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    #16
    STS-116 Discovery


    Next Events

    November 2006
    Rollover of Discovery to VAB

    December 14, Thursday
    6:55 p.m. EST (00:55 CET, Friday)

    Launch



    Image Gallery

    Crew Portrait


    STS116-S-002 [hi-res]
    These seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the
    STS-116 crew portrait. Scheduled to launch aboard the Space Shuttle
    Discovery are, front row (from the left), astronauts William A. Oefelein,
    pilot; Joan E. Higginbotham, mission specialist; and Mark L. Polansky,
    commander. On the back row (from the left) are astronauts Robert L.
    Curbeam, Nicholas J.M. Patrick, Sunita L. Williams and the European
    Space Agency's Christer Fuglesang, all mission specialists. Williams will
    join Expedition 14 in progress to serve as a flight engineer aboard the
    International Space Station. The crewmembers are attired in training
    versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits.





    Shuttle Mission STS-116: A Hard Wire Job

    September 22, 2006

    NASA has said it over and over again: The coming missions to finish the
    International Space Station are among the hardest and most complex
    ever.

    But if you ask the astronauts and engineers which of the final 14 assembly
    flights may be the most complex, many would point to Discovery's next
    mission, set to launch in December.

    "What makes this one singularly unique is the fact that we're going to
    rewire the space station," Mark Polansky, Discovery's commander, said.

    Since it went into orbit in 1998, the space station has been running on a
    temporary electrical system. Lead Space Station Flight Director John
    Curry compared it to the way you might build a house on the ground –
    until your electricity is hooked up, you probably plug your saws into a
    generator. That's basically what the astronauts building and living on the
    station have been doing for the past eight years.

    But with the installation of two new electricity-generating solar array
    panels in September, all the pieces are now in place to switch to the
    permanent system. At your house, it would just be a matter of unplugging
    the saw from the generator and plugging it back into the wall. But in
    space, it's not that easy.

    "Everything will be fine – if nothing breaks," Curry said.

    The plan is to send astronauts out on two spacewalks, each devoted to
    rewiring half of the station. Though it sounds complicated, that part
    shouldn't be too difficult. Spacewalks are inherently dangerous and should
    only be done if there is no alternative, Polansky said, but as spacewalks
    go, these are pretty straightforward. The astronauts will head outside,
    wait for the team on the ground to send commands to switch off the
    power, and then unplug the power cables and plug them in new places.
    There might be the occasional stiff cable to deal with – that can happen in
    the minus 200 degrees Fahrenheit of space – and the process will likely be
    slow, but not especially complex.

    The real pressure, Polansky said, will be on those back in Houston.

    "I hold my breath every time we do spacewalks because you never know
    what can happen," he said. "So I'll definitely be watching. But I don't think
    I'll be as worried as the guys in Mission Control and the folks who have
    been working on the hardware will be. I think I'll have a lot of company in
    the worry department."

    Curry confirmed that suspicion. He's been training for this mission for six
    years, and he said his team couldn't be any more prepared. But when
    asked what about the mission keeps him awake at night, he had no
    trouble coming up with a list.

    "My team is the one that has to turn everything back on and get it
    running," he said.


    Mission Specialists Robert Curbeam and Christer Fuglesang, wearing
    training versions of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit spacesuit, participate
    in an underwater simulation of extravehicular activity scheduled for the
    STS-116 shuttle mission to the International Space Station.
    Image credit: NASA


    Theoretically, everything should go fine. But there are a few things that
    could cause some big hitches. Several of them have to do with the
    unpredictability of equipment that's been in space for years. For instance,
    before any of the rewiring can be done, half of the solar array that's been
    providing the temporary electricity must be folded up to make room for
    the new solar arrays to rotate. That's never been tried before, and it may
    not be as easy as it sounds.

    "It's been sitting out there taking thermal cycles (moving from minus 200
    degrees Fahrenheit to plus 200 degrees Fahrenheit every 45 minutes)
    since November 2000," Curry said. "It's like a map – if you keep a map
    out in your car for six years and then you decide to fold it up again, you
    may get some waves in it or it may not fold back the same way at all."

    Many of the main components of the electrical system have been flying
    that long and could cause similar large headaches. It's impossible to know
    for sure if the equipment will work until the power has been turned off,
    rewired and turned back on. And if it doesn't work, the astronauts can't
    leave it like that – the essential systems on the station would be running
    on whichever half of the station has power, but without both halves they
    won't have any backup.

    That's not a position anyone wants to leave the station in for any longer
    than necessary. So, if Mission Control flips the switch and the lights don't
    all come on, the astronauts will have to try and fix whatever the problem
    is before they run out of time. If they can't, then it's back to square one.

    "Then I have to tell the crew, stop what you're doing and undo
    everything," Curry said.

    To avoid that, plans addressing possible problems are made well in
    advance.

    "You put all your energy into being successful and doing it safely, while
    making sure you do it efficiently," Lead Shuttle Flight Director Tony
    Ceccacci said. "And then you step back after you get that completed and
    say, 'What if?'"

    Polansky said the crew spends a lot of time training for those what ifs.

    "They run through scenario after scenario," Polansky said. "Today we're
    going to do a main bus switching unit checkout, tomorrow we're going to
    do a pump module remove and replace. The next day we're going to a
    replace a direct current-to-direct current converter unit box. None of
    which we ever plan to do on orbit."

    But, Ceccacci said, as much as you would like to, you can't plan for every
    contingency. You look at the most probable failure, impact to mission,
    complexity of recovering, then determine if you should spend the
    resources to develop the fix.

    If the old solar array won't fold up, the astronauts won't be able to do any
    of their rewiring spacewalks until they either fold it up manually or jettison
    it. If the pump that keeps the electrical system cool doesn't work, there
    would only be enough time to rewire half of the station after replacing it.
    But he believes NASA is up to the challenge.

    "Everyone has stepped up, is prepared, and is confident that this mission
    will be very successful," Ceccacci said. "As with all complex assembly
    flights, it's going to be interesting."


    Quelle: NASA.gov



    NASA TV
    Wikipedia: STS-116

    Kommentar


      #17
      STS-116 Discovery


      Next Events

      November 8, Wednesday
      Rollover of Discovery from OPF bay 3 to VAB

      November 15, Wednesday
      Rollout of Discovery to Launch Pad 39B

      December 7, Thursday
      9:38 p.m. EST (03:38 CET, Friday)

      Launch

      December 18, Monday
      5:03 p.m. EST (23:03 CET)

      Landing

      All times could change at short notice.
      Changes are indicated in red.




      Discovery set to launch early, and at night

      Evening liftoff would be first in four years

      CAPE CANAVERAL - Discovery could launch a week earlier than
      planned, on Dec. 7, shuttle managers decided Thursday.



      STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky (left) and Pilot William Oefelein
      participate in a training session in the fixed-base shuttle mission simulator
      at Johnson Space Center, Houston. Image credit: NASA


      More workers at Kennedy Space Center will be assigned to ready the
      orbiter for flight, spokesman Kyle Herring said at Johnson Space Center in
      Houston.

      "It was pretty much unanimous that it was the right thing to do," he said.
      "Everybody felt comfortable doing that."

      In addition, NASA must negotiate with the Eastern Range for the date,
      which is slated for the launch of a Lockheed Martin Atlas 5 rocket with a
      military cargo.

      The vehicles can't launch the same day, and a two-day turnaround is
      customary between launches.

      There should be enough time to replace a bracket damaged Wednesday
      on one of Discovery's external tank umbilical doors before it flies to the
      International Space Station, Herring said.

      In addition, Atlantis would be able to meet its schedule as a rescue shuttle
      if needed, he said.

      A launch at 9:38 p.m. on Dec. 7, with a landing around Dec. 18, would
      give most workers time off during the holidays.

      "That was the entire reasoning behind (program manager) Wayne Hale
      asking them to look at this," Herring said. "They didn't have time off last
      Christmas."

      It would be the first night launch of a shuttle in four years.


      Quelle: floridatoday.com



      NASA TV
      STS-116
      Integrated Truss Structure P5

      Kommentar


        #18
        STS-116 Discovery


        Next Events

        November 8, Wednesday
        Rollover of Discovery from OPF bay 3 to VAB

        November 15, Wednesday
        Rollout of Discovery to Launch Pad 39B

        December 7, Thursday
        9:38 p.m. EST (03:38 CET, Friday)

        Launch

        December 18, Monday
        5:03 p.m. EST (23:03 CET)

        Landing

        All times could change at short notice.
        Changes are indicated in red.




        Space Shuttle Processing
        Status Report S-092806


        September 28, Thursday

        Mission: STS-116 - 20th International Space Station Flight (12A.1) -
        P5 Truss Segment
        Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
        Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
        Launch Date: No earlier than Dec. 7, 2006
        Launch Pad: 39B
        Crew: Polansky, Oefelein, Curbeam, Higginbotham, Patrick,
        Fuglesang and Williams
        Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

        During today's Program Requirements Control Board meeting, Space
        Shuttle Program management moved the target launch date for Discovery
        to no earlier than Dec. 7, a week earlier than originally planned. This
        change allows for workers at both Kennedy Space Center and Johnson
        Space Center to enjoy additional time with their families during the
        December holidays. At this time, there is currently a range conflict with an
        Atlas V launch, which is currently on the range on December 8 and 9.

        NASA will work with Lockheed-Martin and the Air Force to determine
        whether we will have a launch opportunity on December 7. Until this
        negotiation is complete, we understand that December 7th is a target and
        that we are not on the range schedule at this time. As always, the official
        launch date is not set until the Flight Readiness Review.

        Technicians continue processing Discovery in the Orbiter Processing
        Facility for its launch to the International Space Station. The keel yoke
        assembly was installed in the payload bay last weekend. The assembly
        holds the payload in the bay during the mission. Workers completed the
        payload premate test in preparation of the Spacehab module being
        installed in the payload bay. Engineers are reviewing potential damage to
        orbiter Discovery's right-hand external tank door mechanism, which
        resulted during the process of reassembling the linkage following the
        change out of the power drive unit. No impact to the processing schedule
        is expected.

        The external tank scheduled to fly with Discovery, designated ET-123,
        arrived by barge at Kennedy Space Center from Michoud Assembly
        Facility in New Orleans last week. The tank was lifted into the checkout
        cell in the Vehicle Assembly Building for final work prior to being mated to
        the solid rocket boosters.

        Während der heutigen Besprechung des Kontrollausschußes für
        Programmanforderungen hat die Space-Shuttle-Programmleitung
        beschlossen, das Zieldatum für den geplanten Start der Raumfähre
        DISCOVERY auf den 8. Dezember (MEZ) vorzuziehen, eine Woche früher,
        als ursprünglich geplant. Diese Änderung ermöglicht es den Arbeitern
        sowohl am Kennedy Raumfahrtzentrum als auch am Johnson
        Raumfahrtzentrum, zusätzliche Zeit mit ihren Famielien während der
        Weihnachtsfeiertage zu verbringen. Während dieses Startplanungsfensters
        gibt es im Augenblick noch einen Abstandskonflikt zu einem für den 8.
        oder 9. Dezember geplanten ATLAS-V-Start vom US-Luftwaffenstützpunkt
        Cape Canaveral (CCAFB).

        Die NASA wird mit Lockheed-Martin und der US-Luftwaffe
        zusammenarbeiten, um zu bestimmen, ob eine Startgelegenheit am 7.
        Dezember besteht. Bis diese Verhandlungen beendet sind, wird davon
        ausgegangen, daß der 7. Dezember ein möglicher Starttermin ist und kein
        Abstandskonflikt besteht. Wie üblich wird der offizielle Starttermin erst auf
        der Flugbereitschaftsabnahmebesprechung (FRR) endgültig festgelegt.

        Techniker fahren indes im Orbiterabfertigungswerk fort, DISCOVERY für
        den Start zur Internationalen Raumstation vorzubereiten. Der Kielbügel
        wurde am letzten Wochenende in der Ladebucht eingebaut. Diese
        Vorrichtung hält während der Mission die Nutzlast in der Bucht. In
        Vorbereitung für den Einbau des SPACEHAB-Moduls in die Ladebucht
        führten Mechaniker den Nutzlastvorverladungstest durch. Ingenieure
        überprüfen zur Zeit eine mögliche Beschädigung am Mechanismus der
        Steuerbordklappe der Außentankanschlußstutzen, die sich während der
        Remontage der Verbindungen nach dem Austausch des Kraftantriebes
        ergeben hatte. Es wird nicht erwartet, daß dies Einfluß auf den
        Abfertigungszeitplan haben wird.

        Der Außentank ET-123, mit dem DISCOVERY starten soll, ist letzte Woche
        mit einem Lastkahn vom Michoud Montagewerk bei New Orleans
        kommend am Kennedy Raumfahrtzentrum eingetroffen. Der Tank wurde
        im Montagegebäude (VAB) in die Prüfzelle gehoben, wo vor der Hochzeit
        mit den beiden Feststoffstartraketen abschließende Arbeiten ausgeführt
        werden.


        Quelle: NASA.gov
        Übersetzung: space-science-journal.de



        NASA TV
        STS-116
        Integrated Truss Structure P5

        Kommentar


          #19
          STS-116 Discovery


          Wallpaper


          STS-116 Wallpaper 1


          STS-116 Wallpaper 2


          STS-116 Wallpaper 3


          STS-116 Wallpaper 4



          NASA TV
          STS-116
          Integrated Truss Structure P5

          Kommentar


            #20
            STS-116 Discovery


            Next Events

            October 13, Friday
            External Tank ET-123 mating to SRBs in the VAB

            November 1, Wednesday
            Rollover of Discovery from OPF Bay 3 to VAB

            November 8, Wednesday
            Rollout of Discovery to Launch Pad 39B

            December 7, Thursday
            9:38 p.m. EST (03:38 CET, Friday)

            Launch

            December 11, Monday
            External Tank ET-124 (for STS-117/317) arrtives at KSC

            December 18, Monday
            5:03 p.m. EST (23:03 CET)

            Landing

            All times could change at short notice.
            Changes are indicated in red.






            Space Shuttle Processing
            Status Report S-100606


            October 6, Friday

            Mission: STS-116 - 20th International Space Station Flight (12A.1) -
            P5 Truss Segment
            Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
            Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
            Launch Date: No earlier than Dec. 7, 2006
            Launch Pad: 39B
            Crew: Mark Polansky, William Oefelein, Robert Curbeam,
            Joan Higginbotham, Nicholas Patrick, Christer Fuglesang and Sunita Williams
            Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

            During Thursday's Program Requirements Control Board meeting, Space
            Shuttle Program managers discussed the self-imposed restriction to
            daylight launches of the first two missions following the Columbia
            accident. The Program agreed to evaluate daylight versus night launches
            on a mission by mission basis when requirements for highly desirable
            launch and ascent imagery are identified. The consensus was that
            restoring night launch capability of the shuttle does not impose additional
            risk to the safety of the vehicle and crew. It provides flexibility in
            scheduling missions to the International Space Station toward fulfilling the
            shuttle's mission to finish station construction within the remaining life of
            the shuttle fleet prior to the fleet's retirement in 2010. The current no
            earlier than launch date would have a launch time of 9:38 p.m.

            Engineers reviewed the damage to orbiter Discovery's right-hand external
            tank door mechanism, which resulted during the process of reassembling
            the linkage following the changeout of the power drive unit. Replacement
            parts will be delivered to the bay today and are scheduled to be installed
            early next week. There is no impact to the overall processing schedule.

            The STS-116 crew will be at Kennedy Space Center next week for the
            crew equipment interface test. A routine part of astronaut training and
            launch preparations, the test activities allow for equipment familiarization
            and inspection of the items and hardware that will be used during the
            mission.

            In the Vehicle Assembly Building, solid rocket booster stacking is
            complete and technicians are working on final joint closeout. Program
            managers will hold the external tank and booster mate review on Oct. 10,
            followed by the mating on Oct. 13 of the external tank, designated
            ET-123, scheduled to fly with Discovery.


            Quelle: NASA.gov



            NASA TV
            STS-116
            Integrated Truss Structure P5
            Zuletzt geändert von STS-Chris; 08.10.2006, 10:55.

            Kommentar


              #21
              STS-116 Discovery


              Next Events

              October 13, Friday
              External Tank ET-123 mating to SRBs in the VAB

              November 1, Wednesday
              Rollover of Discovery from OPF Bay 3 to VAB

              November 8, Wednesday
              Rollout of Discovery to Launch Pad 39B

              December 7, Thursday
              9:38 p.m. EST (03:38 CET, Friday)

              Launch

              December 11, Monday
              External Tank ET-124 (for STS-117/317) arrtives at KSC

              December 18, Monday
              5:03 p.m. EST (23:03 CET)

              Landing

              All times could change at short notice.
              Changes are indicated in red.




              Image Gallery

              October 5, Thursday


              KSC-06PD-2258 (10/05/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
              In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the solid rocket boosters (SRBs) are
              being stacked for the orbiter Discovery and mission STS-116. They are in
              high bay 3, situated on the mobile launcher platform, seen beneath the aft
              skirt. Discovery will be rolling over to the VAB in early November to be
              stacked with the SRBs and external tank for launch. STS-116 will be
              mission number 20 to the International Space Station and construction
              flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5
              integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled
              for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller



              KSC-06PD-2259 (10/05/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
              Seen here are the nose cones on top of the SRBs.



              KSC-06PD-2260 (10/05/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
              From this unique view on an upper level of the Vehicle Assembly Building,
              the solid rocket boosters (SRBs) are seen being stacked for the orbiter
              Discovery and mission STS-116.


              Quelle: NASA/KSC



              NASA TV
              STS-116
              Integrated Truss Structure P5

              Kommentar


                #22
                STS-116 Discovery


                Next Events

                November 1, Wednesday
                Rollover of Discovery from OPF Bay 3 to VAB

                November 8, Wednesday
                Rollout of Discovery to Launch Pad 39B

                December 7, Thursday
                9:38 p.m. EST (03:38 CET, Friday)

                Launch

                December 17, Sunday
                External Tank ET-124 (for STS-117/317) arrtives at KSC

                December 18, Monday
                5:03 p.m. EST (23:03 CET)

                Landing

                All times could change at short notice.
                Changes are indicated in red.




                Space Shuttle Processing
                Status Report S-101306


                October 13, Friday

                Mission: STS-116 - 20th International Space Station Flight (12A.1) -
                P5 Truss Segment
                Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
                Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
                Launch Date: No earlier than Dec. 7, 2006
                Launch Pad: 39B
                Crew: Mark Polansky, William Oefelein, Robert Curbeam,
                Joan Higginbotham, Nicholas Patrick, Christer Fuglesang and Sunita Williams
                Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

                Technicians continue performing final closeouts on Discovery in
                preparation for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building, currently
                scheduled for Nov. 1. Leak checks of the crew module and external
                airlock hatch are scheduled for Sunday. The work to repair the damage to
                orbiter Discovery's right-hand external tank door mechanism is nearly
                finished. Servicing is complete on the environmental control and life
                support system.

                The STS-116 crew is at Kennedy Space Center for the payload and orbiter
                crew equipment interface test. A routine part of astronaut training and
                launch preparations, the test activities allow for equipment familiarization
                and inspection of the items and hardware that will be used during the
                mission.

                In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank scheduled to fly with
                Discovery was mated to the solid rocket boosters early this morning
                during third shift. Technicians will complete closeouts in preparation for
                orbiter Discovery to be mated to the tank, designated ET-123, on Nov. 1.


                Quelle: NASA.gov



                Image Gallery

                October 12, Thursday


                KSC-06PD-2286 (10/12/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank is transferred
                from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the
                mobile launch platform in highbay 3 for mission STS-116. The gigantic,
                rust-colored external tank is the largest element of the Space Shuttle
                system at 27.6-feet wide and 154-feet tall. STS-116 will be mission no. 20
                to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The
                mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss
                structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier
                than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller



                KSC-06PD-2295 (10/12/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                Mission STS-116 mission specialist Robert Curbeam (in back) arrives at
                Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet for the
                Crew Equipment Interface Test. Mission crews make frequent trips to the
                Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will
                be using.



                KSC-06PD-2297 (10/12/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                From left, at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, Deputy
                Director William Parsons and Discovery Flow Director Stephanie Stilson
                greet mission STS-116 mission specialists Robert Curbeam and Nicholas
                Patrick after they arrive for the Crew Equipment Interface Test.



                KSC-06PD-2308 (10/12/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                Mission STS-116 crew members participate in the Crew Equipment
                Interface Test at the SPACEHAB Payload Processing Facility at Port
                Canaveral, Fla. From left are mission specialists Joan Higgenbotham,
                Nicholas Patrick and Sunita Willams. Behind them are mission commander
                Mark Polansky and mission specialist Christer Fuglesang, who is with the
                European Space Agency.



                KSC-06PD-2314 (10/12/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                Inside Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., mission STS-116
                crew members look over the Integrated Cargo Carrier, during the Crew
                Equipment Interface Test. The ICC will be carried in Space Shuttle
                Discovery’s payload cargo bay during the mission to the International
                Space Station. From left are mission specialists Christer Fuglesang, who is
                representing the European Space Agency, Robert Curbeam and Sunita
                Williams.


                October 13, Friday


                KSC-06PD-2289 (10/13/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank is mated to its
                twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platform in highbay 3 for
                mission STS-116. The gigantic, rust-colored external tank is the largest
                element of the Space Shuttle system at 27.6-feet wide and 154-feet tall.



                KSC-06PD-2292 (10/13/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank is mated to its
                twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platform in highbay 3 for
                mission STS-116.


                Quelle: NASA/KSC



                NASA TV
                STS-116
                Integrated Truss Structure P5

                Kommentar


                  #23
                  STS-116 Discovery


                  Next Events

                  November 1, Wednesday
                  Rollover of Discovery from OPF Bay 3 to VAB

                  November 8, Wednesday
                  Rollout of Discovery to Launch Pad 39B

                  December 7, Thursday
                  9:38 p.m. EST (03:38 CET, Friday)

                  Launch

                  December 17, Sunday
                  External Tank ET-124 (for STS-117/317) arrtives at KSC

                  December 18, Monday
                  5:03 p.m. EST (23:03 CET)

                  Landing

                  All times could change at short notice.
                  Changes are indicated in red.




                  Space Shuttle Processing
                  Status Report S-102006


                  October 20, Friday

                  Mission: STS-116 - 20th International Space Station Flight (12A.1) -
                  P5 Truss Segment
                  Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
                  Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
                  Launch Date: No earlier than Dec. 7, 2006
                  Launch Pad: 39B
                  Crew: Mark Polansky, William Oefelein, Robert Curbeam,
                  Joan Higginbotham, Nicholas Patrick, Christer Fuglesang and Sunita Williams
                  Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

                  Technicians continue performing final closeouts on Discovery in
                  preparation for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building, currently
                  scheduled for Nov. 1. The work to repair the damage to orbiter
                  Discovery's right-hand external tank door mechanism is finished and the
                  door functional test is complete.

                  The team plans to complete orbiter aft closeouts this weekend. The right-
                  and left-hand wing box and wing doors were installed for flight on
                  Thursday. The Ku-band antenna test was successfully completed, and the
                  antenna was stowed for flight on Wednesday.

                  In the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians will complete closeouts in
                  preparation for orbiter Discovery to be mated to the tank, designated
                  ET-123, on Nov. 1.


                  Quelle: NASA.gov



                  Image Gallery

                  October 13, Friday


                  KSC-06PD-2331 (10/13/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer
                  Fugelsang, who represents the European Space Agency, gets hands-on
                  experience working with a piece of flight hardware. He and other crew
                  members are at KSC for a Crew Equipment Interface Test. Mission crews
                  make frequent trips to the Kennedy Space Center to become familiar with
                  the equipment and payloads they will be using.



                  KSC-06PD-2339 (10/13/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                  Striding through the Vehicle Assembly Building are STS-116 crew
                  members (from left) Mark Polansky, commander; Nicholas Patrick, Sunita
                  Williams, Christer Fugelsang and Joan Higginbotham, mission specialists.
                  The crew is at KSC for a Crew Equipment Interface Test.



                  KSC-06PD-2334 (10/13/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                  In the Vehicle Assembly Building, STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer
                  Fugelsang (left) and Pilot William Oefelein look at one of the solid rocket
                  boosters designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery.



                  KSC-06PD-2341 (10/13/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-116 crew members get a close look
                  at the underside of the orbiter Discovery. The astronauts are, from left,
                  Commander Mark Polansky, Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham and
                  Nicholas Patrick, Pilot William Oefelein, and Mission Specialists Christer
                  Fugelsang, who represents the European Space Agency, and Sunita
                  Williams.



                  KSC-06PD-2344 (10/13/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                  From a platform in the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-116 Pilot William
                  Oefelein points to Discovery’s reinforced carbon-carbon wing leading edge.



                  KSC-06PD-2347 (10/13/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                  STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fugelsang practices photographing the
                  orbiter Discovery with a camera similar to those the crew will use on the
                  mission. At right is Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam.



                  KSC-06PD-2348 (10/13/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                  STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein (left) gets a close look at the underside of
                  the orbiter Discovery. At right, Mission Specialists Robert Curbeam and
                  Christer Fugelsang are practicing with cameras similar to those the crew
                  will use on the mission. Fugelsang represents the European Space Agency.



                  KSC-06PD-2353 (10/13/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                  STS-116 crew members are looking closely at the orbiter boom sensor
                  system in Discovery’s payload bay. Seen in front are Mission Specialists
                  Christer Fugelsang, who represents the European Space Agency, and
                  Robert Curbeam.



                  KSC-06PD-2356 (10/13/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                  STS-116 crew members are lowered into Discovery’s payload bay for a
                  closer look. In the white cap is Mission Specialist Christer Fugelsang; at
                  right is Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam.



                  KSC-06PD-2355 (10/13/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                  STS-116 crew members get information about the Orbiter Docking
                  System (ODS) they are looking at. At left is Mission Specialist Christer
                  Fugelsang and at right is Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam.


                  Quelle: NASA/KSC



                  NASA TV
                  STS-116
                  Integrated Truss Structure P5

                  Kommentar


                    #24
                    STS-116 Discovery


                    Video Gallery

                    October 17, Tuesday

                    1. STS-116 - Interviews with Commander Mark Polansky ... 45.8 MB

                    2. STS-116 - Crew Training Video ... 7.6 MB

                    3. STS-116 - Interviews with Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham ... 25.4 MB

                    4. STS-116 - Crew Training Video 2 ... 6.6 MB


                    Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA TV


                    October 18, Wednesday

                    NASA Space Shuttle Status Report KSC-06-S-00215 ... Stream


                    Quelle: NASA



                    NASA TV
                    STS-116
                    Integrated Truss Structure P5

                    Kommentar


                      #25
                      STS-116 Discovery


                      Next Events

                      NET November 7, Tuesday
                      Rollout of Discovery to Launch Pad 39B

                      December 7, Thursday
                      9:38 p.m. EST (03:38 CET, Friday)

                      Launch

                      December 17, Sunday
                      External Tank ET-124 (for STS-117/317) arrtives at KSC

                      December 18, Monday
                      5:03 p.m. EST (23:03 CET)

                      Landing

                      All times could change at short notice.
                      Changes are indicated in red.




                      Video Gallery

                      October 17, Tuesday

                      4. STS-116 - Crew Training Video 2 ... 6.6 MB

                      5. STS-116 - Crew Performs Test at KSC ... 13.7 MB


                      Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA TV



                      Image Gallery

                      October 31, Tuesday


                      KSC-06PD-2407 (10/31/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                      In the Space Station Processing Facility, the P5 truss for mission STS-116
                      moves closer to the payload canister (left). The canister will transport the
                      truss to Launch Pad 39B where it will wait for installation in Space Shuttle
                      Discovery's payload bay. The third port truss segment, the P5 will be
                      attached to the P3/P4 truss on the International Space Station during the
                      11-day mission. The window for launch of mission STS-116 opens Dec. 7.
                      Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton



                      KSC-06PD-2411 (10/31/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                      The orbiter Discovery is ready to move out of Orbiter Processing Facility
                      bay 3 and roll over to the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at
                      9:23 p.m. Oct. 31.



                      KSC-06PD-2413 (10/31/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                      Discovery backs out of the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 for the short
                      rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building.



                      KSC-06PD-2418 (10/31/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                      Discovery rolls toward the Vehicle Assembly Building after leaving bay 3
                      of the Orbiter Processing Facility.



                      KSC-06PD-2420 (10/31/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                      The orbiter Discovery has come to a stop in the transfer aisle of the
                      Vehicle Assembly Building after leaving bay 3 of the Orbiter Processing
                      Facility.


                      November 1, Wednesday


                      KSC-06PD-2422 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                      Workers in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building watch as
                      the orbiter Discovery is raised off its transporter via the overhead sling.



                      KSC-06PD-2423 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                      The overhead crane and sling raise the orbiter Discovery to a vertical
                      position in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building.



                      KSC-06PD-2424 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                      Discovery is nearly vertical in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly
                      Building as it is raised by an overhead crane.



                      KSC-06PD-2425 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                      Discovery is suspended vertically above the floor of the transfer aisle of
                      the Vehicle Assembly Building.



                      KSC-06PD-2426 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                      Workers in the Vehicle Assembly Building detach part of the crane used to
                      raise Discovery from its transporter. Still attached to the sling, Discovery
                      will be lifted up into high bay 3 and lowered onto the mobile launcher
                      platform where the external tank and solid rocket boosters are already
                      stacked.


                      Quelle: NASA/KSC



                      NASA TV
                      STS-116
                      Integrated Truss Structure P5

                      Kommentar


                        #26
                        Image Gallery


                        KSC-06PD-2427 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                        Workers in the Vehicle Assembly Building move part of the crane used to
                        raise Discovery from its transporter away from the vehicle.



                        KSC-06PD-2428 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                        Discovery is lifted toward the upper levels for transfer to high bay 3.



                        KSC-06PD-2430 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                        Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, a crane and sling attached to the
                        orbiter Discovery lift the vehicle toward the upper levels for transfer to
                        high bay 3.



                        KSC-06PD-2432 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                        Discovery is lifting the vehicle toward the upper levels for transfer to high
                        bay 3.



                        KSC-06PD-2433 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                        Seen from below, the orbiter Discovery is lifted into the upper levels of
                        high bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building.



                        KSC-06PD-2434 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                        Discovery is being lowered into high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly
                        Building. Below it is the tip of the external tank, which is installed on the
                        mobile launcher platform below.



                        KSC-06PD-2435 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                        The orbiter Discovery is being lowered into high bay 3 of the Vehicle
                        Assembly Building toward the external tank below.



                        KSC-06PD-2436 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                        In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Discovery is
                        being lowered toward the external tank and solid rocket boosters installed
                        on the mobile launcher platform. The orbiter will be stacked with the tank
                        and SRBs for launch. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to roll out to
                        Launch Pad 39B no earlier than Nov. 7 for mission STS-116. The mission
                        is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1.
                        The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss
                        structure and other key components. The launch window for mission
                        STS-116 opens Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett


                        Quelle: NASA/KSC



                        NASA TV
                        STS-116
                        Integrated Truss Structure P5

                        Kommentar


                          #27
                          STS-116 Discovery


                          Next Events

                          NET November 7, Tuesday
                          7 a.m. EST (13:00 CET)

                          Rollout of Discovery to Launch Pad 39B

                          December 7, Thursday
                          9:38 p.m. EST (03:38 CET, Friday)

                          Launch

                          December 17, Sunday
                          External Tank ET-124 (for STS-117/317) arrtives at KSC

                          December 18, Monday
                          5:03 p.m. EST (23:03 CET)

                          Landing

                          All times could change at short notice.
                          Changes are indicated in red.




                          Space Shuttle Processing
                          Status Report S-110206


                          November 2, Thursday

                          Mission: STS-116 - 20th International Space Station Flight (12A.1) -
                          P5 Truss Segment
                          Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
                          Location: Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 3
                          Launch Date: No earlier than Dec. 7, 2006
                          Launch Pad: 39B
                          Crew: Mark Polansky, William Oefelein, Robert Curbeam,
                          Joan Higginbotham, Nicholas Patrick, Christer Fuglesang and Sunita Williams
                          Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

                          On Tuesday, drivers moved Space Shuttle Discovery atop the 76-wheeled
                          orbiter transporter system from the Orbiter Processing Facility to the
                          Vehicle Assembly Building. Discovery's first motion out of the processing
                          facility took place at 9:23 p.m.

                          Once in the assembly building, technicians began attaching Discovery to
                          its propulsion elements: an external fuel tank, designated ET-123, and
                          twin solid rocket boosters. The hard mate, the permanent connect of the
                          vehicle to the tank, was completed this morning. Following those
                          operations, technicians began final integration, preparations and closeouts
                          for flight.

                          Discovery's next milestone is the 4.2-mile trip to Launch Pad 39B. The
                          rollout of the shuttle to the launch pad is scheduled for Nov. 7, with first
                          motion of the vehicle out of the assembly building targeted for 7 a.m.


                          Quelle: NASA.gov



                          Video Gallery

                          November 3, Friday

                          1. STS-116 - Training - Spacewalks ... 12.2 MB

                          2. STS-116 - Interviews with Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam ... 35.0 MB


                          Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA TV



                          Image Gallery

                          November 1, Wednesday


                          KSC-06PD-2437 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                          The orbiter Discovery is lowered toward the mobile launcher platform in
                          high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Behind the vehicle are the
                          external tank and solid rocket boosters already stacked on the MLP.



                          KSC-06PD-2438 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]



                          KSC-06PD-2439 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]



                          KSC-06PD-2440 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]



                          KSC-06PD-2441 (11/01/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                          The orbiter will be installed and added to the stack in preparation for
                          launch. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad
                          39B no earlier than Nov. 7 for mission STS-116. The mission is No. 20 to
                          the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission
                          payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and
                          other key components. The launch window for mission STS-116 opens
                          Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett


                          November 3, Friday


                          KSC-06PD-2446 (11/03/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                          Inside the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane lifts the
                          SPACEHAB Module from its stand for transfer to the Payload Canister.



                          KSC-06PD-2448 (11/03/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
                          The SPACEHAB Module will carry racks of experiments, flight hardware,
                          spacewalk equipment and supplies to support mission STS-116 to the
                          International Space Station.



                          KSC-06PD-2449 (11/03/2006) [Low Res | High Res]


                          Quelle: NASA/KSC



                          NASA TV
                          STS-116
                          Integrated Truss Structure P5

                          Kommentar


                            #28
                            STS-116 Discovery


                            Next Events

                            November 7, Tuesday
                            7 a.m. EST (13:00 CET)

                            Rollout of Discovery to Launch Pad 39B

                            December 7, Thursday
                            9:38 p.m. EST (03:38 CET, Friday)

                            Launch

                            December 18, Monday
                            5:03 p.m. EST (23:03 CET)

                            Landing

                            December 23, Saturday
                            External Tank ET-124 (for STS-117/317) arrtives at KSC

                            All times could change at short notice.
                            Changes are indicated in red.




                            Wallpaper


                            STS-116 Wallpaper 5
                            1024 x 768


                            STS-116 Wallpaper 6
                            1024 x 768



                            NASA TV
                            STS-116
                            Integrated Truss Structure P5

                            Kommentar


                              #29
                              STS-116 Discovery


                              NASA TV (update every 60 seconds)


                              NASA TV

                              November 6, Monday

                              9 a.m. EST (15:00 CET)
                              STS-116 Program Overview Briefing - JSC
                              (Public and Media Channels)


                              10:30 a.m. EST (16:30 CET)
                              STS-116 Mission Overview Briefing - JSC
                              (Public and Media Channels)


                              1:30 p.m. EST (19:30 CET)
                              STS-116 Spacewalk Overview Briefing - JSC
                              (Public and Media Channels)


                              3 p.m. EST (21:00 CET)
                              STS-116 Crew News Conference - JSC
                              (Public and Media Channels)


                              7 p.m. EST (01:00 CET, Tuesday)
                              STS-116 ESA News Conference with Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang - JSC
                              (Public and Media Channels)



                              All times could change at short notice.
                              Changes are indicated in red.




                              Video Gallery

                              October 31, Tuesday - November 1, Wednesday

                              1. STS-116 - Space Shuttle Discovery Attached to External Tank ... 11.4 MB

                              November 5, Sunday

                              1. STS-116 - Interviews with Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick ... 27.2 MB


                              Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA TV



                              NASA TV
                              STS-116
                              Integrated Truss Structure P5

                              Kommentar


                                #30
                                STS-116 Discovery


                                Next Events

                                November 9, Thursday
                                12:01 a.m. EST (06:01 CET)

                                Rollout of Discovery to Launch Pad 39B

                                December 7, Thursday
                                9:38 p.m. EST (03:38 CET, Friday)

                                Launch

                                December 18, Monday
                                5:03 p.m. EST (23:03 CET)

                                Landing

                                December 23, Saturday
                                External Tank ET-124 (for STS-117/317) arrtives at KSC

                                All times could change at short notice.
                                Changes are indicated in red.




                                Rollout Scheduled for Thursday

                                Now fully assembled inside Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly
                                Building, Space Shuttle Discovery is set to begin the 4.2-mile trip to
                                Launch Pad 39B at 12:01 a.m. EST (06:01 CET) on Thursday, Nov. 9.



                                With its crane still attached, the orbiter Discovery is settled into place
                                behind the external tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher
                                platform in high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter was
                                mated to the stack in preparation for launch. Image Credit: NASA


                                The orbiter Discovery rolled into the Vehicle Assembly Building last week.
                                Inside the VAB, the orbiter was mated to its large external tank and twin
                                solid rocket boosters, which were already stacked on the mobile launcher
                                platform.

                                The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and
                                construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module,
                                the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. The launch
                                window for mission STS-116 opens Dec. 7.


                                Quelle: NASA



                                YERO will likely restrict STS-116 window

                                The initial phase of testing and troubleshooting on the issue known as
                                YERO (Year End Rollover) has been successfully completed, but not to the
                                point where NASA are satisfied they can allow Shuttle Discovery to be on
                                orbit through the change of year.

                                NASA presentations from Thursday's PRCB (Program Requirements
                                Control Board) meeting notes recommendations that STS-116 should not
                                launch after December 17, reducing Discovery's launch window to 10
                                days.



                                Quelle: NASAspaceflight.com



                                Video Gallery

                                November 6, Monday

                                1. STS-116 - Preflight Briefing B-roll feed ... 29.4 MB

                                2. STS-116 - Program Overview Briefing ... 71.6 MB

                                3. STS-116 - Mission Overview Briefing ... 97.6 MB

                                4. STS-116 - Spacewalk Overview Briefing ... 51.2 MB


                                Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA TV



                                NASA TV
                                STS-116
                                Integrated Truss Structure P5

                                Kommentar

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