Tag: Atlantis
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NASA teams recommend Early Release of Shuttle OPF-3
With Discovery safely back on the ground after becoming the first orbiter to successfully complete all of the missions assigned to her, NASA is beginning the process of shutting down processing operations in Florida. Specifically, NASA and the Space Shuttle Program are preparing to release Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 from service earlier than anticipated,…
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After a Storied 25-years, Atlantis Celebrates One Final Time in Orbit
And so to the end. With a flawless countdown and a launch into a clear blue sky, the Space Shuttle Atlantis launched for her 32nd and final time Friday – beginning the end of a glorious 25-year career for NASA’s “most-international” orbiter. As reflection begins on Atlantis’ storied history, her first full day on orbit…
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Atlantis de-stack plan – as STS-125 is delayed to May
United Space Alliance engineers are working a tentative plan to de-stack Atlantis, pending official confirmation from the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) that STS-125 has been delayed an additional couple of months. Memos are claiming the mission is likely to be delayed to May – with a final decision on November 5. The problem relates to…
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Endeavour arrives at Pad 39A – STS-125 damage assessment
Space shuttle Endeavour has been escorted on a mini tour of the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) pads this morning, after she was transported off Pad 39B for a seven hour journey to Pad 39A. The move was set to take place on Saturday. However, poor weather is expected in the local area this weekend – which…
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Atlantis heads back to VAB – ET-127 damaged prior to rollback
With STS-125 delayed until at least mid-February, Atlantis has completed her trek back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Once secured inside the historic building, engineers will evaluate damage to her External Tank (ET-127) – which suffered several dings via a falling stainless steel support rod at the weekend. Atlantis is now expected to avoid…
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STS-125 launch target moves to February 17 – crucial week for Hubble
STS-125 has been given a new “work-to” launch date of February 17, pending a November 5 meeting that will likely result in a Change Request (CR) to officially re-align the near-term launch manifest. Hubble troubleshooting is proceeding well, with NASA engineers preparing to switch over from the Side A control system, to the back-up Side B.…
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Dual flow ballet for Endeavour and Atlantis – De-stack debate
Preliminary milestone schedules have been created for the complex dual processing flows of Atlantis and Endeavour – which will hopefully result in the latter launching in just under six weeks time. While plans are now solidifying for the short term, evaluations are continuing on whether Atlantis will need to be de-stacked over the New Year.…
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Atlantis to rollback to VAB on October 20 – Hubble troubleshooting latest
As NASA and the SSP (Space Shuttle Program) refine their orbiter schedules, preparations for STS-125’s rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) are proceeding – with confirmation that payload removal operations will begin this weekend. October 20 has been pencilled in for Atlantis’ rollback from Pad 39A, which will clear the pad for hosting Endeavour.…