Shuttle
Space Questions: What happens when a rocket fails at launch?
If the space shuttle were to launch and one of the engines failed, what would happen?
STS-133: Discovery ready to rollover next week – EVA running order swapped
Discovery had been placed on the Orbiter Transporter System (OTS) in preparation for her rollover next Wednesday. The veteran orbiter remains on track for her November 1 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), as managers refine the STS-133 mission content, including the swapping of the running order of the two spacewalks (EVAs).
STS-133 Processing Latest:
Despite the late request to re-open Discovery’s Payload Bay Doors (PLBDs) to install a Tool Stowage Assembly (TSA) – containing 30,000 mission patches – on to the Orbiter Docking System (ODS) structure, Discovery completed her Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) processing requirements in good time.
SSP remaining cautious over political decision on funding STS-135
A major milestone is upcoming for Atlantis’ final role with the Space Shuttle Program (SSP), with the crew selection of four – from a pool of 11 – astronauts, set to take place in less than two week’s time. However, SSP manager John Shannon outlined caution on STS-135 biggest milestone – becoming funded, as the prospect of a Continuing Resolution (CR) adds a level of uncertainty.
STS-135 Latest:
As reported by this site, STS-135 took a major step forward from an internal planning standpoint, when NASA aligned Atlantis’ initial role – as STS-335, the Launch On Need (LON) support for STS-134 – with the manifested launch date for the notional STS-135.
Picking up the pace for STS-133 – Discovery closes in on September 8 rollover
Despite a late call to install a Tool Stowage Assembly (TSA) – requiring the re-opening of Discovery’s Payload Bay Doors (PLBDs) – rollover remains on track for September 8. With several STS-133 milestones scheduled for September, Space Shuttle Manager (SSP) John Shannon rallied the troops into mirroring the hugely successful pace of 2009 and earlier this year.
STS-133 Processing Latest:
The decision to install the TSA on Discovery’s Orbiter Docking System (ODS) structure came as a surprise to the engineers in Discovery’s Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF-3), who had already completed the final closure of the PLBDs for rollover.
Containing 30,000 mission patches – apparently to become flown souvenirs – the TSA will be installed over the weekend, delaying the previously scheduled checks into the orbiter’s weight and Center of Gravity (C.G) requirements into next week.
Robonaut 2 Ready to Boldly Go Where No Humanoid Robot Has Gone Before
Preparations are in full swing at the Kennedy Space Center for the final set of processing milestones leading up to STS-133. In particular, payload preparations are nearing their terminal phase as final cargo loads to the newly christened PMM Leonardo take place in the Space Station Processing Facility – including the final power-down, stowage, and installation of Robonaut 2 and its protective launch container into Leonardo.
Robonaut 2: The Next Generation of Orbital Interaction:
With just a little over two months left before launch, the story of Robonaut 2 is one that once again exemplifies NASA’s and its engineering partner’s ingenuity and ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds and time tables.
Managers delay STS-134 ET/SRB mate ahead of tank allocation options
With STS-135 heading into mission planning for a June 28, 2011 flight – pending the required funding being passed by lawmakers – managers have opted to delay the mating of STS-134′s External Tank (ET) and Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) to December, in order to allow a potential tank swap between ET-138 and ET-122. Meanwhile, a role for ET-94 has again received a mention.
ET-134/ET-122:
The decision allows for the option to fly the “last newly constructed” ET with STS-135, which would move the refurbished ET-122 to STS-134 with Endeavour.
“We’ve moved back the date for the 134-ET/SRB mating to early December which will give us the option of either putting ET-122 or ET-138 on the STS-134 flight,” confirmed the latest Staff Senior Meeting Notes (L2).
STS-133: Discovery clearing her IPRs ahead of Orbiter Rollover/Mate Review
Only one waiver will be carried forward into Discovery’s upcoming Orbiter Rollover/Mate Review (ORMR) - relating to the Ku-band system – as the veteran orbiter edges closer to departure from her Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF-3). Discovery remains on track for a September 8 rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for mating with her External Tank (ET-137).
STS-133 Processing Latest:
With only 38 IPRs charged against her flow since returning from STS-131, Discovery’s final flight processing flow inside the OPF has proceeded relatively smoothly. The next key milestone will be the ORMR, which will be conducted at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on September 1.
All three remaining External Tanks to be undergo washer-related X-rays
Discovery’s External Tank (ET-137), along with ET-138 and the yet-to-be-shipped ET-122 – currently set to fly with STS-335/135) – are to undergo X-ray inspections, following an investigation into a washer that was found inside ET-138′s LO2/LOX Feedline. The inspections a ‘due diligence’ contingency procedure that will refine the ability to detect out of place washers.
ET X-rays:
ET-138 is currently located in the Checkout Cell located in High Bay 2E (HB-2E) inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), following its arrival in Florida from the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans in mid-July. It is currently set to fly with Endeavour on STS-134.
A Poignant End
The STS-133 crew members, from the left, are NASA astronauts Tim Kopra and Alvin Drew, both mission specialists; Eric Boe, pilot; Steve Lindsey, commander; Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott, both mission specialists. Image credit: NASA
I am having a difficult time figuring out how to write this post without seeming bitter. It’s hard to watch something that this country has done together and done well, to be thrown away like yesterday’s garbage. Something people have died doing, not because they had to do it but because they were driven to be the best and wanted the country be the best.
NASA managers approve STS-135 mission planning for June 28, 2011 launch
Atlantis has gained one final mission, flying STS-135 to the International Space Station (ISS), with a launch date targeting June 28, 2011. Pending required funding allocation, Atlantis will carry a packed Multi-purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) and a Lightweight Multi-Purpose Carrier (LMC), on a 11+1+2 with a four person crew.
STS-135:
Atlantis has been – and will technically remain as – processing as the STS-335 LON (Launch On Need) mission in support of Endeavour’s STS-134 mission, officially manifested as the final mission for the Space Shuttle Program (SSP).
