STS-119 processing

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

shuttle_guy

Guest
<font size="2"><p>The Agency has made the decision to delay the STS-125/HST mission to no earlier than&nbsp;May</p><p>2009, and fly STS-119/15A as scheduled February 12, 2009. Atlantis will</p><p>be destacked and Discovery mated to the STS-125 Tank and SRBs. This is</p><p>being done to free up mobile launch platform (MLP) 1 for the</p><p>Constellation Program as they prepare to launch Ares 1X next summer.</p><p>Flying STS-119/15A with the STS-125 stack increase the STS-119 ascent</p><p>performance margin (APM) by ~800 pounds, which is a very welcomed gain</p><p>which will ensure we fly with a full middeck while maintaining our 5</p><p>minute launch window. </p><p>With the slip to May of the STS-125/HST mission, the STS-119 team is no</p><p>longer responsible for protecting the STS-401 launch on need (LON)</p><p>rescue mission in February. An FIDP will be signed today stopping work</p><p>on the STS-401 Flight Design and Flight Software product development.</p><p>STS-119 is still responsible for the LON rescue operations of STS-126</p><p>should that become necessary; projected launch date for the STS-126 LON</p><p>mission is February 8. </p><p>Upcoming Major Milestones: </p><p>Crew Compartment Configuration Manifest Freeze Point November 14 Crew</p><p>Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) November 21-22 Discovery payload bay</p><p>door close December 5</p><p>S6 final element closeout complete early December Payload Readiness</p><p>Review December 16</p><p>OPF rollout January 5 </p><p>The STS-119/15A Team has done an outstand job getting the flight</p><p>hardware, flight products, flight and ground control teams ready to fly</p><p>the mission. There's still work to be done prior to flight, which is</p><p>now only 104 day away, but the team has met and overcome the many</p><p>obstacles and challenges along the way with great fortitude. Soon all</p><p>eyes will turn to STS-119/20A as we make the final push to fly the last</p><p>major component of the ISS Power Generation system, a critical component</p><p>to meeting NASAs ISS Science Goals and Objectives. </p></font> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
S

shuttle_guy

Guest
<p>Vehicle processing is going well. </p><p>The scheduled launch date is Feb 12th however there is a study going on to move the launch up to as early as Jan 20th.</p><p>KSC can possibly&nbsp;support this by working the contingency days in the schedule and rolling to the VAB in mid Dec. vs the planned Jan 5th roll out date. This is doable but not desirable since it potentially exposes the vehicle to cold temperatures at the pad over the holidays. We would have to have the vehicle configured to keep some system hearters active over the holidays.</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
S

shuttle_guy

Guest
<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Vehicle processing is going well. The scheduled launch date is Feb 12th however there is a study going on to move the launch up to as early as Jan 20th.KSC can possibly&nbsp;support this by working the contingency days in the schedule and rolling to the VAB in mid Dec. vs the planned Jan 5th roll out date. This is doable but not desirable since it potentially exposes the vehicle to cold temperatures at the pad over the holidays. We would have to have the vehicle configured to keep some system hearters active over the holidays. <br />Posted by shuttle_guy</DIV></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The program has decided that the launch day for STS-119 can not be moved earlier due to crew training concerns.<br /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
B

bpcooper

Guest
Launch time Feb. 12 is about 7:30am, or 27 mins after sunrise which is 7:03am. Feb. 13 would be right around sunrise, 14th about 20 mins before sunrise and it's a night launch from the 15th onward. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>-Ben</p> </div>
 
S

shuttle_guy

Guest
R

roocnu

Guest
<p>Hi Shuttle Guy,</p><p>Thank you for all the updates!&nbsp; I have a question with regards to STS-125 & 127.&nbsp; According to Wikipedia, the more definitive launch date for STS-127 will depend on if 125 launches on schedule, and if so, the date for 127 will be in June, not May as is currently scheduled.</p><p>Now, i know that shuttle launch dates are very fluid and can change in any case, depending on many things (125 for instance has been pushed back a few times, due to failures on the HST and additional training that was then required for the mission).&nbsp; But I'm wondering if you have a sense of the launch date for 127.....</p><p>A few of us were trying to plan a trip from Toronto down to Florida, to watch the launch of STS-127, since Julie Payette is on board, and we'd love to wave the flag (errr, maple leaf).&nbsp; Any suggestions you can offer would be appreciated. </p><p>Cheers,</p><p>Katrina </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>The vehicle rolled out of the VAB around 0530 local time. The Mobile launcher with the vehicle on top is now being connected to the pad. The vehicle will be powered up this afternoon. Pad interface checks and payload installation&nbsp;are the first tasks to be performed over the next few days.&nbsp;&nbsp;http://www.floridatoday.com/content/blogs/space/2009/01/live-at-ksc-shuttle-heads-to-launch-pad.shtml <br /> Posted by shuttle_guy</DIV><br /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
B

bpcooper

Guest
STS-127 will be June 13 if 125 is May 12. But a formal decision on whether 125 can go is not due till perhaps March from what I understand. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>-Ben</p> </div>
 
R

roocnu

Guest
<p>Thank you, Ben.</p><p>Katrina </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>STS-127 will be June 13 if 125 is May 12. But a formal decision on whether 125 can go is not due till perhaps March from what I understand. <br /> Posted by bpcooper</DIV><br /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
S

shuttle_guy

Guest
<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Hi Shuttle Guy,Thank you for all the updates!&nbsp; I have a question with regards to STS-125 & 127.&nbsp; According to Wikipedia, the more definitive launch date for STS-127 will depend on if 125 launches on schedule, and if so, the date for 127 will be in June, not May as is currently scheduled.Now, i know that shuttle launch dates are very fluid and can change in any case, depending on many things (125 for instance has been pushed back a few times, due to failures on the HST and additional training that was then required for the mission).&nbsp; But I'm wondering if you have a sense of the launch date for 127.....A few of us were trying to plan a trip from Toronto down to Florida, to watch the launch of STS-127, since Julie Payette is on board, and we'd love to wave the flag (errr, maple leaf).&nbsp; Any suggestions you can offer would be appreciated. Cheers,Katrina &nbsp; <br />Posted by roocnu</DIV></p><p>The Shuttle and the crew&nbsp;will be ready to fly STS-125 may 12th. We are not working any issues. The only potential problem is the payload to service the Hubble may not be ready. The payload folks have not thrown up any red flags, however they may be working problems but are&nbsp;not telling us. I expect we will know for sure if May 12 is a viable launch date by late March. Hopefully we will get a status earlier than that.</p><p>Spaceflightnow.com is pretty good at keeping their launch manifest up. Inaddition I will try to keep this site updated.&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
R

roocnu

Guest
<p>Cheers - will check regularly for updates.</p><p>Katrina</p><p>&nbsp; </p><p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>The Shuttle and the crew&nbsp;will be ready to fly STS-125 may 12th. We are not working any issues. The only potential problem is the payload to service the Hubble may not be ready. The payload folks have not thrown up any red flags, however they may be working problems but are&nbsp;not telling us. I expect we will know for sure if May 12 is a viable launch date by late March. Hopefully we will get a status earlier than that.Spaceflightnow.com is pretty good at keeping their launch manifest up. Inaddition I will try to keep this site updated.&nbsp; <br /> Posted by shuttle_guy</DIV><br /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
S

shuttle_guy

Guest
<p>Katrina, I will keep updating the STS-127 thread as well.</p><p>As for coming down to see the launch I suggest that you plan to watch from the Titusville, FL area. You can get tickets to be bussed to another great site to view the launch however the tickets go fast. The tickets are sold by the vendor that operates the visitors center (not NASA).</p><p>http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/</p><p>In my opinion the free viewing of a Shuttle launch from the river shore in Titusville is just as good as the visitor's center site.</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
S

shuttle_guy

Guest
<p>The flight crew arrives at KSC Monday for a practice countdown Wednesday. </p><p>Currently the pad interface tests have been completed as have the last Flight Control and main engine thrust vector actuator tests. Preps. for Hypergolic Propellant loading is in work. The loading of about 34,000 pounds of hyper. prop is scheduled for Thursday and Friday next week.</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
R

roocnu

Guest
<p>Hi.</p><p>I've seen one launch before, STS-122 last February (what an amazing experience!&nbsp; Such a fantastic day too, and even though the weather was 70% against launch, they found a window and up it went.&nbsp; Will remember the sounds, sensations and emotions of that day for as long as I live).</p><p>I've been through the trials and tribulations of trying to figure out where to see the lunch from, but in the end we were able to get to the causeway at the KSC (very long story there, but initially we were going to watch it from the visitor centre, but managed to get on a bus to the causeway, against the odds, thanks to a friend who had a friend) but if I couldn't get LTT tickets, I would go to Titusville as you suggest, for the unobstructed view.</p><p> Ben Cooper's guide was also really useful. </p><p>Also great to get the low-down from the locals, and folks who have the knowledge to pass along, like yourself.</p><p>Again, thank you.&nbsp; Will check out the&nbsp; STS-127 thread -sorry I didn't see that before.</p><p>Katrina </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Katrina, I will keep updating the STS-127 thread as well.As for coming down to see the launch I suggest that you plan to watch from the Titusville, FL area. You can get tickets to be bussed to another great site to view the launch however the tickets go fast. The tickets are sold by the vendor that operates the visitors center (not NASA).http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/In my opinion the free viewing of a Shuttle launch from the river shore in Titusville is just as good as the visitor's center site. <br /> Posted by shuttle_guy</DIV><br /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
S

shuttle_guy

Guest
The coldest temps. since 1985 at KSC have delayed the start of Hypergolic propellant loading. SCAPE Operations are not allowed with the ambient temp below 40 deg F. The delay should not impact the launch date since there are contingency days in the schedule. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
S

shuttle_guy

Guest
<p>The vehicle processing continues to go well. This weeks major task is the installation and checkout of the EVA spacesuits (EMUs)</p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
M

MeteorWayne

Guest
<p>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA managers have scheduled a news conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for no earlier than 6 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 3, to discuss the status of the next space shuttle launch. The news conference will begin after the conclusion of the Flight Readiness Review, a meeting to assess preparations for shuttle Discovery's STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. <br /><br />The review is expected to include the selection of an official launch date. Discovery currently is targeted to launch at 7:32 a.m. on Feb. 12. <br /><br />The briefing participants are: <br />- Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, NASA Headquarters, Washington <br />- John Shannon, manager, Space Shuttle Program, NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston <br />- Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director, NASA's Kennedy Space Center <br /><br />NASA Television and the agency's Web site will broadcast the briefing live. Reporters may ask questions from participating NASA locations and should contact their preferred NASA center to confirm its participation. <br /><br />For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit: <br /></p><p align="center">http://www.nasa.gov/ntv </p><p><br />For STS-119 crew and mission information, visit: <br /></p><p align="center">http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle </p><p><br /></p> <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>
 
S

shuttle_guy

Guest
<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA managers have scheduled a news conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for no earlier than 6 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 3, to discuss the status of the next space shuttle launch. The news conference will begin after the conclusion of the Flight Readiness Review, a meeting to assess preparations for shuttle Discovery's STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. The review is expected to include the selection of an official launch date. Discovery currently is targeted to launch at 7:32 a.m. on Feb. 12. The briefing participants are: - Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, NASA Headquarters, Washington - John Shannon, manager, Space Shuttle Program, NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston - Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director, NASA's Kennedy Space Center NASA Television and the agency's Web site will broadcast the briefing live. Reporters may ask questions from participating NASA locations and should contact their preferred NASA center to confirm its participation. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv For STS-119 crew and mission information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle <br />Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The program leaders want more analysis of the potential failure modes of the Flow Control Valves. The launch attempt is now no earlier than Feb 19th. (A flow control valved failed during the ascent of STS-126)&nbsp;<br /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
S

shuttle_guy

Guest
<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>&nbsp;The program leaders want more analysis of the potential failure modes of the Flow Control Valves. The launch attempt is now no earlier than Feb 19th. (A flow control valved failed during the ascent of STS-126)&nbsp; <br />Posted by shuttle_guy</DIV></p><p>RELEASE: 09-025<br /><br />SHUTTLE DISCOVERY LAUNCH NOW NO EARLIER THAN FEB. 19<br /><br />CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a review of space shuttle Discovery's <br />readiness for flight, NASA managers decided Tuesday to plan a launch <br />no earlier than Feb. 19. The new planning date is pending additional <br />analysis and particle impact testing associated with a flow control <br />valve in the shuttle's main engines. <br /><br />Discovery's STS-119 mission to the International Space Station <br />originally had been targeted for Feb. 12. <br /><br />The valve is one of three that channels gaseous hydrogen from the <br />engines to the external fuel tank. One of these valves in shuttle <br />Endeavour was found to be damaged after its mission in November. As a <br />precaution, Discovery's valves were removed, inspected and <br />reinstalled. <br /><br />The Space Shuttle Program will convene a meeting on Feb. 10 to assess <br />the analysis. On Feb. 12, NASA managers and contractors will finalize <br />the flight readiness review, which began Tuesday, to address the flow <br />control valve issue and to select an official launch date. <br />The 14-day mission will deliver the station's fourth and final set of <br />solar arrays, completing the orbiting laboratory's truss, or <br />backbone. The arrays will provide the electricity to fully power <br />science experiments and support the station's expanded crew of six in <br />May. Altogether, the station's 240-foot-long arrays can generate as <br />much as 120 kilowatts of usable electricity -- enough to provide <br />about forty-two 2,800-square-foot homes with power. <br /><br />Discovery also will carry a replacement distillation assembly for the <br />station's new water recycling system. The unit is part of the Urine <br />Processing Assembly that removes impurities from urine in an early <br />stage of the recycling process. The Water Recovery System was <br />delivered and installed during the STS-126 mission in November, but <br />the unit failed after Endeavour's departure. <br /><br />Joining Archambault on STS-119 will be Pilot Tony Antonelli and <br />Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Richard Arnold, John Phillips, <br />Steve Swanson and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi <br />Wakata. Wakata will replace Sandra Magnus aboard the station. She <br />will return home with the Discovery crew after three months in space. <br /><br /><br />Former science teachers Acaba and Arnold are now fully-trained NASA <br />astronauts. They will make their first journey to orbit on the <br />mission and step outside the station to conduct critical spacewalking <br />tasks. <br /><br />STS-119 will be Discovery's 36th mission and the 28th shuttle flight <br />dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. <br />For more information about the STS-119 mission, including images and <br />interviews, visit: <br /><br /><br /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
C

CalliArcale

Guest
Definitely better safe than sorry. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#666699"><em>"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff."</em>  -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>
 
Z

zhang

Guest
NET Feb. 22 now. Maybe 2 months' delay if endup with FCV redesign.
 
M

MeteorWayne

Guest
<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>NET Feb. 22 now. Maybe 2 months' delay if endup with FCV redesign. <br />Posted by zhang</DIV><br /><br />NASA release:</p><p>WASHINGTON -- Because of an ongoing review of the space shuttle's flow control valves, NASA managers are rescheduling meetings next week to assess the launch readiness of shuttle Discovery's STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. <br /><br />The Space Shuttle Program will hold a meeting Feb. 13 to review data and determine whether to move forward with a flight readiness review on Feb. 18. The official launch date will be set at the readiness review, but for planning purposes launch now is no earlier than Feb. 22. </p><p>There are three valves that channel gaseous hydrogen from the shuttle's main engines to the external fuel tank. One of these valves in shuttle Endeavour was found to be damaged after its mission in November. As a precaution, Discovery's three gaseous hydrogen valves were removed, inspected and reinstalled. </p><p>BTW, this would be a night launch at this date; launch window for Feb 22 is ~3:30 AM EST.</p> <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>
 
M

MeteorWayne

Guest
Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'> There are three valves that channel gaseous hydrogen from the shuttle's main engines to the external fuel tank. One of these valves in shuttle Endeavour was found to be damaged after its mission in November. As a precaution, Discovery's three gaseous hydrogen valves were removed, inspected and reinstalled. Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV><br /><br />Am I correct in assuming the purpose of the gaseous hydrogen feed to the H2 tank if for pressurization to ensure a smooth feed to LH2 to the engines? <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>
 
Z

zhang

Guest
<p>If I am right, one FCV did break broke up, partly, so it could not 100% be sealed. More than expected gaseous hydrongen flew into H2 tank, causing slightly over-pressure. That was no problem because other two FCVs compensated the extra flow, and H2 tank had relief vent to prevent dangerous over-pressure.</p><p>The problem is why that valve failed. Those valves are said to be issue-free through out the fight history of STS. </p>
 
S

shuttle_guy

Guest
<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Am I correct in assuming the purpose of the gaseous hydrogen feed to the H2 tank if for pressurization to ensure a smooth feed to LH2 to the engines? <br />Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV></p><p>There are 3 FCVs on the Lox side and 3 on the hydrogen side. The purpose is to maintain the ullage pressure in the tanks so that the proper pressure is obtained at the main engine pump inlets. If the pressure s too low the pumps will cavitate and destroy themselves. This would cause the loss of the vehicle and crew.</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
C

CalliArcale

Guest
Ouch.&nbsp; That would be bad.&nbsp; I was thinking they'd just have insufficient thrust, but cavitating....&nbsp; Yikes. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#666699"><em>"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff."</em>  -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts