STS-120 Processing Latest

[psloss]

Heh, 1st question about the FGB solar array retract.  (Mark Carreau)

[Andy USA]

It's really cool to hear the media asking questions, to be answered by Hale, when we've already seen the docs and articles weeks before here

[psloss]

Andy USA - 14/9/2007  9:29 AM

It's really cool to hear the media asking questions, to be answered by Hale, when we've already seen the docs and articles weeks before here

It's still valuable to hear it from the program manager, though.  For example, on the manifest options, he wasn't willing to say that the proposed manifest plans (with the change to OV-104's disposition after STS-125) have been adopted.

[eeergo]

psloss - 14/9/2007 3:20 PM Heh, 1st question about the FGB solar array retract. (Mark Carreau)

What did they say about it? I was having lunch, I missed it

[psloss]

eeergo - 14/9/2007  10:20 AM

psloss - 14/9/2007 3:20 PM Heh, 1st question about the FGB solar array retract. (Mark Carreau)

What did they say about it? I was having lunch, I missed it

I thought it was a conservative public statement -- aside from noting the different dependencies between the planned retracts, shuttle mission ops, stage ops, and deploys, I believe the ISS manager said that the timing was under discussion.  (Whereas we have other sources here. )

[jarthur]

Any idea when the press kit will be released?

[Chandonn]

Press Kits usually appear around the time of the Flight Readiness Review.  Since the Flight Plan is still being worked, it may not appear for a few weeks.

[ShuttleDiscovery]

jarthur - 14/9/2007  3:47 PM

Any idea when the press kit will be released?

So usually just under a month before flight.  

[Chris Bergin]

Latest, including the leak on her RMLG strut: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5229

[Jackson]

Good news is the ability to eat a bit of a delay to rollover if that becomes the case.

[Seattle Dave]

Yes, and this can be "forgiven" from the very fact the flow has been so smoth (apart from the tank).

[jacqmans]

Mission: STS-120 - 23rd International Space Station Flight - U.S. Node
2
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
Launch Date: Targeted for Oct. 23, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Melroy, Zamka, Parazynski, Wheelock, Wilson, Nespoli and Tani
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, forward and aft closeout work is
complete. The payload bay doors were opened this week in order to
install the tool stowage assembly that will be used by crew members
on orbit to test tile repair techniques. The payload bay doors are
now closed for rollover, and the vehicle has been powered down.

The orbiter weight and center of gravity have been determined. This is
the final task prior to transferring Discovery to the orbiter
transporter in preparation for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly
Building. Rollover is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. Sept. 19.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, mating closeout work continues on
the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in high bay 1.

[mkirk]

Just FYI:

Word on the street is that rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building WILL slip because of the time required to complete the repair work on the leaking right main landing gear strut seal.

My best, UNINFORMED guess, is that we are looking at Friday-ish.

Mark Kirkman

[Chris Bergin]

Chris Bergin - 14/9/2007  10:10 PM

Latest, including the leak on her RMLG strut: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5229

Requires repairing (confirmed). So it's failed the leak tests. Article updated with Saturday's info while we await news of the new rollover date.

[Lee Jay]

In my experience, leaking hydraulic systems only stop leaking on their own when they run out of fluid.

[Zpoxy]

I always say if it's not leaking it's already empty.

[Chris Bergin]

No decision on when rollover will be until after repairs start.

should this be a quick and easy repair?

[Chris Bergin]

Justin Wheat - 17/9/2007  2:25 AM

should this be a quick and easy repair?

I'll ask. I know they have to get the vendors in, so we might know better on Tuesday.

[Lee Jay]

Chiming in only because I've had *very* recent experience with leaking hydraulic rams and such (still ongoing, in fact), repairs take many weeks, usually months.  My bet - this will be replaced, unless it's a simple seal or valve/hose/pipe connection issue.