Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
Updated :
spaceflightnow.com : STS-133 Countdown Timeline
Updated :
spaceflightnow.com : STS-133 Countdown Timeline
...
- Status
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_zW1iCNEWo[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5eJYwktSmE[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMFlSAlBDRc[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjTl8BPk7NQ[/youtube]
SDC : Space Shuttle Discovery's Legacy: 26 Years of the Right Stuff
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_zW1iCNEWo[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5eJYwktSmE[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMFlSAlBDRc[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjTl8BPk7NQ[/youtube]
SDC : Space Shuttle Discovery's Legacy: 26 Years of the Right Stuff
...By Robert Z. Pearlman
SPACE.com Contributor
posted: 29 October 2010
07:26 am ET
This story was updated at 10:33 a.m. ET.
Space shuttle Discovery is set to launch on its final flight next week, concluding a nearly three-decade legacy as arguably the most historic orbiter in NASA's fleet.
The first of NASA's three remaining shuttles set to retire, Discovery was the third orbiter built and the one launched the most times into space.
Its final mission, STS-133, is scheduled to launch Tuesday (Nov. 2) at 4:17 p.m. EDT (2017 GMT). The launch will mark the Discovery's 13th visit to the International Space Station (ISS) and its 39th trip into space.
"This particular orbiter has served us extremely well," said launch director Mike Leinbach, comparing Discovery to its sister ships Atlantis and Endeavour. "It is the fleet leader. It is going to be hard to see her retire but we need to do what we need to do for the agency and so we'll get on with her final flight and it make it the best one ever."
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
http://www.nasa.gov : Discovery Launch Re-targeted to Wednesday, Nov. 3
SDC : Repairs Delay Space Shuttle Discovery's Last Launch to Wednesday
http://www.nasa.gov : Discovery Launch Re-targeted to Wednesday, Nov. 3
SDC : Repairs Delay Space Shuttle Discovery's Last Launch to Wednesday
...By Denise Chow
SPACE.com Staff Writer
posted: 30 October 2010
09:52 am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The final launch of the space shuttle Discovery has been delayed another 24 hours – to Nov. 3 – to allow engineers and technicians more time to address troublesome leaks that were found late Thursday (Oct. 28).
Engineers have been scrambling to fix leaky helium and nitrogen seals in one of Discovery's twin aft-mounted engine pods. The leaks are in seals used to pressurize fuel line plumbing in one of the shuttle's orbital maneuvering system pods.
Technicians here at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. worked overnight to repair quick-disconnect fittings in the system used to pressurize Discovery's right Orbital Maneuvering System rocket engine. They made good progress but are slightly behind the timeline that was prepared yesterday, according to NASA officials.
NASA managers met this morning and made the decision to delay the shuttle's launch, after it was deemed impossible to meet Tuesday's window. The Nov. 3 liftoff is now targeted for 3:52 p.m. EDT (1952 GMT).
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
Revised launch countdown and flight plan :
spaceflightnow.com : STS-133 Countdown Timeline
spaceflightnow.com : STS-133 Flight Plan
Revised launch countdown and flight plan :
spaceflightnow.com : STS-133 Countdown Timeline
spaceflightnow.com : STS-133 Flight Plan
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOEkJIIFRsY[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOEkJIIFRsY[/youtube]
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbo_E2i0bQI[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbo_E2i0bQI[/youtube]
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
SDC : NASA's Tricky Art of Choosing Space Shuttle Launch Times
SDC : NASA's Tricky Art of Choosing Space Shuttle Launch Times
...By Denise Chow
SPACE.com Staff Writer
posted: 01 November 2010
12:27 am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – When minor gas leaks were discovered on the space shuttle Discovery, NASA was forced to delay the shuttle's launch by two days – to Nov. 3 – to make last minute repairs.
But rescheduling a space shuttle launch requires more than simply shifting everything forward a day or two. The liftoff must occur within a designated launch window to keep the spacecraft on target for its intended destination.
For Discovery, that destination is the International Space Station and its launch time has changed because of the delays.
Discovery was originally scheduled to launch Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT (2040 GMT). The space agency delayed the launch by one day, to Nov. 2 at 4:17 p.m. EDT (2017 GMT) , after detecting helium and nitrogen leaks on the shuttle. Another day of delay, to allow time to complete repairs, pushed the launch to Nov. 3 at 3:52 p.m. EDT (1952 GMT).
To determine the launch window for Discovery's STS-133 mission, there are several critical factors scientists consider. Launch delays have ripple effects for the entire mission's timeline, particularly the shuttle's rendezvous and docking times at the International Space Station.
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
http://www.nasa.gov : Shuttle Managers Assess Main Engine Controller Issue
http://www.nasa.gov : Shuttle Managers Assess Main Engine Controller Issue
...
...
Image above: Signs around NASA's Kennedy Space Center count down to Wednesday's launch of space shuttle Discoveryon the STS-133 mission. Photo Credit: NASA
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCkwNvKzom8[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCkwNvKzom8[/youtube]
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
SDC : GRAPHIC: NASA's Space Shuttle – From Top to Bottom
SDC : GRAPHIC: NASA's Space Shuttle – From Top to Bottom
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
There is a lot of fantastic material being posted for STS 133 Discovery.
Hopefully nothing more than an inconvenience!!!!
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA engineers are studying an apparent engine controller glitch in a backup system on the space shuttle Discovery, in the hopes of solving the issue in time for the shuttle's scheduled launch tomorrow.
The glitch is affecting the backup computer controller on Discovery's Main Engine No. 3, but further details have not yet been released. During the shuttle's main engine checkouts, the backup controller for engine 3 did not turn on as expected, NASA officials said in a statement. Engineering teams are continuing to investigate the issue.
Earlier today (Nov. 2), shuttle engineers notic.......
Computer Glitch on Engine Controller.
Denise Chow. Space.Com.
I hope this is only very minor & will not hold up the launch due tomorrow.
Andrew Brown.
There is a lot of fantastic material being posted for STS 133 Discovery.
Hopefully nothing more than an inconvenience!!!!
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA engineers are studying an apparent engine controller glitch in a backup system on the space shuttle Discovery, in the hopes of solving the issue in time for the shuttle's scheduled launch tomorrow.
The glitch is affecting the backup computer controller on Discovery's Main Engine No. 3, but further details have not yet been released. During the shuttle's main engine checkouts, the backup controller for engine 3 did not turn on as expected, NASA officials said in a statement. Engineering teams are continuing to investigate the issue.
Earlier today (Nov. 2), shuttle engineers notic.......
Computer Glitch on Engine Controller.
Denise Chow. Space.Com.
I hope this is only very minor & will not hold up the launch due tomorrow.
Andrew Brown.
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
www.spaceflightnow.com : Mission Status Center
www.spaceflightnow.com : Mission Status Center
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
Rats, had a feeling this wasn't gonna be a reset the breaker and cross your fingers deal.
Wonder how much is involved in changing it out? Breakers go bad....
Rats, had a feeling this wasn't gonna be a reset the breaker and cross your fingers deal.
Wonder how much is involved in changing it out? Breakers go bad....
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
Delay might be even longer because of weather.
Yes, and this last image by Karl Tate is pretty awesome3488":2bgzh93m said:There is a lot of fantastic material being posted for STS 133 Discovery.
Delay might be even longer because of weather.
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
If necessary, can Atlantis' controller be "cannonballed" for Discovery? :?:
If necessary, can Atlantis' controller be "cannonballed" for Discovery? :?:
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
Edit: News conf scribblenotes:
There were 2 events. The first was when they powered up the backup main engine controller. One of the 3 power phases did not come up, so the controller did not boot up. They did some analysis, and when they went back to check it again, the power was there, and it was up and running.
As anyone who has ever worked with electricity knows, sometimes (highly technical term here) "crud" builds up on the connections, be they circuit breaker or switches, or connectors. The cure is to (another technical term) "exercise" them. That way you scrape away whatever the contaminant was and make a secure connection. For a circuit breaker or switch, you flip it back and forth a few times, for a connector, you disconnect and reconnect it a few times. (Sometimes, whacking it works just as well, in fact that's how I got in the electronic repair biz, but that's another story)
Had that been all, they would have flown.
Then there was a second event later where the total AC voltage had a momentary dip. It was not enough that it would have shut anything down, but it wasn't expected, so they started an analysis to see if the two were realistically related.
They had enough understanding to be comfortable to launch, but were not comfortable that all the I's had been crossed and T's dotted ( ), so decided to give the teams another day to be SURE they knew what was going on.
So they will reconvene tomorrow when everyone has had some analysis time, and some sleep (since many of the folks would be the same ones on console beginning at tanking at 7 AM for a 4 PM launch) and make a decision tomorrow.
The chain is the flight computers send commands to the main engine controllers, which then (surprisingly enough) control the engines.
This is the backup (redundant) controller for SSME 3. It would only be used if the main controller failed.
It is monitored constantly, so if any similar problem occurred before SRB ignition, the launch would abort.
If the backup was needed, and failed after launch, it would cause a graceful shutdown of the engine...anyone who has listened to hundreds of shuttle launches as I have know what the effect of a main engine shutdown would be throughout the launch timeline...from a serious problem early, to a minor glitch after 7 minutes or so.
So they'll let the teams investigate, and let's see where we are tomorrow.
Weather ain't great for Thursday, but they've managed to launch before when the odds were worse...
MW
Not in this launch window (till the 7th or 8th) but in any case, they need to fully understand the problem before randomly changing things out. That will be clear during tomorrow's MMT.trailrider":3yv9cewh said:
Edit: News conf scribblenotes:
There were 2 events. The first was when they powered up the backup main engine controller. One of the 3 power phases did not come up, so the controller did not boot up. They did some analysis, and when they went back to check it again, the power was there, and it was up and running.
As anyone who has ever worked with electricity knows, sometimes (highly technical term here) "crud" builds up on the connections, be they circuit breaker or switches, or connectors. The cure is to (another technical term) "exercise" them. That way you scrape away whatever the contaminant was and make a secure connection. For a circuit breaker or switch, you flip it back and forth a few times, for a connector, you disconnect and reconnect it a few times. (Sometimes, whacking it works just as well, in fact that's how I got in the electronic repair biz, but that's another story)
Had that been all, they would have flown.
Then there was a second event later where the total AC voltage had a momentary dip. It was not enough that it would have shut anything down, but it wasn't expected, so they started an analysis to see if the two were realistically related.
They had enough understanding to be comfortable to launch, but were not comfortable that all the I's had been crossed and T's dotted (
), so decided to give the teams another day to be SURE they knew what was going on.So they will reconvene tomorrow when everyone has had some analysis time, and some sleep (since many of the folks would be the same ones on console beginning at tanking at 7 AM for a 4 PM launch) and make a decision tomorrow.
The chain is the flight computers send commands to the main engine controllers, which then (surprisingly enough) control the engines.
This is the backup (redundant) controller for SSME 3. It would only be used if the main controller failed.
It is monitored constantly, so if any similar problem occurred before SRB ignition, the launch would abort.
If the backup was needed, and failed after launch, it would cause a graceful shutdown of the engine...anyone who has listened to hundreds of shuttle launches as I have know what the effect of a main engine shutdown would be throughout the launch timeline...from a serious problem early, to a minor glitch after 7 minutes or so.
So they'll let the teams investigate, and let's see where we are tomorrow.
Weather ain't great for Thursday, but they've managed to launch before when the odds were worse...
MW
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
This is very disappointing. I was driving through Jacksonville, FL in heavy traffic and rain when I got the news of the scrub on NPR. The weather for Thursday doesn't look good (about a 70% chance of no-go) and my reservation in Daytona Beach is only good through tomorrow night. We're going to drive down to KSC tomorrow anyway to see what we can see, but it's beginning to look like I'm not going to be able to see Discovery's last launch.
This is very disappointing. I was driving through Jacksonville, FL in heavy traffic and rain when I got the news of the scrub on NPR. The weather for Thursday doesn't look good (about a 70% chance of no-go) and my reservation in Daytona Beach is only good through tomorrow night. We're going to drive down to KSC tomorrow anyway to see what we can see, but it's beginning to look like I'm not going to be able to see Discovery's last launch.
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIcuYCeosE[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIcuYCeosE[/youtube]
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
SDC : Electrical Glitch and Weather May Threaten Shuttle Discovery's Thursday Launch
SDC : Electrical Glitch and Weather May Threaten Shuttle Discovery's Thursday Launch
...By Denise Chow
SPACE.com Staff Writer
posted: 03 November 2010
11:02 am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA engineers are working to understand a last-minute electrical glitch on the space shuttle Discovery and eyeing dismal weather forecasts for its planned launch on Thursday.
Discovery is slated to lift off on its final flight no earlier than tomorrow (Nov. 4) at 3:29 p.m. (1929 GMT) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center here, but weather and issues with a backup engine computer on the orbiter could thwart those plans.
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
I think my scriiblenotes gave a lot more info...the only thing new was a slight worsening in the weather odds.
I think my scriiblenotes gave a lot more info...the only thing new was a slight worsening in the weather odds.
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
MMT Gives "Go" For Thursday Launch Try, Eyes Weather
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 07:38:11 PM EDT
After looking deeply into an issue with a main engine controller on space shuttle Discovery, the Prelaunch Mission Management Team is confident the issue has been resolved, said Mike Moses, chair of the MMT. The team therefore gave a unanimous "go" for Discovery's launch Thursday at 3:29 p.m. EDT. That means the countdown will proceed through the night, including the retraction of the Rotating Service Structure from around the shuttle.
"From the vehicle perspective, we're ready to go," Moses said.
However, the weather forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of acceptable conditions, with the concerns being low clouds and rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility at launch time. The MMT will meet at 5:30 a.m. Thursday to consider the forecast and will decide then whether to fill the shuttle's huge external fuel tank for the launch.
"The weather still looks pretty bad for tomorrow," Moses said. "There's a chance we'll decide not to spend one of our (launch) opportunities."
MMT Gives "Go" For Thursday Launch Try, Eyes Weather
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 07:38:11 PM EDT
After looking deeply into an issue with a main engine controller on space shuttle Discovery, the Prelaunch Mission Management Team is confident the issue has been resolved, said Mike Moses, chair of the MMT. The team therefore gave a unanimous "go" for Discovery's launch Thursday at 3:29 p.m. EDT. That means the countdown will proceed through the night, including the retraction of the Rotating Service Structure from around the shuttle.
"From the vehicle perspective, we're ready to go," Moses said.
However, the weather forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of acceptable conditions, with the concerns being low clouds and rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility at launch time. The MMT will meet at 5:30 a.m. Thursday to consider the forecast and will decide then whether to fill the shuttle's huge external fuel tank for the launch.
"The weather still looks pretty bad for tomorrow," Moses said. "There's a chance we'll decide not to spend one of our (launch) opportunities."
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
Current Shuttle NASA TV Schedule. Tanking coverage is scheduled to start at 6 AM EDT, of course depending on whether (or is that weather? ) they decide to go ahead tomorrow at the 5:30 AM meeting...
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/m ... edule.html
Current Shuttle NASA TV Schedule. Tanking coverage is scheduled to start at 6 AM EDT, of course depending on whether (or is that weather?
) they decide to go ahead tomorrow at the 5:30 AM meeting...http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/m ... edule.html
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
View of Pad 39-A this afternoon. Weather was excellent. KSC tour and Visitor's Center was worth the trip here. Weather for tomorrow looks very bad and can't stay longer. Oh well. I've already got my name on the list for the launch of STS-134.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
View of Pad 39-A this afternoon. Weather was excellent. KSC tour and Visitor's Center was worth the trip here. Weather for tomorrow looks very bad and can't stay longer. Oh well. I've already got my name on the list for the launch of STS-134.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34cHTsgRFdg[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34cHTsgRFdg[/youtube]
Re: STS-133 Pre Launch Discussion (Target Nov 1, 4:40 PM EDT)
Weather scrub for today. Daytona Beach is overcast with a little light rain. Forecast for KSC is 20% no-go with rain in the forecast all day. Weather for tomorrow looks better, but winds may be a problem.
I'll be heading home within the hour.
Weather scrub for today. Daytona Beach is overcast with a little light rain. Forecast for KSC is 20% no-go with rain in the forecast all day. Weather for tomorrow looks better, but winds may be a problem.
I'll be heading home within the hour.
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