That's the plan until things change - I'd refer you back to the article Chris posted just above in this thread.
The lightning tower has come down off Pad B!! Will it still be able to support a rescue shuttle for STS-125 or is this pretty-much an indication that they've decided to go with single-pad, or worse, cancelled STS-125 due to the space debris issue?
I don't think the removal of the FSS mast means a thing. Of all things, if dual pad ops were still chosen, Endeavour would not have one or twice, but
thrice the protection from the new towers.
The lightning tower has come down off Pad B!! Will it still be able to support a rescue shuttle for STS-125 or is this pretty-much an indication that they've decided to go with single-pad, or worse, cancelled STS-125 due to the space debris issue?
I don't think the removal of the FSS mast means a thing. Of all things, if dual pad ops were still chosen, Endeavour would not have one or twice, but thrice the protection from the new towers.
They are studying their options. Basically, they are looking at whether the shuttle can safely maneuver through the new lightening protection system that has/is being erected for Ares I. If the shuttle can safely maneuver through the overhead wiring with enough clearance than Endeavour will be sat on Pad-B for LON as long it it won't interfere with the Ares I-X schedule (which it shouldn't). If there is not enough clearance, Endeavour will be sat on Pad-A and the single pad LON op will be adopted.
And we should all go look at this thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=15311.50The Pad-B lightening mast has been removed.
It's good to hear of the progress on STS-119 so it can launch in March and keep STS-125 on track for May. However, are there good poppets that can be installed in Atlantis? Or will they be content to put the doubler plate on the line and find poppets with the least cracking?
They are studying their options. Basically, they are looking at whether the shuttle can safely maneuver through the new lightening protection system that has/is being erected for Ares I. If the shuttle can safely maneuver through the overhead wiring with enough clearance than Endeavour will be sat on Pad-B for LON as long it it won't interfere with the Ares I-X schedule (which it shouldn't). If there is not enough clearance, Endeavour will be sat on Pad-A and the single pad LON op will be adopted.
I'm kinda curious on how it plays into clearance with them planning on only having wire between towers 1 and 2 (towers furthest north) in time for STS 125. You would think that clearance wouldn't be that much of an issue. Well, I guess it might if you take into account the roll after liftoff. Wonder if it would clear the wire before it rolled.
