STS-121: Launch target May, 2006 - Griffin

[shuttle_rtf]

Griffin with some great comments.<br /><br />STS-121 - Target May<br /><br />PAL Ramp on STS-114 was an "Engineering Mistake" - pointing at previous repair on ET-121. And that they now understand why etc.<br /><br />STS Program confirmed to 2010.<br /><br />CEV will complete outstanding construction work on the ISS - if the money is there to do so.<br /><br />Done a story on it...but it's basically what it says above. Quotes from tomorrow's Washington Post.<br /><br />http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?id=3724<br /><br />

 

[kane007]

Great, one flight a year.

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Expect all three Orbiters to be on a mission next year.

 

[flynn]

Hand on heart can you see all three orbiters launching next year?<br /><br />personally I'd like to see them bridge the gap to CEV but can only see it being very limited. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#800080">"All God does is watch us and kill us when we get boring. We must never, ever be boring" - <strong>Chuck Palahniuk</strong>.</font> </div>

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Well yes. Discovery gets STS-121 - Atlantis in support as STS-301 (thus ready for the next launch) and as per SG info on OV-105, Endeavour's due for rollover from the OPF to VAB on the 8th of September, 2006. So it's not really a hand on heart guess, it's based on info.<br /><br />I think we're all suffering from a lack of launches, but they can launch many times a year when they're back in the flow of things.

 

[flynn]

I feel bad because I want them all to launch but I do smell a wager.<br /><br />A pint perhaps? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#800080">"All God does is watch us and kill us when we get boring. We must never, ever be boring" - <strong>Chuck Palahniuk</strong>.</font> </div>

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Sounds like a fair bet, sir <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />You're on.

 

[flynn]

*psst* Don't tell anyone but I bet on the Aussies for the ashes. [idiot] <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#800080">"All God does is watch us and kill us when we get boring. We must never, ever be boring" - <strong>Chuck Palahniuk</strong>.</font> </div>

 

[nyarlathotep]

<font color="yellow">Hand on heart can you see all three orbiters launching next year? </font><br /><br />Does a firey failed launch count?

 

[flynn]

I may not be very positive on the launchers missions getting the go ahead, but I'd at least like to think positive about that. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#800080">"All God does is watch us and kill us when we get boring. We must never, ever be boring" - <strong>Chuck Palahniuk</strong>.</font> </div>

 

[shuttle_rtf]

>Does a firey failed launch count?<<br /><br />I really hope that doesn't mean what I think it means!

 

[henryhallam]

Did you get your 10 bucks from Grooble?

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Make him walk round London dressed as an Orbiter for a day, that should be the fine <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />

 

[tmccort]

<br />Shuttle_RTF, I have a question.<br /><br />If we lose another Shuttle, would that be enough for you to doubt the Shuttle program?<br /><br />Of course if another one is lost it would be the end of the program anyway, but still I ask.<br /><br />

 

[shuttle_rtf]

>If we lose another Shuttle, would that be enough for you to doubt the Shuttle program? <<br /><br />While you are right, it'd end the program, imho - you can't take away everything the STS has achieved. In fact - heaven's forbid we lose another one - it would show what an amazing job they've managed to carry out over 100 times previously.<br /><br />As far as actually losing another one. I really think it's very unlikely - despite it never been sure-fire safe. If anything, I think they are being over-cautious as it is right now (ET debris). <br /><br />Also, add in the learning curve that's come with the STS program. There's 1001 lessons learned in manned flight saftey because of the Shuttle. It deserves a respected place in history....and there's more to come yet.

 

[tmccort]

<font color="yellow">It has accomplished a great deal.</font><br /><br />In your opinion what would be the greatest accomplishments of the Shuttle?

 

[tmccort]

<br />If another one is lost it probably won't be because of ET debris but something completly different.

 

[tmccort]

<br />NASAWatch says that the decision to terminate the Shuttle program is under discussion at the White House.

 

[flynn]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>As far as actually losing another one. I really think it's very unlikely - despite it never been sure-fire safe. If anything, I think they are being over-cautious as it is right now (ET debris). <p><hr /></p></p></blockquote><br /><br /><br />It is the over cautious nature that puts the launch schedule into doubt for me. I feel 1 problem no matter how small could cause delays that put 3 launches is '06 at jepardy.<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#800080">"All God does is watch us and kill us when we get boring. We must never, ever be boring" - <strong>Chuck Palahniuk</strong>.</font> </div>

 

[flynn]

Okay, your on. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#800080">"All God does is watch us and kill us when we get boring. We must never, ever be boring" - <strong>Chuck Palahniuk</strong>.</font> </div>

 

[shuttle_rtf]

>NASAWatch says that the decision to terminate the Shuttle program is under discussion at the White House.<<br /><br />Already dismissed. It was a question asked, and answered. That is all. <br /><br />I know stuff like this is a wet dream for Shuttle Bashers, but really.

 

[tmccort]

<br />Dismissed by who?

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Thanks, was waiting for their full report. Guy "best sounding voice in Shuttle Media" Gugliotta at the Post kindly throws out notes before the article.

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Wayne Hale - Director of the Shuttle Program.

 

[shuttle_rtf]

>It is the over cautious nature that puts the launch schedule into doubt for me. I feel 1 problem no matter how small could cause delays that put 3 launches is '06 at jepardy. <<br /><br />Well the PAL Ramp was serious.<br /><br />I don't think something like the Gap Fillers would have seen a suspension of flights.