STS-117 (13A) Mission- Part III

[bobblebob]

So far the actual mission has gone extremely well (just the thermal blanket a slight hitch) but even that was worked around. Just those damn computers causing problems.<br /><br />Seeing as the crew were busy with the computer issue, have the managed to catch up and transfer all consumables over to the ISS? <br /><br />Edit: Just been answered on Nasatv during the crew press conference. They have nearly finished transfering everything

 

[MeteorWayne]

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br />I know they have a lot to learn, but to use a well worn phrase, this ain't rocket science.<br /><br />The whole point of these last few missions has been to add to the power systems of the ISS.<br /><br />To me, having some skill in using a basic troubleshooting tool just seems as if it would make sense <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <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]

BTW, any of the hand held scopes may use analog "mode" but in any case it still is a digitizing scope.<br /><br />AFAIK, no major manufaturer makes true analog scopes any more. <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]

<br />Ok, sorry if I was grumpy. But one other thing to keep in mind besides the fact that they may not know these tools well with all the info in their brains, they have not slept much. The ISS crew has been essentially going aroudn the clock and even when they sleep, pesky alarms (some related to the problems, some due to new operations where we missed something) woke them up. They are very tired. But in awesome spirits. This is an awesome crew.<br /><br />To answer the last few questions - there is actually no indication of noisey power. Everything si checking out as expected. Now one interesting note is that with the new truss, the plasma environment is different and tht affects the russian segement in that they use a floating ground. However, that doesn't see to explain the problem and it also appears likely that it was a one time issue (spike perhaps). It happened aroudn the time of mating the truss but not at the same time. There are also indications that this problem may have started a week befor the mission when the Russian LAN router failed - similar design by the same manufcaturer. But that is very preliminary. Plus, the central post computer is the same - so why is it not affected. Plus seen things liek this before on Mir. So at this point it doesn't seem likely that it was related to the new element. But still trying to find the root cause.<br /><br />Yes, all transfer is done but looking at things to leave behind to help. Swapping some laptops for example.<br /><br />Yes, the mission went well. The OMS pod blanket was way over hyped. testing early on showed puishing it down was probably more than adequate and I know I was nervous about the pins now protuding but the arc and wind tunnel tests look ok. So we should be good. By doing it on the third EVA we lost some critical get aheads but such is life. So far we are on course to meet all mission objectives and launch into a a hectic 13A stage.<br />

 

[erioladastra]

P.S. you can tell I got a little sleep, less typos <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[MeteorWayne]

Yes, you look much more rested today <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />I know they are very tired, what with taking any availble time to troubleshoot the computer issue, overnight fire alarms, etc.<br /><br />Regarding the OMS thing, I always got the impression from the news conferences that just tucking it in would be fine, but they went the extra step to increase the safety margin even more.<br /><br />The improvised use of the surgical stapler worked great, and it is wonderful to see how flexible humans are in space.<br /><br />One more EVA, then some time to relax for a few minutes <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <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>

 

[ckikilwai]

"Plus seen things liek this before on Mir."<br /><br />Do you mean there were also such failures when there was a new module added to Mir, or did it have other reasons?

 

[MeteorWayne]

Bottom line is this <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />Everyone raise their hand if they've ever had trouble with a computer.<br /><br />{hundreds of SDC users typing one handed} <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <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>

 

[tronchaser]

Yeah, you are partly right about the grounding problem. It more like a bonding and shielding problem. The computers can not handle transients (voltage spikes) to the units. Some of the cables are not shielded. They act as antennas for the transients to the units. If the units do not filter or shield from the transients, units wil not work right or the unthickable happens.<br /><br />Because of electromagnetic capatibility/ susceptability (EMC/ EMS) misunderstandings, some think of it as "black majic". It is not. EMC/ EMS are just physics. As system becomes increasingly complex, each subsytems must play nice with other subsystems in the bigger system.

 

[MeteorWayne]

I find it humorously ironic, that in space, surrounded by near vaccuum, they use a pump to depressurize the airlock.<br /><br />I understand the reasons, but it's still funny <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <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]

They are always an option of last resort if weather prevents landing at US site, correct? <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>

 

[tronchaser]

Yes, they are but logistics retrieving the flight hardware will a challenge, like White Sands.

 

[thermionic]

As a simpathy-gesture, my the left channel of my stereo blew out it's recto tube. I wonder if it's related to all that extra plasma up there in heaven last week? And my analog silliscope is upstairs and a bit heavy to haul down, so I guess I'll put one hand in my pocket and start swapping parts...<br /><br />By the way, if there is any tube gear in ISS, I volunteer to go up and service it. I'll even bring along my tube caddy with a stash of fine NOS bottles. I don't know how to fly a helicopter or use a Russian toilet though, but I'm willing to learn!<br /><br />It must have been quite a week for all involved! Very demanding and frightening. Since it maybe was not related to Atlantis' visit, how do you suppose it would have played out if it happened two weeks ago, or next week?<br /><br />Again, congratulations to the team!

 

[tronchaser]

Shuttle is right. The weather probability is low for all three sites to be down and to activate emergency landing sites. They do check selected sites for avaliability when needed. These site are indeed all over the world.

 

[bobblebob]

"The improvised use of the surgical stapler worked great, and it is wonderful to see how flexible humans are in space"<br /><br />Something that occured to me last night, and it may not be an issue at all. But would the staples be able to withstand the temperatures on reentry?

 

[MeteorWayne]

Yes they were The whole repair was tested in the radiant heating chamber, and aero tested afterward, exactly the sequence that this area experiences during reentry <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>

 

[radarredux]

> <i><font color="yellow">Everyone raise their hand if they've ever had trouble with a computer.</font>/i><br /><br />As if in sympathy with ISS, this morning I had a very short power outage (less than a second), but my UPS (which also powers my backup drive) failed and my computer immediately went blank !! <img src="/images/icons/shocked.gif" /><br /><br />Well, I've swapped in a new UPS (and, knock on wood, everything seems OK). Now I am off to get another UPS to make sure my backup is on an independent system.</i>

 

[tronchaser]

They only need to stay put for about 10 -15 minutes. The area will be corrected properly. They will more than likely replace the tile and blankets once at KSC. The staples are a high grade stainless steel. I have been working the GN&C computer issues, so I do not know the procedure they used to secure the blankets down. at one time they were looking at sewing the blankets with NiCrome wire. NiCrome wire is used for heating elements. So they can handle high temperatures. But the wire may puncture the space suit. We would not want that, now. The staples operation possed a greater protection from space suit puncture.

 

[drwayne]

Tangent Warning....<br /><br />I was working a job about 18 years ago where we had a bunch of heater wire like that that was a life saver to me.<br /><br />I had broken my elbow, and a bent over length of heater wire was perfect for reaching down inside my cast and itching those hard to reach areas around the elbow. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>"1) Give no quarter; 2) Take no prisoners; 3) Sink everything."  Admiral Jackie Fisher</p> </div>

 

[deapfreeze]

I work with computers everyday. This is my job. It would not be a normal day if I did not have atleast 1 computer a day give a little attitude.. But that s what I like.. Time to kick some computer butt... <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#0000ff"><em>William ( deapfreeze ) Hooper</em></font></p><p><font size="1">http://deapfreeze-amateur-astronomy.tk/</font></p><p> </p> </div>

 

[tronchaser]

The I look at it, when you have enough vectored tangents in a given area, you have a complete circle. I have used that wire for years on several heating projects. Never a sewing project. I say, if you are not learning at least one thing aday, you are not living.

 

[erioladastra]

"Do you mean there were also such failures when there was a new module added to Mir, or did it have other reasons? "<br /><br />Problems with the circuit due to noise - not necc. due to new modules.

 

[3488]

Near to where I live is a potential shuttle landing site at Kent Manston International Airport,<br />near Ramsgate, Kent, UK (only about 25 miles from where I live).<br /><br />With the Boeing 747 carrier aircraft, the shuttle in theory can land anywhere on Earth, provided<br />there is a suitable runway.<br /><br />Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[earth_bound_misfit]

Sounds like the new "solar wings" are pretty much all go.<br />It's been a busy week for everyone up there! <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>

 

[thereiwas]

Isn't there a ground-support vehicle that has to show up pretty quickly? I read in an article about TPS alternatives that the Shuttle had cooling coils near the tile-covered skin that are used to drain away the heat-soak picked up during re-entry, and an external vehicle supplied this cooling.