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Following the processing of Atlantis/STS-117 on her second trip out of the VAB for this mission.
Rollout is currently 4am EDT (9am UK). NASA TV coverage from 6:30am EDT (11:30am UK).
Prior to TV coverage, there are a host of webcameras we can use to follow and post images from, which I'm encouraging as most of the Americans here will still be tucked up in bed when there's first motion.
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/ - click on the screen that shows rollout (usually channel 3 - save image and attach to a post here.)
http://webcams.ksc.nasa.gov/ImgCap/default.htm - is another.
We know people who'll be down with Atlantis for first motion, but if there's any lurking USA guys, please feel free to help us with any news you may know on status.
This thread will be used for pad processing and 117 updates until we get to S0007 Launch Countdown ops.
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Rollout is currently 4am EDT (9am UK). NASA TV coverage from 6:30am EDT (11:30am UK).
I believe 4am EDT is the same as 8am UK.
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marsguy - 15/5/2007 12:42 AM
Rollout is currently 4am EDT (9am UK). NASA TV coverage from 6:30am EDT (11:30am UK).
I believe 4am EDT is the same as 8am UK.
Nope. UK is currently on BST(British Summer Time) which is GMT+1. The roll is 0800 GMT.
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Given the start time. There won't be the rerun of the ISS coverage at 7 am EST, 6 am CST will there? That's what I was worrying about for rollout being cut short.
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MarkD - 15/5/2007 1:01 AM
Given the start time. There won't be the rerun of the ISS coverage at 7 am EST, 6 am CST will there? That's what I was worrying about for rollout being cut short.
No. Reruns are usually preempted by the live program on at that time.
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This is for rdale whenever he is here again: What kind of meteorological chances do you give the rollout? Any signs for heavy rain and t-storms during the roll?
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The Weather Channel's forecast for KSC says that there is a 30% chance of rain for late tonight and same goes for tomorrow throughout the day. Isolated thunderstorms are possible. Wind ENE at 15-25 mph at times.
Of course, it's not always the most reliable source. I am sure rdale can give a much more detailed account of the weather for tomorrow. ;)
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Whew, good. Yeah, I hate that when something interesting is cut off at the last moment. Such as during the last rollout.
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About 5 hours to first motion!
Sorry about that, rdale. I am on Central time and got confused. :(
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I don't see much potential for storms overnight, they've been setting up farther to the south towards Palm Beach. Closest lightning is about 60 miles south of KSC.
Showers will continue to form offshore and move inland on some brisk east winds, so it's possible one of those could pick up a little punch and flare up, but I'd doubt anything will happen in the morning timeframe that would prohibit rollout...
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Michael22090 - 14/5/2007 11:13 PM
About 6 hours to first motion!
Rollout is scheduled for 4am EDT, which is less than 5 hours from when you posted... And we probably don't need a rollout countdown anyways ;>
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Latest exposure forecast for the rollout:
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Can you post link to some webcam images here, please?
Now about 2 hours to first motion.
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Latest exposure forecast and the crawler is the VAB.
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It appears that 1st motion has been delayed as the crawler still hasn't lifted MLP-2 with Atlantis of the VAB pedestals.
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Dave do you have some source at the scene or are you telling this from the (not so perfect) webcam view? :)
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uko - 15/5/2007 10:13 AM
Dave do you have some source at the scene or are you telling this from the (not so perfect) webcam view? :)
Webcam view+alot of experience watching Crawler operations. So can tell whether it's jacked up or not. Currently it's jacked up so the crawler only barely touches the bottom of the MLP.
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Latest exposure forecast:
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As of 4:34 am EDT, the crawler still hasn't lifted the MLP off the VAB pedestals. Once this starts, it should only be 15 minutes or so until first motion out of HB-1.
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Not unusual for delays in the start. Dave can you give any tips how you can tell when the MLP is lifted from the cam shots? So small I sure can't tell.
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lsullivan411 - 15/5/2007 10:45 AM
Not unusual for delays in the start. Dave can you give any tips how you can tell when the MLP is lifted from the cam shots? So small I sure can't tell.
Just keep an eye on the crawler and Atlantis's vertical tail tip and keep flipping between two images to see if they have moved in the latter one.
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JEL ops are now in work. Shouldn't be more than 15-20 minutes unril 1st motion.
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There does seem to be movement upwards in the latest images when you flick between them (probably not viewable with these attached pictures though sorry).
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We have first motion!
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Sure is - and thanks for the hints on the lifting - too early in the morning for me to think of simple things like comparing one pic to the other!
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Atlantis have now spent 75 days in the VAB since it was rolled back to the VAB on March 4. Total pad time is 24 days.
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Hi everyone.
I'm new to this site. And it's a nice place to be. I'm from Holland and i'm following the second rollout of Atlantis to 39A.
Where can i find the site were the live feeds are that are posted here?
Thanks
Take Care
Dave
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Davejfb - 15/5/2007 10:12 AM
Hi everyone.
I'm new to this site. And it's a nice place to be. I'm from Holland and i'm following the second rollout of Atlantis to 39A.
Where can i find the site were the live feeds are that are posted here?
Thanks
Take Care
Dave
Welcome. We have lots of Dutch on here! Look at the first post on this thread for the links.
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Thanks Chris i found it.
You're doing a great job here provinding insites of this great program.
Keep up the good work.
Take Care
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Report on the ground, Atlantis is part way out of the VAB right now. Waiting for a first hand account about the appearance of the tank.
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Now we'll just have to wait until the live coverage on NASA TV starts at 6:30 am EDT(1030 UTC).
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"Can't make out any dents or cuts" - from those on the ground, speaking about what they can see of the ET so far.
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Why don't they get at least one webcam sorted out for this rollout? They have before.
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FransonUK - 15/5/2007 6:12 AM
Why don't they get at least one webcam sorted out for this rollout? They have before.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure there's that much recognition that there are lots of folks watching the webcams and this is the overnight shift. (For which KSC PAO may not get much compensation.)
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Rollout screen up on NTV now...
(The Public Channel, anyway.)
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Coverage have started.
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I'm appreciating the pictures, Felix, thanks! Being stuck at work I don't have NTV on hand :-)
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Just remember guys, don't throw too many images into one post. It'll slow down the loading of pages.
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Latest projections by NASA shows that MLP-2 will be harddown at the pad by noon EDT(1600 UTC).
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Is it just me or have the crawler stopped? The infamous overheated bearing issue strikes again!
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Looks pretty stationary to me. :(
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They threw in a little sound now...
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It's moving again.
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Funny, I don't see any difference in the ET. *shrugs*
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Article for rollout, with L2 information as the basis:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5101
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Aside from the large area repairs (and I believe it was noted that there was a "coating" spray over at least one area), the others will be similar to the STS-70 and STS-96 tanks, which were hard to see from a distance. They'll be noticeable up close, but the shot from OTV 001 is looking across a couple of miles right now.
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You can start to see the "speckling" in the current shot from up the crawlerway...
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Is this Crawler Hanz or Franz?
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I hadn't realised the damage was so anisotropic. I guess they're happy that the torque due to friction will be managable.
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Not that it matters to me but it looks a bit of a mess as well.
I could imagine any anti-Nasa image orientated media out there picking on it, citing it's age and describing "the new 21st century dragged-through-a-hedge-backward look!" or worse.
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Celebrimbor - 15/5/2007 2:03 PM I hadn't realised the damage was so anisotropic. I guess they're happy that the torque due to friction will be managable.
I don't think the repairs will make much of a difference... the foam texture is roughly the same, and obviously the material's density is identical to the non-repaired areas. The friction differential will probably be some orders of magnitude below the forces induced by, for example, non-predictable atmospheric variations. I'm no expert and maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think the nozzles will have to move an inch to compensate because of the repairs.
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Total distance travelled so far is 3.19 km.
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Pushing.. :)..
Keeping an eye on the bearings
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Front right track seems to have all the attention from the current views.
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Anybody know what the water spraying is for?
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the driver ?..
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Sweet.
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Any idea why the flag is at half staff? Or is there another pole behind it fooling me?
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That flag appears to be on a single story pole by the gateshack.
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Good morning Atlantis! Great to see her out in the sunlight again! The tank looks great. Just some little specks. The only really noticable area is on the left-hand side of tanke towards the top where they basically have a 'blanket' of new foam. Congrats to everyone who helped get that baby fixed! You made it possible for this rollout to take place today. Great job and go Atlantis!
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End of NASA TV coverage. Now they're providing ISS commentary hour...
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Rollout coverage is now on the NASA TV Media channel, while the ISS comm. hour is on the public channel, here is the link for the media channel in Windows Media player format:
http://www.nasa.gov/145590main_Digital_Media.asx
Richard
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They're replaying coverage from this morning.
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joncz - 15/5/2007 10:25 AM
That flag appears to be on a single story pole by the gateshack.
Flags at Half Staff. The flags of the United States are flying at half staff at the Kennedy Space Center today, May 15, in compliance with a proclamation of the President recognizing the joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended, (76 Stat.676), authorizing and requesting the President to designate May 15 of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the week in which it falls as "Police Week," and by Public Law 103-322, as amended, (36 U.S.C. 136), which directed that the flag be flown at half staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day
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Does anyone have any close ups of the 'speckled' tank? It's just a bit hard to see with these NASA TV screenshots. :)
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Can anyone confirm that crawler is not rolling and it's in the launch place at the pad? ;)
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Have a look on the KSC Media Gallery:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
"Thumbnail" example attached:
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shuttlepilot - 15/5/2007 5:18 PM
Can anyone confirm that crawler is not rolling and it's in the launch place at the pad? ;)
It's not hard down yet. That should be in about 40 minutes or so.
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Here's where we want to be!
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"It's not hard down yet. That should be in about 40 minutes or so."
Any news as to whether Atlantis is hard down on the pad? I ask as that was just under an hour ago ;-)
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Chandonn - 15/5/2007 12:16 PM
Here's where we want to be!
Well, or here:
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Gekko0481 - 15/5/2007 12:20 PM
Any news as to whether Atlantis is hard down on the pad? I ask as that was just under an hour ago ;-)
At 11:47 am local.
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just came from university, so glad to see Atlantis back on pad :-D.........go Atlantis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks everybody who posted pictures.....
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video - STS-117 Rollout to Launch 39A - May 2007
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2075&Itemid=2
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A pretty smooth rollout indeed... :)
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Beanie Cap and Orbiter Access Arm extended
EDIT: Sweet! It worked! By the way, whats the proper way of saying that the above arms have been put in position, something tells me that extended isnt the right word. Also, another webcam site for the complex:
Link
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The ET looks pretty much the same as usual. ;)
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ShuttleDiscovery - 15/5/2007 1:30 PM
A pretty smooth rollout indeed... :)
Very smooth -- that looked a lot faster than in the past, what , four years?
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shuttlefan - 15/5/2007 5:59 PM
The ET looks pretty much the same as usual. ;)
Well, apart from the fairly obvious white patch I've just seen ;)
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Could have looked a lot worse.
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Beanie Cap retracted
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Gekko0481 - 15/5/2007 3:00 PM
Beanie Cap retracted
Why?
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The beanie cap is retracted now as it is not needed for pre-launch processing, it was extended just for fit checks and to check out that its GSE (ground support equipment) is operational (swing arm motors, hinge motors for raising and lowering the vent hood). The orbiter access arm and the hydrogen vent arm (at the back of the ET Intertank) will remain extended until the appropriate times in the countdown when they are removed. Here are some images of the hail repair sites during the rollout this morning, these are from the KSC Media site:
Richard
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Are the repairs likely to change color now that they are exposed to UV?
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Lee Jay - 15/5/2007 9:58 PM
Are the repairs likely to change color now that they are exposed to UV?
Yes.
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RSS is now being extended around Atlantis.
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The only big change is that big white spot of new foam on the left side of the LO2 tank. It'll sure make the tank look different on launch day when there is a big yellow smudge.
Even the new tanks, the foam looks a yellow rust color. I also saw in the video clips of the ET repair each time you see the spray of new foam, the color is yellow then turns white as it cures.
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is whats shown in that image a T-0 umbillical? I remember seeing footage of it disconnecting (might be STS-1) but cant seem to find it again
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Gekko0481 - 15/5/2007 10:40 PM
is whats shown in that image a T-0 umbillical? I remember seeing footage of it disconnecting (might be STS-1) but cant seem to find it again
It's the LH2 vent arm. It is connected to umbilical port on backside of the ET.
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Thanks for posting the photos guys. Started back at work a couple of weeks ago, so I missed all of todays events. I am hoping the launch is evening over here in the UK. I will be able to watch then. I hate work.
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paulhbell07 - 15/5/2007 11:04 PM
Thanks for posting the photos guys. Started back at work a couple of weeks ago, so I missed all of todays events. I am hoping the launch is evening over here in the UK. I will be able to watch then. I hate work.
It's in the evening alright. Launch is currently at 23:37:56 UTC on June 8.
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Close up view of tank, not as funny looking as I thought!
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What are those men doing right now?
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Justin Wheat - 16/5/2007 1:00 AM
What are those men doing right now?
Connecting the LH2 vent arm to the ET.
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FYI: Crew will come to KSC on June 4 for the launch. Propellants will begin to load into Atlantis on May 23. S3/S4 will be placed into Atlantis's payload bay on Wednesday.
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DaveS - 15/5/2007 3:17 PM
paulhbell07 - 15/5/2007 11:04 PM
Thanks for posting the photos guys. Started back at work a couple of weeks ago, so I missed all of todays events. I am hoping the launch is evening over here in the UK. I will be able to watch then. I hate work.
It's in the evening alright. Launch is currently at 23:37:56 UTC on June 8.
Yes, works out to 7:37:56 EDT. Since sunset at the Cape on June 8, 2007 will occur at 8:18pm EDT, should be plenty of daylight left providing a nice view of the ascent.
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And it's been confirmed the launch will be live in the UK on Sky News and BBC News 24.
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I am selfishly hoping for a 24 hour scrub so I can make the drive down for a wonderful evening viewing.
However, as a true space fan a clean launch on the first day of the window is always desirable. But it is the shuttle.....
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I wonder if afternoon thunderstorms will play a role during the launch time?
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Justin Wheat - 16/5/2007 2:46 AM
I wonder if afternoon thunderstorms will play a role during the launch time?
Doubt it. The launch is in the evening, not in the afternoon.
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The coolest launches are at sunset or at dawn. Examples being STS-98 and STS-102. :)
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MarkD - 15/5/2007 9:12 PM
The coolest launches are at sunset or at dawn. Examples being STS-98 and STS-102. :)
you mean sts-96 sts-98 was lauched at 6:12 PM
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STS-98 was six minutes after sunset, with a full moon to compliment. STS-96 was 20 minutes after sunrise. STS-102 occurred at sunrise.
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mceddiemac - 16/5/2007 5:29 AM
..by the way Ben, great shots of todays rollout on your website. Some really incredible shots, nice work!
I would love to see those pictures. I'm new here so were can i find Ben's site?
Thanks!
Dave
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Davejfb - 16/5/2007 1:22 AM
mceddiemac - 16/5/2007 5:29 AM
..by the way Ben, great shots of todays rollout on your website. Some really incredible shots, nice work!
I would love to see those pictures. I'm new here so were can i find Ben's site?
The homepage is here:
http://www.launchphotography.com/
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Ben - 16/5/2007 4:11 AM
STS-98 was six minutes after sunset, with a full moon to compliment. STS-96 was 20 minutes after sunrise. STS-102 occurred at sunrise.
Don't forget about STS-108 (Endeavour) ;) It launched on 5th December 2001 at 04:19 PM, so it was about sunset at Cape Canaveral.
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Let's keep this on launch processing updates please.
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FWIW, a couple of caps of the large repair area on the tank as seen from OTV 004:
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Great rollout image here:
http://www.pbase.com/rod_ostoski/image/78879611
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Justin Wheat - 15/5/2007 7:19 PM
FYI: Crew will come to KSC on June 4 for the launch. Propellants will begin to load into Atlantis on May 23. S3/S4 will be placed into Atlantis's payload bay on Wednesday.
Was that Wednesday, May 16? Is S3/4 already on board?
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S3/S4 kept in the PCR at the pad this whole time while the shuttle was rolled back and in the VAB right?
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STS-500Cmdr - 16/5/2007 12:08 AM
S3/S4 kept in the PCR at the pad this whole time while the shuttle was rolled back and in the VAB right?
And was it under change or will the charge it now?
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STS-500Cmdr - 16/5/2007 11:08 PM
S3/S4 kept in the PCR at the pad this whole time while the shuttle was rolled back and in the VAB right?
Correct. They were unsure if they would have to destack the vehicle or not when they rolled back to the VAB and they didn't want to handle Atlantis with S3/S4 in the payload bay. So, they removed it from the payload bay and left it in the PCR.
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yes they did place the S3/S4 into the payload bay on wednesday
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I guess the next event would be fueling, and liftoff, right?
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there's more to it than that. Fueling an liftoff is only a shorthand of what the process is like. It's very detailed and that is why the shuttle is at the pad for 24 days. If they just fueled and liftoffed then they would only be at the pad for a couple of days, that is why they roll out to the pad about a month ahead of launch.
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Ford Mustang - 17/5/2007 9:08 PM
I guess the next event would be fueling, and liftoff, right?
Very detailed rundown of the timing of all the events is on L2...
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Ford Mustang - 17/5/2007 9:08 PM
I guess the next event would be fueling, and liftoff, right?
Logically yes... but as Rob notes, physically there is a lot of work to do and a few small other items like testing, cleaning and loading
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nathan.moeller - 17/5/2007 1:25 AM
STS-500Cmdr - 16/5/2007 11:08 PM
S3/S4 kept in the PCR at the pad this whole time while the shuttle was rolled back and in the VAB right?
Correct. They were unsure if they would have to destack the vehicle or not when they rolled back to the VAB and they didn't want to handle Atlantis with S3/S4 in the payload bay. So, they removed it from the payload bay and left it in the PCR.
Does anyone know when last the truss was charged.. last time( another mission --- STS 115 ?) , there was a potential issue of exceeding the time allowable for sitting on the pad with the truss loaded, while a number of launch delays were played out, including weather.. ECO etc..
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"Pad validation is finishing up. Looks like pad flow can support June 8 launch."
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Avron - 17/5/2007 11:24 PM
nathan.moeller - 17/5/2007 1:25 AM
STS-500Cmdr - 16/5/2007 11:08 PM
S3/S4 kept in the PCR at the pad this whole time while the shuttle was rolled back and in the VAB right?
Correct. They were unsure if they would have to destack the vehicle or not when they rolled back to the VAB and they didn't want to handle Atlantis with S3/S4 in the payload bay. So, they removed it from the payload bay and left it in the PCR.
Does anyone know when last the truss was charged.. last time( another mission --- STS 115 ?) , there was a potential issue of exceeding the time allowable for sitting on the pad with the truss loaded, while a number of launch delays were played out, including weather.. ECO etc..
The plan at this point is to do the Final Batt Charge about 6 days prior to the June 8 launch date, this will give 8 days of "On Pad Time" past the first launch attempt before another recharge is required. Charging interval is about 14 days.
Mark Kirkman
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Hello everybody. This my first post and I have a simple question to start. Since it was decided that Clayton Anderson would go to the ISS on the STS 117 mission, I guess a seat must be installed on the middeck for him (since the initial crew was supposed to count 6 astronauts). Does anybody knows if this seat was already installed or when it would be installed if it's not done yet.
François Valenduc
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francoisvalenduc - 18/5/2007 8:21 PM
Hello everybody. This my first post and I have a simple question to start. Since it was decided that Clayton Anderson would go to the ISS on the STS 117 mission, I guess a seat must be installed on the middeck for him (since the initial crew was supposed to count 6 astronauts). Does anybody knows if this seat was already installed or when it would be installed if it's not done yet.
François Valenduc
The only permanent seats are the CDR and PLT seats. The MS seats are removeable and only installed during the TCDT after which they're removed again and during the launch countdown.
Post-landing the MS seats are removed and then re-installed for the TCDT while the vehicle is out at the pad.
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Mission: STS-117 - 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) -
S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Launch Pad 39A
Launch Date: Targeted for June 8, 2007
Crew: Sturckow, Archambault, Reilly, Swanson, Forrester, Olivas and
Anderson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
Space Shuttle Atlantis arrived back at Launch Pad 39A on Tuesday,
following repairs to the foam on its hail-damaged external fuel tank.
Mission STS-117 was originally targeted for launch in mid-March,
before a severe thunderstorm in late February generated hail that
pelted the tank, ET-124.
Pad operations are proceeding on schedule. Launch pad validation is
complete, and the S3/S4 payload has been installed in Atlantis'
payload bay. Preparations have begun for hypergolic propellant
loading, which is scheduled for next week. The orbiter weather
protection curtain walls have been extended, providing additional
protection to the vehicle.
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Thanks as always, Jacqmans.
3 weeks to launch.
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From people I've talked to, this is a very smooth flow so far. Must be heading towards the easiest FRR they've had to face in a long time.
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we still have 2 weeks left till FRR. Let's hope nothing serious comes up in pad processing these last weeks. We don't need something bad to happen again or it will start effecting the schedule.
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Hmm, everything seems good to go now that she's back at the pad. Too bad I can't see this on NTV, but L2 should help me out there. :)
Thanks for the update, Jacqmans.
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Justin Wheat - 18/5/2007 9:22 PM
We don't need something bad to happen again or it will start effecting the schedule.
No, there are still some contingency days so no need to assume that anything will affect the launch.
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Rounded up some of the L2 processing etc. info into an article:
Smooth flow - Atlantis remains on schedule for June 8 launch
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5105
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On the KSC shuttle status report (3:30 Sat. May 19) an oxidizer leak was reported. The report also stated that propellant loading preparations were put on hold. Does anyone have any additional information on this?
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It's happened after any documeted reports come out (until Monday). Will try and ask around.
Sorry I had to delete the phone number, that was at request.
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Has this happened before and is it a major issue?
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Justin Wheat - 19/5/2007 10:00 AM
Has this happened before and is it a major issue?
Not sure yet if it's a major issue. I also don't know if it's in one of the OMS pods or the Reaction Control System.
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shuttlefan - 19/5/2007 10:05 AM
Justin Wheat - 19/5/2007 10:00 AM
Has this happened before and is it a major issue?
Not sure yet if it's a major issue. I also don't know if it's in one of the OMS pods or the Reaction Control System.
... or in the pad connection(s) or fueling hardware (seeing as the post doesn't specifically mention a leak originating within the orbiter itself).
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Nothing to worry about.
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Flightstar - 19/5/2007 10:39 AM
Nothing to worry about.
Meaning it's minor and fixed for sure; or minor and adapted to without a firm resolution and correction?
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They are not uncommon and a day's delay won't be a problem, as that was saved via the rollout a day earlier.
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Chris Bergin - 19/5/2007 8:54 AM It's happened after any documeted reports come out (until Monday). Will try and ask around. Sorry I had to delete the phone number, that was at request.
Are you going to write an article up on monday about the issue, or are you going to just post into the thread.
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Justin Wheat - 21/5/2007 2:53 AM
Chris Bergin - 19/5/2007 8:54 AM It's happened after any documeted reports come out (until Monday). Will try and ask around. Sorry I had to delete the phone number, that was at request.
Are you going to write an article up on monday about the issue, or are you going to just post into the thread.
Judging from FlightStar's and Davie_OPF's replies, it was a very minor thing that has now been solved and is hardly worth mentioning.
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STS 117 / OV 104 / Pad A
Hyperloading preps in work
Payload vertical processing in work
The payload bay centerline latch inspection and screw replacements completed
MSDLS #3 R&R
Preps for EMU functional checkout in work
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Chris Bergin - 21/5/2007 9:40 AM
STS 117 / OV 104 / Pad A
Hyperloading preps in work
Payload vertical processing in work
The payload bay centerline latch inspection and screw replacements completed
MSDLS #3 R&R
Preps for EMU functional checkout in work
Chris, anything new on the oxidizer leak or has that been pretty-much put to bed? ;)
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Take a quick peek at DaveS's reply just a few inches above...
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Just T-18 days now! ;)
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STS 117 / OV 104 / Pad A
Power is up
Power up Tuesday 06:00
S00024 preps for propellant servicing in work
Preps for EMU functional in work
Vertical payload ops in work
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Extensive FRR coverage begins on L2 tomorrow with return to MOD FRR and pre-FRR.
As above, not long to go now and for the new people here, make sure you've got your seatbeats on!
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Getting very close! Everthing smooth so far...lets keep our fingers cross that we can make it through the 18 days with no problems!
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Oxydizer leak was not an issue (official). No hit on schedule.
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Chris Bergin - 21/5/2007 9:45 PM
for the new people here, make sure you've got your seatbeats on!
...and please don't post one liners that consist primarily of:
"that's good news"
"only xx days to go"
"nice pics"
"let's keep our fingers crossed"
"i hope the weather stays nice"
"any more information on the ... "
;)
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Article collated from L2 info: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5108
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When are the crew materials put in for flight, food, equipment, etc?
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MarkD - 22/5/2007 11:51 PM
When are the crew materials put in for flight, food, equipment, etc?
About a week or so prior to launch.
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Crew equipment late stow Thursday 06/07/07
24...40...00...06:49:12 PM...Flight crew equipment late stow
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html#COUNT major countdown timeline
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Late stows (and even late-late stows) are normal for every mission.
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yes they are. I was just giving the date of the late stow
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Justin Wheat - 22/5/2007 6:28 PM
yes they are. I was just giving the date of the late stow
It's not really a date, though, it's more like whenever they get to L-25 hours.
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Justin Wheat - 22/5/2007 3:09 PM
Crew equipment late stow Thursday 06/07/07
24...40...00...06:49:12 PM...Flight crew equipment late stow
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html#COUNT major countdown timeline
Thanks for the update, Justin!
:)
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Why do they call them 'late stows'? I mean, why not put everything in there at the same time?
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Ford Mustang - 23/5/2007 4:10 PM Why do they call them 'late stows'? I mean, why not put everything in there at the same time?
Because things like food cannot stay on the orbiter long before flight. Food gets put into its containers the day before launch so it doesn't go bad before to long
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Incorrect, regardless of when it is stowed most shuttle food and drink is prepackaged long before flight and is good for years. Few exceptions include items such as fresh fruit or candy.
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the containers in which the food is stored is placed in the shuttle the day before launch. I didn't mean to say that the food can't last long.
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MarkD - 23/5/2007 7:13 PM What happens in the crew module between pad arrival and launch? I mean besides bringing the crew belongings and supplies?
"General" questions can be discussed in the Shuttle Q&A thread
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=6156&posts=269&start=1
Let's stick to STS-117 updates in this thread.
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Getting back on topic... I believe we are at T-15 days for the first launch opportunity.
Per the previous posts, there are no issues being worked at present. ISS has just been reboosted to prepare for docking with Atlantis (article: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5109), then Expedition 15 is turning their attention to installing the orbital debris shields on Zvezda which were brought up on STS-116 (same article).
Here is a morning shot of Atlantis on the pad.
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NASA Announces News Conference on Next Shuttle Launch
NASA managers have scheduled a news conference at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., no earlier than 2 p.m. EDT, Thursday, May 31, to discuss the status of the upcoming space shuttle mission. The news conference will begin after the conclusion of a Flight Readiness Review, a two-day meeting to assess preparations for shuttle Atlantis' mission, designated STS-117.
The May 30-31 review may produce a number of key decisions about the flight, including selection of an official launch date for Atlantis' voyage to the International Space Station. The current target launch date is June 8 at 7:38 p.m. The briefing participants are:
-- Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations
-- Wayne Hale, Space Shuttle Program manager
-- Mike Leinbach, NASA launch director
Also on May 31 at 9 a.m., the 13th and final edition of "NASA's Implementation Plan for Space Shuttle Return to Flight and Beyond" will be released. The implementation plan demonstrated NASA's progress in safely returning shuttles to flight. This edition includes information on changes and modifications tested during the two Return to Flight missions, STS-114 in 2005 and STS-121 in 2006. This completes the Return to Flight effort that concluded with STS-121.
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New crew photo with Anderson. Notice the updated patches on everybody. :)
http://www.spacefacts.de/mission/photo2/sts-117.jpg
Hope the link works!
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Nice photo. They placed the updated patches on everyone by computer. Along with Anderson.
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Justin Wheat - 24/5/2007 5:28 PM
Nice photo. They placed the updated patches on everyone by computer. Along with Anderson.
Yeah. Can't find an updated one of STS-118 yet but i'll post it as soon as I do! :)
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STS 117 / OV104 / Pad A
Power is up
Next power up scheduled for Tuesday May 29th at 08:00
S00024 propellant servicing in work
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has hyper-loading been complete?
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Justin Wheat - 24/5/2007 6:24 PM
has hyper-loading been complete?
Already mentioned in the latest STS-117 article I wrote:
"Will be in a position to begin hyper loading on 001 Wednesday; expect to complete this by Friday,'"
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5108
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Justin Wheat - 24/5/2007 12:24 PM
has hyper-loading been complete?
One of the cameras here:
http://webcams.ksc.nasa.gov/ImgCap/default.htm
was showing a hyper loading/monitoring area in the service structure the past few days - yesterday/last night every now and then you could see people moving about in their SCAPE suits.
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Are the people in the cameras just watching over the systems
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Justin Wheat - 24/5/2007 1:13 PM
Are the people in the cameras just watching over the systems
All the cameras are remote controlled/selected, and I still have no earthly idea who or why they select any particular camera or view for display. (Other than something like crane operations in the SSPF or VAB.)
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MKremer - 24/5/2007 2:17 PM
Justin Wheat - 24/5/2007 1:13 PM
Are the people in the cameras just watching over the systems
All the cameras are remote controlled/selected, and I still have no earthly idea who or why they select any particular camera or view for display. (Other than something like crane operations in the SSPF or VAB.)
I would presume that given some level of knowledge of the ops/test schedules and the locations of the OTV cameras there's something approaching a consensus choice. PAO had a photographer in OPF-2 the other day when they closed Endeavour's payload bay doors ahead of rollover. It would have been possible to switch the web page(s) to OTV 085 or 086 or whichever of the cameras is in the OPF-2 high bay to monitor that.
(And for what it's worth, I've heard, second-hand, that having the public watching "over-the-shoulder" for a lot of the time can get a little, uh, unnerving to some people who work in front of all those cameras.)
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I think his question was are the people being shown in the cameras' views actually "doing" something or "watching" the systems.
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psloss - 24/5/2007 1:43 PM
(And for what it's worth, I've heard, second-hand, that having the public watching "over-the-shoulder" for a lot of the time can get a little, uh, unnerving to some people who work in front of all those cameras.)
That's too bad - I would think most techs would be both excited and proud their operations and work could be seen by the 'general public' (especially for jobs that are rarely, or if-ever, recognized by the media or PAO folks)... I know I was the several times I had photos/video taken of me working (in my former life (long ago) as a hardware tech then as a system admin).
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MKremer - 24/5/2007 3:04 PM
psloss - 24/5/2007 1:43 PM
(And for what it's worth, I've heard, second-hand, that having the public watching "over-the-shoulder" for a lot of the time can get a little, uh, unnerving to some people who work in front of all those cameras.)
That's too bad - I would think most techs would be both excited and proud their operations and work could be seen by the 'general public' (especially for jobs that are rarely, or if-ever, recognized by the media or PAO folks)... I know I was the several times I had photos/video taken of me working (in my former life (long ago) as a hardware tech then as a system admin).
Apologies for the tangent, but I should have emphasized the "a lot of time" part. I didn't get any sense of not being proud about being seen at work so much as having to be on camera all-day, every-day.
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psloss - 24/5/2007 2:08 PM
Apologies for the tangent, but I should have emphasized the "a lot of time" part. I didn't get any sense of not being proud about being seen at work so much as having to be on camera all-day, every-day.
Acknowledged. I'm assuming this is SSPF work... if so, then, as far as most any watcher is concerned they're just seen as anonymous people wearing blue bunny-suits (and it's almost impossible to tell male from female via the camera views).
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Word from USA guy at work right now is all issues are resolved right now, with three contingency days this weekend incase anything pops up.
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NASA TV Sets Interviews for Next Shuttle Mission Flight Director
The lead flight director for NASA's first space shuttle mission this year, STS-117, will be available for satellite interviews from 6 - 8 a.m. CDT Friday, June 1.
STS-117 Lead Space Station Flight Director Kelly Beck, raised in Cahokia, Illinois, will oversee a flight of space shuttle Atlantis. The flight continues construction of the International Space Station and brings a new crew member to orbit to begin a five-month stay and will return home a station resident who has been in orbit since December. Atlantis is targeted for launch at 6:38 p.m. CDT June 8 on an 11-day mission.
Beck will lead a team of flight directors, flight controllers, support personnel and engineering experts that will staff mission control in Houston, 24/7 during the mission. The ground control teams and spaceflight crews have used past missions' experiences, both challenges and successes, as a guide for this next step in space station assembly. At least three spacewalks will be conducted during Atlantis' flight.
Beck's interviews will be conducted live via the NASA Television analog satellite. To participate, media must contact Tim Hinson at NASA's Johnson Space Center newsroom, 281-483-5111, no later than 2 p.m. Thursday, May 31.
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Atlantis's side hatch closed for the weekend:
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Mission: STS-117 - 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) -
S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Launch Pad 39A
Launch Date: Targeted for June 8, 2007
Crew: Sturckow, Archambault, Reilly, Swanson, Forrester, Olivas and
Anderson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
At Launch Pad 39A, operations are proceeding on schedule for a June 8
launch. This week, the hypergolic propellants were loaded into the
orbiter and solid rocket boosters. Extra Vehicular Mobility Unit Nos.
1 and 2 (space suits) were installed in the orbiter airlock.
Functional testing of the external fuel tank camera is complete, and
the lens cover has been installed. Loading of the liquid oxygen and
liquid hydrogen storage tanks, which will provide fuel for the
shuttle's external fuel tank, is complete.
A Flight Readiness Review, a two-day meeting to assess preparations
for Atlantis' mission, will be held on May 30-31.
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jacqmans - 26/5/2007 3:12 AM
This week, the hypergolic propellants were loaded into the
orbiter and solid rocket boosters.
The SRBs use hypergols as well? ;)
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Gekko0481 - 26/5/2007 12:19 PM
jacqmans - 26/5/2007 3:12 AM
This week, the hypergolic propellants were loaded into the
orbiter and solid rocket boosters.
The SRBs use hypergols as well? ;)
Technically this is correct. The Hydraulic Power Units(HPUs) use raw hydrazine to provide the hydraulic pressure needed to operate the Thrust Vector Control system on the SRBs.
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DaveS - 26/5/2007 5:59 AM
Gekko0481 - 26/5/2007 12:19 PM
jacqmans - 26/5/2007 3:12 AM
This week, the hypergolic propellants were loaded into the
orbiter and solid rocket boosters.
The SRBs use hypergols as well? ;)
Technically this is correct. The Hydraulic Power Units(HPUs) use raw hydrazine to provide the hydraulic pressure needed to operate the Thrust Vector Control system on the SRBs.
I would like to emphasize that the hydrazine that is used for the orbiter auxiliary power units (APUs) and the solid rocket booster hydraulic power units (HPUs) is anhydrous hydrazine which is different than the monomethyl hydrazine used by the reaction control system (RCS) and orbital maneuvering system (OMS).
For the APUs and HPUs the anhydrous (meaning waterless) hydrazine is injected across a Shell 405 catalyst which decomposes the hydrazine into a hot gas that is used to drive the turbine within the power unit.
For the OMS and RCS, monomethyl hydrazine is mixed with nitrogen tetroxide in the respective combustion chambers to provide a “hypergolic reaction” (i.e. no ignition source required) and engine thrust. What is nice about having the same propellant for both the OMS and RCS is that you can interconnect the OMS tanks to the RCS to provide them with additional fuel for nominal flight operations and aborts. However, the RCS tanks cannot feed the OMS engines because the larger engines would quickly overwhelm/starve the small RCS tanks causing structural damage to the tanks.
Mark Kirkman
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Wow, you learn something new everyday. On another note, does anyone have any idea what's in the image below? Its a capture from a webcam on this site: Link, and its been showing what I assume to be part of the FSS of 39A for the past few days, but I don't recall seeing the white box thing before.
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Will workers get memorial day off or will there still be people at the pad working?
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Since the hypergolic load was completed without any issues almost eveyone got the weekend off.
Mark Kirkman
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Will they work all through next weekend, being it's the last weekend before the first launch attempt? ;)
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They will work through regular pad processing until launch
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Camera's zoomed out a bit since my last post, and it appears that that white box thing is now on the RSS if it wasn't before. Any ideas?
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No, this thing is still in the same place on RSS.
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Any ideas what it is?
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STS 117 / OV 104 / Pad A
OV 104 Powered down.
Next power up 1st shift tuesday
Hyperloading complete
OMS fuel
SRB HPU servicing complete
APU servicing complete
No planned work this weekend
Work will pick up with S0007 launch countdown preps on Tuesday May 29th
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Seems very smooth so far still. Good.
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For support personal TAL maron Isn't There a change? Scooter is the entry STA for edwards afb right?
Support..........Name................Name...............Name
MMT/JSC..........John Shannon
MMT/KSC..........LeRoy Cain
STS Team 4.......Mike Sarafin
ISS Team 4.......Sally Davis
MOD Rep..........Phil Engelauf.......Paul Hill
Moscow FD........N/A
Weather Coord....Mark Polansky
Launch STA.......Steve Lindsey
Entry STA........Steve Lindsey (KSC)
Entry STA........Scott Altman
TAL Zaragoza.....James Dutton
TAL Istres.......Eric Boe
TAL Moron........William Ofelein
STA Shadow.......Al Drew.............Steve Bowen
JSC PAO/KSC......Nicole Clutier
Astro Support....Mike Good (lead)....Jose Hernandez.....Kay Hire
Families.........Sandy Magnus........Karen Nyberg.......Chris Ferguson
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Endeavour118 - 28/5/2007 12:26 AM
For support personal TAL maron Isn't There a change? Scooter is the entry STA for edwards afb right?
Isn't that Bill Harwood's data?
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/117/117personnel.html
If so, he would be a good person to ask.
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Anyone could remind me what's the job of the filght support TAL people if needed during the launch ? thx !
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Fabien - 28/5/2007 10:08 AM
Anyone could remind me what's the job of the filght support TAL people if needed during the launch ? thx !
Astronaut TAL representatives are in contact with the Missions Control Center via the weather CAPCOMs during the final hours of the countdown. They fly weather reconnaissance and help coordinate logistical support.
Mark Kirkman
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A short chemistry lecture:
Monopropellant (APU, HPU):
Hydrazine - NH2NH2, melting point (m.p.) +2.0 deg C, boiling point (b.p.) 113.5 deg C, colourless oily liquid, poisonous, skin etching, flammable, hygroscopic
Catalytic decomposition:
NH2-NH2 --> N2 + 2H2
Products: hot mixture of gaseous nitrogen and hydrogen
Hypergolic bipropellant (RCS and OMS):
Oxidizer:
Nitrogen tetroxide (NTO) N2O4 (in reality equilibrium mixture of 2NO2 <---> N2O4), m.p. -11.2 deg C, b.p. +21.1 deg C, red-brown volatile liquid, highly poisonous, skin etching (in presence of water forms nitric acid)
Fuel:
Monomethylhydrazine CH3NH-NH2, m.p. -52.5 deg C., b.p. 87.5 deg C, colourless liquid, hygroscopic, poisonous, flammable
Reaction with NTO:
4CH3NH-NH2 + 5N2O4 --> 9N2 + 4CO2 + 12H2O
Products: hot mixture of gaseous nitrogen, carbon dioxide a water wapour; traces of different oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide due to the incomplete burn reaction present
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A nice day for launch preps... ;)
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The White box is an cover to APU Fueling Cart #3.
HWS Rat
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HWS Rat - 29/5/2007 2:02 AM
The White box is an cover to APU Fueling Cart #3.
HWS Rat
We should have ran a quiz on this (not that I'd know what to give as a prize ;) ) - you beat our resident pad rats on this one!
Welcome to the site.
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HWS Rat - 28/5/2007 8:02 PM
The White box is an cover to APU Fueling Cart #3.
HWS Rat
Thanks. Being covered and its position assumes some type of temp device/structure, but it's nice to know what that really is and thus why there's a cover over it. :)
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http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5113 - NASA decide against COPV change for Atlantis ahead of STS-117
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Chris Bergin - 28/5/2007 9:20 PM
HWS Rat - 29/5/2007 2:02 AM
The White box is an cover to APU Fueling Cart #3.
HWS Rat
We should have ran a quiz on this (not that I'd know what to give as a prize ;) ) - you beat our resident pad rats on this one!
Welcome to the site.
Amazing... now that would have been a bonus prize for identifying it as "#3" ;)
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Avron - 28/5/2007 11:41 PM
Chris Bergin - 28/5/2007 9:20 PM
HWS Rat - 29/5/2007 2:02 AM
The White box is an cover to APU Fueling Cart #3.
HWS Rat
We should have ran a quiz on this (not that I'd know what to give as a prize ;) ) - you beat our resident pad rats on this one!
Welcome to the site.
Amazing... now that would have been a bonus prize for identifying it as "#3" ;)
Actually identifying it as #3 would have been the easy part since APU 3 is the only one on the right side of the vehicle. However, I am pretty familiar with most of the pad equipment and I had no idea what the bloody thing in the picture was. ;)
Mark Kirkman
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I see the hatch is open. Back to work! Hopefully their hard work pays off on the 8th!
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Hopefully some hard work this week and next week will pay off next Friday. GO ATLANTIS
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rdale - 22/5/2007 10:47 AM
Chris Bergin - 21/5/2007 9:45 PM
for the new people here, make sure you've got your seatbeats on!
...and please don't post one liners that consist primarily of:
"that's good news"
"only xx days to go"
"nice pics"
"let's keep our fingers crossed"
"i hope the weather stays nice"
"any more information on the ... "
;)
I would like to echo Rob's week-old request for a little restraint on these type of posts.
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mkirk - 26/5/2007 11:10 AM
DaveS - 26/5/2007 5:59 AM
Gekko0481 - 26/5/2007 12:19 PM
jacqmans - 26/5/2007 3:12 AM
This week, the hypergolic propellants were loaded into the
orbiter and solid rocket boosters.
The SRBs use hypergols as well? ;)
Technically this is correct. The Hydraulic Power Units(HPUs) use raw hydrazine to provide the hydraulic pressure needed to operate the Thrust Vector Control system on the SRBs.
I would like to emphasize that the hydrazine that is used for the orbiter auxiliary power units (APUs) and the solid rocket booster hydraulic power units (HPUs) is anhydrous hydrazine which is different than the monomethyl hydrazine used by the reaction control system (RCS) and orbital maneuvering system (OMS).
For the APUs and HPUs the anhydrous (meaning waterless) hydrazine is injected across a Shell 405 catalyst which decomposes the hydrazine into a hot gas that is used to drive the turbine within the power unit.
For the OMS and RCS, monomethyl hydrazine is mixed with nitrogen tetroxide in the respective combustion chambers to provide a “hypergolic reaction” (i.e. no ignition source required) and engine thrust. What is nice about having the same propellant for both the OMS and RCS is that you can interconnect the OMS tanks to the RCS to provide them with additional fuel for nominal flight operations and aborts. However, the RCS tanks cannot feed the OMS engines because the larger engines would quickly overwhelm/starve the small RCS tanks causing structural damage to the tanks.
Mark Kirkman
Hi Mark,
I know I'm heading off on a tangent in this tread (sorry Chris), but I was wondering, does the shell 405 catalyst need to be at a reasonably high temperature to do its work on the hydrazine? If so, where does the initial heat come from?
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About working temperatures of catalyst:
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0104-66322003000300007&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en
Several compounds were tested in hydrazine decomposition catalysis. They were considered inadequate for space applications because of their inaptitude to start the reaction at low temperatures (cold start) with acceptable time delays and their poor mechanical resistance to the stresses of the decomposition process. The development of the Shell 405 (30%Ir/Al2O3) catalyst by the Shell Company represented a fundamental technological milestone in the use of hydrazine in satellite micropropulsion systems. This catalyst is able to decompose low-temperature (275 K) liquid hydrazine in a very reproducible manner [Armstrong et al., 1978a, 1978b, 1980]. Thanks to this process, hydrazine monopropellant systems became very simple and highly reliable. Presently, the Shell 405 ABSG catalyst allows hundreds of cold starts (293 K) without appreciable mechanical degradation (at least for the first 100 cold starts) over a million hot pulses (373 K) and continuous shots of several hours, when the catalyst bed reaches temperatures as high as 1373 K, all with a time delays of less than 10 ms.
275 K = +2 deg C = 36 deg F
293 K = +20 deg C = 68 deg F
1373 K = 1100 deg C = 2012 deg F
But this Shell 305 catalyst (pellets of alumina containing cca. 30 to 35 % iridium) leads to the decomposition reaction
3NH2NH2 --> N2 + 4NH3
i.e. decomposition to a mixture of nitrogen a ammonia. This is somewhat less efficient (in term of generated volume) than decomposition to nitrogen/hydrogen mixture.
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When will the flight days start and end? On ISS time, so early morning US time?
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The flight plan for STS-117 is listed at Bill Harwood's Space Place site (link below). If Atlantis lifts off on June 8th as planned, the flight days after flight day 1 (launch day) start when the STS-117 crew wakes up each mission day. For a launch attempt on June 8th, the crew will awake at 9:38 EDT (1:38 PM GMT) and go to bed at 1:08 AM EDT (5:08 AM GMT) to complete flight day 2. As the mission proceeds the start time (wakeup) time for the crew (flight day start) occurs earlier to match up the crew awake time for a landing at KSC or EDW over a week later. If the launch is delayed past June 8th, the times listed below in the flight plan will occur earlier for us on the ground (this has no impact to the crew or ISS ops).
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html#FLIGHTPLAN
Richard
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The countdown for STS-117 will officially start at one week from now (Tuesday, June 5th) at around the time of this posting (assuming the FRR reps. confirm the date of launch date of June 8th.) The countdown will start at around 9:00 PM EDT (1:00 AM GMT) after a call to stations at the LCC at 8:30 PM EDT.
Here is a countdown timeline as posted at Bill Harwood's Space Place site:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html#COUNT
Richard
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I'm aware of the launch time, I'm asking what time will they wake on the flight days (on orbit) during the mission.
Ok, found it now. You were too helpful and it confused me ;)
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S5009 and Final Ordnance Installation/Connection begins Wednesday.
All looking look with the pad flow so far :) The only issue has been a problem demating a Quick-Disconnect (QD) on the APU servicing cart, but that was quickly sorted and is no longer an IPR.
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Endeavour118 - 28/5/2007 12:26 AM
For support personal TAL maron Isn't There a change? Scooter is the entry STA for edwards afb right?
Support..........Name................Name...............Name
MMT/JSC..........John Shannon
MMT/KSC..........LeRoy Cain
STS Team 4.......Mike Sarafin
ISS Team 4.......Sally Davis
MOD Rep..........Phil Engelauf.......Paul Hill
Moscow FD........N/A
Weather Coord....Mark Polansky
Launch STA.......Steve Lindsey
Entry STA........Steve Lindsey (KSC)
Entry STA........Scott Altman
TAL Zaragoza.....James Dutton
TAL Istres.......Eric Boe
TAL Moron........William Ofelein
STA Shadow.......Al Drew.............Steve Bowen
JSC PAO/KSC......Nicole Clutier
Astro Support....Mike Good (lead)....Jose Hernandez.....Kay Hire
Families.........Sandy Magnus........Karen Nyberg.......Chris Ferguson
What is STA shadow?
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Shuttle Training Aircraft = STA. Not sure about the shadow part.
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sts1canada - 29/5/2007 9:00 PM
The countdown for STS-117 will officially start at one week from now (Tuesday, June 5th) at around the time of this posting (assuming the FRR reps. confirm the date of launch date of June 8th.) The countdown will start at around 9:00 PM EDT (1:00 AM GMT) after a call to stations at the LCC at 8:30 PM EDT.
Here is a countdown timeline as posted at Bill Harwood's Space Place site:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html#COUNT
FWIW I'm sure Mr. Harwood will update it, but the current version is out of sync with observed conventions -- typically, the counts and holds are scheduled to begin at a "round time" (such as the top or bottom of the hour) up through T-11 hours and holding. The docs on L2 have the count starting at 2100 local on the 5th (based on the current target date) and that carries through to T-11 hours and holding at 1300 local on the 7th.
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Ford Mustang - 29/5/2007 9:35 PM
Shuttle Training Aircraft = STA. Not sure about the shadow part.
" Shadow " probably means ' Backup '. :)
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Have officials started meeting in the FRR? Has it began yet?
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Justin Wheat - 30/5/2007 5:16 PM
Have officials started meeting in the FRR? Has it began yet?
Yes. It's a two day meeting that started today.
No issues in work. The LPOTP is getting some media, but they already have a waiver for this and flight rationale for 117.
The only things that could stop June 8 is another issue between now and June 8, the weather, or a problem with the Russian EVA that's due just before launch.
I'll write it all up in an article, as we have presentations on the LPOTP on L2.
Bottom line, all looking good for June 8 so far.
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NASA managers mull shuttle engine issue
http://www.floridatoday.com/floridatoday/blogs/spaceteam/2007/05/nasa-managers-mull-shuttle-engine-issue.html
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marsavian - 30/5/2007 6:36 PM
NASA managers mull shuttle engine issue
Read Chris' reply. There's already a waiver and flight-rationale for this.
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Looks like someone could be about to get a knock to the face in the white room ;)
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have the released the design of the patch on that little box going into atlantis?
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What, the little card with the mission patch on the little step into the hatch? I swear I've seen it on already (before the weekend), but it's not there any more.
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DaveS - 30/5/2007 11:40 AM
marsavian - 30/5/2007 6:36 PM
NASA managers mull shuttle engine issue
Read Chris' reply. There's already a waiver and flight-rationale for this.
And it's very rare that they go back on a waiver, very very rare.
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STA shadow-- 2 rookie MS astronauts-non-pilots listed in that category-including Al Drew, who as most of us know by now is flying on the next flight on Endeavour--i think they sort of ride along in a backseat on the STA with the pilot/Cdr astro i.e Steve Lindsey flying the plane. I've seen the patch magnet on the diving board btw.
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Can anyone possibly get a copy of tomorrow's FRR meeting (going live on NTV), because I'll be at school at that time.
Thanks.
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Here's what I've written up on the LPOTP issue based on L2 information and presentations.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5115
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Ford Mustang - 30/5/2007 10:51 PM
Can anyone possibly get a copy of tomorrow's FRR meeting (going live on NTV), because I'll be at school at that time.
Thanks.
It will most likely be made available at http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/ following the press conference.
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STS 117 / OV 104 / Pad A
Orbiter powered up through 2nd
S5009 preps in work
Haz ops begin on 3rd shift
V5161 preps in work for 23:00
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A nice view of the pad all lit up, with the stack silhouetted against it. Also, a current look at the white room.
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On the risk of weather delaying launch, would the time of day lower that chance.. i.e. is there a pattern at this time of year?
What are the odds?..
Rob?
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Avron - 30/5/2007 7:28 PM
On the risk of weather delaying launch, would the time of day lower that chance.. i.e. is there a pattern at this time of year?
What are the odds?..
Rob?
Having lived in Orlando, I can tell you that it is not uncommon to have afternoon thunderstorms this time of year (in fact, all summer long), but they often dissipate by evening. I don't think it will pose a problem for the early evening launch time.
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Avron - 30/5/2007 9:28 PM
On the risk of weather delaying launch, would the time of day lower that chance.. i.e. is there a pattern at this time of year?
What are the odds?..
Rob?
In June, in Florida, 7:34pm is better than 4pm. Less of a chance of thunderstorms at that time than in the afternoon. With the sun almost down at that time, daytime heating will have went down, so less chance of t'storms. It'll be a real-time call. ;)
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If you're in the US you've seen countless stories on the extreme drought and fire problems that FL has been dealing with lately... KSC is in a moderate to extreme drought right now, and while a glitch in the pattern will bring a nice chance for rain this weekend, a good saying we use is "when in a drought, keep rain forecasts out." So after this weekend we should be back into a very dry pattern, which eliminates the daytime storm season for the time being.
As people noted, if we jump back to a "typical summer" pattern the lateness will help, but the long range outlook shows below-normal precip in the launch week timeframe.
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Yea, we aren't getting the typical pattern we should be by now with this drought. They keep saying maybe in a few days but it has yet to happen. And I think a front is about to come through this weekend, something that only tends to happen in the winter months normally.
But knowing the way things seem to happen in my world, the pattern will finally break in June 7th :-)
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Thanks for all them replys..
So in a nutshell -- WAG 20% WX preventing launch..?
I.e. low risk from what we know now.
"long range outlook shows below-normal precip in the launch week timeframe." -- good news
I assume -No storms on track?.. i.e. winds will not be an issue
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Avron - 30/5/2007 10:47 PM
Thanks for all them replys..
So in a nutshell -- WAG 20% WX preventing launch..?
I.e. low risk from what we know now.
Better to say - 20% against long range until 4-6 hours before, then cross your fingers and monitor a hell of a lot for conditions that could force either a delay or a scrub until the next possible launch window.
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rdale - 30/5/2007 11:36 PM
As people noted, if we jump back to a "typical summer" pattern the lateness will help, but the long range outlook shows below-normal precip in the launch week timeframe.
If they formalize the launch date today, maybe then it's close enough to start a weather thread -- but it's been dry down here in the Southeast for what seems like a long time. This has been a weird Spring; it sure doesn't seem like the normal seasonal pattern, or that "typical" applies right now.
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Might be time for a weather thread?
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DaveS - 30/5/2007 11:40 AM
marsavian - 30/5/2007 6:36 PM
NASA managers mull shuttle engine issue (Florida Today)
Read Chris' reply. There's already a waiver and flight-rationale for this.
And Chris's article reports this waiver to correct the FT story: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5115
And now Florida Today's backtracked today http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070531/NEWS02/705310340/1007
:)
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I wrote the article for this site based on the L2 documentation, as opposed to 'correcting' any other site. We don't do that here.
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NASA managers will host a news conference no earlier than 2 p.m. EDT Thursday. The briefing will air live on NASA TV from the Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
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Morning news in Orlando is predicting a wave of tropical weather to come thru from the Yucatan area of the Gulf of Mexico this Friday & Saturday. After that their forecast is for more normal summer weather - low 90's and 20% rain daily for launch week.
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johng - 31/5/2007 6:01 AM
Morning news in Orlando is predicting a wave of tropical weather to come thru from the Yucatan area of the Gulf of Mexico this Friday & Saturday. After that their forecast is for more normal summer weather - low 90's and 20% rain daily for launch week.
Thank goodness the weather usually clears up some in the evening. A little more than eight days to go :) Are the PBDs still open or is Atlantis all closed up for flight?
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Felix - 31/5/2007 11:35 AM
NASA managers will host a news conference no earlier than 2 p.m. EDT Thursday. The briefing will air live on NASA TV from the Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
We believe it's 4pm NET now....although someone just said still arohnd 2pm. We'll keep an eye on it.
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nathan.moeller - 31/5/2007 8:31 AM
Thank goodness the weather usually clears up some in the evening. A little more than eight days to go :) Are the PBDs still open or is Atlantis all closed up for flight?
We're probably going to have to wait until launch day and even launch time possibly on the weather, as usual.
Don't forget that they want to keep the S3/S4 batteries charged until as close to launch as possible...that's still on-going on the schedule.
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Orbiter, SRB, ETVAS and TSM Ordnance installations are complete.
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Chris Bergin - 31/5/2007 9:05 AM
We believe it's 4pm NET now....although someone just said still arohnd 2pm. We'll keep an eye on it.
if anyone hears a time update, please post.
I've heard 4pm for the conference also, but who knows, it could end up being 6 or 7 knowing the way these things go. it's all good for me, i need to get to ksc for it and the later in the day it is means the longer i can stay in my office. plus i have a 1pm meeting today.
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Won't be 2pm.
COPV getting most of the discussion right now:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5113
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Current view from the white room. From looking at the webcam recently there are two workers who are working on the inside hatch area of Atlantis
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Is what the webcams are pointing at random or is there a reason? I ask because the "LC39 Pads or VAB" (Chan. 3) cam on Florida Today has been showing this shot of one of the SRBs all day:
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STS 117 / OV-104 / Pad A
Ordinance installation and connection in work
Aft closeout in work
Launch preps in work
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Gekko0481 - 31/5/2007 6:02 PM
Is what the webcams are pointing at random or is there a reason? I ask because the "LC39 Pads or VAB" (Chan. 3) cam on Florida Today has been showing this shot of one of the SRBs all day:
Yeah I know. They can be a bit random. It annoys me when they have two or three SSPF webcams looking at the same module/component or worse- the floor! ;)
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FRR is over.
They are having lunch and then moving on to another sidebar meeting (not 117 FRR).
Press conference might be a bit later than 2pm.
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Press conference will be 3pm.
That's about 80 minutes away from time of posting for those on various timezones.
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Latest shot of the SRB. Wonder what those two guy's job is? Wish I could be that close!
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Michael22090 - 31/5/2007 6:49 PM
Latest shot of the SRB. Wonder what those two guy's job is? Wish I could be that close!
Mee too. It must be a real treat for the pad workers when they have a shuttle there! :)
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Looks like a tentative NASA TV program schedule for countdown events is up:
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/MM_NTV_Breaking.html
Excerpt:
All times are Eastern U.S. time.
**ALL PROGRAMS MAY BE PRE-EMPTED OR RESCHEDULED WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE**
.
.
.
June 4, Monday
6:30 p.m. - STS-117 Crew Arrival at the Kennedy Space Center - KSC (Public and Media Channels)
June 5, Tuesday
10 a.m. - STS-117 Countdown Status Briefing - KSC (Countdown begins at 9 p.m.) (Public and Media Channels)
June 6, Wednesday
10 a.m. - STS-117 Countdown Status Briefing - KSC (Media Channel)
10 a.m. - ISS Expedition 15 Spacewalk Coverage - JSC (Spacewalk begins at 10:30 a.m.) (Public Channel)
NET 4 p.m. - STS-117 Launch Readiness News Conference - KSC (Media Channel; if spacewalk has concluded, will also be broadcast on the Public Channel)
June 7, Thursday
10 a.m. - STS-117 Countdown Status Briefing - KSC (Public and Media Channels)
1 p.m. - Exploration Systems Update Briefing - KSC (Public and Media Channels)
June 8, Thursday
1:30 p.m. - STS-117 Launch Commentary and Coverage (Launch is scheduled for 7:38 p.m. EDT.) - KSC/JSC (All Channels)
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And here we go, as Chris said it's 3:00 p.m. for FRR press conference... we're on the same point as more than 2 months ago, but without hail... with Hale nevertheless ;)
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No one in the conference room yet, so may be a bit after 3.
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And we have an official june-8 launch date!!! :)
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Gernstenmeier: "The second thing we have to tell you is that we haven't had any hail storm the day before this press conference"
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dabella - 31/5/2007 8:06 PM
And we have an official june-8 launch date!!! :)
Not exactly a shocker as you get all you need for advanced news on this site, especially L2 (which was amazing with the FRR presentations today. But yes, we're only just over a week away from a launch and that's always good news :)
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USA's High Crew getting props from Mike L. Always like it when they give praise to the workers.
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Yeha!
Go for June 8th (June 9th at 1:38 am in Sweden), a long night again.
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RELEASE: 07-127
NASA GIVES "GO" FOR SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH ON JUNE 8
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Thursday, NASA senior managers selected June
8 as the official launch date for space shuttle Atlantis. Commander
Rick Sturckow and his six crewmates are scheduled to lift off at 7:38
p.m. EDT on the STS-117 mission to the International Space Station.
During the 11-day mission and three spacewalks, the crew will work
with flight controllers at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, to
install a 17-ton segment on the station's girder-like truss and
deploy a set of solar arrays. The mission will increase the
International Space Station's power capability in preparation for the
arrival of new science modules from the European and Japanese space
agencies.
Atlantis' launch date was announced at the Flight Readiness Review.
During the two-day meeting, top NASA and contractor managers assess
any risks associated with the mission and determine whether the
shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for
flight. The first Flight Readiness Review for STS-117 was held Feb.
27-28. A hail storm on Feb. 26, however, damaged Atlantis' external
fuel tank and delayed the planned mid-March launch.
"While we cannot control the weather, this team can ensure that when
we do launch, it will be as safely as possible," said Associate
Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, who chaired the
meetings. "This second Flight Readiness Review was as thorough as the
first. The discussions were open, healthy, and are evidence of a team
that is ready for a complicated and important station assembly
mission."
Joining Commander Sturckow on STS-117 will be Pilot Lee Archambault
and mission specialists Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson, John
"Danny" Olivas, Jim Reilly and Clayton Anderson. Anderson will
replace current station crew member Sunita Williams, who has lived on
the station since December. Williams will return to Earth on
Atlantis.
For more information about the STS-117 mission, including images and
interviews with the crew, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
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This launch will qualify as a day launch throughout all its phases, including ET sep and post-separation images.
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ShuttleDiscovery - 31/5/2007 2:08 PM
Michael22090 - 31/5/2007 6:49 PM
Latest shot of the SRB. Wonder what those two guy's job is? Wish I could be that close!
Mee too. It must be a real treat for the pad workers when they have a shuttle there! :)
Treat? It is the same as an icecream shop worker. It is just work after awhile. I was gunhoe space fanatic since 3rd grade, ate and drank anything space, Apollo and shuttle. Now as I approach my 25 year in the business, the shuttle has lost some of its luster. I now look for new things, CEV and ELV spacecraft that is where is it at.
The work on the shuttle is divided by shuttle components not work location, so a orbiter tech would work on the shuttle no matter if it was in the OPF, VAB or Pad.
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Jim - 31/5/2007 8:51 PM
ShuttleDiscovery - 31/5/2007 2:08 PM
Michael22090 - 31/5/2007 6:49 PM
Latest shot of the SRB. Wonder what those two guy's job is? Wish I could be that close!
Mee too. It must be a real treat for the pad workers when they have a shuttle there! :)
Treat? It is the same as an icecream shop worker. It is just work after awhile. I was gunhoe space fanatic since 3rd grade, ate and drank anything space, Apollo and shuttle. Now as I approach my 25 year in the business, the shuttle has lost some of its luster. I now look for new things, CEV and ELV spacecraft that is where is it at.
The work on the shuttle is divided by shuttle components not work location, so a orbiter tech would work on the shuttle no matter if it was in the OPF, VAB or Pad.
Ok Jim, i get your point! ;)
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Seems crazy that we're only a week away from a launch! :)
What is the next milestone for launch preps?
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Far Reach - 31/5/2007 5:57 PM
What is the next milestone for launch preps?
The staff here is keeping us posted; Chris posted this earlier today:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=7916&start=271&mid=141699#M141699
Mike Leinbach also spoke about current status at the press briefing, which hopefully will be up on the Space-multimedia site (http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/) soon. (John44 usually posts here when that's ready.)
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Watching a replay of the press briefing, an interesting question from Bill Harwood about TAL site availability. Moron won't be available until around the middle of June, due to runway maintenance.
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eeergo - 31/5/2007 12:48 PM
This launch will qualify as a day launch throughout all its phases, including ET sep and post-separation images.
Makes sense, as sunset on Friday, June 8 at Cape Canaveral will not occur until 8:18pm, and launch is set for 7:38pm.
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Do we think Atalantis will be far enough over the Earths shadow to see that green glow again like on 116?
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astrobrian - 31/5/2007 9:30 PM
Do we think Atalantis will be far enough over the Earths shadow to see that green glow again like on 116?
Very doubtful. But it's going to be an interesting view nonetheless, as she will be heading into orbital darkness. I'm definitely looking forward to it.
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I'm determined to be able to see this one, even if it means getting up at 0030 on June 9, I missed 116 :angry:
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For myself, I'll be in China. I'm not sure what websites will be available over there. But I think the time will be 0738 on June 9th, so I might get into a wangba (internet cafe). I know some people get sick of hearing this kind of thing but I may not get another chance:
Best wishes to Atlantis and crew!
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So this will be a sunset launch like STS-98?
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MarkD - 1/6/2007 1:20 PM So this will be a sunset launch like STS-98?
No, I've quoted Hale a few posts ago saying that it'll be a daylight launch throughout all its phases, including post-ET separation photographing. The shuttle certainly won't catch the last sunbeams once high enough, because she'll be catching them all the way from liftoff!
Austin has given the times for sunset above, too, and at ground level sunset is expected an hour after predicted liftoff time.
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STS-117 BRIEFING & EVENTS SCHEDULE
(All times are Eastern)
All briefings are held inside the Kennedy Press Site auditorium and will be carried live on NASA TV unless otherwise noted. Questions will only be taken from media at Kennedy.
L-4 Days - Monday, June 4
6:30 p.m. - STS-117 crew arrival at Shuttle Landing Facility
L-3 Days - Tuesday, June 5
10 a.m. - Countdown Status Briefing
- Steve Payne, NASA test director
- Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer
9 p.m. - Launch countdown officially begins (Not on NASA TV)
L-2 Days - Wednesday, June 6
10 a.m. - Countdown Status Briefing
- Jeff Spaulding, NASA test director
- Robbie Ashley, STS-117 payload manager
- Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer
4 p.m. (No Earlier Than) - STS-117 Launch Readiness News Conference
- LeRoy Cain, launch integration manager, Space Shuttle Program
- Mike Leinbach, NASA launch director
- U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Pat Barrett, 45th Weather Squadron
L-1 Day - Thursday, June 7
10 a.m. - Countdown Status Briefing
- Steve Payne, NASA test director
- Robbie Ashley, STS-117 payload manager
- Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer
1 p.m. - Exploration Update
- Scott Horowitz, associate administrator for Exploration
- Jeff Hanley, Constellation Program manager
10:30 p.m. - Rotating Service Structure moves to launch position
Launch Day - Friday, June 8
9:42 a.m. - Tanking commences (Not on NASA TV)
1:30 p.m. - Live launch commentary begins
Launch Day Crew Activities: (Times may vary slightly)
10 a.m. -- Crew wakes up (Not on NASA TV)
1:45 p.m. -- Crew photo opportunity
3:07 p.m. -- Weather briefing (CDR, PLT, MS2) (Not on NASA TV)
3:17 p.m. -- Astronauts don flight suits
3:47 p.m. -- Depart for launch pad
4:17 p.m. -- Arrive at white room and begin ingress
5:32 p.m. -- Close crew hatch
7:38 p.m. -- Launch
Launch + 1 hour - Post-launch News Conference
- Rex Geveden, NASA associate administrator
- Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations
- John Shannon, chairman, Mission Management Team
- Mike Leinbach, NASA launch director
Kennedy News Center office hours for STS-117
(Hours may be adjusted for in-flight events)
| Monday, June 4 | (Launch minus 4 days) | 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Tuesday, June 5 | (Launch minus 3 days) | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday, June 6 | (Launch minus 2 days) | 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Thursday, June 7 | (Launch minus 1 day) | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
| Friday, June 8 | (Launch) Flight day 1 | 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. |
| June 9 - 18 | Flight days 2 - 11 | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (except weekends) |
| Tuesday, June 19 | (Landing) Flight day 12 | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
(Times may be adjusted in real time depending on mission events and timelines.)
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/news/index.html
-
MEDIA ADVISORY: M07-61
NASA STARTS SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS COUNTDOWN JUNE 5
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA will start the launch countdown for space
shuttle Atlantis' STS-117 mission at 9 p.m. EDT Tuesday, June 5, at
the T-43 hour point. The countdown includes 27 hours, 32 minutes of
built-in hold time leading to a preferred launch time at
approximately 7:38 p.m. EDT Friday, June 8. The launch window extends
an additional five minutes.
During the 11-day mission, Atlantis' crew will resume construction of
the International Space Station, working with the station crew to
install the girder-like S3/S4 truss segment, unfold a new set of
solar arrays and retract one array on the starboard side of the
station.
A detailed list of launch countdown milestones and times is available
at:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/news/index.html
This mission is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 28th flight for
Atlantis and the 21st U.S. flight to the International Space Station.
STS-117 is scheduled to land at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on
Tuesday, June 19.
Atlantis' last mission was STS-115 in September 2006. For the upcoming
STS-117 mission, Atlantis rolled out to Launch Pad 39-A from
Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building on May 15. Atlantis originally
was targeted for launch in March, but a hail storm damaged foam
insulation on the shuttle's external fuel tank and forced managers to
roll the spacecraft back into the Vehicle Assembly Building to make
repairs. With the refurbishment of Pad 39-A, this launch will be the
first from the pad in four years.
STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow, Pilot Lee Archambault and mission
specialists Jim Reilly, Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson, John
"Danny" Olivas and Clayton Anderson are scheduled to arrive at the
Kennedy Space Center on June 4.
Expedition 15 Flight Engineer Sunita Williams will return to Earth
from the space station aboard Atlantis. The flight will carry
Expedition 15/16 Flight Engineer Clayton Anderson to the station. He
will return home aboard space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120.
For more information about the STS-117 crew and mission to the space
station, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
-
MEDIA ADVISORY: M07-62
NASA UPDATES SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS PRELAUNCH EVENTS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - News conferences, events and operating hours
for NASA's Kennedy Space Center News Center are set for the scheduled
June 8 launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-117 mission to the
International Space Station. Liftoff is slated for 7:38 p.m. EDT.
On Monday, June 4, the seven Atlantis crew members are scheduled to
arrive at the Kennedy Space Center at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Media planning
to cover the event must be at the News Center by 5 p.m. for
transportation to the Shuttle Landing Facility. Commander Rick
Sturckow will make a brief statement to the media. NASA Television
will air live coverage of the arrival and Sturckow's remarks.
NASA TV also will broadcast live countdown status briefings and news
conferences June 5-8. Complete listings of news briefing times,
participants, Kennedy News Center and media credentialing hours of
operation are available in the online version of this media advisory
at:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/news/index.html
For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information,
visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information about the STS-117 crew and mission, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
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one question but idk if it has been mentioned what TAL sites are avilable for use @ launch time
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Endeavour118 - 1/6/2007 9:11 PM
one question but idk if it has been mentioned what TAL sites are avilable for use @ launch time
For the June 8 launch? Zaragoza AB; Spain and Istres Le-Tube, France. Normally Moron AB in Spain is also available, but due to runway maintenance, it isn't available for the June 8 launch attempt.
Acronyms for the different landing sites:
Zaragoza = ZZA
Moron = MRN
Istres = FMI
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Endeavour118 - 1/6/2007 3:11 PM
one question but idk if it has been mentioned what TAL sites are avilable for use @ launch time
For the first "set" of attempts, they'll have Zaragoza and Istres available as sites. (They'll evaluate weather here, there, and everywhere necessary, as usual, during the count.) According to Wayne Hale from yesterday's briefing, the Moron runway work should be done by the middle of the month and then Moron would be available as a TAL site after that.
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Mission: STS-117 - 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) -
S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Launch Pad 39A
Launch Date: June 8, 2007
Crew: Sturckow, Archambault, Reilly, Swanson, Forrester, Olivas and
Anderson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
At the Launch Readiness Review meeting this week, Space Shuttle
Program managers officially set the STS-117 launch date for June 8.
At Launch Pad 39A, operations are proceeding on schedule to meet that
date. This week, the orbiter, ground and solid rocket booster pyro
initiator circuit resistance tests were completed. The orbiter
midbody umbilical unit mate operations were also performed. Aft
closeout operations are under way, with completion scheduled for this
weekend. Stowage of flight crew equipment is in progress, and
ordnance installation is complete. This weekend, the orbiter's main
engines, orbital maneuvering system and forward reaction control
system will be pressurized for flight.
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I'm not sure if this link was already posted but here is a link to all the STS-117 flight data files from NASA:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/news/flightdatafiles/index.html
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Unfortunately the flight plan is still the old one - L2 is working on getting the final...
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The STS-117 television schedule is now available at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/mission_schedule.html
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dsmillman - 2/6/2007 8:12 AM
The STS-117 television schedule is now available at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/mission_schedule.html
Were you able to get the PDF from the links on that page? They didn't work for me. I got the PDF, but I had to deduce the URL...they are following conventions and it's Rev. 0 (zero).
(Edit to fix display of quoted link)
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slipstream - 2/6/2007 8:47 AM
Links for XLS and PDF files on that page are generated by javascript, so they would not work if your browser has javascript disabled.
Possibly browser ID issues...Firefox 2.0.0.4 runs to a different link (Rev. H -- probably the last rev from 116). Just checked MSIE 7.0 and it runs to the Rev. 0 links.
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Are we still looking at a 4 day launch window followed by stand-down in favor of the Atlas rocket on the 14th?
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Concorde - 2/6/2007 5:09 PM
Are we still looking at a 4 day launch window followed by stand-down in favor of the Atlas rocket on the 14th?
Yes. That hasn't changed. As long as the Atlas remains on the Range, they have to stand down until the Atlas either launches or exhausts both its tries.
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STS 117 / OV 104 / Pad A
Powered down
Next power up scheduled for Saturday second shift
Launch countdown preps in work
Aft closeouts in work
Doors remain off
Hyper press call to stations scheduled for 16:00 Saturday
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USA strike action possible
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5119 - the statement was released 30 minutes ago.
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I heard about this in late May when they began stacking the 118 booster segments. Could this be why SRB stacking was pushed back a few days? However, it's good to know that they have a plan to continue all operations and keep the shuttles flying. The last thing we need is a strike by the workers to ground our space program. :angry:
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The strike won't impact STS-117 will it?
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MarkD - 2/6/2007 11:33 PM
The strike won't impact STS-117 will it?
Unknown at this time.
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MarkD - 2/6/2007 5:33 PM
The strike won't impact STS-117 will it?
According the artical that Chris wrote up, the workers said that this will not affect the launch of Atlantis.
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It seems like Chris is right though - it could affect LON, which would affect 117, I think.
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After reading that article - thanks Chris - the way the statements were worded would seem to indicate that USA would have a plan to cover LON, would that indeed be the case?
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Bubbinski - 2/6/2007 11:41 PM
After reading that article - thanks Chris - the way the statements were worded would seem to indicate that USA would have a plan to cover LON, would that indeed be the case?
I'm updating into here live and will add to the article:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=8188&start=1&posts=6
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Trekkie07 - 2/6/2007 1:00 PM
I heard about this in late May when they began stacking the 118 booster segments. Could this be why SRB stacking was pushed back a few days? However, it's good to know that they have a plan to continue all operations and keep the shuttles flying. The last thing we need is a strike by the workers to ground our space program. :angry:
But if it has to ground our space program, so be it. It worries me when I hear USA is planning on striking with just six days before a launch. I read Chris's article though and I guess I'm reassured by the fact that the workers in question don't affect the launch itself. :o
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http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5119 - updated.
USA claim it won't damage STS-117 OR STS-118 OR LON requirements.
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Watching the still video feeds i just saw them close the hatch on Atlantis. Anyone know why?
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They may be through with cabin access requirements until sometime early next week. It makes sense to keep the cabin closed off if no one needs to be in there for a day or two, especially if a lot of the pre-launch preps have already been completed.
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The side hatch has been re-opened.
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Weekend Work: S0071 MPS/SSME and OMS/RCS pressurization for flight, S0007.100 Launch Countdown preps, S1287 Orbiter AFT Close-outs.
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Just a reminder folks, the STS-117 flight crew flies to KSC tommorow. Arrival will be live on NASA TV at 6:30 pm EDT.
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DaveS - 3/6/2007 1:26 PM Just a reminder folks, the STS-117 flight crew flies to KSC tommorow. Arrival will be live on NASA TV at 6:30 pm EDT.
How many T-38 jets will the crew be coming in tomorrow? Do you know the numbers of each T-38 and who will be in each one?
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22:15
STS 117 / OV 104 / Pad A
Orbiter is powered up
S00071 hyper press final pressurization began at 19:00 tonight
Orbiter aft closeout is complete
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I know we've been talking about keeping the batteries on the S3/S4 truss charged since the rollback in March, but since the truss is obviously in the payload bay now my question is this: are the payload bay doors closed? If so, when were they closed? If not, when will they be closed? And how are they keeping the batteries charged?
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Trekkie07 - 4/6/2007 6:54 AM are the payload bay doors closed? If so, when were they closed? If not, when will they be closed? And how are they keeping the batteries charged?
Recharge and closeouts are scheduled for today. Doors should be closed for flight later tonight / early tomorrow.
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Just some FYI stuff;
The 117 crew has a pretty busy day today – although I would call it a really fun day…
The flight deck crew members (CJ, Bru, Swanny, and Forrester) are about to climb into the SMS (shuttle mission simulator) for their final pre-launch simulation. They will spend about 4 hours - “in the box” - practicing Ascent & Abort procedures with the mission control team. After the sim they will head over to Ellington Field to strap on some T-38s for the 900+ mile trip to the Cape.
While I consider both of these activities to be a hell of a lot of fun they are pretty much a part of daily life for an assigned crew. Even though the sim can sometimes be monotonous, there really can’t be anything cooler than flying you last sim before the real mission or descending into the KSC airspace in a 38 while your orbiter sits on the Central Florida shore line. :)
I believe - I am not positive - they will also head out to the pad tonight to look over the payload before the payload bay doors. :)
Mark Kirkman
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great info mark, but what about the rest of the crew??
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geminy007 - 4/6/2007 8:45 AM
great info mark, but what about the rest of the crew??
Well I honestly don’t know what the rest of the crew is doing this morning. My guess would be that they are reviewing crew notes and FDF checklists – possibly some last minute tag ups or robotics practice. Some of them may also be lurking around the SMS at some point this morning to say last minute goodbyes to the training team.
The entire crew will all head over to Ellington this afternoon for the trip to KSC.
Mark Kirkman
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Mark, you don't happen know the tailnumbers of the T-38's they'll use? I want to track on them on http://flightaware.com .
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Kennedy Space Center in Florida awaits the arrival of Space Shuttle Atlantis' crew members. They’re scheduled to land today at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility in the early evening.
After landing, the STS-117 flight team will address the media. The event will be broadcast on NASA TV.
+ Watch NASA TV
Following the press briefing, the crew will be taken to Launch Pad 39A where they'll check out the payload in the orbiter's payload bay.
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DaveS - 4/6/2007 9:04 AM Mark, you don't happen know the tailnumbers of the T-38's they'll use? I want to track on them on http://flightaware.com .
I asked earlier but no one knew, and i was wondering the same thing. Do you know who will be flying together and if anyone will be flying by themselves?
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http://flightaware.com/live/fleet/NAS
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Felix - 4/6/2007 1:04 PM
Trekkie07 - 4/6/2007 6:54 AM are the payload bay doors closed? If so, when were they closed? If not, when will they be closed? And how are they keeping the batteries charged?
Recharge and closeouts are scheduled for today. Doors should be closed for flight later tonight / early tomorrow.
From L2:
"Payload Bay Doors are schedule to be opened today on 1st shift to support Payload battery charging and midbody closeouts. Doors will be closed on Tuesday prior to S0007.200 call-to-stations."
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Justin Wheat - 4/6/2007 9:07 AM
DaveS - 4/6/2007 9:04 AM Mark, you don't happen know the tailnumbers of the T-38's they'll use? I want to track on them on http://flightaware.com .
I asked earlier but no one knew, and i was wondering the same thing. Do you know who will be flying together and if anyone will be flying by themselves?
I don’t know yet, but until they are airborne I just wouldn’t feel right about giving that out in such a public forum. I know it may seem silly, and I think that tracking site is really cool, I just hate the idea that anyone can track my flights (fortunately for me military flights aren’t on there) and it just isn’t a good idea in this case for security reasons.
Also the exact tail numbers can change as maintenance issues crop up during the day. PAO usually gives the tail numbers out once they get airborne so that the media has a heads up when they get arrive at the SLF.
Mark Kirkman
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DaveS - 4/6/2007 4:04 PM
Mark, you don't happen know the tailnumbers of the T-38's they'll use? I want to track on them on http://flightaware.com .
You can just search for flights headed out from Ellington to the SLF. I just tried it and there's two T-38's in the air at this time, number 917 and 918. I guess these aren't the ones the 117-crew are flying in.
I also have a question: Do the middeck crewmembers ever participate in the SMS-sims, and if so what would they do during such a simulation? (Perhaps a little OT)
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kimmern123 - 4/6/2007 9:21 AM
I also have a question: Do the middeck crewmembers ever participate in the SMS-sims, and if so what would they do during such a simulation? (Perhaps a little OT)
If the sim is taking place in the Motion Base SMS – which is the case this morning – then there is no room for the rest of the crew since only the flight deck is modeled. They can watch and follow along from the instructor consoles with the training team.
There is an extra (5th seat) in the Motion Base SMS for instructors or observers so sometimes somebody might occupy that seat just to watch. That seat is located to the left of the MS2 (or middle seat) and is actually located where a wall/console and a hole in the floor (to the middeck) would be in the real shuttle.
Ascent simulations generally only involve the flight deck crew members, however, a “post insertion timeline sim" in the Fixed Base simulator would use the rest of the crewmembers. The Fixed Base sim does have the downstairs seats and some of the mid-deck is modeled...sort of.
Mark Kirkman
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Do the JSC people give the crew a send off before heading to KSC for their mission?
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Sometimes the crew shoes up in an STA jet-- So you might watch for a Gulfstream II
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STS-500Cmdr - 4/6/2007 6:29 PM
Sometimes the crew shoes up in an STA jet-- So you might watch for a Gulfstream II
Isn't it only used if the weather expected along the travel route is bad?
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FYI, Bill Harwood has updated the countdown timeline on his site:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html#COUNT
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NASA TV coverage of astronauts landing should begin in 2 hours.
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Orbiter Obvious - 4/6/2007 10:30 AM
Do the JSC people give the crew a send off before heading to KSC for their mission?
Yes, part of the training team and the crew's spouses went to Ellington for crew departure.
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shuttlepilot - 4/6/2007 4:26 PM
NASA TV coverage of astronauts landing should begin in 2 hours.
Off by an hour...
June 4, Monday
5:30 p.m. - STS-117 Crew Arrival at the Kennedy Space Center - KSC (Public and Media Channels)
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They're early! NASA TV coverage of the arrival has started!
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dosn't look like they're early, it just looks like they're standing-by
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Ankle-bone12 - 4/6/2007 11:26 PM
dosn't look like they're early, it just looks like they're standing-by
One T-38 is already down, maybe two.
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They stopped the coverage about 20 minutes ago... Why they didn't resume it yet?
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shuttlepilot - 4/6/2007 10:42 PM
They stopped the coverage about 20 minutes ago... Why they didn't resume it yet?
They've got their timing wrong with the earlier arrival, but I'm sure they didn't have to go to this static graphic for this length of time.
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Coverage back....
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Webcast started again.
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Mike Leinbach and some other guys welcomed the astronauts ;)
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Coverage stopped once again...
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It's very "exciting" to watch the same screen ("STS-117 crew arrival..." etc.) for about 30 minutes... I'm nearly sleeping - it's 12:25 AM in Poland now.
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Three T-38s are approaching runway.
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All three on the ground.
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They're taxiing now.
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Astronauts are leaving cabins.
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Mike Leinbach and other guys are welcoming the crew.
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And now they're going to make traditional speech ;)
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George Diller took the microphone, and now reporters are doing photos ;)
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End of the coverage.
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They are showing their training activities
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I saw them 100 times, I don't want to watch them any more ;)
I'm going to bed, good night! Go, Atlantis!
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when will the offical countdown clock start?
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Tomorrow at 9 PM EDT (or someplace around there, I may not have it to the minute).
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hornet - 4/6/2007 8:10 PM
when will the offical countdown clock start?
Tomorrow night at 8:30pm EDT is the call-to-stations and the official countdown begins at 9:00pm EDT. Countdown is started at T-minus 43 hours and it includes about 28 hours of built in holds.
Here is a list of countdown activities, by Bill Harwood (it's quite helpful): http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html#COUNT
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What are some radio stations that broadcast coverage of the launch in Titusville? I know this has been written somewhere before but I can't find it now. Thanks!
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There are a couple of AM stations that broadcast coverage with commentary by former space journalist Jim Banke, but I'm sure that many other stations will be covering the launch in the booth with NASA TV commentary. I don't know any numbers offhand, maybe someone else can help there. If you have a scanner though, 146.9400 will have NASA TV.
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Another roundup of some of the L2 info (biggest issue in work is with some RCC).
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5121
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L-3 Countdown Status Briefing should begin in about 15 minutes.
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Status Briefing begun!
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We have 70% chance for launch on 8th, 9th and 10th June.
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End of the briefing.
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Don't forget there is a thread dedicated solely for weather, which enables you to keep weather discussions out of the launch update thread...
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They said they have no concerns at this time, with the RCC panel on Atlantis. :cool:
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Steve Payne said the RCC should not be a problem and has already been checked with thermography. That is good news to hear. :)
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Michael22090 - 5/6/2007 3:18 PM
Steve Payne said the RCC should not be a problem and has already been checked with thermography. That is good news to hear. :)
The L-2 Day MMT will decide that, and not before.
However, always nice to have the info confirmed, as we're the only site to have run the news, and more importantly that they are confident it won't be a problem.
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Here is a nice morning view of the pad. I can't believe that in a couple days, that RSS will be retracting! :) Also, some guys working in the white room currently.
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What is the monitor in the top right of camera view five? (21.32%) Does it have something to do with the air in the white room or inside the shuttle itself?
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dawei - 5/6/2007 5:22 PM
What is the monitor in the top right of camera view five? (21.32%) Does it have something to do with the air in the white room or inside the shuttle itself?
O2 percentage in the crew module.
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dawei - 5/6/2007 11:22 AM
What is the monitor in the top right of camera view five? (21.32%) Does it have something to do with the air in the white room or inside the shuttle itself?
Yes, it's PPO2. This was just asked in the Q & A thread, which is where general shuttle questions should go. Start here to read the question and followups:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=6156&start=286&mid=141448#M141448
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DaveS - 5/6/2007 11:38 AM
dawei - 5/6/2007 5:22 PM
What is the monitor in the top right of camera view five? (21.32%) Does it have something to do with the air in the white room or inside the shuttle itself?
O2 percentage in the crew module.
It cycles between whiteroom, flight deck and middeck
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Ok, the way we're going to do this is to have this thread run through S0007 Countdown, starting the launch day thread on Friday morning, well in time for the T-11 hour hold.
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When does the countdown clock start ticking?
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Far Reach - 5/6/2007 2:20 PM
When does the countdown clock start ticking?
Noted earlier in the thread -- 9 pm Eastern; last post:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=7916&start=391&mid=143089#M143089
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Mission: STS-117 - 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) -
S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Launch Pad 39A
Launch Date: June 8, 2007
Crew: Sturckow, Archambault, Reilly, Swanson, Forrester, Olivas and
Anderson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
Launch preparations remain on schedule for Friday's 7:38 p.m. EDT
launch of space shuttle mission STS-117. Atlantis' aft compartment is
closed for flight, and all of the orbiter's main engines, the orbital
maneuvering system and the forward reaction control system have been
pressurized. The payload bay doors were opened Monday to accomplish
payload battery charging and will be closed for flight today. Last
evening, Atlantis' crew arrived at Kennedy Space Center and began
final preparations for launch.
The call to stations for the launch team will be at 8:30 EDT tonight.
The official launch countdown will begin at 9:00 p.m. EDT.
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RELEASE: 07-131
A PIECE OF THE PAST HITCHES A RIDE ON NEXT SPACE SHUTTLE MISSION
HAMPTON, Va. -- A small piece of early American history will become
the latest space traveler with the liftoff of NASA's space shuttle
Atlantis. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Friday, June 8 at 7:38 p.m.
EDT for the STS-117 mission to the International Space Station.
A nearly 400-year-old metal cargo tag bearing the words "Yames Towne"
and some commemorative mementoes are packed in Atlantis' middeck
floor cargo space for the roundtrip flight to the International Space
Station. Their hitchhike through the galaxy honors this year's 400th
anniversary of Jamestown, Va., the first permanent English settlement
in North America.
"We found the tag at the bottom of a well during a dig at the James
Fort," said William M. Kelso, director of archaeology at Historic
Jamestowne for the Association for the Preservation of Virginia
Antiquities. "It appears to be a discarded shipping tag from a crate
or trunk that arrived from England around 1611. The artifact clearly
marks Jamestown as a destination - our nation's first address."
NASA has teamed with Jamestown 2007 to promote the spirit of
exploration then, now and in the future. The artifacts'
out-of-this-world trip is just one of a number of events held during
the last 18 months that have commemorated the nation's pioneering
spirit.
When the one-inch in diameter artifact lands back on Earth, it will
have logged more than four million miles spanning four centuries. It
will have traveled from England to Jamestown, then to and from the
space station. Two sets of Jamestown commemorative coins, authorized
by Congress and issued by the U.S. Mint, also are on Atlantis.
The cargo tag and coin sets honoring Jamestown were handed over to
NASA's Lesa Roe, director of the Langley Research Center in Hampton,
Va., before they made their way aboard the shuttle. "NASA's proud to
be entrusted with this piece of exploration history and to extend
America's great sense of adventure, exploration and heritage into the
future of space," she said when accepting the priceless artifact.
A $5 gold piece and a silver dollar, both of which depict Jamestown
symbols, make up each commemorative coin set. When returned from
space, NASA will present one set to Virginia Governor Tim Kaine for
display at Jamestown Settlement, a 17th century living history
museum. The second set will be displayed at the National Park
Service's Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center.
NASA will return the shipping tag to Historic Jamestowne where it will
join hundreds of other artifacts in a new archaeological museum
called the Archaearium. Since 1994, archaeologists at the Jamestown
Rediscovery project have dug up more than a million items, including
the long-lost remains of James Fort. For centuries, the fort was
believed to have eroded into the James River.
NASA's vision to return to the moon then venture to Mars and beyond
continues the legacy of exploration and discovery begun 400 years ago
by America's earliest explorers. To learn more about NASA's long-term
exploration goals, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration
For more information about the commemoration of Jamestown's 400th
anniversary, visit:
http://www.americas400thanniversary.com
For more information about Historic Jamestowne, visit:
http://www.historicjamestowne.org
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Just 5 hours till that countdown clock starts ticking! :)
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Please no hourly countdowns to the countdown starting ;>
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ShuttleDiscovery - 5/6/2007 2:54 PM Just 5 hours till that countdown clock starts ticking! :)
lol Launch Fever has claimed another one :)
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Heh, I can't wait for this launch to happen either. Very eager.
But, I can hold it. I've been talking nothing but at school and at home!
Question: Can anyone get access to the Payload Bay Door openings? I'd love to see it.. One thing NTV doesn't always show (due to KU being out of range, I assume..)!
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Nothing to do with being out of range - the antennas are inside the payload bay.
PS SHUTTLE Q&A THREAD for Q&A, STS117 UPDATES IN THE STS117 UPDATE THREAD.
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Only hours away from the start of the count. Just now I sitting in a small village about 7 miles south of Stockholm on a 22 kbits/s connection, but on Friday night will I be back home and me 24 mbits/s connection. We can only hope that Atlantis will liftoff on Saturday or Sunday so I can sleep before I most go to work on Monday ;).
But the big question is way NASA TV can't be broadcast in Europe?
/e some misspelling
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I cross my fingers for you... and for us in FL that day
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Thread is starting to wander, please keep on topic of updates
Nasa tv is on the web too at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html
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mainengine - 5/6/2007 11:51 PM
I cross my fingers for you... and for us in FL that day
Thank you! I too will hell my fingers cross.
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astrobrian - 5/6/2007 10:56 PM
Thread is starting to wander, please keep on topic of updates
More a pre-empt of the launch day live update thread, but let's have no more "Good luck" "Fingers crossed" posts please. It's very annoying for those who have e-mail alerts for new posts in this processing update thread. Thanks.
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I'll volunteer my "How are you going to watch STS-117" thread for those types of postings. :)
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One hour until the start of the countdown clock and the opening of S0007 (L2 users have that to follow...if they can get some spare time out trying to keep up with all the cool presentations in the uber cool STS-117 Special Section). :cool:
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Rob in KC - 5/6/2007 7:58 PM
One hour until the start of the countdown clock and the opening of S0007 (L2 users have that to follow...if they can get some spare time out trying to keep up with all the cool presentations in the uber cool STS-117 Special Section). :cool:
And four hours since there were only five hours until the clock started (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=7916&start=421&mid=143350#M143350).
[broken record]
Can we pace ourselves a little bit, please? There's a long ways to go.
[/broken record]
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Countdown clock will start in 3, 2, 1, T-1 day, 19 hours and counting! S0007 ops are now in work by the launch team.
Primary activties until the first built-in-hold at T-27 hours will be preparations to load the orbiter Electrical Power System fuel cell storage spheres with their cryogenic reactants. That will happen on Wednesday at 6:30 pm EDT with the start of liquid oxygen loading. That is expected to be complete at 9 pm EDT which will be followed shortly there-after by loading of the liquid hydrogen and that is expected to wrap up at 11:30 pm EDT Wednesday.
Retraction of the Rotating Service Structure to the park position is scheduled for 10:30 pm EDT Thursday.
Actual countdown clock time can be viewed here: http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/cdt/
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Some new shots of the crew doing a survey of the payload bay last night after arrival for launch:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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Latest article (debut from Phil Larson)
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5122
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As per L2:
Constraint Status: CAT I: 0 CAT II: 76 (down from 105 on Monday).
CAT I's are show stoppers. CAT II are IPRs etc. We'll update this tomorrow.
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Pad nicely lit up...
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L-2 Countdown Status Briefing coming up on NASA TV Media Channel at 10 am EDT. Following the briefing, you could switch over to the Public channel and watch the Expedition Russian EVA#2.
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No significant issues... all tracking well
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10:30PM tomorrow for RSS retract
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Countdown is exceptional
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Look like the storms will form west of the pad Firday..
Tanking.. no issues zero %
Launch --- 30 % of WX issues
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Tals -- all look good..
Sat launch - 40% - TS..
48 hours --- 40%.. more issues at TALS
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Good question from Mark about weather issues with the PRSD load...
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4pm next for L-2 review
One issue.. STS-118 flanges etc..
RCC - no impacts on STS-117 -- closed out.
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Winds only WX issue today - 50 kts...
Next post L-2 --- they think 3:30 to 4pm range...
Very clean
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Avron - 6/6/2007 10:16 AM
One issue.. STS-118 flanges etc..
RCC - no impacts on STS-117 -- closed out.
Those are noted on L2 -- not sure if they've finished discussions, since the L-2 review is still upcoming this afternoon.
Edit: we'll probably find out afterwards about whether the PRSD load was held up -- it will depend on what the weather is like when they get there in the timeline...I didn't catch what Kathy Winters said about possible lightning advisories later today, but that's part of what held up some of the loads during the summer launch counts last year...
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psloss - 6/6/2007 4:21 PM
Edit: we'll probably find out afterwards about whether the PRSD load was held up -- it will depend on what the weather is like when they get there in the timeline...I didn't catch what Kathy Winters said about possible lightning advisories later today, but that's part of what held up some of the loads during the summer launch counts last year...
If they got any Phse 2's prior to starting PRSD load activties, they would stop. If they got any Phase's during the loadings, they would not stop the loadings.
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We're working through the ET-117/MPS disconnect issue on L2 (meeting is ongoing right now), but will be writing an article on this for those not on L2.
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Now at T-27 hours and holding.
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Chris Bergin - 6/6/2007 3:50 PM
We're working through the ET-117/MPS disconnect issue on L2 (meeting is ongoing right now), but will be writing an article on this for those not on L2.
No resolution via pre-brief, now being debated by MMT.
Flight rationale is always favorite. The flip side is a delay of several days. We're following.
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count will be picked up at 630 pm instead of 5 pm
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TFGQ - 6/6/2007 1:45 PM
count will be picked up at 630 pm instead of 5 pm
Any reason for the delay? Catching up on timeline?
Thanks.
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i know a person in the newsroom they informed me about this
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The rendezvous burns and orbital elements are now available at:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/SSapplications/Post/JavaSSOP/orbit/SHUTTLE/SVPOST.html
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TFGQ - 6/6/2007 1:54 PM
i know a person in the newsroom they informed me about this
Definitely a head-scratcher without details...
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i am not getting a reason why eithier
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because of the disconnect evaluations
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What is the MPS and what is the disconnect issue?
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dotdk - 6/6/2007 2:38 PM
What is the MPS and what is the disconnect issue?
MPS is the Main Propulsion System (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/technology/sts-newsref/sts-mps.html)
Bill Harwood did a summary of the issue this morning:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html
Excerpt from "SR-19 (06/06/07): Countdown underway; weather still 70 percent 'go'":
The only technical issue under discussion involves 2-inch and 4-inch hydrogen pressurization lines on the external tank that will be used by shuttle Endeavour in August that are very slightly - a few ten-thousandths of an inch - out of spec. NASA managers are re-evaluating the results of 400-psi leak checks done after Atlantis' tank was mated with the shuttle to make sure the lines in question are properly seated.
Some engineers have suggested an additional 600-psi leak test to double-check the connections, work in Atlantis' engine compartment that would delay launch three days or so. But given the results of the earlier tests - and normal checks during the fueling process Friday - it appears likely NASA managers will press ahead with the countdown for a launch attempt at 7:38 p.m. Friday.
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dotdk - 6/6/2007 8:38 PM
What is the MPS and what is the disconnect issue?
MPS = Main Propulsion System. Read more about it here: http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/technology/sts-newsref/sts-mps.html#sts-mps
There's some concerns with ET-124 that ity might have bad H2 quick-disconnects(QDs) after they found ET-117(STS-118 ET) to have bad LH2 and GH2 QDs.
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Management chatter on the issue is being placed into L2.
Could be a delay to launch coming.
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GO FOR LAUNCH. Friday is ON. Dissenting opinion on Disconnects is retracted (rationalized).
(Thanks to the source on L2).
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I don't understand this. If the ones on STS-117 are within spec, and if they passed pressure check, what difference does it make *to this mission* if other disconnects on another tank are out of spec?
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It was a concern by some engineers in the community. In their opinion, since the root cause had not been specifically identified on ET 117 the condition could exist on ET 124 and therefore a cause for concern, regardless of the leak and helium signature checks.
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Were these same measurements not collected for the couplings on ET-124/STS-117?
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Mission: STS-117 - 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) -
S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Launch Pad 39A
Launch Date: June 8, 2007
Crew: Sturckow, Archambault, Reilly, Swanson, Forrester, Olivas and
Anderson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
The countdown for the launch of space shuttle mission STS-117 began as
planned Tuesday at 9 p.m. EDT, when clocks in the Launch Control
Center began counting backward from the T-43 hour mark. Launch is
scheduled for 7:38 p.m. EDT Friday.
Atlantis' astronauts arrived at Kennedy Space Center Monday evening
and have been practicing landings in the Shuttle Training Aircraft,
conducting fit checks of their launch-and-entry suits, reviewing
their timelines and undergoing medical exams.
Launch preparations continue as planned. Following a four-hour
built-in hold at the T-27 hour mark, the countdown resumes at 6:30
p.m. EDT today. Transfer of the hydrogen and oxygen reactants will
then begin. These will flow through the orbiter mid-body umbilical
unit into the power reactant storage and distribution system tanks
located beneath the payload bay. These reactants will be used by
Atlantis to generate power during the mission. The umbilical unit
will be secured once this loading is complete at about 1 a.m. EDT
Thursday, when the countdown enters a hold at the T-19 hour mark.
There is a 30-percent chance that conditions will not meet the weather
criteria for launch Friday. The main concern is thunderstorms with
associated anvil clouds.
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The leak checks went without issue, so it would have been a tough call to hold this launch back.
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Lee Jay - 6/6/2007 2:39 PM
Were these same measurements not collected for the couplings on ET-124/STS-117?
They were. However ET 124 was mated to OV-104 at one point in 2003 just prior to the loss of 102. They were remeasured afterward and out of spec. However, we had never done this before and are not 100% sure of the effect on these tolerances after a mate/de-mate cycle.
Although never measured, we have destacked and restacked an orbiter and ET several times before in the past. Every time, we got the expected performance in mating ops, pad ops (leak checks, helium sigs, etc) and flight.
This isn't really a big deal. These dissenting/alternate opinions happen many times a day or during any given vehicle flow. This is why those on here say management supresses alternate opinions are just not correct.
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Launch preparations continue as planned. Following a four-hour
built-in hold at the T-27 hour mark, the countdown resumes at 6:30
p.m. EDT today.
Sounds like "lost in translation issue," as this press release misplaced 90 minutes.
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OV-106 - 6/6/2007 9:46 PM
They were. However ET 124 was mated to OV-104 at one point in 2003 just prior to the loss of 102.
Don't you mean ET-117? A stand-up report on L2 mentioned that 104 was mated to ET-117 prior to the loss of 102. I'm just trying not be confused!
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I do, we've all been tripping up on that now and then during the discussions about this issue over the last several days. OV-104 is mated to ET 124 for STS-117. OV-104 was mated to ET-117 back in 2003.
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Chris Bergin - 6/6/2007 3:28 PM
(Thanks to the source on L2).
I second that.
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L-2 Launch Readiness News Conference should begin in 5 minutes. (NASA TV Media Channel)
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Chris Bergin - 6/6/2007 3:28 PM
GO FOR LAUNCH. Friday is ON. Dissenting opinion on Disconnects is retracted (rationalized).
(Thanks to the source on L2).
So, that means no matter what, Friday they WILL launch, or as it looks right now?
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Conference started.
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Ford Mustang - 6/6/2007 4:01 PM
So, that means no matter what, Friday they WILL launch, or as it looks right now?
It means they are going to continue the count...we'll only know whether they will launch when the vehicle lifts off.
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Public Channel is joining the news conference now...
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Leroy's attempting to beat Wayne for the longest ever response to a question :)
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Chris Bergin - 6/6/2007 4:14 PM
Leroy's attempting to beat Wayne for the longest ever response to a question :)
Hail... here goes the longest...
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Avron - 6/6/2007 9:16 PM
Chris Bergin - 6/6/2007 4:14 PM
Leroy's attempting to beat Wayne for the longest ever response to a question :)
Hail... here goes the longest...
Yeah, i was struggling not to fall asleep! ;)
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Chris Bergin - 6/6/2007 3:14 PM
Leroy's attempting to beat Wayne for the longest ever response to a question :)
Great answer though!
We're seeing a lot of the back of Mark's head!
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They'd prefer to fly this tank in summer, apparently, to limit ice formation.
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eeergo - 6/6/2007 9:21 PM
They'd prefer to fly this tank in summer, apparently, to limit ice formation.
Sounds perfectly reasonable. :)
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Next briefing: 10 a.m. EDT tomorrow morning. So far, so good :)
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View of Atlantis at the pad
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No mention of holding up the PRSD load yet...if they're on schedule, the count would pick up at 5 pm Eastern with the LO2 load starting at around 6:30 pm Eastern.
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Ok folks. We're going to have one more day of this thread, then we'll move on to the launch day thread, which combines as FD (Flight Day 1).
FDs get a thread each as we proceed through the mission. (check back on older pages of the forum for the 116 examples.
L2 has the same in tandem, which are MMT level information and presentations. I'll copy what I can into the live public threads.
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T-01 Days 03 Hours and Counting
Next hold: 1 am EDT at T-19h
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Good decision via the MMT. Flight Rationale should always remain solid for consistancy of decision.
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Concerns with ET/Orbiter connections,eh? No "go-fever"!! Ha ha ha.
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FYI, Bill Harwood reports that work has picked up after the storms:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html
"SR-22 (06/06/07): Shuttle dodges severe storms"
A NASA spokesman said work to load the ship's fuel cell system with hydrogen and oxygen was delayed two hours by the weather, but by 8:30 p.m. engineers were ready to press ahead with the five-hour procedure.
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So the count goes ahead as planned and the pre launch preps catch up during the next hold? Everything should be back according to plan by the end of the upcoming 4 hour hold. Is that correct?
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Yes that is basically correct, they can slip the PRSD load (power reactant and storage distribution system) for the fuel cells a few hours and still stay on schedule (that is why there are plenty of holds in the countdown, to catch up on work performed or running late). Tomorrow (Thursday) there is a large hold of 13 hours, 42 minutes in the countdown at T-11 hour mark starting at 1 PM EDT, this will allow the launch team to catch up with any late work or problems that pop up after the PRSD load finishes early Thursday morning (around 2 - 3 AM EDT).
Richard
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LAUNCH HAZARD ADVISORY FOR UPCOMING SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. – The attached map shows the
Eastern Range's Launch Hazard Area (LHA) for the scheduled launch of
space shuttle mission STS-117 on Friday, June 8, 2007. The preferred
launch time is 7:38 p.m. (EDT).
For their safety, mariners are asked to remain clear of the LHA
from 5 p.m. through 9:15 p.m. (EDT). The exact coordinates of the LHA
are shown on the attached map.
Persons entering this zone while it's an active launch area
should be aware that penalties are authorized to punish violators.
In accordance with Title 33 CFR 165.20, United States Code, Section
1225, the maximum civil penalty is up to $50,000.
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O2 loading is now complete, go for LH2 loading
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Jester - 7/6/2007 3:17 AM
O2 loading is now complete, go for LH2 loading
Some shots from earlier of one of the tankers...
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And the other tanker (presumably the LH2 tanker) has left the pad...
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PRSD loading was completed at 08:02:00 GMT.
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Chris Bergin - 7/6/2007 5:16 AM
PRSD loading was completed at 08:02:00 GMT.
All going well then?
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British NASA - 7/6/2007 12:39 PM
Chris Bergin - 7/6/2007 5:16 AM
PRSD loading was completed at 08:02:00 GMT.
All going well then?
Yes squire. I'd let you know if it wasn't ;)
They cancelled a planned changeout, but I'm waiting for the mornings integration report before doing an article...most of which will be from the late night MMT presentation, which is blooming marvelous. (all on L2).
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I should add, that cancellation is due to them currently being behind by 6-7 hours.
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You mean they cancelled a planned changeout of a component on the shuttle?
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shuttlefan - 7/6/2007 3:30 PM
You mean they cancelled a planned changeout of a component on the shuttle?
Yes, one of the Microwave Scan-Beam Landing System boxes(MSBLS#3).
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L-1 Countdown Status Briefing should begin in few minutes.
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Ah, it was my RealPlayer. Watching with VLC Media Player now. Perfect audio.
EDIT: Seems like everything is in order for flight tomorrow.
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MSBLS is the biggest topic at the MMT.
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Looks like we will have very good weather tommorow!
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L-1 Countdown status briefing conference is done, all looks good for launch tomorrow. Just watching weather, although nothing seems to be an issue so far.
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As George Diller said, next STS-117 related event will be launch coverage ;)
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Perhaps STS-117 will be the first post-Columbia mission to go in the first attempt! :)
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Close-up view of the GOX vent hood AKA "the beanie cap".
Check the second for the scale of it, compared to the worker in fron of it!
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Chris Bergin - 7/6/2007 3:08 PM
MSBLS is the biggest topic at the MMT.
Now heading to an OPO telecon at 7:30pm GMT. Overview document and outlines on L2.
Writing an article.
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Now at T-11 hours and holding!
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Latest: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5124
There will be another article to come tonight, as there's a lot of L2 info to get through.
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L-1 MMT Meeting Overview Presentation now on L2. Leroy - and a number of others - give their views on the MLS issue. Will quote some of it for another article.
PRSD is apparently getting a waiver (see article - reference leaks).
No word yet from the OPO meeting on the MLS (might still be ongoing.)
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GOX vent hood just came to life:
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If they opt to changeout MLS 3 afterall, it'll move the launch to Saturday.
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Where we are in S0007? With the 6 hour PRSD delay i'm a little out of sync.
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What worries me is the purity of the oxidizer.. etc on the loading side of the picture... MLS -- think GPS will resolve any real issues.. vs LCC
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From transcript of the L-1 meeting on L2:
The SRB recovery ships left earlier today.
RSS Retract may be slightly delayed due to the delay last night
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NASA_Twix_JSC - 7/6/2007 8:54 PM
If they opt to changeout MLS 3 afterall, it'll move the launch to Saturday.
I get the impression the OPO meeting will decide and they'll press ahead with Friday. They are -as you probably know Sir - historical on the MLS, probably to shore up flight rationale.
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Felix - 7/6/2007 9:23 PM
Replays...
Oops!
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View from 39A looking up at ET-124 and SRBs...
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Anithing new told in this last PC?
(thanks Dave for the reply below, thought it was a new one)
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dabella - 7/6/2007 10:33 PM
Anithing new told in this last PC?
It's a replay of this morning's L-1 Countdown Status Briefing. You have already read everything that was said in the briefing.
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Avron - 7/6/2007 3:05 PM
What worries me is the purity of the oxidizer.. etc on the loading side of the picture... MLS -- think GPS will resolve any real issues.. vs LCC
No need to worry. It'll be fine.
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Here's what's upcoming on NASA TV...hopefully the callouts for "Live Views" are good, but it's worth noting that the plans can change without notice.
Replays until at least 7:30 pm Eastern (2330 GMT)...
NASA TV DAILY SCHEDULE
June 7, Thursday
4 p.m. – Replay of STS-117 Countdown Status Briefing – HQ (Public and Media Channels)
7 p.m. – Replay of STS-117 Countdown Status Briefing – HQ (Public and Media Channels)
7:30 p.m. - 12 a.m. – Live View of Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A – KSC (Media Channel)
June 8, Friday
12 – 6 a.m. - Live View of Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A – KSC (Public and Media Channels)
1:30 p.m. - STS-117 Launch Commentary and Coverage (Launch is scheduled for 7:38 p.m. EDT.) - KSC/JSC (All Channels)
Source:
ftp://ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/pao/tv-advisory/nasa-tv.txt
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So no more media briefings?
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Mark Max Q - 7/6/2007 5:26 PM
So no more media briefings?
Correct. Hopefully the next briefing will be the post launch press conference.
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Looking good from where am I. Providing nothing comes up on L2, we'll have a good chance to launch Friday.
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Shuttle Man - 7/6/2007 11:54 PM
Looking good from where am I. Providing nothing comes up on L2, we'll have a good chance to launch Friday.
So has a final decision MSBLS#3 been reached? No swap-out?
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Live coverage of Atlantis on the pad has started.
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DaveS - 7/6/2007 7:30 PM
Live coverage of Atlantis on the pad has started.
Looks like they've picked it up on the Public Channel, too (at least temporarily)...
(Edit: withdrew duplicate screenshot)
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24h to launch now
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Looks beautiful! I don't think MSBLS 3 will be an issue in terms of a launch tomorrow, whether there is a swap or not. Hope to hear something about it soon!
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Astromattical - 8/6/2007 1:33 AM
Looks beautiful! I don't think MSBLS 3 will be an issue in terms of a launch tomorrow, whether there is a swap or not. Hope to hear something about it soon!
A swap would delay the launch to Saturday. The reason for cancelling that was because of the PRSD load activties fell behind schedule.
And PRSD loading activities requires that the pad is cleared of all personnel.
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I stand corrected, thanks Dave for that info. Still learning how things work over there. :)
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Yes, if they decided to swap, they'd delay to Saturday.
Latest we have is they are pushing for Friday with as-is rationale, although OPO would technically need to defer to MMT (I'd assume). Self tests were up to 20 on the number three under evaluation and no problems, so rationale appears strong.
Everyone is pointing to Friday launch. ET folks supporting launch have already gone home earlier today as key staff get ready for a long, long day tomorrow.
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Great to hear, Chris, and thanks for the reinforcement of the delay info. ;) I got that one wrong.
Can someone quickly explain or point me in the right direction why the pad would have to be cleared if a swap was to be performed? Why would anything need to be pressurized? I'm not clear on this one.
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Astromattical - 8/6/2007 12:42 AM
Great to hear, Chris, and thanks for the reinforcement of the delay info. ;) I got that one wrong.
Can someone quickly explain or point me in the right direction why the pad would have to be cleared if a swap was to be performed? Why would anything need to be pressurized? I'm not clear on this one.
Sorry, was posting before you posted :)
The clearance of other workers from the pad was in reference to PRSD loading activities. I.e they can't go swaping stuff out during those activities, i.e they lost their chance to swap it last night as PRSD got in the way.
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Wasn't sure if that pad shot was live or taped from this morning, but it does seem live - getting darker. Great to see the bird on the pad!
Before this thread is closed down, I just wanted to say thanks to Chris and all the sources that have kept things up to date thru the repair time. Fantastic coverage as always!!
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About the NASA TV Live View; are they going to turn on the xenon lights at the launch pad?
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Thanks Chris. Who has the final word about whether or not to swap? It *seems* from what I've read that #3 being out still meets launch criteria, but I get the impression that they're hesitating over there about what route to go for some reason.
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Michael22090 - 7/6/2007 7:58 PM
About the NASA TV Live View. Are they going to turn on the xenon lights at the launch pad?
Eventually, yes. Severe trivia, but my recollection is they often wait until after RSS rollback to do that. RSS rollback was on the schedule for a couple of hours from now, but it can be delayed and often is...so it could be a while for that and the floodlights...
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Astromattical - 8/6/2007 2:00 AM
Thanks Chris. Who has the final word about whether or not to swap? It *seems* from what I've read that #3 being out still meets launch criteria, but I get the impression that they're hesitating over there about what route to go for some reason.
Final word is the Mission Management Team(MMT) which during prelaunch is chaired by Leroy Cain, Launch Integration Manager for the Space Shuttle Program at KSC. Leroy Cain is a former Space Shuttle Flight Director.
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psloss - 7/6/2007 7:04 PM
Michael22090 - 7/6/2007 7:58 PM
About the NASA TV Live View. Are they going to turn on the xenon lights at the launch pad?
Eventually, yes. Severe trivia, but my recollection is they often wait until after RSS rollback to do that. RSS rollback was on the schedule for a couple of hours from now, but it can be delayed and often is...so it could be a while for that and the floodlights...
I have never seen RSS Retract live before so that is exciting for me. If they had the lights on by then it would be cool; maybe they will. :o
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I would like to say thanks to all of you for a superb professional updates through all thoes repairs on ET.She look's fine during sunset and all the time ,when she stay at the pad of course. :)
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Astromattical - 8/6/2007 1:00 AM
Thanks Chris. Who has the final word about whether or not to swap? It *seems* from what I've read that #3 being out still meets launch criteria, but I get the impression that they're hesitating over there about what route to go for some reason.
MMT are all powerful, headed by Wayne Hale...so we're in good hands, and he has an awesome team, with the likes of Leroy Cain, Steve Poulos etc. etc.
MMT decided that they could fly with one of the three elements failed. OPO met tonight to look at historical data. "Need to look at the history and what the data is telling us," as Leroy Cain said in the MMT L-1 Day Overview Presentation on L2.
Speaking of that, the presentation contains a brilliant transcript of about seven managers having an open conversational about this issue. I want to quote out of this for an article (writing now) but I wish I could copy and paste the whole lot into here as it's NASA at work and it's brilliant. The issue we get is some other media then taking it out of context as a problem, so we usually only publish out of L2 in context as an article, which invokes journalist rules of accreditation.
Anyhoo. They've not classed number 3 as failed, but as suspect. They think they've got a reason for this occuring: "Leading theory is ingestion of gas that caused start up transient, later gas heated up and cleared," said Poulos.
The discussion is with one potentially classed as failed, they are one failure away from breaching LCC. And as you know, it's all about safety and having two fault tolerance.
They have GPS, but "GPS is great tool, but not a MLS replacement. MLS takes precedent at lower altitudes, but in a pinch could take GPS if we lost all MLS," manager Knight.
So, as Leroy Cain states: "...are not declaring it failed, there is work to do before get into final countdown. I consider it suspect. As to whether we declare it failed we need to do some more work. That’s where I think we are."
OPO haven't (at least I've not recieved note) declared their position as per their meeting, but given the transcript of MMT meeting, they will proceed and can launch even with number three failed, but will watch for anything during the count.
Hope that helps. Will try and be clearer in an article.
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Wow...thanks for that awesome info Chris. That perfectly explains what I was wondering.
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Okay, that leads to a question. As gliders go, the Shuttle is about as bad as it gets. However, as raw stick-and-rudder skills go, their pilots tend to be about as good it gets. Could these guys dead-stick an orbiter in safely from 15,000 without MLS or GPS?
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that Pad looks awesome all lit up
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Pad floodlights activated:
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RSS rollback is what time tonight?
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MarkD - 8/6/2007 2:54 AM
RSS rollback is what time tonight?
10:30 pm EDT.
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Live views of Atlantis at the pad!
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Michael22090 - 7/6/2007 6:58 PM About the NASA TV Live View; are they going to turn on the xenon lights at the launch pad?
Yes, after the RSS is retracted and has been complete, they will then turn on the xenon lights at the pad.
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Call To Stations for RSS retract.
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Keep your eyes peeled...warning, this is where we all think the RSS is moving, as it plays tricks with your eyes if you stare at it enough ;)
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Can someone tell me what I'm looking at in this side view of the pad? I'm talking about the bottom part of the picture, on the pad itself. Where the lights are.
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GoForTLI - 7/6/2007 10:39 PM
Can someone tell me what I'm looking at in this side view of the pad? I'm talking about the bottom part of the picture, on the pad itself. Where the lights are.
Look right under the SRB. There's a solid part that has a 'track' like a tank on it. That, I am almost positive, is what will be moving.
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It's part of the actual launch "pad". The shuttle stack and MLP (mobile launch platform) are sitting on a concrete pad that forms the flame trench underleath.
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Ford Mustang - 7/6/2007 9:41 PM
GoForTLI - 7/6/2007 10:39 PM
Can someone tell me what I'm looking at in this side view of the pad? I'm talking about the bottom part of the picture, on the pad itself. Where the lights are.
Look right under the SRB. There's a solid part that has a 'track' like a tank on it. That, I am almost positive, is what will be moving.
I'm wondering about the pad itself, not the MLP and the RSS on top. There should be a flame deflector down there, and then hot gases get deflected fore and aft. But this is the side view, and it looks like a room of some kind. And I'm wondering what I'm seeing.
If you look at the picture on Chris Bergin's last post, there are 5 columns in front of what I'm looking at, with lights behind and some kind of equipment there. It's right at the bottom portion of the latest screen capture from NASA TV.
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By the way, for all those that are waiting to see the RSS move, it's been my experience that it rarely moves ontime even when they issue Call to Stations.
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Is it just me, or is there no audio during this feed currently?
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OV-106 - 7/6/2007 9:46 PM
By the way, for all those that are waiting to see the RSS move, it's been my experience that it rarely moves ontime even when they issue Call to Stations.
It's cool. It's more interesting than what is on TV right now. There's always something special about a shuttle being revealed in this event. She'll look beautiful in the floodlights.
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There is no audio, Astromattical. I do not think they will have shuttle commentary for anything except the Launch Coverage and the regular.
EDIT: When is the shuttle 'skin' thing going to be retracted? It's the thing covering the shuttle from weather.. I forgot the name of it..
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Astromattical - 7/6/2007 10:48 PM
Is it just me, or is there no audio during this feed currently?
This is normal...No PAOs are on console until full launch commentary begins.
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Ford Mustang - 8/6/2007 4:50 AM
There is no audio, Astromattical. I do not think they will have shuttle commentary for anything except the Launch Coverage and the regular.
EDIT: When is the shuttle 'skin' thing going to be retracted? It's the thing covering the shuttle from weather.. I forgot the name of it..
It's called the Rotating Service Structure(RSS). And nobody knows when they plan to retract the RSS. It frequently ends up behind schedule.
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I'm getting a lot of e-mails asking when we actually go to a Launch Day Live Update thread. To clear this up, we'll be starting this tomorrow morning ahead of tanking. It gets really crazy around here on launch days, so it would be a minefield to start one right now.
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Dave, can you point me to some details about the RSS? I'm curious as to why it often retracts behind schedule...I can easily imagine some of the reasons that might be, though! What an ordeal that must be!
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For anyone not familiar, it's not unusual for RSS retract to be behind an hour or even more, so grab a snack and keep watching. Eventually it'll move. I forget which one of the last few missions it was, but retract was over an hour late. Not a big deal as there's plenty of leeway in the timing, but it's sure nicer when things are on time. The slowest part of the operation is moving the structure the first short distance just to get it clear of the shuttle. That's very delicate. Then it'll speed up.
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landofgrey - 8/6/2007 4:56 AM
For anyone not familiar, it's not unusual for RSS retract to be behind an hour or even more, so grab a snack and keep watching. Eventually it'll move.
It is moving. First motion was at 11 pm EDT. Until the RSS is well clear of the orbiter, the pace is going to be slow.
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Before anyone asks why so slow, it is because there are spotters at various points around the RSS/Orbiter to make sure there are no interference issues and that nothing is going to ding the ship.
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I just noticed the slight move. That's not too bad, 30 minutes late.
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If you get right up against your tv screen, you can see the motion by looking at the pixels close the edges of prominent structures/contrast. (Not recommended for extended duration) ;)
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the area below the pad are rooms full of high pressure gas cylinders
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First time I've seen this, too! Incredible!
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Justin Wheat - 8/6/2007 5:12 AM
how long is this expected to take?
Around 30-45 minutes.
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If it launches tomorrow, how long will it take to reach the West coast of the UK? I know the ISS is making visible passes over my house about 30 mins before, and 60 mins after STS-117 is scheduled to launch, so I assume I should be able to see Atlantis, provided there is no cloud cover. Does anyone know how long it takes to cross the Atlantic?
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When would the Xenon lights come on? And how much brighter would that make this?
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When the xenons come on I'm going to go outside and try to take a picture. I'm hoping it's humid enough to get the "cone of lights".
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Ford Mustang - 7/6/2007 10:14 PM
When would the Xenon lights come on? And how much brighter would that make this?
Usully after retract is complete and everything is locked down. It makes it much brighter in the area but I'm honestly not sure how well that will translate to TV
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Ford Mustang - 7/6/2007 11:43 PM
I just heard that they were looking at replacing an avionics system.. Would they do it, or could they fly on a backup.. If they do it, would that postpone launch to Saturday or Sunday?
EDIT: Sorry if this was already answered, I just looked back through 5-6 pages, and couldn't find it.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5124
This is a news website, not just a forum.
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Zachstar - 7/6/2007 8:30 PM
Let the vets and Chris do the Image posting. It gets very hard to load when you have everyone wanting to post snapshots.
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The retract is looking nice!
And on the subject of "hard to load," those for whom this will be their first NSF launch, please be cognisant of the fact that this site is heavily relied on and monitored by many for updates during the final phases of the coundown -- especially as we enter the terminal count (inside 20 minutes). Unless you are posting accurate updates, or are on a 3-way call with Wayne Hale and Mike Leinbach, please refrain from any unnecessary comments. Just enjoy the professional coverage from a great site! I'm sure that Chris will reiterate this tomorrow, but there will be a lot of traffic here, and unnecessary comments just slow things down.
:)
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Another article: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5125 - post RSS Retract. More on the MLS issue.
All make a note of one manager THANKING people for dissenting opinions...as there's been some old stories of how that was a bad thing in the old days. Not now.
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Austin - 7/6/2007 11:49 PM
Zachstar - 7/6/2007 8:30 PM
Let the vets and Chris do the Image posting. It gets very hard to load when you have everyone wanting to post snapshots.
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The retract is looking nice!
And on the subject of "hard to load," those for whom this will be their first NSF launch, please be cognisant of the fact that this site is heavily relied on and monitored by many for updates during the final phases of the coundown -- especially as we enter the terminal count (inside 20 minutes). Unless you are posting accurate updates, or are on a 3-way call with Wayne Hale and Mike Leinbach, please refrain from any unnecessary comments. Just enjoy the professional coverage from a great site! I'm sure that Chris will reiterate this tomorrow, but there will be a lot of traffic here, and unnecessary comments just slow things down.
:)
Not necessary. Chris has enabled automated features on the forum to prevent non-designated persons from posting when coming out of the T-9 minute hold.
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Xenon Floodlights coming online!
Makes things quite a bit brighter!
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Ford Mustang - 7/6/2007 11:52 PM
MySDCUserID - 7/6/2007 11:47 PM
Ford Mustang - 7/6/2007 11:43 PM
I just heard that they were looking at replacing an avionics system.. Would they do it, or could they fly on a backup.. If they do it, would that postpone launch to Saturday or Sunday?
EDIT: Sorry if this was already answered, I just looked back through 5-6 pages, and couldn't find it.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5124
This is a news website, not just a forum.
Yes I understand that, I was just wondering, because normally, Chris posts something here that ends up doing with a write-up. I didn't see a post like that, so I asked.
That article has been up and posted for almost half the day.
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It appears that the xenons are on now.
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Ok folks, let's try and keep it tidy here. It's an update thread and the moderators will prune it so that people (some of which get e-mail alerts to new posts on here) aren't trawling through lots of posts that are chatter.
Friday's launch day thread will be very much along these lines. Everything will be laid out in the opening post.
You all do a great job in helping this be interactive, and I really want that because people should be involved. Let's just find the balance.
See you all in about five hours.
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The beanie-cap looks to be all the way on now.. Just noticed that, after watching them turn on one more set of Xenon lights.
EDIT: Beanie cap looks to be playing games tonight. It's now released back into the air.
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When will the official countdown clock come out of its scheduled hold?
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It should come out around 1 or 2 AM EST. It's a 12-13 hour hold, and went in at 1 PM EST.
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hornet - 7/6/2007 11:12 PM
When will the official countdown clock come out of its scheduled hold?
2:42am EDT
The next hold will be at 7:42am EDT and will last for 2 hours.
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Ford Mustang - 7/6/2007 12:13 AM
It should come out around 1 or 2 AM EST. It's a 12-13 hour hold, and went in at 1 PM EST.
The US (including Florida / KSC ops) are on Daylight Saving Time now so that would be 1 or 2am EDT.
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Mission: STS-117 - 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) -
S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Launch Pad 39A
Launch Date: June 8, 2007
Crew: Sturckow, Archambault, Reilly, Swanson, Forrester, Olivas and
Anderson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
Preparations continue at the Kennedy Space Center for the launch of
space shuttle mission STS-117 at 7:38 p.m. EDT Friday.
Atlantis' power-producing fuel cells were loaded with liquid hydrogen
and liquid oxygen early Thursday morning after severe thunderstorms
caused a delay of several hours. These reactants will provide launch
managers with the opportunity to try four launch attempts in five
days, should that become necessary. No lightning strikes or hail were
reported at Launch Pad 39A.
While some operations began later than originally scheduled, much of
the remaining work is being performed in parallel and no impact to
the planned launch time is expected. Final preparations of the space
shuttle main engines are under way, and workers are activating
communications systems and stowing final items into Atlantis' crew
cabin.
Solid rocket booster recovery ships Freedom Star and Liberty Star
departed KSC at noon today. Meanwhile, the STS-117 crew continues
practicing landings in the Shuttle Training Aircraft.
The rotating service structure is scheduled to retract at 10:30
tonight, and fueling of the external tank is planned for 9:12 a.m.
Friday.
There is a 20-percent chance that conditions will not meet the weather
criteria for launch Friday. The main concern is clouds associated
with inland thunderstorms.
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THIRD PAIR OF MASSIVE LOCKHEED MARTIN SOLAR ARRAYS TO BE LAUNCHED TO INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
SUNNYVALE, CALIF.,June 7, 2007
The third of four pairs of massive solar arrays and a second Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ), built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] at its Space Systems facility in Sunnyvale, will be launched aboard the space shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station (ISS) as early as June 8, 2007. During the 11-day STS-117 mission, astronauts will connect the package of giant solar arrays and the rotary joint - incorporated into an integrated truss segment - to the Station.
"This third pair of solar arrays will increase power available to ISS in anticipation of the delivery of international science modules over the next two years," said Brad Haddock, Lockheed Martin ISS program director. "The first two pairs of arrays have performed superbly, and beyond expectation, and we're confident that this addition to ISS will provide for increasing power needs as ISS construction continues."
The Space Systems ISS solar arrays are the largest deployable space structure ever built and are by far, the most powerful electricity-producing arrays ever put into orbit. When the Station is completed a total of eight flexible, deployable solar array wings will generate the reliable, continuous power for the on-orbit operation of the ISS systems. The eight array wings were designed and built under a $450 million contract from the Boeing-Rocketdyne Division in Canoga Park, Calif., for delivery to the Boeing Company and NASA.
Each of the eight wings consists of a mast assembly and two solar array blankets. Each blanket has 84 panels, of which 82 are populated with solar cells. Each panel contains 200 solar cells. The eight photovoltaic arrays thus accommodate a total of 262,400 solar cells. When fully deployed in space, the active area of the eight wings, each 107 by 38-feet, will encompass an area of 32,528-sq. ft., and will provide power to the ISS for 15 years.
The SARJ, 10.5 ft in diameter and 40 inches long, will maintain the solar arrays in an optimal orientation to the sun while the entire space station orbits the Earth once every 90 minutes. Drive motors in the SARJ will move the arrays through 360 degrees of motion at four degrees per minute. The joints must rotate the arrays smoothly without imparting vibrations to the laboratories and habitation modules on the station that would impact microgravity-processing activities. At the same time, 60 kW of power at 160 volts and multiple data channels are carried across each joint by copper "roll rings" contained within.
In addition to the arrays and SARJ, Space Systems in Sunnyvale designed and built other elements for the Space Station. The Thermal Radiator Rotary Joints (TRRJ) - each five and a half feet long and three feet in diameter - were launched in 2002. The two joints maintain Space Station thermal radiators in an edge-on orientation to the Sun that maximizes the dissipation of heat from the radiators into space.
Space Systems also produced the Trace Contaminant Control System ?- launched to ISS as an element of the U.S. Destiny Laboratory module in 2001 - an advanced air processing and filtering system that ensures that over 200 various trace chemical contaminants, generated from material off-gassing and metabolic functions in the Space Station atmosphere, remain within allowable concentration levels. It is an integral part of the Space Station's Cabin Air Revitalization Subsystem.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC) is a major operating unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security, civil and commercial customers. Chief products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; fleet ballistic missiles; and missile defense systems.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.
Contact:
Buddy Nelson
(510) 797-0349
e-mail: [email protected]
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Chris Bergin - 7/6/2007 10:50 PM
Another article: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5125 - post RSS Retract. More on the MLS issue.
All make a note of one manager THANKING people for dissenting opinions...as there's been some old stories of how that was a bad thing in the old days. Not now.
Yes I noticed that. With all that rubbish being said about NASA this is very encouraging and I'm really glad you ran that quote.
To me it seems that contingency/redundancy is fine with two MLS. The third even seems ok, so this is great that they are taking so much discussion on what is maybe a tripple redundancy wish. Really positive.
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GW_Simulations - 8/6/2007 5:14 AM
If it launches tomorrow, how long will it take to reach the West coast of the UK? I know the ISS is making visible passes over my house about 30 mins before, and 60 mins after STS-117 is scheduled to launch, so I assume I should be able to see Atlantis, provided there is no cloud cover. Does anyone know how long it takes to cross the Atlantic?
It doesn't look good for us waiting in Europe. If all goes as planned, Atlantis will enter at 23:55:34 UTC Earth shadow! That will be aroud the time it would become visible from UK!
If you want to take a look by yourself you can use those TLE's:
MECO
1 99999U 07159.99201389 .01000000 40444-5 44382-6 0 00
2 99999 51.6339 146.7465 0132784 348.8013 68.9735 16.48549729 02
This special TLE works only from 23:48:30 UTC to 00:16:58 UT......
Because the orbit will be at this time very eliptically, some programs might have problems with this TLE's. But i.e. "Guide 8" worked good for me.
Hope this helps you...
Regards, Sandro
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Hopefully, the last dusk before launch:
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eeergo - 8/6/2007 12:49 PM
Hopefully, the last dawn before launch:
Dawn. Dusk is a sunset.
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ET inspections:
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T-6h and holding (for 2hours)
Upcoming: MMT tanking meeting at 8:30am EDT
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Thread locked, all move to live launch day thread: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=8272&start=1
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Bump to align mission pages in order.