Tag: STS-135
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STS-135: Crew arrives for TCDT as MFV work begins on SSME-3
Multiple efforts are under way for Atlantis’ STS-135 launch preparations, as her four member crew arrived at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). As engineers check the health of External Tank ET-138’s stringers, following last week’s Tanking Test, the replacement of a Main Fuel Valve (MFV) on Space Shuttle…
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STS-135/ULF-7 – The Final Flight’s Timeline Takes Shape
With just three weeks to go before the final launch of the Space Shuttle, Atlantis remains on course for her big day on July 8. Meanwhile, NASA and mission managers met this week for the main Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR). During the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) FRR, the STS-135/ULF-7 flight timeline was thoroughly reviewed ahead of…
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STS-135: ET-138 Tanking Test reveals SSME Fuel Valve issue
Atlantis’ External Tank (ET-138) was put through a Tanking Test on Wednesday, slightly delayed due to a lightning storm which passed over the the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The test – which is checking the health of the tank’s LO2 stringers – is showing positive signs, although a Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME-3) Main Fuel…
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Tech Demos: NASA preparing for full ISS utilization in post-Shuttle era
With the US Segment of the International Space Station (ISS) now complete, NASA managers are turning their attention away from the era of construction and maintenance of the station and toward the new era of utilization, which includes advanced technology demos ranging from beam energy transfer to robotic servicing. ISS heading into its next phase: As noted…
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Tech Demos: NASA preparing for full ISS utilization in post-Shuttle era
With the US Segment of the International Space Station (ISS) now complete, NASA managers are turning their attention away from the era of construction and maintenance of the station and toward the new era of utilization, which includes advanced technology demos ranging from beam energy transfer to robotic servicing. ISS heading into its next phase: As noted…
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STS-135: Atlantis and ET-138 preparing for Wednesday’s Tanking Test
Interrupting a nominal pad flow, engineers are set to begin S0037 operations – otherwise known as a tanking test – on Monday, ahead of tanking of External Tank ET-138 on Wednesday. The test will check the health of the tank’s intertank stringers, following the issue of cracks being found in the related ET-137, after STS-133’s…
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STS-135: Tank Camera modification aimed at filming footage of ET-138’s death
Schedules are showing the External Tank camera – which will ride with Atlantis’ ET-138 – is to be modified – allowing it to beam back video of the tank’s disintegration after parting ways with the orbiter at MECO (Main Engine Cut Off). Meanwhile, STS-135’s pad flow now includes the replacement of the left outboard Window…
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STS-135: Soaked Atlantis undergoing checks following lightning storm
As the procession of “lasts” continue for the Space Shuttle Program (SSP), Atlantis is undergoing her final pad flow ahead of the STS-135 mission in July. No Interim Problem Reports (IPRs) are being worked at present, bar checks into the stack’s systems following a thunderstorm, which registered a lightning strike near the pad, coupled with…
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STS-135: Atlantis rollout – Tanking Test and debris investigation on tap
Atlantis kicked off what was a historic evening for the Space Shuttle Program (SSP), as she rolled out of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) – with first motion at 8:42pm local time. Now at the pad, she will be put through a nominal pad flow, prior to a Tanking Test on ET-138, to be followed…
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STS-135: Atlantis preparing for rollout amid pride and disappointment
Managers are reviewing one item of interest – relating to an ascent observation during Endeavour’s ride uphill – ahead of Atlantis’ rollout to Pad 39A next week. As one of the milestones for the final shuttle mission was completed – the S0044 Launch Countdown Sim – Launch Director Mike Leinbach received a standing ovation from…