STS-117 - Space Shuttle Atlantis

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis


Next Events

Friday, January 19
External Tank ET-124 mating to the solid rocket boosters in VAB high bay 1

Wednesday, February 7
Orbiter Atlantis' rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)

Friday, March 16
Launch


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



Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-010507

Friday, January 5

Mission: STS-117 - 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) -
S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: No earlier than March 16, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Frederick Sturckow, Lee Archambault, James Reilly,
Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson and John Olivas
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians powered down orbiter Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1
prior to the holidays. Over the holiday period, thermal protection system
waterproofing was completed. Final system testing and processing continues
in preparation for the vehicle's roll over to the Vehicle Assembly Building,
scheduled for Feb. 7.

The external tank scheduled to fly with Atlantis, designated ET-124, arrived
at Kennedy Space Center from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans
prior to the holidays. On Dec. 28, the barge brought the tank to the turn
basin in the Launch Complex 39 area, and the tank was offloaded into the
Vehicle Assembly Building. The next day, the tank was lifted into the
checkout cell for final processing prior to being mated to the solid rocket
boosters in high bay 1, scheduled for Jan. 19.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Image Gallery

September 13, 2006


STS117-S-002 (13 Sept. 2006) [Low Res | High Res]
These six astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-117
crew portrait. Scheduled to launch aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis are
(from the left) astronauts James F. Reilly II, Steven R. Swanson, mission
specialists; Frederick W. (Rick) Sturckow, commander; Lee J.
Archambault, pilot; Patrick G. Forrester and John D. (Danny) Olivas,
mission specialists. The crewmembers are attired in training versions of
their shuttle launch and entry suits.


Quelle: NASA



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis


Image Gallery

Friday, January 5


KSC-07PD-0011 (01/05/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Lighting inside Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building seems
to bathe the highbay 1 area in a golden hue as workers continue stacking
the twin solid rocket boosters. The solid rocket boosters are being
prepared for NASA's next Space Shuttle launch, mission STS-117. The
mission is scheduled to launch aboard Atlantis no earlier than March 16,
2007. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton



KSC-07PD-0012 (01/05/2007) [Low Res | High Res]



KSC-07PD-0013 (01/05/2007) [Low Res | High Res]


Quelle: NASA/KSC



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis


Next Events

Wednesday, February 7
Orbiter Atlantis' rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)

Sunday, February 18
Payload canister with S3/S4 truss goes to the pad

Thursday, March 15
Launch


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



Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-012607

Friday, January 26

Mission: STS-117 - 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) -
S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: Targeted for March 15, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Frederick Sturckow, Lee Archambault, James Reilly,
Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson and John Olivas
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

On Wednesday, the Space Shuttle Program signed a change request
moving the STS-117 targeted launch date to March 15, one day earlier
than originally planned. Final vehicle closeouts are under way in
preparation for technicians to move Atlantis to the Vehicle Assembly
Building on Feb. 7.

Technicians completed the flight deck closeout and are working to finish
closing out the forward area. The final vehicle power down and main
landing gear functional test are scheduled for Jan. 29. Aft structural leak
test preparations began today, and the test will begin early next week. On
Jan. 31, technicians will perform the final weight and center-of-gravity
measurements on the vehicle, and the orbiter transporter system will be
brought into the bay on Feb. 1.

Last week, the external tank scheduled to fly with Atlantis, designated
ET-124, was moved from the checkout cell in the Vehicle Assembly
Building to be mated to the solid rocket boosters in high bay 1.
Technicians are completing the final foam application and strut closeouts in
preparation for attaching the orbiter on Feb. 7.

At Pad A, technicians performed a payload canister fit check. The canister
will be used to transport the payload for the mission, the S3/S4 solar
arrays, scheduled to go to the pad on Feb. 18.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Image Gallery

Friday, January 19


KSC-07PD-0139 (01/19/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
External tank No. 124 is lowered into high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly
Building where it will be mated with the solid rocket boosters for mission
STS-117. The boosters are already in place on the mobile launcher
platform in the VAB. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-07PD-0142 (01/19/2007) [Low Res | High Res]



KSC-07PD-0143 (01/19/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
External tank No. 124 is lowered between the twin solid rocket boosters in
high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank will be mated with
the SRBs, already in place on the mobile launcher platform, for mission
STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett


Quelle: NASA/KSC



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis


Next Events

Wednesday, February 7
Orbiter Atlantis' rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)

Sunday, February 18
Payload canister with S3/S4 truss goes to the pad

Thursday, March 15
Launch


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



Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-020207

Friday, February 2

Mission: STS-117 - 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) -
S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: Targeted for March 15, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Frederick Sturckow, Lee Archambault, James Reilly,
Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson and John Olivas
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

During the Space Shuttle Program's orbiter rollout milestone review today,
managers determined that the vehicle was ready to rollover to the Vehicle
Assembly Building next week on Feb. 7. In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1,
final vehicle closeouts are under way and early this week Atlantis was
powered down for rollover.

Final tire pressure checks for flight have been completed, and the
landing-gear strut pressurization for flight is complete. The forward
compartment is closed out, with the crew hatch closed for rollover. The left
and right T-0 umbilical disconnects are complete. Aft structural leak tests
were successfully completed, and later today, technicians will perform the
final weight and center-of-gravity measurements on the vehicle. The
orbiter transporter system will be brought into the bay this weekend.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians are completing the final
closeout operations on the external tank and solid rocket boosters in
preparation for attaching the orbiter on Feb. 7.

At Pad A, the rotating service structure was successfully rotated from
mate to park position, and pad system validations are under way.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Video Gallery

Thursday, January 11

STS-117 - Mission Specialist Danny Olivas Video Feed ... 15.7 MB


Tuesday, January 30

STS-117 - Atlantis' Crew performs Test at KSC ... 20.6 MB


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



Image Gallery

Tuesday, January 30


KSC-07PD-0200 (01/30/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Workers on Launch Pad 39A get ready to begin the movement of the
rotating service structure above them. The RSS has not been rotated for
more than a year during the maintenance and upgrades on the pad. Some
of the work included sandblasting the structure to remove rust and
repainting. In addition, the RSS was jacked up and a new upper-bearing
race assembly installed where the RSS pivots against the fixed service
structure and a half-inch steel plate added. Pad 39A is being made ready
for its first launch in four years, the upcoming STS-117 on March 15.
Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton



KSC-07PD-0203 (01/30/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39A has moved for the first
time in more than a year due to maintenance and upgrades on the pad.
Some of the work included sandblasting the structure to remove rust and
repainting. In addition, the RSS was jacked up and a new upper-bearing
race assembly installed where the RSS pivots against the fixed service
structure and a half-inch steel plate added. Pad 39A is being made ready
for its first launch in four years, the upcoming STS-117 on March 15.
Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton



KSC-07PD-0204 (01/30/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39A has been fully opened
for the first time in more than a year due to maintenance and upgrades on
the pad.


Quelle: NASA/KSC



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis


Next Events

Monday, February 12
Payload Canister with S3/S4 Truss goes to Launch Pad 39A

Wednesday, February 14
Atlantis' Rollout to Launch Pad 39A

Thursday, March 15
Launch


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



Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-020907

Friday, February 9

Mission: STS-117 - 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) -
S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 1
Launch Date: Targeted for March 15, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Frederick Sturckow, Lee Archambault, James Reilly,
Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson and John Olivas
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

On Wednesday, Atlantis rolled from the Orbiter Processing Facility to the
Vehicle Assembly Building, where it was lifted into high bay 1 and mated
to the external fuel tank. Orbiter power application is scheduled for
Sunday. Close-out operations continue on the fuel tank and solid rocket
boosters, with thermal protection system foam trimming under way.

The STS-117 payload is scheduled to be transferred to Launch Pad 39A on
Monday. The shuttle is set to roll out to the pad on Feb. 14.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Video Gallery

Wednesday, February 7

1. STS-117 - Atlantis' Rollover to VAB ... 10.0 MB

2. STS-117 - Atlantis mated to External Fuel Tank ... 9.1 MB


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



Image Gallery

Wednesday, February 7


KSC-07PD-0286 (02/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The orbiter Atlantis backs away from the Orbiter Processing Facility to
make the short trip to the Vehicle Assembly Building, seen at left. First
motion was at 6:19 a.m. EST. Once in the VAB, Atlantis will be lifted into
high bay 1 and mated with the external tank and solid rocket boosters
already in place on the mobile launcher platform. The rollover signals the
start of the journey to the launch pad for liftoff on mission STS-117
targeted for March 15. The mission is the 21st to the International Space
Station and will deliver the S3/S4 starboard truss segments.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-07PD-0291 (02/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The orbiter Atlantis, on top of its transporter, turns toward the Vehicle
Assembly Building after leaving the Orbiter Processing Facility.



KSC-07PD-0294 (02/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The orbiter Atlantis, on top of its transporter, comes to a stop in the
transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building after the short trip from the
Orbiter Processing Facility.



KSC-07PD-0312 (02/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the
S3/S4 integrated truss to a payload canister.



KSC-07PD-0313 (02/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the
S3/S4 integrated truss above the floor to a payload canister. Several
space station modules can be seen at various points on the floor.



KSC-07PD-0316 (02/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane lowers the
S3/S4 integrated truss toward the open doors of the payload canister.
After it is stowed in the canister, the S3/S4 truss will be transported to the
launch pad. The truss is the payload on mission STS-117, targeted for
launch on March 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton



KSC-07PD-0320 (02/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the overhead sling
lifts the orbiter Atlantis off the transporter. The orbiter will be raised to
vertical and lifted up into high bay 1. Then it will be lowered onto the
mobile launcher platform where the external tank and solid rocket
boosters are already stacked.



KSC-07PD-0323 (02/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Atlantis
is being raised to a vertical position.



KSC-07PD-0330 (02/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The belly of Atlantis can be seen as the orbiter, suspended vertically
above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, is slowly lifted
up into the upper regions for transfer to high bay 1.



KSC-07PD-0333 (02/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The overhead sling lowers the orbiter Atlantis next to the external tank
and solid rocket boosters stacked on the mobile launcher platform (MLP)
below. Atlantis will be mated to the MLP as well. Space Shuttle Atlantis is
targeted to roll out to Launch Pad 39A on February 14 for mission
STS-117. The mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station and
construction flight 13A. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller


Quelle: NASA/KSC



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis



NASA TV - Space Shuttle Atlantis on its way to Launch Pad 39A (Febr. 15) (update every 60 seconds)


Next Events

Thursday, February 15
7:00 a.m. EST (13:00 CET)
Atlantis' Rollout to Launch Pad 39A

NASA TV Events
13:00 CET - STS-117 Atlantis' Rollout to Launch Pad 39A
14:15 CET - STS-117 Preflight Program Overview Briefing
15:00 CET - STS-117 Preflight Mission Overview Briefing
16:30 CET - STS-117 Preflight Spacewalk Overview Briefing
18:30 CET - STS-117 Preflight Crew News Conference


Thursday, March 15
6:43 a.m. EDT (11:43 CET)
Launch


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



Atlantis' booster requires troubleshooting

Tuesday, February 13

United Space Alliance (USA) engineers are working on a
troubleshooting plan, following 'erratic' chamber pressure readings on the
right hand SRB (Solid Rocket Booster).

The issue - which was noted last night without specifics - is still expected
to delay rollout by 24 hours, although engineers are looking at possibly
continuing their evaluations on the launch pad. However, two of the IPRs
(In Process Reviews) are officially classed as constraints to rollout.


Atlantis is lowered to meet the external tank and solid rocket boosters.
Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

The issues have stopped the retraction of all the platforms that surround Atlantis and the STS-117 stack inside High Bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), with troubleshooting re-starting on Tuesday morning.

'Rollout of STS-117 to the Pad may be delayed 24 hrs due to IPR?s 0062 and 0063 on the RH SRB (see IPR status directly below) - the schedule is under review,' noted the expansive Launch Operations report for Tuesday.

'C Platform retraction was completed yesterday. E Platform retraction is on hold for IPR troubleshooting access requirements in the SRB forward skirt area.

The list of IPRs were listed after the Integrated Space Shuttle Vehicle interface test was conducted on Atlantis and the STS-117 stack.

'IPR-0061: RH (Right Hand) aft separation motor 'no-go' should be 'go' - will close as GSE cable not mated properly,' listed the Launch Ops report.

'IPR-0062: Pitch and yaw indicator went from 'on' to 'off' to 'on'. The constraint is to S0007 (Launch Countdown). This IPR may be related to IPR-0063. This IPR is a constraint to rollout.

'IPR-0063, The RH SRM (Solid Rocket Motor) chamber pressure went erratic - could be related to IPR-0062. This IPR is a constraint to stray voltage testing, platform retraction, and rollout. Power up troubleshooting was performed last evening to try to isolate the problem to the chamber pressure OPT (Operational Pressure Transducer) in the RH forward skirt area.

'Initial indications are that the transducer is faulty, however further troubleshooting will have to be performed to ascertain the condition of the cabling between the Monoball and the aft IEA, and the cabling between the aft IEA and the OPT in the forward skirt.'

Troubleshooting the chamber pressure issue was ceased last night due to lack of manpower and a lack of adapter cables required for testing. This has resumed on Tuesday morning.

'IPR-0064, RH SRB camera recorder #2 was 'off' and should've been 'on'. Troubleshooting is complete to date; this may be a camera recorder card issue, and a camera/recorder R&R is possible. This IPR is not a constraint to roll out to the pad.

Another issue was also noted via an electrical bus error, which is also a constraint to rollout. However, this issue is not fully understood as to the culprit of the fault, which could lie anywhere between the RH SRB and the aft of Atlantis herself.

ATK's Tuesday update confirmed the issues with the RH SRB, but noted that plans are in work to carrying out evaluations at the launch pad.

'S0008, Shuttle Interface Test, is worked as far as possible. Stray voltage tests will follow IPR 117V-0063 resolution. SSV Rollout to Pad A call-to-stations are scheduled for 0300 hours on Wednesday to Thursday at the same time,' noted the ATK Quick Look report for Tuesday.

'IPR 0063 was written against the RH SRB electrical measurement that had an erratic reading. Troubleshooting points toward a bad OPT. Plans to R&R the OPT at the pad are in work.'

Atlantis' processing has enjoyed a smooth flow until thes issues with one of her boosters, and such hiccups can be expected in any pre-launch work. There remains plenty of contingency time in the flow towards a March 15 launch date, regardless of a delay with rollout.

In other pre-launch news, a bent bracket has caused a slight delay in the preparations of Atlantis' S3/S4 integrated truss payload at the launch pad.

'The S3/S4 integrated truss payload transfer from the canister to the PGHM (Payload Ground Handling Mechanism) was delayed yesterday due to a bent bracket on one of the payload support beam drive motors,' added the expansive Launch Operations report for Tuesday. 'The Z drive motor was removed last night and the PGHM moved aft to close the canister doors in anticipation of poor weather.

'An engineering review of a proposed solution will need to be performed along with the repair on 1st shift today. It is estimated that everything could be ready to support a payload transfer around mid 1st shift today. Canister lowering and transfer to the Canister Rotation Facility (CRF) will follow.'


Quelle: NASAspaceflight.com



Video Gallery

Monday, February 12

STS-117 - Space Station Truss ready to flight ... 3.8 MB


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



Image Gallery

Monday, February 12


KSC-07PD-0348 (02/12/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The payload canister on its transporter arrives on Launch Pad 39A,
stopping beneath the payload changeout room on the rotating service
structure (RSS). The canister contains the S3/S4 integrated truss for
mission STS-117 to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle
Atlantis. Once inside the PCR, the S3/S4 arrays will be transferred into
Space Shuttle Atlantis' payload bay after the vehicle has rolled out to the
pad. The changeout room is the enclosed, environmentally controlled
portion of the RSS that supports cargo delivery to the pad and subsequent
vertical installation into the orbiter payload bay.



KSC-07PD-0360 (02/12/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In the payload changeout room (PCR) on Launch Pad 39A, the opening
doors of the canister reveal the S3/S4 integrated truss inside. The PCR is
the enclosed, environmentally controlled portion of the rotating service
structure that supports cargo delivery to the pad and subsequent vertical
installation into the orbiter payload bay.



KSC-07PD-0361 (02/12/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In the payload changeout room (PCR) on Launch Pad 39A, the doors of
the canister are opened to reveal the S3/S4 integrated truss inside. The
PCR is the enclosed, environmentally controlled portion of the rotating
service structure that supports cargo delivery to the pad and subsequent
vertical installation into the orbiter payload bay. The truss is the payload
for Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the International Space
Station. The Atlantis crew will install the new truss segment, retract a set
of solar arrays and unfold a new set on the starboard side of the station.
Launch is targeted for March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller


Quelle: NASA/KSC



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis



NASA TV - Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A (update every 60 seconds)


Next Event

Thursday, March 15
6:43 a.m. EDT (11:43 CET)
Launch


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



Image Gallery

Friday, February 15


KSC-07PD-0380 (02/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Majestic in its formation, Space Shuttle Atlantis begins moving through the
open door of the Vehicle Assembly Building for the rollout to Launch Pad
39A. First motion was at 8:19 a.m. The 3.4-mile trip along the crawlerway
will take about 6 hours. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis
is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar
arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to
continue assembly of the International Space Station. Launch is targeted
for March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-07PD-0382 (02/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Atop the massive mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter, Space
Shuttle Atlantis creeps toward Launch Pad 39A, seen in the background.



KSC-07PD-0383 (02/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Across the expanse of the turn basin, Space Shuttle Atlantis is seen as it
creeps toward Launch Pad 39A. At left is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle
Assembly Building.



KSC-07PD-0395 (02/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform and
crawler-transporter, slowly makes its way to Launch Pad 39A, at left.



KSC-07PD-0397 (02/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform and
crawler-transporter, slowly makes its way up the ramp to the hardstand
on Launch Pad 39A. At left is the fixed service structure, with the 80-foot
lightning mast on top, and the open rotating service structure. Between
them is the water tower, containing 300 gallons of water used for sound
suppression at liftoff.



KSC-07PD-0400 (02/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]



KSC-07PD-0401 (02/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Lined up on the horizon are Space Shuttle Atlantis, the rotating and fixed
service structures of Launch Pad 39A, Launch Pad 39B, and the 300-gallon
water tower of Pad 39A.


KSC-07PD-0398 (02/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]



KSC-07PD-0399 (02/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]


Quelle: NASA/KSC



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis



NASA TV - Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A (update every 60 seconds)


Next Event

Thursday, March 15
6:43 a.m. EDT (11:43 CET)
Launch


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



Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-022307

Friday, February 23

Mission: STS-117 - 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) -
S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Launch Pad 39A
Launch Date: Targeted for March 15, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Frederick Sturckow, Lee Archambault, James Reilly,
Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson and John Olivas
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

The STS-117 crew arrived at Kennedy Space Center Wednesday to
participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a
launch dress rehearsal. The rehearsal includes emergency egress training
at the launch pad and a practice run of the final launch countdown, during
which the crew climbs aboard Atlantis and executes the checklist for the
final hours of the simulated countdown.

Earlier in the week, the STS-117 payload was installed into Atlantis' cargo
bay. In addition, technicians continued their preparations for the
hypergolic propellant load, scheduled for next week. Shuttle interface
testing and validation testing of launch pad systems are also under way.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Video Gallery

Monday, February 12

1. STS-117 - Space Station Truss ready to flight ... 3.8 MB


Thursday, February 15

1. STS-117 - Atlantis rolls out to Launch Pad 39A ... 16.4 MB

2. STS-117 - Preflight Program Overview Briefing ... 84.7 MB

3. STS-117 - Preflight Mission Overview Briefing ... 75.7 MB

4. STS-117 - Preflight Spacewalk Overview Briefing ... 45.6 MB

5. STS-117 - Preflight Crew News Conference ... 47.2 MB

6. STS-117 - B-Roll and Animation Feed ... 41.5 MB


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



Image Gallery

Thursday, February 6


JSC2007-E-06522 (Feb. 2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Computer-generated artist's rendering of the International Space Station
after Space Shuttle Atlantis' (STS-117/13A) undocking and departure. The
image shows the addition of the second and third starboard truss
segments (S3/S4) with Photovoltaic Radiator (PVR) and the deployed third
set of solar arrays. P6 starboard solar array wing and one radiator are
retracted.


Thursday, February 15


JSC2007-E-10028 (15 Feb. 2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The STS-117 crewmembers along with moderator Kylie Clem (right) are
photographed during a pre-flight press conference at Johnson Space
Center. From the second right are astronauts Rick Sturckow and Lee
Archambault, commander and pilot, respectively; Patrick Forrester,
Steven Swanson, John "Danny" Olivas and Jim Reilly, all mission
specialists.


Wednesday, February 21


KSC-07PD-0455 (02/21/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The STS-117 crew arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part
in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a preparation for
the launch March 15 to the International Space Station. Seen here is
Commander Rick Sturckow in front and Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester
in back in a T-38 jet aircraft. The TCDT includes emergency egress
training and a simulated launch countdown. The mission payload aboard
Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a
third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will
install the truss to continue assembly of the station.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-07PD-0462 (02/21/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The STS-117 crew arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part
in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a preparation for
the launch March 15 to the International Space Station. From left are Pilot
Lee Archambault, Mission Specialists Danny Olivas and Steven Swanson,
Commander Rick Sturckow, and Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester. The
TCDT includes emergency egress training and a simulated launch
countdown. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the
S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and
batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue
assembly of the station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-07PD-0463 (02/21/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The STS-117 crew arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part
in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a preparation for
the launch March 15 to the International Space Station. Commander Rick
Sturckow, at the microphone, speaks to the media. With him, from the
left, are Mission Specialists James Reilly, Danny Olivas, Steven Swanson
and Patrick Forrester, and Pilot Lee Archambault. The TCDT includes
emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. The
mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated
truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The
crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the
station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-07PD-0467 (02/21/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The STS-117 crew arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part
in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a preparation for
the launch March 15 to the International Space Station. From left at the
Shuttle Landing Facility are Mission Specialists James Reilly, Danny Olivas,
Steven Swanson and Patrick Forrester, Pilot Lee Archambault and
Commander Rick Sturckow. The TCDT includes emergency egress training
and a simulated launch countdown.The mission payload aboard Space
Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third
set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the
truss to continue assembly of the station.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett


Quelle: NASA



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis



NASA TV - Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A (update every 60 seconds)


Next Event

NET End of April 2007
Launch


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



Schäden durch Hagelsturm
Nasa verschiebt „Atlantis“-Start

28. Februar 2007

Die amerikanische Raumfahrtbehörde Nasa muss nach einem Hagelsturm
den für 15. März geplanten Start der Raumfähre „Atlantis“ um mindestens
einen Monat verschieben. Bis zu einem Golfball große Hagelkörner hätten
rund 2000 Einschläge im Isolierschaum am Außentank hinterlassen, sagte
Programmdirektor Wayne Hale in Cape Canaveral in Florida. Außerdem
seien an 26 Hitzekacheln am linken Flügel der Raumfähre „kosmetische“
Kratzer an der Oberfläche festgestellt worden.


KSC-07PD-0548 (02/27/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis
shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that
passed through Kennedy Space Center about 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 26. A full
assessment of the storm's impact is under way. The two-day STS-117
Flight Readiness Review is being held concurrently with the assessment.
Hail also impacted Space Shuttle Columbia before the launch of STS-4 in
1982; Atlantis, being readied for STS-38 in 1990; and Discovery, before
the launch of STS-96 in 1999. (Photo: NASA/KSC)


Als Konsequenz muss der Space-Shuttle jetzt in der kommenden Woche von der Startrampe in die 52 Stockwerke große Montagehalle zurückgerollt werden. Nach den Worten von Hayle kann die „Atlantis“ jetzt frühestens Ende April starten. Das Zeitfenster sei dann bis zum 20. Mai offen.

Mit Einschlägen übersäter Außentank

Hale zeigte während einer Pressekonferenz Fotos von dem mit Einschlägen übersäten Außentank. Nasa-Meteorologen beschrieben den Hagelsturm vom Montagabend mit Windgeschwindigkeiten von bis zu 100 Stundenkilometern als „Explosion“. Die Hagelkörner seien zwischen einem halben und fünf Zentimeter groß gewesen.

Allein die Inspektion des Außentanks wird nach den Worten von Hale zwei Wochen dauern. Die „Atlantis“ sollte ursprünglich am 15. März zu einem elftägigen Flug zur Internationalen Raumstation starten. Jetzt muss die Nasa erst den Weltraumeinsatz der russischen Raumsonde „Sojus“ abwarten, die im April eine neue Langzeitbesatzung zur ISS bringt. Nachdem die „Sojus“ abgedockt habe, könne die „Atlantis“ starten, sagte Hale. Damit ist aus Sicht der Nasa erst ein Flug nach dem 22. April möglich.

Die sechsköpfige „Atlantis“-Crew um Kommandant Rick Sturckow soll an der ISS unter anderem ein neues Segment installieren und ein Paar neuer Sonnensegel anbringen.

Text: FAZ.NET mit Material von dpa



Video Gallery

Thursday, February 22

STS-117 - Crew Live Interview from Launch Pad 39A ... 53.3 MB


Tuesday, February 27

STS-117 - Status Briefing ... 48.4 MB


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



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[captainslater]

Daher halte ich ein Auslaufen des Shuttleprogrammes in naher Zukunft noch immer für abwegig.

[Nighthawk_]

Liegt doch eigentlich nur am Geld, oder?
Ich sehe keinen technischen Grund warum die Shuttles nicht doch noch je ein, zwei Flüge mehr absolvieren könnten.
Oder werden die Startrampen oder Montagehallen für das neue System umgebaut?

[captainslater]

Es wird AFAIK nur mehr ein Launchpad für die Shuttleflüge verwendet.

Bzgl. Geld: In Anbetracht, dass Indien, China und auch Deutschland eigene Weltraumprojekte haben, frage ich mich sowieso wo hier das Kosten/Nutzenverhältnis liegt.

[FirstBorg]

Was für eine Bahn nimmt eigentlich so ein Shuttle? Direkt nach oben nur schräg nach oben?
Ich hab nämlich gelesen das um den 26.8 STS-120 startet. In der Zeit bin ich vielleicht in New York.
Würde man das Shuttle von da aus sehen?

[Nighthawk_]

Denke mal nicht. Die starten geradewegs in den Atlantik rein, überfliegen untern Garantie keine US-Metropolen beim Start.
Schließlich besteht immer die Gefahr das sich das Teil zerlegt und die Trümmer runterkommen.
Darum schaut man das dies nicht über bewohnten Gebiet passiert.
Viel Spaß in New York.
Ziemlich genau 3 Monate früher werde ich die Stadt besuchen
Wenn das nötige Kleingeld vorhanden und man sowieso schon in den Staaten ist - warum nicht ein Inlandsflug runter nach Florida?

[FirstBorg]

Weil das kleingeld für einen inlandsflug fehlt
oder gibts da sowas für peanuts?