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#260 by jacqmans on 21 Aug, 2006 21:45
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http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/behindscenes/bolt_replacement.html
Tricky Replacement Brings Peace of Mind
08.21.06
Shuttle program managers can breathe a collective sigh of relief now that a delicate procedure has been completed: the replacement of some very hard-to-reach but crucial bolts on Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Over the weekend, on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers completed the difficult task of replacing two of four actuator bolts holding Atlantis' main communications antenna in place. The repair job required building a special platform so the workers could reach the top of the space shuttle's 60-foot-long payload bay. This enabled technicians to successfully remove the two shorter bolts securing the antenna and install longer ones.
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#261 by nitin52 on 22 Aug, 2006 05:02
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Hello,
It was planned to replace all the four bolts, but as per NASA (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/behindscenes/bolt_replacement.html)
they have replaced only two of four actuator bolts. Why? -
#262 by punkboi on 22 Aug, 2006 05:23
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Quote
nitin52 - 21/8/2006 9:49 PM Hello, It was planned to replace all the four bolts, but as per NASA (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/behindscenes/bolt_replacement.html) they have replaced only two of four actuator bolts. Why?
Probably more hazardous to attempt to replace all four bolts than expected. That, and only two of the bolts were too short to be threaded properly
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#263 by rdale on 22 Aug, 2006 09:24
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"Probably more hazardous to attempt to replace all four bolts than expected."
Not at all... The plan going in was to replace two, so why replace four?
I'm curious if the tech was able to determine whether the two bolts of concern were correctly in place to begin with? -
#264 by MKremer on 22 Aug, 2006 12:00
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According to the Reuters story here, the bolts were still holding correct torque. To me that says the mount would have been fine if left as is. It's still curious why the wrong bolts were spec'd and installed in all the orbiters in the first place, though.
(To check torque they would have had to cut the lock wires, so replacing the bolts before wiring them back up wouldn't be that much extra work.) -
#265 by Avron on 22 Aug, 2006 14:57
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Quote
MKremer - 22/8/2006 7:47 AM
According to the Reuters story here, the bolts were still holding correct torque. To me that says the mount would have been fine if left as is. It's still curious why the wrong bolts were spec'd and installed in all the orbiters in the first place, though.
(To check torque they would have had to cut the lock wires, so replacing the bolts before wiring them back up wouldn't be that much extra work.)
Likewise.. I am also curious how the wrong bolt lengths got speced... If only we could get the BOM from the original design.. it would give us a good starting point -
#266 by Avron on 22 Aug, 2006 15:52
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Meanwhile .. .back at the pad
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#267 by jacqmans on 22 Aug, 2006 16:42
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#268 by jacqmans on 22 Aug, 2006 17:00
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Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch with Canadian Steve MacLean Onboard
Longueuil, Quebec, August 22, 2006 – Media are invited to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for the launch of NASA's Atlantis Space Shuttle set for August 27, 2006 at 4:30 p.m. with Canadian astronaut Steve MacLean onboard. Mission STS-115 marks the renewal of assembly missions for completion of the International Space Station. Astronaut MacLean will take part in his second space flight during which he will become the very first Canadian to operate the Canadarm2 in space. He will also be performing a spacewalk during this mission to the Space Station.
CSA Astronaut Dave Williams, member of the crew STS-118 currently set for launch in June 2007, will be on-site to underline this event with CSA employees and their families.
What: Launch of Atlantis Space Shuttle for STS-115 mission
When: Sunday, August 27, 2006
Who: Dave Williams, Canadian Space Agency Astronaut
Schedule: 2:30 p.m. Autograph session for kids with Dave Williams
3:45 p.m. Event starts. Review of Mission STS-115 with Dave Williams
4:10 p.m. Presentation of a video-message by Steve MacLean
4:15 p.m. Question period for employees and their families
4:40 p.m. One-on-one interviews
Journalists are invited to contact CSA Media Relations by phone or e-mail to indicate their interest in attending the launch event or to identify special requirements. Media briefings will also be organized at various dates throughout the mission.
To listen to the comments provided by Dave Williams, media are invited to call at 1 (888) 265-0903, passcode: 738498.
Information
For more information on the STS-115 mission or to schedule interviews with CSA spokespersons, please contact CSA Media Relations at (450) 926-4370. For details on the mission, visit the Canadian Space Agency's website at www.space.gc.ca/sts-115.
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#269 by jacqmans on 22 Aug, 2006 21:20
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08.22.06
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
RELEASE: 53-06
AIRSPACE, BRIDGES AND WATERWAY RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT FOR STS-115
For the STS-115 launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis, NASA managers are
urging all aircraft pilots and boaters to fully comply with the
airspace, bridges and waterway restrictions imposed around Kennedy
Space Center prior to and during shuttle launches and landings.
"As always, we are coordinating with officials from the U.S. Air Force
Eastern Range, Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Coast
Guard to help provide a safe launch environment for the shuttle crew
and for interested spectators," said KSC Launch Director Mike
Leinbach. "Violating these restrictions is not only unsafe for the
astronauts and support crews, it's unsafe for the violator."
The first launch opportunity is Sunday, Aug. 27, with liftoff targeted
for 4:30 p.m. EDT. This launch time is approximately in the middle of
a 10-minute launch window. At NASA's request, Air Force and Coast
Guard surveillance aircraft will patrol KSC's airspace boundaries on
launch day. Violators will be intercepted by patrol forces,
thoroughly investigated and subject to FAA enforcement action. A
number of restrictions remain in effect around KSC during the hours
immediately following the launch of a space shuttle.
The following are restrictions that apply to pilots, boaters and motor
vehicle operators using the airspace, waterways, or roads and bridges
that lead to KSC.
KSC AREA AVIATION RESTRICTIONS
For the launch of Atlantis on mission STS-115, all restricted areas
surrounding KSC will be active and the area covered by flight
restrictions has once again been expanded for this launch. The length
of time the restrictions will be in effect prior to launch has also
been extended.
Due to international terrorist activities, heightened security is
essential to protect the space shuttle as a national asset. An
inadvertent unauthorized incursion into the area of the Cape
Canaveral Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) could cause a scrub in
the launch of Atlantis, the activation of airspace defenses and an
FAA enforcement action. Local pilots are asked to help NASA by
respecting these temporary but necessary restrictions so the launch
can occur on time and without incident.
The Eastern Range restricted airspace for KSC and Cape Canaveral Air
Force Station is in effect on a continuous basis and is off limits to
general aviation pilots. Access is limited to official aircraft only.
The restricted airspace normally covers the area bounded by the
Indian River to the west, Port Canaveral to the south, the city of
Oak Hill to the north, and three miles over the Atlantic Ocean to the
east.
On launch day, these restricted areas will be expanded by the TFR and
will be activated at approximately launch minus 7 hours. It will
continue in effect until approximately 20 minutes after launch, after
which the standard restricted areas for KSC and Cape Canaveral Air
Force Station will be in effect. On Aug. 27, the TFR will be
activated at 9:24 a.m. EDT. The launch is targeted to occur at 4:30
p.m. EDT. Should the launch be scrubbed during the terminal
countdown, the TFR will remain in effect until 5:54 p.m. For the next
launch attempt, pilots should check NOTAMS for the hours the TFR will
be in effect.
General aviation and VFR operations are prohibited within a
30-nautical-mile radius of Launch Pad 39-B from the surface to (but
not including) 18,000 feet (located on the Melbourne VOR/DME
004-degree radial at 30.6 nautical miles). Among the public-use
general aviation airports affected within this area are Space Coast
Regional Airport in Titusville, Arthur Dunn Airpark in Titusville,
Merritt Island Airport on Merritt Island and Massey Ranch in
Edgewater.
Within an airspace radius between 30 and 40 nautical miles of Pad
39-B, a discrete transponder code must be obtained and clearance
granted from air traffic control before entering this airspace.
Continuous radio communications must be maintained.
Before flight, pilots should contact the St. Petersburg FAA Flight
Service Station at 1-800/WxBrief (1-800/992-7433) for details of the
restrictions contained in the NOTAMS. In flight, outside Orlando
Class B airspace, pilots should contact Orlando Approach control on
134.95. In the Melbourne area, contact Orlando Approach control on
132.65. In the New Smyrna Beach area, contact Orlando Approach
control on 125.35. Flight Service can also be reached locally by
radio on the Titusville RCO at 123.6 or the Melbourne RCO on 122.6.
Advisories will also be available from the control tower at Space
Coast Regional Airport in Titusville at 118.9 megahertz.
Among the public-use airports affected within the 30- to
40-nautical-mile radius in which flight is permitted but under
positive air traffic control are Orlando International Airport,
Orlando Executive Airport, Orlando-Sanford International Airport, the
New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport, Melbourne International Airport
and Valkaria airport. Pilots are encouraged to consult the most
recent FAA aeronautical chart for Orlando Class B airspace dated Feb.
16.
BRIDGES AND ACCESS HIGHWAYS CONTROLLED FOR LAUNCH
The opening and closing of bridges over waterways surrounding KSC will
be strictly controlled during the hours immediately before and after
the launch period for each space shuttle mission.
Bridges affected by the launch include:
* Port Canaveral Barge Canal (State Road 401);
* Indian River/NASA Causeway West (Intracoastal Waterway);
* Merritt Island Barge Canal (Merritt Island State Road 3);
* Haulover Canal Bridge (State Road 3, north of KSC).
Restraints on bridge openings for boat traffic begin three hours
before launch. The bridges may be opened for five minutes at the
following points in the launch countdown: T-180 minutes, T-150
minutes, T-120 minutes, T-90 minutes and T-65 minutes. Adding 20
minutes to these times and subtracting that amount from the opening
of the launch window (4:24 p.m.) will result in an approximate time
of openings.
Bridges will remain closed to boat traffic until 90 minutes after
liftoff (T+90). They may then open for five minutes at T+90, T+120
minutes and T+150 minutes. Bridge operations will return to normal
three hours after launch (T+180 minutes).
Should the shuttle be required to perform a return-to-launch-site
landing at KSC, all bridges would remain closed to boat traffic from
45 minutes before landing until at least one hour after landing.
State Road 3 from the Gate 2 Pass and Identification Building to State
Road 405 (NASA Causeway) via Space Commerce Way will be closed on
launch day, Aug. 27, beginning at 8:30 a.m. NASA Causeway between the
KSC Visitor Complex and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame will also be
closed starting at that time. Only badged employees and guests with
passes will be permitted access. These roads will reopen
approximately two hours after launch.
On the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, State Road 406 and County Road
402 leading to Titusville, as well as State Road 3 south of the
Haulover Canal bridge, will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23,
and reopen approximately two hours after launch.
KSC AREA BOATING RESTRICTIONS
Waterways and boating near KSC will be strictly controlled prior to
and during the launch of Atlantis on STS-115.
Safety and security requirements, including Air Force range safety
impact limit lines, will go into effect as early as three days before
launch. Other requirements will be phased into effect through sunset
the night before launch. A general description of the area follows:
ATLANTIC OCEAN: Beginning on L-3 days (Thursday, Aug. 24, at 8 a.m.)
and continuing through launch, a general exclusion zone will be in
effect three miles offshore from the Haulover Canal, near the north
end of KSC, and southward to Port Canaveral. Four hours prior to
launch, all ocean-going traffic will be restricted from entering an
area measured from nine miles north and south of the launch pad and
extending 64 miles east into the ocean. An additional three-mile-wide
exclusion zone will be extended eastward along the flight path of the
space shuttle.
INDIAN RIVER: Restrictions apply from the NASA Causeway north to the
Haulover Canal and east of the Indian River's main channel.
Restrictions begin on L-3 days (Aug. 24).
MOSQUITO LAGOON: This area south of the Haulover Canal in the Mosquito
Lagoon is off limits to all boats beginning the day before launch
(L-1 day).
BANANA RIVER: Security limits begin at the Banana River Barge Canal
south of KSC at the State Road 528 crossing and extend north. This
restriction is effective 16 hours prior to launch.
All boating restrictions will be lifted approximately one hour after
launch.
Boating interests should monitor Coast Guard Channel 16 broadcasting
from Port Canaveral. The Coast Guard, the Fish and Wildlife Service,
and KSC security forces share responsibility for enforcing the
boating guidelines.
-end-
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#270 by jacqmans on 22 Aug, 2006 21:43
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MASSIVE LOCKHEED MARTIN SOLAR ARRAYS TO BE LAUNCHED TO INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
SUNNYVALE, Calif., August 21, 2006 -- The second of four pairs of massive solar arrays and a Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ), built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] at its Space Systems facility in Sunnyvale, will be launched aboard the space shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station (ISS) as early as August 27, 2006. Atlantis’ launch window extends through September 13, 2006. During the 11-day STS-115 mission, astronauts will connect the package of giant solar arrays and the rotary joint – incorporated into an integrated truss segment – to the Station. A second rotary joint and a third pair of solar arrays will be delivered to ISS on STS-117.
"The second pair of solar arrays will nearly double the power available to the Space Station, and we’re very proud to play a role in this vitally important international mission,” said Brad Haddock, Lockheed Martin ISS program director. “The first arrays have performed superbly, and beyond expectation, and we’re confident that this addition to ISS will further harness the Sun's energy for the Space Station and provide the power required for many years to come.”
The Space Systems ISS solar arrays are the largest deployable space structure ever built and are by far, the most powerful electricity-producing arrays ever put into orbit.
When the Station is completed a total of eight flexible, deployable solar array wings will generate the reliable, continuous power for the on-orbit operation of the ISS systems.
The eight array wings were designed and built under a $450 million contract from the Boeing-Rocketdyne Division in Canoga Park, Calif., for delivery to the Boeing Company and NASA.
Each of the eight wings consists of a mast assembly and two solar array blankets. Each blanket has 84 panels, of which 82 are populated with solar cells. Each panel contains 200 solar cells. The eight photovoltaic arrays thus accommodate a total of 262,400 solar cells. When fully deployed in space, the active area of the eight wings, each 107 by 38-feet, will encompass an area of 32,528-sq. ft., and will provide power to the ISS for 15 years.
The SARJ, 10.5 ft in diameter and 40 inches long, will maintain the solar arrays in an optimal orientation to the sun while the entire space station orbits the Earth once every 90 minutes. Drive motors in the SARJ will move the arrays through 360 degrees of motion at four degrees per minute. The joints must rotate the arrays smoothly without imparting vibrations to the laboratories and habitation modules on the station that would impact microgravity-processing activities. At the same time, 60 kW of power at 160 volts and multiple data channels are carried across each joint by copper “roll rings” contained within.
In addition to the arrays and SARJ, Space Systems in Sunnyvale designed and built other elements for the Space Station. The Thermal Radiator Rotary Joints (TRRJ) – each five and a half feet long and three feet in diameter – were launched in 2002. The two joints maintain Space Station thermal radiators in an edge-on orientation to the Sun that maximizes the dissipation of heat from the radiators into space.
Space Systems also produced the Trace Contaminant Control System ?– launched to ISS as an element of the U.S. Destiny Laboratory module in 2001 – an advanced air processing and filtering system that ensures that over 200 various trace chemical contaminants, generated from material off-gassing and metabolic functions in the Space Station atmosphere, remain within allowable concentration levels. It is an integral part of the Space Station's Cabin Air Revitalization Subsystem.
Contact:
Buddy Nelson
(510) 797-0349
[email protected]
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#271 by jacqmans on 23 Aug, 2006 17:39
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Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Truss Segment and Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Launch Pad 39B
Launch Date: Aug. 27, 2006, 4:30 p.m. EDT
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
At Launch Pad 39B, closeout of the orbiter's aft compartments
continues, and pressurization of the orbiter's maneuvering system,
reaction control system and main propulsion system is under way.
Stowage of flight crew equipment in the crew module is ongoing.
Payload bay preparations will resume Wednesday. Final closeouts on
the solid rocket boosters and the external fuel tank will be
completed today.
In Houston, the STS-115 crew is conducting the final ascent simulation
today. The crew will arrive at Kennedy Space Center on Thursday.
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#272 by Avron on 23 Aug, 2006 18:32
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6pm ET tomorrow we start the countdown.... two in the same year.. its been awhile
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#273 by jacqmans on 23 Aug, 2006 18:56
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and it could be 3 in a year :-), now that is something :-)
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#274 by jacqmans on 23 Aug, 2006 18:57
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Meanwhile at the pad...
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#275 by astrobrian on 23 Aug, 2006 20:55
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Avron - 23/8/2006 1:19 PM 6pm ET tomorrow we start the countdown.... two in the same year.. its been awhile
Living up the moment, as we know it could all change quickly, but agreed, far too long since this has happened
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#276 by jacqmans on 23 Aug, 2006 21:07
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Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Truss Segment and Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Launch Pad 39B
Launch Date: Aug. 27, 2006, 4:30 p.m. EDT
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
At Launch Pad 39B, closeout of the orbiter's aft compartments
continues, with aft door installation expected later today. Once the
doors are installed, workers will begin aft confidence testing. This
involves powering up and testing all of the aft systems, such as the
main propulsion system circuits. Pressurization of the orbiter's
maneuvering system, the reaction control system and the main
propulsion system has been completed. Stowage of flight crew
equipment in the crew module is ongoing, and the crew cabin and White
Room are being prepared for launch. Technicians will open the payload
bay doors today to allow for the charging of the payload batteries.
The payload bay doors will be closed for flight on Thursday. Final
closeouts on the solid rocket boosters and the external fuel tank
will be completed today.
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#277 by DaveS on 23 Aug, 2006 22:43
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The water bags for the SRBs are being installed:
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#278 by dutch courage on 24 Aug, 2006 12:52
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Quote
DaveS - 24/8/2006 12:30 AM
The water bags for the SRBs are being installed:
Could you describe the water bags in the picture and its function?
Thanks.
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#279 by Jim on 24 Aug, 2006 13:10
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The waterbags are the red objects on the left of the SRB skirt. They absorb the SRB ignition pressure impulse