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

[3488]

This is just fantastic stuff.<br /><br />I am bemused by one thing though. I take it that Harmony is not actually in<br />intts final location on the ISS? Does that mean, it will have to be unattached & re attached <br />elsewhere on the ISS during a future STS mission? <br /><br />Or have I got that wrong (more likely explanation)??<br /><br />I agree MeteorWayne, if there is nothing to report, why hold a Press Conference.<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>

 

[bobblebob]

The ISS crew will move harmony into its permanent psoition once the shuttle has undocked:<br /><br />November 6, Tuesday<br />1 a.m. - ISS Expedition 16 PMA-2 Relocation from Destiny to Harmony - JSC (Public and Media Channels)<br /><br />November 7, Wednesday<br />11:30 p.m. - ISS Expedition 16 Harmony/PMA-2 Relocation from Unity to Destiny - JSC (Public and Media Channels)<br />

 

[MeteorWayne]

From what I understand, the relocation of Harmony will occur after the orbiter leaves.<br /><br />I could easily be wrong. <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>

 

[3488]

Thanks bobblebob & MeteorWane.<br /><br />It just did not make sense initially. The ISS robotic arm is obviously strong enough to move it.<br /><br />I assume that Discovery is too large to have enabled Harmony to be placed in the<br />final configuration.<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>

 

[bobw]

The docking port (pressurized mating adapter, I think) where the orbiter is docked to the station now comes off. It gets moved to the end of Harmony, and then Harmony with the PMA go back where the PMA is now. The ISS ends up being longer with the same docking port at the end. The orbiter must be undocked to do it. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[3488]

Thanks for your answer bobw.<br /><br />I really am an ignoramus on this. <img src="/images/icons/crazy.gif" /><br /><br />Cheers.<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>

 

[bobw]

If getting confused about what is going on up there is ignorant then color me ignoramus too <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />First we heard the SARJ joint was vibrating, then the news conference says it is current spikes in the drive. The loose cover was a MMOD shield then it was a window cover that they will open and then close again tomorrow (Edit: oops... Sunday, next spacewalk). Why's that? I've usually got more questions than answers. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[bobw]

Does anybody know if the wiring for the station to shuttle power transfer system is built into Harmony or do they have to string new cables in there to get it to work again? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[usn_skwerl]

no, thats correct. they would have to undock the shuttle, move, redock it elsewhere, move destiny, etc <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[bobblebob]

The main difference with building the ISS is that this is a living space during construction. Its not like they can build everything then go live/work in it. They have to do both at the same time. So things like solar arrays have to be operational, but inevitably will get in the way and need moving as the space station expands.<br /><br />The friction on the SARJ is visible even with the backup motor running, so it doesnt appear to be a technical issue as such

 

[3488]

Thanks shuttle_guy.<br /><br />This is most interesting. Looks like things are going really well. Good news about the<br />heat shield on Discovery. Looks unblemished.<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>

 

[bobw]

<font color="yellow">... (Node 2) was modified on the ground before launch.</font><br /><br />Thanks shuttle_guy. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[erioladastra]

"Hormony (Node 2) was modified on the ground before launch. "<br /><br />But the cables will have to be reconnected between the PMA and Node 2 prior to it's next use.

 

[erioladastra]

"then leave it or it can fall apart. "<br /><br />Based on what?<br /><br />"but I am TOTALLY sure that there was a way to build this step by step"<br /><br />And that would be...?<br /><br />"That sort of thing just makes me want to bang my desk!!!! "<br /><br />Yes, these posts do that - I know how you feel.

 

[erioladastra]

"First we heard the SARJ joint was vibrating, then the news conference says it is current spikes in the drive"<br /><br />Who said the two were mutually exclusive?? We can see the SARJ vibrating and we are also seeing higher current then normal (implies there is extra friction) that occassionaly spikes.

 

[bobw]

Thanks erioladastra. I know I am often confused. When the panelist (sorry, can't remember name) said it might be from the insulation snagging on some bolts or clips that were backed out on installation, that made it sound to me more like a rub than a shake. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[bobblebob]

Is the SARJ always operating, or do they turn it off and park the arrays when they have suffient power to the station?

 

[SpaceKiwi]

Just speaking hypothetically, what would have been the constaint on flying Cupola on this mission? As I understand it, that module may not fly before the end of the Shuttle program, and there did appear to be a mile of room in the payload bay this time.<br /><br />I assume it's a combination of weight issues, temp-stow-on-station issues, too-many-tasks-already-on-this-mission issues? It would be a great shame to have built this extra kit and not get it deployed on station though. I hope there will be a chance to shoe-horn Cupola onto a shuttle flight before the end of 2010.<br /><br /> <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>

 

[bobblebob]

BBC news reporting on Harmony, and getting it wrong as usual.<br /><br />Firstly they talk about a 6 hour spacewalk to attach it, even tho not all the spacewalk was devoted to Harmony. Secondly they say 5 EVA's will be needed to attach it, which is wrong. And lastly they call Harmony a "unit of the ISS". Never heard it called that before

 

[earth_bound_misfit]

"It would be a great shame to have built this extra kit and not get it deployed on station though."<br /><br />I agree. If I was an ISS crew, I reckon I would be spending most of my spare time in there taking in the sights! <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>

 

[usn_skwerl]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>"redock it elsewhere, move destiny, etc " <br /><br />Destiny does not get moved.<p><hr /></p></p></blockquote><br /><br />Yep, my mistake, it was a hasty post, as I was watching the highlights of the beginning of the EVA on TV, and didnt wanna miss anything. (I woke up today well after the EVA started. <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[brellis]

Question about the new configuration: is there additional risk of damage to the panels? June 2007 space.com article on debris shields. <br /><br />I assume the shields are in front as ISS zips around earth. True? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#ff0000"><em><strong>I'm a recovering optimist - things could be better.</strong></em></font> </p> </div>

 

[Testing]

No more than current. The shields mentioned are only for pressurized skin. The panels are on thier own in harms way. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[bobblebob]

So what will happen to Cupula, as hasnt it been built and handed over to Nasa?

 

[holmec]

In relocating Haromy to the end of Destiny, do they first relocate the PMA onto Harmony and then connect Harmony & PMA to Destiny? Or do they put the PMA on after?<br /><br />(PMA - Pressurized Mating Adapter) <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#0000ff"><em>"SCE to AUX" - John Aaron, curiosity pays off</em></font></p> </div>