Tag: STS-126
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STS-126 launch countdown begins – Atlantis heads back to OPF-1
The three day launch countdown for STS-126 has begun, marking the start of S0007 operations – which will hopefully conclude with the launch of Endeavour at 7:55pm local time on Friday. Meanwhile, Atlantis has been towed back to her Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF-1), as a result of the rescheduling of STS-125. Endeavour is issue…
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ISS prepares for arrival of STS-126 – STS-119 launch date advancement debate
With STS-126 closing in on the start of S0007 – otherwise known as the three day launch countdown – Expedition 18 are busily preparing for Endeavour’s arrival on Flight Day 3. Meanwhile, shuttle managers have discussed – and appear to have dismissed – the advancement of STS-119 to January 20. Shuttle managers met for the…
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STS-126 to debut SRB modification to gather Ares I Thrust Oscillation data
STS-126 will see the flight debut of two new sets of instrumentation, aimed at gathering more detailed data on RSRM (Reusable Solid Rocket Motor) behaviour during the first stage of launch. The resulting data will benefit the efforts to understand and mitigate Thrust Oscillation on Ares I. The main objective is to record pressure variations…
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IFA lessons learned aid STS-126’s upcoming mission safety
As Endeavour heads into the home stretch of pad processing before her scheduled launch on November 14, technicians and program managers continue to emphasize – through a series of Flight Readiness Reviews (FRRs) – the multiple safety and mission enhancements debuting on the fleet’s youngest Orbiter. Making a lengthy presentation before the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) FRR…
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NASA realign five 2009 missions – Ares I-X likely heading to Oct, 09
The Space Shuttle Program (SSP) have concluded their manifest meeting by realigning the 2009 shuttle schedule. The preliminary schedule changes – which calls for five shuttle missions – were called for after the delay to STS-125’s mission to Hubble. As a result of the meeting, Ares I-X is likely to be delayed until October, 09.…
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STS-126 working Display Processor issue – STS-125 de-stack preps
Engineers are working a connection issue with an Integrated Display Processor on Endeavour, which is currently a constraint to moving into the S0007 Launch Countdown. Meanwhile, Atlantis will be de-stacked from ET-127, before being rolled back to her Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) next week. Processing at Pad 39A is proceeding to plan for the November…
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Safety enhancements dominate STS-126 Flight Readiness Reviews
As Space Shuttle Endeavour continues to enjoy a smooth processing flow at pad 39A, Space Shuttle Program (SSP) managers have completed a series of Flight Readiness Reviews (FRRs) ahead of the STS-126 launch in two weeks time. Among the various departments presenting their reviews of Endeavour’s systems during the SSP FRR last week was the…
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STS-126 TCDT and Agency FRR conclude without issue
The STS-126 Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) – a dress rehearsal for the November launch – has concluded, as has the Agency Flight Readiness Review (FRR). No major issues have been reported with the countdown test, which results in an abort being called at T-5 seconds, and includes the emergency egress procedure in the event…
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Another EMU glove modification to debut on STS-126
Ever since a small amount of damage was observed on Robert ‘Beamer’ Curbeam’s EMU gloves during post flight checks after STS-116, NASA engineers have been creating ingenious modifications to improve the safety of their spacewalkers – the latest of which will debut on STS-126. Endeavour’s mission next month will focus heavily on EVA work on…
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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…