-
#380
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 21 Jun, 2011 17:09
-
If STS 135's MPLM is the heaviest ever and she will visit the ISS in a ~37km higher (more efficient) orbit (which is better for other VVs) why wasn't the ISS placed in that orbit earlier?
Can STS 135 only go to the higher orbit with less crew?
Or were the other payloads carried, much heavier?
Chris noted in his recent article "the higher operating altitude of the ISS will not be an issue, and any reduction in Shuttle payload capacity is negligible".
We've already stated in this thread that STS-135's MPLM is NOT the heaviest MPLM flown at launch. That distinction goes to STS-126/Endeavour.
-
#381
by
Chris Bergin
on 22 Jun, 2011 00:25
-
SSP FRR has Atlantis is on track for July 8 going into Agency FRR. 29 SSP FRR presentations uploaded to L2.
Going through them all now, and numerous articles will follow.
-
#382
by
Keyman
on 22 Jun, 2011 00:37
-
SSP FRR has Atlantis is on track for July 8 going into Agency FRR. 29 SSP FRR presentations uploaded to L2.
Very good news...but don't uncross my fingers, yet?
-
#383
by
Chris Bergin
on 22 Jun, 2011 00:44
-
SSP FRR has Atlantis is on track for July 8 going into Agency FRR. 29 SSP FRR presentations uploaded to L2.
Very good news...but don't uncross my fingers, yet?
Not until she's back on the ground

It's the usual saying of anything could happen between now and launch, but this was a good hurdle to jump. Such as, if there was a real threat at this stage, you'd get to see it on the documentation. All looks good, SSME is pending due to MFV, but that was expected.
Agency FRR mostly works on the SSP FRR documentation, so pending good retests on the SSME-3 MFV and no new issues, so far so good for July 8.
-
#384
by
Chris Bergin
on 22 Jun, 2011 03:40
-
-
#385
by
Hodapp
on 22 Jun, 2011 03:59
-
Chris,
I had nvr seen the immersive shots before! Amazing!!! It's like being there!

Do you have the link for immersives for the STS-133 flight? (If they did them) I got to see her launch, so would be special to have that link.
Thx.
-
#386
by
Chris Bergin
on 22 Jun, 2011 04:37
-
Chris,
I had nvr seen the immersive shots before! Amazing!!! It's like being there! 
Do you have the link for immersives for the STS-133 flight? (If they did them) I got to see her launch, so would be special to have that link.
Thx.
To which shots do you refer?
-
#387
by
kch
on 22 Jun, 2011 05:20
-
Chris,
I had nvr seen the immersive shots before! Amazing!!! It's like being there! 
Do you have the link for immersives for the STS-133 flight? (If they did them) I got to see her launch, so would be special to have that link.
Thx.
To which shots do you refer?
I would guess the pans that you posted the links to a page or so back -- and they are amazing! Much appreciated.
-
#388
by
Tez
on 22 Jun, 2011 07:17
-
I think he wants the panos for STS-133 which Chris posted
here
-
#389
by
rossbailey
on 22 Jun, 2011 10:56
-
Hi
Don't know if this is the right place to post as I don't post that much on here but I do tend to read the forum quite often.
Is there by any chance that this unseasonal storm that's currently moving through the American mid-west, bringing the risk of flooding, strong winds and tornadoes to some southern states could effect KSC and maybe delay the launch date or may even require a rollback of Shuttle Atlantis out at Pad 39A to the VAB?
I also see there is a Hurricane called Beatriz that is moving along the Mexican coast on a northwesterly track as well now according to the BBC America's weather forecast.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/hi/news/newsid_9518000/9518932.stm
-
#390
by
cycleroadie
on 22 Jun, 2011 11:12
-
Hi
Don't know if this is the right place to post as I don't post that much on here but I do tend to read the forum quite often.
Is there by any chance that this unseasonal storm that's currently moving through the American mid-west, bringing the risk of flooding, strong winds and tornadoes to some southern states could effect KSC and maybe delay the launch date or may even require a rollback of Shuttle Atlantis out at Pad 39A to the VAB?
I also see there is a Hurricane called Beatriz that is moving along the Mexican coast on a northwesterly track as well now according to the BBC America's weather forecast.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/hi/news/newsid_9518000/9518932.stm
Beatriz fell apart , besides it is moving west, away from Florida. As long as nothing cooks up in the Atlantic Basin of course !
As far as the storms, welcome to summer in the South. Those systems come in so fast there would not be time to roll Atlantis back, the RSS is in place along with other Weather protection. Cross your fingers when the storms come along.
And Rdale psoted awhile back on the launch viewing thread that the 27 day Accuweather forecast looks great (We're joking around with this one !! Ha !)
-
#391
by
Hodapp
on 22 Jun, 2011 11:47
-
I think he wants the panos for STS-133 which Chris posted here
Thx Tez & Chris!
-
#392
by
psloss
on 22 Jun, 2011 12:09
-
Is there by any chance that this unseasonal storm that's currently moving through the American mid-west, bringing the risk of flooding, strong winds and tornadoes to some southern states could effect KSC and maybe delay the launch date or may even require a rollback of Shuttle Atlantis out at Pad 39A to the VAB?
The chances are astronomically low; it would be unprecedented. The Continental United States is large -- while some areas in the midwest are flooding, Houston (for example) is in a deepening drought.
I also see there is a Hurricane called Beatriz that is moving along the Mexican coast on a northwesterly track as well now according to the BBC America's weather forecast.
As noted, that's an Eastern Pacific tropical system -- it's also incredibly rare for one of those to cross over into the Atlantic. In all likelihood, the only possible issue would be from a tropical system in the Atlantic -- however, it's very early in the Atlantic hurricane season and there are currently no Atlantic storms. (The Eastern Pacific generally has a different dynamic.)
A good rule of thumb on weather that might afftect NASA operations is keep an eye on posts from Chris or Rob (rdale) -- if any of the centers goes on hurricane alert, you'll see them note it promptly.
-
#393
by
Chris Bergin
on 22 Jun, 2011 12:38
-
I think he wants the panos for STS-133 which Chris posted here
Ah yes. Thanks for linking him up
-
#394
by
NavySpaceFan
on 22 Jun, 2011 15:56
-
From NASA Twitter feed:
STS-135 is targeted to launch at 11:26aET/15:26 UTC July 8 with 2 launch attempts in 3 days (July 8-10) then options July 16-31.
-
#395
by
cycleroadie
on 22 Jun, 2011 16:00
-
From NASA Twitter feed:
STS-135 is targeted to launch at 11:26aET/15:26 UTC July 8 with 2 launch attempts in 3 days (July 8-10) then options July 16-31.
Yes, 48 hours turnaround to allow the launch team to get home and get enough rest. They'll be in the same crazy traffic as the rest of us. So one attempt on the 8th, another on the 10th if needed. Then due a Delta IV launch, after 7/10 they would stand down till at least 7/16.
-
#396
by
K8B
on 22 Jun, 2011 16:04
-
From NASA Twitter feed:
STS-135 is targeted to launch at 11:26aET/15:26 UTC July 8 with 2 launch attempts in 3 days (July 8-10) then options July 16-31.
Yes, 48 hours turnaround to allow the launch team to get home and get enough rest. They'll be in the same crazy traffic as the rest of us. So one attempt on the 8th, another on the 10th if needed. Then due a Delta IV launch, after 7/10 they would stand down till at least 7/16.
Is there any chance that they'll ask the delta IV to wait as they have in the past with other rocket launches? Or is this delta launch time sensitive?
-
#397
by
psloss
on 22 Jun, 2011 16:08
-
Yes, 48 hours turnaround to allow the launch team to get home and get enough rest.
That decision still depends on the timing and the nature of a scrub, if there is one.
-
#398
by
cycleroadie
on 22 Jun, 2011 16:09
-
Yes, 48 hours turnaround to allow the launch team to get home and get enough rest.
That decision still depends on the timing and the nature of a scrub, if there is one.
I was told this by a mission controller (The 48 hour turnaround) this morning. Also I got this from KSC this morning after that : "Currently, STS-135 is targeted to launch on July 8 at 11:26 a.m. EDT (15:26 UTC). We have the option for two launch attempts in three days (July 8-10) before the launch team would have to stand down for a Delta IV rocket launch scheduled for July 14. The Eastern Range is unavailable from July 11-15. The next window would extend from July 16-31. "
-
#399
by
djterry11
on 22 Jun, 2011 16:15
-
I have
SO enjoyed this thread! I just want to thank you all for such informative posts and articles. It's great reading and I really enjoy understanding the science, preparations, etc behind what I'll be witnessing. I'm sure the others in my party will quickly get bored with me as I point out things and my "Did you know...." injections, lol. I have a feeling reading all of this is going to make what I see more special than I could ever imagine. My curiosity has been peaked and I don't think it will end with Atlantis. I'm eagerly awaiting the "announcement" on 7/8

. Thanks again for taking the time to post although I'm sure you all enjoy every minute of it.