Tag: STS-132
-
Atlantis arrives at Pad 39A – still tracking May 14 launch target
STS-132’s weather-delayed rollout to Pad 39A began at 23:31 local time on Wednesday, following three cancelled attempts to roll Atlantis out on what is currently her final trip to the launch pad. She completed the journey in just under six hours. Only a day or two of contingency remains in the STS-132 flow to make the May…
-
STS-132: Atlantis arrives in the VAB following extended rollover
Atlantis has rolled over to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) – taking in several photo opportunities en route – in preparation for what is currently a May 14th launch for STS-132’s mission to the ISS. Atlantis was cleared for rollover late last week, following a review of the handful of minor issues noted with Discovery’s…
-
STS-132: Atlantis arrives in the VAB following extended rollover
Atlantis has rolled over to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) – taking in several photo opportunities en route – in preparation for what is currently a May 14th launch for STS-132’s mission to the ISS. Atlantis was cleared for rollover late last week, following a review of the handful of minor issues noted with Discovery’s…
-
STS-132: Atlantis strikes deal with ULA for May 14 range ownership
Atlantis’ next mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has avoided a potential range conflict with a Delta IV launch by negotiating – with the United Launch Alliance (ULA) – priority for a window that will open on May 14. Meanwhile, repairs are nearly completed on Atlantis’ External Tank (ET-136), following observations of delamination on…
-
STS-131 into FRRs – Managers check manifest status ahead of April decision
Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) managers have been busy discussing the launch dates for what are currently the final flights of the manifest, although STS-131 remains on track for April 5. With STS-134’s Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) issue now confirmed to be a thermal leak observed during ongoing testing in Holland, STS-132 and STS-133 have…
-
STS-131 pushes into FRRs – STS-134 meetings point to large AMS delay
No major topics are expected at next week’s Space Shuttle Program (SSP) Flight Readiness Review (FRR), as Discovery continues to push towards her April 5 launch date. Processing is also proceeding well for May’s STS-132 flight with Atlantis, although Endeavour’s STS-134 mission is subject to program level meetings – starting next Monday – due a…
-
NASA continues evaluations for ISS Dual Docked Operations
Following initially positive opening investigations into the possibility of allowing a Space Shuttle orbiter to be present (i.e. docked) to the International Space Station (ISS) during Russian Progress and/or Soyuz dockings and undockings, Space Shuttle Program and ISS Program officials have decided that more investigation and information is necessary before allowing this scenario to unfold.…
-
STS-131 mated as “schedule crunch” pressures downstream launch manifest
Discovery and External Tank ET-135 have completed mating operations with no issues reported, as STS-131 continues to enjoy a smooth flow towards rollout next week. Meanwhile, STS-132’s ET-136 is due to arrive at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) early next week, as managers discuss the “schedule crunch” of the final three “scheduled” shuttle missions. STS-131…
-
Playing musical chairs with Soyuz, STS-132 continues to track May launch
Despite STS-131’s slip to April, managers are continuing to push forward with plans to launch Atlantis on STS-132 the following month, on May 14. Dependant on Discovery launching in early April, Atlantis will target two launch windows – with a Soyuz-related Dual Docked Operations (DDO) constraint sandwiched inbetween. STS-131 Status: Discovery’s slip from her March…
-
STS-131: Cold weather delays flow – DDO constraint pushes launch into April
Rollover of Discovery is still pending, due to temperature constraints relating to several systems on the orbiter, resulting in new rollover date of February 22. Meetings are also likely to recommend to delay the launch until early April, to allow the Russian Soyuz TMA-18 to dock at the ISS – pending evaluations on the constraint…