SCRUB: STS-122 Launch Day (Attempt 2) - Dec 9

SCRUB: STS-122 Launch Day (Attempt 2) - Dec 9 by Chris Bergin on 08 Dec, 2007 18:21
We'll refine this thread based on the MMT decision to either go for launch Sunday, or not.

In the meantime, I've written up some of the MMT presentations on L2:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5304

Again, quote heavy, no need to repeat the post-MMT pressers or what other sites have already explained in their articles. We'd rather bring something new to the table, which is via our ability to gain these presentations.

This is the live update thread for the launch. Should we have a successful launch, it will continue as the Flight Day 1 Live Update thread.

Below are the rules for what is always a very busy day on this site (please take note):

Firstly, if you are guest, please note it is reccomended that you create yourself a login, as we protect the site's servers in the event of overloading by making it member only, see here: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10291&posts=4&start=1 (membership to the open sections of the site is free).

This is a live update thread, so we do not want any "woo hoo, go Atlantis" comments clogging up the updates. We have a cheerleading thread for your best wishes:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10978&start=1

We also have a seperate weather specific thread, for comments on the status of the pre-launch weather: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=11028&posts=13&start=1

If you are in Florida for the launch and need tips on where to go for best viewing, we have a thread for that: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10458&start=1

All NASA TV video for the mission is available - for free - here: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10045&start=1

If you're learning about the Shuttle - and let's face it, we all are unless your Wayne Hale - you are encouraged to ask questions, but please keep them here: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10600&start=1

Moderators will delete - without notification - any posts that do not follow the above request.

God Speed Atlantis.
#1 by Andy L on 08 Dec, 2007 18:53
Great article. Lots of things I didn't know in there!!
#2 by ShuttleDiscovery on 08 Dec, 2007 19:01
Wow, big article Chris! Hope we can get it launched this year if all goes to plan...
#3 by Chris Bergin on 08 Dec, 2007 19:04
Thanks, and that was just a summary. There's a lot, lot more.

Waiting on a NET for the post-MMT presser.
#4 by Chris Bergin on 08 Dec, 2007 19:22
Post-MMT Presser NET 5pm Eastern. But there's a graphic at the press site saying NET 4pm I'm told.

Will update when we know more.
#5 by psloss on 08 Dec, 2007 19:29
Just a note on the mention of the launch window from the tail of the previous status thread: the proposal being discussed modifies the window. If the program decides to implement the proposal, hopefully the new, shorter window will be announced/published. (If not, we'd find out during terminal count, again with all those assumptions.)
#6 by stockman on 08 Dec, 2007 19:41
I have tried to catch up on the articles and detail on here and L2 but I am confused a bit here. Forgive the redundant question but exactly WHAT is the plan for tomorrows launch - with respect to the sensors? If they tank and see the same failure signature are we done or are they going to Launch anyway? I don't want to get my hopes up that they have a work around when it may be simply a matter of try again and hope the error does not happen again. thank you in advance and again, sorry to be redundant, I just want to get it clear in my head what they are going to realistically attempt tomorrow.
#7 by rdale on 08 Dec, 2007 19:42
How does it change the launch time? I thought the proposal just 'eliminated' the spare minutes around the 'best' T-0 so that fuel margins are greatest?
#8 by Chris Bergin on 08 Dec, 2007 19:43
Quote
stockman - 8/12/2007 8:41 PM

I have tried to catch up on the articles and detail on here and L2 but I am confused a bit here. Forgive the redundant question but exactly WHAT is the plan for tomorrows launch - with respect to the sensors? If they tank and see the same failure signature are we done or are they going to Launch anyway? I don't want to get my hopes up that they have a work around when it may be simply a matter of try again and hope the error does not happen again. thank you in advance and again, sorry to be redundant, I just want to get it clear in my head what they are going to realistically attempt tomorrow.

LCC of 4/4 for the LH2 ECOs tomorrow. So any faults, it's a scrub.
#9 by rdale on 08 Dec, 2007 19:43
Quote
stockman - 8/12/2007 3:41 PM

If they tank and see the same failure signature are we done or are they going to Launch anyway?

Any ECO problems = No Launch.

Every time in the past that they've had ECO problems on the first tanking, all was fine on the second. So if that's the case, they'll go.
#10 by stockman on 08 Dec, 2007 19:45
All clear now ... thanks for the quick responses.
#11 by psloss on 08 Dec, 2007 19:46
Quote
rdale - 8/12/2007 3:42 PM

How does it change the launch time? I thought the proposal just 'eliminated' the spare minutes around the 'best' T-0 so that fuel margins are greatest?
We're saying the time thing; I was too vague. It changes window end, with window open at the in-plane time. They would also be dropping the ability to launch at window open. (Actually not sure if they could still posture for any FD4 rendezvous "panes" or whether those are too far out of plane).
#12 by Avron on 08 Dec, 2007 19:48
Quote
rdale - 8/12/2007 3:43 PM

Quote
stockman - 8/12/2007 3:41 PM

If they tank and see the same failure signature are we done or are they going to Launch anyway?

Any ECO problems = No Launch.

Every time in the past that they've had ECO problems on the first tanking, all was fine on the second. So if that's the case, they'll go.

That is what will allow them to move forward with the new monitoring, as it would be based on experience that ECO works on the second tanking attempt... any failure and its out of that experience base and all bets are off.. scrub,,

window will be shortened.. plan time is the same...
#13 by psloss on 08 Dec, 2007 19:50
Today's opening briefing estimate:
#14 by Chris Bergin on 08 Dec, 2007 19:53
Presser poker time.

I'll see your 4pm and raise you to 4:15pm NET.
#15 by DaveS on 08 Dec, 2007 19:55
Quote
Chris Bergin - 8/12/2007 9:53 PM

Presser poker time.

I'll see your 4pm and raise you to 4:15pm NET.
Now NET 4:30 pm EST.
#16 by Chris Bergin on 08 Dec, 2007 20:07
This is now the launch day thread, as we understand the MMT has decided to attempt launch on Sunday.
#17 by Avron on 08 Dec, 2007 20:16
Rule only applies to LH2 ECO and not LO2?? i.e. LO2 can do weired stuff as long as we have four good tests on LH2 ECO?? and does that exclude all ECO's used for fueling??
#18 by DaveS on 08 Dec, 2007 20:19
Quote
Avron - 8/12/2007 10:16 PM

Rule only applies to LH2 ECO and not LO2?? i.e. LO2 can do weired stuff as long as we have four good tests on LH2 ECO?? and does that exclude all ECO's used for fueling??
If any ECO sensors act up, it's an immediate scrub.
#19 by collectSPACE on 08 Dec, 2007 20:19
Quote
Chris Bergin - 8/12/2007 3:07 PM

This is now the launch day thread, as we understand the MMT has decided to attempt launch on Sunday.
Indeed, as announced at the KSC press site. They will make a launch attempt tomorrow. MMT meeting has ended and briefing to begin "soon".