STS-120/10A Mission thread (post launch)

[MeteorWayne]

Well, it is a reasonable summary of the riskier than normal nature of this repair spacewalk.<br />Of course the precautions and preparations being taken only get a line or two, but what else can you expect from the media that loves a good terror tale <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>

 

[Testing]

The cufflink construction procedure is on the SDC mainpage. Should work fine if they can get them installed. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[thereiwas]

Interesting how they make the cufflinks. Is there a description somewhere of how they get installed? I can't visualize how such long floppy things are supposed to reinforce the hinge.

 

[Testing]

The aluminum strips will be turned so it is aligned with the wire and pushed thru a grommet hole. When the wire is pulled back the aluminum strip will form a tee on the back site and be a firm anchor for the wire. Other end across the separated hinge to the next grommet. With three different lengths it sounds like they will spread the load over multiple grommets. My money says it will work <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[bobblebob]

"The OBSS only exists because of Columbia"<br /><br />Without the OBSS they couldnt do the repair? If so, in a weird way the Columbia accident has saved the array as without it we wouldnt have the OBSS

 

[MeteorWayne]

Mission Status Briefing is scheduled for 24 minutes from now. <br /><br />Edit: delayed until 2:30 PM eastern, about 50 minutes from now. <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>

 

[usn_skwerl]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>Without the OBSS they couldnt do the repair? If so, in a weird way the Columbia accident has saved the array as without it we wouldnt have the OBSS <p><hr /></p></p></blockquote><br /><br />in otherwords, NASA dropped the ball so it would be just a little cheaper.<br /><br />the skimping at the design stage is now risking a life, somewhat, and could face total failure of the array.<br /><br />not to mention possibly causing progress to fall behind for overall construction from this point. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[bobblebob]

http://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zoenf9.jpg<br /><br />What does the word ZOE mean in black writing over Asia?

 

[MeteorWayne]

MSB underway on NASA TV <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]

Good question!<br />(I have no idea <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>

 

[bpcooper]

"What does the word ZOE mean in black writing over Asia?"<br /><br />The Zone of Exclusion is a portion of the orbit where TDRS cannot reach for communications. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>-Ben</p> </div>

 

[bobblebob]

Thanks <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />First time ive seen it on the map is on this mission

 

[thereiwas]

The people at the briefing are really mixing up voltage, current, and watts.

 

[mi2again]

"in otherwords, NASA dropped the ball so it would be just a little cheaper.<br /><br />the skimping at the design stage is now risking a life, somewhat, and could face total failure of the array. "<br /><br />No, the array could be retracted. You don't know all the design constraints involved. There is no "risking" of life. <br />You are making a big deal out of nothing<br /><br />

 

[mi2again]

"for NASA and the ISS designers to initially fail so horribly that they don't design a simple arm extension capable of handling things like maintenance or repairs anywhere near the furthest reaches of the structure is just mind-boggling."<br /><br />1. It is the length of the extension that is the issue. Longer doesn't help, it makes it worse<br />2. They still can retract it and then work on it, which is the original design plan. Arrays (ISS or any) are not designed for access or to be worked<br /><br />There was no ball dropped or no designer failed. Just a basic lack of understanding space vehicle design by some critics.<br /><br />MMU is not an option in many ways. One is that the mast can't take side loads.

 

[usn_skwerl]

I have to say that was a hell of a wake up call. I'm not a star wars nut, but the theme song really fits todays events. well played.<br /><br />I gotta say, as much as I've been negative about the lack of foresight, today's EVA is gonna be kickass, like a lot of the EVA's of the 80's. <br /><br />I'm glad they have "Longbow" onboard this trip. He's the hero of the mission, like Beemer was a couple trips ago. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[ckikilwai]

And the quote from the movie "Use the force Luke" was very fitting too!

 

[usn_skwerl]

Quick question: I'm probably asking too soon, but do they close the outer hatch once the spacewalker(s) goes outside? or do they leave the door open, or "cracked" so the EVA member can get back in quick, if need be? I'm assuming the latter, because it makes more sense, but I haven't seen enough live walks to notice.<br /><br />thanks. <br /><br />edit: watching the crewlock depress, and i must say...space sounds like a vacuum cleaner......how ironic! <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[ckikilwai]

<img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /><br /><br />But I don't know if they will let it open, but I guess so.<br />We will see soon <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />

 

[ckikilwai]

Woohoo, hatch opening! let this challenging EVA start !

 

[bobblebob]

At what time will the array be fully deployed? Assuming everything goes to plan

 

[ckikilwai]

Nobody knows, all depends on how long Scott wil need to repair it

 

[bobblebob]

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/195755main_full_full.jpg<br /><br />One of my favourite Nasa pictures <img src="/images/icons/cool.gif" />

 

[ckikilwai]

"One of my favourite Nasa pictures "<br /><br />I don't now if Scott has his camera with him, but if he has we would have some extra nice pictures of the shuttle docked with the ISS <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[bobblebob]

Seems the solar array wires appear tangled <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" />