852 pm night time launch the window extends until the 20th..
The problem is with the shuttles external tank, issues with the bonding of the adhesive and the earlier issue which was the joint for the shuttle to load it's fuel has been fixed.
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Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Shuttle slips to Nov 3 but early in the am
The shuttle launch has slipped to Dec 3nd much later in the week and in the middle of the night around 3 AM.
3 three am...could move a few days further but it will be long gone from Florida..looks like it's going to be 135 and congress willing 136
3 three am...could move a few days further but it will be long gone from Florida..looks like it's going to be 135 and congress willing 136
Friday, November 5, 2010
Shuttle scrubs until the end of the month
Another post katrina external tank issue causes the Discovery Mission STS 133 to scrub.
NASA managers said today that space shuttle Discovery won't fly until Nov. 30th at the earliest.
The shuttle team won't be able to repair the hydrogen gas leak in time to make a Monday launch attempt, the last-day of an eight-day launch window.
The next earliest launch attempt would be at 4:05 a.m. Nov. 30, the opening of a window of night launches that extends through Dec. 5.
Kennedy Space Center launch teams have been draining the shuttle's external tank of propellant since a significant leak of hydrogen gas was detected at a line that vents the gas from the tank to a flare stack.
The leak was detected as the countdown proceeded during today's scrubbed launch attempt
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NASA managers said today that space shuttle Discovery won't fly until Nov. 30th at the earliest.
The shuttle team won't be able to repair the hydrogen gas leak in time to make a Monday launch attempt, the last-day of an eight-day launch window.
The next earliest launch attempt would be at 4:05 a.m. Nov. 30, the opening of a window of night launches that extends through Dec. 5.
Kennedy Space Center launch teams have been draining the shuttle's external tank of propellant since a significant leak of hydrogen gas was detected at a line that vents the gas from the tank to a flare stack.
The leak was detected as the countdown proceeded during today's scrubbed launch attempt
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Thursday, November 4, 2010
Revised countdown
Note where it picks up, the crew heads to the pad about 11:14 am with a 3:04 pm liftoff
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Copyright 2010 Fairbanks Broadband LLC
STS 133
Nasa has to launch Discovery by Sunday or wait until December.
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Copyright 2010 Fairbanks Broadband LLC
No launch today
A real gully washer in Florida..so no launch today.
Friday's launch time for Discovery is 3:04pm EDT. Weather is 60% favorable, with low clouds and wind concerns.
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Friday's launch time for Discovery is 3:04pm EDT. Weather is 60% favorable, with low clouds and wind concerns.
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Wednesday, November 3, 2010
STS 133 final update
Think they have a good handle on the problem. At 530 AM, tanking will be your go no . Team ready for three in a row...today a good day off from the LCC team..
Still to early to figure this out just yet...waiting on the weather...
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Still to early to figure this out just yet...waiting on the weather...
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STS 133 update
The RSS is still in place around Discovery due to weather concerns in the area this evening.
Press briefing has not yet started at KSC...
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Press briefing has not yet started at KSC...
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Press briefing at 7 pm eastern
RSS rollback is being held up by lighting warning at LCC 39 A...news conference at 7 or thereabouts at the KSC press site.
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Copyright 2010 Fairbanks Broadband LLC
Bet this is your scrub
STS-133 Mission: Managers will proceed with Discovery's launch attempt tomorrow and will meet again at 5:30 amET to evaluate the weather.
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Copyright 2010 Fairbanks Broadband LLC
STS 133
The weather forecast, however, now calls for an 80 percent chance that rain and thunderstorms would keep the shuttle grounded on Thursday. There is a 40 percent chance bad weather would prohibit external tank propellant-loading operations, which would pick up about 6 a.m.
The bad weather is expected to clear late Thursday, and the forecast for Friday calls for a 60 percent chance the weather would be acceptable for flight. Winds are expected to pick up and Saturday's forecast calls for a 60 percent chance conditions would prohibit launch.
So, it looks like Friday is going to be the better date...
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The bad weather is expected to clear late Thursday, and the forecast for Friday calls for a 60 percent chance the weather would be acceptable for flight. Winds are expected to pick up and Saturday's forecast calls for a 60 percent chance conditions would prohibit launch.
So, it looks like Friday is going to be the better date...
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RSS Rollback
Tonight, Ames a NASA Center in No California says the launch is Thursday..more later
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Copyright 2010 Fairbanks Broadband LLC
STS 133 MMT update
STS-133 Mission: Managers will take a 30 minute break to discuss the data presented
This is going very late...
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This is going very late...
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Looks like it's going to be Thursday but not offical yet
Media being sent out for RSS retraction. "no official word yet but the'feeling' is they will try tomorrow."
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Copyright 2010 Fairbanks Broadband LLC
Meeting at KSC set for 245
Figure a 4 30 or 5 pm press conference..in time for the local news in Florida...
While it looks like the problem cleared up overnight the next potential issue is the weather at KSC on launch day which is going to suck.
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While it looks like the problem cleared up overnight the next potential issue is the weather at KSC on launch day which is going to suck.
Copyright 2010 Fairbanks Broadband LLC
If this is a Thursday launch here is the countdown
.............................EXTENDED HOLD FOR 24-HOUR DELAY
Wed 11/03/10
20...47...00...06:37 PM......RSS to park position
19...47...00...07:37 PM......Final TPS, debris inspection
19...17...00...08:07 PM......Ascent switch list
16...20...00...11:04 PM......Resume countdown
16...00...00...11:24 PM......Pad clear of non-essential personnel
16...00...00...11:24 PM......APU bite test
Thu 11/04/10
15...10...00...12:14 AM......Fuel cell activation
14...20...00...01:04 AM......Booster joint heater activation
13...50...00...01:34 AM......MEC pre-flight bite test
13...35...00...01:49 AM......Tanking weather update
12...50...00...02:34 AM......Final fueling preps; launch area clear
12...20...00...03:04 AM......Red crew assembled
11...35...00...03:49 AM......Fuel cell integrity checks complete
11...20...00...04:04 AM......Begin 2-hour built-in hold (T-minus 6 hours)
11...10...00...04:14 AM......Safe-and-arm PIC test
10...32...00...04:52 AM......Crew wakeup
10...20...00...05:04 AM......External tank ready for loading
10...02...00...05:22 AM......Mission management team tanking meeting
09...24...00...06:00 AM......NASA TV fueling coverage begins
09...20...00...06:04 AM......Resume countdown (T-minus 6 hours)
09...20...00...06:04 AM......LO2, LH2 transfer line chilldown
09...16...00...06:08 AM......Final crew medical checks
09...10...00...06:14 AM......Main propulsion system chill down
09...10...00...06:14 AM......LH2 slow fill
08...40...00...06:44 AM......LO2 slow fill
08...35...00...06:49 AM......Hydrogen ECO sensors go wet
08...30...00...06:54 AM......LO2 fast fill
08...27...00...06:57 AM......Crew medical checks
08...20...00...07:04 AM......LH2 fast fill
06...25...00...08:59 AM......LH2 topping
06...20...00...09:04 AM......LH2 replenish
06...20...00...09:04 AM......LO2 replenish
06...20...00...09:04 AM......Begin 2-hour 30-minute built-in hold (T-minus 3 hours)
06...20...00...09:04 AM......Closeout crew to white room
06...20...00...09:04 AM......External tank in stable replenish mode
06...17...00...09:07 AM......Ascent flight control team on console
06...05...00...09:19 AM......Astronaut support personnel comm checks
05...35...00...09:49 AM......Pre-ingress switch reconfig
05...24...00...10:00 AM......NASA TV launch coverage begins
04...25...00...10:59 AM......Final crew weather briefing
04...15...00...11:09 AM......Crew suit up begins
03...50...00...11:34 AM......Resume countdown (T-minus 3 hours)
03...45...00...11:39 AM......Crew departs O&C building
03...15...00...12:09 PM......Crew ingress
02...25...00...12:59 PM......Astronaut comm checks
02...00...00...01:24 PM......Hatch closure
01...30...00...01:54 PM......White room closeout
01...10...00...02:14 PM......Begin 10-minute built-in hold (T-minus 20m)
01...00...00...02:24 PM......NASA test director countdown briefing
01...00...00...02:24 PM......Resume countdown (T-minus 20m)
00...59...00...02:25 PM......Backup flight computer to OPS 1
00...55...00...02:29 PM......KSC area clear to launch
00...49...00...02:35 PM......Begin final built-in hold (T-minus 9m)
00...24...00...03:05:43 PM...NTD launch status verification
00...09...00...03:20:43 PM...Resume countdown (T-minus 9m)
00...07...30...03:24:43 PM...Orbiter access arm retraction
00...05...00...03:24:43 PM...Launch window opens
00...05...00...03:24:43 PM...Hydraulic power system (APU) start
00...04...55...03:24:48 PM...Terminate LO2 replenish
00...04...00...03:25:43 PM...Purge sequence 4 hydraulic test
00...04...00...03:25:43 PM...IMUs to inertial
00...03...55...03:25:48 PM...Aerosurface profile
00...03...30...03:26:13 PM...Main engine steering test
00...02...55...03:26:48 PM...LO2 tank pressurization
00...02...35...03:27:08 PM...Fuel cells to internal reactants
00...02...30...03:27:13 PM...Clear caution-and-warning memory
00...02...00...03:27:43 PM...Crew closes visors
00...01...57...03:27:46 PM...LH2 tank pressurization
00...00...50...03:28:53 PM...SRB joint heater deactivation
00...00...31...03:29:12 PM...Shuttle GPCs take control of countdown
00...00...21...03:29:22 PM...SRB steering test
00...00...07...03:29:36 PM...Main engine start (T-6.6 seconds)
00...00...00...03:29:43 PM...SRB ignition (LAUNCH)
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Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Live Press Conf at KSC
Watch live streaming video from spaceflightnow at livestream.com
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Shuttle Discovery to be delayed
At least a 24 hour scrub and then you aren't going to have good weather on Thursday...But if they are you will have a launch window that will be at
3:29pm EDT. that's 19:29 UTC
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3:29pm EDT. that's 19:29 UTC
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Latest filed at 4pm Status STS 133
NASA engineers are troubleshooting a problem with one of Discovery's main engine controllers and its unclear whether it might prompt a delay in the planned launch Wednesday of the orbiter's 39th and final flight.
Engineers detected voltage irregularities in the back up controller on Main Engine No. 3. Each of the shuttle's three liquid-fueled main engines have primary and back-up controllers that effectively are the electronic brains of the engines.
Engineers will brief managers today while launch preparations continue here at Kennedy Space Center. That meeting was originally scheduled for 3 p.m., but has now been pushed back to 5 p.m.
As it stands, liftoff remains scheduled for 3:52 p.m. Wednesday.
The same back-up controller exhibited some circuitry trouble during routine prelaunch checkouts earlier in the countdown, but switch throws in the shuttle's cockpit cycled power on and off, clearing the problem. NASA Test Conductor Steve Payne said that problem was considered to be resolved.
Engineers detected voltage irregularities in the back up controller on Main Engine No. 3. Each of the shuttle's three liquid-fueled main engines have primary and back-up controllers that effectively are the electronic brains of the engines.
Engineers will brief managers today while launch preparations continue here at Kennedy Space Center. That meeting was originally scheduled for 3 p.m., but has now been pushed back to 5 p.m.
As it stands, liftoff remains scheduled for 3:52 p.m. Wednesday.
The same back-up controller exhibited some circuitry trouble during routine prelaunch checkouts earlier in the countdown, but switch throws in the shuttle's cockpit cycled power on and off, clearing the problem. NASA Test Conductor Steve Payne said that problem was considered to be resolved.
very at its Kennedy Space Center launch pad as countdown clocks tick toward the planned launch of the orbiter's 39th and final flight.
Meeting at 5
Could be some tech issues with one of the shuttles SSMEs.. (engines)..
Until then enjoy the tour
Watch live video from nasatweetup on Justin.tv
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Until then enjoy the tour
Watch live video from nasatweetup on Justin.tv
Copyright 2010 Fairbanks Broadband LLC
Monday, November 1, 2010
STS 133 L -2
The Mission Management Team gathered this morning for its pre-launch meeting and verified all remains on track for shuttle Discovery's blastoff at 3:52 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.
"We had our L-2 Mission Management Team meeting this morning. Went very quickly. If I wouldn't have talked about how quickly it was going, it would have gone even faster. We didn't have any technical issues to discuss," says pre-launch MMT chairman Mike Moses.
"Everything is going really, really well. We recovered from our problems over the weekend in fine shape. I went through the Firing Room this morning, the team is in great spirits, they're looking forward to launching Discovery for the final time and getting her on to a great mission," shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach says. Copyright 2010 Fairbanks Broadband LLC
"We had our L-2 Mission Management Team meeting this morning. Went very quickly. If I wouldn't have talked about how quickly it was going, it would have gone even faster. We didn't have any technical issues to discuss," says pre-launch MMT chairman Mike Moses.
"Everything is going really, really well. We recovered from our problems over the weekend in fine shape. I went through the Firing Room this morning, the team is in great spirits, they're looking forward to launching Discovery for the final time and getting her on to a great mission," shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach says. Copyright 2010 Fairbanks Broadband LLC
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Countdown starts today at 2
Hope they have plenty of trick or treat candy
NASA Test Director Steve Payne reports shuttle Discovery leaks are fixed and on track for 3:52p ET launch Wed. Countdown begins 2p today.
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NASA Test Director Steve Payne reports shuttle Discovery leaks are fixed and on track for 3:52p ET launch Wed. Countdown begins 2p today.
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Weather for the launch
A high pressure ridge is migrating into Central Florida providing favorable weather conditions. Tuesday and Wednesday, an upper level trough will deepen and cut-off over the Western Gulf of Mexico. By launch day, moisture will migrate from the south into Central Florida causing a chance for low clouds and isolated showers. Our primary concerns for launch are a low-cloud ceiling and showers within 20NM of the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). Thursday, a cold front will move into Florida as a strong upper level trough deepens in the Eastern US. The trough may push the cut-off low in the Western Gulf toward Florida, although meteorological models differ on the timing of the front and movement of the low. With this, there is an increased
chance of a low-cloud ceiling, showers, and even a possibility of thunderstorms in Central Florida on Thursday. As a result, the probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch increased to 40%. The front will move through Central Florida Thursday evening, and Friday, strong northerly winds are expected behind the front.
Tropical Discussion: Tomas is now a category 2 hurricane entering the Eastern Caribbean moving west- northwest. The National Hurricane Center expects Tomas to be passing south of Hispaniola by launch day still at category 2 strength.
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chance of a low-cloud ceiling, showers, and even a possibility of thunderstorms in Central Florida on Thursday. As a result, the probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch increased to 40%. The front will move through Central Florida Thursday evening, and Friday, strong northerly winds are expected behind the front.
Tropical Discussion: Tomas is now a category 2 hurricane entering the Eastern Caribbean moving west- northwest. The National Hurricane Center expects Tomas to be passing south of Hispaniola by launch day still at category 2 strength.
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Saturday, October 30, 2010
Discovery the most flown of all the shuttles
I showing it's age, repair work continues on the fuel leaks. New updated countdown follows:
Sun 10/31/10 ...............01:30 PM......Call to stations 73...47...00...02:00 PM......Countdown begins Mon 11/01/10 63...47...00...12:00 AM......Fuel cell reactant load preps 58...17...00...05:30 AM......MEC/SRB power up 57...47...00...06:00 AM......Clear crew module 57...47...00...06:00 AM......Begin 4-hour built-in hold 57...47...00...06:00 AM......Clear blast danger area 57...02...00...06:45 AM......Orbiter pyro-initiator controller test 56...52...00...06:55 AM......SRB PIC test 55...52...00...07:55 AM......Master events controller pre-flight BITE test 53...47...00...10:00 AM......Resume countdown 52...17...00...11:30 AM......Fuel cell oxygen loading begins 49...47...00...02:00 PM......Fuel cell oxygen load complete 49...47...00...02:00 PM......Fuel cell hydrogen loading begins 47...17...00...04:30 PM......Fuel cell hydrogen loading complete 46...17...00...05:30 PM......Pad open; ingress white room 45...47...00...06:00 PM......Begin 8-hour built-in hold 45...47...00...06:00 PM......PRSD offload 44...47...00...07:00 PM......Crew module clean and vacuum 41...47...00...10:00 PM......Remove APU vent covers 41...17...00...10:30 PM......OMBUU demate 40...47...00...11:00 PM......SSME throat plug removal Tue 11/02/10 37...47...00...02:00 AM......Countdown resumes 37...47...00...02:00 AM......Main engine preps 37...47...00...02:00 AM......MECs 1 and 2 on; avionics system checkout 34...47...00...05:00 AM......FRCS Tyvek cover remova/inspect 31...17...00...08:30 AM......Deflate RSS dock seals; tile inspection 30...47...00...09:00 AM......Tile inspection 30...47...00...09:00 AM......TSM prepped for fueling 29...57...26...09:50 AM......Crew orbiter/payload briefings 29...47...00...10:00 AM......Begin 13-hour 27-minute hold 28...17...00...11:30 AM......RSS rotation preps 28...17...00...11:30 AM......OIS communications check with JSC 27...27...00...12:20 PM......JSC flight control team on station 26...17...00...01:30 PM......Comm activation 25...47...00...02:00 PM......Crew module voice checks 24...47...00...03:00 PM......L-1 engineering briefing 24...32...00...03:15 PM......Crew weather briefing 23...47...00...04:00 PM......Flight crew equipment late stow 20...47...00...07:00 PM......RSS to park position 19...47...00...08:00 PM......Final TPS, debris inspection 19...17...00...08:30 PM......Ascent switch list 16...20...00...11:27 PM......Resume countdown 16...00...00...11:47 PM......Pad clear of non-essential personnel 16...00...00...11:47 PM......APU bite test Wed 11/03/10 15...10...00...12:37 AM......Fuel cell activation 14...20...00...01:27 AM......Booster joint heater activation 13...50...00...01:57 AM......MEC pre-flight bite test 13...35...00...02:12 AM......Tanking weather update 12...50...00...02:57 AM......Final fueling preps; launch area clear 12...20...00...03:27 AM......Red crew assembled 11...35...00...04:12 AM......Fuel cell integrity checks complete 11...20...00...04:27 AM......Begin 2-hour built-in hold (T-minus 6 hours) 11...10...00...04:37 AM......Safe-and-arm PIC test 10...32...00...05:15 AM......Crew wakeup 10...20...00...05:27 AM......External tank ready for loading 10...02...00...05:45 AM......Mission management team tanking meeting 09...32...00...06:15 AM......NASA TV fueling coverage begins 09...20...00...06:27 AM......Resume countdown (T-minus 6 hours) 09...20...00...06:27 AM......LO2, LH2 transfer line chilldown 09...16...00...06:31 AM......Final crew medical checks 09...10...00...06:37 AM......Main propulsion system chill down 09...10...00...06:37 AM......LH2 slow fill 08...40...00...07:07 AM......LO2 slow fill 08...35...00...07:12 AM......Hydrogen ECO sensors go wet 08...30...00...07:17 AM......LO2 fast fill 08...27...00...07:20 AM......Crew medical checks 08...20...00...07:27 AM......LH2 fast fill 06...25...00...09:22 AM......LH2 topping 06...20...00...09:27 AM......LH2 replenish 06...20...00...09:27 AM......LO2 replenish 06...20...00...09:27 AM......Begin 2-hour 30-minute built-in hold (T-minus 3 hours) 06...20...00...09:27 AM......Closeout crew to white room 06...20...00...09:27 AM......External tank in stable replenish mode 06...17...00...09:30 AM......Ascent flight control team on console 06...05...00...09:42 AM......Astronaut support personnel comm checks 05...35...00...10:12 AM......Pre-ingress switch reconfig 05...32...00...10:15 AM......NASA TV launch coverage begins 04...25...00...11:22 AM......Final crew weather briefing 04...15...00...11:32 AM......Crew suit up begins 03...50...00...11:57 AM......Resume countdown (T-minus 3 hours) 03...45...00...12:02 PM......Crew departs O&C building 03...15...00...12:32 PM......Crew ingress 02...25...00...01:22 PM......Astronaut comm checks 02...00...00...01:47 PM......Hatch closure 01...30...00...02:17 PM......White room closeout 01...10...00...02:37 PM......Begin 10-minute built-in hold (T-minus 20m) 01...00...00...02:47 PM......NASA test director countdown briefing 01...00...00...02:47 PM......Resume countdown (T-minus 20m) 00...59...00...02:48 PM......Backup flight computer to OPS 1 00...55...00...02:52 PM......KSC area clear to launch 00...49...00...02:58 PM......Begin final built-in hold (T-minus 9m) 00...24...00...03:28:13 PM...NTD launch status verification 00...09...00...03:43:13 PM...Resume countdown (T-minus 9m) 00...07...30...03:47:13 PM...Orbiter access arm retraction 00...05...00...03:47:13 PM...Launch window opens 00...05...00...03:47:13 PM...Hydraulic power system (APU) start 00...04...55...03:47:18 PM...Terminate LO2 replenish 00...04...00...03:48:13 PM...Purge sequence 4 hydraulic test 00...04...00...03:48:13 PM...IMUs to inertial 00...03...55...03:48:18 PM...Aerosurface profile 00...03...30...03:48:43 PM...Main engine steering test 00...02...55...03:49:18 PM...LO2 tank pressurization 00...02...35...03:49:38 PM...Fuel cells to internal reactants 00...02...30...03:49:43 PM...Clear caution-and-warning memory 00...02...00...03:50:13 PM...Crew closes visors 00...01...57...03:50:16 PM...LH2 tank pressurization 00...00...50...03:51:23 PM...SRB joint heater deactivation 00...00...31...03:51:42 PM...Shuttle GPCs take control of countdown 00...00...21...03:51:52 PM...SRB steering test 00...00...07...03:52:06 PM...Main engine start (T-6.6 seconds) 00...00...00...03:52:13 PM...SRB ignition (LAUNCH)
As the days slip the time does as well, with 3:52 the new launch time, very close to
the launch time of ASTP in 1975
STS 133 slips one day
Launch will now be on US Election Day Nov 2 at 4:17 pm.
The launch window is roughly 10 minutes long. To maximize ascent performance, NASA targets the middle of the window. A final hold in the countdown at the T-minus nine-minute mark will be extended as required to hit the desired launch time.
STS-133 Countdown Timeline
The launch window is roughly 10 minutes long. To maximize ascent performance, NASA targets the middle of the window. A final hold in the countdown at the T-minus nine-minute mark will be extended as required to hit the desired launch time.
HH...MM...SS...EDT........EVENT Sat 10/30/10 ...............01:30 PM......Call to stations 74...12...00...02:00 PM......Countdown begins Sun 10/31/10 64...12...00...12:00 AM......Fuel cell reactant load preps 58...42...00...05:30 AM......MEC/SRB power up 58...12...00...06:00 AM......Clear crew module 58...12...00...06:00 AM......Begin 4-hour built-in hold 58...12...00...06:00 AM......Clear blast danger area 57...27...00...06:45 AM......Orbiter pyro-initiator controller test 57...17...00...06:55 AM......SRB PIC test 56...17...00...07:55 AM......Master events controller pre-flight BITE test 54...12...00...10:00 AM......Resume countdown 52...42...00...11:30 AM......Fuel cell oxygen loading begins 50...12...00...02:00 PM......Fuel cell oxygen load complete 50...12...00...02:00 PM......Fuel cell hydrogen loading begins 47...42...00...04:30 PM......Fuel cell hydrogen loading complete 46...42...00...05:30 PM......Pad open; ingress white room 46...12...00...06:00 PM......Begin 8-hour built-in hold 46...12...00...06:00 PM......PRSD offload 45...12...00...07:00 PM......Crew module clean and vacuum 42...12...00...10:00 PM......Remove APU vent covers 41...42...00...10:30 PM......OMBUU demate 41...12...00...11:00 PM......SSME throat plug removal Mon 11/01/10 38...12...00...02:00 AM......Countdown resumes 38...12...00...02:00 AM......Main engine preps 38...12...00...02:00 AM......MECs 1 and 2 on; avionics system checkout 35...12...00...05:00 AM......FRCS Tyvek cover remova/inspect 31...42...00...08:30 AM......Deflate RSS dock seals; tile inspection 31...12...00...09:00 AM......Tile inspection 31...12...00...09:00 AM......TSM prepped for fueling 30...12...00...10:00 AM......Begin 13-hour 52-minute hold 30...22...26...09:50 AM......Crew orbiter/payload briefings 28...42...00...11:30 AM......RSS rotation preps 28...42...00...11:30 AM......OIS communications check with JSC 27...52...00...12:20 PM......JSC flight control team on station 26...42...00...01:30 PM......Comm activation 26...12...00...02:00 PM......Crew module voice checks 25...12...00...03:00 PM......L-1 engineering briefing 24...57...00...03:15 PM......Crew weather briefing 24...12...00...04:00 PM......Flight crew equipment late stow 21...42...00...06:30 PM......RSS to park position 20...12...00...08:00 PM......Final TPS, debris inspection 19...42...00...08:30 PM......Ascent switch list 16...20...00...11:52 PM......Resume countdown Tue 11/02/10 16...00...00...12:12 AM......Pad clear of non-essential personnel 16...00...00...12:12 AM......APU bite test 15...10...00...01:02 AM......Fuel cell activation 14...20...00...01:52 AM......Booster joint heater activation 13...50...00...02:22 AM......MEC pre-flight bite test 13...35...00...02:37 AM......Tanking weather update 12...50...00...03:22 AM......Final fueling preps; launch area clear 12...20...00...03:52 AM......Red crew assembled 11...35...00...04:37 AM......Fuel cell integrity checks complete 11...20...00...04:52 AM......Begin 2-hour built-in hold (T-minus 6 hours) 11...10...00...05:02 AM......Safe-and-arm PIC test 10...20...00...05:52 AM......External tank ready for loading 09...57...00...06:15 AM......Mission management team tanking meeting 09...32...00...06:40 AM......NASA TV fueling coverage begins 09...20...00...06:52 AM......Resume countdown (T-minus 6 hours) 09...20...00...06:52 AM......LO2, LH2 transfer line chilldown 09...16...00...06:56 AM......Final crew medical checks 09...10...00...07:02 AM......Main propulsion system chill down 09...10...00...07:02 AM......LH2 slow fill 08...40...00...07:32 AM......LO2 slow fill 08...35...00...07:37 AM......Hydrogen ECO sensors go wet 08...30...00...07:42 AM......LO2 fast fill 08...27...00...07:45 AM......Crew medical checks 08...20...00...07:52 AM......LH2 fast fill 06...25...00...09:47 AM......LH2 topping 06...20...00...09:52 AM......LH2 replenish 06...20...00...09:52 AM......LO2 replenish 06...20...00...09:52 AM......Begin 2-hour 30-minute built-in hold (T-minus 3 hours) 06...20...00...09:52 AM......Closeout crew to white room 06...20...00...09:52 AM......External tank in stable replenish mode 06...05...00...10:07 AM......Astronaut support personnel comm checks 05...35...00...10:37 AM......Pre-ingress switch reconfig 05...27...00...10:45 AM......NASA TV launch coverage begins 04...20...00...11:52 AM......Final crew weather briefing 04...15...00...11:57 AM......Crew suit up begins 03...50...00...12:22 PM......Resume countdown (T-minus 3 hours) 03...45...00...12:27 PM......Crew departs O&C building 03...15...00...12:57 PM......Crew ingress 02...25...00...01:47 PM......Astronaut comm checks 02...00...00...02:12 PM......Hatch closure 01...30...00...02:42 PM......White room closeout 01...10...00...03:02 PM......Begin 10-minute built-in hold (T-minus 20m) 01...00...00...03:12 PM......NASA test director countdown briefing 01...00...00...03:12 PM......Resume countdown (T-minus 20m) 00...59...00...03:13 PM......Backup flight computer to OPS 1 00...55...00...03:17 PM......KSC area clear to launch 00...49...00...03:23 PM......Begin final built-in hold (T-minus 9m) 00...24...00...03:53:56 PM...NTD launch status verification 00...09...00...04:08:56 PM...Resume countdown (T-minus 9m) 00...07...30...04:12:56 PM...Orbiter access arm retraction 00...05...00...04:12:56 PM...Launch window opens 00...05...00...04:12:56 PM...Hydraulic power system (APU) start 00...04...55...04:13:01 PM...Terminate LO2 replenish 00...04...00...04:13:56 PM...Purge sequence 4 hydraulic test 00...04...00...04:13:56 PM...IMUs to inertial 00...03...55...04:14:01 PM...Aerosurface profile 00...03...30...04:14:26 PM...Main engine steering test 00...02...55...04:15:01 PM...LO2 tank pressurization 00...02...35...04:15:21 PM...Fuel cells to internal reactants 00...02...30...04:15:26 PM...Clear caution-and-warning memory 00...02...00...04:15:56 PM...Crew closes visors 00...01...57...04:15:59 PM...LH2 tank pressurization 00...00...50...04:17:06 PM...SRB joint heater deactivation 00...00...31...04:17:25 PM...Shuttle GPCs take control of countdown 00...00...21...04:17:35 PM...SRB steering test 00...00...07...04:17:49 PM...Main engine start (T-6.6 seconds) 00...00...00...04:17:56 PM...SRB ignition (LAUNCH)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Is this really worth 5 grand?
http://www.gozerog.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=reservations.welcome&theid=E53BB1F1-ABC9-5DEA-309A4CFDD0B8B447
Next shuttle misions
October 1st, what would have been the final flight becomes the 2nd to the last shuttle mission.
Before that happens you will have to put up with big layoffs at the Cape.
Before that happens you will have to put up with big layoffs at the Cape.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Taken by one of the local space tweeps. The first shuttle we were able to retire. It did not meet the fiery fate of Columbia or Challenger the first two shuttle orbiters.
Reentry as viewed from the ISS. the space station.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Ground tracking the shuttle in real time
http://www.lizard-tail.com/isana/tracking/
This uses google earth...
And to see both the shuttle and ISS go here.
Docking will occur Sunday but you can watch shuttle chase the ISS.
This uses google earth...
And to see both the shuttle and ISS go here.
Docking will occur Sunday but you can watch shuttle chase the ISS.
Shuttle from Titusviille
This is from a site on the Indian River..by the looks of the bridge SR 402.They call the people on the right birdwatchers.
Launch photos
We have those:
First from space: This is a twiter photo from the Japanese astronaut on the space station and it's the view they had of the final Atlantis launch.
Top photo at the press site...
The final flight of Atlantis?
At least it is far as we know but Congress has money in the current budget to launch again in 2011, more than likely in February. Atlantis would be the shuttle that would be used. The stack is paid for. All NASA has to due is crew the thing.
Middle of the afternoon liftoff from Kennedy Space Center on Merrit Island, Florida at 2:2o PM after an uneventful countdown.
Kennedy Space Center saw a hubbub of VIP's for Atlantis' final voyage, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin and David Letterman, host of the CBS "Late Show." Hope Dave brought his shortwave radio out to the cape.. I used to take mine to Playalinda beach next to b pad...you would be amazed at the water path reception you could get of African stations during the daytime. Long distance AM also pretty amazing.
Middle of the afternoon liftoff from Kennedy Space Center on Merrit Island, Florida at 2:2o PM after an uneventful countdown.
Kennedy Space Center saw a hubbub of VIP's for Atlantis' final voyage, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin and David Letterman, host of the CBS "Late Show." Hope Dave brought his shortwave radio out to the cape.. I used to take mine to Playalinda beach next to b pad...you would be amazed at the water path reception you could get of African stations during the daytime. Long distance AM also pretty amazing.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Tonights countdown milestones.
Rotating Service Structure begins move away from Atlantis to the park position (5:30 p.m.)
Perform ascent switch list
Fuel cell flow-through purge complete
Resume countdown at T-11 hours (9:55 p.m.)
Activate the orbiter's fuel cells (11:05 p.m.)
Clear the blast danger area of all nonessential personnel
Switch Atlantis’ purge air to gaseous nitrogen (11:55 p.m.)
Launch Day (Friday, May 14)
Complete final walkdowns
Enter 2-hour built-in hold at the T-6 hour mark (2:55 a.m.)
Complete tanking preparations
Launch team verifies no violations of launch commit criteria prior to cryogenic loading of the external tank
Clear pad of all personnel
Resume countdown (4:55 a.m.)
Chill down propellant transfer lines (4:55 a.m.)
Begin loading the external fuel tank with about 500,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants (about 5:05 a.m.)
Enter 2-hour, 30-minute built-in hold at T-3 hours (7:55 a.m.)
Perform inertial measurement unit preflight calibration
Align Merritt Island Launch Area tracking antennas
Complete filling the external tank with its flight load of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants (about 7:55 a.m.)
Final Inspection Team and Closeout Crew proceeds to launch pad
Resume countdown at T-3 hours (10:25 a.m.)
Perform open loop test with Eastern Range
Crew departs Operations and Checkout Building for the pad (10:30 a.m.)
Complete closeout preparations in the White Room
Check cockpit switch configurations
Begin Eastern Range final network open loop command checks
Flight crew begins entry into the orbiter (11 a.m.)
Astronauts perform air-to-ground voice checks with Launch and Mission Control
Begin to close Atlantis’ crew hatch (12:05 p.m.)
Perform hatch seal and cabin leak checks
Complete White Room closeout
Closeout crew moves to fallback area
Primary ascent guidance data is transferred to the backup flight system
Enter 10-minute hold at T-20 minutes (1:05 p.m.)
NASA test director conducts final launch team briefings
Resume countdown at T-20 minutes (1:15 p.m.)
Transition the orbiter's onboard computers to launch configuration
Start fuel cell thermal conditioning
Close orbiter cabin vent valves
Transition backup flight system to launch configuration
Enter estimated 45-minute hold at T-9 minutes (1:26 p.m.)
Final launch window determination
Launch director, Mission Management Team and NASA test director conduct final polls for "go/no go" to launch
Resume countdown at T-9 minutes (about 2:11 p.m.)
Start automatic ground launch sequencer (T-9 minutes)
Retract orbiter crew access arm (T-7:30)
Start APU recorders (T-6:15)
Start auxiliary power units (T-5)
Terminate liquid oxygen replenish (T-4:55)
Start orbiter aerosurface profile test (T-3:55)
Start main engine gimbal profile test (T-3:30)
Pressurize liquid oxygen tank (T-2:55)
Begin retracting the gaseous oxygen vent arm (T-2:50)
Fuel cells to internal reactants (T-2:35)
Pressurize liquid hydrogen tank (T-1:57)
Deactivate bi-pod heaters (T-1:52)
Deactivate solid rocket booster joint heaters (T-0:50 seconds)
Orbiter transfers from ground to internal power (T-0:50 seconds)
Ground launch sequencer go for auto sequence start (T-0:31 seconds)
Booster gimbal profile (T-0:21 seconds)
Ignition of three space shuttle main engines (T-6.6 seconds)
Booster ignition and liftoff (T-0)
Preferred launch time: 2:20:07 p.m. EDT
Perform ascent switch list
Fuel cell flow-through purge complete
Resume countdown at T-11 hours (9:55 p.m.)
Activate the orbiter's fuel cells (11:05 p.m.)
Clear the blast danger area of all nonessential personnel
Switch Atlantis’ purge air to gaseous nitrogen (11:55 p.m.)
Launch Day (Friday, May 14)
Complete final walkdowns
Enter 2-hour built-in hold at the T-6 hour mark (2:55 a.m.)
Complete tanking preparations
Launch team verifies no violations of launch commit criteria prior to cryogenic loading of the external tank
Clear pad of all personnel
Resume countdown (4:55 a.m.)
Chill down propellant transfer lines (4:55 a.m.)
Begin loading the external fuel tank with about 500,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants (about 5:05 a.m.)
Enter 2-hour, 30-minute built-in hold at T-3 hours (7:55 a.m.)
Perform inertial measurement unit preflight calibration
Align Merritt Island Launch Area tracking antennas
Complete filling the external tank with its flight load of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants (about 7:55 a.m.)
Final Inspection Team and Closeout Crew proceeds to launch pad
Resume countdown at T-3 hours (10:25 a.m.)
Perform open loop test with Eastern Range
Crew departs Operations and Checkout Building for the pad (10:30 a.m.)
Complete closeout preparations in the White Room
Check cockpit switch configurations
Begin Eastern Range final network open loop command checks
Flight crew begins entry into the orbiter (11 a.m.)
Astronauts perform air-to-ground voice checks with Launch and Mission Control
Begin to close Atlantis’ crew hatch (12:05 p.m.)
Perform hatch seal and cabin leak checks
Complete White Room closeout
Closeout crew moves to fallback area
Primary ascent guidance data is transferred to the backup flight system
Enter 10-minute hold at T-20 minutes (1:05 p.m.)
NASA test director conducts final launch team briefings
Resume countdown at T-20 minutes (1:15 p.m.)
Transition the orbiter's onboard computers to launch configuration
Start fuel cell thermal conditioning
Close orbiter cabin vent valves
Transition backup flight system to launch configuration
Enter estimated 45-minute hold at T-9 minutes (1:26 p.m.)
Final launch window determination
Launch director, Mission Management Team and NASA test director conduct final polls for "go/no go" to launch
Resume countdown at T-9 minutes (about 2:11 p.m.)
Start automatic ground launch sequencer (T-9 minutes)
Retract orbiter crew access arm (T-7:30)
Start APU recorders (T-6:15)
Start auxiliary power units (T-5)
Terminate liquid oxygen replenish (T-4:55)
Start orbiter aerosurface profile test (T-3:55)
Start main engine gimbal profile test (T-3:30)
Pressurize liquid oxygen tank (T-2:55)
Begin retracting the gaseous oxygen vent arm (T-2:50)
Fuel cells to internal reactants (T-2:35)
Pressurize liquid hydrogen tank (T-1:57)
Deactivate bi-pod heaters (T-1:52)
Deactivate solid rocket booster joint heaters (T-0:50 seconds)
Orbiter transfers from ground to internal power (T-0:50 seconds)
Ground launch sequencer go for auto sequence start (T-0:31 seconds)
Booster gimbal profile (T-0:21 seconds)
Ignition of three space shuttle main engines (T-6.6 seconds)
Booster ignition and liftoff (T-0)
Preferred launch time: 2:20:07 p.m. EDT
Pre Launch
Wednesday morning, three of the six station crew members prepared for the new module's arrival by moving a Soyuz spacecraft to clear a docking port.
The module, called Rassvet, which means "dawn" in Russian, is equipped with an airlock and a platform for spacewalkers and holds more than three tons of U.S. supplies.
"That thing is packed to the gills with cargo inside," Moses said. If this was on the discovery cable network it would be that hoarding show..
At Kennedy Space Center, launch pad 39A was cleared much of Wednesday while liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen reactants were loaded into the orbiter's fuel cell system, which produces electricity during flight.
At 5:30 p.m. today, workers plan to open the pad's rotating gantry to its launch position, revealing Atlantis. (see the video stream..will look better around 830 pm edt 0030 GMT)
Shuttle fueling is scheduled to begin around 5 a.m. Friday. If that goes well, the astronauts should board Atlantis at 11 a.m.Training
Shuttle crews training for about 6 months to a year before a typical mission.
Want to see what goes on behind the scenes, look at these five videos.
Want to see what goes on behind the scenes, look at these five videos.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
l-2 briefing
32 minutes of ho hum. Nothing going on with any systems on the shuttle. No big celebration planned by the launch team.
However this shuttle has a ton of science experiments . They include 33 JAXA experiments plus a NLP experiment with staph that could lead to new ways to prevent this infection
NLP has flow on shuttle before.
However this shuttle has a ton of science experiments . They include 33 JAXA experiments plus a NLP experiment with staph that could lead to new ways to prevent this infection
NLP has flow on shuttle before.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Pre launch information
Launch teams can make four attempts in five days before standing down for the planned May 20 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station of a GPS satellite atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket.
Based on a Friday launch, Atlantis' return to KSC would be expected at 8:36 a.m. May 26.
Based on a Friday launch, Atlantis' return to KSC would be expected at 8:36 a.m. May 26.
Come fly with me
Reisman paid tribute to Ilan Ramon in 2008 when he flew family mementos to the space station during a three-month expedition. This time, he's taking a photo of Asaf on the day of his first solo flight."That's how I intend to commemorate his memory on this mission," he said.
Astronaut Garrett Reisman taught Ilan Ramon's son Asaf to fly and was at his funeral after he died in an F 16 accident this fall.
Astronaut Garrett Reisman taught Ilan Ramon's son Asaf to fly and was at his funeral after he died in an F 16 accident this fall.
l- 3 press brief
Very short No issues with the shuttle and a good chance of great weather for a mid afternoon liftofff of the shuttle. Not too hot not too cold. But with that you could get a low hanging cloud deck which is the only weather item that's being watched.
More tmw in yet another longer press briefing.
More tmw in yet another longer press briefing.
The CD
A CD containing the digital copies of all entries submitted to NASA's space shuttle commemorative patch contest will be flown on STS 132. The winning patch was designed by Blake Dumesnil who is a contractor for Hamilton Standard at JSC in Houston. A total of 85 entries were submitted.
The Missions spacewalks
Spacewalks on Flight day 4, a spare space to ground KU band antenna will be installed on the stations truss or backbone. A new tool platform on the Canada arm Dextre. And they will break the torque blot's that hold batteries on the truss to replace them on the 2nd and third space walks.
This is stuff that would have happened on the last shuttle flight to the space station
On flight day 6, three of the six batteries will get replaced and the old ones put on the cargo carrier for a return to earth. These batteries had been part of ISS for ten years.
Flight day 8 is the last spacewalk and the final three new batteries are installed on the truss.
If time permits a grapple fixture from Atlantis's payload bay will be brought inside the space station for use as a spare.
This is stuff that would have happened on the last shuttle flight to the space station
On flight day 6, three of the six batteries will get replaced and the old ones put on the cargo carrier for a return to earth. These batteries had been part of ISS for ten years.
Flight day 8 is the last spacewalk and the final three new batteries are installed on the truss.
If time permits a grapple fixture from Atlantis's payload bay will be brought inside the space station for use as a spare.
Atlantis history
This shuttle flew it's first mission in 1986 STS 51-J. It launched the Magellan probe to Venus on STS 30 in May of 1989, in October of that year it launched Gailleo to Jupiter on STS 34. It did the first shuttle docking with Mir, the old USSR space station in June of 95 and it did the final Hubble servicing mission on STS 125 in May 09.
This will be Atlantis 11th flight to the International Space Station.
This will be Atlantis 11th flight to the International Space Station.
Call to stations
For the next flight of the space shuttle, and then at the top of the hour, the countdown will start.
A detailed countdown is further down this page
A detailed countdown is further down this page
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Orbiter
The final flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, unless of course we get an STS 135 which would be an Atlantis flight.
This final mission will have 3 spacewalks, and will deliver a bunch of things to the International Space station, including a Russian mini module node.
It will be Atlantis's 32nd flight. The current mileage on this shuttle is 115 million miles. And it will be one of the shuttles that doesn't end up in the smithsonian air and space annex near Dulles Airport in Northern Va. (Enterprise already there will be joined by Discovery)
This final mission will have 3 spacewalks, and will deliver a bunch of things to the International Space station, including a Russian mini module node.
It will be Atlantis's 32nd flight. The current mileage on this shuttle is 115 million miles. And it will be one of the shuttles that doesn't end up in the smithsonian air and space annex near Dulles Airport in Northern Va. (Enterprise already there will be joined by Discovery)
STS 132 countdown
Launch-3 Days (Tuesday, May 11)
Prepare for the start of the STS-132 launch countdown
Perform the call to stations (3:30 p.m.)
Countdown begins at the T-43 hour mark (4 p.m.)
Begin final vehicle and facility closeouts for launch
Check out backup flight systems
Launch-2 Days (Wednesday, May 12)
Configure avionics systems for launch
Review flight software stored in mass memory units and display systems
Verify backup flight system software in Atlantis’ general purpose computer
Activate and test navigational systems (5 a.m.)
Complete preparations to load power reactant storage and distribution system (7 a.m.)
Flight Crew Equipment early stow and flight deck preliminary inspections complete (8 a.m.)
Enter 4-hour built-in hold at T-27 hours (8 a.m.)
Clear launch pad of all nonessential personnel
Perform test of the vehicle's pyrotechnic initiator controllers and range safety system
Resume countdown (12 p.m.)
Begin operations to load cryogenic reactants into Atlantis’ fuel cell storage tanks (12 p.m.)
Enter 4-hour built-in hold at T-19 hours (8 p.m.)
Demate orbiter mid-body umbilical unit (8:30 p.m.)
Resume orbiter and ground support equipment closeouts
Launch-1 Days (Thursday, May 13)
Resume countdown (12 a.m.)
Main engine avionics, pneumatics and controller checkout (12 a.m.)
External Tank feedline inspection/camera cleaning
Flight Crew Equipment stowage
Begin removal of pad ground support equipment
Enter built-in 13 hours, 55 minute hold at T-11 hours (8 a.m.)
Activate the orbiter's communications systems
Lower engine support platforms, retract access platforms
External Tank Inspections
Complete Flight Crew Systems time critical stowage (middeck payloads)
Rotating Service Structure begins move away from Atlantis to the park position (5:30 p.m.)
Perform ascent switch list
Fuel cell flow-through purge complete
Resume countdown at T-11 hours (9:55 p.m.)
Activate the orbiter's fuel cells (11:05 p.m.)
Clear the blast danger area of all nonessential personnel
Switch Atlantis’ purge air to gaseous nitrogen (11:55 p.m.)
Launch Day (Friday, May 14)
Complete final walkdowns
Enter 2-hour built-in hold at the T-6 hour mark (2:55 a.m.)
Complete tanking preparations
Launch team verifies no violations of launch commit criteria prior to cryogenic loading of the external tank
Clear pad of all personnel
Resume countdown (4:55 a.m.)
Chill down propellant transfer lines (4:55 a.m.)
Begin loading the external fuel tank with about 500,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants (about 5:05 a.m.)
Enter 2-hour, 30-minute built-in hold at T-3 hours (7:55 a.m.)
Perform inertial measurement unit preflight calibration
Align Merritt Island Launch Area tracking antennas
Complete filling the external tank with its flight load of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants (about 7:55 a.m.)
Final Inspection Team and Closeout Crew proceeds to launch pad
Resume countdown at T-3 hours (10:25 a.m.)
Perform open loop test with Eastern Range
Crew departs Operations and Checkout Building for the pad (10:30 a.m.)
Complete closeout preparations in the White Room
Check cockpit switch configurations
Begin Eastern Range final network open loop command checks
Flight crew begins entry into the orbiter (11 a.m.)
Astronauts perform air-to-ground voice checks with Launch and Mission Control
Begin to close Atlantis’ crew hatch (12:05 p.m.)
Perform hatch seal and cabin leak checks
Complete White Room closeout
Closeout crew moves to fallback area
Primary ascent guidance data is transferred to the backup flight system
Enter 10-minute hold at T-20 minutes (1:05 p.m.)
NASA test director conducts final launch team briefings
Resume countdown at T-20 minutes (1:15 p.m.)
Transition the orbiter's onboard computers to launch configuration
Start fuel cell thermal conditioning
Close orbiter cabin vent valves
Transition backup flight system to launch configuration
Enter estimated 45-minute hold at T-9 minutes (1:26 p.m.)
Final launch window determination
Launch director, Mission Management Team and NASA test director conduct final polls for "go/no go" to launch
Resume countdown at T-9 minutes (about 2:11 p.m.)
Start automatic ground launch sequencer (T-9 minutes)
Retract orbiter crew access arm (T-7:30)
Start APU recorders (T-6:15)
Start auxiliary power units (T-5)
Terminate liquid oxygen replenish (T-4:55)
Start orbiter aerosurface profile test (T-3:55)
Start main engine gimbal profile test (T-3:30)
Pressurize liquid oxygen tank (T-2:55)
Begin retracting the gaseous oxygen vent arm (T-2:50)
Fuel cells to internal reactants (T-2:35)
Pressurize liquid hydrogen tank (T-1:57)
Deactivate bi-pod heaters (T-1:52)
Deactivate solid rocket booster joint heaters (T-0:50 seconds)
Orbiter transfers from ground to internal power (T-0:50 seconds)
Ground launch sequencer go for auto sequence start (T-0:31 seconds)
Booster gimbal profile (T-0:21 seconds)
Ignition of three space shuttle main engines (T-6.6 seconds)
Booster ignition and liftoff (T-0)
Preferred launch time: 2:20:07 p.m. EDT
Prepare for the start of the STS-132 launch countdown
Perform the call to stations (3:30 p.m.)
Countdown begins at the T-43 hour mark (4 p.m.)
Begin final vehicle and facility closeouts for launch
Check out backup flight systems
Launch-2 Days (Wednesday, May 12)
Configure avionics systems for launch
Review flight software stored in mass memory units and display systems
Verify backup flight system software in Atlantis’ general purpose computer
Activate and test navigational systems (5 a.m.)
Complete preparations to load power reactant storage and distribution system (7 a.m.)
Flight Crew Equipment early stow and flight deck preliminary inspections complete (8 a.m.)
Enter 4-hour built-in hold at T-27 hours (8 a.m.)
Clear launch pad of all nonessential personnel
Perform test of the vehicle's pyrotechnic initiator controllers and range safety system
Resume countdown (12 p.m.)
Begin operations to load cryogenic reactants into Atlantis’ fuel cell storage tanks (12 p.m.)
Enter 4-hour built-in hold at T-19 hours (8 p.m.)
Demate orbiter mid-body umbilical unit (8:30 p.m.)
Resume orbiter and ground support equipment closeouts
Launch-1 Days (Thursday, May 13)
Resume countdown (12 a.m.)
Main engine avionics, pneumatics and controller checkout (12 a.m.)
External Tank feedline inspection/camera cleaning
Flight Crew Equipment stowage
Begin removal of pad ground support equipment
Enter built-in 13 hours, 55 minute hold at T-11 hours (8 a.m.)
Activate the orbiter's communications systems
Lower engine support platforms, retract access platforms
External Tank Inspections
Complete Flight Crew Systems time critical stowage (middeck payloads)
Rotating Service Structure begins move away from Atlantis to the park position (5:30 p.m.)
Perform ascent switch list
Fuel cell flow-through purge complete
Resume countdown at T-11 hours (9:55 p.m.)
Activate the orbiter's fuel cells (11:05 p.m.)
Clear the blast danger area of all nonessential personnel
Switch Atlantis’ purge air to gaseous nitrogen (11:55 p.m.)
Launch Day (Friday, May 14)
Complete final walkdowns
Enter 2-hour built-in hold at the T-6 hour mark (2:55 a.m.)
Complete tanking preparations
Launch team verifies no violations of launch commit criteria prior to cryogenic loading of the external tank
Clear pad of all personnel
Resume countdown (4:55 a.m.)
Chill down propellant transfer lines (4:55 a.m.)
Begin loading the external fuel tank with about 500,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants (about 5:05 a.m.)
Enter 2-hour, 30-minute built-in hold at T-3 hours (7:55 a.m.)
Perform inertial measurement unit preflight calibration
Align Merritt Island Launch Area tracking antennas
Complete filling the external tank with its flight load of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants (about 7:55 a.m.)
Final Inspection Team and Closeout Crew proceeds to launch pad
Resume countdown at T-3 hours (10:25 a.m.)
Perform open loop test with Eastern Range
Crew departs Operations and Checkout Building for the pad (10:30 a.m.)
Complete closeout preparations in the White Room
Check cockpit switch configurations
Begin Eastern Range final network open loop command checks
Flight crew begins entry into the orbiter (11 a.m.)
Astronauts perform air-to-ground voice checks with Launch and Mission Control
Begin to close Atlantis’ crew hatch (12:05 p.m.)
Perform hatch seal and cabin leak checks
Complete White Room closeout
Closeout crew moves to fallback area
Primary ascent guidance data is transferred to the backup flight system
Enter 10-minute hold at T-20 minutes (1:05 p.m.)
NASA test director conducts final launch team briefings
Resume countdown at T-20 minutes (1:15 p.m.)
Transition the orbiter's onboard computers to launch configuration
Start fuel cell thermal conditioning
Close orbiter cabin vent valves
Transition backup flight system to launch configuration
Enter estimated 45-minute hold at T-9 minutes (1:26 p.m.)
Final launch window determination
Launch director, Mission Management Team and NASA test director conduct final polls for "go/no go" to launch
Resume countdown at T-9 minutes (about 2:11 p.m.)
Start automatic ground launch sequencer (T-9 minutes)
Retract orbiter crew access arm (T-7:30)
Start APU recorders (T-6:15)
Start auxiliary power units (T-5)
Terminate liquid oxygen replenish (T-4:55)
Start orbiter aerosurface profile test (T-3:55)
Start main engine gimbal profile test (T-3:30)
Pressurize liquid oxygen tank (T-2:55)
Begin retracting the gaseous oxygen vent arm (T-2:50)
Fuel cells to internal reactants (T-2:35)
Pressurize liquid hydrogen tank (T-1:57)
Deactivate bi-pod heaters (T-1:52)
Deactivate solid rocket booster joint heaters (T-0:50 seconds)
Orbiter transfers from ground to internal power (T-0:50 seconds)
Ground launch sequencer go for auto sequence start (T-0:31 seconds)
Booster gimbal profile (T-0:21 seconds)
Ignition of three space shuttle main engines (T-6.6 seconds)
Booster ignition and liftoff (T-0)
Preferred launch time: 2:20:07 p.m. EDT
The first shuttle launch was in 1981
The last could be the end of this year or early in 2011.
This is the end of the shuttle era. You won't see a re-usable space plane that goes into orbit and lands on a runway anytime soon, that's manned. Unless the Chinese are working on something we don't yet know about.
This is the end of the shuttle era. You won't see a re-usable space plane that goes into orbit and lands on a runway anytime soon, that's manned. Unless the Chinese are working on something we don't yet know about.
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