STS-116/12A.1 Status

[mcs_seattle]

How are the emu's reloaded with oxygen for multiple eva's? Are the shuttles' oxyben stores used to reload or are multiple-emu tanks brought along?<br /><br />Mark

 

[erioladastra]

"Has the addition of a third crew member on the ISS had any impact on day-to-day operations? Are more science experiments getting done, or are they still catching up on housekeeping and maintenance issues? Speaking of which, how have the Elektron unit(s) been behaving? As I recall, the last shuttle mission carried some replacement parts up. Have these been installed? "<br /><br />Yes, a lot more is getting done - both maintainence and science. Though science will probably slow down next year as the assembly sequence really kicks into high gear. Elektron is behaving fine since the repairs. No, the Shuttle did not carry any parts but the progress did.

 

[earth_bound_misfit]

<br /><br />Mmm Emu's, better take plenty as those Russians probably want a change from Vodka made from dehydrated potato or hydraulic fluid <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------- </p><p>Wanna see this site looking like the old SDC uplink?</p><p>Go here to see how: <strong>SDC Eye saver </strong>  </p> </div>

 

[emerrill]

sg (or anyone else from the program),<br /><br />do you have a feeling (or have heard any rumblings) about how likely it is that the Progress or SARJ will delay the launch. I know processing must be proceeding assuming an on time launch, but I wasn't sure if you had heard anything about it, and the testing last night.<br /><br />thanks<br />-eric <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[erioladastra]

"I have no current knowledge of the Progress or SARJ issues. I expect that erioladastra does."<br /><br />What a headache. The reboost is the bigger issue. Without completing the reboost we can not do Flight Day 3 (FD3) rendezvous for every other launch day. A FD3 is I believe required to complete the mission objectives for 12A.1. The problem is it is not yet clear what the problem was. The Russians may need to modifiy their software to get it right. It appears that it is not taking into account the (now) assymetric ISS and it was having trouble maintaining control. AS for the SARJ - it appears to be software. Basically you can think of the drives as like a giant clutch and when you go to engage the gear or lock them sometimes the teeth crash rather then mesh. It is a slow process ot back out and try again. We could fly 12A.1 with them as is but if you run into a problem in contingencies (e.g., the crew having to manually move the arrays). Stay tuned.

 

[emerrill]

Man, I hope everything works out (for completely selfish reasons... I booked my tickets last night).<br /><br />As it currently stands (with the boost problem), they would still be a go to attempt the 7th, 9th etc (assuming they decide that the SARJ is not a problem, or correct it), correct?<br /><br />thanks everybody <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[emerrill]

ah. sorry, missed it. Thanks <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[emerrill]

AHHH....<br /><br />I thought you meant there was another press conferences (besides the FRR) that I missed. Sorry for the confusion, and thanks for the info. I can't wait to get down there. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[emerrill]

Well, according to Spaceflightnow, the SARJ RPC has been reset and is functioning normally, but they have been unable to get the new software to work. So they will launch, but they may experience tooth crash while the SARJ is turning.<br /><br />Also, they report that the Russians have identified the boost problem, and will be relaxing the yaw limits for the burn software, and will attempt a 21min burn on monday.<br /><br />Full article:<br />http://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts116/061201reboost/ <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[erioladastra]

"As it currently stands (with the boost problem), they would still be a go to attempt the 7th, 9th etc (assuming they decide that the SARJ is not a problem, or correct it), correct? "<br /><br />Correct. However, the Russians think they know what the issue is and can tweak their software in time to reattempt on Monday. Sounds like maybe the effect of an assymetric station was fully anticipated.

 

[erioladastra]

"Well, according to Spaceflightnow, the SARJ RPC has been reset and is functioning normally, but they have been unable to get the new software to work. So they will launch, but they may experience tooth crash while the SARJ is turning."<br /><br /> Well it was the Remote Power Controller (RPC) to the Rotary Joint Motor Controller (RJMC). However, it is still not understood what cause the RPC to trip. A potential software bug has been identified that can maybe be patched by next week.<br /><br /><br />"Also, they report that the Russians have identified the boost problem, and will be relaxing the yaw limits for the burn software, and will attempt a 21min burn on monday. "<br /><br />Correct. The limit to abort is 4 degrees and they will likely relax that for the burn.

 

[halman]

erioladastra,<br /><br />We seem to be in a period of intense education regarding operating systems in space, between the problems that you have referred to and the upcoming shuttle flight to rewire the station. As more things change, the more learning opportunities come along. Of course, learning opportunities imply the possibility of mistakes, which we must prepare for and expect, so that the mistakes will not be magnified into catastrophes. You have said that the timing of the next shuttle launch is critical to the flow of operations far beyond those directly involved in the shuttle mission, which is a concern.<br /><br />I hope that we can avoid pushing too hard to try to make up for lost time, because that often results in losing even more time. Of course, having a deadline involving shuttle operations a few years away does not help matters much.<br /><br />I wish everyone involved in the upcoming mission and the projects it is to accomplish on the station the very best. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> The secret to peace of mind is a short attention span. </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Excellent news.<br />As usual, thanks for the updates. <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>

 

[erioladastra]

Reboost was successfully performed today (though might be a little high - no impact to 12A.1 but impacts to later flights). New solar array software going up tomorrow.

 

[emerrill]

*sigh* <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[emerrill]

sg,<br /><br />Do you know when the next forecast comes out? Sometime tonight?<br /><br />*ruffles through the closet, looking for a crystal ball* <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[dreada5]

What's IIRC again? <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[mrmorris]

<font color="yellow">"What's IIRC again?"</font><br /><br />Either "Iraqi Islamic Reconciliation Conference " or "International Interdisciplinary Research Colloquium"<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Or maybe he was using that *other* meaning... "If I Recall Correctly". <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[dreada5]

merci beaucoup

 

[canelaw99]

I saw the weather briefing this morning at 10...I'm now in the process of deciding whether I drive up to the Orlando area tonight for tomorrow's launch or whether I wait and go up tomorrow (I live in the Miami area). Realistically, how probable is a launch tomorrow night? I know the weather is questionable, but worse for Friday.... thanks!!! <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[canelaw99]

That works & is as good as I can ask for at this point <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> I'll prob. head up tonight just so I can avoid lovely Miami traffic in the morning lol Here's to a great launch tomorrow (I hope!)!

 

[MeteorWayne]

The weather looks really bad if the forecasts are correct Not only here but at the emergency sites. Is there any benefit, and is the option available, that if they don't get to fly tomorrow they postpone till Monday (4 days), which would leave Tuesday as a 24 hour TAT option? Or is that cutting it too close on the Dec 17 hard cutoff date? <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>

 

[MeteorWayne]

How many TAL's are needed. I'm embarassed I don't know the answer. <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>

 

[MeteorWayne]

As far as the "really bad" comment, that was from the perspective of a weather guy. The trends are bad, but if it's a low cloud scenario, you can launch through a medium sized hole if it's at the right places at the right times. <br />I also heard a rising level of concern about winds. <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>

 

[emerrill]

Is any time in the 10min window acceptable (will any time result in a fd3 docking?)<br /><br />yeah, from what I saw, all 3 tal sites show out if limits weather tomorrow. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>