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NASA Shuttle Specific Sections => Atlantis (Post STS-135, T&R) => Topic started by: FransonUK on 03/29/2005 08:49 am

Title: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: FransonUK on 03/29/2005 08:49 am
An important first thread on here given if Atlantis doesn't get a smooth run, we've not got a May launch of Discovery!

Any updates?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 03/29/2005 10:30 pm
Mission: STS-121 - 18th ISS Flight (ULF1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: Launch Planning Window July 12 - July 31, 2005
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak and Wilson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue work in OPF bay 1 for Atlantis' mission, designated STS-121, to the International Space Station. On orbiter Endeavour, wiring was found in a cable tray in the payload bay that showed the fasteners were causing minor chafing on the tubing surrounding the wires. Rework on Discovery is complete and borescope inspections of wire trays on Atlantis continue.

Atlantis' new Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) arrived at Kennedy Space Center last week and was transported to the Remote Manipulator System lab in the VAB for checkout and final testing before installation in the vehicle. The boom is scheduled to arrive in the bay on April 4 for installation on April 6. The four Manipulator Positioning Mechanisms that will hold Atlantis' OBSS on the starboard side of the payload bay are installed. The 50-foot-long OBSS will attach to the Remote Manipulator System, or Shuttle robotic arm, and is one of the new safety measures for Return to Flight, equipping the orbiter with cameras and laser systems to inspect the Shuttle's Thermal Protection System while in space.

Next week Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) stacking will begin for Atlantis' launch. The right aft booster is scheduled to be moved from the Rotation Processing and Surge Facility to the VAB and lifted onto the Mobile Launch Platform. The External Tank (ET) remains in the checkout cell for final testing. Following the completion of SRB stacking, the ET will be moved and attached to the SRBs in late April.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/29/2005 10:49 pm
Let's hope we never need a STS-300.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: FransonUK on 03/30/2005 09:52 am
Is an STS-300 going to something that has to be in place for every launch from now on?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 03/30/2005 07:21 pm
i think yes but not the 42 day lunch frame but i dont know for shere.  As more food is on the ISS right now there is only anufe for 10ppl for 45 days,
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/31/2005 01:18 am
For STS-114 and 121, yes. Past that, maybe to STS-115 and that's it.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: NASA_Twix_JSC on 04/01/2005 03:28 pm
Just want to mention that if STS-114 misses out on the May launch, she'll be bumped into Atlantis' window July 12-31 and STS-121 moved back to September I believe.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 04/01/2005 10:55 pm
first srb is in the vab for sts-121
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: JamesSpaceFlight on 04/04/2005 04:03 pm
With the problems with Discovery getting ready in time at least it'll look more likely that Atlantis will be able to take her time going through the same process. Add in the way a delayed launch would push things back and chances are Endeavour will be ready after all for the third launch. So we'd be seeing all three launch in succession.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: NASA_LaRC_SP on 04/05/2005 09:20 pm
I wonder if this is the first time we've had two mobile launch platforms in the VAB at any one time?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: FransonUK on 04/07/2005 12:55 pm
I think we could do with hearing more from NASA on Atlantis given the relevance to STS-114
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/07/2005 05:30 pm
Quote
FransonUK - 7/4/2005  1:55 PM

I think we could do with hearing more from NASA on Atlantis given the relevance to STS-114

Absolutely. I think the next status report would be helpful about now.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: NASA_LaRC_SP on 04/09/2005 08:50 pm
She's doing well (I asked) and is very much on target with extra USA guys from Discovery now working on her.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/11/2005 03:54 pm
Mission: STS-121 - 18th ISS Flight (ULF1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module/Crew Rotation
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: Launch Planning Window July 12 - July 31, 2005
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak and Wilson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Processing continues on Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) bay 1 for its mission, designated STS-121, to the International Space Station. Water coolant loop No. 2 was deserviced in support of flex hose work. Initial leak checks of the crew module were completed and determined to be good. Rudder Speed Brake work continues with seal installations, and panel rigging is in work.

On Atlantis' wing leading edge, all Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels and components have been installed for flight. Left-hand lower Leading Edge Sub System (LESS) panels 1 through 22 have been installed, and left-hand upper LESS panel installation is in work.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/29/2005 01:47 pm
Mission: STS-121 - 18th ISS Flight (ULF1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: Lighted Launch Planning Window September 9 - 24, 2005
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak and Wilson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue power-up testing on Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 for its mission, designated STS-121, to the International Space Station. Forward-, midbody- and aft-area closeouts continue.

Following the discovery of a small crack in a retract link assembly on the right-hand main landing gear, the assembly was removed from the vehicle and sent for analysis. A spare assembly was installed in the vehicle Thursday. To lower the main landing gear, a mechanical linkage released by each gear actuates the doors to the open position. The landing gear reach the full-down and extended position within 10 seconds and are locked in the down position by spring-loaded down-lock bungees.

Space Shuttle Main Engine leak checks and hydraulics leak checks are complete. Final flight controls cycling is finished. Orbiter KU-Band antenna testing and flight controls aerosurface checkout also are complete.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/04/2005 08:25 am
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: Lighted Launch Planning Window September 9 - 24, 2005

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak and Wilson

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue power-up testing on Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 for its mission to the Space Station. Forward, mid-body and aft area closeouts continue. Atlantis is scheduled to be rolled from the processing facility to the VAB in mid-July.

Electrical test checkout of the Orbiter Maneuvering System and Forward Reaction Control System is ongoing. Next week, technicians will begin cleaning the payload bay. Once all the work is completed, the payload bay doors will be closed in the Orbiter Processing Facility for the final time prior to flight.

The third redesigned External Tank (ET-119) is scheduled to be shipped from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to KSC on June 9. It will arrive via a specially designed barge about five days later. ET-119 may fly with Atlantis on its Return to Flight mission.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: gyro2020 on 06/08/2005 03:21 am
NASA Space Shuttle Report video round up says she's soon to have her cargo bay doors closed ready for rollover.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Space101 on 06/10/2005 12:47 am
Looks like Atlantis will have her SSMEs looked at after this was mentioned:

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=105&posts=3#M840
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 06/10/2005 09:38 am
NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status 9 June 2005
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=16920

Power-up system testing is 95 percent complete on Atlantis. Forward, mid-body and aft-area closeouts continue. Atlantis is scheduled to be rolled from the processing facility to the VAB in mid-July.

Technicians continue to bond Thermal Protection System tiles to Atlantis, with only nine tiles remaining. Work on the Rudder Speed Brake (RSB) is complete. The 14-month process included removing, inspecting and reinstalling the four RSB actuators and panels, and the Thermal Protection System blankets. While the panels were removed, they were bead blasted and painted for additional corrosion control.

Technicians began cleaning the payload bay in preparation for final door closing June 14. The landing gear functional test is scheduled for next week.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/18/2005 04:58 am
Atlantis (OV-104)

Mission: STS-121 - 18th ISS Flight (ULF1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

    Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1    Launch Date: Lighted Launch Planning Window: September 9 to 24    Launch Pad: 39B    Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak and Wilson    Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles  

Power-up system testing is nearly complete for Atlantis' mission to the Space Station. The payload bay was cleaned for flight and the doors closed. Around the hinge line of the doors, technicians installed the Shuttle's Thermal Protection System (heat shield tiles). The doors were opened to perform tile checks and closed for the final time prior to flight.

Technicians continue performing nose and main landing gear cycles to check compression of new thermal barrier seals. The landing gear functional test is scheduled for the middle of next week.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), the External Tank (ET-120) and Solid Rocket Boosters originally scheduled to fly with Shuttle Discovery are in high bay 1. This stack will fly with Atlantis for STS-121. The liquid oxygen feedline bellows heater has been added to this tank and final foam closeouts are progressing.

Endeavour (OV-105): In Orbiter Major Modification period (begun in December 2003).

External Tank/Solid Rocket Booster

The third redesigned External Tank (ET-119) arrived today at KSC. It will be offloaded Monday and transferred to the VAB. ET-119 is scheduled to fly with Atlantis on mission STS-115.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 06/22/2005 09:23 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: FransonUK on 06/23/2005 07:49 am
Great pictures. Is that the place in the cargo bay where they leave the shuttle and go into the ISS?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 06/23/2005 09:22 am
Quote
FransonUK - 23/6/2005  11:49 AM

Great pictures.

From http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/ ;)

Quote
FransonUK - 23/6/2005  11:49 AM

Is that the place in the cargo bay where they leave the shuttle and go into the ISS?

Yes!... The Shuttle crew passes aboard ISS through cylindrical Orbital Docking System (ODS; top part) / External Airlock (EAL; bottom part)...
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Space101 on 06/26/2005 02:01 am
Seems like such a small hole!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 06/26/2005 10:44 am
Quote
anik - 23/6/2005  1:22 PM

Orbital Docking System

Correction... Orbiter Docking System!

Picture from "STS-71 Press Kit"...
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 06/27/2005 08:51 pm
NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 27 June 2005
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=17120

Technicians continue processing Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 for its mission to the International Space Station.

The landing gear functional test was successfully completed. The landing gear was cycled several times prior to the test to checkout compression of the new thermal barrier seals that were added for Return to Flight.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), the External Tank (ET-120) and Solid Rocket Boosters originally scheduled to fly with Space Shuttle Discovery are located in high bay 1. This stack will now fly with Atlantis. Early next week, a Crawler Transporter will move the stack to high bay 3, so work and modifications can be performed in high bay 1 of the VAB.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: SRBseparama on 06/27/2005 10:57 pm
That's interesting. They are going to move Atlantis' stack to another part of the VAB on the crawler!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Space101 on 06/29/2005 03:44 am
Can't say I'd enjoy going though such a small space with.....space just outside the wall.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Tahii on 06/29/2005 09:53 am
Well, on any space mission, space is just on the otherside of the wall...
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Tahii on 07/02/2005 07:23 am
Quote
Space101 - 26/6/2005  2:01 PM

Seems like such a small hole!
The first photo below: "Astronaut Ellen Ochoa floats through the tunnel that connected the STS-96 crew to the International Space Station (ISS)"

Obviously not quite so small.

The second photo is a really good one as well. It shows the shuttle approaching the ISS, through the windows above the aft deck (as seen on the top of the shuttle in the first pic on this page). Both images off of STS-96
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 07/02/2005 11:53 am
NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 1 July 2005
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=17193

Technicians continue processing Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 for its mission to the International Space Station.

Orbiter modal testing was completed this week. This test involves using devices referred to as "shakers," which send vibrations throughout the Orbiter. Measuring instruments called accelerometers are positioned all over the vehicle to read the effects of the vibrations, in order to check the structural health of the vehicle.

Early Tuesday morning, the Mobile Launch Platform carrying the STS-121 External Tank (ET-120) and twin Solid Rocket Boosters was moved from High Bay 1 in the Vehicle Assembly Building to High Bay 3. The move was made to allow for modification work to take place in High Bay 1.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2005 11:27 pm
SG on SDC notes that the pad flow for STS-121 is a five day week, which notes a good solid and non-rushed timeline flow.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: SRBseparama on 07/12/2005 08:19 am
I take it Atlantis is ready, or otherwise we wouldn't be a day away from Discovery's launch given STS-300 requirements?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: SimonShuttle on 07/17/2005 04:31 pm
Does Atlantis have the same problem with the ECO?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: JulesVerneATV on 08/01/2005 04:37 pm
wonderful pictures
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/02/2005 10:37 am
Sidenote from Wayne Hale last night noted that Atlantis is not stood down from flow operations and there's "no reason to" at this time.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 08/02/2005 09:11 pm
Quote
Chris Bergin - 2/8/2005  6:37 AM

Sidenote from Wayne Hale last night noted that Atlantis is not stood down from flow operations and there's "no reason to" at this time.

"no reason to" - Wow... seems like he is forgetting the small foam issue and the direction from Bill Parsons. or is there another reason? Like a test of sorts?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: NASA_Twix_JSC on 08/02/2005 11:54 pm
We can do testing on the pad, it doesn't mean we're going to launch her in September, well, unless loads of good things happen.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 08/03/2005 05:06 pm
Whats the plan on testing? Point sensors?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 08/27/2005 01:17 pm
NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status 26 August 2005
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=17882

Atlantis is in the VAB attached to its External Tank (ET-120) and Solid Rocket Boosters. Preparations are under way to demate Atlantis from its ET. Atlantis will be lowered next week into the transfer aisle and rolled back to Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 in early September. ET-120, the first redesigned tank to arrive at KSC, will be sent back to the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans for further testing.

In the VAB, the Solid Rocket Boosters will be destacked and sent back to ATK Thiokol in Utah for refurbishment. In December, the booster segments will reach the end of the time allowable for segments to be stacked prior to launch. A new booster stack will be built for Atlantis' launch.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Flightstar on 08/27/2005 01:37 pm
Our status reports don't really give too much away, but as on one thread here, Sept 7 is when Atlantis will be destacked.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 09/03/2005 07:08 am
NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status 2 September 2005
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=17954

Orbiter Atlantis was demated, or removed, from its propulsion elements, an External Tank and twin Solid Rocket Boosters, and lowered into the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) transfer aisle today. Atlantis will remain in the VAB until after the holiday weekend and be rolled back to Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Tahii on 09/03/2005 09:10 am
Are those shiny bits around the RCS thrusters missing tiles?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: MKremer on 09/03/2005 12:23 pm
If you mean the rectangular areas, those are service panel openings. The orbiter also has a number of service panels along either side in different areas (and sizes) and on the OMS pods.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Tahii on 09/04/2005 12:23 am
Thats the one. Seeing as Atlantis was stacked, when do they get tiled over?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Flightstar on 09/06/2005 01:24 pm
Quote
Tahii - 3/9/2005  7:23 PM

Thats the one. Seeing as Atlantis was stacked, when do they get tiled over?

Tiled over?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 09/06/2005 02:34 pm
Quote
Flightstar - 6/9/2005  9:24 AM

Quote
Tahii - 3/9/2005  7:23 PM

Thats the one. Seeing as Atlantis was stacked, when do they get tiled over?

Tiled over?

Think that means when do the service pannels get closed?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 09/06/2005 03:14 pm
Any one know about what time she getting rold back to day?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 09/06/2005 04:30 pm
she is back in the OPF
and it been taking a compel of tires
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 09/06/2005 07:56 pm
Quote
norm103 - 6/9/2005  12:30 PM

she is back in the OPF
and it been taking a compel of tires

Looks like they made it...OPF1
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Flightstar on 09/07/2005 03:57 am
Quote
Avron - 6/9/2005  9:34 AM

Quote
Flightstar - 6/9/2005  9:24 AM

Quote
Tahii - 3/9/2005  7:23 PM

Thats the one. Seeing as Atlantis was stacked, when do they get tiled over?

Tiled over?

Think that means when do the service pannels get closed?

Ah, well it's not "tiled over" it's called "TPS close out" and that really doesn't become the case until flight. It would be a little like saying "when do you close your bathroom door".
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Flightstar on 09/07/2005 03:58 am
Quote
norm103 - 6/9/2005  10:14 AM

Any one know about what time she getting rold back to day?

She went back today. The weather has been pretty wet, so we had to wait for that.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Tahii on 09/07/2005 06:03 am
Quote
Flightstar - 7/9/2005  3:57 PM
Ah, well it's not "tiled over" it's called "TPS close out" and that really doesn't become the case until flight. It would be a little like saying "when do you close your bathroom door".
Thanks for that, and thanks for bearing with the not-so knowledgable people here!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Space101 on 09/08/2005 11:12 pm
Does the United Space Alliance have engineers set to each of the Shuttles? Must be demoralising for those working on Atlantis and Endeavour with years inbetween launches?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Flightstar on 09/10/2005 02:20 am
Quote
Space101 - 8/9/2005  6:12 PM

Does the United Space Alliance have engineers set to each of the Shuttles? Must be demoralising for those working on Atlantis and Endeavour with years inbetween launches?

You do have people set with OPFs and thus Orbiters. It's mainly by OPF and you can be moved from one to the other. Such as a lot of people worked on Discovery and the Orbiter in prep gets priority.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: FransonUK on 09/10/2005 02:12 pm
It must be frustrating especially if you're used to launching a few times a year with each Shuttle.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Shuttle Man on 09/13/2005 04:16 am
Well yes, but that goes with the job.

A few heated discussions today with the bonding solutions on the TPS (Ref: Gap Fillers). More when I hear some more on this but we looked at Atlantis to see if there is an conformity to it.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 09/13/2005 04:42 am
Quote
Shuttle Man - 13/9/2005  12:16 AM

Well yes, but that goes with the job.

A few heated discussions today with the bonding solutions on the TPS (Ref: Gap Fillers).


Are any tests in the works to check the 'best' bonding solutions?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/13/2005 02:56 pm
Quote
Shuttle Man - 13/9/2005  5:16 AM

Well yes, but that goes with the job.

A few heated discussions today with the bonding solutions on the TPS (Ref: Gap Fillers). More when I hear some more on this but we looked at Atlantis to see if there is an conformity to it.

Can you elaborate?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Flightstar on 09/13/2005 09:38 pm
Not yet, maybe tomorrow.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Flightstar on 09/15/2005 03:08 am
Some info extra addition on the Discovery preparation thread from a memo published by Anik.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Flightstar on 09/19/2005 03:38 am
Atlantis is basically now parked up in her OPF with very little in the way of work being done. She could fly right now if we wanted.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/19/2005 04:34 am
This is SG on SDC saying similar:

>The integrated schedule shows a launch on October 19,2006. I believe that can be mover earlier since we are currently using personel for OV-105 processing that should be tied up with the other 2 orbiters. As it is OV-104 is almost ready to be stacked again and has very little work going on. OV-103 is in a normal turn around processing mode. As that work gets completed that will release more people for OV-104. <
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Space101 on 09/27/2005 03:12 am
What happens now for Atlantis? Not a lot, basically placed into a bit of a deep sleep till next year?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 09/27/2005 06:49 pm
Chris, this forum is named "Atlantis (STS-115 and STS-301)"... :o

I think, that STS-300 :) , not STS-301, because:

http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=17808

"A CR (Change Request) is out for review which would change the launch dates.  This CR will come back to the PRCB on 8 September 2005.  Of interest is that this CR de-manifests STS-118.  It also cancels STS-301 and replaces it with STS-300 for the LON (Launch on Need) mission set at 20 April 2006."
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/27/2005 07:28 pm
Quote
anik - 27/9/2005  7:49 PM

Chris, this forum is named "Atlantis (STS-115 and STS-301)"... :o

I think, that STS-300 :) , not STS-301, because:

http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=17808

"A CR (Change Request) is out for review which would change the launch dates.  This CR will come back to the PRCB on 8 September 2005.  Of interest is that this CR de-manifests STS-118.  It also cancels STS-301 and replaces it with STS-300 for the LON (Launch on Need) mission set at 20 April 2006."

 :o Hmm, missed that. Must be because STS-300 was never used, so it carries on as that for the STS-121 mission. Interesting, I'll change. Thanks :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 10/08/2005 04:06 pm
NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status 7 October 2005
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=18314

Technicians continue to process orbiter Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 for its mission to the International Space Station. The right- hand payload bay door was lowered to support stowing the KU-band antenna on Wednesday.

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the P3/P4 cargo element is undergoing testing to verify functionality for on-orbit operations. The test, known as a "startup test," was originally performed on the element in 2002. The element flight batteries were replaced earlier this year requiring another "startup test." In order to cool the batteries and dissipate the heat generated from the test, ammonia is circulated in a continuous loop from ground-support equipment chiller carts through the flight element.

In addition to testing functionality, an orbital rate capacity test is performed to determine the current capacity of the flight batteries. The capacity data is used to estimate battery capacity at time of launch and predict on-orbit battery life capacity. The P3/P4 cargo element will attach to the P1 Truss on the port side of the integrated truss segment of the station. With its two large solar arrays, P3/P4 will provide one-fourth of the total power generation capability of the completed station.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: FransonUK on 10/08/2005 06:21 pm
Now that's more info. Thanks for posting Anik as it's good to hear them talking about ISS elements at last.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Space101 on 10/09/2005 10:31 pm
Has anyone got an image of this P3/P4?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/28/2005 11:39 pm
STATUS REPORT: SS05-030

NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT: S05-030

Atlantis (OV-104)

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight
Payload: P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean, Stefanyshyn-Piper

Technicians continue to process the orbiter for its mission to the
international space station. Preparations are under way to remove a
cold plate in an avionics bay. To perform the removal, water coolant
loop No. 2 will be de-serviced or drained.

The payload for Atlantis is the P3/P4 truss segment being prepared in
the Space Station Processing Facility. The P3/P4 cargo element
ammonia testing to verify functionality for on-orbit operations is
complete. The P3/P4 cargo element will attach to the P1 truss on the
port side of the integrated truss segment of the space station. With
its two large solar arrays, P3/P4 will provide one-fourth of the
total power generation capability of the station.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Terrible Twosome on 10/30/2005 04:04 am
Hello, I'm new here, good to see Atlantis is going well with the processing.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rocket Ronnie on 10/31/2005 09:53 pm
A follower of Atlantis too. I managed to see a launch when in Florida and it was Atlantis on STS-112.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Terrible Twosome on 11/01/2005 04:00 pm
Quote
Rocket Ronnie - 31/10/2005  4:53 PM

A follower of Atlantis too. I managed to see a launch when in Florida and it was Atlantis on STS-112.

Same reason and same launch! How about that for a coincidence!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rocket Ronnie on 11/01/2005 04:12 pm
Quote
Terrible Twosome - 1/11/2005  11:00 AM

Quote
Rocket Ronnie - 31/10/2005  4:53 PM

A follower of Atlantis too. I managed to see a launch when in Florida and it was Atlantis on STS-112.

Same reason and same launch! How about that for a coincidence!

:) Small world!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/02/2005 10:02 pm
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT: S05-029

Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean, Stefanyshyn-Piper

Technicians continue to process orbiter Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 for its mission to the International Space Station. The right-hand payload bay door was lowered to support stowing the KU-band antenna on Wednesday.

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the P3/P4 cargo element is undergoing testing to verify functionality for on-orbit operations. The test, known as a "startup test" was originally performed on the element in 2002. The element flight batteries were replaced earlier this year requiring another "startup test." In order to cool the batteries and dissipate the heat generated from the test, ammonia is circulated in a continuous loop from ground-support equipment chiller carts through the flight element.

In addition to testing functionality, an orbital rate capacity test is performed to determine the current capacity of the flight batteries. The capacity data is used to estimate battery capacity at time of launch and predict on-orbit battery life capacity. The P3/P4 cargo element will attach to the P1 Truss on the port side of the integrated truss segment of the station. With its two large solar arrays, P3/P4 will provide one-fourth of the total power generation capability of the completed station.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 11/03/2005 03:33 pm
Atlantis (OV-104)

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight
Payload: P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue to process the orbiter for its mission to the international space station. Preparations are under way to remove a cold plate in an avionics bay. To perform the removal, water coolant loop No. 2 will be de-serviced or drained.

The payload for Atlantis is the P3/P4 truss segment being prepared in the Space Station Processing Facility. The P3/P4 cargo element ammonia testing to verify functionality for on-orbit operations is complete. The P3/P4 cargo element will attach to the P1 truss on the port side of the integrated truss segment of the space station. With its two large solar arrays, P3/P4 will provide one-fourth of the total power generation capability of the station.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Terry Rocket on 11/03/2005 09:30 pm
Where have I heard the Cold Plate before? Has it been troublesome for the Avionics box in the past?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 11/04/2005 04:32 pm
Quote
Space101 - 10/10/2005  2:31 AM

Has anyone got an image of this P3/P4?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Do Shuttles Dream on 11/04/2005 08:39 pm
Wow, that's big!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Space101 on 11/04/2005 08:45 pm
Thanks Anik!!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/05/2005 12:10 am
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT: S05-031

Atlantis (OV-104)

Mission: STS-115: 19th International Space Station Flight
Payload: P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean, Stefanyshyn-Piper

S-band antenna installation complete. Thermal protection system gap
filler inspections and rework continue in the forward and mid-body
areas. All zones are identified and mapping is complete in three of
the 10 zones. Mapping will be complete in all zones by Thanksgiving
and pull tests will begin. This work is being performed due to two
gap fillers protruding from the underside of Discovery on the first
return to flight mission, STS-114.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: STS Tony on 11/05/2005 03:15 am
S-Band, is that the one we saw pointing out of the side of Discovery doing STS-114's RBAR role? There's a really good picture of Discovery facing forward with this poiting out of the cargo bay if I can find it.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 11/05/2005 09:15 am
Quote
STS Tony - 5/11/2005  5:15 AM

S-Band, is that the one we saw pointing out of the side of Discovery doing STS-114's RBAR role? There's a really good picture of Discovery facing forward with this poiting out of the cargo bay if I can find it.
No, that one is the hi-speed KU band antenna. The S-Band antennas are arranged in a square around the aft crew module bulkhead. They're covered by TPS blankets.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/05/2005 10:08 am
Quote
STS Tony - 5/11/2005  4:15 AM

S-Band, is that the one we saw pointing out of the side of Discovery doing STS-114's RBAR role? There's a really good picture of Discovery facing forward with this poiting out of the cargo bay if I can find it.

As Dave noted...

Here's the picture of what you were thinking of all the same (as it's a great picture!)

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 11/09/2005 09:05 am
In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA Kennedy Space Center, a crane is attached to the remote manipulator system boom in Atlantis’ payload bay. The boom is being removed from Atlantis and will be temporarily stored. The RMS includes the electromechanical arm that maneuvers a payload from the payload bay of the orbiter to its deployment position and then releases it. It can also grapple a free-flying payload, maneuver it to the payload bay of the orbiter and berth it in the orbiter
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Flightstar on 11/10/2005 11:01 pm
NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report: S05-032

Mission: STS-115 -- 19th ISS Flight (12A) -- P3/P4 Solar Arrays
  Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
  Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
  Launch Date: TBD
  Launch Pad: 39B
  Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
  Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles



Atlantis processing continues on schedule in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 for its mission to the International Space Station. Technicians are continuing wire inspections and adding chafe protection to the reaction jet driver. The remote manipulator system was removed from the vehicle on Tuesday.


Thermal protection system gap filler inspections and measurements continue in the forward and mid-body areas of the vehicle. Currently, all zones are identified and mapping is complete in nine of the 10 zones. This work is being performed due to two gap fillers that were protruding from the underside of Discovery on the first return to flight mission, STS-114.


Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 11/11/2005 04:13 am
Quote
anik - 9/11/2005  5:05 AM

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA Kennedy Space Center, a crane is attached to the remote manipulator system boom in Atlantis’ payload bay. The boom is being removed from Atlantis and will be temporarily stored. The RMS includes the electromechanical arm that maneuvers a payload from the payload bay of the orbiter to its deployment position and then releases it. It can also grapple a free-flying payload, maneuver it to the payload bay of the orbiter and berth it in the orbiter

Great PR in that image...amazing product placement..:)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/12/2005 07:08 am
From the Shuttle Standup 10th November report, kindly posted by SG on SDC....

OV-104
• Gap filler pull test 10-20% complete
• RMS removed; will be installed on OV-103 today; expect to remove boom next week
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Mark Max Q on 11/12/2005 05:01 pm
RMS removed from Atlantis and to be installed in Discovery? What is the RMS and why the swapping to another Orbiter?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 11/12/2005 05:41 pm
Quote
Mark Max Q - 12/11/2005  9:01 PM

RMS removed from Atlantis and to be installed in Discovery?

Yeah!...

Quote
Mark Max Q - 12/11/2005  9:01 PM

What is the RMS and why the swapping to another Orbiter?

RMS = Remote Manipulator System or Space Shuttle Arm...

From NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 11 November 2005:

"The arms were switched because the arm that was installed on Atlantis has special instrumentation to gather loads data from the STS-121 mission"
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 11/12/2005 11:59 pm
Gap filler work ..
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rocket Ronnie on 11/13/2005 10:52 am
I'm to echo some posts already made, but I'm amazed to how new and clean the TPS looks!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: tommy on 11/15/2005 09:47 am
And that is a good picture which relates to the latest news on the gap fillers.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?id=4017
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/16/2005 10:28 am
Actually, that was a better picture than I used. Damn. Anik's brilliant with getting superb images off NASA.gov's sites.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 11/17/2005 05:09 am
Quote
Chris Bergin - 16/11/2005  6:28 AM

Actually, that was a better picture than I used. Damn. Anik's brilliant with getting superb images off NASA.gov's sites.

EH... (#9149 ) was from Nasa TV
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/17/2005 11:12 am
I was very tired when I posted that ;)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/22/2005 09:58 pm
STATUS REPORT: S05-033

NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT: S05-033

Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Atlantis processing continues on schedule in Orbiter Processing
Facility Bay 1 for its mission to the International Space Station.
Reaction jet driver wire inspections and chafe protection work
continue in the forward and aft areas of the vehicle.

Thermal protection system gap filler inspections and measurements
continue in the shuttle's forward and midbody areas. Currently, all
zones are identified and mapping is complete in nine of the 10 zones.
This work is being performed after two gap fillers were found
protruding from the underside of Discovery on this summer's Return to
Flight mission, STS-114. New installation procedures are being
developed to ensure the gap fillers stay in place and do not pose any
hazard on re-entry to the atmosphere.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 12/01/2005 05:03 pm
The Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) of space shuttle Atlantis sits in the transfer aisle of Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 in anticipation of being installed. The FRCS provides the thrust for attitude (rotational) maneuvers (pitch, yaw and roll) and for small velocity changes along the orbiter axis (translation maneuvers)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Terry Rocket on 12/01/2005 05:34 pm
Wow, never seen such a good picture of that before!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 12/02/2005 01:05 pm
In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, technicians work on the Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) of space shuttle Atlantis as it sits in the transfer aisle prior to installation
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 12/02/2005 10:17 pm
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT: S05-034

Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Atlantis processing continues on schedule. Thermal protection system
gap-filler pull tests are complete. Work will begin soon to replace
selected gap fillers identified during pull tests and analysis. This
work is being performed due to two gap fillers that protruded from
the underside of Discovery during STS-114. New installation
procedures are being developed to ensure the gap fillers stay in
place and do not pose a hazard during re-entry.

Preparations to install the forward reaction control system continue.
The cavity closeout photos were completed Thursday, and the
installation of the system is scheduled for early next week. This
control system provides the thrust for attitude maneuvers, pitch, yaw
and roll, and for small velocity changes along the orbiter axis.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Davros on 12/02/2005 11:02 pm
Ok, so Atlantis has had her pull test and ready for replacements. It really is all down to the ETs.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Do Shuttles Dream on 12/05/2005 05:06 am
Any chance a delay to later in the year would see Atlantis go first on STS-121, like Discovery got STS-114 off Atlantis? STS-121 was Atlantis' mission orignally wasn't it?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: nethegauner on 12/05/2005 02:03 pm
Quote
Do Shuttles Dream - 5/12/2005  7:06 AM

Any chance a delay to later in the year would see Atlantis go first on STS-121, like Discovery got STS-114 off Atlantis? STS-121 was Atlantis' mission orignally wasn't it?
Look at the May 13 schedule:

STS-114
OV-103
July 23, 2005
ISS-UF1

STS-121
OV-104
September 9, 2005
ISS-ULF1.1

STS-115
OV-104
February 16, 2005
ISS-12A

NASA needs Atlantis to fly the STS-115 heavy lift mission. So instead of having a gap of five months between STS-121 and STS-115, it was decided to switch orbiters so that OV-103 can fly the ULF-1.1 mission.

That's the reason behind the orbiter shuffle. Don't expect another switch. It would be unwise to let Atlantis do the ULF-1.1 job ...
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Launch Fan on 12/06/2005 12:16 am
Interesting, could you explain why it would be unwise for Atlantis to do the ULF-1.1 mission? I may have missed your point, but it sounds like there is a difference in capability between Atlantis and Discovery? I thought they were built very closely, and that makes me wonder what difference there would be?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 12/06/2005 12:26 am
Each subsequent orbiter is lighter than the previous one. So OV-099 was lighter than OV-102. OV-103 is lighter than OV-099. OV-104 is lighter than OV-103. And OV-105 is lighter than OV-104.

And having OV-104 doing the ULF 1.1 flight prior to the 12A flight would put alot pressure on getting OV-104 turned around in time for the 12A launch. By switching ULF 1.1 to OV-103, some of that pressure is removed.

Explantions:

OV-099: Challenger
OV-102: Columbia
OV-103: Discovery
OV-104: Atlantis
OV-105: Endeavour
ULF 1.1: STS-121
12A: STS-115
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: nethegauner on 12/07/2005 12:44 pm
Quote
Launch Fan - 6/12/2005  2:16 AM

Interesting, could you explain why it would be unwise for Atlantis to do the ULF-1.1 mission? I may have missed your point, but it sounds like there is a difference in capability between Atlantis and Discovery? I thought they were built very closely, and that makes me wonder what difference there would be?
There is indeed a difference in capabilities. Orbiter vehicles are constantly modified and improved, so none is exactly like the other. This also results in different vehicle masses. So if You have a heavy payload You might want to assign a lighter vehicle. OV-104 is capable of launching payloads heavier than the ULF-1.1 package.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 12/07/2005 11:31 pm
In NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, installation of the forward reaction control system on Atlantis is complete.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 12/08/2005 12:55 pm
Quote
nethegauner - 7/12/2005  8:44 AM
There is indeed a difference in capabilities. Orbiter vehicles are constantly modified and improved, so none is exactly like the other. This also results in different vehicle masses. So if You have a heavy payload You might want to assign a lighter vehicle. OV-104 is capable of launching payloads heavier than the ULF-1.1 package.
With all the changes made to the orbiters during the Mir and now ISS era, the performance differences are probably not quite as magnified as when Endeavour was delivered to KSC; however, Discovery is a little heavier than the other two remaining orbiters and the performance margins for the trusses with the alpha joints (P3/P4 and S3/S4) are tight, so either Atlantis or Endeavour will have to fly them.  This has been noted on sci.space.* a few times over the last couple of years (usually by Jorge Frank); this post notes that (at the time) the docking altitude would need to be lower than other flights:
http://groups.google.com/group/sci.space.station/msg/2793fd935e7e7fa7?hl=en&

Here's a more recent reference (the thread has other posts, too):
http://groups.google.com/group/sci.space.shuttle/msg/7324652b42cd3184?hl=en&

NASAWatch.com also posted a FAWG document pack in the Oct. 2004 timeframe that has some notations on performance margins...that was with the 28-flight manifest, but I think the performance numbers were only noted for flights within the U.S. Core Complete phase.

Philip Sloss
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 12/08/2005 03:08 pm
Hey Philip, welcome to the site. :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 12/08/2005 06:06 pm
Quote
Chris Bergin - 8/12/2005  11:08 AM

Hey Philip, welcome to the site. :)
Thanks.  Some interesting threads around here.

Philip Sloss
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: James Lowe1 on 12/09/2005 12:03 am
All very interesting, thanks for the links too.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 12/09/2005 01:55 am
Quote
psloss - 8/12/2005  8:55 AM
NASAWatch.com also posted a FAWG document pack in the Oct. 2004 timeframe that has some notations on performance margins...that was with the 28-flight manifest, but I think the performance numbers were only noted for flights within the U.S. Core Complete phase.

Here's the link to the document I was referring to (there's a link to a PDF version on the page):
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=14129

115/12A doesn't have the numbers there, but the Ascent Performance Margin (APM) for the similar 117/13A flight was listed as -688 lbs. at the time, which seems indicative of being "tight" on performance.  (Though it was manifested to Endeavour in that document.)

For what it's worth,

Philip Sloss
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Mark Max Q on 12/09/2005 02:20 am
While I knew Columbia and Challenger were heavier, I didn't know about these slight differences between Discovery and Atlantis given how close in the timeline they were 'born'.

I'm wondering how much of an handicap the OMSS has on the margin of error for Atlantis? I've no idea how much that wieghs, but we aren't entering Endeavour only terrortory with some ISS elements are we? Sorry if this is a dumb question :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 12/09/2005 11:40 am
Quote
Mark Max Q - 8/12/2005  10:20 PM

While I knew Columbia and Challenger were heavier, I didn't know about these slight differences between Discovery and Atlantis given how close in the timeline they were 'born'.

I'm wondering how much of an handicap the OMSS has on the margin of error for Atlantis? I've no idea how much that wieghs, but we aren't entering Endeavour only terrortory with some ISS elements are we? Sorry if this is a dumb question :)
I believe that the twin "3/4" trusses are the heaviest ISS launch elements, due to the solar alpha rotary joints on each.  The P6 and S6 trusses (the other ones with solar arrays on them) are fixed; (the P6 being on-orbit already).  The joints will allow all four array sets to track the sun more favorably (the wings themselves can also be pivoted.)

From "reading between the lines" in a couple of Jorge's posts on Usenet, Discovery and Atlantis are fairly similar and differences are in the hundreds of pounds, which isn't much for a 100-ton vehicle, but the margins for these two truss launches (12A/115 and 13A/117) sound like they are in that ballpark.  

OV-103 and OV-104 were originally almost twins in that they were manufactured very similarly.  But a lot has happened to the orbiter design and "implementation" in the 20 years or so since 103 and 104 were delivered, particularly with retrofits during the OMDPs.

Dennis Jenkins' book remains a fantastic reference (and read) on most/all shuttle history:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0963397451/103-4778354-0009458?v=glance&n=283155

Andy Foster's Launch Zone web site is also revealing in terms of ascent performance, particularly with respect to squeezing out a few pounds of performance here and there for ISS:
http://www.theandyzone.com/launchzone/pe.html

(Obviously things like the super-lightweight ET were a couple of order of magnitude more, but the items lower on the list are probably within the same general weight differences between the orbiters.)

Philip Sloss
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Mark Max Q on 12/09/2005 06:05 pm
Thank you very much! Learning all the time.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 12/09/2005 09:15 pm
STATUS REPORT: S05-035

NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT: S05-035

Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue processing this mission to the International
Space Station. Preparations are under way to drain Freon coolant loop
No. 1 in support of a cold plate removal and replacement. The forward
reaction control system was installed on Tuesday. This control system
sits behind the nose cap and provides the thrust for rotational
maneuvers and small velocity changes along the orbiter axis.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: tommy on 12/11/2005 12:20 pm
I don't know much yet, but it's all very interesting. What is the order in which he shuttles were built?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 12/11/2005 02:23 pm
This is the order of which the orbiters were built:

OV-101(Enterprise)
OV-102(Columbia)
OV-099(Challenger)
OV-103(Discovery)
OV-104(Atlantis)
OV-105(Endeavour)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: tommy on 12/11/2005 02:53 pm
Thanks! Google was rubbish and started to do my head in when trying to find out, so I'm greatful, thank you.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: nethegauner on 12/12/2005 09:56 am
Quote
DaveS - 11/12/2005  4:23 PM

This is the order of which the orbiters were built:

OV-101(Enterprise)
OV-102(Columbia)
OV-099(Challenger)
OV-103(Discovery)
OV-104(Atlantis)
OV-105(Endeavour)
Maybe it should be noted that OV-099 started life as structural test article STA-099. But that does not affect the above mentioned sequence. Assembly of STA-099 started on November 21, 1975. Work on OV-101 and OV-102 started in 1974 and early 1975, if I'm not mistaken.

According to KSC's NSTS reference, OV-099's new crew module was assembled starting on January 28, 1979 ...
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 12/12/2005 02:23 pm
Indeed. Endeavour's cabin was already built before the requirement of a Challenger replacement came about.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Colby on 12/12/2005 08:10 pm

Quote
nethegauner - 12/12/2005 5:56 AM According to KSC's NSTS reference, OV-099's new crew module was assembled starting on January 28, 1979 ...

Wow, that is a little odd. From the beginning to the end, it took only seven years exactly. :(

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Davros on 12/12/2005 09:39 pm
Wow, didn't notice at first!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 12/16/2005 02:21 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Atlantis processing continues on schedule for its mission to the
International Space Station. Freon coolant loop no. 1 was drained
from the orbiter to allow a cold plate removal and replacement. The
forward reaction control system, used for on orbit maneuvers, was
installed last week and connections are complete. The mechanical
release latches for the shuttle arm are being installed.

Thermal protection system gap-filler inspections and measurements
continue in the forward and mid-body areas. Four reaction control
system thrusters on the orbiter maneuvering system were replaced.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: UK Shuttle Clan on 12/27/2005 05:49 pm
There's not been much said on her lately, and while that's the same for Endeavour, Atlantis is more important on the STS-300 for Discovery.
Nothing wrong or to worry about?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 12/27/2005 06:00 pm
Nothing to worry about. It's just the lack of Shuttle Status reports during the Christmas period. Last I heard everything was fine with her.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Justin Space on 01/02/2006 12:02 pm
I hope they update soon as any downtime in processing would not sound good given the stories they may retire her (Florida Today).
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Stowbridge on 01/04/2006 09:44 pm
Well they will retire her.....she'll be the first to cease flights in about 2008. OMM period being first in line for her will see to that.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Orbiter Obvious on 01/05/2006 02:48 am
Good point. Unless they can stretch an orbiter to a few more flights, seen as it's literally just a few one and then that's it?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Flightstar on 01/06/2006 10:21 pm
Atlantis (OV-104)

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A)
Payload: P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Atlantis' payload bay doors were opened and the Ku-band antenna was
deployed this week.

On Tuesday, the shipping lid for the remote manipulator system was
removed and preparations continue for installation.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Hotol on 01/09/2006 07:07 am
Is there a crew photo for this mission yet?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Orbiter Obvious on 01/10/2006 12:53 am
Can't find one, but when I do I'll post it. NASA.gov is pretty hard to work your way round.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Dobbins on 01/11/2006 01:32 am
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts115/index.html
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: hyper_snyper on 01/11/2006 01:42 am
Quote
Dobbins - 10/1/2006  9:32 PMhttp://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts115/index.html

Wow, that's interesting.  On the mission patch it shows the station configuration with the new solar panels installed.  I always assumed they would move the existing panels and have one on each side.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Dobbins on 01/11/2006 02:11 am
Unless plans are changed here's how the arrays will be handled.

The P/6 array is already there in a temp location.

STS-115 will add the P/3 P/4 array on the port side.
STS-116 will add the P/5 spacer on the port side.
STS-117 will add the S/3 S/4 array on the starboard side.
STS-118 will add the S/5 spacer on the starboard side and move the P/6 array to it's final location on the port side.
STS-119 will add the S/6 array on the starboard side.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Orbiter Obvious on 01/11/2006 02:32 am
That's great! Thanks for the link.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Shuttle Scapegoat on 01/11/2006 05:23 am
It's a young crew, mainly USN.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Captain Scarlet on 01/11/2006 04:12 pm
The pilot and commander look related ;) Really is great to see these flight crews, makes it seem more real that we're going to fly this year.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: simonbp on 01/11/2006 09:28 pm
Hehe, while the rest are Navy propheads, MacLean competed with the Canadian National Gymnastics Team from 1976 to 1977...

Simon ;)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: FransonUK on 01/11/2006 09:51 pm
Why are they Navy? Wouldn't they be USAF? I'm confused!!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/11/2006 10:14 pm
Quote
FransonUK - 11/1/2006  10:51 PM

Why are they Navy? Wouldn't they be USAF? I'm confused!!

The Navy has pilots too...I'm sure you've seen an aircraft carrier as one example. :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Dobbins on 01/11/2006 10:50 pm
Quote
Chris Bergin - 11/1/2006  6:14 PM

Quote
FransonUK - 11/1/2006  10:51 PM

Why are they Navy? Wouldn't they be USAF? I'm confused!!

The Navy has pilots too...I'm sure you've seen an aircraft carrier as one example. :)

The Navy has pilots, but they don't fly aircraft.  ;)

As is often the case the Navy has different terms for common things. In the Navy a pilot is the person who steers a ship inside a harbor, and this term predates aircraft so the term they use for the people who fly aircraft is Aviators. It's a lot harder to become a Naval Aviator than an Air Force Pilot because landing a plane on an Aircraft Carrier is a lot more demanding than landing one on a nice long stationary runway.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/11/2006 11:01 pm
I'm Army, so that's my excuse. We don't do Navy ;)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 01/12/2006 04:04 am
Quote
simonbp - 11/1/2006  5:28 PM

Hehe, while the rest are Navy propheads, MacLean competed with the Canadian National Gymnastics Team from 1976 to 1977...

Simon ;)

With so few flights left, its interesting to see that Canadian crew members are still part of the program...  I just wonder if Canada will be included in CEV program?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Orbiter Obvious on 01/12/2006 04:06 am
Quote
Avron - 11/1/2006  11:04 PM

Quote
simonbp - 11/1/2006  5:28 PM

Hehe, while the rest are Navy propheads, MacLean competed with the Canadian National Gymnastics Team from 1976 to 1977...

Simon ;)

With so few flights left, its interesting to see that Canadian crew members are still part of the program...  I just wonder if Canada will be included in CEV program?

Good point. Is he a specialist in his field maybe?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Hotol on 01/12/2006 12:44 pm
Nice to see a picture of the crew together. How far in advance do they do this? Any missions past this with the crew photo yet?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 01/12/2006 05:47 pm
(01/10/2006) --- KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – In the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 at NASA Kennedy Space Center, engineers finish attaching the remote manipulator system, or boom, in Atlantis’ payload bay. Atlantis is the designated orbiter for mission STS-115, the 19th assembly flight to the International Space Station. The payload includes the P3/P4 solar arrays. The launch planning window has not been determined yet for STS-115.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/20/2006 08:57 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Atlantis was powered down, so a cold plate could be removed and
replaced. The cold plate change-out is complete and leak checks are
underway. Cold plates keep electronics boxes cool.

Work is scheduled to begin on the shuttle's gap fillers in early
February. Technicians will remove and replace approximately 3,000 gap
fillers in the main priority area at a rate of about 100 per day.
This work is being performed due to two gap fillers that were
protruding from the underside of Discovery during the last mission,
STS-114. New installation procedures were developed to ensure the gap
fillers stay in place and do not pose any hazard during the shuttle's
re-entry to the atmosphere.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 01/27/2006 08:20 pm
Atlantis (OV-104)

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A)
Payload: P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Power down operations continue. Cold plate removal and replacement in
the shuttle's aft were completed this week. Cold plates keep
electronics boxes cool. The mechanical release latches for the
shuttle arm (remote manipulator system) are installed, and pre-load
tests are under way.

Removal and replacement of Atlantis' gap fillers began this week in
the priority one area. One of two reaction jet drivers located in the
shuttle's aft was installed. These drivers power the reaction control
thrusters of the orbiter maneuvering system pods while in orbit.
Technicians removed mid-power control assembly #2 and #3 for
inspection. These units are part of the system that controls power
distribution in the orbiter.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/01/2006 10:28 pm
PRCB info relating to Atlantis, Shuttle Standup Report, as per info from SG on SDC:
OV-104
· Power-down work going well; in process of servicing water coolant loops
· Window 8 charge holder and coldplate work complete; expect to power up on 02/16/06; radiator retract hose work will tack on additional time; still on schedule
· RJD wire inspections and hotspot inspections complete; close-outs in work
· Gap filler installation up to 183; don't have full crew working on gap filler installation
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 02/03/2006 08:21 pm
From Jessica's KSC Shuttle Status Report for this week.


Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Preparations continue for the installation of the orbiter boom sensor system inside the payload bay. About 200 gap fillers have been removed and replaced on the underside of Atlantis. Once gap filler work is completed on Discovery, the entire gap filler team will move to Atlantis to continue the work at a rate of about 350 gap fillers per week. New installation procedures were developed to ensure the gap fillers stay in place and do not pose any hazard on re-entry to the atmosphere.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 02/10/2006 03:06 pm
SHUTTLE PROCESSING MILESTONES
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html

"Editor's Note...
Current as of 02/09/06. Shuttle processing dates are targets only and subject to change.

05/31/06...STS-115: ET-118 delivered
07/24/06...STS-115: Rollover
07/27/06...STS-115: Payload (P3/P4 truss elements) to launch pad
07/31/06...STS-115: Rollout to launch pad
08/04/06...STS-300 (if needed)
08/08/06...STS-115: TCDT
08/28/06...Shuttle launch window opens
08/29/06...STS-115: Launch
09/14/06...Shuttle launch window closes"
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 02/10/2006 08:09 pm
NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 10 February 2006
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=19578

Atlantis is in a power-down period. More than 400 gap fillers have been removed and replaced on the shuttle underside. When gap filler work is completed on Discovery, the entire team will move to Atlantis to continue the work at approximately 350 fillers weekly. New installation procedures were developed to ensure the gap fillers stay in place and do not pose any hazard on atmosphere re-entry
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 02/17/2006 08:09 pm
SHUTTLE PROCESSING MILESTONES
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html

05/31/06...STS-115: ET-118 shipped from MAF
07/24/06...STS-115: Rollover
07/27/06...STS-115: Payload (P3/P4 truss elements) to launch pad
07/31/06...STS-115: Rollout to launch pad
08/04/06...STS-300: Launch (rescue flight; if needed)
08/08/06...STS-115: TCDT
08/28/06...STS-115: Launch (if analysis of lighting permits)
08/29/06...Shuttle launch window opens
08/30/06...STS-115: Docking with ISS (if launched 08/28)
09/08/06...STS-115: Landing (if launched 8/28)
09/14/06...Shuttle launch window closes
10/26/06...Shuttle launch window opens (based on lighting)
10/30/06...Shuttle launch window closes
12/23/06...Shuttle launch window opens (based on lighting)
12/25/06...Shuttle launch window closes
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 02/24/2006 06:25 pm
Here is the KSC Shuttle Status Report for this week:

Atlantis (OV-104)

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A)
Payload: P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: To be determined
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Preparations continue for Friday's servicing of Freon coolant loops.

Only 57 thermal protection system tile cavities remain to be filled.
More than 680 gap fillers have been removed and replaced in the
top-priority area of the vehicle. This work is being performed due to
two gap fillers that were protruding from the underside of Discovery
on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114. New installation
procedures were developed to ensure the gap fillers stay in place and
do not pose any hazard on re-entry to the atmosphere.



Mark Kirkman
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 03/03/2006 07:50 pm
Here is the KSC Shuttle Status Report for this week:

Atlantis (OV-104)

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A)
Payload: P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue processing Atlantis in Orbiter Processing
Facility bay 1 for its mission to the International Space Station,
scheduled for no earlier than Aug. 28. The vehicle remains in a
scheduled powered-down period, with the next power-up to occur as
early as next week.

Leak checks of water coolant loop No. 1 were successfully completed.
Servicing of that loop is scheduled for the middle of next week. Work
on the shuttle's thermal protection system, or heat shield, continues
with gap filler removal and replacements.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mr.columbus on 03/04/2006 08:02 pm
Can anybody comment whether preparations are on track for August, or is it again only a question of getting the ET ready in time?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: FransonUK on 03/08/2006 08:11 pm
Also, is everything ok since she was nearly bumped on to her nose?  :o
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Mark Max Q on 03/09/2006 01:06 am
Quote
FransonUK - 8/3/2006  3:11 PM

Also, is everything ok since she was nearly bumped on to her nose?  :o

I think it was Endeavour that nearly got bumped on to her nose.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 03/10/2006 08:50 pm
Atlantis (OV-104)

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A)
Payload: P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue processing Atlantis for its mission to the
International Space Station. The vehicle remains in a scheduled
powered-down period, with the next power-up to occur as early as
today. Power up will follow the servicing of the water coolant loop.
On Thursday, liquid oxygen leak checks began on the space shuttle
main engines.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mainengine on 03/11/2006 06:37 pm
It sounds like the main engines are already installed.
When did it happen ?
Does anybody know ?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Launch Fan on 03/11/2006 07:16 pm
I don't think they are installed. I think they are ready to be installed, but are having leak checks prior to that because of the tests that were done on Discovery relating to the O2 leak.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rob in KC on 03/16/2006 06:36 pm
How's the gap filler change-out proceeding?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Davie OPF on 03/16/2006 10:37 pm
Quote
Rob in KC - 16/3/2006  1:36 PM

How's the gap filler change-out proceeding?

On schedule. Not so with Endeavour, but a long time before she flies.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Flightstar on 03/17/2006 01:25 am
Quote
Davie OPF - 16/3/2006  5:37 PM

Quote
Rob in KC - 16/3/2006  1:36 PM

How's the gap filler change-out proceeding?

On schedule. Not so with Endeavour, but a long time before she flies.

And people need to remember the way the workforce was all concentrating mainly on Discovery. This is now not so much of a squeeze of resources. Endeavour will still have to wait for her sisters, regardless.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/17/2006 09:28 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

The vehicle was powered up March 10. Work continues with powered up
system testing. Main propulsion system leak and functional checks
were completed on Tuesday, with final space shuttle main engine
operations continuing once engine No. 3 is installed.
Title: main engines
Post by: mainengine on 03/18/2006 03:54 pm
This should be a confirmation of engines 1 and 2 already installed. Engine No. 3 (S/N 2045) was installed for the STS-300 LON for STS-114 but is now placed in Discovery.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Davie OPF on 03/19/2006 12:34 am
Very observent! Where did you manage to find that information?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 03/19/2006 02:41 pm
Quote
Davie OPF - 18/3/2006  8:34 PM

Very observent! Where did you manage to find that information?

Davie, can you guys identify an engine by sight, I.e. they are all different is some way, or do you have to look at the serial number?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mainengine on 03/19/2006 07:28 pm
Thanks for your reply.
All I do is supposing.
I took the information out of the FRR documents of 114.
But since you are "Davie OPF" maybe you could confirm it .?!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Davie OPF on 03/20/2006 12:49 am
Quote
Avron - 19/3/2006  9:41 AM

Quote
Davie OPF - 18/3/2006  8:34 PM

Very observent! Where did you manage to find that information?

Davie, can you guys identify an engine by sight, I.e. they are all different is some way, or do you have to look at the serial number?

The SSME guys know them inside out, but they all have the same appearance.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Davie OPF on 03/20/2006 12:50 am
Quote
mainengine - 19/3/2006  2:28 PM

Thanks for your reply.
All I do is supposing.
I took the information out of the FRR documents of 114.
But since you are "Davie OPF" maybe you could confirm it .?!

I asked an aft propulsion guy and he said you are right. I see on your profile you have .de, so I assume you are German. He said "The Germans know too much" ;)

I work on Orbiter flight control systems, which is why I asked, rather than know.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 03/24/2006 01:46 pm
Pump package swapped out on Atlantis
http://www.floridatoday.com/floridatoday/blogs/spaceteam/2006/03/pump-package-swapped-out-on-atlantis.html
 
"NASA contractor technicians are testing a new cooling system pump package on shuttle Atlantis after replacing a unit that was damaged during routine launch processing in early February.

Part of the shuttle's Environmental Control and Life Support System, the cooling system essentially provides air conditioning within the shuttle's crew cabin.

The pump package that was replaced was damaged when workers inadvertently overpressurized a coolant loop during leak checks. A second pump package also was damaged but it was repaired rather than replaced."
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 03/24/2006 10:00 pm
Here is PAO's Space Shuttle Status Report for this week:

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue to perform powered-up system testing on Atlantis
for its mission to the International Space Station. The final space
shuttle main engine is scheduled to be installed in early April, and
then final main propulsion leak checks will be performed. Global
positioning system functional checks are scheduled to resume today.
Removal and replacement of the water coolant loop No. 2 pump package
was completed Wednesday. Following the installation of the pump
package, the system was retested, and leak checks were completed.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: UK Shuttle Clan on 03/27/2006 08:32 am
Does it always take longer to install the third engine? This one seems to be taking its time to join the other two. Is it always the centre engine also?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 03/27/2006 12:23 pm
Quote
Is it always the centre engine also?
No.

This is the order:
1:Center
2:Lower left
3:Lower right
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Launch Fan on 03/28/2006 05:35 am
Quote
DaveS - 27/3/2006  6:23 AM

Quote
Is it always the centre engine also?
No.

This is the order:
1:Center
2:Lower left
3:Lower right

Any particular reason it's that way around?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: STS Tony on 03/29/2006 01:38 am
How many SSMEs are stored at KSC at any one time?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 03/31/2006 09:06 am
Quote
STS Tony - 29/3/2006  3:38 AM

How many SSMEs are stored at KSC at any one time?
I believe its 15, 5 complete sets(3 SSMEs for each orbiter). Anyone that can cofirm or deny this?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 03/31/2006 11:54 pm
Here is the Space Shuttle Status Report from KSC PAO for this week:

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue performing powered-up system testing on Atlantis
for its mission to the International Space Station. Water coolant
loop servicing continues following the removal and replacement of the
water coolant loop No. 2 pump package.

Preparations began today for the orbiter boom sensor system's
installation into Atlantis' payload bay on Monday. The 50-foot-long
boom attaches to the shuttle arm and is one of the new safety
measures added prior to Return to Flight last year. It equips the
orbiter with cameras and laser systems to inspect the shuttle's heat
shield while in space.


Mark Kirkman
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mainengine on 04/03/2006 12:04 am
As I followed the processing flow the engines were not removed after not flying STS-300 last July. The only one that has been removed is engine No. 3 for installation in Discovery now. For Atlantis it seems the processing has not reached the point for engine no. 3 installation.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 04/05/2006 02:37 pm
Quote
Preparations began today for the orbiter boom sensor system's installation into Atlantis' payload bay on Monday. The 50-foot-long boom attaches to the shuttle arm and is one of the new safety measures added prior to Return to Flight last year. It equips the orbiter with cameras and laser systems to inspect the shuttle's heat shield while in space
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: SimonShuttle on 04/06/2006 07:48 am
Don't bang this one! ;)

Any reason why the other arm is covered in a red material?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Tahii on 04/06/2006 10:21 am
Extra protection after what happened to the last arm  ;)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 04/07/2006 09:18 pm
Bump
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 04/07/2006 09:26 pm
Here is the Space Shuttle Update for this week from PAO:

Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue performing powered-up system testing on Atlantis for its mission to the International Space Station. Water coolant loop servicing is complete following the replacement of the water coolant loop No. 2 pump package. Technicians also successfully performed compression testing on the water coolant pump.

The orbiter boom sensor system was installed in the payload bay of Atlantis on Monday. The 50-foot-long boom attaches to the remote manipulator system, or shuttle arm, and is one of the new safety measures added prior to the Return to Flight. It equips the orbiter with cameras and laser systems to inspect the space shuttle’s heat shield while in space.


Mark Kirkman

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mainengine on 04/09/2006 10:58 am
According to a nasa video of August 24 2004 (KSC-04-S-00305) you are right. There should be 15 engines available at any given time.
But after destruction of three engines during the columbia accident there are now 12 engines flight ready. The newest one is No. 2058, the first engine assembled entirely at KSC. There are 4 more engines to be build.
The next engine hot fire test will be on April 21 at Stennis Space Center. I will be there and I'm tensed what engine it would be.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/09/2006 01:00 pm
You are going to Stennis?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mainengine on 04/10/2006 08:33 pm
Yes I do. And I'm very happy about the trip. I'm looking forward to the hot fire test really.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Orbiter Obvious on 04/10/2006 09:43 pm
Quote
mainengine - 10/4/2006  3:33 PM

Yes I do. And I'm very happy about the trip. I'm looking forward to the hot fire test really.

That's great! Maybe you could take some pictures?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 04/13/2006 05:33 pm
SHUTTLE PROCESSING MILESTONES
By William Harwood

http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html

07/24/06...STS-115: Orbiter/external tank mating in VAB
07/27/06...STS-115: Payload to launch pad
07/31/06...STS-115: Rollout to launch pad
08/08/06...STS-115: TCDT
08/28/06...STS-115: Launch (current estimate: 04:07 p.m. EDT;
...............must launch by Sept. 5 to permit on-time Soyuz TMA-9 launch)
08/30/06...STS-115: Docking with space station
09/06/06...STS-115: Undocking
09/08/06...STS-115: Landing
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 04/14/2006 08:55 pm
Here is the Space Shuttle Status for this week from Jessica at KSC PAO:

Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue performing powered-up system testing on Atlantis for its mission to the International Space Station. The external tank door functional test is scheduled for early next week.

Crane operations removed and reinstalled the orbiter boom sensor system in the payload bay of Atlantis on Wednesday for additional work on the manipulator positioning mechanisms. The positioning mechanisms are the pedestals that hold the boom in place in the payload bay while the boom is not in use. The 50-foot-long boom attaches to the shuttle arm and is one of the new safety measures added prior to the Return to Flight mission that launched in July 2005.

Mark Kirkman
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 04/15/2006 03:40 pm
Anybody know what the status is of the gap-filler replacement on Atlantis?

Thanks,

Philip Sloss
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 04/21/2006 06:25 pm
I'm wondering if they now have two fully-stacked SRB sets in the VAB ( for STS-121 and STS-115/300.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Flightstar on 04/21/2006 07:40 pm
Quote
shuttlefan - 21/4/2006  1:25 PM

I'm wondering if they now have two fully-stacked SRB sets in the VAB ( for STS-121 and STS-115/300.

No. We have Discovery rolling over to the VAB in about three weeks.

She'll be out at the pad and probably launched by the time Atlantis goes to the VAB.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 04/21/2006 07:59 pm
New page bump 1
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 04/25/2006 03:56 pm
Just FYI:

Just as a reminder that STS-115 will be flying sometime soon.

The STS-115 crew has a relatively big simulation scheduled for tomorrow 5am to 3pm.  It is a simulation of Flight Day 4 EVA (extra vehicular activity) number 1 tasks and ISS P3/P4 integrated truss segment (solor arrays) installation procedures.  The simulation will be conducted with the spacewalking crew members suited up and in the NBL pool (the 6.2 million gallon neutral buoyancy lab pool).  It also involves the Space Shuttle and Space Station Flight Control teams.

Mark Kirkman



Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 04/25/2006 08:26 pm
Mark, how much spacewalks (three?) are planned in STS-115 mission and what pairs of astronauts (Tanner/Stefanyshyn-Piper or Burbank/MacLean, or Tanner/Burbank) will conduct their?...

Beforehand thanks for the answer!... :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: HKS on 04/25/2006 09:04 pm
They were training for STS-115 at NBL when I visited JSC this easter (12th April)

Here is a one of my pictures of the tuss (P3 & P4), that Atlantis will carry uphill

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Launch Fan on 04/25/2006 11:17 pm
That looks like an awesome place. Thanks for bringing some STS-115 info :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rapoc on 04/25/2006 11:21 pm
Quote
anik - 25/4/2006  10:26 PM
Mark, how much spacewalks (three?) are planned in STS-115 mission and what pairs of astronauts (Tanner/Stefanyshyn-Piper or Burbank/MacLean, or Tanner/Burbank) will conduct their?...
Beforehand thanks for the answer!... :)

I find some earlier documents where are four space walks are planned. Now are only three planned. Does anybody know why?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 04/26/2006 01:36 am
Quote
Rapoc - 25/4/2006  6:21 PM

Quote
anik - 25/4/2006  10:26 PM
Mark, how much spacewalks (three?) are planned in STS-115 mission and what pairs of astronauts (Tanner/Stefanyshyn-Piper or Burbank/MacLean, or Tanner/Burbank) will conduct their?...
Beforehand thanks for the answer!... :)

I find some earlier documents where are four space walks are planned. Now are only three planned. Does anybody know why?

The original flight plan had four EVAs with the EVA crewmembers as follows:
EV1 Joseph Tanner, EV2 Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, EV3 Daniel Burbank, and EV4 Steven Maclean

With all my attention on 121 I have not seen an updated plan so I can not tell you how things have changed yet...keep in mind this crew has been training for YEARS now.

If I get a copy of the flight plan anytime soon I will update you unless someone else does it first.

Mark Kirkman
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: HKS on 04/26/2006 10:09 am
Anybody here that knows when stacking of SRB's will start for Atlantis on STS-115/300?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/26/2006 11:12 am
Quote
HKS - 26/4/2006  11:09 AM

Anybody here that knows when stacking of SRB's will start for Atlantis on STS-115/300?

Let me ask around.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: uko on 04/26/2006 09:02 pm
This quote is from FloridaToday's Flame Trench blog:

"NASA contractor technicians will begin stacking solid rocket booster segments on the platform around June 2."

http://www.floridatoday.com/floridatoday/blogs/spaceteam/2006/04/atlantis-launch-platform-makes-move.html
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 04/26/2006 11:44 pm
Do they plan to lift the daylight launch rule for STS-115?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 04/27/2006 12:07 am
Quote
shuttlefan - 26/4/2006  6:44 PM

Do they plan to lift the daylight launch rule for STS-115?

I believe Wayne Hale at one of the more recent briefings said that requirement would remain for at least one more flight after 121...really want to get another good look at tank performance.

Mark Kirkman
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 04/27/2006 03:49 am
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rocket Guy on 04/27/2006 04:12 am
After 115 it will be lifted if all goes well.

Currently, STS-116 is a night launch at 8:45pm ET Dec. 13.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 04/28/2006 08:13 pm
Bump
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 04/28/2006 08:24 pm
Here is the Space Shuttle Status Update from KSC PAO:

Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians are performing powered-up system testing on Atlantis for its mission to the International Space Station. Technicians continue installing tires on the shuttle's main landing gear.

Work continues on the alignment of the manipulator positioning mechanisms. The positioning mechanisms are the pedestals that hold the orbiter boom sensor system in place in the payload bay while the boom is not in use. Thermal protection system tile, blanket and gap filler work is ongoing.

Mark Kirkman
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/05/2006 07:25 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians are carrying out powered-up system testing on Atlantis for
its mission to the station. Workers continue to perform water coolant
loop samples.

The remote manipulator system, or shuttle robotic arm, is scheduled to
be installed early next week. The shuttle arm maneuvers a payload
from the payload bay of the orbiter to its deployment position and
then releases it. The arm can also grapple a free-flying payload,
maneuver it to the payload bay of the orbiter and berth it in the
orbiter.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Wisi on 05/12/2006 10:06 pm
Is there no Status Report for this week? I couldn't find it at the NASA page...
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mainengine on 05/12/2006 11:48 pm
You are right. Now they focus on STS-121. The reports will be rare in the near future. Lets hope there is one tomorrow.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: rdale on 05/13/2006 01:27 am
They send out one weekly update for all shuttles on Friday, they would not send one separate (let alone on a Saturday!)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/13/2006 01:51 am
Quote
Wisi - 12/5/2006  10:53 PM

Is there no Status Report for this week? I couldn't find it at the NASA page...

They sent out the Shuttle Status report.....but only covered Discovery! Nothing on Atlantis or Endeavour.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 05/13/2006 01:56 am
Quote
Chris Bergin - 12/5/2006  9:38 PM

Quote
Wisi - 12/5/2006  10:53 PM

Is there no Status Report for this week? I couldn't find it at the NASA page...

They sent out the Shuttle Status report.....but only covered Discovery! Nothing on Atlantis or Endeavour.
It happens on a day like today, where there's a big milestone for the next launch...wouldn't be surprised if the status report is mostly about the rollout next Friday (assuming it stays on schedule).

It was often like this during countdowns back when they did daily updates...those were the days...
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 05/13/2006 07:43 pm
I think SRB stacking for the Atlantis/STS-300--Atlantis STS-115 mission begins in the first few days of June. :)  :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: hoorenz on 05/14/2006 06:16 pm
June 2 in High Bay 3
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mainengine on 05/18/2006 09:46 am
I know ! But for europeans status reports often arrive  very late in the day, sometimes right on saturdays. I'm sorry.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2006 05:47 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, technicians are carrying out
powered-up system testing on Atlantis for its mission to the
International Space Station. Gaseous nitrogen leak checks are
finished in the orbiter's mid-body.

The remote manipulator system, or "shuttle arm," was installed and
functional testing has been completed. Workers also finished testing
the manipulator positioning mechanisms, which are the pedestals that
hold the arm in place in the payload bay during launch and landing.

On Wednesday, the crawler transporter moved mobile launcher platform
No. 2 into high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building in preparation
for stacking operations to begin for the STS-115 mission. The first
solid rocket booster segment is scheduled to be lifted into the high
bay next week.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Spirit on 05/28/2006 02:33 pm
Atlantis Prepared for August Launch: http://feeds.feedburner.com/spaceheadlines?m=832
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 05/28/2006 08:38 pm
Is the ET for STS-115 still set to ship to KSC this coming week?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 05/28/2006 08:40 pm
I forgot to mention--Is the ET schedule for STS-116/301 looking better to be able to support rescue for 115?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Spirit on 05/28/2006 10:10 pm
See this: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?id=4450
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: galileo on 06/01/2006 01:27 am
STS-115 ET/SRB update

BI-127 (RSRM 94) stacking is scheduled to begin tomorrow 6/1 with the RAB followed by the LAB on Friday 6/2.  

ET-118 is behind schedule.  Should have been loaded onto the barge at MAF yesterday however there is a significant amount of work that has yet to be completed and MAF is looking to KSC to assess whether they could ship the tank and transfer the work to the VAB.  Otherwise it will be a week before the tank will be complete at MAF.  Program management is expected to make a decision tomorrow on whether to ship the tank to KSC as is or whether they should delay delivery and finish the tank at MAF.  Either way the ECO's are still going to come out of ET-118 just like we did to 119.  

Stacking STS-115 in time for its window is going to be a major challenge but i think everyone at KSC is ready for it
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 06/01/2006 01:33 am
Quote
galileo - 31/5/2006  9:14 PM

Either way the ECO's are still going to come out of ET-118 just like we did to 119.
Is that the decision that needs to be made -- changing out the LH2 ECOs at MAF or KSC?  Or is it something else?

Thanks,

Philip Sloss
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/01/2006 01:52 am
"...stacking is scheduled to begin tomorrow 6/1 with the RAB followed by the LAB on Friday 6/2.

Do you mean that the Right Aft-Booster Segment will be stacked onto the Mobile Launcher Platform tomorrow and the left one onto the MLP Friday?
 Just wanted to make sure I translated that correctly!
 :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rapoc on 06/01/2006 03:07 pm
It has begun ...

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/01/2006 06:29 pm
So the aft-booster segment is on the MLP and being bolted down now? ;)  :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 06/01/2006 06:32 pm
Quote
shuttlefan - 1/6/2006  2:16 PM

So the aft-booster segment is on the MLP and being bolted down now? ;)  :)
Not according to the screen capture from the camera: it's still in the transfer aisle.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 06/02/2006 01:06 am
It's on its way now:
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/02/2006 01:18 am
Thanks for the post!!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/02/2006 03:35 am
I would love it if there were a video feed of the aft-booster-segment actually being hoisted onto the MLP, which must be ocurring as we speak because it is gone from the VAB transfer aisle. ;)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 06/02/2006 02:38 pm
As Jim already noted, the other aft segment (left-hand) has arrived in the transfer aisle...
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/02/2006 08:29 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, Atlantis was powered up this
week to support payload testing. Early in the week, the auxiliary
power controller unit verification testing was successfully
completed. Preparations for installing engine No. 3 are finished,
with installation scheduled for Monday. Engines No. 1 and No. 2
already are in place on the orbiter.

On Thursday, stacking for STS-115 began with the transfer of the right
aft booster segment from the Rotation Processing and Surge Facility
to the Vehicle Assembly Building, where it was lifted into high bay 3
and placed on mobile launcher platform No. 2. The left aft booster
was transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into high
bay 3 on Friday.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: galileo on 06/03/2006 12:22 am
BI-127 (RSRM 94) Stacking Update

The RAB has been secured to the MLP and all four studs have been tensioned.  The LAB is in HB-3 and should be hard down on the hold down posts on the MLP by midnight tonight.  The LAC segment will be transferred to the VAB on Monday and lifted and mated on 2nd shift Monday and/or 3rd shift tuesday.

ET-118

LM told program at PRCB on thursday that the tank will be complete and ready to ship Monday 6/5.  However, late today MAF contacted KSC to arrange a very cryptic telecon for 9am tomorrow (sat) morning with very high level ET folks (NASA, USA, & LM) at KSC.  Rumor has it they will in fact be unable to complete all the work they promised by 6/5 and a significant amount of work as well as MAF tech will be coming to the cape.  As of right now, all open MAF work is expected to be completed in parallel with normal KSC ET processing activities in the HB-4 checkout cell.  Also, a special SICB is being held tomorrow to discuss whether R&R'ing the ET-118 ECO's is necessary (among other topics).  If flight rationale can be developed that gets us out of having to swap out the ECO's then a substantial amount of contingency days can be gained in the schedule.  

As of today, only 1 day of contingency exists in the STS-115 flow.  Basically what that means is every thing has to go perfectly right in order to have the vehicle completely ready for the aug 28th launch date.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/03/2006 01:13 am
What's an SICB?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/03/2006 02:49 am
Quote
shuttlefan - 3/6/2006  2:00 AM

What's an SICB?

System Integration Control Board
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/03/2006 02:51 am
Quote
galileo - 3/6/2006  1:09 AM

BI-127 (RSRM 94) Stacking Update

The RAB has been secured to the MLP and all four studs have been tensioned.  The LAB is in HB-3 and should be hard down on the hold down posts on the MLP by midnight tonight.  The LAC segment will be transferred to the VAB on Monday and lifted and mated on 2nd shift Monday and/or 3rd shift tuesday.

ET-118

LM told program at PRCB on thursday that the tank will be complete and ready to ship Monday 6/5.  However, late today MAF contacted KSC to arrange a very cryptic telecon for 9am tomorrow (sat) morning with very high level ET folks (NASA, USA, & LM) at KSC.  Rumor has it they will in fact be unable to complete all the work they promised by 6/5 and a significant amount of work as well as MAF tech will be coming to the cape.  As of right now, all open MAF work is expected to be completed in parallel with normal KSC ET processing activities in the HB-4 checkout cell.  Also, a special SICB is being held tomorrow to discuss whether R&R'ing the ET-118 ECO's is necessary (among other topics).  If flight rationale can be developed that gets us out of having to swap out the ECO's then a substantial amount of contingency days can be gained in the schedule.  

As of today, only 1 day of contingency exists in the STS-115 flow.  Basically what that means is every thing has to go perfectly right in order to have the vehicle completely ready for the aug 28th launch date.

Yeah, we've got some documents outlining this issue. Basically, MAF have asked KSC to do the ET-118 R&R on the ECOs....but this time with TPS repair (from the manhole in the aft of the tank) to be done in the vertical this time. Causing some headaches on the process.

All PRCB documents on this on L2...article to come.

Check your PMs by the way :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/03/2006 03:04 pm
Thanks for the translation Chris!!
Do you think we will hear anything on the results of these meetings ( telecon, etc. ) later today?
 :)  :)  :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/03/2006 09:19 pm
Quote
shuttlefan - 3/6/2006  3:51 PM

Thanks for the translation Chris!!
Do you think we will hear anything on the results of these meetings ( telecon, etc. ) later today?
 :)  :)  :)

Yes, and I have. Article to come :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/04/2006 08:43 pm
Am I correct in assuming that the SRB stacking for STS-300/115 will take approx. a month? :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/05/2006 03:46 am
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?id=4529 - for where we're at following the PRCB and weekend additional info.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 06/05/2006 01:40 pm
Another SRB part is arriving in the VAB.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: HKS on 06/05/2006 03:37 pm
According to Florida Today's space blog it's sceduled to be lifted later today.

Quote
The segment will be mated with the right aft booster assembly of the solid-fueled rocket, which was hoisted onto the launcher platform last week. The lift probably will take place on second shift, which begins at 3 p.m.
http://www.floridatoday.com/floridatoday/blogs/spaceteam/2006/06/live-from-ksc-mission-preps-continue.html
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 06/05/2006 07:19 pm
Some nice stills of the work last week on the aft segments in the KSC Media Gallery:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 06/06/2006 09:15 pm
And, from the same place, a few pictures of a window installation...
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 06/07/2006 03:12 pm
Yet another SRB segment is arriving.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/07/2006 03:18 pm
SRM transporter now backing away from the newly delivered SRM segment.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/09/2006 08:46 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, engine #3 was installed in
Atlantis and leak checks of the system are under way. Testing and
checkout of the orbiter boom sensor system is complete. Window #2 was
replaced, with plans to replace window #5 next week.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, stacking of the STS-115 solid rocket
boosters continues. The right forward center section was lifted into
high bay 3 and onto mobile launcher platform no. 2 on Wednesday.

The external fuel tank for STS-115, ET-118, is scheduled to arrive via
barge at the KSC turn basin late this afternoon and will be
transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building this evening. It will be
lifted into a checkout cell in the VAB this weekend, so that
technicians can begin processing the tank for launch.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 06/09/2006 11:26 pm
Couple of shots of the barge arriving at Port Canaveral on the KSC Multimedia Archive site:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 06/09/2006 11:27 pm
And perhaps anticipating arrival of the tank in the transfer aisle?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/09/2006 11:37 pm
Are those the nose cones for the STS-115/300 boosters there in the background?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/09/2006 11:39 pm
It seems as though booster stacking for STS-300/115 is going faster this time being the right forward center section was stacked on Wed. already. Any idea when the nosecones are set to be added? :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/09/2006 11:41 pm
ET-118 is now the VAB.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/10/2006 12:17 am
Being they are going to replace the ECO sensors entirely in the vertical this time, can they even perhaps mate the tank to the SRBs and then do the ECO sensor R&R just to save a little time, or am I missing something here?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: eeergo on 06/10/2006 12:53 pm
Now fully visible in the VAB, technicians are beggining to congregate around it.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 06/10/2006 02:11 pm
Quote
shuttlefan - 9/6/2006  8:04 PM

Being they are going to replace the ECO sensors entirely in the vertical this time, can they even perhaps mate the tank to the SRBs and then do the ECO sensor R&R just to save a little time, or am I missing something here?

Don't have good access to the bottom of the ET on the MLP.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/10/2006 02:36 pm
Thanks for the answer--never thought of that! :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: eeergo on 06/10/2006 03:30 pm
Now on the move....
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/10/2006 03:34 pm
Does this delivery of the tank to KSC give engineers more hope of making the STS-115 end-of-August launch date?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/10/2006 05:56 pm
Right, documents acquired claim that the "all vertical" ECO R&R can't be done and it'll be just like the ET-119 process. That adds a few more days to getting the job done. I've got a timeline and I'm doing a story this evening UK time, once I've sobered up from watching England win in their World Cup opener ;)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/10/2006 06:28 pm
Chris, you will probably be in bed when I watch the Edmonton Oilers try to ' lift off ' tonight to try to have a shot at winning the Stanley Cup in the National Hockey League. ( I thought I could probably get away with talking sports on this site by using the words ' lift off '!! )  :)  :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/11/2006 06:58 pm
Anyone know how SRB stacking is going for 115/300 and what segments are already stacked on the MLP?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/12/2006 09:19 am
Early morning delivery:
Right SRB forward segment.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 06/12/2006 10:53 am
How can you tell the difference between the left and right SRB segments? Only the two top ones are distinct with the black ring on the left/port SRB.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/12/2006 11:12 am
The location of the SRB systems tunnel. See the greenish line going vertically across the sgement? That's where the SRB systems tunnel is located and it always on the outboard side of the SRB.

And since it is visible to the camera and high bay 3 is to right in the image I conclude that it is the forward segment of teh right SRB.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 06/12/2006 11:27 am
I assume the SRB segment will not be rotated else it could also go on the left side? ;)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/12/2006 01:48 pm
Is the left booster being stacked in parallel with the right one or will the stacking of the left one ( besides the aft-segment already on the MLP ) only begin once the right one is complete? ;)

And any idea when the nose cones will be added?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 06/12/2006 11:26 pm
The right forward segment is on its way into High Bay 3...

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: eeergo on 06/14/2006 06:22 pm
Yet another segment... the left upper-medium one (not sure about designation :) ), I think...
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/14/2006 06:43 pm
The correct designation is left forward center SRM segment. Each SRB is made up of the aft segment with the aft skirt, aft center segment, forward center segment and forward skirt with the frustrum and nosecap.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 06/16/2006 08:58 am
no thats the aft center segment cus this is the forward center segment.   and dose any one know why they have been doing the staking at night
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/16/2006 01:49 pm
"....and does anyone know why they have been doing the stacking at night?"

I believe it's a 24/7 operation.... :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Wisi on 06/16/2006 05:02 pm
how many segments are yet to come? only left forward? and when wil the nose caps be put on?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/16/2006 05:26 pm
That's the left forward center segment. Next is probably the right forward skirt with the frustrum and nosecap.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 06/16/2006 08:12 pm
any one know why the fire dep. is in the VAB
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/16/2006 11:17 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, closeout work on Atlantis
continues. Window No. 5 was replaced. Preparations for servicing of
freon coolant loop No. 2 are under way. The coolant loop is part of
the system that cools the avionics bays in the midbody and the aft of
the orbiter. Main propulsion system leak checks are complete and the
point sensor box was replaced.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, stacking of the STS-115 solid rocket
boosters continues. Mating of the left aft center segment was
completed Thursday, and the left forward center segment is scheduled
to be lifted into high bay No. 3.

Processing of the external fuel tank, ET-118, continues in the Vehicle
Assembly Building. Workers from the Michoud Assembly Facility in
Louisiana are at KSC and will remove and replace the tank's liquid
hydrogen engine cutoff sensors, or fuel gauges, next week.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/17/2006 04:39 am
So will the nose cones be added by early next week? :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: eeergo on 06/19/2006 09:46 am
Another segment... the left forward skirt, if I'm not mistaken, and the last one!
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/19/2006 09:50 am
Incorrect. It's the left forward center segment. The forward skirt includes the nosecone assembly.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 06/19/2006 01:55 pm
Quote
Incorrect. It's the left forward center segment. The forward skirt includes the nosecone assembly.


David, does the left forward skirt have the distinctive black band?

PS: what's the correct spelling frustum or frustrum?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/20/2006 01:28 am
Has anyone noticed, on the video feed ( not sure how to get there myself ), whether or not they have lifted the segment into the highbay yet?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 06/20/2006 01:34 am
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/

Fustrum
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/20/2006 02:46 am
Thanks for the link! Looks like they're about to lift. :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mkirk on 06/20/2006 04:30 am
Quote
dutch courage - 19/6/2006  8:42 AM

PS: what's the correct spelling frustum or frustrum?

I always thought there were two Rs but looking in my Shuttle Booster Systems Handbook I see it is spelled "FRUSTUM"

Mark Kirkman
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 06/20/2006 04:42 am
Quote
mkirk - 20/6/2006  12:17 AM

Quote
dutch courage - 19/6/2006  8:42 AM

PS: what's the correct spelling frustum or frustrum?

I always thought there were two Rs but looking in my Shuttle Booster Systems Handbook I see it is spelled "FRUSTUM"

Mark Kirkman

The spelling frustrum, listed as "erroneous" by the Oxford English Dictionary, is frequently encountered and might be considered a variant.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: eeergo on 06/20/2006 07:14 pm
A payload canister has arrived at the ISS processing facility (I haven't seen it arriving, but when I looked a few hours ago, it wasn't there), I assume to start getting things ready for Atlantis' mission in August/September... at last some ISS hardware is being moved! Any schedule on the installation? Are they going to wait until Discovery arrives healthy at the Station, or are they starting soon?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/20/2006 08:05 pm
I raised the question about the payload canister here: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=2938&posts=2&start=1
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: eeergo on 06/20/2006 08:09 pm
Oops sorry I didn't see it... well, if the payload is there for something not related with Atlantis, I'll delete the post...
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/21/2006 01:35 am
When they are ready to place the nosecones on top of the boosters, will we initially see them in the live video feed of the VAB transfer aisle just like all the previous segments or are the nosecones kept in the VAB in storage? :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 06/21/2006 02:26 am
your see them in the shots like the others cus thats were the lift the from but i think they are keeped in the lowbay of the vab
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/21/2006 09:34 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, workers are preparing Atlantis
for the Crew Equipment Interface Test with the crew of STS-115,
scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The test allows crew members to
familiarize themselves with the vehicle, perform fit checks and to
verify hardware configurations that will be used on orbit.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Wisi on 06/21/2006 09:57 pm
you missed something, chris!
From STS-115 Shuttle Update:

On Monday, workers in the Vehicle Assembly Building inadvertently bumped ET-118, the STS-115 external fuel tank, with a mobile work platform, causing an indentation in the foam insulation about 3/8 of an inch deep. The damage is on the upper part of the tank just left of the centerline. The area will be fixed and thoroughly analyzed and inspected. The repair work is not expected to affect the launch-on-need support for the STS-121 mission or STS-115.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: astrobrian on 06/21/2006 10:36 pm
Wasn't the PAL ramp "patched and repaired" too???  This could prove interesting during launch.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/21/2006 10:38 pm
Quote
astrobrian - 22/6/2006  12:23 AM

Wasn't the PAL ramp "patched and repaired" too???  This could prove interesting during launch.
That was at MAF, not KSC.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/21/2006 10:42 pm
Quote
Wisi - 21/6/2006  10:44 PM

you missed something, chris!
From STS-115 Shuttle Update:

On Monday, workers in the Vehicle Assembly Building inadvertently bumped ET-118, the STS-115 external fuel tank, with a mobile work platform, causing an indentation in the foam insulation about 3/8 of an inch deep. The damage is on the upper part of the tank just left of the centerline. The area will be fixed and thoroughly analyzed and inspected. The repair work is not expected to affect the launch-on-need support for the STS-121 mission or STS-115.

I put that on the other thread relating to ET-118 ;)

I said on there that I've gone asking ET mechs at KSC about this :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: wannamoonbase on 06/22/2006 12:36 am
Quote
eeergo - 20/6/2006  2:01 PM
... at last some ISS hardware is being moved!

That has to feel good for alot of people, not just in Florida or the US but the world in general.

Go STS, GO ISS
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/22/2006 01:30 am
I'm not sure how to put the KSC live video feed up on here, but I just looked at it and there is now an SRB nose cone in the VAB transfer aisle, just within the past half-hour!!! :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 06/22/2006 02:03 am
heres what ^^ is talking about  
note this is the right one
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 06/22/2006 05:06 am
Quote
norm103 - 21/6/2006  9:50 PM

heres what ^^ is talking about  
note this is the right one

How do you tell its the right one..?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/22/2006 08:38 am
Quote
Avron - 22/6/2006  6:53 AM

Quote
norm103 - 21/6/2006  9:50 PM

heres what ^^ is talking about  
note this is the right one

How do you tell its the right one..?
No black photo ID band.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/22/2006 01:54 pm
I think the segment has actually been lifted, since the camera is panned up toward the ceiling of the VAB.
 ;)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/22/2006 05:09 pm
Left SRB FWD skirt and frustum.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: eeergo on 06/22/2006 09:58 pm
It's being put in those circular things (not a very precise name, eh :) ) before being lifted!
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 06/22/2006 11:30 pm
Access stand
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/23/2006 12:46 am
Jim, it looks like the crane is attached to it so it should be lifted anytime, correct? ;)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 06/23/2006 12:52 am
It is suspended in the picture
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/23/2006 02:03 am
You mean the nose cone is just dangling from the crane in the picture?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/23/2006 02:06 am
I just looked at the live video feed again and I see they are now lifting it!

BTW, could someone tell me how they actually put the picture from the live video feed in their posts on this sight? ;)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 06/23/2006 02:09 am
left click on the image and save image
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: astrobrian on 06/23/2006 02:14 am

When you are replying there is an add picture check box at the bottom of the reply box, check it and when you hit submit it will ask where to grab the file from you wish to post. There is a file size limitation so keep that in mind

Of course this is after saving the image to your system as Jim said 

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: astrobrian on 06/23/2006 02:27 am
One SRB top, up up and away :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/23/2006 02:32 am
So, being the nose cone for the right booster was lifted last night and the left one tonight, that means there is now a shuttle on the pad, and ( almost ) two fully-assembled SRBs in the VAB! What an exciting time for Shuttle buffs!!! :)  :)  :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 06/23/2006 03:25 am
Quote
shuttlefan - 22/6/2006  10:19 PM

So, being the nose cone for the right booster was lifted last night and the left one tonight, that means there is now a shuttle on the pad, and ( almost ) two fully-assembled SRBs in the VAB! What an exciting time for Shuttle buffs!!! :)  :)  :)

About time... don't know about you folks, but I am in need for a sts mission fix...

Now, I was so sure that there would be a slip in the program, I booked some vacation time... :) I will not be able to follow things live... :( .. will be on the trent-severn, all 45 locks of it..

http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/index_e.asp
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 06/23/2006 10:44 am
Quote
shuttlefan - 23/6/2006  4:19 AM

So, being the nose cone for the right booster was lifted last night and the left one tonight, that means there is now a shuttle on the pad, and ( almost ) two fully-assembled SRBs in the VAB! What an exciting time for Shuttle buffs!!! :)  :)  :)

And don't forget the ET-118.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: astrobrian on 06/23/2006 11:41 am
Yes indeed, Great time for shuttle buffs.  How much longer before ET - SRB attach and Orbiter rollover to the VAB ? If that stuff is done during the mission I am going to have to just be out of touch with the outside world :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Wisi on 06/23/2006 11:50 am
According to http://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts121/fdf/calendar.html these are the dates:

06/29/06: ET/SRB mating
07/25/06: Atlantis/external tank mating in VAB
08/01/06: Shuttle stack rollout to launch pad

So probably no highlight there during STS-121
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 06/23/2006 12:32 pm
I believe ET/SRB mate has been delayed to the first week of July.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/23/2006 01:47 pm
I think it was mentioned at last Saturday's post-FRR news conference, that ET/SRB mate is scheduled for the first week in July. ;)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/23/2006 07:39 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, the Crew Equipment Integrated
Test with the crew of STS-115 is under way and will continue on
Saturday. The test allows crew members to familiarize themselves with
the vehicle, perform fit checks and verify hardware configurations
that will be used on orbit.

Closeout work in the aft and mid-body areas of Atlantis continues.
Freon coolant loop No. 2 is serviced, and preparations for servicing
water coolant loop No. 1 continue. The coolant loop is part of the
system that cools the avionics bays in the mid-body and the aft of
the orbiter.

In high bay No. 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, stacking of the
STS-115 solid rocket boosters fuel segments is complete. The forward
assembly sections are mated, and joint closeouts are in progress.

Processing of the external fuel tank for STS-115, designated ET-118,
continues in the Vehicle Assembly Building. Workers from the Michoud
Assembly Facility in Louisiana are at KSC and have completed
replacing the tank's liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors, or fuel
gauges.

This week, while workers repaired a minor nick on the side of the
ET-118 tank facing away from the shuttle, they noticed a couple of
beads of water come out of the foam. It appears the water got into
the stringers of the intertank during Hurricane Katrina. An
inspection is under way and is planned to be completed this weekend
or early next week. The work is not expected to affect the
launch-on-need support for STS-121 or STS-115.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 06/24/2006 12:25 am
Some CEIT photos have been posted:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/24/2006 12:53 am
Will the 115 crew also go to the VAB and check out the already-stacked SRBs that will help launch them? :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: astrobrian on 06/24/2006 12:59 am
Why not? I sure would :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/24/2006 02:12 am
Quote
psloss - 24/6/2006  1:12 AM

Some CEIT photos have been posted:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4


I'd want to give her a pat on the head in that photo. Not that it would be a clever thing to do ;)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/24/2006 02:09 pm
Chris Bergin:  " I would want to give her a pat on the head in that photo. Not that it would be a clever thing to do.  ;) "

Be careful with those tiles Chris!  ( laughing out loud )  :)  :)  :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/24/2006 02:19 pm
Also, nice to see the Canadian flag on Astronaut Steve Maclean's shoulder in those Crew Equipment Interface Test photos. My fellow Canadians would agree. I am equally interested in all the flights though. :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/24/2006 06:26 pm
Do they know for sure yet whether or not the water in the STS-300/115 ET is serious enough to cause delays, or are they still investigating?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: astrobrian on 06/24/2006 08:15 pm
Last I heard it was a non issue and would be taken care of without a delay
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 06/26/2006 04:51 am
Quote
shuttlefan - 24/6/2006  10:06 AM

Also, nice to see the Canadian flag on Astronaut Steve Maclean's shoulder in those Crew Equipment Interface Test photos. My fellow Canadians would agree. I am equally interested in all the flights though. :)


I just wonder if that Flag will be flying in 10 years... CEV and all the changes.. Maybe with ESA?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 06/26/2006 01:44 pm
Hopefully Canadian astronauts will someday make it to the moon. :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 06/26/2006 06:49 pm
S'more CEIT photos:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rapoc on 07/03/2006 10:08 am
Is the ET/SRB mating still on track for this week?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/03/2006 10:53 am
Quote
Rapoc - 3/7/2006  10:55 AM

Is the ET/SRB mating still on track for this week?

Yes, if the processing flow is anything to go on. They've now found three days contingency...so everything's looking on schedule.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Mark Dave on 07/04/2006 02:34 am
What are those red covers on the RMS and OBSS?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: MKremer on 07/04/2006 02:50 am
Quote
MarkD - 3/7/2006  9:21 PM

What are those red covers on the RMS and OBSS?

to protect against accidental dings and scrapes to the thermal covers and tubes
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/04/2006 03:11 am
Quote
MarkD - 3/7/2006  10:21 PM

What are those red covers on the RMS and OBSS?

protective covers
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Spirit on 07/04/2006 09:38 pm
Who will be the 7th astronaut on board Atlantis on STS-115?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 07/04/2006 10:29 pm
Quote
Spirit - 5/7/2006  1:25 AM

Who will be the 7th astronaut on board Atlantis on STS-115?

Nobody will be...
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 07/05/2006 12:40 am
Quote
Rapoc - 3/7/2006  5:55 AM

Is the ET/SRB mating still on track for this week?
The update from Wayne Hale at tonight's post-launch briefing is that the ET/SRB mate review is scheduled for tomorrow and the mate itself is set for Thursday.

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: noname_77065 on 07/05/2006 07:03 am
Well with Discovery's successful launch, hopefully Atlantis is go for launch next month!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Spirit on 07/05/2006 07:31 am
That is strange. Isn't the whole point of human space flight to launch humans in space, not empty seats?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: rdale on 07/05/2006 09:07 am
I don't think the goal of the shuttle program is to increase the number of man-hours in space. People take weight, lots of it...
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: spfrss on 07/05/2006 10:39 am
Quote
Spirit - 5/7/2006  2:18 AM

That is strange. Isn't the whole point of human space flight to launch humans in space, not empty seats?

AFAIK cargo for the mission

    *  Second port truss segment (ITS P3/P4)
    * Second set of solar arrays and batteries


is very heavy, so saving a couple hundreds of kilograms of crewmember and his equipment could have a sense.

Mauro
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Wisi on 07/05/2006 10:46 am
Quote
spfrss - 5/7/2006  12:26 PM


AFAIK cargo for the mission

    *  Second port truss segment (ITS P3/P4)
    * Second set of solar arrays and batteries


is very heavy, so saving a couple hundreds of kilograms of crewmember and his equipment could have a sense.

Mauro

right, the whole thing is nearly 16 tons (35000 pounds).
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Spirit on 07/05/2006 11:19 am
Are they going to load the payload in Orbiter Processing Facility or they will do it on the launch pad?
Yesterday I checked STS-115 mission web page on www.nasa.gov and there was no info regarding the mission, except for the six crew members :(
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 07/05/2006 11:42 am
Quote
Spirit - 5/7/2006  7:06 AM

Are they going to load the payload in Orbiter Processing Facility or they will do it on the launch pad?
Yesterday I checked STS-115 mission web page on www.nasa.gov and there was no info regarding the mission, except for the six crew members :(
The main payloads will be loaded at the pad.  The last schedule I saw shows the payloads going out to the pad at the end of the month ahead of Atlantis.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/05/2006 11:54 am
Quote
Spirit - 5/7/2006  3:18 AM

That is strange. Isn't the whole point of human space flight to launch humans in space, not empty seats?

Seats can be added and removed
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 07/06/2006 01:52 am
Has anyone heard if SRB/ET mating is still on for tomorrow?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jewillia on 07/06/2006 02:13 am
I believe John Shannon said in the briefing tonight that Wayne Hale chaired a meeting for go/no go for SRB/ET mating today. Wayne gave the go to proceed.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 07/06/2006 02:32 am
Thanks for the heads-up!! :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: HKS on 07/06/2006 09:12 pm
Hpoefully we'll get some pictures og ET/SRB mate?
When is Atlantis suposed to rollover to the VAB?

And, what is the procedure to ready pad 39-B for a new launch? If I remember correctly Atlantis is suposed to roll out to the pad in the beginning of August.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/06/2006 09:24 pm
Clean it up and reverify systems
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/06/2006 10:13 pm
Quote
jewillia - 6/7/2006  3:00 AM

I believe John Shannon said in the briefing tonight that Wayne Hale chaired a meeting for go/no go for SRB/ET mating today. Wayne gave the go to proceed.

Hats off to the 93 MAF/Lockheed guys that have turned around the ECO R&R in lightning quick time.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 07/07/2006 12:41 am
Anyone know if SRB/ET mating did in fact ocurr today?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 07/07/2006 07:17 pm
NASA TV is now showing a video file of ET-118 being mated to the SRBs that will be used on STS-115.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 07/07/2006 07:37 pm
Quote
DaveS - 7/7/2006  3:04 PM

NASA TV is now showing a video file of ET-118 being mated to the SRBs that will be used on STS-115.
I take it that's a yes?  :)

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/07/2006 07:47 pm
From Today's Shuttle processing status report:

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, workers are busy preparing
Atlantis for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building, currently
scheduled for the last week of July. Final gap filler and tile work
is under way, and final inspections of the radiator are complete.

The payload bay doors are scheduled to be closed for flight late
today. Workers have configured the shuttle main engines for rollover
and are finishing final closeouts in the forward and aft sections.

In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, ET-118, the external
fuel tank for STS-115, has been lifted from the checkout cell, and
operations to mate it to the solid rocket boosters are under way.

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 07/07/2006 08:05 pm
Some stills of the lift to mate are showing up now:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 07/09/2006 01:08 am
Nice images, thanks.. whats the 'foam' like stuff below the black lines on the SRB's
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/09/2006 01:16 pm
Quote
Avron - 8/7/2006  8:55 PM

Nice images, thanks.. whats the 'foam' like stuff below the black lines on the SRB's

Foam.

The lower segment of the SRB has stiffner rings added so that the concussion wave (cannonball effect) from hitting the water doesn't collapse the segment.  The foam does many things.  TPS for heat (IR) from the SRM exhaust and water entry
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 07/09/2006 02:30 pm
Jim :  "  Foam ".

Is it the same foam that's on the ET and has there been any concerns about IT falling off? :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/09/2006 02:51 pm
Quote
shuttlefan - 9/7/2006  10:17 AM

Jim :  "  Foam ".

Is it the same foam that's on the ET and has there been any concerns about IT falling off? :)

It is similar.  It is below the orbiter so no concerns.  BTW, the same family of foam (ET and SRB)  comes in a can and can be purchased at a hardware store.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Spirit on 07/09/2006 03:17 pm
Are they going to move P6 after they install P3/4 and P5?

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 07/09/2006 04:16 pm
Quote
Spirit - 9/7/2006  11:04 AM

Are they going to move P6 after they install P3/4 and P5?

Answered recently here:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=3207&posts=13&mid=46793&highlight=STS%2D120+P6&highlightmode=1&action=search#M46793

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 07/10/2006 01:12 am
Looks like they are almost good-to-go with the STS-115 rollout to the pad, and the subsequent pad flow, now that STS-121 has been deemed safe for re-entry! :)  :)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 07/10/2006 12:31 pm
Oeps, post on wrong thread. Currious there's no delete button?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Mark Dave on 07/11/2006 05:30 pm
And what is the name of the type of foam you can get at the store?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/11/2006 05:39 pm
The foam in can.  Wonder foam.  Foam insulation.  Many names
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 07/11/2006 07:25 pm
i here that july 25 is the rollover date is that right?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 07/12/2006 12:49 am
July 25th is what I hear for rollover... and Aug. 4th for rollout to Pad 39-B.

BTW, they better get the MLP off the pad soon so they can start prepping. for 115's arrival in three weeks. :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 07/12/2006 01:19 am
Quote
norm103 - 11/7/2006  3:12 PM

i here that july 25 is the rollover date is that right?
FYI, Bill Harwood's calendar was updated recently:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html#LAUNCHES

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: MKremer on 07/12/2006 01:34 am
Quote
shuttlefan - 11/7/2006  7:36 PM

BTW, they better get the MLP off the pad soon so they can start prepping. for 115's arrival in three weeks. :)

Yeah, I was wondering why it's been sitting there for so long. I noticed the crawler surface was put down on the pad late last week.

Is it just easier to do some of the MLP maintenance and pre-prep stuff while it's still mounted at the pad, which is why it's left there for such a length of time after launch?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 07/12/2006 01:40 am
the MLP stay at the pad tell after landing of the shuttle thats up.  or at list thats what they did in the past.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 07/13/2006 01:37 pm
the MLP is coming off the pad
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 07/13/2006 01:51 pm
I heard that the rollout to the pad for 115 might move up a few days so I'm assuming rollover to the VAB would also have to be earlier... ;)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 07/13/2006 05:45 pm
Where is DaveS when you need him...
Any movement in the OPF?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 07/13/2006 06:07 pm
The rumour: my source has told me today that the launch window for STS-115 was shortened recently... Now it is from August 28 till September 7... If Atlantis will be launched on September 7, then its undocking from ISS will be on September 16/17... Because of it Russia was compelled to postpone the launch of Soyuz TMA-9 from September 14 till September 18...
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/14/2006 05:21 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, workers are busy preparing
Atlantis for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building, currently
scheduled for the last week of July. Final gap filler and tile work
is under way. The payload bay doors are closed for flight. The
orbiter main engine and maneuvering systems are configured for
rollover. Close-out work in the forward section of the orbiter
continues. On Monday, Atlantis will be powered down for rollover.

In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, close-out work is
under way to mate the solid rocket boosters to ET-118, the external
fuel tank for STS-115.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 07/14/2006 06:30 pm
Quote
anik - 13/7/2006  9:54 PM

The rumour: my source has told me today that the launch window for STS-115 was shortened recently... Now it is from August 28 till September 7... If Atlantis will be launched on September 7, then its undocking from ISS will be on September 16/17... Because of it Russia was compelled to postpone the launch of Soyuz TMA-9 from September 14 till September 18...

My source has specified the information today: if STS-115 will be launched from August 28 till September 3, then Soyuz TMA-9 launch date is September 14; if STS-115 will be launched from September 4 till September 8, then Soyuz TMA-9 launch date is September 18...
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Tahii on 07/14/2006 08:30 pm
Quote
jacqmans - 15/7/2006  5:08 AM

The payload bay doors are closed for flight.
So I take it that they arn't going to bother with a payload for this mission :D
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 07/14/2006 08:53 pm
Quote
anik - 14/7/2006  2:17 PM

My source has specified the information today: if STS-115 will be launched from August 28 till September 3, then Soyuz TMA-9 launch date is September 14; if STS-115 will be launched from September 4 till September 8, then Soyuz TMA-9 launch date is September 18...
Thanks for keeping us informed...Bill Harwood has written a story today about this, some info on vehicle processing:
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts121/060714sts115soyuz/

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: norm103 on 07/14/2006 08:53 pm
no the paylord is going in at the pad like the last 2 have been.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 07/14/2006 08:57 pm
Quote
psloss - 15/7/2006  12:40 AM

Thanks for keeping us informed...Bill Harwood has written a story today about this

Very nice that the information from my source is confirmed officially... :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: anik on 07/15/2006 06:06 pm
Today my source has told me that the opening of STS-115 launch window possibly will be on August 26, but another source has heard only August 27 date...
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: mainengine on 07/16/2006 08:25 pm
and the next will tell you aug 25, and the next aug 29 and so on ....
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 07/17/2006 03:45 am
Quote
mainengine - 16/7/2006  4:12 PM

and the next will tell you aug 25, and the next aug 29 and so on ....


No... Anik will have the data, and its always good... bank on it
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/17/2006 04:52 pm
Rollover review on Friday. Possible rollover Mon or Tues.

A week of contingency now worked.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 07/17/2006 06:01 pm
Quote
Chris Bergin - 17/7/2006  12:39 PM

Rollover review on Friday. Possible rollover Mon or Tues.

A week of contingency now worked.

Looking like we will now have to ramp up for a new launch, with very little down time...
I was wondering if there was anything that would prevent rollover at this time?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/17/2006 09:52 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, workers are making final
preparations for the rollover of Atlantis to the Vehicle Assembly
Building, currently scheduled for July 25. Forward closeouts continue
and T-0 umbilical disconnects are scheduled to be completed today.
The T-0 umbilical is the connection point for ground power to the
orbiter. Final orbiter "power down" for rollover is scheduled for
today. Final tire pressure for flight is under way. Procedures this
week include orbiter jackdown, weight and center-of-gravity
operations, which occur prior to the vehicle's transfer to the
transporter. Atlantis will be placed on its transporter on Wednesday.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: astrobrian on 07/17/2006 10:15 pm
Hale has said that a rollover review this week and rollover probably July 25th with the hope of a day oe two earlier :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 07/17/2006 11:05 pm
Are they all finished establishing the electrical and mechanical connections between the SRBs and ET? :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: astrobrian on 07/18/2006 12:15 am
I kinda got the impression from Wayne Hale that it seemed more just loose ends and paper work. He never really mentioned anything critical that was left. If anyone else can add more fire away
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/18/2006 01:06 am
She's ready to roll (literally).

This thread will soon be closed and we'll move to a live rollover thread - and so on, as we did with 121.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: astrobrian on 07/18/2006 02:40 am

Quote
Chris Bergin - 17/7/2006  7:53 PM  She's ready to roll (literally).   This thread will soon be closed and we'll move to a live rollover thread - and so on, as we did with 121.

 

Music to my ears!  [and probably everyone else here too ;) ]

 

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/19/2006 12:39 pm
Encouraging to see this thread has had over 17,000 views despite all the attention being on her sister, Discovery.

We will move to a rollover thread after the decision is made (on Friday) for when this will occur (Monday or Tuesday).
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: eeergo on 07/19/2006 04:16 pm
Looks like P3 truss segment is already being prepared!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/19/2006 04:51 pm
Quote
eeergo - 19/7/2006  12:03 PM

Looks like P3 truss segment is already being prepared!

That is a piece of MGSE. It is the payload strongback.  It is used to lift large payloads or a whole complement of the orbiter payload bay.  the ISS trusses are to the right of the photo and are completed and waiting for flight..
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: punkboi on 07/19/2006 05:02 pm
Quote
Jim - 19/7/2006  9:38 AM

Quote
eeergo - 19/7/2006  12:03 PM

Looks like P3 truss segment is already being prepared!

That is a piece of MGSE. It is the payload strongback.  It is used to lift large payloads or a whole complement of the orbiter payload bay.  the ISS trusses are to the right of the photo and are completed and waiting for flight..

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rapoc on 07/19/2006 10:11 pm
Quote
eeergo - 19/7/2006  6:03 PM

Looks like P3 truss segment is already being prepared!

Probably tomorrow.
But today they moved the S6 Truss from a workstand to another workstand.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: MKremer on 07/20/2006 12:54 am
They've had new battery boxes laid out on the floor since last week. Must be for this S6, since I believe they already did the battery replacements on P3 and S3.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Mark Dave on 07/20/2006 01:43 pm
Will it be painted? The trusses appear white, even with no fabric over them. Yep, from the photo, it's one of the big solar array trusses, I can see the radiator and solar array tube on the end.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/20/2006 01:57 pm
Quote
MarkD - 20/7/2006  9:30 AM

Will it be painted? The trusses appear white, even with no fabric over them. Yep, from the photo, it's one of the big solar array trusses, I can see the radiator and solar array tube on the end.

The manufacturing of the trusses had been completed long ago and they are in clean rooms.  No painting.  They will probably be covered with MLI blankets
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Mark Dave on 07/20/2006 02:01 pm
I see.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/20/2006 02:18 pm
Other than the 2 stubby S5/P5 spacer trusses, the other one have solar arrays
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: punkboi on 07/20/2006 04:12 pm
Looks like the P3/P4 Truss is finally being prepared
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Mark Dave on 07/20/2006 05:53 pm
When will those be ready to transfer the pad?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: shuttlefan on 07/20/2006 06:04 pm
Payload transfer to the pad is currently set for July 27th.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: HKS on 07/20/2006 09:41 pm
Yes, if I remember correctly Atlantis is scheduled to roll out to the pad the 1st of August.

Cargo out to the pad the 27th sounds correct to me. I guess they have to start packing the P3/P4 trusses in the cargo canister soon!  :)
I think these trusses and solar panels will take up most of Atlantis' payload bay, they are quite big.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: MKremer on 07/21/2006 12:06 am
Quote
HKS - 20/7/2006  4:28 PM

I think these trusses and solar panels will take up most of Atlantis' payload bay, they are quite big.

There's only about 3 feet of free space in front and rear in the payload bay.

The picture here shows P6 in the canister in the changeout room: http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/track-image.cfm?mediaid=5101&mr=m
(I couldn't find one of P6 in the orbiter bay, but since the canister is the same size as the bay, you can get a good idea of how much space it takes up.)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: punkboi on 07/21/2006 12:45 am
Hopefully all the official NASA sites will begin updating with STS-115 info by next Monday.  STS-121 news is SO yesterday...   :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rapoc on 07/21/2006 11:27 am
I think today they will move the P3/4 Truss into the Payload Canister.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 07/21/2006 12:02 pm
Yep, today's the day for P3/P4. Here's a couple of SSPF engineers around the trusses.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/21/2006 12:13 pm
Don't say that.  You will get the techs mad.  Only techs can touch hardware
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rapoc on 07/21/2006 12:19 pm
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 07/21/2006 12:23 pm
Quote
Rapoc - 21/7/2006  7:14 AM

I think today they will move the P3/4 Truss into the Payload Canister.
Noted yesterday by Florida Today:
http://www.floridatoday.com/floridatoday/blogs/spaceteam/2006/07/atlantis-rolls-to-vab-monday.html

And:
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060721/NEWS02/607210335/1007/news02

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 07/21/2006 12:37 pm
It's on it's way to the Payload Cansiter.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rapoc on 07/21/2006 12:45 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 07/21/2006 01:19 pm
P3/P4 Truss is being lowered into a bay, not the payload canister.

EDIT: You are right, MKremer. It's the S6 Truss :(
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: MKremer on 07/21/2006 01:32 pm
Isn't that the weight scale frame?

(also, it looks like the whole truss is missing quite a few sheets of thermal covering)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rapoc on 07/21/2006 01:50 pm
Yes it is!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 07/21/2006 02:22 pm
Quote
dutch courage - 21/7/2006  9:06 AM

P3/P4 Truss is being lowered into a bay, not the payload canister.

EDIT: You are right, MKremer. It's the S6 Truss :(

Eh.. how do you compare the P3.P4 vs S6?

P3/4 has a rotary joint?.. and S6 does not ... looks like a rotary joint to me... ???  

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rapoc on 07/21/2006 02:28 pm
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: MKremer on 07/21/2006 02:29 pm
Truss is finally back up and heading for the payload canister.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 07/21/2006 02:32 pm
Quote
Avron - 21/7/2006  4:09 PM

Quote
dutch courage - 21/7/2006  9:06 AM

P3/P4 Truss is being lowered into a bay, not the payload canister.

EDIT: You are right, MKremer. It's the S6 Truss :(

Eh.. how do you compare the P3.P4 vs S6?

P3/4 has a rotary joint?.. and S6 does not ... looks like a rotary joint to me... ???  


I wrongly assumed from previous posts that it was the P3/P4 Truss but looking at pictures of the S6 Truss I have concluded that it is the S6 Truss.

EDIT: althoug the P3/P4 would be placed in the payload canister today... looks like I'm wrong again... :(


Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rapoc on 07/21/2006 02:35 pm
Does anybody know how many payload canister KSC has?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: DaveS on 07/21/2006 02:37 pm
Quote
Rapoc - 21/7/2006  4:22 PM

Does anybody know how many payload canister KSC has?
I believe that there's two, one to go with each transporter.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 02:39 pm
closing in now....
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 07/21/2006 02:40 pm
This is P3/P4... same item thats going in now.. its not S6..  ref:http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/detail.cfm?mediaid=25772

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/21/2006 02:42 pm
Quote
MKremer - 21/7/2006  9:19 AM

Isn't that the weight scale frame?

(also, it looks like the whole truss is missing quite a few sheets of thermal covering)

That is the shuttle interface stand.  The equivilent in the O&C was called the CITE stand.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 02:43 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rapoc on 07/21/2006 02:46 pm
Quote
DaveS - 21/7/2006  4:24 PM
Quote
Rapoc - 21/7/2006  4:22 PM
Does anybody know how many payload canister KSC has?
I believe that there's two, one to go with each transporter.

OK. Thanks.
The second Canister is in the O&C Building. Is asked because one of them must bring Leonardo from the OPF back to the SSPF, or not?

Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 02:47 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Rapoc on 07/21/2006 02:48 pm
The S6 Truss is on the left, on the right is the S3/4 Truss.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 02:50 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 02:54 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 07/21/2006 03:45 pm
Quote
Rapoc - 21/7/2006  4:35 PM

The S6 Truss is on the left, on the right is the S3/4 Truss.

Do you have a floor plan of the SSPF?
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: punkboi on 07/21/2006 04:06 pm
Look at those lazy bums just lying around on the canister's doors.  That's what our taxes paying for???

...


Haha, just kidding.  I love the space program  ;)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 04:15 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 04:16 pm
Quote
punkboi - 21/7/2006  5:53 PM

Look at those lazy bums just lying around on the canister's doors.  That's what our taxes paying for???

...


Haha, just kidding.  I love the space program  ;)


Not my taxes  :)  :)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 04:19 pm
Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Truss Segments and Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Target Launch Date: Aug. 28, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, Atlantis has been placed on a
transporter that will be used to transfer the orbiter to the Vehicle
Assembly Building. Rollover of Atlantis is currently scheduled for
Monday morning. Once in the VAB, the orbiter will be lifted into high
bay 3 for mating to the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters.

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: punkboi on 07/21/2006 05:15 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 05:55 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 05:58 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 06:01 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 06:03 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 06:05 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2006 08:12 pm
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: astrobrian on 07/21/2006 09:52 pm
At least they arent more JAFOs ;)   I'm not sure who here coined the term JAFO the first time but it has stuck with me ever since lol
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 07/21/2006 11:58 pm
KSC is getting rather quick i.r.t. images... nice. ;)
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: MKremer on 07/22/2006 03:31 pm
I still think the truss is sadly lacking some thermal covers.
Unless there will be one or two sheets to be installed in one of the installation spacewalks?
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: punkboi on 07/22/2006 04:04 pm
Quote
MKremer - 22/7/2006  8:18 AM

I still think the truss is sadly lacking some thermal covers.
Unless there will be one or two sheets to be installed in one of the installation spacewalks?

I think they left those areas without thermal covers because that's where the track for the Mobile Transporter is located.  Thermal covers might get in the way in case future spacewalks have to be done to repair that area, a la STS-121

:)
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Avron on 07/22/2006 04:34 pm
The truss has a number of covers on it, but not over the rail section, there may be a few covers that might be added during  the EVA,  also without the covers, the cameras on the outside of the ISS may have a better view at the latching  systems...
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: t walker on 07/22/2006 10:38 pm
Isn't this truss structure identical to the one already on the ISS? You know, the one sticking out the top that in time will move round the side.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: psloss on 07/22/2006 10:52 pm
Quote
t walker - 22/7/2006  6:25 PM

Isn't this truss structure identical to the one already on the ISS? You know, the one sticking out the top that in time will move round the side.
No, the 3/4 trusses are different from the P6 truss on-orbit or the S6 truss that will fly last.  The obvious difference is that the 3/4 truss has a solar alpha rotary joint, about which the sets of solar array wings will eventually rotate.

Bill Harwood just recently posted a Boeing reference (http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/115/p3p4boeing.html) on P3/P4.

Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 07/25/2006 01:38 pm
The move of the P3/P4 truss is covered in today's NASA Video file (TRT 2:26)

And an interview with Robbie Ashley, STS-115 Payload Mission Manager.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: MKremer on 07/25/2006 02:21 pm
It's interesting that the SARJ is one aspect of the truss that I don't think any completed ISS illustration has ever shown in use.
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/25/2006 03:14 pm
Quote
MKremer - 25/7/2006  10:08 AM

It's interesting that the SARJ is one aspect of the truss that I don't think any completed ISS illustration has ever shown in use.

I think you are getting mix up with the beta joint.  Any illustration that doesn't have the arrays vertical or horizonal would be using the alpha gimbal
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: MKremer on 07/25/2006 04:23 pm
True, but either way, most illustrations always show the arrays flat, in the same plane as the station, and I can't recall *ever* seeing the arrays rotated on the alpha joint, regardless of any beta gimbal angle pictured in an illustration.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/26/2006 10:15 am
Payload is at the pad:
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 07/26/2006 11:19 am
According to Floridatoday http://www.floridatoday.com/floridatoday/blogs/spaceteam/
the P3/P4 Truss was moved to the pad 39B overnight.

Any reason for this overnight move?

EDIT: thanks, Jim
Title: Re: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Jim on 07/26/2006 12:04 pm
Most moves are at night.  Weather is better at that time.  Also one team takes it to the pad and another canister team with the standard 1st shift shuttle pad crew can support the lift during the day.  FYI two different contractors working this:  Boeing as the CAPPS contractor is responsible for the canister operations.  USA runs the pad and controls the crane and the PCR.  The payload inside is the responsibility of the contractor whose hardware is holding it.  USA doesn't get to "claim" the payload until the PGHM holds it.
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 07/26/2006 12:41 pm
It looks like the lift of the payload canister is about to begin...
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: dutch courage on 07/26/2006 01:40 pm
Payload canister going up!
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: jacqmans on 07/26/2006 02:18 pm
Title: RE: How's Atlantis' processing going?
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/26/2006 02:58 pm
Thread locked. This was only for when she was in the OPF.