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LIVE: ST-5 - March 22 2006 by Chris Bergin on 21 Mar, 2006 20:01
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Live thread for the second attempt on the ST-5 mission.
NASA Announces ST5 Spacecraft Launch Set for Wednesday
The second launch attempt of NASA's Space Technology 5 spacecraft is scheduled for Wednesday, March 22 at 9:02 a.m. EST. NASA TV begins live coverage at 7:30 a.m. EST.
Departure of the L-1011 aircraft carrying the Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket and ST5 is scheduled for 8:04 a.m. EST, from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Pegasus/ST5 launch is targeted over the Pacific Ocean, 145 miles northwest of Vandenberg. The launch window closes at 10:20 a.m. EST.
The weather forecast on Wednesday is generally favorable with an 80 percent chance of meeting launch criteria.
During the first launch attempt on March 15, the Pegasus starboard flight control surface fin pin did not retract resulting in an aborted attempt. NASA and Orbital Sciences completed an engineering analysis, but the exact cause of the malfunction could not be determined. The most likely reason was the pin retractor system failed to operate due to the formation of ice.
The mechanism was removed and replaced in case there were other contributing causes. Steps have also been taken to mitigate potential water intrusion that could form ice during captive carry. For information about ST5 on the Web, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/st5 -
#1 by Jamie Young on 21 Mar, 2006 23:09
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Too early in the morning for me, so I'll appreciate the live thread to read back on for sure.
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#2 by braddock on 22 Mar, 2006 10:34
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Watching NASA TV now. ST5 coverage doesn't start for an hour, but perhaps NASA TV could have made a better choice than to play an Apollo 13 documentary to fill the time?
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#3 by Chris Bergin on 22 Mar, 2006 11:11
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Some images:
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#4 by Chris Bergin on 22 Mar, 2006 11:13
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NASA TV right now is amusing. They've left an open mic on and we can hear the commentator practising
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#5 by Chris Bergin on 22 Mar, 2006 11:15
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#6 by Chris Bergin on 22 Mar, 2006 11:45
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Webcast started..Engines started, preparing for taxi from Vandenberg Air Force Base in a few moments.
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#7 by braddock on 22 Mar, 2006 11:46
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So, who is riding in the 1011 passenger compartment? Do they have a launch control right onboard? Or do all the dignitaries have a wild launch party in there?
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#8 by Jim on 22 Mar, 2006 11:47
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braddock - 22/3/2006 6:46 AM So, who is riding in the 1011 passenger compartment? Do they have a launch control right onboard? Or do all the dignitaries have a wild launch party in there?
Nobody,
They have a "Launch Panel Operator" onboard, and three other crewmembers
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#9 by Chris Bergin on 22 Mar, 2006 11:47
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Ready for Taxi.....
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#10 by Chris Bergin on 22 Mar, 2006 11:52
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And off it goes on the taxi...
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#11 by braddock on 22 Mar, 2006 11:53
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Quote
Jim - 22/3/2006 7:47 AM
Quotebraddock - 22/3/2006 6:46 AM So, who is riding in the 1011 passenger compartment? Do they have a launch control right onboard? Or do all the dignitaries have a wild launch party in there?
Nobody, They have a "Launch Panel Operator" onboard, and three other crewmembers
Seems like such a waste, somehow... safety is so boring.
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#12 by Chris Bergin on 22 Mar, 2006 11:56
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Only a 10 percent chance of the weather affecting the launch. T-1h 15mins.
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#13 by Jim on 22 Mar, 2006 11:56
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Is this link working for everybody?
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#14 by Jim on 22 Mar, 2006 11:57
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Quote
braddock - 22/3/2006 6:53 AM
QuoteJim - 22/3/2006 7:47 AM
Seems like such a waste, somehow... safety is so boring.Quotebraddock - 22/3/2006 6:46 AM So, who is riding in the 1011 passenger compartment? Do they have a launch control right onboard? Or do all the dignitaries have a wild launch party in there?
Nobody, They have a "Launch Panel Operator" onboard, and three other crewmembers They wouldn't be able to see anything, just like regular passengers can't see the runway during landing
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#15 by Hotol on 22 Mar, 2006 12:00
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Jim - 22/3/2006 6:56 AM
Is this link working for everybody?
Yes thank you. -
#16 by Chris Bergin on 22 Mar, 2006 12:01
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Link works for me too Jim. Thanks.
Taxi complete. End of Runway 30 for Westerly take-off. -
#17 by SimonShuttle on 22 Mar, 2006 12:02
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Jim - 22/3/2006 6:56 AM
Is this link working for everybody?
Sure is. Nice Aircraft. -
#18 by Chris Bergin on 22 Mar, 2006 12:03
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T-1hr 10mins. Ready for Polls for the mission.
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#19 by Chris Bergin on 22 Mar, 2006 12:08
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