STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion ( NET Mid Dec)

[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

spaceflightnow.com : STS-133 Countdown Timeline

Compiled by William Harwood

Updated: October 13, 2010

The launch window is roughly 10 minutes long. To maximize ascent performance, NASA targets the middle of the window. A final hold in the countdown at the T-minus nine-minute mark will be extended as required to hit the desired launch time.

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[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

http://www.spaceflightnow.com : Discovery's crew takes tank for a spin

SPACEFLIGHT NOW

Posted: October 13, 2010

Space shuttle Discovery's astronauts Wednesday took turns test-driving an armored tank around Complex 39 as part of their emergency training exercises in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.

The tank would be used by the crew to escape the pad 39A bunker in a dire scenario during the space shuttle countdown. Wednesday's opportunity to familiarize themselves with the vehicle occurred in the fields adjacent to the launch site.

Photo credit: NASA

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[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIhAmMyn1Ho[/youtube]

NASAtelevision | October 14, 2010

The six-member crew of the next space shuttle mission spoke with reporters on Oct. 14 at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The astronauts for shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission are at Kennedy to participate in a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, and related training. The test provides an opportunity for the crew and ground teams to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency escape training.

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[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

The Crew of STS-133 Sign the Space Shuttle Program Memorial Wall :

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYEtDUEtBZc[/youtube]

NASAKennedy | October 15, 2010

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibknG2P3QA[/youtube]

NASAtelevision | October 15, 2010

An overview of the next space shuttle mission to the International Space Station. STS-133 will carry and install the Permanent Multipurpose Module, critical spare components for the station and deliver R2, the first human-like robot, who'll become a permanent space station resident. Discovery's commander is Steve Lindsey: Eric Boe is pilot. Rounding out the crew are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Michael Barratt, Tim Kopra and Nicole Stott.

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com : STS-133: TCDT completed – Engineers troubleshooting leaky flight cap

October 15th, 2010

by Chris Bergin

Another milestone was passed on Friday, after Discovery, along with her astronauts and controllers, successfully completed the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). With the dress rehearsal completed, engineers are pushing forward with troubleshooting on a Air Half Coupling (AHC) flight cap, a Quick Disconnect (QD) which is leaking small amounts of hypergolic vapors.

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(Lead Photograph: Larry Sullivan, NASASpaceflight.com and MaxQ Entertainment. Graphics and other photos via L2)

http://www.universetoday.com : STS-133 Crew Conducts TCDT Training

Oct 15th, 2010

by Jason Rhian


The crew of STS-133 discusses their perspectives on the final flight of space shuttle Discovery with the media. Photo Credit: Universe Today/awaltersphoto.com

The crew for the last mission for space shuttle Discovery spent the week at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center conducting the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test or as it is more commonly know – TCDT. The crew arrived Tuesday, Oct. 12 and immediately set to work. This week of training is the last major milestone on the path to launch, currently scheduled to take place on Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

TCDT consists of is training that simulates the final hours up until launch. This provides training for both the crew and the launch team. The launch team practices launch day timelines as well other, crucial flight-day procedures. The crew on the other hand went through a number of exercises that included:

• Rescue training – The astronauts will run through several simulations where they practice what to do in the event of an emergency. The crew will be instructed on how to use the emergency baskets that will allow them to escape the launch pad in case there is a fire. They will also learn how to operate the tank-like M113 personnel carrier and other emergency equipment.
• The commander in pilot will perform abort landings and other flight aspects in the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA). The plane is a Grumman Gulfstream II and it duplicates the shuttle’s approach profile and many of the orbiter’s handling qualities.
• Conduct a launch day simulation that includes everything that will happen on launch day – except the launch. The crew walked out in their bright orange launch and entry suits. TCDT also includes a simulated abort so that the crew is well-versed as to what do to in case of that scenario.

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SDC : Last Crew of Space Shuttle Discovery Practices Launch Escape

By Denise Chow
SPACE.com Staff Writer
posted: 15 October 2010
03:29 pm ET



The last crew of the space shuttle Discovery staged a full dress rehearsal today (Oct. 15) for the spacecraft's final voyage, capping the launch practice with an emergency escape drill NASA hopes never to use.

The six astronauts slated to launch on Discovery's final mission Nov. 1 arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Cape Canaveral, Fla., earlier this week to participate in training exercises, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.

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[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

STS-133 Discovery astronauts take part in countdown dress rehearsal :

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyCNW2qLFYs[/youtube]

spacearium | October 16, 2010

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLxQW-ELDX0[/youtube]

spacearium | October 16, 2010

STS-133 - Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test Crew Q & A Session at Launch Pad 39A :

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIiIAjzvUfI[/youtube]

spacearium | October 16, 2010

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cWufy31rII[/youtube]

spacearium | October 16, 2010

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

http://www.spaceflightnow.com : Crew completes countdown dress rehearsal (Photo gallery)

BY JUSTIN RAY

Posted: October 15, 2010

Shuttle Discovery's six veteran astronauts suited up and climbed aboard the spacecraft at launch pad 39A for a countdown dress rehearsal Friday. The test culminated with a simulated shutdown of the main engines at T-minus 4 seconds to practice emergency procedures.

Astronauts depart crew quarters for launch pad. Photo credit: NASA

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Launch pad 39A. Photo credit: NASA

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Nicole Stott and Mike Barratt strapped into their seats. Photo credit: NASA

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Countdown stops at T-minus 4 seconds. Photo credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

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These baskets would take crew to pad bunker. Photo credit: NASA

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[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

www.cbsnews.com : Engineers troubleshoot propellant leak aboard shuttle Discovery

10/18/2010 12:22 PM

By WILLIAM HARWOOD
CBS News

The shuttle Discovery's right-side orbital maneuvering system rocket pod during post-servicing installation in July. (Photo: NASA)


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla.--Engineers are troubleshooting a small fuel leak aboard the shuttle Discovery that will require them to interrupt launch processing and drain toxic propellants from the ship's aft rocket pods before beginning repair work later this week.

The operation will close launch pad 39A for normal operations for two to three days, but NASA officials say enough contingency time remains in the processing schedule to complete the work in time for launch Nov. 1 as planned if no major problems are encountered.

The trouble involves seepage of toxic monomethyl hydrazine, or MMH, fuel at a crossfeed flange in the propellant plumbing of the shuttle's right-side orbital maneuvering system rocket pod. The shuttle is equipped with two such rocket pods, one on either side of the ship's vertical tail fin, that burn monomethyl hydrazine with an oxidizer, nitrogen tetroxide, to carry out maneuvers in orbit.

After testing over the weekend, engineers were able to trace the leak to a specific area of a large flange where two sections of propellant line come together. But it is not yet clear whether the seepage involves a seal in the flange or the flange itself.

The right-side OMS pod was removed after Discovery's most recent flight in April to repair a helium isolation valve in another part of the system. After the pod was re-installed in July, leak checks were normal and no obvious loss of pressure has been noted. But insulation around the flange was found to be damp with MMH over the weekend.

Because the propellants are extremely toxic, repairs cannot begin until the OMS pod tanks are emptied and the propellant lines drained. The going-in plan is to drain the tanks and lines Wednesday and then to replace the seal.

With Discovery in the vertical orientation at the launch pad, removing residual propellant from the lines is expected to be difficult. Even so, engineers believe they can replace the seal and reload the system in time to make the current launch date. Replacing the flange itself at the pad would be much more difficult, engineers say, requiring lines to be cut and welded.

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[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com : STS-133: Discovery to undergo unique leak repair to avoid rollback

October 18th, 2010

by Chris Bergin

Discovery’s IPR-47 (Interim Problem Report) has become a potential schedule concern, after the replacement of a flight cap failed to stop a vapor leak in the orbiter’s aft. The leak is now believed to be in the crossfeed flange area, with the forward plan requiring the draining of the left and right Orbiter Maneuvering System (OMS) tanks and a unique in-situ repair at the pad. If repairs fail, rollback to the VAB is a threat.

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[MeteorWayne]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

NASA Schedules News Conference About Next Space Shuttle Launch CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA managers will hold a news conference on Monday, Oct. 25, at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to discuss the status of the next space shuttle launch. The briefing will begin after the Flight Readiness Review, a meeting to assess preparations for shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.

Live status updates, including the start time for the news conference, will be provided during the meeting via the NASA News Twitter feed. To access the feed, go to the nasa.gov homepage or visit:

http://www.twitter.com/nasa

NASA expects to announce an official launch date at the conclusion of the review. Discovery and six NASA astronauts are targeted to lift off at 4:40 p.m. EDT on Monday, Nov. 1.

The briefing participants are:
-- Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations
-- Mike Moses, Space Shuttle Program launch integration manager
-- Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director

NASA Television and the agency's website will broadcast the briefing live. Reporters may ask questions from participating NASA locations, and should contact their preferred NASA center to confirm participation. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For STS-133 crew and mission information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

 

[shuttle_guy]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

[edule concern, after the replacement of a flight cap failed to stop a vapor leak in the orbiter’s aft. The leak is now believed to be in the crossfeed flange area, with the forward plan requiring the draining of the left and right Orbiter Maneuvering System (OMS) tanks and a unique in-situ repair at the pad. If repairs fail, rollback to the VAB is a threat.[/quote]
...[/quote]


The QD /cap was not the source of the leak. The leak is actually at a flange on the line. The techs verified that the flange bolts were not loose however the dripping of fuel did stop probably because the line had warmed up. Tomorrow the team will pressurize the line to flight pressure to do a leak check. If the leak starts again then we will have to drain both OMS fuel tanks, purge the line and change the seals. This is estimated to take at least 6 days. That means the launch would slip to a few days in December or to the next available launch period in Feb. That would move the STS-134 launch to about April.

 

[trailrider]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

Better to find it now than on orbit! Although the launch window in pretty narrow, let's hope nobody gets "Go!" fever and rushes this. I really don't think they will at this juncture!

Ad LEO! AD LUNA! Ad Ares! Ad Astra!

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

http://www.nasa.gov : Discovery Crews to Replace Propellant Line Seals

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 20:52:45 GMT

Space shuttle engineers met today to discuss options for a fuel line, which had been leaking, for shuttle Discovery's orbital maneuvering system engines. Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will begin pumping out propellants already inside the tanks and will replace the primary and secondary seals at a flange located at the interface where two propellant lines meet in the shuttle’s aft compartment.

The leak stopped last night when technicians tested six bolts around the suspect flange. Replacing the seals allows NASA managers to have the highest confidence in the system and will allow the seals and flange to be inspected. Preparations to drain the tanks and crossfeed line will begin tonight. Work to replace the seals and reload propellants into the orbital maneuvering and reaction control systems should be completed on Oct. 25 and still is expected to support Discovery's targeted Nov. 1 launch date.

Image above: The connecting point in a fuel line, which had been leaking, for space shuttle Discovery’s right-side orbiter maneuvering system engine. Two seals will be replaced in the flange. Photo credit: NASA/KSC

› Aft Fuel System
› Doghouse Door Location

During space shuttle Discovery's final spaceflight, the STS-133 crew members will take important spare parts to the International Space Station along with the Express Logistics Carrier-4. Discovery has been moved to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-133 is slated to launch Nov. 1.

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www.spaceflightnow.com : NASA managers order seal replacement inside Discovery

BY WILLIAM HARWOOD
STORY WRITTEN FOR CBS NEWS "SPACE PLACE" & USED WITH PERMISSION
Posted: October 19, 2010

Uncomfortable with an on-again, off-again leak in the plumbing used by the shuttle Discovery's maneuvering rockets, NASA managers Tuesday ordered engineers to forego additional testing and to press ahead instead with work to replace internal seals in a fuel line fitting.

Because the propellants are toxic, engineers will have to close launch pad 39A for normal work before draining the shuttle's orbital maneuvering system tanks and lines. After replacing seals in the fuel line flange where a small leak was observed over the weekend, the tanks will be refilled and additional tests will be carried out to make sure the fitting is tight and able to withstand the vibrations and pressures of launch.

Discovery's liftoff on a space station resupply mission is targeted for Nov. 1. The repair work is expected to take seven days to complete, but with four days of contingency time left in the shuttle's processing schedule, NASA managers believe the seals can be replaced in parallel with other work without impacting launch. If more invasive repairs are required, launch almost certainly would be delayed.

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The flange features two internal seals and it is possible the increased pressure helped seat one or both. Engineers developed a plan to pump helium into a test port Tuesday to pressurize the volume between the primary and secondary seals to look for any signs of additional leakage. Troubleshooters also considered pressurizing the line to flight levels of around 250 pounds per square inch to make sure the seals are properly seated and secure.

But given the toxic nature of MMH and the lack of a clear explanation for what started and stopped the leak, shuttle integration manager Mike Moses decided late Tuesday to replace the seals to make sure the problem is resolved. The replacement work was expected to get underway Wednesday.

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[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so5i_t3bGIs[/youtube]

NASAtelevision | October 19, 2010

A profile of the six members of the STS-133 crew that'll fly space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Discovery's commander is Steve Lindsey: Eric Boe is pilot. Rounding out the crew are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Mike Barratt, Tim Kopra and Nicole Stott. All have prior spaceflight experience. STS-133 will carry and install the Permanent Multipurpose Module, critical spare components for the station and deliver R2, the first human-like robot, who'll become a permanent space station resident.

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU6lE7pAXIo[/youtube]

NASAtelevision | October 21, 2010

Space Shuttle Program managers in Houston discuss the final two missions to the International Space Station before the space shuttle is retired. The next mission, STS-133, is targeted to begin Nov. 1; it'll be the final flight of space shuttle Discovery. The last shuttle mission, STS-134, is slated to lift off on Feb. 27.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWaTzPt3M6w[/youtube]

NASAtelevision | October 21, 2010

Discovery will deliver to the International Space Station the Permanent Multipurpose Module. The PMM will provide additional space for storage and experiments, such as fluid physics, materials science, biology and biotechnology. Discovery also will carry critical spare components and an external platform for large equipment. that can only be transported using the unique capability of the shuttle. Robonaut 2, or R2, will be the first human-like robot in space when it flies on Discovery for its permanent residency aboard the ISS.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c94TgAJuUEE[/youtube]

NASAtelevision | October 21, 2010

Mission managers discuss space shuttle Discovery's coming delivery to the station of Robonaut 2, or R2, on STS-133. It'll be the first human-like robot in space when it flies on STS-133 on Nov. 1 to become a permanent resident of the International Space Station.

STS 133 Crew News Conference :
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzFFs3D9Tao[/youtube]

NASAtelevision | October 21, 2010

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

Almost missed this one :

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSpSushTDVw[/youtube]

NASAtelevision | October 21, 2010

The STS-133 mission will feature two spacewalks to do maintenance work and install new components outside the International Space Station. Space shuttle Discovery and it six-member crew is targeted to launch on Nov.

 

[tgeairn]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

1737 GMT (1:37 p.m. EDT)
Today's Flight Readiness Review has concluded with a unanimous "go" for launch of Discovery next Monday at 4:40 p.m. EDT. Senior managers reviewed the readiness of the space shuttle and International Space Station for the mission to deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module and another spare parts pallet.

A news conference with NASA officials is expected at 4 p.m. EDT today.

 

[MeteorWayne]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

Second half of FRR day 2 underway; news conference on NASA TV tentatively scheduled for 4 PM EDT (2000 UTC).

Leak repair was successful; no other significant issues so far.

There could be 4 launch attempts before the close of the window on Nov 7.

MW

 

[MeteorWayne]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, ~4:40 PM EST)

NASA Sets Launch Date For Space Shuttle Discovery Mission CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to begin an 11-day mission to the International Space Station with a launch at 4:40 p.m. EDT on Monday, Nov. 1, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STS-133 mission is Discovery's final scheduled flight.

Discovery's launch date was announced Monday at the conclusion of a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle and station's equipment, support systems and personnel are ready.

The six astronauts for the mission will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) to the station. The PMM was converted from the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo and will provide additional storage for the station crew. Experiments in such fields as fluid physics, materials science, biology and biotechnology may be conducted inside the module. The PMM also carries Robonaut 2, the first human-like robot in space, which will become a permanent resident of the station. In addition, the flight will deliver critical spare parts and the Express Logistics Carrier 4, an external platform that holds large equipment.

STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy on Thursday, Oct. 28, for final launch preparations. Joining Lindsey are Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Tim Kopra, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. Drew and Kopra will conduct two spacewalks to install new components and do some maintenance work.

STS-133 is the fourth and final shuttle mission planned for 2010. It is Discovery's 39th flight and 35th shuttle mission to the station.

For more information about the STS-133 mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

For more information about the space station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)

http://www.nasa.gov : Spacewalking Suits Loaded on Discovery

Wed, 27 Oct 2010

Workers packed the special suits aboard Discovery at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of the continuing preparations for Monday's liftoff. The spacewalking suits are the familiar white versions that carry an astronaut’s power and life support systems. In that sense, each spacesuit is basically a small spacecraft for an astronaut outside the safety of the shuttle or the International Space Station. Mission Specialists Alvin Drew and Tim Kopra will don the suits for two spacewalks on the outside of the station. Spacewalking suits are considerably stronger than the orange partial pressure suits the whole crew wears for launch and landing.

Technicians also are continuing closeout work today on Discovery's aft compartment and preparations are under way to pressurize the main propulsion systems.

The STS-133 crew meets with its lead flight directors today at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and will conduct a conference with the Expedition 25 crew on board the space station. Discovery's six-person crew will fly to Kennedy on Thursday afternoon for the countdown and launch Monday at 4:40 pm. EDT.‪

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http://www.physorg.com : Experiment to test virulence of nasty bacteria in microgravity

October 27, 2010

NASA's space shuttle Discovery will make its swan song flight Nov. 1 carrying two University of Colorado at Boulder-built biomedical payload devices, including one to help scientists better understand changes in the virulence of nasty bacteria in the low gravity of space as a way to help researchers prevent or control infectious diseases.

The experiments will be carried aboard Discovery in sets of specially designed fluid-processing cylinders known as GAPs, said Louis Stodieck, director of BioServe Space Technologies in the aerospace engineering sciences department. The bacteria experiment will target how microgravity affects the growth of bacteria, in this case Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, also known as MRSA.

The GAPs will ride inside BioServe's Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus, an automated, suitcase-sized device developed at CU-Boulder that has been launched on more than 20 NASA space shuttle missions, with two of the CGBA devices now on the International Space Station. BioServe is providing the hardware, integration and operations support for all Discovery GAP experiments.

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http://www.colorado.edu : BioServe Space Flight Services and Hardware
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Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA)

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Group Activation Pack (GAP)

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[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDZklipxzpE[/youtube]

NASAtelevision | October 26, 2010

Before every shuttle launch, the astronauts train with their ascent team in Mission Control Houston. In this episode of NASA Behind the Scenes, astronaut Mike Massimino introduces you to some of the STS-133 Mission Control team members as well as the people who work in the back rooms. Also, sit in the "front room" as shuttle Discovery runs through a simulated launch.

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toLKippl_fU[/youtube]

NASAtelevision | October 28, 2010

The six astronauts for the next space shuttle mission arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Oct. 28 for prelaunch preparations. Space shuttle Discovery's crew members are Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Tim Kopra, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. During its 11-day mission, Discovery's crew will deliver and install the Permanent Multipurpose Module, the Express Logistics Carrier 4, an external platform that holds large equipment, and critical spare components for the station. They'll also deliver Robonaut 2, or R2, to become a permanent resident of the station as the first human-like robot in space. Liftoff of Discovery's last scheduled flight is set for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT

edit: re-uploaded video :

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3WYViq7CjI[/youtube]

NASAtelevision | October 29, 2010

The six astronauts for the next space shuttle mission arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Oct. 28 for prelaunch preparations. Space shuttle Discovery's crew members are Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Tim Kopra, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. During its 11-day mission, Discovery's crew will deliver and install the Permanent Multipurpose Module, the Express Logistics Carrier 4, an external platform that holds large equipment, and critical spare components for the station. They'll also deliver Robonaut 2, or R2, to become a permanent resident of the station as the first human-like robot in space.

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)

http://www.spaceflightnow.com : Nitrogen, helium leaks encountered on Discovery

BY WILLIAM HARWOOD
STORY WRITTEN FOR CBS NEWS "SPACE PLACE" & USED WITH PERMISSION
Posted: October 29, 2010

Engineers are troubleshooting two leaks, one helium and one nitrogen, in the plumbing of the shuttle Discovery's right-side orbital maneuvering system rocket pod.

Discovery's countdown to launch on a space station resupply mission is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. today. Liftoff on the shuttle's 39th and final mission is targeted for 4:40:27 p.m. EDT (2040:27 GMT) Monday. The current launch window extends through Nov. 7.

It is not yet known what impact, if any, the two leaks might have on the countdown or launch. An engineering report said both are "under review" and engineers are meeting this morning to discuss repair options.

"This is not a huge deal, but we just have no cushion in the schedule," said a NASA official.

Two interim problem reports, or IPRs, were written up overnight, one because of a gaseous nitrogen leak at a quick disconnect fitting and another in the helium pressurization system that is used to push propellants into the OMS pod engines.

The first problem showed up during a gaseous nitrogen fill valve leak check and the second issue was discovered after the helium system was pressurized for launch. An inspection revealed an internal O-ring in a ground-system helium coupling was partially stuck inside its shuttle counterpart. That fitting apparently will have to be replaced.

The right-side OMS pod was re-installed in July after work to fix a helium isolation valve that had problems during Discovery's most recent mission in April. A leak in a fuel crossfeed line associated with the right OMS pod was repaired last weekend when two internal seals were replaced.

It is not yet known whether the helium and nitrogen leaks could be related to last weekend's repair work or the rocket pod's removal and reinstallation. This status report will be updated after a countdown status briefing at 10 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT).

NASA :

NASA has delayed space shuttle Discovery's launch countdown by a day to repair air leaks in the right hand Orbital Maneuvering System Pod.

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Space shuttle Discovery's launch will occur no sooner than Tuesday. NASA will hold a 10 a.m. EDT news conference at http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)

www.nasa.gov : Launch Team Evaluating Discovery Leaks

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:58:54 GMT

Managers, engineers and technicians are evaluating helium and nitrogen leaks in the pressurization portion of space shuttle Discovery’s right-hand Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod.

The leaks must be fixed before launch and the decision was made to delay picking up the launch countdown by at least a day. The countdown, which had been scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. EDT today, would begin at 2 p.m. Saturday. The next possible launch opportunity would be Tuesday, Nov. 2, at 4:17 p.m.

These leaking helium and nitrogen seals are unrelated to the fuel leak that was repaired last week, also related to Discovery’s right OMS pod.

NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding will provide details at a 10 a.m. Precountdown Status Briefing on NASA Television.