Since it appears likely that STS-121 will be flying in the July launch window that Atlantis was aiming for does anyone know when STS-115 will fly? The October window that STS-116 was aiming for, or is there a window between July and October that Atlantis can take?
Dobbins - 21/1/2006 5:53 PM
does anyone know when STS-115 will fly?
I think that Atlantis will be launched in the next daylight window (from August 28 till September 14)...
anik - 21/1/2006 9:03 AM
Dobbins - 21/1/2006 5:53 PM
does anyone know when STS-115 will fly?
I think that Atlantis will be launched in the next daylight window (from August 28 till September 14)...
Yes, that is the way it'll likely go, providing STS-121 goes to plan with no debris etc.
The thing for us all to remember is once we have a clean STS-121, we really can expect to see regular launches. They've said that before, saying they average four and a half flights a year even including the downtime from the two disasters. This could all become very busy for the Shuttle, but STS-121 has to be right first.
There is one other thing to remember, the way NASA's budget works. The timespan between the July and October windows led me to think there was likely a window between them, but I wasn't sure what it was or where to find the data, so I asked. I had a reason to be concerned about STS-115 slipping to October, that is the start of the next fiscal year. That slippage would mean we would be looking at finding the funds for 18 missions during the FY 2007 through FY 2010 time span instead of the 17 that is already a budget problem. Getting STS-121 and STS-115 flown before FY 2006 ends on September 30th means fewer budget problems on down the road.
If there's a slip into the next FY, wouldn't there be some washover cash to move from one FY to the other, or does a later start simply add to costs, because people are still being paid and bills are still coming in with or without launches?
In other words, the sooner we re-start launch operations the less impact it'll have on the budget situation?
New STS-115 NET date of Aug 28, as per new manifest.
Martin FL - 22/1/2006 12:13 PM
If there's a slip into the next FY, wouldn't there be some washover cash to move from one FY to the other, or does a later start simply add to costs, because people are still being paid and bills are still coming in with or without launches?
In other words, the sooner we re-start launch operations the less impact it'll have on the budget situation?
Yes, the sooner, the better, there are fixed costs, so the more flight the lower the cost per flight, but then there is the per launch cost.. The sooner the 17 flights are flown the sooner the CEV /CLV will fly, assuming the fixed cost can be lowered..
Then there is the case of the less flights the lower the risk, the same money spent, but without the need to deliver anything.. i.e. Money for nothing...
Cannot wait until we get to STS-115 and moving again..
One question: 2010 is the year to end all STS flight, but does that not mean the last day of Dec 2010 and still be within the Executive order?
Avron - 9/2/2006 5:51 AM
One question: 2010 is the year to end all STS flight, but does that not mean the last day of Dec 2010 and still be within the Executive order?
Theoretically yes, I have heard 31/12/10 stated as a final date. However the orbiter flying that last mission won't have an STS-300 style backup if the other two have been withdrawn, will it?
The STS-300 requirement actually drops after STS-121.