Tag: T&R
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Cull of Shuttle skillset threatens efficiency and safety risks – DeCastro
As the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) officially ended this week – closing out 30 years of achievements and advancements in human space travel – United Space Alliance (USA) Vice President and SSP manager Howard DeCastro noted his pride in the strong finish to the program, whilst adding he fears there may be a price to…
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Shuttle orbiters may donate their entire MPS hardware to SLS
NASA’s three retired Space Shuttle orbiters are set to donate their entire Main Propulsion Systems (MPS) to the opening salvo of Space Launch System (SLS) Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles (HLV). The work to remove the MPS’ array of plumbing, tanks and valves from the aft of the orbiters would result in a delay of six…
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Endeavour and Discovery swap places – New retirement dates planned
In a rare occurrence, Space Shuttle orbiters Discovery and Endeavour were purposefully visible together this morning at the Kennedy Space Center as a Shuttle shuffle took place to move Endeavour from OPF-1 to the VAB for storage and Discovery from the VAB to OPF-1 for full Transition and Retirement processing, set to culminate for the…
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Atlantis into down processing after MER review notes flawless return
Shuttle Atlantis has been given top marks for her return to Earth via the Mission Evaluation Room (MER) landing report – normally a highly technical, emotionless review into vehicle performance. However, as Atlantis begins down processing for her retirement, her team of engineers and controllers signed off on a report which included numerous notes of…
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Discovery’s VAB stay part of a commercial transition for the OPFs
With Discovery now enjoying a month-long vacation inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), following her rollover on Wednesday, the long-term future for the Orbiter Processing Facilities (OPFs) will be heavily focused on attracting the new fleet of commercial vehicles, as the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) transitions into a multi-purpose spaceport. Discovery in the VAB: Following…
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Discovery’s VAB stay part of a commercial transition for the OPFs
With Discovery now enjoying a month-long vacation inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), following her rollover on Wednesday, the long-term future for the Orbiter Processing Facilities (OPFs) will be heavily focused on attracting the new fleet of commercial vehicles, as the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) transitions into a multi-purpose spaceport. Discovery in the VAB: Following…
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Endeavour into safing operations – Left gear brake fire investigated
Following the conclusion to her flight career, Endeavour is now undergoing safing, ahead of being stripped of her numerous propulsion elements in preparation for shipping to her California retirement home next year. As managers review her performance, one item of interest relates to a small fire on her Left Main Landing Gear (LMLG) during rollout…
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Discovery’s elaborate deservicing plan put into work amid managerial praise
Although Discovery has finished her space flight career in style, she still has many months of processing ahead of her – as deserving work follows a pre-planned schedule towards her eventual ferry away from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Her final mission was flawless, earning managerial praise for the teams tasked with “finishing strong” during…
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Wrapping Up 2010: Safety and Success with an eye toward the Future
As NASA enters 2011, preparations are underway for an exciting new venture in space operations with the development of commercial transportation services to the International Space Station, the creation of a 21st Century launch facility at KSC, and development of a new Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle for NASA – all as the U.S. and world space…
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Discovery’s retirement plans provide insight into the fate of the robotic arms
NASA’s End State Flow Review (ESFR) has refined preliminary arrangements and schedules for Discovery’s immediate post STS-133 future, as well as where the orbiter’s SRMS (Shuttle Remote Manipulator System) arms and OBSS (Orbiter Boom Sensor System) arms will end up once the Shuttle Program comes to an end next year. OV-103 Release from Flight Status: As…