STS-115 - Space Shuttle Atlantis

[STS-Chris]

STS-115 Atlantis

SHUTTLE COUNTDOWN CLOCK

Rollback to VAB:
Dienstag, 29. August 2006
14:00/16:00 CEST (around 8 or 10 a.m. EDT)


KSC, Vehicle Assembly Building and Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B
(update every 60 seconds)



Ernesto Forces Atlantis Rollback Preparations

28 August 2006

NASA mission managers announced at a midmorning briefing today
that rollback preparations are proceeding, ensuring that Space Shuttle
Atlantis would be safely back in the Vehicle Assembly Building before
effects from Tropical Storm Ernesto would be felt at the Kennedy Space
Center on Florida's east coast.

Leroy Cain, mission management team chairman, explained, "We pretty
much did what we said we were going to do. We got together this morning
and talked about it and didn't see any significant change for the good."

"We'd like to get off the pad tomorrow morning if at all possible," said
Launch Director Mike Leinbach. "Based on tomorrow afternoon's local
weather, we'd much rather be back in the VAB earlier rather than later."

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters described the effects that the
Kennedy Space Center could receive from Ernesto if the current track and
strength holds, predicting tropical storm force winds Wednesday morning
and hurricane force winds by 5 p.m. EDT (23:00 CEST).

Earlier in the day, mission managers decided to scrub Tuesday's
scheduled launch attempt, since rollback would need to start by mid-day.

NASA's launch window extends to Sept. 13, but mission managers were
hoping to launch by Sept. 7 to avoid a conflict with a Russian Soyuz rocket
also bound for the International Space Station. Officials are talking with
our Russian partners about the issue. Atlantis would require eight days of
launch preparations once it was returned to Launch Pad 39B.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Mission Status Report

MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2006
16:20 CEST (10:20 a.m. EDT)

At launch pad 39B, the offloading of the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen
reactants from the fuel cell storage tanks beneath the payload bay of
space shuttle Atlantis is underway. That operation should be completed
around noon today, launch director Mike Leinbach says.

The pad will be reopened to workers after this hazardous operation is
finished, allowing the rest of rollback preparations to continue in earnest.
Disconnection of ordnance will occur this afternoon.

NASA had been targeting the 4-mile rollback of Atlantis to begin around
2 p.m. (20:00 CEST) on Tuesday. But given the weather outlook, Leinbach
has told the teams to look at ways to do some work in parallel so that the
timeline could be compressed. That would allow the shuttle to begin the
6-to-8-hour trip back to the Vehicle Assembly Building around
8 or 10 a.m. EDT (14:00/16:00 CEST).

Hurricane force winds are expected at Kennedy Space Center by late
afternoon or early evening on Wednesday.


17:00 CEST (11:00 a.m. EDT)

Cape Canaveral is now under a hurricane watch.

The 11 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center indicates
Ernesto is down to 40 mph sustained winds as it interacts with Cuba. But it
is expected to regain hurricane strength after emerging over water before
striking Florida.

The projected track, which continues the trend of shifting eastward, is
available below.


17:45 CEST (11:45 a.m. EDT)

The mobile launch platform with half of one solid rocket booster intended
for the December shuttle launch is beginning to pull out of the Vehicle
Assembly Building right now. The platform is being transferred to clear
this bay within the VAB for Atlantis' arrival tomorrow afternoon. The
partially stacked SRB will be parked in the spare bay on the west side of
the VAB.


Quelle: spaceflightnow.com



Tropical Storm "Ernesto"

Coastal Watches/Warnings and 5-Day Cone

Tropical Storm Wind Force Wind Speed Probabilities

Images: nhc.noaa.gov



Video Gallery

28 August 2006

STS-115 - Launch Status Update ... 31.8 MB


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



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-115

[STS-Chris]

STS-115 Atlantis

Rollback to VAB!


KSC, Vehicle Assembly Building and Space Shuttle Atlantis
(update every 60 seconds)



Mission Status Report

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2006
11:40 CEST (5:40 a.m. EDT)

The center of Ernesto has moved off the northern coast of Cuba and
become slightly stronger this morning. The storm is forecast to approach
the southern shore of Florida at or near hurricane strength tonight. A
tropical storm warning is in effect for the Kennedy Space Center. The
newest track is available below, which shows Ernesto churning up through
the center of Florida and passing just west of the shuttle launch site as a
tropical storm.

Work to ready for the Atlantis rollback have continued overnight.
However, no final decision has been made on actually moving the shuttle
to the Vehicle Assembly Building.


12:15 CEST (6:15 a.m. EDT)

The gantry-like rotating service structure that has enclosed space shuttle
Atlantis at launch pad 39B is swinging open right now in advance of the
ship possibly being rolled off the seaside complex later this morning.


12:41 CEST (6:41 a.m. EDT)

NASA officials have decided to proceed with rollback of space shuttle
Atlantis today because of the high wind and flying debris threats posed by
tropical storm Ernesto. One final review of the situation will be made
around 9 a.m. EDT (15:00 CEST), just before the shuttle begins the
four-mile trip back to the Vehicle Assembly Building.

This will be the fifth time in program history that a shuttle has been
moved off the launch pad to seek shelter from tropical weather.


Quelle: spaceflightnow.com



Tropical Storm "Ernesto"

Coastal Watches/Warnings and 5-Day Cone

Tropical Storm Wind Force Wind Speed Probabilities

Images: nhc.noaa.gov



Image Gallery

27 August 2006


ISS013-E-69696 (27 August 2006)
This oblique image of Hurricane Ernesto on the horizon was taken by the
crew of the International Space Station on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006, from
an altitude of about 215 miles. At that time, Ernesto was approaching
Cuba and was expected to eventually make landfall on the coast of
southern Florida.



ISS013-E-69718 (27 August 2006)
This vertical view of Hurricane Ernesto was taken by the crew of the
International Space Station on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006, from an altitude of
about 215 miles. At that time, Ernesto was approaching Cuba and was
expected to eventually make landfall on the coast of southern Florida. Part
of a Russian spacecraft, docked to the orbital outpost, is visible in upper
left corner.



ISS013-E-69720 (27 August 2006)
This vertical view of Hurricane Ernesto was taken by the crew of the
International Space Station on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006, from an altitude of
about 215 miles. At that time, Ernesto was approaching Cuba and was
expected to eventually make landfall on the coast of southern Florida.


28 August 2006


KSC-06PD-1957 (08/28/2006)
Crawler-transporter No. 2 makes its way toward Launch Pad 39B (in the
background). The crawler is being moved nearby in the event the mission
management team decides to roll back Space Shuttle Atlantis due to
Hurricane Ernesto.



KSC-06PD-1958 (08/28/2006)
Crawler-transporter No. 2 makes its way toward Launch Pad 39B (in the
background). The tip of the orange external tank can be seen above the
rotating service structure surrounding the shuttle. The crawler is being
moved nearby in the event the mission management team decides to roll
back Space Shuttle Atlantis due to Hurricane Ernesto. The hurricane has
been forecast on a heading north and east from Cuba, taking it along the
eastern coast of Florida. NASA's lighted launch window extends to
Sept. 13, but mission managers are hoping to launch on mission STS-115
by Sept. 7 to avoid a conflict with a Russian Soyuz rocket also bound for
the International Space Station. The crawler is 131 feet long, 113 feet
wide and 20 feet high. It weights 5.5 million pounds unloaded. The
combined weight of crawler, mobile launcher platform and a space shuttle
is 12 million pounds. Unloaded, the crawler moves at 2 mph. Loaded, the
snail's pace slows to 1 mph. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett


Quelle: NASA/KSC



Shuttle Rollbacks

"Rollback" is the term used when the Space Shuttle must be rolled back
from the launch pad atop the Mobile Launcher Platform and
Crawler-Transporter to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). A variety of
factors can necessitate a rollback, ranging from the threat of severe
weather to the need for flight hardware repairs that cannot be performed
at the launch pad. Shuttle rollbacks to date are listed in chronological
order:


STS-9 * Columbia * October 19, 1983

Columbia was rolled back to the VAB, de-stacked, and the orbiter
returned to the Orbiter Processing Facility because of a suspect exhaust
nozzle on the right solid rocket booster.


STS-41-D * Discovery * July 11, 1984

Discovery was rolled back to the VAB following a pad abort on June 26.
The vehicle was returned to the VAB, de-stacked, and the orbiter returned
to the Orbiter Processing Facility to remove and replace the number three
main engine which caused the abort.


STS-51-E/51-B * Challenger * March 5, 1985

Challenger was rolled back due to a timing problem with the primary
payload, the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-B. The vehicle was
de-stacked in VAB and the orbiter returned to Orbiter Processing Facility.
This mission, 51-E, was cancelled and the orbiter re-manifested with 51-B
payloads.


STS-35 * Columbia * June 12, 1990 * 1st rollback

Columbia was rolled back twice during preparations for mission STS-35.
The first time occurred after a hydrogen leak was detected in the external
tank/orbiter 17-inch umbilical.


STS-38 * Atlantis * August 9, 1990

Atlantis was rolled back to the VAB after tests confirmed a hydrogen fuel
leak on the external tank side of the external tank/orbiter 17-inch quick
disconnect umbilical. The vehicle was de-stacked.


STS-35 * Columbia * October 9, 1990 * 2nd rollback

Columbia was rolled back a second time due to the threat of severe
weather from Tropical Storm Klaus.


STS-39 * Discovery * March 7, 1991

Discovery rolled back to the VAB after significant cracks were found on all
four lug hinges on the two external tank umbilical door drive mechanisms.
The vehicle was de-stacked.


STS-68 * Endeavour * August 24, 1994

Endeavour was rolled back to the VAB after a pad abort due to an
unacceptably high discharge temperature in the high-pressure oxidizer
turbo pump on main engine number three. All three engines were
replaced in the VAB.


STS-70 * Discovery * June 8, 1995

Discovery was rolled back to the VAB after Yellow Flicker Woodpeckers
drilled about 195 holes on the external tank foam insulation, many of
which were too high up on the tank to be accessed at the pad for repairs.


STS-69 * Endeavour * August 1, 1995

Endeavour was rolled back to the VAB due to the threat of severe weather
from Hurricane Erin which passed through Brevard County where
the Kennedy Space Center is located.


STS-79 * Atlantis * July 10, 1996 * 1st rollback

Atlantis was rolled back to the VAB due to the threat of severe weather
from Hurricane Bertha and SRB problem.


STS-79 * Atlantis * September 4, 1996 * 2nd rollback

Atlantis was rolled back to the VAB due to the threat of severe weather
from Hurricane Fran.


STS-96 * Discovery * May 16, 1999

Discovery was rolled back to the VAB to repair hail damage to the
external tank foam insulation.


STS-98 * Atlantis * January 2, 2001 * 1st rollback

Atlantis began rollout to Launch Pad 39A, but an hour later stopped on the
crawler path so engineers could troubleshoot a failed computer processor
on the crawler transporter. Troubleshooting efforts were unsuccessful, so
managers decided to roll Atlantis back into VAB high bay 3 using a
secondary computer processor.


STS-98 * Atlantis * January 19, 2001 * 2nd rollback

Atlantis was rolled back to the VAB due to uncertainty involving the
integrity of the SRB cables.


STS-114 * Discovery * May 26, 2005

Discovery was rolled back in order to get a new, modified external fuel
tank in preparation for the Return to Flight mission.


Quelle: NASA.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-115

[STS-Chris]

15:00 CEST (9:00 a.m. EDT)

Space shuttle Atlantis is ready to begin the roll back to the Vehicle Assembly
Building. The Apollo-era crawler-transporter is positioned beneath the mobile
launch platform to haul the shuttle. But NASA leaders are receiving a final
weather briefing right now and a final "go/no-go" decision to begin the move
has not yet happened.

[STS-Chris]

Rollback debate continues at KSC

NASA is still debating whether to roll back or not. First motion of the crawler
is targeted for 9:39 a.m. (15:39 CEST), and the weather briefing to
management is still ongoing. A new estimate for the trip time is 10 hours
instead of 12.


Quelle: floridatoday.com

[STS-Chris]

STS-115 Atlantis

Rollback to VAB!


KSC, Vehicle Assembly Building and Space Shuttle Atlantis
(update every 60 seconds)



15:41 CEST (9:41 a.m. EDT)

It's now official. Shuttle Atlantis is heading for shelter from tropical storm
Ernesto. The decision was made after countless weather briefings over the
past few days about the storm's path toward the Kennedy Space Center and
how severe conditions could become. In the end, NASA officials concluded
they couldn't risk leaving Atlantis standing on its launch pad.

The trip back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, which is expected to take
about 10 hours (to VAB High Bay 2), will begin shortly. The
crawler-transporter will hydraulically lift the shuttle's mobile launch platform
off the launch pad pedestals in the next few minutes to complete preparations
for the move.


Quelle: spaceflightnow.com

[STS-Chris]

STS-115 Atlantis

Rollback to VAB!


KSC, Launch Pad 39B and NASA TV (update every 60 seconds)


KSC, Space Shuttle Atlantis and Vehicle Assembly Building (update every 60 seconds)



Rollback Status Report

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2006
16:45 CEST (10:45 a.m. EDT)

The shuttle stack is now making its way down the concrete ramp toward
the crawler way.


17:00 CEST (11:00 a.m. EDT)

The latest update from the National Hurricane Center puts Tropical Storm
Ernesto 180 miles (285 km) south-southeast of Miami. Maximum sustained
winds are near 45 mph (75 km/hr) and some strengthening is expected as
the storm travels across the warm waters between Cuba and Florida. The
outer rainbands of the storm are near to the Florida Keys and the
southeast coast of the Florida peninsula.


17:13 CEST (11:13 a.m. EDT)

The crawler has reached the base of the pad is passing through the
perimeter gate. So far weather conditions are excellent for the rollback
activities.


17:16 CEST (11:16 a.m. EDT)

Shuttle program manager Wayne Hale will hold a telecon at noon EDT
(18:00 CEST) to update reporters on the impact of today's rollback. We
will provide updates during the briefing.


18:10 CEST (12:10 p.m. EDT)

Space shuttle program manager Wayne Hale says NASA has kicked off a
number of studies to determine what options are available for
rescheduling the launch of Atlantis after today's rollback for tropical storm
Ernesto.

"It does not make any sense to fool with Mother Nature," Hale is telling
reporters at news telecon right now.

"It was the prudent thing to go back to the barn."

Atlantis is making good progress on the road off the launch pad under
sunny skies.


18:24 CEST (12:24 p.m. EDT)

Among the options on the table, shuttle program manager Wayne Hale
says, is the requirement to launch this flight in daylight for external tank
foam photography. Relaxing that requirement would allow NASA to open
up additional launch opportunities after the Russian Soyuz mission to the
space station in September. The next daytime shuttle launch window
opens October 26.


18:50 CEST (12:50 p.m. EDT)

In the news telecon underway, shuttle program manager Wayne Hale and
space station program manager Mike Suffredini say September 7 remains
the firm cutoff date for launching Atlantis before the Russian Soyuz.
Kennedy Space Center officials say it will take eight days to ready the
shuttle for launch after it is returned to the pad following the tropical
storm's passage. But it seems highly unlikely Atlantis could roll out on
Thursday to support a September 7 countdown.

Missing this launch window would push Atlantis to the end of October, if
NASA keeps the daylight ascent requirement in place.


19:20 CEST (1:20 p.m. EDT)

Atlantis has reached the point in the crawlerway where it joins up with the
path from pad 39A.

The crawlerway running from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch
pads is 130 feet wide -- almost as broad as an eight-lane highway. Two
40-foot-wide lanes are separated by a 50-foot-wide median strip. The
average depth is seven feet.


Quelle: spaceflightnow.com





Atlantis makes its way to Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 2.



Tropical Storm "Ernesto"

Coastal Watches/Warnings and 5-Day Cone

Tropical Storm Force Wind Speed Probabilities

Images: nhc.noaa.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-115

[STS-Chris]

STS-115 Atlantis

Rollback to Pad 39B!


KSC, Launch Pad 39B and NASA TV (update every 60 seconds)


KSC, Space Shuttle Atlantis and Vehicle Assembly Building (update every 60 seconds)



Rollback to Pad Status Report

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2006
20:50 CEST (2:50 p.m. EDT)

NASA has cancelled its plans to shelter shuttle Atlantis in the Vehicle
Assembly Building and is returning it to the launch pad. The latest forecast
from the National Hurricane Center has given NASA the confidence the
shuttle can ride out the storm at the launch pad. The worst conditions
expected at the space center are winds of 45 knots with gusts to 60.


21:05 CEST (3:05 p.m. EDT)

Atlantis was about a mile from VAB when the decision was taken to
reverse course. The shuttle started back to the launch pad at about
2:45 p.m. EDT (20:45 CEST). The shuttle is expected to arrive back
at the pad by 8 p.m. EDT (02:00 CEST).


Quelle: spaceflightnow.com



Tropical Storm "Ernesto"

Coastal Watches/Warnings and 5-Day Cone

Tropical Storm Force Wind Speed Probabilities

Images: nhc.noaa.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-115

[STS-Chris]

21:35 CEST (3:35 p.m. EDT)

NASA is to hold a briefing at 4 p.m. (22:00 CEST) this afternoon to discuss
this afternoon's turn of events.


21:43 CEST (3:43 p.m. EDT)

This afternoon's news conference is now not expected to take place before
4:30 p.m. EDT (22:30 CEST).


Quelle: spaceflightnow.com

[STS-Chris]

STS-115 Atlantis

Start:
~ 6. September 2006



Tropical Storm "Ernesto"

Coastal Watches/Warnings and 5-Day Cone

Tropical Storm Force Wind Speed Probabilities

GOES Satellite Visible

GOES Satellite Infrared

Images: nhc.noaa.gov



Shuttle Status Report

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2006
22:54 CEST (4:54 p.m. EDT)

Shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach says Atlantis could be ready for
flight on September 6 or 7, depending on how Tropical Storm Ernesto
disrupts Kennedy Space Center operations. The launch team currently
expects to resume work on Thursday after the storm passes.


00:30 CEST (6:30 p.m. EDT, Tue.)

If shuttle Atlantis weathers tropical storm Ernesto without any major
problems, and if engineers can complete hurried preparations, NASA may
be ready to make a launch attempt as early as Sept. 6, one day before
the shuttle's launch window closes, officials said late today.


Space shuttle Atlantis arrived back on launch pad 39B this evening after
its extraordinary day of travels on the Complex 39 crawlerway. The
mobile launch platform was firmly secured in place atop the pad pedestals
by 8:45 p.m. EDT (02:45 CEST). The rotating service structure is
expected to be swung into its cocoon position around Atlantis -- providing
the primary access and weather protection -- about 11 p.m. tonight
(05:00 CEST).

Atlantis left the pad at 10:04 a.m. (16:04 CEST) and rolled for almost five
hours toward the Vehicle Assembly Building to escape the approaching
tropical storm Ernesto. But at 2:45 p.m. (20:45 CEST) and a mile east of
the VAB, the transporter went into reverse to haul the shuttle back to the
pad after NASA officials concluded the threat posed by the storm was no
longer great enough to chase Atlantis indoors.


Quelle: spaceflightnow.com




Atlantis heads back to Launch Pad 39B where it will
ride out Tropical Storm Ernesto. Photo credit: NASA
+ View Larger Image

Atlantis has returned to Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center
to weather Tropical Storm Ernesto in place. Mission managers are
confident in the ability of the rotating service structure to protect the
vehicle on the pad. Depending on how the center weathers the storm, a
launch attempt could come as early as next week.

At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Leroy Cain, launch integration
manager, explained that when the decision was made Tuesday morning to
roll back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, the "forecast was just not quite
good enough."


Quelle: NASA.gov



Video Gallery

29 August 2006

STS-115 - Rollback to Pad Press Briefing ... 27.3 MB


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



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-115

[STS-Chris]

http://www.tagesschau.de/aktuell/meldungen/0,1185,OID5860388_REF3,00.html

Start der Raumfähre "Atlantis" jetzt doch möglich

Und sie startet doch, die Raumfähre "Atlantis". Wenn der Tropensturm
"Ernesto" nicht wieder zum Hurrikan wird. Aber danach sieht nicht aus, denn
der Sturm, der inzwischen Flordia erreicht hat, verliert weiter an Kraft. Nun
soll die Fähre bis spätestens zum 7. September starten.

Von Frank Aischmann, ARD-Hörfunkstudio Washington

Erst war die Nasa über den Tropensturm "Ernesto" verärgert, jetzt hat sie beschlossen, ihn nicht mehr allzu ernst zu nehmen: Die zehn Stunden dauernde Rückfahrt von SpaceShuttle "Atlantis" plus mobiler Plattform in die sturmsichere Montagehalle wurde gestern auf halber Strecke gestoppt. Und die Raumfähre stattdessen doch wieder zurück zur Startrampe geschleppt, wo es nun den Wirbelsturm überstehen muss.

So etwas gab es noch nie, gibt Nasa-Startdirektor Mike Lainbach zu, und: "Die Entscheidung hat durchaus einige unserer Mitarbeiter im Kennedy Space Center ziemlich überrascht, aber niemanden im Kontrollzentrum, denn wir haben dieses Manöver über Stunden ausgearbeitet."

Rückschlag um Rückschlag für "Atlantis"-Crew

Die zukünftige Besatzung der "Atlantis" hat schon einige Tiefpunkte erlebt: Freitag schlug ein Blitz in die Startrampe ein. Die nachfolgenden Systemtests machten den eigentlich für Sonntag angesetzten Flug unmöglich - und der gestrige Startversuch wurde abgesagt - um das Shuttle im Schritttempo in die Sechs-Kilometer entfernte Montagehalle zu evakuieren.

Aber die in Florida traditionell hurrikangeplagte US-Weltraumbehörde hat für alles Zahlen und Vorschriften - und nach denen gilt "Ernesto" nun als so harmlos, dass das Shuttle den Wind im Freien aussitzen kann. "Unsere Vorschriften erlauben Sturmspitzen von 70 Knoten, also 126 Kilometer pro Stunde. Jetzt erwarten wir weniger als 100 Kilometer pro Stunde Wind und deswegen konnten wir das Shuttle mit gutem Gefühl zurück zur Startplattform bringen", erläutert Lainbach.

Nasa unter Zeitdruck

Das spart wertvolle Rückroll- und Aufbauzeit, wenn "Ernesto" dann endlich an Cape Canaveral vorbeigeregnet und -gestürmt ist - und Zeit fehlt der Nasa grade mächtig: Hebt die "Atlantis" nicht bis zum 7. September zur Internationalen Raumstation ab, kommt das nächste Startfenster erst wieder im Oktober.

Schwacher Tropensturm bedeutet also gute Startchancen - allerdings muss der Tropensturm jetzt mitspielen. Größere Schäden würden alle Planungen über den Haufen werfen. Wiedermal. Aber nach jetzigen Prognosen des Hurrikanzentrums in Miami wird "Ernesto" vorerst nicht wieder den Sprung zum Hurrikan schaffen.

http://www.tagesschau.de/audio/0,2773,OID5860550_NAV_BAB,00.html

[Spocky]

Das klingt doch schon mal sehr positiv

Wollen wir hoffen, dass Ernesto ein lieber kleiner Tropensturm bleibt, damit Atlantis pünktlich loskommt

[STS-Chris]

STS-115 Atlantis

Startfenster:
6. - 8. September 2006



Tropical Storm "Ernesto"

Coastal Watches/Warnings and 5-Day Cone

Tropical Storm Force Wind Speed Probabilities

GOES Satellite Visible

GOES Satellite Infrared

Images: nhc.noaa.gov



Shuttle Status Report

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006
20:00 CEST (2:00 p.m. EDT)

NASA and Russian space managers agreed today to extend the shuttle
Atlantis' launch window by one day, to Sept. 8, to bolster the U.S. space
agency's chances of getting the weather-delayed shuttle off the ground
this month.


Quelle: spaceflightnow.com



30. August 2006, Mittwoch

ATLANTIS ist wieder auf der Startrampe. Der Startaufbau wurde gegen
2 Uhr MESZ vom Raupentransporter auf die Pfosten abgesetzt.
Bodenmannschaften begannen sofort, die drehbare Zugangsstruktur
(RSS) vor den Orbiter zu schwenken und die notwendigen Anschlüße
zwischen der Startplattform und den Rampenanlagen wiederherzustellen.
Die RSS schützt das Shuttle vor dem Wind und aufgewirbelten Teilchen,
die durch Ernesto heute abend zu erwarten sein werden.

Auf der Pressekonferenz gestern Abend erklärte Startdirektor Mike
Leinbach, man werde sich bemühen soviel Arbeit wie möglich vor dem
Eintreffen von Ernesto zu schaffen. Nach dem Ausreiten des Sturms werde
man am Donnerstag sofort mit den Vorbereitungen für den Start
fortfahren. Die Ladebucht werde wieder geöffnet, um die Batterien neu
aufzuladen. Nach der Herrichtung der Startplattform werden die
Sprengvorrichtungen wieder installiert und das Hauptantriebssystem und
die Manövriertriebwerkssysteme wieder unter Druck gesetzt. Dann könne
man wieder in einen vollen, drei Tage dauernden Startcountdown
eintreten. Sollte Ernesto keine zu großen Verzögerungen verursachen,
könne ein Start möglicherweise schon am 6. September erfolgen.

Inzwischen hat die NASA bekanntgegeben, daß das Kennedy
Raumfahrtzentrum (KSC) am Mittwoch geschlossen werde und nicht
erforderliches Personal nicht zur Arbeit erscheinen solle. Nur eine
Notbesatzung werde am KSC verbleiben und den Sturm ausreiten.
Ausgehend von den aktuellen Vorhersagen werde das Zentrum am
Donnerstag, 31. August, wieder geöffnet.


Quelle: space-science-journal.de



KSC reopens; launch preps resume

August 31, 2006


IMAGE NOTE: We typically provide image captures from live video
feeds at Kennedy Space Center, but NASA shut them down as part of the
agency's routine hurricane preparation plan. Nonetheless, you can click to
enlarge this Florida Today photo of shuttle Atlantis rolling back toward its
assembly building before reversing course and heading back to launch
pad 39B. Photo credit: Michael R. Brown, Florida Today
+ View Larger Image

NASA is reopening Kennedy Space Center this morning and preparations
for the planned Sept. 6 launch of shuttle Atlantis on an International
Space Station assembly mission will resume on first shift.

A preliminary survey showed that Tropical Depression Ernesto did no
significant damage at the spaceport, so work will begin again at launch
pad 39B. Technicians early today will validate mechanical, electrical and
other connections between the launch pad and the shuttle.

An all-clear also has been issued at Patrick Air Force Base and Cape
Canaveral Air Force Station, where two Boeing Delta rockets are being
readied for flight at Launch Complex 17. No significant damage was done
at either site and normal work is resuming today.


Quelle: floridatoday.com



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-115

[STS-Chris]

STS-115 Atlantis

Startfenster:
6. - 8. September 2006


KSC, Launch Pad 39B and NASA TV (update every 60 seconds)


KSC, Space Shuttle Atlantis and Weather Satellite Image (update every 60 seconds)


Tropical Storm "Ernesto"

Coastal Watches/Warnings and 5-Day Cone

Tropical Storm Force Wind Speed Probabilities

GOES Satellite Visible

GOES Satellite Infrared

Images: nhc.noaa.gov



Image Gallery

29 August 2006


KSC-06PD-1966 (08/29/2006)
Space Shuttle Atlantis is reflected in the water near Launch Pad 39B. The
rotating service structure has been rolled away in anticipation of the
rollback of the shuttle and mobile launcher platform to the Vehicle
Assembly Building (VAB), approximately 4 miles away. Despite the clear
blue skies, the rollback is a safety precaution as the area waits for the
arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The storm is forecast to be bringing
58-mph to 70-mph winds in the next 24 hours. The shuttle will be moved
into high bay 2, on the southwest side of the VAB, for protection from the
storm. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann



KSC-06PD-1969 (08/29/2006)
Launch Pad 39B, the rotating service structure has been rolled away from
Space Shuttle Atlantis, sitting on the mobile launcher platform. The
crawler-transporter, which has moved underneath, will lift and carry both
back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), approximately 4 miles away.



KSC-06PD-1970 (08/29/2006)
Viewed from an upper level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad
39B, Space Shuttle Atlantis begins rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly
Building. First motion was at 10:04 a.m. EDT.



KSC-06PD-1971 (08/29/2006)



KSC-06PD-1972 (08/29/2006)
Viewed from across pond near Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Atlantis is
framed by tree limbs as it begins rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly
Building.



KSC-06PD-1977 (08/29/2006)
On Launch Pad 39B, the crawler-transporter (below) begins rolling away
with its cargo above of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and mobile launcher
platform.



KSC-06PD-1979 (08/29/2006)
The massive mobile launcher platform and Space Shuttle Atlantis above it
nearly dwarf the crawler-transporter below them. The crawler alone is 20
feet high.



KSC-06PD-1980 (08/29/2006)
A serene scene surrounds Space Shuttle Atlantis as it begins rolling off
Launch Pad 39B to return to the Vehicle Assembly Building.



KSC-06PD-1982 (08/29/2006)
A darkening cloud overhead keeps vigil as Space Shuttle Atlantis moves
away from Launch Pad 39B on its rollback to the Vehicle Assembly
Building. At right are the rotating and fixed service structures.



KSC-06PD-1974 (08/29/2006)
Moved by the crawler-transporter underneath, Space Shuttle Atlantis
inches down the ramp from Launch Pad 39B as it rolls back to the Vehicle
Assembly Building. At right is the rotating service structure in its open
configuration and the fixed service structure with the 80-foot lightning
mast on top.



KSC-06PD-1986 (08/29/2006)
Engineers keep watch on the crawler-transporter as it carries Space
Shuttle Atlantis and the mobile launcher platform back to the Vehicle
Assembly Building. First motion off the pad was at 10:04 a.m. EDT. The
crawler is 131 feet long, 113 feet wide and 20 feet high. It weights 5.5
million pounds unloaded. The combined weight of crawler, mobile launcher
platform and a space shuttle is 12 million pounds. Unloaded, the crawler
moves at 2 mph. Loaded, the snail's pace slows to 1 mph. The rollback is
a safety precaution as the area waits for the arrival of Tropical Storm
Ernesto. The storm is forecast to be bringing 58-mph to 70-mph winds in
the next 24 hours.



KSC-06PD-1987 (08/29/2006)
NASA's Kennedy Space Center has begun making preparations for the
arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto. Here workers are boarding up windows
on the Operations and Support Building I in the Launch Complex 39 Area.
The center has been in HURCON III status since Aug. 28, which means
winds of 58 mph are expected within 48 hours. m.
Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton



KSC-06PD-1990 (08/29/2006)
Space Shuttle Atlantis continues its slow crawl toward the Vehicle
Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39B. The rollback was a safety
precaution as the area waits for the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The
storm was forecast to be bringing 58-mph to 70-mph winds in the next 24
hours. After this photo was taken, a revised forecast of lesser winds
expected from Ernesto and its projected direction convinced Launch
Integration Manager LeRoy Cain and Shuttle Launch Director Mike
Leinbach to return the shuttle to the launch pad.
Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley


Quelle: NASA/KSC



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-115

[STS-Chris]

STS-115 Atlantis

Start:
Mittwoch, 6. September 2006
18:29 CEST (12:29 p.m. EDT)

Startfenster: 6. - 8. September 2006


KSC, Weather and NASA TV (update every 60 seconds)


KSC, Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B (update every 60 seconds)



Heute hat Astronaut
Christopher Ferguson seinen 45. Geburtstag!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!



Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 Mission Pilot
NASA Biographical Data
Wikipedia (deutsch)



Image Gallery

29 August 2006


KSC-06PD-1991 (08/29/2006)
On the crawlerway, Space Shuttle Atlantis reverses direction and begins
rolling back out to Launch Pad 39B. It had been moved off the launch pad
due to concerns about the impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto, expected
within 24 hours. The forecast of lesser winds expected from Ernesto and
its projected direction convinced Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain
and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach to return the shuttle to the
launch pad. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley



KSC-06PD-1996 (08/29/2006)
Inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,
Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach informs the launch team of the
decision to reverse the rollback of Space Shuttle Atlantis and return to
Launch Pad 39B. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton



KSC-06PD-1997 (08/29/2006)
Equipment in areas of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy
Space Center are wrapped in protective covers for the arrival of Tropical
Storm Ernesto in Central Florida. The storm is forecast to be bringing
58-mph to 70-mph winds in the next 24 hours.
Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton



KSC-06PD-1998 (08/29/2006)
After reversing its direction to the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space
Shuttle Atlantis nears Launch Pad 39B. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-06PD-1999 (08/29/2006)
The relative diminutive size of a vehicle and workers alongside the
crawler-transporter reveal the immensity of the mobile launcher
platform-Space Shuttle Atlantis stack above. The crawler is 20 feet tall;
the platform is 25 feet high. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-06PD-2001 (08/29/2006)
Dark clouds silhouette Space Shuttle Atlantis as it rolls back to Launch Pad
39B atop the crawler-transporter. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-06PD-2003 (08/29/2006)
A late-day sun spotlights Space Shuttle Atlantis as it rolls up the ramp to
Launch Pad 39B atop the crawler-transporter. The crawler has a leveling
system designed to keep the top of the space shuttle vertical while
negotiating the 5-percent grade leading to the top of the launch pad. Also,
a laser docking system provides almost pinpoint accuracy when the
crawler and mobile launcher platform are positioned at the launch pad. At
left are the open rotating service structure and the fixed service structure
topped by the 80-foot lightning mast. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-06PD-2004 (08/29/2006)
Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls up the ramp to Launch Pad 39B atop the
crawler-transporter. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-06PD-2005 (08/29/2006)
Silhouetted against a setting sun, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls near to its
launch position on Launch Pad 39B. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-06PD-2007 (08/29/2006)
After sunset, Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in light from the fixed
service structure on Launch Pad 39B. At left is the White Room, which is
situated on the end of the orbiter access arm and moved into place for the
crew to enter the shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-06PD-2010 (08/29/2006)
After sunset, Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in light from the fixed
service structure on Launch Pad 39B. Seen on either side of Atlantis'
engine nozzles are the tail masts, which provide several umbilical
connections to the orbiter, including a liquid-oxygen line through one and
a liquid-hydrogen line through another. Below the mobile launcher
platform, on which Atlantis rests, is the crawler-transporter beginning to
move away from the platform. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-06PD-2011 (08/29/2006)
The crawler-transporter that carried Space Shuttle Atlantis and the mobile
launcher platform back to Launch Pad 39B begins moving out from under
the platform. It will return to its parking spot near the Vehicle Assembly
Building. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett


Quelle: NASA/KSC



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-115

[STS-Chris]

STS-115 Atlantis

Start:
Mittwoch, 6. September 2006
18:29 CEST (12:29 p.m. EDT)

Startfenster: 6. - 8. September 2006


KSC, Weather and NASA TV (update every 60 seconds)


KSC, Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B (update every 60 seconds)


Next Events

September 2, Saturday

16:30 CEST (10:30 a.m. EDT)
STS-115 Crew Arrival - KSC (All Channels)
The Atlantis crew is scheduled to arrive back at NASA's Kennedy Space
Center in Florida Saturday to begin final preparations for mission
STS-115. Flying T-38 trainer jets, the astronauts will land at the Shuttle
Landing Facility about 10:30 a.m. EDT. NASA TV will broadcast the crew's
arrival live.


September 3, Sunday

14:00 CEST (8 a.m. EDT)
STS-115 Launch Countdown begins - KSC


September 4, Monday

16:00 CEST (10 a.m. EDT)
STS-115 Countdown Status Briefing - KSC (All Channels)

NET 22:00 CEST (NET 4 p.m. EDT)
STS-115 Launch Readiness News Conference - KSC (All Channels)
Time dependent on completion of Mission Management Team Meeting



Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
S-090106

September 1, 2006

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) -
P3/P4 Truss Segment and Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Launch Pad 39B
Launch Date: Sept. 6, 2006, 12:29 p.m. EDT
Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

At Launch Pad 39B, preparations for Wednesday's launch are under way, with the launch countdown scheduled to begin on Sunday at 8 a.m. The liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen transfer lines used for filling the external fuel tank (ET) were reconnected to the mobile launch platform. The ET hydrogen vent line hook-up is complete. The ordnance was disconnected to allow for vehicle power-up and will be reconnected this weekend. The Orbiter Midbody Umbilical Unit (OMBUU) mate is complete. This is the connection point for lines that will be used to provide hydrogen and oxygen reactants for the fuel cells. Weekend work includes pressurization of the orbital maneuvering system, the reaction control system and the main propulsion system. The two doors to the aft compartment of Atlantis were removed for access to ordnance, and they will be closed during the weekend to allow for the aft confidence test on Sunday. This test involves powering up and testing all aft systems, such as the main propulsion system circuits.

On Tuesday, the shuttle was moved off the pad in advance of Tropical Storm Ernesto, then returned to the pad after traveling about 2 miles toward the Vehicle Assembly Building when the storm predictions became more favorable. On Thursday, engineers inspected the ET thermal protection system, post-rollback, and found three areas of minor foam damage. One area, about 3/8 inches long, is located at the midsection of the liquid oxygen tank, about 2 feet outboard of the ice frost ramps. A second area, about 1 inch long by 1/16 inch wide, is located near the ET/right SRB aft fairing, which is the attach point between the two components. Both of these resemble a scratch, are accessible and are expected to be easily repaired. The third area, a missing foam nodule from the liquid hydrogen barrel between the ET and the left SRB, about five feet below the intertank flange closeouts, will not need repair.

Auf der Startrampe 39B laufen die Vorbereitungen für den Start am Mittwoch; der Beginn des Startcountdowns ist für Sonntag, 14 Uhr MESZ geplant. Die Transferleitungen für flüssigen Wasserstoff und Sauerstoff, die für das Befüllen des Außentanks benötigt werden, wurden wieder an die mobile Startplattform angeschlossen.Der Anschluß der Wasserstoffentlüftungsleitung ist abgeschlossen. Die Sprengvorrichtungen wurden abgeklemmt, um ein Hochfahren der Orbitersysteme zu ermöglichen und werden an diesem Wochenende wieder angeklemmt. Die Orbitermittschiffsversorgungseinheit (OMBUU) ist verbunden. Dies ist der Anschlußpunkt der Versorgungsleitungen für das Befüllen der internen Tanks des Brennstoffzellenversorgungssystems. Die Arbeiten am Wochenende beinhalten auch, daß das Orbitalmanövriersystem (OMS), das Lageregelungstriebwerkssystem (RCS) und das Hauptantriebssystem (MPS) unter Druck gesetzt werden. Die zwei Zugangsklappen zum Heckgehäuse wurden entfernt, um Zugang zu den Sprengvorrichtungen zu erhalten, und sie werden am Wochenende wieder eingesetzt, um die Abnahmeprüfung am Sonntag zu ermöglichen. Dabei werden alle Systeme des Heckgehäuses des Orbiters eingeschaltet und getestet, wie z.B. die Stromkreise des MPS.

Am Dienstag war der Startaufbau wegen Tropensturm Ernesto vorsorglich von der Rampe gefahren, dann aber, nach rund drei Kilometer Fahrt in Richtung Montagegebäude, wieder zur Startrampe zurückgerollt worden, als die Wettervorhersagen günstiger wurden. Am Donnerstag haben Ingenieure das Hitzeschutzsystem des Außentanks inspiziert und drei Stellen gefunden, an denen die Schaumisolation geringfügig beschädigt war. Eine Stelle, etwa 1 cm groß befindet sich etwa im Mittelbereich des Sauerstofftanks, gut einen halben Meter neben den Eis-/Frostrampen. Eine zweite Stelle, etwa 2,5x0,2 cm groß befindet sich nahe der hinteren Anschlußstelle der Steuerbordstartrakete. Beide Beschädigungen, die eher als Kratzer zu bezeichnen sind, sind gut zugängig und leicht zu reparieren. Eine dritte Stelle, ein fehlendes Schaumteil zwischen Tank und Backbordstartrakete, etwa anderthalb Meter unterhalb der Intertankflanschverschalung, wird keine Reparatur erfordern.


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



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-115