STS-115 Status - Part II

[erioladastra]

Since P6 is not yet retracted, the new solar arrays will remain locked and will not be generating power until 12A.1.

 

[paul_bacon]

In terms of size, how big will the finished ISS be compared to the size of it now? <br /><br />That thing looks bloody huge!

 

[paul_bacon]

Cheers. It will be massive <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[PistolPete]

Hey SG, I've got a question fer ya. I imagine that when the P4 solar array tracks the sun it creates a huge ammount of torque despite it's slow speed (I estimate appx. 4 deg./min.). Is there an anti-torque device in the truss, or do the controll moment gyros do that? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><em>So, again we are defeated. This victory belongs to the farmers, not us.</em></p><p><strong>-Kambei Shimada from the movie Seven Samurai</strong></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

You know, even though all the extra cameras were added to the spacecraft to investigate the foam issue, I am just fascinated watching the views. To watch the ones on the SRB's after they drop off and see the Shuttle flying away overhead, and the other booster falling away.<br /><br />It is just so cool!<br /><br />I wish there was a better word, but can't think of one.<br /><br />Awesome? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[mah_fl]

Watching via still updates here, can't run video at work. On a side note I heard one of the astronauts say yesterday that the Station Arm can pick up an Orbiter and move it around if needed, pretty powerfull.

 

[mah_fl]

One thing I noticed about this mission is most of the news reporters were saying the new Solar Panels were going to double the Stations power, giving the impression that they were aleady supplying power. This won't actually happen untill after the next Shuttle mission in December, will it ?

 

[paul_bacon]

Has the mission been extended yet or is landing still set for next Wednesday?

 

[paul_bacon]

Cool thanks<br /><br />Full ET and SRB seperation vids are showing on Nasa tv now. Guessing they will be on the website soon enough

 

[halman]

shuttle_guy,<br /><br />Has the daylight launch restriction been lifted yet? This mission seems to be proof that the foam issue is not an issue anymore. If daylight launch requirements continue, how does this affect launch windows for the rest of the year? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> The secret to peace of mind is a short attention span. </div>

 

[erioladastra]

Everything is going well so no plans of yet to extend. With the impending Soyuz launch there won't be an extension unless a problems develops. There are plans that should th late inspection after undock reveal new damage then the Shuttle would redock, but that is extremely unlikely.

 

[erioladastra]

"Has the daylight launch restriction been lifted yet? This mission seems to be proof that the foam issue is not an issue anymore. If daylight launch requirements continue, how does this affect launch windows for the rest of the year? "<br /><br />Two launches were desired to verify the foam issue was understood (keep in mind that detailed inspections is done on orbit which is far better for assessing any damage). The next launch in December is at night - that is one reason they were looking at launching 12A in late September if we didn't get off the pad last week.

 

[subzero788]

"One half of the P6 array which was installed on STS-97 will be retacted so that the just installed P4 array can rotate and track the sun."<br /><br />Just out of interest, what's the increase in power production obtained from sun tracking compared to fixed solar panels? <br />

 

[erioladastra]

"Just out of interest, what's the increase in power production obtained from sun tracking compared to fixed solar panels?"<br /><br />It deepnds on attitude abd solar beta angle.

 

[toothferry]

<font color="yellow">"Correct on the 4 deg/ min (360 divided by 90 min). I do not know about the torque. I assume the gyros take it out if required, but remember the ISS itself is also rotating at 4 deg/min in the opposite direction to keep the velocity vector in line with the length of the main body (pressurized modules) of the ISS. Thus the Array rotation reduces the work required to be performed by rhe gyros." </font><br /><br />Excellant point! Its not the array panels that are rotating, but ISS itself.

 

[toothferry]

To those into catching a glimpse for ISS overhead in the late evening (or early morning): Have you had the opportunity to observe it since the new Solar Array panels have been installed, and can you tell that its noticeable brighter?<br /><br />I haven't seen ISS in a few years, but as I recall it was very bright even then. I suppose it will almost double in brightness again by the time the remaining panels are added. <img src="/images/icons/cool.gif" />

 

[SpaceKiwi]

I don't recall whether this is rumour or fact but I seem to remember hearing that, when ISS is finally built out, it will be visible during daylight hours as a point of light in the sky? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em><font size="2" color="#ff0000">Who is this superhero?  Henry, the mild-mannered janitor ... could be!</font></em></p><p><em><font size="2">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</font></em></p><p><font size="5">Bring Back The Black!</font></p> </div>

 

[SpaceKiwi]

Just spotted the ISS! Less than a minute viewing, but a very clear night here and easy to spot against the 'static' stars. I got the impression it was slightly rust-coloured, but I don't know if that was me imposing my knowledge of the solar-array colour on what I saw. I'd be curious to know if anyone else is getting that reddish colour impression now?<br /><br />Quite chuffed with that actually, it's a unique 'sensation' to go witness it outside, then come in and see what they are doing inside that little point of light on NASA TV. Kind of like watching an airliner going overhead, and wondering what's happening inside that pressurised flying tube ... except on a better scale.<br /><br />Much kudos to NASA and their ISS/Shuttle viewing page. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em><font size="2" color="#ff0000">Who is this superhero?  Henry, the mild-mannered janitor ... could be!</font></em></p><p><em><font size="2">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</font></em></p><p><font size="5">Bring Back The Black!</font></p> </div>

 

[erioladastra]

"I don't recall whether this is rumour or fact but I seem to remember hearing that, when ISS is finally built out, it will be visible during daylight hours as a point of light in the sky?"<br /><br />It is probably visible now just like the brigther stars - you just have to know where to look to look exactly at it.

 

[robotical]

Ooh, a picture showing the new configuration is available. Looking quite good. <br /><br />I've gotten used to the configuration without the solar panels after four years; it's kind of odd seeing a different station now.<br /><br />Good work Atlantis! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[jschaef5]

What are the times/dates for all the landing options? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[jschaef5]

Heres a question for ya, how much does it cost to keep the shuttle in orbit an extra day or 2? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[larper]

After the RCS test, someone noted an object near the shuttle. They are trying to observe it using the cameras and downlinking via KU. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Vote </font><font color="#3366ff">Libertarian</font></strong></p> </div>

 

[erioladastra]

<br />Some debris was seen floating near the orbiter. Could be ice, decal... but since there is cryo margin and the weather is bad, it was just better to think about this some more to make sure it is nothing.

 

[scottb50]

Just saw it on breaking news. Some debris nearby in the same orbit, sounds like they are going to bring out the equipment again and take a look. <br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>