Chris Bergin - 14/2/2007 4:06 PM
I'll be writing up the SRB issue latest for the Rollout article in the morning (early UK), but the summarize the new info in L2. The OPT has been removed. More work will be required.
They will rollout, and do the R&R work at the pad.
Austin - 15/2/2007 12:35 AMQuoteChris Bergin - 14/2/2007 4:06 PM
I'll be writing up the SRB issue latest for the Rollout article in the morning (early UK), but the summarize the new info in L2. The OPT has been removed. More work will be required.
They will rollout, and do the R&R work at the pad.
Chris, sorry if you've mentioned this already but do we have any updates on whether or not a 3/15 event date will be affected by the SRB problem?
Chris Bergin - 14/2/2007 6:44 PMWhich will be interesting to find out if they've discovered a basic problem with another batch of sensors (OPT sensor batches -vs- ECO sensor batches)/
We'll likely know more from tomorrow's PRCB meeting.
First motion
Edit: Or maybe not...
Jonesy STS - 15/2/2007 2:14 PMAgree fully. They seem to think that audio-less computer animations is so much more interesting.
Oh great. Thanks for cutting this off PAO. Stupid NASA TV.
DaveS - 15/2/2007 8:15 AMSIGH....
Well, that's it for live rollout coverage. Now for some really uninteresting b-roll feed in preparation of the briefings.
jmjawors - 15/2/2007 7:23 AM
Looks like they've started moving.
voyager - 15/2/2007 1:29 PM
1st Motion at 8:19 hrs.
dutch courage - 15/2/2007 11:36 PM
A bit off topic but does anybody know if they stopped painting the VAB?
paulhbell07 - 15/2/2007 7:46 AM
This is NASA at it's worst. A important event like rollout and no live coverage. You would think by now (2007) we would be able to watch live, how many sat's in orbit, how many TV channels and we can still not watch. NASA is a public funded company and they should please the public. They will never get top marks while they do things like this.
Sorry for being off topic.
Chandonn - 15/2/2007 8:08 AM
Incidentally, CNN Headline News just showed a "LIVE" shot of Atlantis in the VAB. I love "accurate and up to the minute" news services! ;)
Chandonn - 15/2/2007 3:41 PM
Channel 9 on the KSC video feeds (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/video45m.html) is from one of the pads. I'm hoping it's 39A so we can have a good approach shot (well, we probably will anyway)
berni - 15/2/2007 9:47 AMWell, hopefully they'll switch cams on us at the pad...QuoteChandonn - 15/2/2007 3:41 PM
Channel 9 on the KSC video feeds (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/video45m.html) is from one of the pads. I'm hoping it's 39A so we can have a good approach shot (well, we probably will anyway)
comparing this with google earth, it is 39B... the white building on the left is perpendicular to the road at 39A.
paulhbell07 - 15/2/2007 3:48 PMIt's 39B alright. OTV cameras that start with "1xx" is from 39B.
I agree- 39B. 39A has a bend in the road outside the pad gates.
Shame.
Chandonn - 15/2/2007 3:41 PM
Channel 9 on the KSC video feeds (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/video45m.html) is from one of the pads. I'm hoping it's 39A so we can have a good approach shot (well, we probably will anyway)
berni - 15/2/2007 9:54 AMQuoteChandonn - 15/2/2007 3:41 PM
Channel 9 on the KSC video feeds (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/video45m.html) is from one of the pads. I'm hoping it's 39A so we can have a good approach shot (well, we probably will anyway)
is pad 39A shown on channel 4?
Mark Max Q - 15/2/2007 2:53 PM
Listening to Wayne Hale and he's practically speaking word for word on the articles that are already on this site! Rest of the media are miles behind this curve.
Chris Bergin - 15/2/2007 8:11 AM
Well those circled span up for a bit, but then stopped.
paulhbell07 - 15/2/2007 10:05 AM
Jim- I posted earlier that when I was a kid I thought they where brakes, but now I wasn't sure.
berni - 15/2/2007 10:28 AM
is there anybody using a bicycle? the crawler is not too fast... :)
berni - 15/2/2007 4:28 PMThere's no airconditioning on a bicycle. ;)
is there anybody using a bicycle? the crawler is not too fast... :)
C5C6 - 15/2/2007 4:30 PM
DAMN!! just came from university (physics final exam) and all these information and pictures!! can somebody give me the high resolution NASA TV link?????
we're behind you, Atlantis!!
C5C6 - 15/2/2007 9:30 AM
DAMN!! just came from university (physics final exam) and all these information and pictures!! can somebody give me the high resolution NASA TV link?????
we're behind you, Atlantis!!
Lee Jay - 15/2/2007 9:24 AM
When the system rounds a corner, is this done in a smooth fashion by gently slowing down the inside track, or is it piecewise-linear (drive straight, stop, rotate in place, drive straight...)?
Just curious.
Lee Jay
nathan.moeller - 15/2/2007 8:33 AMQuoteLee Jay - 15/2/2007 9:24 AM
When the system rounds a corner, is this done in a smooth fashion by gently slowing down the inside track, or is it piecewise-linear (drive straight, stop, rotate in place, drive straight...)?
Just curious.
Lee Jay
It's a very slow turn. The front tracks on the crawler rotate very slowly and they take the turn like a car would. It takes a little while but she gets it done just fine.
Lee Jay - 15/2/2007 10:50 AMQuotenathan.moeller - 15/2/2007 8:33 AMQuoteLee Jay - 15/2/2007 9:24 AM
When the system rounds a corner, is this done in a smooth fashion by gently slowing down the inside track, or is it piecewise-linear (drive straight, stop, rotate in place, drive straight...)?
Just curious.
Lee Jay
It's a very slow turn. The front tracks on the crawler rotate very slowly and they take the turn like a car would. It takes a little while but she gets it done just fine.
Wow. I thought it was a tank-like turn. I didn't realize the fronts could rotate.
Thanks.
Lee Jay
SimonShuttle - 15/2/2007 10:32 AM
STS-117's flight director is pretty sexy! :)
Jim - 15/2/2007 9:09 AMQuoteLee Jay - 15/2/2007 10:50 AMQuotenathan.moeller - 15/2/2007 8:33 AMQuoteLee Jay - 15/2/2007 9:24 AM
When the system rounds a corner, is this done in a smooth fashion by gently slowing down the inside track, or is it piecewise-linear (drive straight, stop, rotate in place, drive straight...)?
Just curious.
Lee Jay
It's a very slow turn. The front tracks on the crawler rotate very slowly and they take the turn like a car would. It takes a little while but she gets it done just fine.
Wow. I thought it was a tank-like turn. I didn't realize the fronts could rotate.
Thanks.
Lee Jay
The rear rotate also. hugh hydraulic cylinders push/pull the track assemblies to steer the crawler
nathan.moeller - 15/2/2007 11:32 AM
Woohoo! Over four hours in. Making good time!
nathan.moeller - 15/2/2007 11:32 AM
Looks like we still have a couple of minutes before the next webcam capture. Dibs!
Chandonn - 15/2/2007 4:56 PM
Isn't she lovely!
berni - 15/2/2007 12:11 PM
the white tall thing on the left at 12:01, is it the payload canister?
Chandonn - 15/2/2007 11:13 AMQuoteberni - 15/2/2007 12:11 PM
the white tall thing on the left at 12:01, is it the payload canister?
I think so. We'll go right past it in a little while...
Chandonn - 15/2/2007 9:08 AM About to make the turn...
Still waiting...
Still waiting...
Still waiting...
Wow, that thing is slow. :)
Just being facetious.
punkboi - 15/2/2007 12:22 PMQuoteChandonn - 15/2/2007 9:08 AM About to make the turn...Still waiting...
Still waiting...
Still waiting...
Wow, that thing is slow. :)
Just being facetious.
eeergo - 15/2/2007 12:26 PM
They are broadcasting it right now on NASA TV, FYI...
shuttlepilot - 15/2/2007 7:14 PMWell, they only have stopped the coverge for the breifings and the next is at 2 pm EST, in 45 minutes.
I think they will stop coverage again after few minutes...
Lee Jay - 15/2/2007 12:53 PM
Another quick question.
How is the MLP attached to the pedestals at the pad (bolts, clamps, day-old DoubleBubble...)? I'm assuming it's not just gravity.
Lee Jay
nathan.moeller - 15/2/2007 2:03 PMQuoteLee Jay - 15/2/2007 12:53 PM
Another quick question.
How is the MLP attached to the pedestals at the pad (bolts, clamps, day-old DoubleBubble...)? I'm assuming it's not just gravity.
Lee Jay
Double Bubble hahaha. I dunno man. 12 million pounds can do quite a bit as far as keep itself anchored. I would think there's some kind of system securing it but I couldn't tell you for sure.
nathan.moeller - 15/2/2007 8:39 PM
Strange seeing the FSS without the crane.
jacqmans - 15/2/2007 8:14 PMQuotenathan.moeller - 15/2/2007 8:39 PM
Strange seeing the FSS without the crane.
which crane do you mean ??
jacqmans - 15/2/2007 12:14 PMQuotenathan.moeller - 15/2/2007 8:39 PM Strange seeing the FSS without the crane.which crane do you mean ??
The crane at the very top of the FSS, right below the lightning mast
punkboi - 15/2/2007 8:28 PMQuotejacqmans - 15/2/2007 12:14 PMQuotenathan.moeller - 15/2/2007 8:39 PM Strange seeing the FSS without the crane.which crane do you mean ??The crane at the very top of the FSS, right below the lightning mast
jacqmans - 15/2/2007 2:30 PM
that crane was removed years ago, 1994 or 1995 I belive...
jacqmans - 15/2/2007 8:41 PM
The Fixed Service Structure is located on the north side of each pad's hardstand. It is an open framework structure about 40 feet (12.2 meters) square. A hammerhead crane on top provides hoisting services as required in pad operations. There are 12 work levels at 20-foot (6.1-meter) intervals. The height of the structure to the top of the tower is 247 feet (75 meters), while the distance to the top of the hammerhead crane is 265 feet (81 meters). The 80-foot (24-meter) fiberglass lightning mast tops off the Fixed Service Structure at 347 feet (106 meters).
The Fixed Service Structure has three service arms. They are the Orbiter Access Arm, the
External Tank Hydrogen Vent Line Access Arm and the External Tank Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm.
The hammerhead cranes were later removed (pad A in 1994 and pad B in 1995) due to the high cost of maintaining them. It was decided that, since a ground based crane could be used, it was cheaper to remove and scap them, than it was to refurbish them.
jacqmans - 15/2/2007 3:41 PM
The Fixed Service Structure is located on the north side of each pad's hardstand. It is an open framework structure about 40 feet (12.2 meters) square. A hammerhead crane on top provides hoisting services as required in pad operations. There are 12 work levels at 20-foot (6.1-meter) intervals. The height of the structure to the top of the tower is 247 feet (75 meters), while the distance to the top of the hammerhead crane is 265 feet (81 meters). The 80-foot (24-meter) fiberglass lightning mast tops off the Fixed Service Structure at 347 feet (106 meters).
The Fixed Service Structure has three service arms. They are the Orbiter Access Arm, the
External Tank Hydrogen Vent Line Access Arm and the External Tank Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm.
The hammerhead cranes were later removed (pad A in 1994 and pad B in 1995) due to the high cost of maintaining them. It was decided that, since a ground based crane could be used, it was cheaper to remove and scap them, than it was to refurbish them.
Mark Nguyen - 15/2/2007 4:18 PM
What sort of things would that crane have had to move? Not spacecraft components, surely...
Mark
Mark Nguyen - 15/2/2007 5:18 PM
What sort of things would that crane have had to move? Not spacecraft components, surely...
Mark
Paul Adams - 15/2/2007 8:20 PM
Hi Ben,
Is that a change in the shade of brown that I see on the ET - great photos as always!!
Paul
Chandonn - 15/2/2007 9:54 PM
Incredible collection you got there, Ben. Puts all the screen caps to shame!
Ben - 16/2/2007 1:34 AM
I've posted rollout photos on my website if interested.
Ben - 16/2/2007 2:33 PM
Thanks for the comments :-)
Don't forget his too:
http://www.pbase.com/rod_ostoski/sts117
I think the change in appearance of the foam yesterday was just due to the lighting changes with cloud cover. Normally, however, it darkens from sitting out in the sun over time.
Mark Nguyen - 16/2/2007 11:30 AMThere are large, desktop size pictures available from NASA here http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
Some sweet images there! Have any larger, desktop-sizeable images been published yet? I personally like to keep my desktop concurrent with where the next shuttle launch is sitting, and according to my monitor Atlantis is still sitting in the VAB. :P
Mark
Chandonn - 16/2/2007 11:47 PMSet for Monday.
Q: How soon is the payload actually transferred into the orbiter?
Gerald Andrew Richli - 16/2/2007 6:52 PM
Hello! On Kennedy Space Center Live Video Website Camara 2, there is a view of an area on a work platform between space shuttle and external tank sitting in the dark in the VAB. :) It sure is spooky looking. What is the story of the fully stacked space shuttle in the VAB with lights turned off? Smile!
DaveS - 16/2/2007 5:07 PMQuoteChandonn - 16/2/2007 11:47 PMSet for Monday.
Q: How soon is the payload actually transferred into the orbiter?
shuttlefan - 16/2/2007 9:52 PM
Was the APU Hotfire Test conducted yesterday before the RSS was moved into position, or is that still scheduled for later?
TJL - 17/2/2007 9:33 AM
Was wondering what the light area is, seen on the bottom section of the ET?
Photo courtesy of Ben...Thank you.
http://www.launchphotography.com/STS-117_rollout_4.JPG
shuttlefan - 17/2/2007 9:25 AM
Is there a snippet from L2 that Chris could provide, about events at the pad which have been completed and also to come? It would be so appreciated.
Michael22090 - 18/2/2007 1:43 AMNot until about 20 or so hours before launch. The RSS provides weather protection for the orbiter during it's stay on the pad.
When will the RSS be rolled back from the Orbiter?
nitin52 - 18/2/2007 8:58 AM
Why one of the SRB has a black band on top, near the cone and the other SRB do not have? Are both SRBs not similar?
Jim - 18/2/2007 8:17 AMQuotenitin52 - 18/2/2007 8:58 AM
Why one of the SRB has a black band on top, near the cone and the other SRB do not have? Are both SRBs not similar?
So they can be identified in pictures
stefan1138 - 18/2/2007 12:16 PMIt is a very nice reference, especially for building models; outside that perspective, perhaps they can add some details to some of TPS changes. For example, during the downtime after the 51-L disaster, Columbia had most of the tiles on its mid-fuselage sidewalls replaced with blankets. I didn't see any reference to that, but maybe I missed it.
I also find the reference for each orbiter very good. Did also not realize that there were so many (subtle) changes in the appearance of each orbiter. Those guys at AXM do a great job - the seem to notice EVERY little detail.
psloss - 19/2/2007 1:05 AMQuotestefan1138 - 18/2/2007 12:16 PMIt is a very nice reference, especially for building models; outside that perspective, perhaps they can add some details to some of TPS changes. For example, during the downtime after the 51-L disaster, Columbia had most of the tiles on its mid-fuselage sidewalls replaced with blankets. I didn't see any reference to that, but maybe I missed it.
I also find the reference for each orbiter very good. Did also not realize that there were so many (subtle) changes in the appearance of each orbiter. Those guys at AXM do a great job - the seem to notice EVERY little detail.
Gerald Andrew Richli - 19/2/2007 3:47 PM
Has the S3/S4 payload been installed into the Atlantis payload bay?
mkirk - 19/2/2007 6:46 PMQuoteGerald Andrew Richli - 19/2/2007 3:47 PM
Has the S3/S4 payload been installed into the Atlantis payload bay?
Yes it was installed today.
Mark Kirkman
DaveS - 19/2/2007 7:11 PM
Can someone remind me when the FRR is again? Is it the 27-28 this month?
nathan.moeller - 20/2/2007 5:09 PMYep indeed! It's Tuesday/Wednesday next week. Then it's only about 2 weeks until launch!QuoteDaveS - 19/2/2007 7:11 PM
Can someone remind me when the FRR is again? Is it the 27-28 this month?
Yes Dave. February 27-28. Getting close! :)
Chris Bergin - 20/2/2007 1:07 PM
Less than a month to go. This one isn't that far away, so we should all get our game faces on soon!
No new mentions of SRB issues, so this is all very clean right now in the flow.
nathan.moeller - 20/2/2007 1:43 PMQuoteChris Bergin - 20/2/2007 1:07 PM
Less than a month to go. This one isn't that far away, so we should all get our game faces on soon!
No new mentions of SRB issues, so this is all very clean right now in the flow.
Amen. I went ahead and put the patch on my flight jacket ahead of the launch as usual. Game face is on!
Chris Bergin - 20/2/2007 2:07 PM
Less than a month to go. This one isn't that far away, so we should all get our game faces on soon!
No new mentions of SRB issues, so this is all very clean right now in the flow.
STS-500Cmdr - 20/2/2007 11:37 PM:bleh: 2 aluminium and 3 hydrogen candles try to blow that ;)
Better yet--2 big birthday candles--Atlantis' SRBs.
C5C6 - 21/2/2007 3:47 AMQuoteSTS-500Cmdr - 20/2/2007 11:37 PM:bleh: 2 aluminium and 3 hydrogen candles try to blow that ;)
Better yet--2 big birthday candles--Atlantis' SRBs.
Austin - 22/2/2007 7:01 PMQuoteC5C6 - 21/2/2007 3:47 AMQuoteSTS-500Cmdr - 20/2/2007 11:37 PM:bleh: 2 aluminium and 3 hydrogen candles try to blow that ;)
Better yet--2 big birthday candles--Atlantis' SRBs.
They'd be the biggest birthday candles in my 37 years on earth!
As for trying to blow them out...I think I'll watch from the safety of my home TV, thank you very much! :)
nathan.moeller - 22/2/2007 9:45 PM
wish!! In the meantime...looks like a few KSC workers are still workin' in and around the bird. Are there 24/7 operations until launch? I'm still a bit confused as far as shifts work.
Jim - 22/2/2007 7:01 PMQuotenathan.moeller - 22/2/2007 9:45 PM
wish!! In the meantime...looks like a few KSC workers are still workin' in and around the bird. Are there 24/7 operations until launch? I'm still a bit confused as far as shifts work.
just first and some second shifts with some around the clock on a few certain ops.
Gerald Andrew Richli - 23/2/2007 5:36 PM2 day prior to launch.
When will Atlantis payload bay doors be closed?
DaveS - 23/2/2007 7:22 PM
NASA has posted when the different STS-117 programe will be aired on NASA TV:
...
shuttlepilot - 24/2/2007 1:05 PMWe should know more after next week's FRR. Those times there are based on March 15 launch date being selected during the FRR.QuoteDaveS - 23/2/2007 7:22 PM
NASA has posted when the different STS-117 programe will be aired on NASA TV:
...
There isn't coverage of begining of the countdown on this list. They won't provide coverage of this event on NASA TV? :o
shuttlefan - 25/2/2007 7:34 AM
Anyone know what day this week hypergolic propellant loading begins?
mkirk - 25/2/2007 10:50 AMThanks for the update Mark!! :cool:Quoteshuttlefan - 25/2/2007 7:34 AM
Anyone know what day this week hypergolic propellant loading begins?
Currently planned to start on Monday morning.
Mark Kirkman
gocamels - 23/2/2007 9:35 PM
Has HDNet indicated its schedule for launch coverage?
DaveS - 26/2/2007 7:37 AM
And as the hypergolic prelaunch propellant loading will get underway today, here's a nice overview of it written by mkirk during STS-121: