Atlantis: Deservicing and Retirement Updates

• #160 by collectSPACE on 18 Jan, 2012 17:18
• My understanding is that they will be replica (fiberglass) models; easier and less expensive to maintain for an outdoor exhibit.
• #161 by Ronsmytheiii on 18 Jan, 2012 17:50
• video of the event:
  
  http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20120118/NEWS01/120118012/KSC-breaks-ground-new-home-space-shuttle-Atlantis
  
  Notice the rendering of Atlantis no longer has a MPLM in her bay, which we figured with the weight reductions:
  
  

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• #162 by Ronsmytheiii on 18 Jan, 2012 18:08
• Updates for 1/18/2012
  
  

  Quote

  In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, technicians are performing tire pressure checks on Atlantis’ main landing and nose landing gear in preparation for its roll to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Friday.

  
  http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_main_right_collex_archive_1.html
• #163 by Ronsmytheiii on 18 Jan, 2012 21:08
• NASA.gov story/images:
  
  http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/atlantis_groundbreak.html

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• #164 by Chris Bergin on 18 Jan, 2012 21:35
• No fan of this "retirement fun" - but I liked this:
  
  "For 30 years, the orbiters have been a part of our family. We've cared for them, we've protected them, and we've watched them soar. We've marveled at the similarities between them, and the differences that only 'family' could identify," said Janet Petro, deputy director of Kennedy Space Center. "Atlantis' new home is beautifully designed to showcase her as the true engineering marvel that she is."
  
  Top comment!
• #165 by collectSPACE on 18 Jan, 2012 22:00
• NASA spaceport breaks ground for shuttle Atlantis display
  http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-011812a.html
  
  The final astronaut to lead a space shuttle mission returned to his launch and landing site on Wednesday (Jan. 18) to help in breaking the ground for his spacecraft's future public display...
• #166 by Ronsmytheiii on 19 Jan, 2012 00:54
• Final renderings from KSC media
  
  http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4

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• #167 by Ronsmytheiii on 19 Jan, 2012 01:47
• Images of actuators removed from Atlantis
  
  http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/616043main_jan13-2012.pdf

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• #168 by Aobrien on 19 Jan, 2012 23:32
• Is it just me or is it looking like KSC is going to have the best display by far? I haven't seen renderings for Smithsonian but if they do as they did with Enterprise it won't compete with this. But that's just my opinion. Hate that they are being retired but can't wait to see this
• #169 by Ronsmytheiii on 20 Jan, 2012 00:57
• Quote from: Aobrien on 19 Jan, 2012 23:32

  Is it just me or is it looking like KSC is going to have the best display by far? I haven't seen renderings for Smithsonian but if they do as they did with Enterprise it won't compete with this. But that's just my opinion. Hate that they are being retired but can't wait to see this
  

  
  From what we have been hearing the California Science museum may top KSCVC with the orbiter vertical with a complete stack, though both will be amazing.  The Intrepid museum will be less so, but in the final form will still be impressive with Enterprise upright like the final flare up for landing.
  
  Smithsonian?  Yeah, pretty disappointed with their plans (ie just switch with Enterprise)
• #170 by Ronsmytheiii on 20 Jan, 2012 03:42
• Quote from: psloss on 11 Jan, 2012 12:49

  Also, courtesy of Tracy Young with NASA KSC PAO, the current plan (subject to change) is for Atlantis to move to the VAB sometime around January 20. 

  Is this still on for tomorrow?
• #171 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jan, 2012 09:53
• Quote from: Ronsmytheiii on 20 Jan, 2012 03:42

  Quote from: psloss on 11 Jan, 2012 12:49

  Also, courtesy of Tracy Young with NASA KSC PAO, the current plan (subject to change) is for Atlantis to move to the VAB sometime around January 20. 

  Is this still on for tomorrow?
  

  
  I'd guess so, from the status update on January 18th on NASA.gov:
  
  "Shuttle Atlantis:
  
  In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, technicians are performing tire pressure checks on Atlantis’ main landing and nose landing gear in preparation for its roll to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Friday."
  
  
  EDIT:  Confirmed it's still on for today, press are arriving at the press site.  The press release states an 8 AM EST roll time.  About 50 minutes to go.
• #172 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jan, 2012 11:14
• VAB Transfer aisle looking full, and the doors are open (in preps for Atlantis' roll today):
  
  EDIT:  Update, first motion is planned for 8:30am EST.  Little over 80 minutes for that.

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• #173 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jan, 2012 12:01
• 30 minutes to first motion.  The door for the vertical stabilizer has risen.

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• #174 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jan, 2012 12:32
• Atlantis making her on-time appearance out of OPF-2!

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• #175 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jan, 2012 12:36
• She looks much different...  much the same as her sister, Endeavour:

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• #176 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jan, 2012 12:38
• Into the sunlight:

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• #177 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jan, 2012 12:41

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• #178 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jan, 2012 12:43

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• #179 by rdale on 20 Jan, 2012 12:48
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