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STS-129: Processing Latest (OPF, VAB)
by
Chris Bergin
on 04 Jun, 2009 20:09
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#1
by
Paul Howard
on 05 Jun, 2009 00:32
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Thanks for the article and fleet round up! Glad STS-125 wasn't her last mission as previously planned.
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#2
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 05 Jun, 2009 13:18
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ELC being flipped in the OPF:
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#3
by
Martin FL
on 05 Jun, 2009 13:49
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Which camera is this on Ron?
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#4
by
psloss
on 05 Jun, 2009 14:15
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Which camera is this on Ron?
From the normal site; the camera (and the "action") is in the SSPF.
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#5
by
Chris Bergin
on 05 Jun, 2009 14:43
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#6
by
cb6785
on 12 Jun, 2009 20:29
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First payload getting attached to one of the ELCs
Upd.: And another one...
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#7
by
The-Hammer
on 13 Jun, 2009 21:58
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From looking at the FDRD on L-2 it looks like this is ELC-2. We're looking at the nadir side as it sits in the payload bay. (EDIT: Starboard as it sits on the Starboard Outboard Zenith PAS.) The first ORU was the Trailing Umbilical System - Reel Assembly (part of the Mobile Transporter). The second is a Nitrogen Tank Assembly.
(I think)
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#8
by
Shuttle Man
on 17 Jun, 2009 01:51
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Yes, that is correct.
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#9
by
cb6785
on 17 Jun, 2009 18:57
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Next one attached to the ELC
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#10
by
The-Hammer
on 17 Jun, 2009 19:30
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Per the FDRD: that should be a Pump Module. The remaining FRAM on this side will be vacant at launch.
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#11
by
Chris Bergin
on 21 Jun, 2009 05:28
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#12
by
Chris Bergin
on 25 Jun, 2009 01:21
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#13
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 26 Jun, 2009 20:50
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#14
by
MarsMethanogen
on 29 Jun, 2009 19:22
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When is ET-133 scheduled to leave MAF?
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#15
by
Chris Bergin
on 30 Jun, 2009 02:24
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#16
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Jul, 2009 04:34
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#17
by
LostInSpace
on 03 Aug, 2009 15:16
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I spy... An ET approaching KSC. Just headed north up Banana River. Expect to see it in the turning basin in a few hours.
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#18
by
MarsMethanogen
on 03 Aug, 2009 15:36
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I spy... An ET approaching KSC. Just headed north up Banana River. Expect to see it in the turning basin in a few hours.
Hopefully, someone with access to the NASA cameras will capture a few images of ET-133's arrival, off-loading and transfer to the VAB and post them to this site!
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#19
by
faustod
on 03 Aug, 2009 19:52
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#20
by
DaveS
on 04 Aug, 2009 13:39
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ET-133 is being transported to the VAB right now.
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#21
by
MarsMethanogen
on 04 Aug, 2009 13:48
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Can anyone post some images of this? Thanks.
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#22
by
DaveS
on 04 Aug, 2009 13:51
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ET-133 is now inside the VAB.
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#23
by
voyager
on 04 Aug, 2009 14:45
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#24
by
MarsMethanogen
on 04 Aug, 2009 16:42
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#25
by
Chris Bergin
on 04 Aug, 2009 19:42
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This is how the program should be.
One orbiter lands, heads back to next flight processing.
One orbiter heads to the pad, ready for a launch at the end of the month
One orbiter sees her tank arrive in the VAB.
Can't believe some people are willing to rush into retirement and endure six, maybe seven years of watching the Russians launch some of their astros (nothing against the Russians - I'm sure they'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed).
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#26
by
Lawntonlookirs
on 04 Aug, 2009 19:48
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This is how the program should be.
One orbiter lands, heads back to next flight processing.
One orbiter heads to the pad, ready for a launch at the end of the month
One orbiter sees her tank arrive in the VAB.
Can't believe some people are willing to rush into retirement and endure six, watching the Russians launch some of their astros (nothing against the Russians - I'm sure they'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed).
Chris, that is the way the shuttle program was suppose to be when it started. Good to see the flow going that fast although we have seen a lot of things come up. But that is part of the growing process. I for one will hate see the program end.
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#27
by
MarsMethanogen
on 04 Aug, 2009 19:49
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This is how the program should be.
One orbiter lands, heads back to next flight processing.
One orbiter heads to the pad, ready for a launch at the end of the month
One orbiter sees her tank arrive in the VAB.
Can't believe some people are willing to rush into retirement and endure six, watching the Russians launch some of their astros (nothing against the Russians - I'm sure they'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed).
I'll hoist a few pints to that! And while we're at it, given the capacity of the VAB, we simply double the work force at all the centers (well, at least KSC, JSC and MAF) and double this. So now we're up to 24 missions per year!
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#28
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 05 Aug, 2009 02:27
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This is how the program should be.
One orbiter lands, heads back to next flight processing.
One orbiter heads to the pad, ready for a launch at the end of the month
One orbiter sees her tank arrive in the VAB.
Can't believe some people are willing to rush into retirement and endure six, watching the Russians launch some of their astros (nothing against the Russians - I'm sure they'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed).
I'll hoist a few pints to that! And while we're at it, given the capacity of the VAB, we simply double the work force at all the centers (well, at least KSC, JSC and MAF) and double this. So now we're up to 24 missions per year!
You would need a few new orbiters then, and maybe more OPFs and MLPs, and might as well add in a new pad.....
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#29
by
MBK004
on 05 Aug, 2009 06:24
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This is how the program should be.
One orbiter lands, heads back to next flight processing.
One orbiter heads to the pad, ready for a launch at the end of the month
One orbiter sees her tank arrive in the VAB.
Can't believe some people are willing to rush into retirement and endure six, watching the Russians launch some of their astros (nothing against the Russians - I'm sure they'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed).
I'll hoist a few pints to that! And while we're at it, given the capacity of the VAB, we simply double the work force at all the centers (well, at least KSC, JSC and MAF) and double this. So now we're up to 24 missions per year!
You would need a few new orbiters then, and maybe more OPFs and MLPs, and might as well add in a new pad.....
Really makes you think about how originally they thought they could do up to 50 launches a year.
I remember reading that during the construction of the VAB there were pilings sunk for two additional high bays... and don't forget about LC-39C which was in the planning stages.
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#30
by
MarsMethanogen
on 05 Aug, 2009 13:17
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I remember reading that during the construction of the VAB there were pilings sunk for two additional high bays... and don't forget about LC-39C which was in the planning stages.
[/quote]
Actuall, this was an artifact of/early in the Apollo Program. (See Moonport: A History of Apollo Launch Facilities and Operations). Not only did the engineering plans exist for 39C, but sufficient land was purchased for a fourth Saturn V launch complex. If I remember correctly, this reference cited even has an old map showing all their locations. But folks, we've gotten off topic here. Can we just go back to STS-129 processing? Thanks.
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#31
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 29 Aug, 2009 05:39
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SSP looking at advancing STS-129 from Nov. 12 to November 9th.
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#32
by
Nick
on 29 Aug, 2009 17:48
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At what point will the launch date become reasonably firm?
I'm thinking of making the journey over from the UK to see the launch and am wondering when I need to get my planning into high gear and start getting excited!!
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#33
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 29 Aug, 2009 21:24
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We'll know more once 128 is complete and we begin processing in earnest for 129. Since it's only a three day advancement, it could be something were the official NET date stays as Nov. 12 but the pad teams process her toward Nov. 9 with the final decision being made at the SOMD FRR.
I seem to remember this happening to STS-116 (Discovery) in December 2006. She was targeting December 14 but they challenged to teams to get her ready for December 7th and they were able to accomplish that.
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#34
by
FreeWillie
on 30 Aug, 2009 00:33
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The vehicle is fine schedule wise, NASA and Russia need to work out a schedule that works for 5R,129, and the Soyuz. It will be early October when a date is set.
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#35
by
Bubbinski
on 30 Aug, 2009 10:01
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If they do launch on November 9th, that looks like it'll be right after sunset just like STS-119, if the sunrise/sunset tables I looked up on Google for the Cape Canaveral area are right. (STS-129's launch time was listed at 4:22 pm on Spaceflightnow, on 11/12, figure adding 23 min. per day when going back, that gives a time at ~5:31 pm on 11/9).
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#36
by
Nick
on 30 Aug, 2009 10:37
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Thanks for the information all.
I should have remembered what happened to STS-116. That's the one and only shuttle launch I've seen. Perhaps I should take that as a good omen for seeing STS-129.
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#37
by
steveS
on 30 Aug, 2009 11:06
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What is the exact duration of the STS 129 mission? Some web sites quote it as 15 days while others mention it as a 11 day mission with the possibility of an added extra day.
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#38
by
psloss
on 30 Aug, 2009 11:42
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What is the exact duration of the STS 129 mission? Some web sites quote it as 15 days while others mention it as a 11 day mission with the possibility of an added extra day.
The latter. (Atlantis is not equipped with SSPTS.)
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#39
by
anik
on 30 Aug, 2009 19:13
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SSP looking at advancing STS-129 from Nov. 12 to November 9th
It correlates well with info about delaying of 5R launch from November 10 to end of month.
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#40
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 30 Aug, 2009 19:51
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SSP looking at advancing STS-129 from Nov. 12 to November 9th
It correlates well with info about delaying of 5R launch from November 10 to end of month.
Thanks, anik. I was wondering about that launch. Would make a little more sense to move that to the end of the month given Shuttle is prohibiting for launching then because of the Solar Beta Angle. (Than again, I don't know if that's the official reason for delaying 5R?)
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#41
by
Nick
on 02 Sep, 2009 08:34
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Hi,
How late can Atlantis launch in November before the Solar Beta Angle prohibits it? (Thinking about my planning again.)
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#42
by
AnalogMan
on 02 Sep, 2009 13:02
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Hi,
How late can Atlantis launch in November before the Solar Beta Angle prohibits it? (Thinking about my planning again.)
Currently (as of Aug 31) beta angle predicted cut-out is from Nov 20 to Dec 5.
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#43
by
astrobrian
on 02 Sep, 2009 13:23
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IIRC it would be November 19th
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#44
by
Nick
on 02 Sep, 2009 17:58
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Thanks. Out of curiosity, is this information, or software to calculate it publically available?
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#45
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 02 Sep, 2009 17:58
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November 19 or 20. Still up in the air as to which day it actually begins as there is some give and take to this process.
Also, while the Beta ends on December 5 (my birthday), there is a Soyuz Crew rotation cutout that lasts until the 14th of 15th of December which also prevents Atlantis from launching in early-December.
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#46
by
anik
on 04 Sep, 2009 16:36
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Also, while the Beta ends on December 5 (my birthday), there is a Soyuz Crew rotation cutout that lasts until the 14th of 15th of December which also prevents Atlantis from launching in early-December
A Soyuz cutout actually ends on December 10th. Soyuz TMA-17 will launch on December 7th and dock on December 9th. In this case Atlantis can be launched on December 9th with docking on December 11th.
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#47
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 04 Sep, 2009 17:18
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Also, while the Beta ends on December 5 (my birthday), there is a Soyuz Crew rotation cutout that lasts until the 14th of 15th of December which also prevents Atlantis from launching in early-December
A Soyuz cutout actually ends on December 10th. Soyuz TMA-17 will launch on December 7th and dock on December 9th. In this case Atlantis can be launched on December 9th with docking on December 11th.
Anik,
That's what I thought as well. But I've been told multiple times here that they will not launch until the Soyuz that will be bring the Expedition 21 crew home undocks around December 15 -- thereby making December 16 the first day of Atlantis' window.
Is there a document out there outlining the approval to let a Shuttle launch and dock during a soyuz crew rotation?
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#48
by
aquarius
on 04 Sep, 2009 18:03
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Also, while the Beta ends on December 5 (my birthday), there is a Soyuz Crew rotation cutout that lasts until the 14th of 15th of December which also prevents Atlantis from launching in early-December
A Soyuz cutout actually ends on December 10th. Soyuz TMA-17 will launch on December 7th and dock on December 9th. In this case Atlantis can be launched on December 9th with docking on December 11th.
Anik,
That's what I thought as well. But I've been told multiple times here that they will not launch until the Soyuz that will be bring the Expedition 21 crew home undocks around December 15 -- thereby making December 16 the first day of Atlantis' window.
Is there a document out there outlining the approval to let a Shuttle launch and dock during a soyuz crew rotation?
Chris, according to Schedule of ISS flight events on this forum, there´s no Soyuz undocking & landing in December. The Soyuz you´re talking about will undock & land on November 23.
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#49
by
steveS
on 09 Sep, 2009 02:28
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According to the current Table of Flight Statistics on the Wikipedia page,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_program (as at 3 Sept 2009) Atlantis (270+ days) has been on orbit approximately 4 days more than Endeavour (266+ days). In terms of the number of orbits, the difference between the two shuttles is 390 orbits (in favor of Atlantis).
My question is: Normally a shuttle takes about 90 minutes to make a single orbit and that makes 16 orbits per single day. Hence, would not the difference should be approx. 16*4 = 64 orbits instead of 390?. Can some one please explain the big disparity between the days and the orbits of the two shuttles ?
If Wikipedia is correct, wonder whether the large number of DoD missions carried out using Atlantis had much smaller orbital periods than the usual 90 minute period.
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#50
by
shuttlefanatic
on 09 Sep, 2009 08:01
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According to the current Table of Flight Statistics on the Wikipedia page, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_program (as at 3 Sept 2009) Atlantis (270+ days) has been on orbit approximately 4 days more than Endeavour (266+ days). In terms of the number of orbits, the difference between the two shuttles is 390 orbits (in favor of Atlantis).
My question is: Normally a shuttle takes about 90 minutes to make a single orbit and that makes 16 orbits per single day. Hence, would not the difference should be approx. 16*4 = 64 orbits instead of 390?. Can some one please explain the big disparity between the days and the orbits of the two shuttles ?
If Wikipedia is correct, wonder whether the large number of DoD missions carried out using Atlantis had much smaller orbital periods than the usual 90 minute period.
The answer is simple: The Wikipedia orbit totals are incorrect.
I'm sure there's a consolidated list somewhere, but I had to dig through multiple sources to get the orbit count for each flight (I'm OCD that way). Through STS-127 I came up with:
Columbia 4809
Challenger 996
Discovery 5094
Atlantis 4280
Endeavour 4308
There's still a bit of a mismatch, as Atlantis has slightly more flight time; maybe I'll try to reconcile that at some point.
I was able to find orbit counts for all missions including the DoD ones. Shuttle flights to LEO simply don't have enough altitude variation to have more than a few minutes range of orbit periods, and anything trying to orbit at substantially less than 90 minutes would be burning up in the atmosphere...
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#51
by
The-Hammer
on 09 Sep, 2009 18:26
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Depending on the exact definition of "slightly", could it have to do with the the higher number of individual missions Atlantis has flown?
Presuming that the final orbit is counted. The portion of the orbit from DOB to landing takes longer than if they simply remained in orbit from the DOB point to over the landing site.
Since Atlantis has undergone more reentries than Endeavour, could that account for the difference?
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#52
by
Ford Mustang
on 11 Sep, 2009 17:20
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Have not seen any status updates here lately. Are the STS-129 SRB's stacked yet?
L2 saying that the Left Forward segment stacking is in work today, and that the Right Forward segment will arrive in the VAB later today.
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#53
by
LostInSpace
on 11 Sep, 2009 21:57
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Completed the first day of Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) today in OPF Bay 1. The crew is here at KSC reviewing the orbiter and payload bay items. We'll wrap up tomorrow morning. Not sure why there haven't been many press or status updates. All is going well!
Rollover to the VAB is scheduled for Oct. 6th.
Rollout to the pad is scheduled for Oct. 13th.
Targeting launch on Nov. 9 at 1741 EST.
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#54
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 11 Sep, 2009 22:00
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Completed the first day of Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) today in OPF Bay 1. The crew is here at KSC reviewing the orbiter and payload bay items. We'll wrap up tomorrow morning. Not sure why there haven't been many press or status updates. All is going well!
Rollover to the VAB is scheduled for Oct. 6th.
Rollout to the pad is scheduled for Oct. 13th.
Targeting launch on Nov. 9 at 1741 EST.
Question: is this the official engineering "work-to" date with November 12 still the NET? Or is Nov. 9 the official NET now?
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#55
by
LostInSpace
on 11 Sep, 2009 22:05
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Not official yet as far as I know. The CR still isn't approved but the date has ended up on several planning schedules already.
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#56
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 12 Sep, 2009 02:24
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And per the STS-128 post-flight news conference: Nov. 9 is the internal "work to" date at this time with final approval of that date pending.
External Tank for Discovery performed exceptionally well. Have no issues moving forward with Atlantis' tank.
SRB stacking is well underway. ET/SRB mate review is next Wednesday, September 16 at 1p.m.
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#57
by
anik
on 12 Sep, 2009 09:17
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SSP looking at advancing STS-129 from Nov. 12 to November 9th
It correlates well with info about delaying of 5R launch from November 10 to end of month
I was told 5R launch is still officially scheduled for November 10th. Information about launch in the end of November was at RSC Energia website. STS-129 launch on November 9th is possible only after moving of 5R launch date.
Also, while the Beta ends on December 5 (my birthday), there is a Soyuz Crew rotation cutout that lasts until the 14th of 15th of December which also prevents Atlantis from launching in early-December
A Soyuz cutout actually ends on December 10th. Soyuz TMA-17 will launch on December 7th and dock on December 9th. In this case Atlantis can be launched on December 9th with docking on December 11th
I was told Soyuz TMA-15 landing is postponed from November 23 to December 7. Accordingly Soyuz TMA-17 launch is postponed from December 7 to December 21. So there will be very small launch window (December 7-10 probably) for STS-129 in December.
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#58
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 13 Sep, 2009 18:06
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View of one of the ELC's:
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#59
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 13 Sep, 2009 18:16
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Members of the STS-129 crew spend time in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility looking over the payloads installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC. The crew is at Kennedy for a Crew Equipment Interface Test, which provides hands-on training and observation of shuttle and flight hardware.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
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#60
by
LostInSpace
on 15 Sep, 2009 16:24
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The PRCB CR to accelerate the STS-129 launch date will be withdrawn; will now proceed towards a November 12, 2009 launch.
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#61
by
rdale
on 15 Sep, 2009 16:27
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Interesting news... The launch window ends on November 12 (13th if Atlas will move a day) - what are the odds they'll even bother trying for only one or at best two shots? Any reason why the CR was withdrawn?
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#62
by
LostInSpace
on 15 Sep, 2009 16:37
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They won't move the 5R/MRM2 launch/docking dates so yes, looks like only a 5 day launch window (12th-17th) unless they can renegotiate the range with Delta IV.
Isn't the Atlas now planned for Oct 30?
The potential range conflict is currently the Delta IV for Nov 17-20?
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#63
by
rdale
on 15 Sep, 2009 16:42
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Dual-docked ops constraint begins on the 13th then the Atlas V has the range per the latest on L2.
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#64
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 15 Sep, 2009 19:30
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Dual-docked ops constraint begins on the 13th then the Atlas V has the range per the latest on L2.
Is the dual docked ops constraint for MRM-2? They did not make that clear in the presentation on L2. If it because of MRM2, why withdraw the CR for Nov. 9?
Also, for someone in the know: If they're not off by November 12 (or just decide not to try for November at all now), when can they try again? I know the Soyuz TMA-17 launch has changed, as has the previous Soyuz undocking which has been scheduled for late-November.
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#65
by
The-Hammer
on 15 Sep, 2009 20:03
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View of one of the ELC's:
Per the FDRD and Delta-LSFR on L2 this is ELC-2. We are seeing the zenith side as it sits in the payload bay and the inboard side as it is mounted on the S3 truss.
The item in the top left is a High Pressure Gas Tank which will be installed on the Airlock during EVA 3.
The top right is a CMG, bottom right is a Cargo Transport Container which will store RPCMs.
The other two FRAMs will be vacant at launch.
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#66
by
The-Hammer
on 15 Sep, 2009 20:14
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Members of the STS-129 crew spend time in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility looking over the payloads installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC. The crew is at Kennedy for a Crew Equipment Interface Test, which provides hands-on training and observation of shuttle and flight hardware.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
Also per the FDRD and Delta LSFR on L2:
5079 is a view of ELC-2 from a different angle.
5074 is a view of ELC-1. We are seeing the top side as it sits in the payload bay and the outboard side as it sits on the P3 truss.
Foreground right is another CMG. Foreground left should be a spare LEE for the SSRMS. Background behind the CMG should be a BCDU (per the Delta LSFR).
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#67
by
Chris Bergin
on 16 Sep, 2009 04:35
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#68
by
Harold KSC
on 16 Sep, 2009 19:02
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#69
by
Chris Bergin
on 16 Sep, 2009 22:26
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Thanks Harold!
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#70
by
Chris Bergin
on 17 Sep, 2009 02:37
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#71
by
rdale
on 17 Sep, 2009 02:47
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Gotta read that several times to figure out - but nice explainer!
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#72
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 17 Sep, 2009 03:06
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Gotta read that several times to figure out - but nice explainer!
Thanks. That was a bear to figure out and then write up.
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#73
by
D.A.
on 17 Sep, 2009 13:16
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Bunch of questions:
What are the launch priorities at KSC? Priority to whoever chooses a date first or does the mission (and it's launch requirements) being flown factor in?
I assume the cost of delay is factored in, what would be the cheapest option for range conflicts? Delaying a shuttle, Atlas V, Delta IV or whatever other launch vehicle they use?
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#74
by
abholmes
on 17 Sep, 2009 17:55
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Question: I seem to recall reading, back in the whole Y2K frenzy days, that the shuttle flight software cannot handle calendar year rollovers (i.e. Dec 31, 2009 to Jan 1, 2010). Is that still the case with the recent upgrades and so forth?
The only reason I ask is because, given the kind of unanticipated delays and so forth with flights like STS-127, it seems like there's a possibility of STS-129 having launch opportunities that could carry their 11+1+2 mission over that New Year's Day line. No one's mentioned launching that late in December yet and I was just wondering if the reason for that was the limitation of the flight software still existing (assuming it was ever real in the first place).
Thanks!
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#75
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 17 Sep, 2009 18:06
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Question: I seem to recall reading, back in the whole Y2K frenzy days, that the shuttle flight software cannot handle calendar year rollovers (i.e. Dec 31, 2009 to Jan 1, 2010). Is that still the case with the recent upgrades and so forth?
The only reason I ask is because, given the kind of unanticipated delays and so forth with flights like STS-127, it seems like there's a possibility of STS-129 having launch opportunities that could carry their 11+1+2 mission over that New Year's Day line. No one's mentioned launching that late in December yet and I was just wondering if the reason for that was the limitation of the flight software still existing (assuming it was ever real in the first place).
Thanks!
No. The software has a patch that will allow Orbiters to be on orbit and docked to the ISS during the YERO. However, they won't do this because it is not necessary. If they can't launch in November and December, they'll wait until January.
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#76
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 17 Sep, 2009 18:08
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Bunch of questions:
What are the launch priorities at KSC? Priority to whoever chooses a date first or does the mission (and it's launch requirements) being flown factor in?
I assume the cost of delay is factored in, what would be the cheapest option for range conflicts? Delaying a shuttle, Atlas V, Delta IV or whatever other launch vehicle they use?
It differs from mission to mission. It depends on who has the range, costs of delaying, how long the mission as already slipped, wishes of the consumer, etc. It's not a clear cut answer.
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#77
by
abholmes
on 17 Sep, 2009 18:13
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No. The software has a patch that will allow Orbiters to be on orbit and docked to the ISS during the YERO. However, they won't do this because it is not necessary. If they can't launch in November and December, they'll wait until January.
Thanks, Chris! That's one of those things I've wondered for a while now.
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#78
by
Chris Bergin
on 17 Sep, 2009 21:02
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#79
by
kneecaps
on 18 Sep, 2009 16:09
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#80
by
steveb23
on 18 Sep, 2009 17:55
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Hi all,
Lurker here...but find this forum, articles and depth of information fascinating. Keep up the good work!
Can anyone enlighten me to the process of finalizing the launch date and window for STS-129? - Is this likely to be soon and is there likely to be a some jockeying going on behind the scenes to work with the various range constraints as described in Chris's excellent article.
I'm from the UK and booked a holiday to see this launch. Have travelled to Florida around the same time the last two years and both were scrubbed long term so hoping third time lucky! Would be good to see Atlantis launch on Nov 9th or 12th (I have up to the 15th) but I fully appreciate that there can be technical / safety issues and fully applaud NASA for not going unless they are absolutly sure..
Thanks,
Steve
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#81
by
dsmillman
on 18 Sep, 2009 18:15
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Hi all,
Lurker here...but find this forum, articles and depth of information fascinating. Keep up the good work!
Can anyone enlighten me to the process of finalizing the launch date and window for STS-129? - Is this likely to be soon and is there likely to be a some jockeying going on behind the scenes to work with the various range constraints as described in Chris's excellent article.
I'm from the UK and booked a holiday to see this launch. Have travelled to Florida around the same time the last two years and both were scrubbed long term so hoping third time lucky! Would be good to see Atlantis launch on Nov 9th or 12th (I have up to the 15th) but I fully appreciate that there can be technical / safety issues and fully applaud NASA for not going unless they are absolutly sure..
Thanks,
Steve
STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. The launch period should run to Nov. 19. From Nov. 20 to early Dec. there is a Beta angle cutoff at the ISS. NASA is showing the launch period from Nov. 12 to Nov. 16. Apparently there is a conflict on the launch range after Nov. 16.
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#82
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 18 Sep, 2009 20:05
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STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. The launch period should run to Nov. 19. From Nov. 20 to early Dec. there is a Beta angle cutoff at the ISS. NASA is showing the launch period from Nov. 12 to Nov. 16. Apparently there is a conflict on the launch range after Nov. 16.
It's all in the article. Right now, NASA has the range for Nov. 12. Then, Atlas V from the 13-15 (assuming the Atlas stays on target for Nov. 14), then NASA
could have the range back on Nov. 16, then Delta IV has the range reserved from Nov. 17-20.
Hi all,
Can anyone enlighten me to the process of finalizing the launch date and window for STS-129? - Is this likely to be soon and is there likely to be a some jockeying going on behind the scenes to work with the various range constraints as described in Chris's excellent article.
Thanks,
Steve
Steven, You are correct. There will be discussions between NASA, the Atlas V folks, and the Delta IV folks, but nothing will be finalized until we're closer to the launch date. There's always the possibility that Atlas won't be ready for Nov. 14 and that Delta IV won't be ready for Nov 17-20. It's also possible Atlantis may not be ready to Nov. 12 as well. It's just WAY to early to make any type of decisions regarding who gets range priority for mid-November.
As we've seen in the past, this is probably something that (as long as all three rockets keep targeting mid-November) won't be resolved until a week or so before Nov. 12.
As for how range priority is determined, it's very complicated and depends on many factors (i.e. costumer wishes on Atlas and Delta, the criticality of launching Shuttle in the window v. waiting until later, money, etc...).
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#83
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 18 Sep, 2009 21:12
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Steven, You are correct. There will be discussions between NASA, the Atlas V folks, and the Delta IV folks, but nothing will be finalized until we're closer to the launch date. There's always the possibility that Atlas won't be ready for Nov. 14 and that Delta IV won't be ready for Nov 17-20. It's also possible Atlantis may not be ready to Nov. 12 as well. It's just WAY to early to make any type of decisions regarding who gets range priority for mid-November.
As we've seen in the past, this is probably something that (as long as all three rockets keep targeting mid-November) won't be resolved until a week or so before Nov. 12.
As for how range priority is determined, it's very complicated and depends on many factors (i.e. costumer wishes on Atlas and Delta, the criticality of launching Shuttle in the window v. waiting until later, money, etc...).
Not to mention the possibility of extension, which would mean STS-129 would be delayed past this year I believe...
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#84
by
psloss
on 18 Sep, 2009 21:17
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Not to mention the possibility of extension, which would mean STS-129 would be delayed past this year I believe...
At this point, it seems almost too late to delay ULF-3/STS-129 based on an extension decision, which may not come until after the payload and vehicle are at the pad -- or even after the current target launch date. If they are able to launch this year, that will provide more schedule buffer for whichever manifest option emerges (whenever that is).
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#85
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 18 Sep, 2009 22:09
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Not to mention the possibility of extension, which would mean STS-129 would be delayed past this year I believe...
At this point, it seems almost too late to delay ULF-3/STS-129 based on an extension decision, which may not come until after the payload and vehicle are at the pad -- or even after the current target launch date. If they are able to launch this year, that will provide more schedule buffer for whichever manifest option emerges (whenever that is).
Yeah. STS-129 isn't moving because of any extension (which I wouldn't hold my breath for at this point).
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#86
by
dsmillman
on 19 Sep, 2009 19:44
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#87
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Sep, 2009 03:40
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#88
by
MarsMethanogen
on 21 Sep, 2009 15:55
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#89
by
Chris Bergin
on 21 Sep, 2009 16:42
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#90
by
psloss
on 22 Sep, 2009 21:06
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#91
by
MarsMethanogen
on 22 Sep, 2009 21:10
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#92
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 22 Sep, 2009 22:01
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#93
by
MKremer
on 22 Sep, 2009 22:35
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#94
by
smith5se
on 23 Sep, 2009 05:49
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I never tire of NASA pictures... just thought I'd mention here that launch time has changed to 4:04pm according to the launch schedule at nasa.gov and the Ares I-X test has been pushed foward to Oct. 27th.
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#95
by
Chris Bergin
on 28 Sep, 2009 04:15
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#96
by
cd-slam
on 29 Sep, 2009 02:55
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Been working a couple of big news articles, but both need further work/research, so pushing on a STS-129 processing latest, along with the debate on what is now classed as a fleet-wide issue with the actuators on the Fill and Drain valves (remember that from 128?)
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/sts-129-atlantis-rollover-fill-and-drain-valve-debate/
The photo in the article reminded me. But now I'm surprised. I thought the conclusion following the STS-128 countdown was that it was a sensor problem, nothing to do with the actual valve.
The issue with STS-129 seems to be with the actuator, ie a real problem with the valve itself not the sensor. So does this suggest that STS-128 problem was really with the valve itself and they were just fortunate it flew subsequently without problems?
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#97
by
MKremer
on 29 Sep, 2009 06:17
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It looks to me like the sensors, valve, and valve actuator mechanism are part of a complete sealed assembly. So, no matter what part is actually at fault, sensor lever or sensor itself, the entire valve assy must be R&R'd.
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#98
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 29 Sep, 2009 15:43
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#99
by
Orbiter
on 29 Sep, 2009 21:59
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Question: sorry if this was asked earlier When is Atlantis going to roll out to Pad A? Because last I heard Ares I-X will be on Pad B during that time frame. Thanks!
Orbiter.
Also, its nice to see Atlantis w/ her ODS again.
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#100
by
rdale
on 29 Sep, 2009 22:01
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#101
by
mainengine
on 30 Sep, 2009 13:05
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Is a Nov 9 launch already off the table or is it still possible ? When can we expect NASA's decision ?
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#102
by
dsmillman
on 30 Sep, 2009 13:26
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Is a Nov 9 launch already off the table or is it still possible ? When can we expect NASA's decision ?
The Russians are launching to ISS on Nov. 10 with a docking on Nov. 12. Atlantis will not launch before that docking.
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#103
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 30 Sep, 2009 17:30
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#104
by
glanmor05
on 01 Oct, 2009 11:32
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If STS 129 launches 12th November, anyone know the exact proposed launch time?
16:04:?? (Eastern).
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#105
by
dsmillman
on 01 Oct, 2009 12:16
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#106
by
rdale
on 01 Oct, 2009 13:51
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KSCPAO: STS-129 Mission: Atlantis will be lowered on its wheels today in its hangar, it'll be weighed & its center of gravity balance checked.
NASA's shuttle program & Air Force are holding an emergency launch pad drill today known as a Mode II-IV. It also involves 3 Fla., hospitals
[I am hearing more comms than normal on the KSC audio feed's VHF side, but not sure how related that is to the drill.]
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#107
by
rdale
on 01 Oct, 2009 19:22
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Drill complete - you could hear quite a bit connected to the testing. It was interesting.
KSC PAO: In the Space Station Processing Facility, 2 Logistics Carriers loaded with spare parts are being closed out for flight
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#108
by
Space Pete
on 01 Oct, 2009 22:39
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#109
by
rdale
on 03 Oct, 2009 14:36
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KSC: STS-129 Mission: In preps for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building Oct. 6, the orbiter transport system was rolled under Atlantis Friday
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#110
by
Chris Bergin
on 04 Oct, 2009 02:06
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#111
by
Chris Bergin
on 06 Oct, 2009 10:33
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I assume the weather is ok in the local area for rollover?
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#112
by
rdale
on 06 Oct, 2009 11:08
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All quiet... Chance of maybe a few sprinkles this morning - any good rain wouldn't come til later today.
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#113
by
Chris Bergin
on 06 Oct, 2009 11:24
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Cool, thanks. Thought it was best to ask, rather than post a weather.com link
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#114
by
Chris Bergin
on 06 Oct, 2009 11:52
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Atlantis is moving, by the way.
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#115
by
Chris Bergin
on 06 Oct, 2009 12:55
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And she's in the VAB. Will have an article shortly.
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#116
by
kcrick
on 06 Oct, 2009 15:53
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And she's in the VAB. Will have an article shortly.
Thanks for the update.
Kevin
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#117
by
MarsMethanogen
on 06 Oct, 2009 15:59
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#118
by
psloss
on 06 Oct, 2009 15:59
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#119
by
stockman
on 06 Oct, 2009 16:09
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THanks for the heads up psloss... Only managed to catch the end but here are a few snaps for interest sake
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#120
by
stockman
on 06 Oct, 2009 16:09
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#121
by
stockman
on 06 Oct, 2009 16:09
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#122
by
Chris Bergin
on 06 Oct, 2009 16:14
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#123
by
psloss
on 06 Oct, 2009 16:14
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THanks for the heads up psloss... Only managed to catch the end but here are a few snaps for interest sake
No problem; you probably already know this, but it will be replayed a lot over the next 24 hours (or more). The items generally are played in a loop and it is likely to be replayed again at least once between now and 2 pm Eastern. The Video File is replayed numerous times on the Media and Public Channels during the day. (And of course John44 probably got it, too.)
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#124
by
TheFallen
on 06 Oct, 2009 18:47
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I notice that the tail cone that was attached to Discovery for its ferry flight to Florida is inside the VAB (right in front of Atlantis in this pic). I wonder why?
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#125
by
astrobrian
on 06 Oct, 2009 18:56
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Logically it would be to keep it out of the elements
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#126
by
psloss
on 06 Oct, 2009 22:13
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Pictures of the roll-over just posted up on the KSC site within the last few minutes:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204
A few pictures of working to attach the lifting sling and lifting Atlantis off the transporter are online now. Attached a low-res example.
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#127
by
psloss
on 07 Oct, 2009 15:33
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Pictures of the roll-over just posted up on the KSC site within the last few minutes:
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204
A few pictures of working to attach the lifting sling and lifting Atlantis off the transporter are online now.
And a few more now of rotating to vertical and then the twist to get into the integration cell.
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#128
by
rdale
on 07 Oct, 2009 15:46
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KSC PAO: An issue with a crane in the Vehicle Assembly Building has delayed Atlantis' attachment to its external tank and boosters.
Teams are working to fix the problem, and NASA managers still are looking to have Atlantis moved to its launch pad Oct. 13
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#129
by
rdale
on 07 Oct, 2009 17:36
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PAO: A wiring problem w/ a crane in the VAB is fixed & Atlantis again is being moved to be attached to its external tank & boosters
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#130
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 07 Oct, 2009 21:01
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#131
by
brettreds2k
on 07 Oct, 2009 21:10
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Getting lowered to the SRB's and Tank =)
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#132
by
rerickson
on 08 Oct, 2009 07:14
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Nice view here of connections to the T0 Umbilical.
Suspended over the transfer isle, before heading to the stack.
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#133
by
K466
on 08 Oct, 2009 15:48
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#134
by
rdale
on 08 Oct, 2009 15:51
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PAO: Atlantis was attached to its external tank & 2 boosters by 2:45 a.m. EDT today. Rollout to its launch pad still is Oct. 13
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#135
by
JayP
on 08 Oct, 2009 15:54
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Well! Check out this one, another unique angle. I did not realize the cranes were set up like that.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204
The high cranes (the one that is attached to the forward end of the sling) travel north and south between the highbays. this particular one moves between HB1 and HB2. the low crane moves east and west along the transfer isle. the high cranes are 250 tn cap. and the low one is 125tn cap.
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#136
by
DaveS
on 08 Oct, 2009 16:34
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Well! Check out this one, another unique angle. I did not realize the cranes were set up like that.
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=204
The high cranes (the one that is attached to the forward end of the sling) travel north and south between the highbays. this particular one moves between HB1 and HB2. the low crane moves east and west along the transfer isle. the high cranes are 250 tn cap. and the low one is 125tn cap.
Actually, it's the other way around. The high bay cranes travel east/west with the low bay crane travelling north north/south. The low bay is located on the south side of the VAB with high bays 1 and 3 located on the east side and high bays 2 and 4 is located on the west side.
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#137
by
K466
on 08 Oct, 2009 20:03
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A lot of great pictures showing up in the Kennedy Media Gallery.
One question, when the roll out occurs, where should I go to view it? I might be over there on the 13th anyway.
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#138
by
astrobrian
on 08 Oct, 2009 20:09
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The public can only hope to get on the first tour out to the gantry, but if she rolls at night you wont see anything and not allowed in. Other than that your only hope is maybe getting into the Playlinda beach area
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#139
by
psloss
on 08 Oct, 2009 21:55
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A lot of great pictures showing up in the Kennedy Media Gallery.
There's supposed to be a new item in this afternoon's Video File, coming up a little after the top of the hour. (Probably already ran on the Media Channel; This Week @ NASA airs before the Video File at 6 pm Eastern.)
ITEM 5 - NASAS ATLANTIS IS ATTACHED TO ITS EXTERNAL TANK AND BOOSTERS FOR STS-129 MISSION KSC (NEW)
Space shuttle Atlantis is attached to a lifting sling for rotation and hoisting on Oct. 6
inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Fla. On Oct. 7,
the shuttle was bolted to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters for its
rollout to Launch Pad 39A Oct. 13.
During the 11-day mission, Atlantis six astronauts will bring supplies, spare parts and research
material to the space station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 12.
TRT: 4:50
Super: NASA
Center Contact: Allard Beutel, 321-867-2468
HQ Contact: John Yembrick, 202-358-1100
For more info, www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Reference:
ftp://ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/pao/tv-advisory/nasa-tv.txt
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#140
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2009 22:34
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#141
by
Davejfb
on 10 Oct, 2009 17:23
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#142
by
astrobrian
on 10 Oct, 2009 22:04
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I saw the low res of this on one of the nasa facebook pages, glad to see it is the crew poster
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#143
by
Ford Mustang
on 13 Oct, 2009 14:24
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NASA now saying that Rollout will start at 6am EDT tomorrow.
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#144
by
Chris Bergin
on 13 Oct, 2009 16:39
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11am UK, a much more civil rollout time
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#145
by
seawolfe
on 13 Oct, 2009 16:49
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#146
by
shuttlefan
on 13 Oct, 2009 17:49
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4am up here in Saskatchewan, Canada!!!
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#147
by
Aobrien
on 13 Oct, 2009 20:05
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6am here in Florida
Reason for change in time from normal?
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#148
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 13 Oct, 2009 20:08
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6am here in Florida
Reason for change in time from normal?
The extra time in the VAB because of the crane and the wire issue experienced during interface testing. Also, delays to some of the validation testing put them slightly behind in terms of final closeouts and platform retractions.
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#149
by
Chris Bergin
on 14 Oct, 2009 08:45
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45 minutes to CTS (Call to Stations) for rollout. Will start a new thread - with a new article - at first motion.
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#150
by
Chris Bergin
on 14 Oct, 2009 09:39
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Should be in CTS. 20 minute to scheduled rollout, though the webcams are pretty useless until it brightens up.
