STS-117 - Space Shuttle Atlantis

[Nighthawk_]

Google ist dein Freund.
ca. 300 Euronen würde der Spaß wohl kosten.
Ich hab mir das auch mal überlegt - wenn man schon drüber an der Ostküste ist den Cape mitzunehmen. Gibt ja auch sonst einiges zu bewundern, auch wenn kein Shuttle startet...
Aber das ist von der Zeit und vom Geld her einfach zu viel.

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis


Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-031607

Friday, March 16

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 April 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

Space Shuttle Atlantis, now parked in high bay No. 1 of the Vehicle
Assembly Building, continues to undergo inspection for hail damage.
Special scaffolding and access platforms have been erected to allow for
the mapping and inspection of the external fuel tank, and repair methods
and criteria are being developed.

Repairs to the orbiter's thermal protection system tiles are nearly
complete, and technicians are preparing to conduct non-destructive
evaluation of the vehicle's reinforced carbon-carbon panels on the left
wing leading edge using thermography equipment.

Shuttle program managers plan to meet next week to assess the damage
and repair status.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Video Gallery

Sunday, March 4

1. STS-117 - Atlantis rolled back to Vehicle Assembly Building ... 14.4 MB


Thursday, March 8

1. STS-117 - Crew Profiles ... 22.7 MB

2. STS-117 - Mission Overview ... 19.5 MB

3. STS-117 - Inspection of Space Shuttle Atlantis at VAB ... 6.7 MB


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



Image Gallery

Wednesday, February 21


KSC-07PD-0475 (02/21/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
At Launch Complex 39, members of the STS-117 crew are instructed in
the operation of an M-113 armored personnel carrier by astronaut rescue
team leader Capt. George Hoggard (left). The astronauts on the STS-117
crew are participating in M-113 armored personnel carrier training during
Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, a dress
rehearsal for their launch, targeted for March 15. The M-113 could be used
to move the crew away from the launch pad quickly in the event of an
emergency. The TCDT also includes pad 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


Thursday, February 22


KSC-07PD-0480 (02/22/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at
Launch Pad 39A, the Mission STS-117 crew members speak to the media
during a question-and-answer session. From the left are Mission
Specialists James Reilly, Danny Olivas, Steven Swanson and Patrick
Forrester, Pilot Lee Archambault and Commander Rick Sturckow, along
with NASA Public Affairs Specialist Jessica Rye.



KSC-07PD-0484 (02/22/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, the Mission
STS-117 crew members participate in an emergency egress walkdown at
Launch Pad 39A. On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure inside
the white room are Mission Specialist Steven Swanson (kneeling), and
standing from left, Pilot Lee Archambault, Commander Rick Sturckow, and
Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester, Danny Olivas and James Reilly.



KSC-07PD-0489 (02/22/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
At the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A,
STS-117 crew members receive instruction on emergency egress during
Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. From left are Mission
Specialist Danny Olivas, Commander Rick Sturckow, Pilot Lee
Archambault, and Mission Specialists James Reilly, Steven Swanson and
Patrick Forrester. They are practicing the emergency egress procedure
using the slidewire basket system to get off the pad.



KSC-07PD-0491 (02/22/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In the Launch Pad 39A area, Mission STS-117 crew members receive
instruction on emergency egress using the slidewire basket system during
Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. From left are
Commander Rick Sturckow, Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester, Pilot Lee
Archambault, and Mission Specialists Danny Olivas, Steven Swanson and
James Reilly.


Friday, February 23


KSC-07PD-0539 (02/23/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A,
STS-117 Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester (front) and Steven Swanson
sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. They and
other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to
get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal
countdown demonstration test (TCDT).



KSC-07PD-0544 (02/23/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
On the 215-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A,
Mission STS-117 crew members gather for a photo near the solid rocket
boosters and external tank of Space Shuttle Atlantis. They have just
completed a simulated launch countdown and emergency egress from the
orbiter, part of the terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). From
left are Mission Specialists Danny Olivas and Steven Swanson, Pilot Lee
Archambault, Commander Rick Sturckow, and Mission Specialists Patrick
Forrester and James Reilly.


Tuesday, February 27


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.


Sunday, March 4


KSC-07PD-0550 (03/04/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Just before dawn on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed
after rollback of the rotating service structure. The shuttle is being rolled
back to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be examined for hail
damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused divots
in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26
heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing...



KSC-07PD-0551 (03/04/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
... Further evaluation of the tank is necessary to get an accurate
accounting of foam damage and determine the type of repair required and
the time needed for that work. A new target launch date has not been
determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late
April. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller


Quelle: NASA



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis


Image Gallery

Sunday, March 4


KSC-07PD-0554 (03/04/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Seen from behind the mobile launcher platform, the orange external tank
and solid rocket boosters all but hide Atlantis. The crawlerway stretches in
a curve on the other side. The shuttle is being rolled back to the Vehicle
Assembly Building where it will be examined for hail damage.



KSC-07PD-0555 (03/04/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Under a nearly clear blue sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis (left) is being rolled
back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39A. In the VAB,
the shuttle will be examined for hail damage.



KSC-07PD-0556 (03/04/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Under a nearly clear blue sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls off
Launch Pad 39A back to the Vehicle Assembly Building.



KSC-07PD-0560 (03/04/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Under blue sky streaked with contrails, Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the
mobile launcher platform, is being rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly
Building (at left in the background) from Launch Pad 39A.



KSC-07PD-0561 (03/04/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
A worker walks alongside the massive treads of the crawler-transporter
that is moving Space Shuttle Atlantis back to the Vehicle Assembly
Building, at right.



KSC-07PD-0563 (03/04/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform, rolls toward the
Vehicle Assembly Building.



KSC-07PD-0566 (03/04/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform, rolls through the
door of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building after leaving Launch
Pad 39A.



KSC-07PD-0569 (03/04/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
After leaving Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile
launcher platform, comes to rest in high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly
Building.


Wednesday, March 7


KSC-07PD-0586 (03/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, work is underway to repair
the damage to Atlantis' external tank, seen here. Technicians will prepare
the nose cone for future work.



KSC-07PD-0591 (03/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building,
technicians move protective material toward the nose cone (foreground)
of Atlantis' external tank. The nose cone will undergo repair for hail
damage.


Quelle: NASA



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis




Image Gallery

Wednesday, March 7


KSC-07PD-0594 (03/07/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building,
technicians secure protective material around Atlantis' external tank. The
preparations are for future repair work of the hail damage that happened
Feb. 27. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible
divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to
about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. Further evaluation of
the tank is necessary to get an accurate accounting of foam damage and
determine the type of repair required and the time needed for that work.


Thursday, March 9


KSC-07PD-0601 (03/09/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers secure
scaffolding around the external tank to prepare it for repairs.



KSC-07PD-0602 (03/09/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Technicians work on repair techniques to the external tank. They are
inside a tented area that protects the tank.



KSC-07PD-0603 (03/09/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Technicians carefully inspect a portion of the external tank foam that has
been covered in red dye to help expose cracks or compression dents.



KSC-07PD-0607 (03/09/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Technicians begin to carefully sand away the red dye that has been
applied to the external tank to help expose cracks or compression dents.



KSC-07PD-0609 (03/09/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Technicians carefully sand away the red dye that has been applied to the
external tank to help expose cracks or compression dents.


Thursday, March 15


KSC-07PD-0645 (03/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Service platforms surround Space Shuttle Atlantis as it sits in Highbay 1
inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, while repair work continues on the
external tank. Earlier in the month, Atlantis' external tank received hail
damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy
Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in
the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26
heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not
been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in
late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller


Quelle: NASA



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis




Next Events

Saturday, May 12
Atlantis' 2nd Rollout to Launch Pad 39A

Friday, June 8
Launch


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



Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-042007

Friday, April 20

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 June 8, 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

In high bay No. 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians and
engineers continue repairing foam on the hail-damaged STS-117 external
fuel tank, ET-124. The poured foam repairs are nearly complete, and
technicians are trimming and sanding repair sites. Spray foam repairs are
scheduled to begin next week. Due to the amount of tank repair work
remaining, the rollout of Atlantis to the launch pad is now scheduled for
May 12. This six-day change should not affect the June 8 target launch
date.

Preparations are complete for the removal of Atlantis' three main engines
to inspect for flow liner contamination. Engine removal is scheduled to
begin next week. This work can be accomplished within the time frame of
the tank repair.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Image Gallery

Monday, April 9


KSC-07PD-0849 (04/09/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In the Vehicle Assembly Building, United Space Alliance technicians
Brenda Morris and Brian Williams are applying foam and molds on Space
Shuttle Atlantis' external tank to areas damaged by hail. The white hole
with a red circle around it (upper right) is a hole prepared for molding and
material application. The red material is sealant tape so the mold doesn't
leak when the foam rises against the mold. The white/translucent square
mold is an area where the foam has been applied and the foam has risen
and cured against the mold surface. In early March, Atlantis' external tank
received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through
the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused
visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation as well as minor surface
damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The March
launch was postponed and has not yet been rescheduled due to the repair
process. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton


KSC-07PD-0850 (04/09/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
United Space Alliance technician Brenda Morris examines the surface on
Space Shuttle Atlantis' external tank where hail damage has been
repaired. At the top of the photo is a white/translucent square mold where
the foam has been applied and the foam has risen and cured against the
mold surface.


Friday, April 13


KSC-07PD-0884 (04/13/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the repair work of hail damage on
Atlantis' external tank is inspected. At left is Brian Miller, with NASA
Quality Assurance; at right is Mike Ravenscroft, with United Space
Alliance. In the front is Sabrena Yedo, with NASA Safety.


KSC-07PD-0885 (04/13/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Markers show the hail damage being repaired on the external tank of
Space Shuttle Atlantis. The white hole with a red circle around it is a hole
prepared for molding and material application. The red material is sealant
tape so the mold doesn't leak when the foam rises against the mold. The
white/translucent square mold is an area where the foam has been applied
and the foam has risen and cured against the mold surface. The area will
be de-molded and sanded flush with the adjacent area.


KSC-07PD-0886 (04/13/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Mike Ravenscroft, with United Space Alliance, points to some of the foam
repair done on the external tank of Space Shuttle Atlantis. Holes filled with
foam are sanded flush with the adjacent area.


Quelle: NASA's Kennedy Space Center



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis




Next Events

Saturday, May 12
Atlantis' 2nd Rollout to Launch Pad 39A

Friday, June 8
Launch


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



Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-042707

Friday, April 27

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 June 8, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Frederick Sturckow, Lee Archambault, James Reilly,
Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson, John Olivas and Clayton Anderson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In high bay No. 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians and
engineers continue repairing foam on the hail-damaged STS-117 external
fuel tank, ET-124. Spray foam repairs are scheduled to begin Monday.
Workers have begun disassembling the special scaffolding built for the
foam repair work, to allow for the removal next week of Atlantis' three
main engines to inspect for flow liner contamination.


Quelle: NASA.gov



NASA to Rotate Station Astronauts
on Next Shuttle Mission

Thursday, April 26

HOUSTON - After several months working aboard the International Space
Station, NASA astronaut Suni Williams will come back to Earth aboard the
space shuttle Atlantis, targeted for launch June 8. That shuttle mission,
STS-117, will carry her successor, astronaut Clay Anderson, to the station
to begin his duty as an Expedition 15 flight engineer.

The exchange of Anderson and Williams was originally planned for the
STS-118 mission, now targeted for launch in August. However, that flight,
first set to fly in June, had to be postponed after an unexpected hail storm
damaged Atlantis' external fuel tank and delayed STS-117.


Astronaut Clayton Anderson - now a STS-117 crew member.
(Photo: NASA)


Expedition 14/15 astronaut Sunita Williams will return
back to Earth on Space Shuttle Atlantis' STS-117 flight.
(Photo: NASA)

NASA managers approved the crew rotation Thursday morning after a
more detailed review determined there would be no impact on space
station operations or future shuttle mission objectives. Since an earlier
crew rotation was possible, NASA managers decided it would be prudent to
return Williams and deliver Anderson sooner rather than later.

With the new plan, Williams' mission on the station will be approximately
the same length as originally anticipated. Williams, a Massachusetts
native, launched to the station Dec. 9, 2006, aboard the space shuttle
Discovery as part of the STS-116 mission. During her stay, she set a
record for spacewalks by a female astronaut by conducting four
excursions for a total of 29 hours and 17 minutes. Upon Williams' return,
she will have accumulated more time in space than any other woman.

Anderson, a Nebraska native, makes his first spaceflight when he joins
Expedition 15. Discovery is scheduled to bring him home during the
STS-120 mission, targeted for launch Oct. 20.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Image Gallery

Wednesday, April 25


KSC-07PD-0927 (04/25/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In the Vehicle Assembly Building, foam repairs on Atlantis' external tank
include sanding and inspection, as seen here. In early March, Atlantis'
external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that
passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The
hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation as well as
minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left
wing. The launch now is targeted for June 8.
Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller


KSC-07PD-0928 (04/25/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Workers check foam repairs on Atlantis' external tank.


KSC-07PD-0929 (04/25/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
A worker carefully sands foam repairs on Atlantis' external tank.


Quelle: NASA's Kennedy Space Center



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis




Next Events

Tuesday/Wednesday, May 15/16
Atlantis' 2nd Rollout to Launch Pad 39A

Friday, June 8
Launch


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



Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-050407

Friday, May 4

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 June 8, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Frederick Sturckow, Lee Archambault, James Reilly,
Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson, John Olivas and Clayton Anderson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In high bay No. 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians and
engineers continue repairing foam on the hail-damaged STS-117 external
fuel tank, ET-124. Spray foam repairs began this week, and an area on
the "ogive pencil point" (at the top of the tank) is scheduled to undergo a
spray foam repair this weekend.

Atlantis' three main engines were removed this week for flow liner
contamination inspections, which are now complete. A small piece of
RepliSet found in the engine No. 2 flow liner has been removed. The
silicon rubber RepliSet is used in making 3-D impressions that help to
detect cracks in the main propulsion system fuel line flow liners. Engine
No. 3 has been reinstalled, and engineers are reinstalling engines No. 1
and 2.


Quelle: NASA.gov



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis


The new STS-117 mission patch
with Clayton Andersons name added.


Next Events

Wednesday, May 16
Atlantis' 2nd Rollout to Launch Pad 39A

Friday, June 8
Launch


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



Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-051107

Friday, May 11

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 June 8, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Frederick Sturckow, Lee Archambault, James Reilly,
Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson, John Olivas and Clayton Anderson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In high bay No. 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, repairs to the foam on
the hail-damaged external fuel tank ET-124 are nearly complete, and
technicians and engineers are preparing Atlantis for its rollout to Launch
Pad 39A, currently scheduled for May 16. Atlantis' three main engines,
which were removed last week to allow for inspection of the flow liners,
have all been reinstalled, and final checkout and testing are under way.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Image Gallery

Wednesday, May 9


KSC-07PD-1079 (05/09/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians
are inspecting the sanding performed on Atlantis' nose cone to repair hail
damage. The equipment on the side of the nose cone is the sander. In late
February, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe
thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch
Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam
insulation as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on
the shuttle's left wing. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission
STS-117 now is targeted for June 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller


KSC-07PD-1080 (05/09/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Technicians observe the sander used to repair hail damage on Atlantis'
nose cone.


KSC-07PD-1081 (05/09/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Technicians adjust the sander used to repair hail damage on Atlantis' nose
cone.


KSC-07PD-1082 (05/09/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Technicians place a piece of foam on the side of Atlantis' nose cone to rest
the sander while they make adjustments.


KSC-07PD-1083 (05/09/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
One technician adjusts the sander while another observes as they work on
repairing the hail damage to Atlantis' nose cone. In late February, Atlantis'
external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that
passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The
hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation as well as
minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left
wing. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 now is
targeted for June 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller


Quelle: NASA's Kennedy Space Center



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis


Next Events

We 30 May - Th 31 May 2007
Flight Readiness Review

Fr 8 June 2007
7:38 p.m. EDT (01:38 CEST, June 9)
Launch


EDT = Eastern Daylight Time (Cape Canaveral, Florida)
CEST = Central European Summer Time

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



Image Gallery

Return to Launch Pad 39A

Tu 15 May 2007


KSC-07PD-1179 (05/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In high bay No. 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis
begins its return to Launch Pad 39A. First motion was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In
late February, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a
severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center
Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's
foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield
tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on
mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will
be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder


KSC-07PD-1180 (05/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls through the doors of high bay No. 1 of the
Vehicle Assembly Building for its return to Launch Pad 39A.


KSC-07PD-1181 (05/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform, rolls to
Launch Pad 39A atop a crawler transporter at dawn.


KSC-07PD-1183 (05/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform, rolls to
Launch Pad 39A atop a crawler transporter at sunrise.


KSC-07PD-1185 (05/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Just after sunrise, Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch
platform, rolls a second time to Launch Pad 39A atop a crawler
transporter.


KSC-07PD-1190 (05/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform atop a
crawler transporter, passes through the gate to Launch Pad 39A.


KSC-07PD-1196 (05/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Under a feather-painted sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile
launch platform atop a crawler transporter, creeps up the ramp to Launch
Pad 39A. This is the second rollout for the shuttle.


KSC-07PD-1197 (05/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
This view of Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform,
as it moves onto Launch Pad 39A also shows the expendable rocket launch
pads in the background on the east side of the Banana River.


KSC-07PD-1199 (05/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform, finally rests
on the hard stand of Launch Pad 39A, straddling the flame trench. This is
the second rollout for the shuttle. The flame trench transecting the pad's
mound at ground level is 490 feet long, 58 feet wide and 40 feet high. It is
made of concrete and refractory brick. Pad structures are insulated from
the intense heat of launch by the flame deflector system, which protects
the flame trench floor and the pad surface along the top of the flame
trench.


KSC-07PD-1205 (05/15/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
An alligator, seen just above the shrubs, has a close-up view of Space
Shuttle Atlantis as it sits on Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis rolled out to the pad
before dawn for the second time. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly
Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the
launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe
thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch
Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam
insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles
on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs.
The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted
for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31.
Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley


Quelle: NASA's Kennedy Space Center



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis


Next Events

We 30 May - Th 31 May 2007
Flight Readiness Review

Fr 8 June 2007
7:38 p.m. EDT (01:38 CEST, June 9)
Launch

EDT = Eastern Daylight Time (Cape Canaveral, Florida)
CEST = Central European Summer Time

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





Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-051807

Fr 18 May 2007

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 June 8, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Frederick Sturckow, Lee Archambault, James Reilly,
Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson, John Olivas and Clayton Anderson
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Space Shuttle Atlantis arrived back at Launch Pad 39A on Tuesday,
following repairs to the foam on its hail-damaged external fuel tank.
Mission STS-117 was originally targeted for launch in mid-March, before a
severe thunderstorm in late February generated hail that pelted the tank,
ET-124.

Pad operations are proceeding on schedule. Launch pad validation is
complete, and the S3/S4 payload has been installed in Atlantis' payload
bay. Preparations have begun for hypergolic propellant loading, which is
scheduled for next week. The orbiter weather protection curtain walls have
been extended, providing additional protection to the vehicle.


Quelle: NASA.gov



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[Spocky]

Die Atlantis ist heute erfolgreich gestartet:

NETZEITUNG WISSENSCHAFT: Perfekter Start für die Raumfähre «Atlantis»

In Cape Canaveral ist die Raumfähre «Atlantis» mit sieben Astronauten an Bord gestartet. Es ist der erste von vier Shuttle-Flügen in diesem Jahr.

Auf einen erfolgreichen Flug

Wo ist eigentlich Chris?

[Spocky]

Die Atlantis hat plangemäß die ISS erreicht. Offensichtlich wurde ein kleiner Riss im Hitzeschild entdeckt:

Tages-Anzeiger Online | Vermischtes | Hitzeschild der Atlantis beschädigt

Es schaut nicht sonderlich schlimm aus, aber man wird ihn genauer untersuchen, um alle Risiken auszuschließen.

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis

NASA TV


Next Events

Mo 11 June 2007
10:13 a.m. EDT (16:13 CEST)
S3 Truss Activation begins

10:18 a.m. EDT (16:18 CEST)
EVA 1 Preparation resumes

11:08 a.m. EDT (17:08 CEST)
S3/S4 Installation on S1 Truss begins

2:53 p.m. EDT (20:53 CEST)
EVA 1 begins from Quest Airlock

3:18 p.m. EDT (21:18 CEST)
Connection of S1-S3 Electrical Cables

3:38 p.m. EDT (21:38 CEST)
Release Solar Array Blanket Box Restraints

3:48 p.m. EDT (21:48 CEST)
S4 Array Power Channel 3A Activation begins

4:43 p.m. EDT (22:43 CEST)
S4 Array Power Channel 1A Activation begins


EDT = Eastern Daylight Time (Cape Canaveral, Florida)
CEST = Central European Summer Time

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


Quelle: NASA - Shuttle



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4


.
EDIT (autom. Beitragszusammenführung) :
STS-Chris schrieb nach 2 Stunden, 29 Minuten und 19 Sekunden:

STS-117 Atlantis

NASA TV


Next Events

in progress
S3/S4 Installation on S1 Truss

2:53 p.m. EDT (20:53 CEST)
EVA 1 begins from Quest Airlock

3:18 p.m. EDT (21:18 CEST)
Connection of S1-S3 Electrical Cables

3:38 p.m. EDT (21:38 CEST)
Release Solar Array Blanket Box Restraints

3:48 p.m. EDT (21:48 CEST)
S4 Array Power Channel 3A Activation begins

4:43 p.m. EDT (22:43 CEST)
S4 Array Power Channel 1A Activation begins


EDT = Eastern Daylight Time (Cape Canaveral, Florida)
CEST = Central European Summer Time

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


Quelle: NASA - Shuttle



Image Gallery

Launch Day

Fr 8 June 2007


KSC-07PD-1397 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The sun rises on a cloudy Florida day to reveal Space Shuttle Atlantis
awaiting launch atop a mobile launch platform at Launch Pad 39A. Rollback
of the pad's rotating service structure, or RSS, is one of the milestones in
preparation for the launch of mission STS-117 on June 8. Rollback started
at 10:56 p.m. EDT June 7 and was complete at 11:34 p.m. The RSS, the
massive structure to the left of the shuttle, provides protected access to
the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad.


KSC-07PD-1409 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The STS-117 crew members gather for a photo prior to suiting up for
launch aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. From left are astronaut Clayton
Anderson, who is joining the Expedition 15 crew on the International
Space Station; Mission Specialists James Reilly, John "Danny" Olivas,
Steven Swanson and Patrick Forrester; Pilot Lee Archambault; and
Commander Frederick Sturckow. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:38 p.m. today
from Launch Pad 39A.


KSC-07PD-1417 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Astronaut Clayton Anderson suits up for launch on mission STS-117
aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. Anderson will join the Expedition 15 crew
aboard the International Space Station, exchanging his seat for the return
trip to Flight Engineer Suni Williams.


KSC-07PD-1422 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly is helped with his helmet as he
completes suitup for launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis at 7:38 p.m. EDT
from Launch Pad 39A.


KSC-07PD-1423 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester completes his suitup for
launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis at 7:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A.


KSC-07PD-1425 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The STS-117 crew members head for the astrovan that will take them to
Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialists John "Danny" Olivas,
James Reilly and Patrick Forrester; astronaut Clayton Anderson; Pilot Lee
Archambault; Mission Specialist Steven Swanson; and Commander
Frederick Sturckow.


KSC-07PD-1433 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
In the Launch Control Center, William Gerstenmeier (left), associate
administrator for NASA Space Operations Mission, and Wayne Hale, shuttle
program manager, monitor proceedings before the launch of Space
Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station.


KSC-07PD-1445 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Space Shuttle Atlantis is poised for flight at liftoff from Launch Pad 39A on
mission STS-117 to the International Space Station.


Quelle: NASA's Kennedy Space Center



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4


.
EDIT (autom. Beitragszusammenführung) :
STS-Chris schrieb nach 2 Stunden und 10 Minuten:

NASA TV


Next Events

2:53 p.m. EDT (20:53 CEST)
EVA 1 begins from Quest Airlock (Danny Olivas and Jim Reilly)

3:18 p.m. EDT (21:18 CEST)
Connection of S1-S3 Electrical Cables

3:38 p.m. EDT (21:38 CEST)
Release Solar Array Blanket Box Restraints

3:48 p.m. EDT (21:48 CEST)
S4 Array Power Channel 3A Activation begins

4:43 p.m. EDT (22:43 CEST)
S4 Array Power Channel 1A Activation begins

6:28 p.m. EDT (00:28 CEST)
First Drive Lock Assembly Installation

7:23 p.m. EDT (01:23 CEST)
S3/S4 Radiator deploy

9:23 p.m. EDT (03:23 CEST)
EVA 1 ends (Danny Olivas and Jim Reilly)

11:00 p.m. EDT (05:00 CEST)
Mission Status Briefing

12:38 a.m. EDT (06:38 CEST)
ISS Crew Sleep begins

1:08 a.m. EDT (07:08 CEST)
Atlantis Crew Sleep begins (ends FD 4)


EDT = Eastern Daylight Time (Cape Canaveral, Florida)
CEST = Central European Summer Time

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


Quelle: NASA - Shuttle



Image Gallery

Launch Day

Fr 8 June 2007


KSC-07PD-1453 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps off Launch Pad 39A alongside the fixed
service structure (at left) with the 80-foot-tall lightning mast on top. Water
flooding the mobile launcher platform for sound suppression create billows
of steam that flow across the pad. The water originates from the
290-foot-high tank at right. Liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the
International Space Station from Launch Pad 39A was on-time at
7:38:04 p.m. EDT.


KSC-07PP-1456 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]


KSC-07PD-1451 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]


KSC-07PP-1455 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]


KSC-07PP-1457 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]


KSC-07PD-1441 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]


KSC-07PD-1454 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]


KSC-07PD-1452 (06/08/2007) [Low Res | High Res]
The drifting smoke plumes from the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis swirl
above the Vehicle Assembly Building (right) and NASA News Center (left)
near sunset.


Quelle: NASA's Kennedy Space Center



NASA TV
STS-117
Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4

[STS-Chris]

STS-117 Atlantis

NASA TV


Tut mir leid, dass ich diesmal so gut wie nichts zur Mission gepostet habe. Ich hatte nicht sehr viel Zeit und daher oft auch keine Lust dazu.

Ich hoffe, dass es zur STS-118-Mission der Endeavour wieder besser wird.

Liebe Grüße,

Chris

[Spocky]

Gehört zwar nicht unbedingt zu dieser Mission, ist aber dennoch ein freudiges Ereignis, über das man hier sprechen könnte:

Die Atlantis wird nun doch nicht bereits 2008 eingemottet, sondern darf bis 2010 weiterfliegen. Ursprünglich wäre die Atlantis dann ja mit der Generalinspektionn drangewesen, die bis nach dem Ende der Shuttle-Ära gedauert hätte. Nun hat man aber beschlossen, sie doch bis 2010 fliegen zu lassen:

Newsbits