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\u201cAtlantis has safely returned home following a very successful final mission. For the final time, Florida\u2019s east coast was rocked by the double sonic booms announcing Atlantis\u2019 arrival. Touchdown on runway 15 occurred at 0557:00 EDT with wheel stop at 0557:54 EDT,\u201d noted the NASA Test Director (NTD) report, which is normally highly technical and focused on engineering and flow schedules.<\/p>\n
\u201cAtlantis flew a total of 4848 orbits of Earth for a total of 125,935,769 miles and spent 307 days in space. Welcome home Atlantis! Thank you for your service to our country\u2019s Human Spaceflight Program.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/A104.jpg\" "\\"A10\\"")
With no weather issues for landing, The Shuttle Flight Control Room (FCR) was polled and provided a go for the deorbit burn. A timeline of events for the Orbital Manuevering System (OMS) and Reaction Control System (RCS) were provided in the expansive MER Landing Report (L2)<\/p>\n\u201cOMS Helium valves were configured for Deorbit burn at 202\/08:45:12 GMT, and returned to post burn config at 202\/08:54:13 GMT. Deorbit Burn (OMS-8) was accomplished using a dual-engine, straight-fed OMS burn. TIG (Time Of Ignition) was at 202:08:49:04.2 GMT. Cutoff was at 202:08:52:22.3 GMT resulting in a burn duration of 198.1 seconds with a delta-V of 333.1 fps. <\/p>\n
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\u201cOMS Helium configuration for the burn was Left: A-GPC, B-OP; Right: A-GPC, B-OP. System pressures, temperatures, and quantities were within expected limits.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the burn, Commander Chris Ferguson sent down praise to the propulsion teams responsible for the OMS engines, which \u2013 as always \u2013 enjoyed an issue-free role on orbit.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were eight (8) maneuvers (including the OMS Assist burn during ascent) which used OMS engines this flight. Six of the maneuvers were dual engine burns, one maneuver was a single Left engine burn, and one maneuver was a single Right engine burn,\u201d added the report.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll burns were performed in straight-feed. The Left and Right engines were fired eight times each. Total burn times were 637.6 seconds for the Left engine and 636.8 seconds for the Right engine.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/linkthearticleplease.gif\" "\\"linkthearticleplease\\"")
With her nose pitched up, Atlantis was ready to begin the plunge towards Entry Interface. (Animation created from some of the 114 hi res photos (all available in L2) taken by Mike Fossum on the ISS)<\/p>\nAs part of normal procedures, the Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) dumped the spare fuel via four of the jets, which was timed at 202\/09:07:13.5 GMT and lasted 32.64 seconds, dumping 398.2 lbs of the FRCS propellant.<\/p>\n
With all three of her Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) in action \u2013 providing power to the orbiter\u2019s hydraulic systems \u2013 nominal performance was noted as APU 1 sprang into action, prior to APU\u2019s 2 and 3 following suit as Atlantis began the journey home.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll APU parameters were nominal on the final day on-orbit (FD14), during entry, and post landing at KSC,\u201d added the MER Landing Report. \u201cAPU 3 was the TIG-5 single APU start, APU 1 and 2 were started at EI-13. APU 3 ended with a run time of 1 hour 33 minutes, while APU 1 and both ran for 1 hour and 5 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/A56112.jpg\" "\\"A5611\\"")
The report added all DPS (Data Processing System) hardware performed nominally during all phases of entry operations, in tandem with the Flight Software (FSW), which \u201cperformed flawless, bar typical GPC (General Purpose Computer) errors during rollout.\u201d The GPCs, however, did not suffer from any of the issues two of the computers complained about on orbit.<\/p>\nWhile the mission was extended by one day \u2013 some achievement given Atlantis is the only orbiter unable to \u2018stretch\u2019 her Power Reactant Storage and Distributation (PRSD) consumable levels via the Station-to-Station Power Transfer System (SSPTS) \u2013 she landed with plenty of margin, had the mission required moving past EOM (End Of Mission) FD 14.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe performance of the FC\/PRSD systems during the mission was nominal,\u201d added the MER report. \u201cThe fuel cells generated 13.6 kW and 442 amps, average, and 4159 kWh of total electrical energy during the 306.48 hour mission. The fuel cells consumed 360 lb of hydrogen and 2856 lb of oxygen from the PRSD subsystem.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/A154.jpg\" "\\"A15\\"")
\u201cThe PRSD system also provided 106 lb of oxygen to the crew. The fuel cells produced 3216 lb of water. Approximately 65 lb of O2 was used for stack repress while docked to ISS; there was no tank-to-tank transfer of oxygen to Space Station.\u201d<\/p>\nSuch was the performance of the three Fuel Cells, the report notes Atlantis landed with enough consumables for a three day mission extension \u2013 even via nominal power rates.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe PRSD subsystem could have supported a 71 hour mission extension at the average mission power level of 13.6 kW based on the usable quantities remaining at landing. At an extension day average power level of 13.22 kW, it could have supported a 73 hour mission extension.\u201d<\/p>\n
With the Flight Control Surfaces (FCS) taking over from the RCS, as Atlantis started to feel the air over her airframe, her software guided her towards the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) without issue, prior to being commanded to a perfect landing on the SLF.<\/p>\n
STS-135 Specific Articles: http:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/tag\/sts-135\/<\/p>\n
\u201cSTS-135 Landing System performance nominal based on quick look MER data retrieval. KSC Runway 15. Weather reported: No cross wind, with 1 knots tail wind. Winds at 330 deg at 1kt average with 2kt peak, landing on runway 15 which translate to a primarily tail wind condition,\u201d the Landing Report noted.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/A175.jpg\" "\\"A17\\"")
\u201cEvents as shown below (times in GMT) This data is quick look, approximate values, for information only. MGTD (Main Gear Touch Down): 202:09:56:55. NGTD (Nose Gear Touch Down): 202:09:57:12. DC (Drag Chute) DEPLOY: 202:09:57:04. DC DISREEF: 202:09:57:10. DC JETTISON: 202:09:57:35.<\/p>\n\u201cBRAKES ON: 202:09:57:19. MLG TD Velocity: 219 KGS. Brake Pressure onset was at 108 KGS. Brake Pressure nominal averaging 750-880 psi throughout rollout, with peak brake pressure 1100 psi. WHEEL STOP = 202:09:57:51. Total roll out time ~ 56 seconds from MGTD.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the MER reports are \u2013 like most internal mission reports \u2013 focused entirely on the performance of the vehicle, the landing summary included numerous departments signing off for the final time.<\/p>\n
Some simply added a line of thanks, some joked about the last person leaving the MER to turn out the lights, but one \u2013 the the Electrical Power Distribution and Control (EPDC) console \u2013 summed up the emotion of the day.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/A1310.jpg\" "\\"A13\\"")
\u201cAll monitored voltage and current measurements were nominal during all phases of de-orbit prep and entry,\u201d noted the report, prior to the addition of the personal remarks. \u201cI have spent a lot of time over the last few days reflecting on what I would say on this my last Shuttle Shift report, and I just don\u2019t have the words to express the pride I feel as we close this era of manned space flight.<\/p>\n\u201cIt has truly been an honor and a privilege to work with this team both past and present. I like many of you can remember the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo days and wanting to participate in the space program when I grew up. Well, we have all lived that dream. We have shared in the triumphs and the tragedies and are the better for them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will be forever indebted to you all for sharing this adventure with me. May God bless you and keep you all in your future endeavors. It has been quite a ride, EPDC console signing off.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ever the diva of the fleet, Atlantis did throw one problem at the teams whilst sat on the SLF, although the issue was very minor, related to a Valve Position Indicator (VPI).<\/p>\n
\u201cNew IPR 0001: During runway switchlist, the left RCS manifold Iso valve 5 indicated closed block red (OPEN and CLOSE indicators ON) when the valve was opened,\u201d noted the NTD report. \u201cThe valve closed indicator (VPI) later went OFF with no interaction. A slow indicator is suspected. Constraint set to V1158 VL5.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/A146.jpg\" "\\"A14\\"")
With Atlantis hooked up to her cooling and purge systems at the SLF, the slow tow back to her Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF-2) \u2013 as much as Discovery was recently evicted from OPF-2 \u2013 began, with crowds gathered to welcome the orbiter back to the hanger.<\/p>\nAccompanied by the theme tune from Star Trek Voyager, Atlantis was parked up in front of her workforce, who waved flags and even received thanks from the STS-135 crew.<\/p>\n
Atlantis was then towed inside OPF-2, where she underwent immediate safing operations, as is standard for a returning orbiter.<\/p>\n
\u201cOV-104 (OPF2): Atlantis was spotted in the OPF at 1540 EDT. Fuel Cell power down and ground power transfer was completed at 2141 EDT. Controlled venting is established and fuel cell cool down is in work,\u201d added the NTD report on Friday.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe remaining OPF support systems and vehicle systems will be configured for ground processing support. Residual cryo drain is planned to begin on second shift Friday (night). Weekend work: STS-135 securing and down mission processing. OMS\/RCS flight cap removal.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/A812.jpg\" "\\"A8\\"")
Although an order is still in place to \u201cdo no harm\u201d to both Endeavour and Atlantis from the standpoint of down processing \u2013 via any 11th hour transition to a commercial shuttle operation in the future \u2013 the flow will mirror that of Discovery\u2019s in her early weeks since returning from STS-133.<\/p>\nThis will include the removal of her Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) which will be placed in storage for potential use on the Space Launch System (SLS) \u2013 as much as the proposed Heavy Lift Vehicle (HLV) is still stuck in a political swamp, after two opportunities to make a public announcement \u2013 on what is a chosen configuration \u2013 were delayed by the unknown persons of power in Washington, DC.<\/p>\n
She will also lose her Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) and OMS Pods, both of which will head to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility (HMF) for deserving, prior to joining the game of musical OPFs, as the orbiters take it in turns to spend a vacation inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) due to ongoing work to covert OPF-3 for a commercial customer.<\/p>\n
To read about Atlantis and her sisters \u2013 from birth, processing, every single mission, through to retirement, click here for the links:
\nhttp:\/\/forum.nasaspaceflight.com\/index.php?topic=25837.0<\/p>\n(Images: Via L2 content and NASA.gov. Further articles on Atlantis will be produced during her down processing, driven by L2\u2032s STS-135 Special Section which is continuing to folow the mission at MMT\/MER level through to post flight IFA, surrounded by a wealth of FRR\/PRCB\/MER\/MMT and SSP documentation\/pressentations, videos, images and more.<\/p>\n
(As with all recent missions, L2 is providing full exclusive level mission coverage, available no where else on the internet. To join L2, click here: http:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/l2\/)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Shuttle Atlantis has been given top marks for her return to Earth via the Mission Evaluation Room (MER) landing report \u2013 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":29557,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[3659,9022],"class_list":["post-40371","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-sts-135","tag-tr"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40371"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40371"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40371\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29557"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40371"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40371"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40371"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}