of red and white lights that, when lined up properly by the pilot, will indicate the proper glide slope. A ball/bar light system is used for inner glide slope information on final approach - to inform the pilot whether he is on, above or below the glide slope for an orbiter touchdown point marked on the runway.
sounds like its good.. no constraint
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psloss - 9/9/2006 9:44 AM
Avron - 9/9/2006 10:41 AM
generator Back on line.. ?
If I heard correctly, that was for the PAPI system at the SLF:
No it was the ball bar.
Mark Kirkman
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I note a large number of birds around the PAD..
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Note for those on L2. We'll have a super high quality recording of this launch, from 30 minutes before launch to the end of the launch replay videos. About 700mb plus, at 1024 kbs, via some very clever work by our webmasters :)
Seen a sample, and it's amazing quality. It will be uploaded on L2 just a few minutes after the recording is complete.
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mkirk - 9/9/2006 4:45 PM
No it was the ball bar.
Mark Kirkman
Yes, it called the Visual Approach Slope Indicator(VASI).
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Avron - 9/9/2006 9:46 AM
I note a large number of birds around the PAD..
Hopefully they'll get an ugly surprise here in 30 minutes. ;)
Still no constraints for coming out of the T Minus 9 minute hold.
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DaveS - 9/9/2006 10:47 AM
mkirk - 9/9/2006 4:45 PM
No it was the ball bar.
Mark Kirkman
Yes, it called the Visual Approach Slope Indicator(VASI).
Thanks for the corrections, guys.
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I see a couple of vultures flying near the pad... Shouldn't they be in cages right now? :)
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DaveS - 9/9/2006 9:47 AM
mkirk - 9/9/2006 4:45 PM
No it was the ball bar.
Mark Kirkman
Yes, it called the Visual Approach Slope Indicator(VASI).
Not quite the same as VASI; we just refer to it as the Ball Bar.
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Right now all is "green" on the weather board.
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TAL updates -
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Moron, Spain is prime landing site with Istres le Tube, France as the backup. Thunderstorms reported at Zaragoza, Spain making the site "no-go."
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24 minutes to launch.
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Sky Active coverage now started for those in the UK.
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11 minutes remaining in the T Minus 9 minute hold.
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Buzzards R us..
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STA sent to re-check a cloud deck for possible ceiling constraint...
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Avron - 9/9/2006 4:58 PM
Buzzards R us..
It appears that there's only two repeat offenders.
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Avron - 9/9/2006 9:58 AM
Buzzards R us..
I belive the cosntraint is no more than 5 within 75 feet of the vehicle to pass the T-1 minute Launch Director Status Check.
Mark Kirkman
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No ceiling constraint. NTD conducting launch status check. All go!
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Leinbach conducting final poll. All go at this time!
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Weather is go! MMT is go!
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Launch director poll complete...no constraints..all go.
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Good luck and God Speed Atlantis. 12 minutes to launch. 3 minutes to resume count. GO GO GO ATLANTIS!
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Ground track of the STA :)
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Very nice speech from Brett there.
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Ok guys, coming out of the T-9 hold, let's keep the updates resticted totally to the launch. To ensure we don't have a mass of repeat posts, only regular launch coverage people should post.
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Only updates! Take the comments somewhere elese, please!
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T-9 minutes and counting! GLS autosequence has been initialized!
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Orbiter Access Arm is now being retracted from Atlantis.
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DaveS - 9/9/2006 11:11 AM
Orbiter Access Arm is now being retracted from Atlantis.
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APU prestart in work.
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APUs have been started. The firing chain has been activated.
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Aerosurface and SSME gimbal check in progress.
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ET good to go so far. Watching the pre-press cycle count.
No issues in works.
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GOX vent arm is being retracted.
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No unexpected errors. All go for launch.
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GOX vent arm moving back. T-2 minutes and counting.
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DaveS - 9/9/2006 11:17 AM
GOX vent arm is being retracted.
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LAUNCH.
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T-31 seconds and go for autosequence start!
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LIFTOFF!!!! GO ATLANTIS GO!
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LIFTOFF!!! GO GO GO ATLANTIS GO!! WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
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Good through Max Q.
SRB Sep
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Very clean flight from what I can see. No foam loss observed.
-
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Do I hear commentary by Kyle Herring?
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If Mark's there, can he explain the calls on the FES?
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the FES provides cooling for the orbiter until the payload bay doors are opened 1.5 hours into flight.
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Press to MECO
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I'm interested in the switch throws and the related procedures on the issue with the FES...
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All nominal, coming up to MECO.
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MECO
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Yeah, it's Kyle Herring - his first flight for a while.
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psloss - 9/9/2006 10:26 AM
I'm interested in the switch throws and the related procedures on the issue with the FES...
Just switched to alternate FES source since cooling not working effectively on the other source.
Mark Kirkman
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That was an awesome launch viewed from Cocoa Beach!
Great to see Atlantis back to flight at last!
I took some pictures if anyone would like?
Ross.
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Launch screencaps available in a few minutes.
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Anyone saw any foam falling off?
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Wonderful shots from the tank at ET Sep - best yet.
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mkirk - 9/9/2006 11:28 AM
Just switched to alternate FES source since cooling not working effectively on the other source.
Mark Kirkman
Thanks.
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A happy team
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Yeah a little but it was well after the critical time limit.
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All the foam looked incredibly small! Go for APU shutdown!!
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That looked cleaner than Discovery's to me. I'm just a fan, though. Only debris I really spotted was during ET separation.
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I saw one bit coming off at about (guessing) T+3minutes, missing the wing leading edge, but coming close. However, I think it was quite small and clearly came off after it could have been dangerous. I didn't see any other.
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kraisee - 9/9/2006 10:29 AM That was an awesome launch viewed from Cocoa Beach! Great to see Atlantis back to flight at last! I took some pictures if anyone would like? Ross.
By all means post :D
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Felix - 9/9/2006 5:30 PM
Anyone saw any foam falling off?
I did not see any foam comming off. Did someone?
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Felix - 9/9/2006 4:30 PM
Anyone saw any foam falling off?
Nope. Didn't see anything.
Great launch.
This thread will continue as FD1.
New threads per flight day as per usual.
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This says it all....
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Felix - 9/9/2006 4:30 PM
Anyone saw any foam falling off?
Nope. Didn't see anything.
Great launch.
This thread will continue as FD1.
New threads per flight day as per usual.
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dutch courage - 9/9/2006 10:36 AM
Felix - 9/9/2006 5:30 PM
Anyone saw any foam falling off?
I did not see any foam comming off. Did someone?
I saw several incidents of foam shedding but the pieces were incredibly small and fell from the tank well after the time where Atlantis was in the sensible atmosphere so it should not be a concern. You'll see it all later today. Great stuff gents!
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Launch replays should be coming up shortly.
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Pass over SW England - nice transatlantic time.
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UK folks.. look up..
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I saw one piece come off, but no hit and not very big from the rear area of the tank
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astrobrian - 9/9/2006 10:40 AM
I saw one piece come off, but no hit and not very big from the rear area of the tank
I may be wrong but it looked to me that some foam was shed from the starboard (right) side of the tank and a couple of pieces came into contact with the forward leading edge of Atlantis' wing. But again it was well after Atlantis had left the sensible atmosphere and should not be a concern. Great job Michoud!
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eeergo - 9/9/2006 4:33 PM
I saw one bit coming off at about (guessing) T+3minutes, missing the wing leading edge, but coming close. However, I think it was quite small and clearly came off after it could have been dangerous. I didn't see any other.
I noticed that as well. Looked like it came from the area of the ice/frost ramps. Didn't seem to hit anything though.
Screencaps of the launch and ascent.
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I thought it looked very clean as well. Nice launch. I noticed that early on (must have been right before max Q) the tank was really flexing, I would have expected any popcorning to have occured there, but the "foam stuck real good"...
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More screencaps.
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I saw at least one piece early in flight, but it didn't hit Atlantis. A second piece came off of the starboard side and hit just forward of the wing. It definitely contacted the orbiter, but it was late into flight. Later, towards MECO, I saw a 'burst' of debris towards the bottom of the tank, but it didn't seem to come near the orbiter. That last bit could have been ice. Time for the replays!
LL
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post-launch news conference at NET 12 pm EDT?
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HarryM - 9/9/2006 11:44 AM
I thought it looked very clean as well. Nice launch. I noticed that early on (must have been right before max Q) the tank was really flexing, I would have expected any popcorning to have occured there, but the "foam stuck real good"...
I think what you're seeing there is the LO2 feedline vibrating in the airstream. IIRC, the camera is actually mounted on that feedline, not the tank itself.
Thank you, Chris and all the other NSF contributors for creating this place. Excellent job on the coverage thru all of this high drama leading up to the launch today. Outstanding.
Thanks again,
JC
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HarryM - 9/9/2006 11:44 AM
I thought it looked very clean as well. Nice launch. I noticed that early on (must have been right before max Q) the tank was really flexing, I would have expected any popcorning to have occured there, but the "foam stuck real good"...
The obvious popcorning usually occurs late in first stage, after max Q.
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Like this one...
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Avron - 9/9/2006 4:39 PM
UK folks.. look up..
I just went outside to see if i could see something...nothing though.
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With all the exposure to the weather and what not, I'd say the tank performed excellently! The tank cam was the most beautiful shot we've had. Unlike 114 and 121 there was no condensation speckling the lens. Maybe it's all that humidity! Awesome guys...just awesome.
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Is there an official lift-off time ?
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What is the tracking program being used, I noticed its on a windows system
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Good signal from the ET too during sep, very little distortion from it
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 11:50 AM
With all the exposure to the weather and what not, I'd say the tank performed excellently! The tank cam was the most beautiful shot we've had. Unlike 114 and 121 there was no condensation speckling the lens. Maybe it's all that humidity! Awesome guys...just awesome.
There was a lot of rain with the vehicle exposed for 121; the way it worked out, not so much this time.
Launch replays about to start.
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mainengine - 9/9/2006 10:51 AM Is there an official lift-off time ?
"The launch was on time, with liftoff at 11:15 a.m. EDT." (@NASA)
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Beautiful liftoff. That was a launch that even our buddy Gerald Reichling could enjoy. Well...maybe
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Felix - 9/9/2006 5:47 PM
post-launch news conference at NET 12 pm EDT?
According to the NASA TELEVISION SCHEDULE i't's at 12:15 pm ET
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Austin - 9/9/2006 11:53 AM
Beautiful liftoff.
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Austin - 9/9/2006 11:53 AM
Beautiful liftoff. That was a launch that even our buddy Gerald Reichling could enjoy. Well...maybe
Yeah, right -- everything that could go wrong, DIDN'T.
It's awfully friggin' autumnal for February, 2007.
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Austin - 9/9/2006 4:53 PM
Beautiful liftoff. That was a launch that even our buddy Gerald Reichling could enjoy. Well...maybe
His arse was banned, for obvious reasons.
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Chris Bergin - 9/9/2006 8:56 AM
Austin - 9/9/2006 4:53 PM
Beautiful liftoff. That was a launch that even our buddy Gerald Reichling could enjoy. Well...maybe
His arse was banned, for obvious reasons.
Chris, I don't think that anyone here is complaining about that!
: )
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Chris Bergin - 9/9/2006 5:56 PM
Austin - 9/9/2006 4:53 PM
Beautiful liftoff. That was a launch that even our buddy Gerald Reichling could enjoy. Well...maybe
His arse was banned, for obvious reasons.
Who was is/was that?
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psloss - 9/9/2006 8:55 AM
Austin - 9/9/2006 11:53 AM
Beautiful liftoff. That was a launch that even our buddy Gerald Reichling could enjoy. Well...maybe
Yeah, right -- everything that could go wrong, DIDN'T.
It's awfully friggin' autumnal for February, 2007.
Lol, Phillip
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Good OMS-2, no trim required. Atlantis is in orbit (177 x 142 miles)
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dutch courage - 9/9/2006 10:58 AM
Chris Bergin - 9/9/2006 5:56 PM
Austin - 9/9/2006 4:53 PM
Beautiful liftoff. That was a launch that even our buddy Gerald Reichling could enjoy. Well...maybe
His arse was banned, for obvious reasons.
Who was is/was that?
Yeah, I was wondering the same.
Presumably some anti-spaceflight idiot or something...
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Can I put my personal launch photo up on here?
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Watching a replay from the beach tracker...seemed to be a debris event above the tank after the shockwave ended. Did anyone else see that?
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Beautiful launch replays as well. Just noticed on one of the views the shockwave cloud forming over the ET and the orbiter. Didn't notice debris though.
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Can I put my personal launch photo up on here?
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The last batch of screencaps. Good to see this particular penguin can fly.
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Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 11:01 AM
Can I put my personal launch photo up on here?
We'd love to see it buddy. Go for it.
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This was taken from the fence outside the press site.
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Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 5:01 PM
Can I put my personal launch photo up on here?
Do Bears have picnics in the woods? ;)
Any problems with attachements etc...mail it to me ([email protected]) and I'll sort it out.
These launches are emotionally exhausting to watch! :)
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Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 6:01 PM
Can I put my personal launch photo up on here?
Hit the Reply button on the bottom of the page and check the 'Attach a file after posting' box.
Let's see those photos! :)
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Here comes the discrete ET camera replay...
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Here's one- I had to resize it because it was too big- sorry for the delay. This was taken standing at the fence outside the press site.
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Chris Bergin - 9/9/2006 10:06 AM
Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 5:01 PM
Can I put my personal launch photo up on here?
Do Bears have picnics in the woods? ;)
Any problems with attachements etc...mail it to me ([email protected]) and I'll sort it out.
These launches are emotionally exhausting to watch! :)
I'm glad someone else feels some level of emotional exhaustion :). I thought I was just going crazy/overtired.. lol (been up since 4am in the mountain time zone).
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SRB sep... replay at 10% speed.. I see no foam shedding.. but a little water vapor comming off the camera
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 11:01 AM
Watching a replay from the beach tracker...seemed to be a debris event above the tank after the shockwave ended. Did anyone else see that?
I saw that on two camera views... one far and another a bit closer... sort of a "puff" at the top of ET... different than the normal vapor shocks around max-Q. (Perhaps going supersonic?) And I thought I saw a bright spot travel down above the tank (on opposite side than the orbiter).
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Chris Bergin - 9/9/2006 5:06 PM
These launches are emotionally exhausting to watch! :)
You can say that again. My hand was shaking as I was taking the screencaps.
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Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 11:10 AM
Here's one- I had to resize it because it was too big- sorry for the delay. This was taken standing at the fence outside the press site.
Awesome picture, mate! It was well worth the wait. ;) ;)
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Launch looked pretty clean from the ET camera.
-
Yep, that is a nice slick tank (at least on the side that matters... :)) Hope the pix of the tank from the orbiter are as clean, that will be very encouraging.
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Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 11:10 AM
Here's one- I had to resize it because it was too big- sorry for the delay. This was taken standing at the fence outside the press site.
VERY nice!
I would love to see that one full size!
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RedSky - 9/9/2006 11:12 AM
nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 11:01 AM
Watching a replay from the beach tracker...seemed to be a debris event above the tank after the shockwave ended. Did anyone else see that?
I saw that on two camera views... one far and another a bit closer... sort of a "puff" at the top of ET... different than the normal vapor shocks around max-Q. (Perhaps going supersonic?) And I thought I saw a bright spot travel down above the tank (on opposite side than the orbiter).
Yeah I saw the supersonic shockwave puff but the bright spot is what concerned me when I saw it. Glad I'm not alone on the visual!
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Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 5:10 PM
Here's one- I had to resize it because it was too big- sorry for the delay. This was taken standing at the fence outside the press site.
Superb!
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Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 6:10 PM
Here's one- I had to resize it because it was too big- sorry for the delay. This was taken standing at the fence outside the press site.
Great pictures! There's even a bird in view. :)
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There's definately a new kind of stress watching launches now compared to before the RTF. I'm much more aware of the risks and the power being harnessed by the fragile vehicle.
I was squeezing the wifes hand until she got angry due to pain! :D
Couldn't relax until MECO and umbilical doors closing.
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Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 11:10 AM
Here's one- I had to resize it because it was too big- sorry for the delay. This was taken standing at the fence outside the press site.
Awesome shot! Glad to have someone who was there on board! How was the sound out there man?
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I thought I saw a spot on the intertank area that appeared to change color from light to dark after the 'debris event'. Can someone confirm?
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chksix - 9/9/2006 11:17 AM
There's definately a new kind of stress watching launches now compared to before the RTF. I'm much more aware of the risks and the power being harnessed by the fragile vehicle.
I was squeezing the wifes hand until she got angry due to pain! :D
Couldn't relax until MECO and umbilical doors closing.
I hear ya. I was jumping up and down and pacing around in my apartment the whole way through. Had my dad on the line and making a few exclamations here and there definitely helped!
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lcs - 9/9/2006 11:19 AM
I thought I saw a spot on the intertank area that appeared to change color from light to dark after the 'debris event'. Can someone confirm?
Probably just the shadows changing as the vehicle pitches yaws and rolls.
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Press briefing coming up next.
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Post Launch Press Brief coming up next
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 12:18 PM
Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 11:10 AM
Here's one- I had to resize it because it was too big- sorry for the delay. This was taken standing at the fence outside the press site.
Awesome shot! Glad to have someone who was there on board! How was the sound out there man?
Well, I am a girl not man ;) But the sound was incredible as always. It is the greatest crakling rumble you ever heard. It sets off car alarms everywhere.
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Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 11:22 AM
nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 12:18 PM
Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 11:10 AM
Here's one- I had to resize it because it was too big- sorry for the delay. This was taken standing at the fence outside the press site.
Awesome shot! Glad to have someone who was there on board! How was the sound out there man?
Well, I am a girl not man ;) But the sound was incredible as always. It is the greatest crakling rumble you ever heard. It sets off car alarms everywhere.
Apologies! Glad to hear it was fun. I hope to see one in person before the program is over but being a broke architecture student it's tough! Thanks again for the pic! Pretty spectacular dudette!
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I take it Lubbock, USA is the same place as where Bill and Ted come from?
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Looking at the ET cam playback, I did see one small release about 2 min 5 sec after SRB sep. It appears to have cleared the STB leading edge. Q was very low at that time. Agree?
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I would just like to congratulate everyone involved in this sucessfull launch!
Well done chaps, it was worth the wait!
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gruff68 - 9/9/2006 5:30 PM
Looking at the ET cam playback, I did see one small release about 2 min 5 sec after SRB sep. It appears to have cleared the STB leading edge. Q was very low at that time. Agree?
Yep I think we all saw that one. As far as I could tell it didn't hit anything though.
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SimonShuttle - 9/9/2006 11:29 AM
I take it Lubbock, USA is the same place as where Bill and Ted come from?
Not sure Simon. I'm only here for college ;)
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Briefing started. No Wayne there ...
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Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 12:22 PM
nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 12:18 PM
Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 11:10 AM
Here's one- I had to resize it because it was too big- sorry for the delay. This was taken standing at the fence outside the press site.
Awesome shot! Glad to have someone who was there on board! How was the sound out there man?
Well, I am a girl not man ;) But the sound was incredible as always. It is the greatest crakling rumble you ever heard. It sets off car alarms everywhere.
I was fortunate enough to be just on the other side of the water from the press site...maybe a half-mile closer for the first military launch. That "crackling rumble" is truly awesome...and I don't use that word frequently. It seemed to grab me physically and shake me from the inside out.
That is the most memorable part of that launch for me...a long time ago, too. I think it was early 1985. That was the closest I have ever been to a Shuttle launch.
Cheers,
Larry
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gladiator1332 - 9/9/2006 11:14 AM
Launch looked pretty clean from the ET camera.
It did to me, too. I saw one small piece around 5 minutes or so almost float off below the orbiter just left of the left rear ET support strut. It looked like it was near the rear, because after a second or so it appeared to hit the engine exhaust and shot off to the lower left.
What was interesting was watching the LOX feed pipe 'grow' towards the camera between liftoff and MECO - pay attention to the dark, sort of dashed line on the pipe at the bottom of the camera to see what I'm talking about.
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gruff68 - 9/9/2006 12:30 PM
Looking at the ET cam playback, I did see one small release about 2 min 5 sec after SRB sep. It appears to have cleared the STB leading edge. Q was very low at that time. Agree?
see the same.. two pieces a few secs apart...
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Rapoc - 9/9/2006 12:36 PM
Briefing started. No Wayne there ...
Must not have made it to the Laundromat :) Go WHUM
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Rapoc - 9/9/2006 12:36 PM
Briefing started. No Wayne there ...
See how smart he is?
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triddirt - 9/9/2006 11:37 AM
Rapoc - 9/9/2006 12:36 PM
Briefing started. No Wayne there ...
Must not have made it to the Laundromat :) Go WHUM
I'm wondering how the excitement of the launch affected the WH UM ;) I was afraid I'd have to 'refly' some of mine!
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WHUM-1 not required :)
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WHAT???? They like that Shuttle basher from the anti-US, terrorist supporting Gaurdian ask the first question??
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The full high resolution capture from T-20 minutes to right after the launch replays is now available on L2.
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Debris shedding +4M07S
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Not much better than 'gravity' not affecting the debris as much after 4 min.
Doh!
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astrobrian - 9/9/2006 11:40 AM
WHUM-1 not required :)
Seems Atlantis wasn't the only one to barely make its window! It's Hale's last day for a successful WH UM and the excitement of the launch must have forced an early deploy to the laundromat. :)
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Great launch. Maddness that the idiot reporter got to ask the same question. He has no right to be there.
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Let's hope Bill Harwood doesn't get critical with his questions as usual.
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Sept. 9, 12:30 p.m. EDT
At the post-launch news conference from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA officials and mission managers expressed excitement at the successful launch of Atlantis and looked forward to the mission ahead.
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said, "Once again, it's an honor to be associated with this program and team and to watch them work. It was a flawless count and a majestic launch.
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 12:45 PM
Let's hope Bill Harwood doesn't get critical with his questions as usual.
He's asks tough questions sometimes, but he also writes fair and accurate stories -- a quality which isn't necessarily easy to find in that room. (Or the editors that work with some of the people in that room.)
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Relax the LCC, not fix the ECO sensors? Did I miss something?
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psloss - 9/9/2006 11:48 AM
nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 12:45 PM
Let's hope Bill Harwood doesn't get critical with his questions as usual.
He's asks tough questions sometimes, but he also writes fair and accurate stories -- a quality which isn't necessarily easy to find in that room. (Or the editors that work with some of the people in that room.)
Very true. But it would be nice to see him offer some uplifting congratulatory comments from time to time and ask about something positive. Oh well. Imagery briefing at 4 PM EDT from Wayne Hale. Hope he gets his U changed out!
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ECO #3 Well behaved today.
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 12:50 PM
Very true. But it would be nice to see him offer some uplifting congratulatory comments from time to time and ask about something positive.
That's not his responsibility.
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There's some trivia -- Mike Leinbach noted that yesterday was the 200th tanking (and today was 201).
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psloss - 9/9/2006 11:54 AM
There's some trivia -- Mike Leinbach noted that yesterday was the 200th tanking (and today was 201).
Very cool! And we've had 116 missions now with 201 tankings. Kind of puts it in perspective how many delays there can be. But then again I guess some of those were tanking tests.
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 6:58 PM
psloss - 9/9/2006 11:54 AM
There's some trivia -- Mike Leinbach noted that yesterday was the 200th tanking (and today was 201).
Very cool! And we've had 116 missions now with 201 tankings. Kind of puts it in perspective how many delays there can be. But then again I guess some of those were tanking tests.
Tanking tests and Flight Readiness Firings.
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Payload bay door should be opened (hopefully we get some pictures after the press conf.)
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That was a great, thoughtful answer by Mike Griffin...that would never qualify as a soundbite.
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Mike may be long-winded but he's very mindful of how he words things so as not to give anyone the wrong idea. Great quality in a manager for sure.
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Nice analogy from Gerstenmeier on pre-launch testing of fuel cells -- a light-bulb test.
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Launch prevention devices?! Good one!!!
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New acronym "LPD" AKA ECO sensor.
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Latest acronyms from NSF:
WH UM: Wayne Hale Underwear Manifest
LPD: Launch Prevention Device
More to come ;)
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 10:08 AMLaunch prevention devices?! Good one!!!
Haha, I was gonna point that out right now
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 6:07 PM
Mike may be long-winded but he's very mindful of how he words things so as not to give anyone the wrong idea. Great quality in a manager for sure.
Especially one as much in the public's eye as Griffin.
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Gary - 9/9/2006 12:15 PM
nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 6:07 PM
Mike may be long-winded but he's very mindful of how he words things so as not to give anyone the wrong idea. Great quality in a manager for sure.
Especially one as much in the public's eye as Griffin.
Exactly. Griffin couldn't be more perfect for this job. He keeps the reporters humble while at the same time being humble himself. You can't help but want to stand up and applaud him after his press "speeches" hahaha.
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It's great to have an Administrator as well rounded and articulate as Dr. Griffin.
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triddirt - 9/9/2006 5:52 PM
ECO #3 Well behaved today.
Ok I misssed this.
What do you mean by 'well behaved'? Did it fail WET? or did it work correctly and even if it was working correctly was it ignored by the others?!
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I don't know what to make of this.. may just be optics..
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Payload bay doors confirmed open.
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Gary - 9/9/2006 11:19 AM
triddirt - 9/9/2006 5:52 PM
ECO #3 Well behaved today.
Ok I misssed this.
What do you mean by 'well behaved'? Did it fail WET? or did it work correctly and even if it was working correctly was it ignored by the others?!
It worked correctly; I don't think it was ignored but one sensor is never enough to trigger tank-empty activities.
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Gary - 9/9/2006 7:19 PM
triddirt - 9/9/2006 5:52 PM
ECO #3 Well behaved today.
Ok I misssed this.
What do you mean by 'well behaved'? Did it fail WET? or did it work correctly and even if it was working correctly was it ignored by the others?!
Worked just fine.
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Gary - 9/9/2006 12:19 PM
triddirt - 9/9/2006 5:52 PM
ECO #3 Well behaved today.
Ok I misssed this.
What do you mean by 'well behaved'? Did it fail WET? or did it work correctly and even if it was working correctly was it ignored by the others?!
Post launch briefing said the sensor indicated wet during tanking and did cycle dry during testing. Just like the other three.
Payload doors open.
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Avron - 9/9/2006 6:21 PM
I don't know what to make of this.. may just be optics..
Water vapour on the lens of the ET cam.
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Avron - 9/9/2006 12:21 PM
I don't know what to make of this.. may just be optics..
Doesn't look like anything. Was it moving? If not I'm sure it's just shadows moving around as the vehicle translates. That or optics as you guessed.
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RMS checkout coming up around 2:15 pm EDT.
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I've posted a few of my pics from today's launch: Shuttle Atlantis soars toward space station
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Great pics Rob! Hopefully we'll have some more great ones when she returns in 11 days!
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 1:26 PM
Avron - 9/9/2006 12:21 PM
I don't know what to make of this.. may just be optics..
Doesn't look like anything. Was it moving? If not I'm sure it's just shadows moving around as the vehicle translates. That or optics as you guessed.
Ok.. this one is moving.. may be the piece at 4:07
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Avron - 9/9/2006 12:42 PM
nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 1:26 PM
Avron - 9/9/2006 12:21 PM
I don't know what to make of this.. may just be optics..
Doesn't look like anything. Was it moving? If not I'm sure it's just shadows moving around as the vehicle translates. That or optics as you guessed.
Ok.. this one is moving.. may be the piece at 4:07
That's exactly what it is. There were several pieces but all were of inconsiderable mass and well after the critical timing. Note that there were SEVERAL of these events but none that should be of concern. A couple of them came in contact with Atlantis but will not be of concern I'm sure. Just have to watch the imagery briefing with Wayne at 4:00 PM EDT.
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More personal launch photos-
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Preliminary debris report being called up to the crew
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Prelim debris report - 4 mins 5 secs - outboard of lox feed line
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realtime - 9/9/2006 6:17 PM
It's great to have an Administrator as well rounded and articulate as Dr. Griffin.
Thought he had a very good press conference. I hope he gets the chance to stay on as administrator after the next presidential election.
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Avron - 9/9/2006 12:49 PM
Prelim debis report - 4 mins 5 secs - outboard of lox feed line
Concurrent with what we all noted. Very good! All events were outside the time of interest. Most relieving.
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Penguin Tech - 9/9/2006 12:48 PM
More personal launch photos-
Great pictures! One of the roll is amazing.
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Well, relieving in only a preliminary way. LOTS of data to review, and they're just getting started. It'll still be preliminary at the briefing later on, too...
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psloss - 9/9/2006 12:54 PM
Well, relieving in only a preliminary way. LOTS of data to review, and they're just getting started. It'll still be preliminary at the briefing later on, too...
Yeah I know. But it was still nice to see a clean performance of the tank from the ET camera. I know it's all getting started but it's great to know the tank did well again.
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Bill Harwood also has a preliminary report on the launch in the most recent status report on his site:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html
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Meantime back in orbit..
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FWIW, the MCC also noted another event in the T+5 minute timeframe.
Looks like sometime in the 5 minute, 20 seconds timeframe, also looks like it's in the area of the pressurization lines as with the event just after four minutes...
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Powering up the RMS now.
Great launch.
They should play some background music though :)
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RedSky: “And I thought I saw a bright spot travel down above the tank (on opposite side than the orbiter).”
Nathan: “Yeah I saw the supersonic shockwave puff but the bright spot is what concerned me when I saw it. Glad I'm not alone on the visual!”
Mark me down as another set of eyes who saw a bright white dot departing the ET about MET 40 to 50 seconds, on the opposite side from the Orbiter, the 'top' in that heads-down orientation. It was the playback BEFORE the playback from the press site (the 'flag scene'). I don't have time to hit L2 and review the playbacks but would sure appreciate if somebody else had time.
Jim Oberg
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Hey Jim,
Good to see you here.
NC1 burn coming up shortly...
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Good NC 1 burn completed, no trim required (80 fps, two-engine OMS)
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JimO - 9/9/2006 2:12 PM
Mark me down as another set of eyes who saw a bright white dot departing the ET about MET 40 to 50 seconds, on the opposite side from the Orbiter, the 'top' in that heads-down orientation. It was the playback BEFORE the playback from the press site (the 'flag scene'). I don't have time to hit L2 and review the playbacks but would sure appreciate if somebody else had time.
I believe you're referring to the Beach Tracker video (TV-4B), which I believe is what the other "spotters" said. I'll pull that section out and look for some frames.
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Since I can't see the frames that others have posted here -- has anyone else already posted frames from the Beach Tracker launch replay (not sure if it was selected during the live feed)?
Otherwise, maybe Chris can ping me about whether that's been covered else on the site (perhaps in the Video section)...I've been busy making safety copies of all today's events so far.
Edit: forget the visual description...it looks like the MET is about 48 seconds.
I'll see if I can find it in other replays...
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SRMS is up and running
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psloss - 9/9/2006 1:22 PM
JimO - 9/9/2006 2:12 PM
Mark me down as another set of eyes who saw a bright white dot departing the ET about MET 40 to 50 seconds, on the opposite side from the Orbiter, the 'top' in that heads-down orientation. It was the playback BEFORE the playback from the press site (the 'flag scene'). I don't have time to hit L2 and review the playbacks but would sure appreciate if somebody else had time.
I believe you're referring to the Beach Tracker video (TV-4B), which I believe is what the other "spotters" said. I'll pull that section out and look for some frames.
Yeah it was from the Beach Tracker right after the shockwave ended. There was a quick "puff" of condensation all around the stack then the bright object was seen. I recall seeing a similar event on STS-7 just after SRB separation when a bright object was liberated from the stack. I'm curious to see what Wayne has to say about it, if anything.
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 2:35 PM
Yeah it was from the Beach Tracker right after the shockwave ended. There was a quick "puff" of condensation all around the stack then the bright object was seen. I recall seeing a similar event on STS-7 just after SRB separation when a bright object was liberated from the stack. I'm curious to see what Wayne has to say about it, if anything.
There's something about that perspective, because I don't see it in the replay from the VIP site (although that might be an issue of contrast) and I don't see it in the UCS 23 replay.
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Some upcoming NASA TV video notes:
-ASCENT FLIGHT CONTROL TEAM VIDEO REPLAY: 3 pm EDT
-PLAYBACK OF CREW HANDHELD VIDEO OF EXTERNAL TANK SEPARATION: 3:40 pm EDT
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psloss - 9/9/2006 1:37 PM
nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 2:35 PM
Yeah it was from the Beach Tracker right after the shockwave ended. There was a quick "puff" of condensation all around the stack then the bright object was seen. I recall seeing a similar event on STS-7 just after SRB separation when a bright object was liberated from the stack. I'm curious to see what Wayne has to say about it, if anything.
There's something about that perspective, because I don't see it in the replay from the VIP site (although that might be an issue of contrast) and I don't see it in the UCS 23 replay.
So maybe just sunlight reflecting off a piece of debris? I don't know if foam would show up real bright like that. Another spotter called it in two shots...one being the beach tracker and the other I didn't confirm. Possibly the DTRL-3 tracker but I'm not sure. At least it was on the "right" side of the tank to be shedding debris. Still looking to hear from Wayne at 3 or 3:30?
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 2:44 PM
So maybe just sunlight reflecting off a piece of debris? I don't know if foam would show up real bright like that. Another spotter called it in two shots...one being the beach tracker and the other I didn't confirm. Possibly the DTRL-3 tracker but I'm not sure. At least it was on the "right" side of the tank to be shedding debris. Still looking to hear from Wayne at 3 or 3:30?
No idea what it is, but I have a 2-sec DivX clip edited out of the Beach Tracker replay that I can post. It's easy to see watching it in a loop.
The problem with the DLTR-3 camera perspective is that the vehicle is "in the clouds" or coming out of it.
The Wayne Hale show is scheduled for 4:30 pm Eastern.
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psloss - 9/9/2006 1:47 PM
nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 2:44 PM
So maybe just sunlight reflecting off a piece of debris? I don't know if foam would show up real bright like that. Another spotter called it in two shots...one being the beach tracker and the other I didn't confirm. Possibly the DTRL-3 tracker but I'm not sure. At least it was on the "right" side of the tank to be shedding debris. Still looking to hear from Wayne at 3 or 3:30?
No idea what it is, but I have a 2-sec DivX clip edited out of the Beach Tracker replay that I can post. It's easy to see watching it in a loop.
Yeah man that would be great.
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I too see debris in beach tracker video, as described. It must be large or reflective to be seen from so far away. Ice?
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psloss - 9/9/2006 2:47 PM
No idea what it is, but I have a 2-sec DivX clip edited out of the Beach Tracker replay that I can post.
Chris is offline right now and it's a little bigger than the max attachment size. It'll be posted, but we may hear more from the quick look briefing first.
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Moving white dots also could be a star or commercial aircraft, they are seen (if rarely) moving upwards in the FOV (as the camera tracks downwards towards the horizon) -- but usually much, much later in the profile. But this bogie's motion seemed to me to have too large of a horizontal component. It could be a function of geometry from the camera location -- can anybody find the precise lat/long relative to the pad?
Note that MET 48 sec is just two sec prior to 'Max Q'.
If you saw it at MET 48 sec, here are the pre-flight traj parameters:
Mach 1.07
Alt 23,447 ft (4.4 sm)
range 2.30 sm
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Can't you make a quick screen cap in the meanwhile. I'm very interested in what you saw. Thanks!
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psloss - 9/9/2006 8:06 PM
psloss - 9/9/2006 2:47 PM
No idea what it is, but I have a 2-sec DivX clip edited out of the Beach Tracker replay that I can post.
Chris is offline right now and it's a little bigger than the max attachment size. It'll be posted, but we may hear more from the quick look briefing first.
You should be able to upload it to L2 as larger attachments are allowed there. I will then move it here for you.
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abacus - 9/9/2006 3:13 PM
You should be able to upload it to L2 as larger attachments are allowed there. I will then move it here for you.
Edit: done.
Thanx.
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Seen the clip on L2 now.
First of all, it does not look like it's from the orbiter side of the ET, which is good... :) On this video it looks like it is from the area around the intertank. I don't think they have done any of the process changes to the foam application on the backside of the ET.
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Screen shots... agreed.. it looks like its from the other side of the ET.. not an issue
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It's telling me a need a software update from RealPlayer to see this, then RealPlayer says no software update is available for this content. What am I overlooking?
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JimO - 9/9/2006 3:28 PM
It's telling me a need a software update from RealPlayer to see this, then RealPlayer says no software update is available for this content. What am I overlooking?
It needs a Divx codec; for now, it's so small, I'll race someone to convert it to MPEG-1!
If you want, you can download the codec from here:
http://www.divx.com/divx/windows/codec/
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JimO - 9/9/2006 9:28 PM
It's telling me a need a software update from RealPlayer to see this, then RealPlayer says no software update is available for this content. What am I overlooking?
Try to download the latest version of DivX from www.dovx.com
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Video in wmv format
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abacus - 9/9/2006 3:35 PM
Video in wmv format
Thanks -- that qualifies as winning the race.
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I thought it would be easier if I did it, as I knew I could upload it to this thread.
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abacus - 9/9/2006 3:38 PM
I thought it would be easier if I did it, as I knew I could upload it to this thread.
No problem -- happy to lose; just wanted to get something that folks here can see. Hopefully JimO can view that, as he's the one that inquired about it.
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Can anybody review the imagery just PRIOR to the motion of the white dot leftwards from the ET, to see if the white dot is present to the RIGHT of the shuttle moving TOWARDS it (i.e., is a celestial sphere background object)?
Then we can compute the el/az from the camera (once we have its lat/long) and compare with heavens-above.com's chart of bright planets.
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Well, I was able to review the wmv file (much thanks!) and sure cannot see any white dot coming in from the right in the field of view. It sure SEEMS to originate from the ET area.
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JimO - 9/9/2006 3:48 PM
Can anybody review the imagery just PRIOR to the motion of the white dot leftwards from the ET, to see if the white dot is present to the RIGHT of the shuttle moving TOWARDS it (i.e., is a celestial sphere background object)?
Then we can compute the el/az from the camera (once we have its lat/long) and compare with heavens-above.com's chart of bright planets.
Would you like a little more of the video? I can probably coordinate with abacus to get another WMV file up.
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JimO - 9/9/2006 2:48 PM
Can anybody review the imagery just PRIOR to the motion of the white dot leftwards from the ET, to see if the white dot is present to the RIGHT of the shuttle moving TOWARDS it (i.e., is a celestial sphere background object)?
Then we can compute the el/az from the camera (once we have its lat/long) and compare with heavens-above.com's chart of bright planets.
It appeared to liberate itself from the backside of the inner tank, meaning it would have no motion towards the shuttle.
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What still bothers me about it being real is its almost purely horizontal motion -- some imp in back of my mind keeps chanting, 'camera artifact, camera artifact!!!'.
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ET video is now being downlinked from Atlantis.
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Looks like they forgot to clean the camera lens.
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Is it me or is this ET video blurry?
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JimO - 9/9/2006 8:48 PM
Can anybody review the imagery just PRIOR to the motion of the white dot leftwards from the ET, to see if the white dot is present to the RIGHT of the shuttle moving TOWARDS it (i.e., is a celestial sphere background object)?
Then we can compute the el/az from the camera (once we have its lat/long) and compare with heavens-above.com's chart of bright planets.
Welcome Jim :)
Yeah, just seeing that now. Now idea what it could be without guessing (badly).
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JimO - 9/9/2006 2:55 PM
What still bothers me about it being real is its almost purely horizontal motion -- some imp in back of my mind keeps chanting, 'camera artifact, camera artifact!!!'.
I've seen this kind of event before back on STS-7. You can tell it originates from the tank itself. No way it's a camera artifact. You can tell it's falling. Much clearer on the TV replays.
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Looks like a focus problem - every once in a while it comes in crystal clear, then it goes back out of focus. My WAG is that they left auto-focus on, so the finder is hitting the glass and trying to focus at short range instead of infinite.
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I think the overhead window is smudged, as occasionally you see part of the frame is in focus and the rest not. Sometimes the SRB sep motors leave a mess on the windshields.
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For those who are coming in late -- we are discussing two separate video streams, interspersed comments in the past few messages. One is the 'beach tracker' camera view at MET 48 seconds of the white streaker, the second is the handheld views through the overhead camera of the ET, 20 minutes or so (???) later.
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JimO - 9/9/2006 3:55 PM
What still bothers me about it being real is its almost purely horizontal motion -- some imp in back of my mind keeps chanting, 'camera artifact, camera artifact!!!'.
There is an additional event two seconds before JimO's "white object." Best quick description is like a puff of white smoke. "White object" doesn't appear to be a background object as it disappears while still in the field of view. There is definitely an "event" here.
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No idea what that event is on the short clip on ascent through Max Q, but it's not hitting Atlantis and isn't coming off her, so good.
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If this first stage event isn't covered in the quick look briefing, I'll be curious if it's visible in any of the launch engineering replays we get on NASA TV...
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"...before JimO's "white object." "
I was the third poster on this object here, please be careful with credit priorities! ;)
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I bet Hale will address it...briefing NET 4:30 PM EDT.
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Jay Barbree will be asking Wayne at the briefing (NBC is my main man news client, and I work for them on these stories).
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JimO - 9/9/2006 3:17 PM
"...before JimO's "white object." "
I was the third poster on this object here, please be careful with credit priorities! ;)
Actually it was my object ;)
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Is it too 'big' to be ice?
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Correction gratefully accepted.
Don't agree that its path is horizontal. Appears to be in the slipstream.
That view was broadcast live on HDNet.
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Ouch -- that was an abrupt transition of the satellite back to KSC; they cut Kylie Clem off mid-sentence.
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Ascent Imagery Briefing 4:30pm EDT
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triddirt - 9/9/2006 4:26 PM
Ascent Imagery Briefing 4:30pm EST
CORRECTION - it is starting in just a few minutes, at 430pm EDT.
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Briefing starting.
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Briefing started.
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Nothing of consequence observed. Very good!
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He doesn't mention your piece Jim'O
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No images..:( .. this is going to be the cleanest launch yet
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F3L - sounds like its good... no water
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No images - there is nothing to show you folks
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Wayne Hale - No Pictures because nothing to look at
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Quick.. very nice.. great launch..
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He didn't mention my object :(
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Oli4 - 9/9/2006 9:44 PM
He doesn't mention your piece Jim'O
Not really an issue if it came off the back of the tank.
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There it is! Thanks Jay!
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It was ice. Awesome!
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Is this the image he spoke of i.r.t. shockwave image for posters
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Barbree asked the question. Wayne referred to a 'flare' of something off the bottom of the ET hitting the SSME plume -- this wasn't what we are talking obout. We'll just have to ask more pointedly. Now it's just curiosity -- not any concern.
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Well, thinking in three-D, the white object could well have been in the SSME plume, since we're looking fairly straight 'up the skirt' of the ascending shuttle. Hmmm, let's spend some quality cogitation time. Hale's reply could well have neeb apropos of the video we're examing.
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I think it was another very brief condensation flash with a shallower angle, very close in time to the frame you've put up there Avron.
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The piece Jim'O is talking about comes from the front of the ET... Not from the main engines...
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Wayne Hale - No Daylight Launch required on the books for future flights...
Did I get that right?
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"well have neeb " = "well have been "
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Cool coment from Wane at the end of the breefing, right before thes switched of the cameras: "To bad it wern't anything to talk about guys"
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"Wayne Hale - No Daylight Launch required on the books for future flights... "
Correct, it was never on the books after this one. In the launch press conference earlier today it was also stated by Griffin, since the next flight is the last one without modified IFR's so it doesn't matter what happens. Griffin however noted that the first few ones with a redesign will be daylight (for obvious reasons.)
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JimO - 9/9/2006 10:58 PM
"well have neeb " = "well have been "
You might hit the Edit button to change a typo.
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triddirt - 9/9/2006 4:58 PM
Wayne Hale - No Daylight Launch required on the books for future flights...
Did I get that right?
That's what I heard, which is interesting as I thought I heard Mike Griffin suggest at the post launch press conference that they might want a couple of daylight launches when the new ice front ramp design is flown.
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If Nathan's object came from the SSMEs my $6,000 Sony is going back! It's on the wrong side of the SRB plume and it originates higher on the stack.
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henrycheck - 9/9/2006 4:05 PM
If Nathan's object came from the SSMEs my $6,000 Sony is going back! It's on the wrong side of the SRB plume and it originates higher on the stack.
I agree. That still shot from UCS-23 shows it behind the tank and underneath. No where near the SSMEs.
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psloss - 9/9/2006 5:04 PM
I thought I heard Mike Griffin suggest at the post launch press conference that they might want a couple of daylight launches when the new ice front ramp design is flown.
It's not on the books anymore, but Griffin is saying it will be back on the books when the new IFR flies.
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rdale - 9/9/2006 4:09 PM
psloss - 9/9/2006 5:04 PM
I thought I heard Mike Griffin suggest at the post launch press conference that they might want a couple of daylight launches when the new ice front ramp design is flown.
It's not on the books anymore, but Griffin is saying it will be back on the books when the new IFR flies.
So I guess this means STS-117 will launch in daylight. Any word if February 22, 2007 is a lighted launch day?
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Tank performed very well. Will have some hard data later.
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psloss - 9/9/2006 11:04 PM
That's what I heard, which is interesting as I thought I heard Mike Griffin suggest at the post launch press conference that they might want a couple of daylight launches when the new ice front ramp design is flown.
Daylight launches are not a LCC. The daylight launches were ordered to be able to watch the foam loss after the changes to the ETs.
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James (Lockheed) - 9/9/2006 11:13 PM
Tank performed very well. Will have some hard data later.
That's great to hear! Looking forward to the data!
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Yes Nathan, the launch window for STS-117 is scheduled to be a lighted window (daylight window) right now with a launch time estimate of around 19:00 GMT (2:00 PM EST), (this is assuming a launch date around February 22, 2007), this is based on current ISS tracking and this may change slightly as time goes on.
Richard
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sts1canada - 9/9/2006 4:19 PM
Yes Nathan, the launch window for STS-117 is scheduled to be a lighted window (daylight window) right now with a launch time estimate of around 19:00 GMT (2:00 PM EST), this is based on current ISS tracking and this may change slightly as time goes on.
Richard
Very cool. Hopefully my schedule will be clear at that time! I wanna see how these new IFRs do.
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James (Lockheed) - 9/9/2006 10:13 PM
Tank performed very well. Will have some hard data later.
Excellent.
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Maybe the KSC engineering replays showing right now on NTV will show us Nathan's object?
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Ok, now that the site is a lot less busy, we'll look to round this thread up in a few hours and move into Flight Day coverage.
Thanks to everyone that contributed and watched the coverage via here. The amount of traffic around launch time, on just this (still very young) site alone speaks volumes for the level of interest in the space program and for the Shuttle. Anyone that tells you different clearly deluded :)
Many congrats to all those involved in the Shuttle program on this proud day. It's an honour to follow your work.
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nathan.moeller - 9/9/2006 5:10 PM
So I guess this means STS-117 will launch in daylight. Any word if February 22, 2007 is a lighted launch day?
It falls in about a 15 day period beginning in mid/late February where they can launch with similar contraints to the ones for today's launch...however, this mission is getting off the pad almost two weeks late, which hurts processing schedule margins for what was going to be a fast OPF flow (like the one Discovery is in right now). The next period like that is forecast to be about 17 days beginning in mid/late April.
Edit: correction on the mid/late April into early May window...looks like 19 days.
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Many congratulations on an impressive launch.
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Was anybody watching the engineering replays? Anybody see another angle of the event at T+48 seconds?
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Any videos of the engineering views? I didn't see those.
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Chris:
Thanks again for an amazing website and a fantastic job the past couple of weeks helping us earthbound mortals stay so close to the action - this site rocks!
Jeff :)
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MarkD - 9/9/2006 6:09 PM
Any videos of the engineering views? I didn't see those.
They just finished a few minutes ago, I'm sure that if they are going to be posted it may be a bit yet.
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ARGHHH!!! Anyone have contacts at KSC press that can talk to Drew Levinson? His package today AGAIN says that "ISS construction was halted after Columbia blew up in 2003."
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Some thanks:
Thanks to Chris, the NSF staff, and content contributors for their great service during this STS-115 launch campaign, particularly all the content in the last two-plus weeks and managing the load.
Thanks to the news sources, public and private -- I think this site was three hours ahead of almost everyone yesterday because someone from the team was nice enough let us know about the ECO sensor that failed WET.
And thanks to the regulars and people who do spaceflight and launch operations for real, who stop by here and fill in the blanks for us armchair spectators.
Philip Sloss
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Alright ladies and gents. I'm gonna sign off for this thread. Great job to everyone at NASA for a beautiful launch this morning. We're looking forward to a great mission for the next week and a half. To the NSF staff: thanks for your patience and hard work keeping these threads working so the news can be brought to enthusiasts and workers worldwide. It's much appreciated. Great job and I'll catch you all on the next thread for Flight Day 2. As always: GO ATLANTIS!
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Deleted. Duh.
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I heard some foam hit the orbiter in the recent press conference. Is this going to threaten the mission or did the data from the radar say it is too tiny to seem a danger?
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rdale - 10/9/2006 12:25 AM
Maybe I missed it - but out of curiosity did the ECO sensor go dry at the expected time?
During the ascent? No.
That would have meant that something was wrong with SSMEs as they would have used way more LH2 than predicted and it would have been a "low-level cut-off" leaving the orbiter in a lower than planned MECO orbit.
It was a normal velocity triggered MECO.
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MarkD - 10/9/2006 12:28 AM
I heard some foam hit the orbiter in the recent press conference. Is this going to threaten the mission or did the data from the radar say it is too tiny to seem a danger?
No danger. All events was after the 2 min, 15 sec danger time.
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For those that didn't follow it all, and for myself to wrap it all up in my mind
Launch Day Summary
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Everything behaved itself except:
A fuel level sensor on a generator at the Landing Facility
A Tyvok cover (Left it a bit late leaving the Orbiter)
A Flash Evaporator (Brief presence of Ice on accent)
Minor bits and pieces of foam (and maybe a little ice) of no consequence
My kludged together 'Launchomatic (Version Less than Zero)' countdown spreadsheet
- oh, and the ET Handheld Digital Video was blurry.
Boy will the 'Darkside' press be annoyed! :)
Rick
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sbt - 9/9/2006 6:37 PM
My kludged together 'Launchomatic (Version Less than Zero)' countdown spreadsheet
Rick
The laptop I had my countdown spreadheet on got some evil malware too :) My wife said it looked like mission control cause i was working on two computers at the same time and had about a gazillion windows open :) :) :)
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I see.
So how is that fuel cell going? Is it behaving or will this misson be cut short?
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I don't think it has read the Darkside script. Ticking over as easily as kiss my hand and showing little or no difference in behaviour from the other two.
Isn't euphoria wonderful! :)
Rick
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MarkD - 10/9/2006 12:46 AM
I see.
So how is that fuel cell going? Is it behaving or will this misson be cut short?
Nominal performance on FC#1.
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DaveS - 9/9/2006 6:57 PM
Nominal performance on FC#1.
I believe I heard a call up before crew sleep to put the circuit breaker back in for the problematic phase on the fuel cell coolant pump.
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I watched the HDNet broadcast (woo, if you've got HD and didn't see it, there's another replay tonight at 1:00 a.m. EDT), and someone mentioned firing the OMS during ascent? Can't say I've ever heard that before. Was that to be expected, or just an idiot commentator?
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daveglo - 10/9/2006 1:22 AM
I watched the HDNet broadcast (woo, if you've got HD and didn't see it, there's another replay tonight at 1:00 a.m. EDT), and someone mentioned firing the OMS during ascent? Can't say I've ever heard that before. Was that to be expected, or just an idiot commentator?
It's correct.
The OMS engines fire to assist the ascent not long after SRB seperation.
They can also be used if the MECO results in a lower than planned orbit.
Then (and more known) they are used in the deorbit burn before re-entry.
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Also for larger orbital changes/rendezvous burns. :)
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Chris Bergin - 9/9/2006 7:25 PM
daveglo - 10/9/2006 1:22 AM
I watched the HDNet broadcast (woo, if you've got HD and didn't see it, there's another replay tonight at 1:00 a.m. EDT), and someone mentioned firing the OMS during ascent? Can't say I've ever heard that before. Was that to be expected, or just an idiot commentator?
It's correct.
The OMS engines fire to assist the ascent not long after SRB seperation.
They can also be used if the MECO results in a lower than planned orbit.
Then (and more known) they are used in the deorbit burn before re-entry.
The OMS Assist Manuever, as it is called, was created for ISS launches to help boost shuttles with heavy ISS components in the payload bay.
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MarkD - 9/9/2006 6:46 PM
Is it behaving or will this misson be cut short?
Do you honestly think that if the mission would be cut short - it would be information wouldn't post, and instead wait for someone to ask?
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A great day in the world of NASA spaceflight...
thanks to all..
Avron
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God Bless CBS - the suggested "tease" for tonight's package used by local stations:
"Two pieces of foam fell off Space Shuttle Atlantis today, find out if mission control is concerned."
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Thanks a million Chris, and all at NSF for the EXCELLENT pre launch and launch coverage of STS-115.
My first post after registering here at NSF was entitled, "Janiene Pape" back on July 23rd of this year. I knew it was fortuitous when she responded days later -- knew this had to be a great site, and it has certainly exceeded my expectations.
Thanks again for all your hard work Mr. Bergin and crew. Look forward to riding out each launch with the great folks here through 2010 and beyond.
Austin
aka "Ghostrider" (as per Mr. Kirkman!)
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shuttlefan - 9/9/2006 6:53 PM
The OMS Assist Manuever, as it is called, was created for ISS launches to help boost shuttles with heavy ISS components in the payload bay.
In Mike Mullane's book, Riding Rockets, he says the idea of OMS assist maneuver came about during the aftermath of the Challenger disaster. He also mentions John Young being very opposed to the idea of doing an OMS assist, and wouldn't even talk to Mullane about it who was assigned to the project. Were they really thinking about putting up space station components back in 86?
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Given that the whole purpose of the space shuttle IS to haul components to orbit, I'd say yes. :P
More seriously though, I'd say that as the space station concepts evolved, they realized that either orbit of any given station would have to be higher than what you could reach with three SSMEs, or that they didn't figure on needing to bring up such heavy components - remember, back then some people were convinced that it could make sense to build the trusses in orbit. It's most likely a combination of the two.
Mark
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Nothing wrong with the extra OMS assist to orbit that I can see, as long as there's more than sufficient propellant to handle both it and the other necessary OMS/RCS burns during a mission.