Post STS-117: Atlantis Post Flight Processing at Edwards - SCA Ferry to KSC Latest

#60 by Rob in KC on 29 Jun, 2007 16:34
Quote
rdale - 29/6/2007 11:18 AM

FlaToday reports that NASA confirms the shuttle is mated, and may be starting the trip at 6pm EDT this evening.

Not correct. Best to read this site for better information (and there's posts linking there, with info, above!)

Florida Today's got it badly wrong.
#61 by DaveS on 29 Jun, 2007 16:44
Quote
Rob in KC - 29/6/2007 6:34 PM

Quote
rdale - 29/6/2007 11:18 AM

FlaToday reports that NASA confirms the shuttle is mated, and may be starting the trip at 6pm EDT this evening.

Not correct. Best to read this site for better information (and there's posts linking there, with info, above!)

Florida Today's got it badly wrong.
They have a new update now made at 11:54 am EDT, which states what has already been stated here.
#62 by Chris Bergin on 29 Jun, 2007 16:48
Quote
collectSPACE - 29/6/2007 5:27 PM

I just got off the phone with Dryden PAO, who was happy to give an update (confirming much of what Chris reported in his article):

- the orbiter and SCA are not yet mated;
- there was a 'hydraulic issue' that is now being worked;
- they will not be leaving today but expect to leave early tomorrow morning;
- the decision as to where to touchdown along the way is not expected to be made until they are near that particular location in flight;

Thanks for this note Robert, all helps a lot.
#63 by Chris Bergin on 29 Jun, 2007 17:34
Another update (which will update the article on site):

STS 117 / OV 104 / Edwards AFB

OV 104 turnaround
Hydraulic operations on 1st shift today
O-ring R&R is complete
QD remate and leak checks are in work at this time
Orbiter mate to SCA is is estimated for 02:00 EDT Saturday
OV 104 SCA depart from DRFR estimated 10:00 EST/ 07:00 Pacfic Saturday
OV 104 arrival at KSC estimated for noon Sunday July 1st
#64 by rdale on 29 Jun, 2007 17:45
Quote
Rob in KC - 29/6/2007 12:34 PM

Not correct. Best to read this site for better information (and there's posts linking there, with info, above!)

Florida Today's got it badly wrong.

Don't think you can blame the paper if PAO reps at Kennedy say that the shuttle was mated and departing today... They did correct it later.
#65 by UK Shuttle Clan on 29 Jun, 2007 19:21
Are there any webcams at Dryden, or is that a no no with it being a military base?
#66 by rdale on 29 Jun, 2007 20:59
June 30, Saturday

NET 1 p.m. EDT - Live Coverage of Space Shuttle Atlantis' Ferry Flight from DFRC

(Live images of taxi and take-off. No commentary) - DFRC (Public and Media Channels)
#67 by DaveS on 29 Jun, 2007 21:11
Thanks for the heads-up Rob! Will see this one for sure!
#68 by hardware1197 on 29 Jun, 2007 23:27
I'm in Palmdale with the kids. Does anyone have advice on the best gamble for a good view of it leaving!? The PAO advised that Lancaster/Mercury might be good depending on the runway used for departure, and depending on whether the Base PD shuts it down.

Today we tooled around and found a potential good spot, verified when an F-16 took off going somewhere taking of from 04.

Thanks for any advice.
#69 by Pete at Edwards on 30 Jun, 2007 00:04
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hardware1197 - 29/6/2007 6:27 PM

advised that Lancaster/Mercury might be good depending on the runway used for departure, and depending on whether the Base PD shuts it down.

Probably the best advise. Likely departing on 22.
#70 by jacqmans on 30 Jun, 2007 05:47
MEDIA ADVISORY: M07-77

NASA'S SHUTTLE ATLANTIS SET FOR RETURN TO KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

EDWARDS, Calif. - A week after landing at Edwards Air Force Base,
Calif., NASA's space shuttle Atlantis is about to make its
cross-country journey back to Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Mounted on a modified Boeing 747 shuttle carrier aircraft, Atlantis is
expected to be flown back to Florida this weekend. Due to the fluid
nature of preparing Atlantis for this ferry flight and changing
weather conditions, the exact date and time of departure are still to
be determined. However, the latest information about the flight will
be available by telephone at 321-867-2525. Current flight information
also will be posted on the space shuttle's main Web site at:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

NASA Television will provide live coverage of Atlantis' departure and
arrival. For NASA TV downlink, the schedule of ferry flight coverage
and streaming video information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

Strict flight weather restrictions may cause unexpected changes to the
flight path and arrival time of the shuttle in Florida. All media
should be at the Kennedy News Center two hours ahead of the announced
arrival time for transport to the Shuttle Landing Facility.

STS-117 media credentials will be honored. U.S. media may drive
directly to the news center, while foreign media must call the press
site at 321-867-2468 to arrange for transportation from off base. TV
stations wishing to cover the arrival live from the Shuttle Landing
Facility must have proper authorizations. Journalists must adhere to
a dress code for the landing site: no skirts, no shorts, no
sleeveless shirts, and only closed, flat shoes.

Shuttle Atlantis and its seven astronauts landed in California on June
22 after completing a 14-day mission, designated STS-117, to the
International Space Station. For more information about Atlantis'
flight or crew, visit the shuttle's main Web site.

-end-
#71 by Chris Bergin on 30 Jun, 2007 11:49
Waiting on weather:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5152
#72 by Chris Bergin on 30 Jun, 2007 12:18
Weather might be a problem, as this is an 8am Eastern update from USA (Not Dryden):

"STS 117 / OV 104 / Edwards
Turnaround ops at DFRF remain in work
Scheduled departure 1st shift Sunday
Scheduled arrival at KSC 1st shift Monday."

Waiting for more...
#73 by psloss on 30 Jun, 2007 12:20
FWIW, from the Dryden home page:

Quote
Takeoff time is tentatively scheduled for about 9 a.m., although it could occur slightly earlier or as late as 10 a.m. Takeoff time will be determined at a weather briefing, currently scheduled for 6 a.m. Saturday.
Not sure when this was posted, but for those who want to watch live, suggest keeping an eye on NASA TV before 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific).
#74 by psloss on 30 Jun, 2007 12:21
Quote
Chris Bergin - 30/6/2007 8:18 AM

Weather might be a problem, as this is an 8am Eastern update from USA (Not Dryden):

"STS 117 / OV 104 / Edwards
Turnaround ops at DFRF remain in work
Scheduled departure 1st shift Sunday
Scheduled arrival at KSC 1st shift Monday."

Waiting for more...
Sounds like PAO at Dryden is going to be busy when they open this morning.
#75 by Chris Bergin on 30 Jun, 2007 12:27
Source, speaking to someone actually with the SCA, says they "don't know yet, will know more later."

Sounds like waiting on the weather.
#76 by psloss on 30 Jun, 2007 12:32
Quote
Chris Bergin - 30/6/2007 8:27 AM

Source, speaking to someone actually with the SCA, says they "don't know yet, will know more later."

Sounds like waiting on the weather.
But then the question is: the weather where? Edwards or destination of first leg? Or...?

Recent observation in the Edwards area has it a little windy (230 at 13 knots), but clear.
#77 by Chris Bergin on 30 Jun, 2007 12:38
Quote
psloss - 30/6/2007 1:32 PM

Quote
Chris Bergin - 30/6/2007 8:27 AM

Source, speaking to someone actually with the SCA, says they "don't know yet, will know more later."

Sounds like waiting on the weather.
But then the question is: the weather where? Edwards or destination of first leg? Or...?

Recent observation in the Edwards area has it a little windy (230 at 13 knots), but clear.

High winds at Dryden is the latest we're hearing. About 20 mins to weather breifing which will decide it.
#78 by psloss on 30 Jun, 2007 12:50
Thanks, Chris.
#79 by psloss on 30 Jun, 2007 13:00
Well, it's getting windier...last observation was 240 at 16 knots gusting to 22. Not sure what the rules are for ferry...