{"id":40412,"date":"2011-07-01T00:42:31","date_gmt":"2011-06-30T16:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/sts-135-atlantis-on-track-for-tuesdays-s0007-launch-countdown\/"},"modified":"2011-07-01T00:42:31","modified_gmt":"2011-06-30T16:42:31","slug":"sts-135-atlantis-on-track-for-tuesdays-s0007-launch-countdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/sts-135-atlantis-on-track-for-tuesdays-s0007-launch-countdown\/","title":{"rendered":"STS-135: Atlantis on track for Tuesday\u2019s S0007 launch countdown"},"content":{"rendered":"

Atlantis is continuing to behave on Pad 39A as preparations for entering S0007 tasks \u2013 otherwise known as the three day launch countdown \u2013 remain on track, with the clock\u2019s scheduled to start ticking backwards at 1pm local on Tuesday. STS-135 will mark the final scheduled Space Shuttle mission, although the actual duration of the flight is still being discussed.<\/p>\n

STS-135 Latest:<\/p>\n

With what is hoped to be Atlantis\u2019 final issue prior to launch behind her \u2013 relating to the changeout of a leaky Main Fuel Valve (MFV) on Space Shuttle Main Engines 3 (SSME-3) \u2013 engineers have been busy preparing the orbiter for the complex ballet of operations during the S0007 tasks.<\/p>\n

This work has include the closure of her Payload Bay Doors (PLBDs) and the securing of the access doors located on her aft.<\/p>\n

\"\"\u201cThings continue to go well at the Pad. Over the weekend, completed the Engine #3 retests on the fuel valve that was changed out. Earlier in the week, all ordnance connects and changeouts were completed on the SRB and ET. Installed EMUs (Spacesuits) and completed the checkout,\u201d noted KSC Ground Operations on the latest Shuttle Standup\/Integration report (L2).<\/p>\n

\u201cThe PLBDs were closed for flight. Today, work on the aft closeout continues. Continuing to put doors on the orbiter tonight (Thursday) on second shift. Got into the COPV (Composite Overwrap Pressure Vessels) pressurization last night, will wrap it up this morning (Thursday). Still on track for call to stations for S0007 Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. ET.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Known as S0071 tasks, engineers pressurized Atlantis\u2019 Main Propulsion System (MPS), SSMEs and Orbital Manuevering System (OMS) and Reaction Control System (RCS) over the course of Thursday.<\/p>\n

\u201cS0071 Hyper\/MPS pressurization is underway Thursday morning. MPS\/SSME helium tank press to flight pressure is complete and in stabilization. OMS\/RCS GHe\/GN2 press to flight mass is complete through stage 1 press. Stage 2 press is in work (and was completed after) several more hours,\u201d added the NASA Test Director (NTD) flow update (L2).<\/p>\n

STS-135 Specific Articles: http:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/tag\/sts-135\/<\/p>\n

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With the aforementioned closeouts in work, with the Mid-body\/Payload closeouts complete and Payload bay doors were closed for flight, Atlantis is close to being in her flight configuration, with only the Aft flight door installation remaining.<\/p>\n

\"\"Only one additional Interim Problem Report (IPR) \u2013 charged during S00071 tasks \u2013 has required future evaluation, albeit only from a paperwork standpoint.
\n.
\n\u201cNew IPR 0055: During helium system activation, the left hand helium regulator locked up at 268.9 psig and should be less than 268 psig,\u201d the NTD report added. \u201cNo work will be required; however a potential waiver to OMRS (Operational Maintenance Requirements and Specifications) will be needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a GH2 and GO2 recharge at the storage battery continues to be in work, along with an upcoming LH2 storage tank replenishment, scheduled for Friday, via a wave of eight tankers. Atlantis and her engineers will then spend the Independence Day weekend preparing to enter the launch countdown on Tuesday afternoon.<\/p>\n

\u201cPreparations for S0007 Launch Countdown continue. CTS (Call To Stations) for launch countdown is planned for 1230 EDT on Tuesday, July 5. Launch T-0 is targeted for 1121 EDT on Friday, July 8.\u201d<\/p>\n

The four person STS-135 crew are scheduled to fly into the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on Friday, where they will head into quarantine ahead of their mission.<\/p>\n

\"\"As previously reported, the International Space Station Program (ISSP) have requested an additional day for the STS-135 mission, based around the work required to fill the Multi-Purpose Logistics Carrier (MPLM) with the preferred amount of downmass, an often-underestimated capability which will be practically off the cards once the Shuttle is retired.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgree to keep MPLM heaters off on way up and down,\u201d added the DA Staff Notes (L2), referencing one of the savings which will be implemented to give Atlantis the best chance of having enough consumables to allow for the mission extension. \u201cThis will get documented. If don\u2019t get the extra docked day, then won\u2019t have time to fill up MPLM.\u201d<\/p>\n

Given Atlantis is the only orbiter to lack the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System (SSPTS), the flexibility to gain the required consumable allowance for a mission extension will be tight.<\/p>\n

Assets relating to both the launch and the recovery of the Solid Rocket Boosters are also preparing for their role, with both Freedom Star and Liberty Star in the local area.<\/p>\n

The latter is currently undergoing radar calibrations, ready to monitor Atlantis\u2019 ride uphill. Both ships will be involved with the recovery of the boosters.<\/p>\n

See Also<\/h4>\n