STS-122 (1E) Updates

bobblebob · Nov 9, 2007

Why is Atlantis being retired if it still good enough to fly? Running just 2 shuttles for the remainder of the program doesnt leave much margin for error

usn_skwerl · Nov 9, 2007

I'm going to make an educated guess, and say that it might be to shift that saved money towards Constellation. ??? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

3488 · Nov 9, 2007

Hi usn_skwerl, It does make you wonder dosen't it????? Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "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". Linda Morabito on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.http://www.launchphotography.com/ http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearthhttp://web.me.com/meridianijournal </div>

SpaceKiwi · Nov 9, 2007

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />Why is Atlantis being retired if it still good enough to fly? Running just 2 shuttles for the remainder of the program doesnt leave much margin for error.<hr /></blockquote> Atlantis is being retired or decommissioned because it will have reached its next scheduled appointment for a major overhaul. As you are no doubt aware, after every so many flights or approximate hours of service (not sure which) each Orbiter is withdrawn from the flight rotation in order to undergo a period of major inspection and maintenance. Endeavour has just returned to service (+1 flight) from its overhaul. The Orbiter is stripped down to make sure everything is still structurally sound, and the entire vehicle is recertified for flight. As it's Atlantis' turn next, and as it costs a big pile of money to do this with minimal opportunity to fly afterwards, they've decided to stand the vehicle down. No doubt it will be kept available as replacement parts for Discovery and Endeavour. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Who is this superhero? Henry, the mild-mannered janitor ... could be!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bring Back The Black! </div>

Testing · Nov 10, 2007

I believe that is an 18 month overhaul period equivalent to a "D" check squared. But I bet it stays in Active retirement available on need. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

bobblebob · Nov 10, 2007

Thanks, makes sense. Cant believe the shuttle is getting rolled out to the pad already. One shuttle lands and its straight onto the next

usn_skwerl · Nov 10, 2007

wait til the HST servicing mission; from what ive heard, there will be two shuttles on the pads at the same time! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

tadpoletriker · Nov 10, 2007

I think I saw a recent item saying that Atlantis was assigned two more missions and would retire in 2100 in stead of 2008.

subzero788 · Nov 10, 2007

"I think I saw a recent item saying that Atlantis was assigned two more missions and would retire in 2100 in stead of 2008. " I know she's a tough bird but I think 2100 would be pushing it a little! But to be serious, I also remember reading something about Atlantis flying through 2010. EDIT: Found this NSF article http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5221

usn_skwerl · Nov 10, 2007

I'm watching NASA TV now, and theyre taking Atlantis out to the pad.....I'm not crazy in thinking this is a replay, correct? Did they already get it stacked that fast? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

missile_mother · Nov 10, 2007

It is live http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10733&posts=83#M211494

usn_skwerl · Nov 10, 2007

yeah, i just saw the status update..damn, that WAS fast! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

SpaceKiwi · Nov 10, 2007

Fast, but nominal. It takes less than a week to attach the Orbiter to the stack, make all the connections and test them. Remember, it's only a few hours from rollover until the Orbiter is in the vertical and bolted to the side of the ET. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Who is this superhero? Henry, the mild-mannered janitor ... could be!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bring Back The Black! </div>

rybanis · Nov 10, 2007

Also, keep in mind this time there was no trouble with the ET <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> Like Kiwi said, things go fast when there are few problems. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

bobblebob · Nov 10, 2007

Does this flight use the new redesigned ET? Ive lost count now if it does or not

MeteorWayne · Nov 12, 2007

Nov. 9, 2007 George Diller Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-867-2468 george.h.diller@nasa.gov STATUS REPORT: S-110907 NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT Mission: STS-122 - 24th International Space Station Flight - Columbus Module Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104) Location: Vehicle Assembly Building Launch Date: Targeted for Dec. 6, 2007 Launch Pad: 39A Crew: Frick, Poindexter, Schlegel, Eyharts, Love, Melvin and Walheim Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles On Nov. 3, Atlantis rolled from Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building, where it was lifted up and into high bay 3 to be connected to the external fuel tank on the mobile launch platform. Workers spent the week closing out connections between the solid rocket boosters, tank and orbiter, and performing interface tests to verify that all the space shuttle elements are working as a fully integrated launch vehicle. Rollout from the assembly building to Launch Pad 39A is scheduled for 4 a.m. Saturday. The Columbus laboratory module will be installed into the orbiter's payload bay on Sunday. The terminal countdown demonstration test with the STS-122 astronauts is scheduled for Nov. 18. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Nov 17, 2007

Nov. 16, 2007 George Diller Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-867-2468 george.h.diller@nasa.gov STATUS REPORT: S-111607 NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT Mission: STS-122 - 24th International Space Station Flight - Columbus Module Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104) Location: Launch Pad 39A Launch Date: Targeted for Dec. 6, 2007 Crew: Frick, Poindexter, Schlegel, Eyharts, Love, Melvin, Walheim Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles On Nov. 10, the STS-122 shuttle stack rolled from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A, where workers are performing closeout connections and system verification checks. Atlantis' payload, including the Columbus module, was installed in the orbiter cargo bay on Sunday. Hypergolic propellant, which powers the maneuvering systems on both the orbiter and the solid rocket boosters, has been loaded. The astronauts will arrive on Saturday for the three-day terminal countdown demonstration test. This is a countdown dress rehearsal and a training exercise for the flight crew. It will conclude on Nov. 20 with the astronauts on the flight deck of Atlantis. They will be participating in the last three hours of the simulated countdown while working with the launch team located in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center. An issue with one of the helium isolation valves in Atlantis' forward reaction control system was discovered during hypergolic loading on Wednesday. The valve remains open even when it is commanded to shut. Open is the normal flight position during a mission. Technicians will continue to evaluate the issue during the weekend. Space Shuttle Program manager Wayne Hale told media during a news conference Friday that engineers will either be able to fix the problem or rely on the syste <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

bobblebob · Nov 18, 2007

Damn it, i missed all the STS122 briefing's this weekend. Been out alot and totally forgot <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" />

thereiwas · Nov 20, 2007

We just watched the crew press conference from KSC; the one where they are standing outside. My wife and I were struck instantly with the differences from Pam Melroy's happy crew. A bunch of empty suits. No joy, no teamwork. They couldn't remember each others names for the introductions! Somebody please tell me they were joking. No spirit of improvisation. We'll let them train us for what we have to do, one of them said, when asked about SARJ repairs.

erioladastra · Nov 20, 2007

"No spirit of improvisation. We'll let them train us for what we have to do, one of them said, when asked about SARJ repairs." I did not see the PB but I can assure you this team is very integrated, has great team work and one of the funnier crews I have known. They may hev just been very, very tired. I dunno.

thereiwas · Nov 20, 2007

Being tired could explain what I saw. They were almost punchy. PAO should be more considerate.

MeteorWayne · Nov 25, 2007

Nov. 21, 2007 John Yembrick Headquarters, Washington 202-358-0602 john.yembrick-1@nasa.gov Candrea Thomas Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-867-2468 candrea.k.thomas@nasa.gov NASA ANNOUNCES NEWS CONFERENCE ON STATUS OF NEXT SHUTTLE LAUNCH CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA managers have scheduled a news conference at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., no earlier than 4 p.m. EST, Friday, Nov. 30, to discuss the status of the upcoming space shuttle mission. The news conference will follow the Flight Readiness Review, which is chaired by NASA's Associate Administrator for Space Operations. The Space Shuttle Program completed its review for Atlantis' STS-122 mission on Nov. 13, and the International Space Station Program will hold its readiness review Nov. 27. The Nov. 30 readiness review is expected to include the selection of an official launch date for the assembly mission that will deliver the European Space Agency Columbus Laboratory to the space station. The current targeted launch time is 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Briefing participants are: - Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier - Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale - International Space Station Program Manager Mike Suffredini - STS-122 Launch Director Doug Lyons The briefing will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's Web site. Media may ask questions from participating NASA locations. Reporters 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-122 crew and mission information, visit: <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Nov 25, 2007

Nov. 21, 2007 Candrea Thomas Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-867-2468 candrea.k.thomas@nasa.gov STATUS REPORT: S-112107 NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT Mission: STS-122 - 24th International Space Station Flight - Columbus Module Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104) Location: Launch Pad 39A Launch Date: Targeted for Dec. 6, 2007 Crew: Frick, Poindexter, Schlegel, Eyharts, Love, Melvin, Walheim Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles Last weekend, engineers and technicians successfully resolved an issue with a stuck valve in Atlantis' forward reaction control system, isolating the problem to a broken ground lug in the helium isolation valve circuit. Repairs were made and the valve is now functioning normally. Throughout the week, workers continued to validate shuttle/pad connections, and orbiter aft closeout work begins Nov. 28. Because no major issues are being worked and processing has been going well, teams will have Thanksgiving Day through Sunday off. On Saturday, Nov. 17, the STS-122 crew arrived at Kennedy Space Center for the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which included a countdown dress rehearsal and a training exercise. The crew returned to NASA's Johnson Space Center Tuesday following the TCDT's successful conclusion. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Nov 29, 2007

Bump for tomorrows News Conference. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Nov 30, 2007

Sorry, one more bump as we get closer... CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA managers have scheduled a news conference at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., no earlier than 4 p.m. EST, Friday, Nov. 30, to discuss the status of the upcoming space shuttle mission. The news conference will follow the Flight Readiness Review, which is chaired by NASA's Associate Administrator for Space Operations. The Space Shuttle Program completed its review for Atlantis' STS-122 mission on Nov. 13, and the International Space Station Program will hold its readiness review Nov. 27. The Nov. 30 readiness review is expected to include the selection of an official launch date for the assembly mission that will deliver the European Space Agency Columbus Laboratory to the space station. The current targeted launch time is 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Briefing participants are: - Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier - Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale - International Space Station Program Manager Mike Suffredini - STS-122 Launch Director Doug Lyons The briefing will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's Web site. Media may ask questions from participating NASA locations. Reporters should contact their preferred NASA center to confirm its participation. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

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