Space Shuttle Return to Flight - Pt. 2

ozspace · May 11, 2005

"....we can make July 18th" So the 13th is probably out, even if the tests and swap overs resolve the current issues?

shuttle_rtf · May 11, 2005

Thanks SG - that's tight..and still no luck with the ECO troubleshoot? I believe the last info took us up to Monday, but not Tuesday on the ECO 3 Data Path Troubleshooting.

shuttle_rtf · May 11, 2005

And a facinating example it was...never had an idea of just how much is involved in that specific area. My appologies if this is an unfair question, but - in your opinion - how is confidence on launching in the July window? 100 per cent being sure fire launch 0 per cent being no hope at all.

najab · May 11, 2005

>My appologies if this is an unfair question, but - in your opinion - how is confidence on launching in the July window?KSC can do all the work required in the time available and have the vehicle ready. The only question is if JSC, MSFC, and/or HQ will add more work.

ozspace · May 11, 2005

Any idea what is happening re the Stafford Covey review? They have postponed their presentation, is that because they are waiting on the final cofiguration for STS114 and/or the rest of the results by NASA analysis?

shuttle_rtf · May 11, 2005

Thanks SG. Oz, Stafford-Covey was due on May 6th, but postponed the same day the launch was moved to the July window. The last entry on their site is "no date has been set". I'm on the third run of four to gain access to interview one of the board members, so I'll update if anything crops up.

SpaceKiwi · May 11, 2005

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />The only question is if JSC, MSFC, and/or HQ will add more work.<hr /></blockquote> Hopefully this won't happen. Bill Parsons has already said he doesn't want to see any additional work, over and above working the ET/ECO issues, added to Shuttle processing. If that new diagnostic equipment bears fruit, then hopefully they will be back on track towards July with Discovery. I read they are thinking about pulling Discovery's current ET apart once it is de-mated, to see what the go is. I assume the third tank at Michoud is far enough along to accomodate transport to KSC and attachment to Atlantis? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Who is this superhero? Henry, the mild-mannered janitor ... could be!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bring Back The Black! </div>

shuttle_rtf · May 11, 2005

I think you're right, SpaceKiwi. Michoud's ET-119 has the heater modifications so can be Atlantis' ET on STS-121 (STS-300).

R1 · May 12, 2005

Would it be possible to send a space station module up there on a average rocket and let the crew up there and the arm install it? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

henryhallam · May 12, 2005

Would it be possible to send a space station module up there on a average rocket and let the crew up there and the arm install it? It would need some development because the modules have all their attachment points designed for the Shuttle's cargo bay, and I think this means they are secured "sideways". You would have to make some adaptations to the modules and launch vehicle both to secure the module (with the ability to release it on command) and so that the launch vehicle or a platform on it could rendezvous with the ISS and hold position within reach of the ISS robot arm - this needs to be done properly because you really don't want it to hit the station! Griffin seems to be hinting that this sort of thing is under consideration to lift some of the remaining modules to the ISS, so that the Shuttle can be retired on time, or even early. But nothing has been firmly decided on yet (or at least we haven't been told about it).

georgeniebling · May 12, 2005

Maybe it was a typo or an editing thing but ... did anyone else notice the wording "Launch Date: Lighted Launch Planning Window" int he below fromt he Status Report? Could NASA be considering a Night Launch of the second RTF Mission? Mission: STS-121 - 18th ISS Flight (ULF1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104) Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 Launch Date: Lighted Launch Planning Window September 9 - 24, 2005

SpaceKiwi · May 12, 2005

The other thing about this would also be the flight profile of the rockets you transferred modules to. The modules are designed to withstand certain G's on launch and if you transfer to a rocket that can't live within that criteria, you run the risk of munting your module as it were. Someone with greater expertise can confirm or correct me on this but I think the Atlas' and Deltas have greater G-loads along their flight profile, because they don't have humans on board to consider. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Who is this superhero? Henry, the mild-mannered janitor ... could be!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bring Back The Black! </div>

najab · May 12, 2005

>Could NASA be considering a Night Launch of the second RTF Mission?I don't think so, the ISS launch windows between September 9 and 24 are all during daylight.

henryhallam · May 12, 2005

Griffin knows that is not practical for the modules. He is looking at off loading other logistics flights to EELVs. Isn't there still the problem of there not being an upper stage that can rendezvous and stationkeep with Station? Seems like that would be a dealbreaker by itself, and a major project to carry out.

rvastro · May 12, 2005

That leads me to post something I was thinking about on the way home from work. Are there plans on the drawing boards for a cargo ferry that can deliever and return the experiment racks from ISS back to earth?

ozspace · May 12, 2005

KSC-05PD-0985 (05/11/2005) --- KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building, Michael Cinquigianno (left), who is a system test mechanical technician with Lockheed Martin, checks out the vent valve assembly on External Tank 121. Next to him is Lance Mercier, with Lockheed Martin Quality Control. The assembly sits on top of the tank and, when on the launch pad, is connected to the “beanie cap,” a swing-arm-mounted cap that covers the oxygen tank vent on top of the tank during the countdown. The cap is retracted about two minutes before liftoff.

strandedonearth · May 12, 2005

No disrespect intended to the fine people who work to fly that magnificent bird, but I can't help but think that pic would make a decent 'Caption This' thread. I get the impression that somewhere in there is a light bulb they want to change <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />. I also wonder if it's possible to drop a tool in that gap between the platform and the ET, and how far down it would go...

SpaceKiwi · May 12, 2005

Lance Mercier looks like he is checking his poker chips for the next hand. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Who is this superhero? Henry, the mild-mannered janitor ... could be!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bring Back The Black! </div>

ozspace · May 13, 2005

Hey, is that shuttle_guy in the check shirt taking it easy? Come on, we want to fly in July!

We should be OK, that woman is praying for an on time launch.

rybanis · May 13, 2005

So thats what the tip looks like... <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

earth_bound_misfit · May 13, 2005

If that's you SG....G'day mate. Maybe I should get a contract suppling red duct tape! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> ----------------------------------------------------------------- Wanna see this site looking like the old SDC uplink?Go here to see how: SDC Eye saver </div>

shuttle_rtf · May 13, 2005

I thought it was called Space Tape <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />

giofx · May 13, 2005

when i saw the pic of ET-121 i thougth that its amazing how much technology (and complex systems!) there is into the ET... you could think that is simply a void metal tank... its sad to let er burn up on every flight...

rocketwatcher2001 · May 13, 2005

If I remember right, they call "Duct Tape" "Grey Tape" and it's used for all sorts of things by the crew in flight inside the vehicle. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

ozspace · May 13, 2005

NASAWatch has put up NASA Senior Management ViTS Minutes 1 May 2005 Which mentions: "GRC reported on a return to flight activity. Several segments of a grease bead, which is used as a moister barrier on the Shuttle Rocket Booster, had fallen off on the Launch Pad. The Shuttle Debris Transport Team is assessing the risk of impact grease on both surface penetration and corrosion. The team has requested the help of the Icing Branch at GRC in determining whether the shed grease bead breaks up when exposed to the aerodynamic forces of a shuttle launch trajectory. Experts in solid lubrication and droplet and film dynamics were called in to assist in the investigation."

Space Shuttle Return to Flight - Pt. 2

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