STS-122 Shuttle Mission

01101001 · #1 (**permalink**) 27-November-2007, 07:55 PM

NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission

Quote:

NASA managers will hold a flight readiness review on Friday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center marking the next major milestone for mission STS-122.

NASA officials, space shuttle program managers, engineers and contractors will discuss the readiness of space shuttle Atlantis, the flight crew and payloads to determine if everything is set to proceed for launch. Managers will also select an official launch date at the end of the session. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6 on a mission to install the Columbus laboratory on the International Space Station.

STS-122 Mission Information

Quote:

A veteran space flier, Navy Cmdr. Stephen N. Frick, will command the STS-122 shuttle mission to deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus Laboratory to the International Space Station. Navy Cmdr. Alan G. Poindexter will serve as pilot. Mission specialists include Air Force Col. Rex J. Walheim, Stanley G. Love, Leland D. Melvin and European Space Agency astronaut Hans Schlegel. Poindexter, Love and Melvin will be making their first spaceflight.

Expedition 16 Flight Engineer Daniel Tani, who is set to fly to the space station on the STS-120 mission, will return home with the STS-122 crew. STS-122 will deliver European Space Agency astronaut Léopold Eyharts to the complex.

STS-122 is the 24th shuttle mission to the International Space Station.

Overview: Space Shuttle Mission STS-122: The Voyage of Columbus

Quote:

“This is the next phase of the international mission,” said Michael Sarafin, lead shuttle flight director for STS-122. “We’re finally going to use a lot of that new capability that we’ve delivered. It really will be true utilization of the station by international partners.”

That utilization comes in the form of Columbus, a 23-by-15-feet research laboratory and the future center of the European Space Agency’s activities in space.

Other handy links:

NASA Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Countdown Status
Wikipedia: STS-122
NASA STS-122 Launch Blog (active about 5 hours before liftoff)
CBS News Space Place
SpaceFlightNow STS-122 Mission Coverage (no main page, yet)
BAUT Forum topic STS-120 (previous mission)
Watch NASA TV
NASA Shuttle Launch and Landing

Launch target:
Thursday, 2007 December 6
- 1331 PST
- 1631 EST
- 2131 UTC
About 9 days to launch

KaiYeves · #2 (**permalink**) 27-November-2007, 08:18 PM

There they go...
(Hums Time Warp Trio theme song.)
Happy nearly-holidays, STS-122 crew and ISS!

01101001 · #3 (**permalink**) 30-November-2007, 09:50 PM

NASA Space Shuttle Mission Pages

Quote:

NASA managers are conducting the final Flight Readiness Review today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to confirm that the agency is ready to launch the STS-122 mission to the International Space Station. The officials will name an official launch date following the session. The mission is targeted to begin on Dec. 6 with a 4:31 p.m. EST liftoff.
[...]
The briefing will be broadcast live on NASA Television no earlier than 4 p.m. EST.

Briefing should be on NASA TV soon.

Watch NASA TV

Launch target:
Thursday, 2007 December 6
- 1331 PST
- 1631 EST
- 2131 UTC
About 6 days to launch

Edit, 1439 PST, 1739 EST: Briefing on now. Shuttle Atlantis has been cleared by the Flight Readiness Review (FRR) for her December 6 launch target.

Robonaut · #4 (**permalink**) 03-December-2007, 06:50 PM

I am going to this launch (assuming it isn't delayed)!

I am so utterly excited that I can't even express it!

Noclevername · #5 (**permalink**) 03-December-2007, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robonaut

I am going to this launch (assuming it isn't delayed)!

I am so utterly excited that I can't even express it!

Wow! Congrats, Robonaut!

(Is there a jealousy emoticon?)

Swift · #6 (**permalink**) 03-December-2007, 07:05 PM

From NASA.gov

Quote:

The next big step toward launch comes at 7 p.m. today when the countdown begins. Liftoff is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Thursday. Atlantis has a 10-minute window to launch so it can catch up with the International Space Station.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robonaut

I am going to this launch (assuming it isn't delayed)!

I am so utterly excited that I can't even express it!

Ditto on jealous. We expect lots and lots of pictures.

NGCHunter · #7 (**permalink**) 03-December-2007, 08:06 PM

Anyone have any pictures of where on the station columbus will be attached? Unless there's a big delay it doesn't look like I'll get any sightings of the mission from my place, but I can at least do a before/after picture of the station itself. I got the "before" picture with my neighbor's help last night and I want to know where to look for the "new addition" after the mission.

Swift · #8 (**permalink**) 03-December-2007, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGCHunter

Anyone have any pictures of where on the station columbus will be attached? Unless there's a big delay it doesn't look like I'll get any sightings of the mission from my place, but I can at least do a before/after picture of the station itself. I got the "before" picture with my neighbor's help last night and I want to know where to look for the "new addition" after the mission.

On this NASA page about ISS Assembly
Scroll down to "JSC2006-E-43504 (October 2006) --- Computer-generated artist’s rendering of the International Space Station after flight STS-122/1E. Columbus European laboratory module with Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND) is delivered and installed. (Credit: NASA) " There is a link to a picture.

KaiYeves · #9 (**permalink**) 04-December-2007, 01:24 AM

Congratulations, Robonaut.
Four days to launch.

NGCHunter · #10 (**permalink**) 04-December-2007, 03:15 AM

Thanks swift, that's exactly what I was looking for.

BPCooper · #11 (**permalink**) 04-December-2007, 01:54 PM

Just to clarify it is this module:

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/1...e43504_low.jpg

The one linked above shows the placement of the first Kibo segment on STS-123.

KaiYeves · #12 (**permalink**) 04-December-2007, 09:03 PM

Three days, counting today.
(I wrote it in my school planner. Is that normal?)

Swift · #13 (**permalink**) 04-December-2007, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaiYeves

Three days, counting today.
(I wrote it in my school planner. Is that normal?)

Normal for BAUT - yes.
Normal for normal people - no. But you are so much better than normal.

01101001 · #14 (**permalink**) 04-December-2007, 09:31 PM

NASA Space Shuttle Mission Pages

Quote:

"Things are going extremely well," Launch Director Doug Lyons said. "The launch team is executing the count in fine fashion. It's been a very, very smooth, clean count, which is how we like it."

NASA's Mission Management Team conducted its regular evaluation two days before launch and voted unanimously to continue the countdown.
[...]
The weather outlook is also looking good, according to Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. The forecast calls for a 90 percent chance of acceptable conditions.

Launch target remains:
Thursday, 2007 December 6
- 1331 PST
- 1631 EST
- 2131 UTC

48 hours to launch

01101001 · #15 (**permalink**) 06-December-2007, 03:31 AM

NASA Space Shuttle Mission Pages

Quote:

The launch team at NASA's Kennedy Space Center is continuing its steady march toward a lift off Thursday afternoon for space shuttle Atlantis. The countdown is proceeding smoothly, NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding said Wednesday.

Launch target:
Thursday, 2007 December 6
- 1331 PST
- 1631 EST
- 2131 UTC

18 hours to launch

Lukas · #16 (**permalink**) 06-December-2007, 09:01 AM

Thanks for the update.

banquo's_bumble_puppy · #17 (**permalink**) 06-December-2007, 03:14 PM

scrub

it's back!!!!! the sensor problem

http://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts122/071206ecos/

banquo's_bumble_puppy · #18 (**permalink**) 06-December-2007, 03:15 PM

that's the engine cut-ff sensor

ngc3314 · #19 (**permalink**) 06-December-2007, 04:13 PM

Today's launch attempt scrubbed, according to spaceflight.nasa.gov. Briefing to follow on NASA TV.

01101001 · #20 (**permalink**) 06-December-2007, 04:35 PM

NASA Space Shuttle Mission Pages

Quote:

Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m. EST: During tanking, two of four LH2 Engine Cutoff (ECO) sensors failed to respond appropriately, which is a Launch Commit Violation. The requirement to proceed calls for 3 of 4. The launch was scrubbed at 9:56 a.m. EST on the recommendation of Launch Director Doug Lyons.

Mission Management Team Chairman LeRoy Cain concurred following a short briefing on the issue. The ice inspection team will proceed with an abbreviated vehicle inspection prior to offloading the LO2 and LH2 and recycle for a launch attempt tomorrow, at 4:09 p.m.

New launch target:
Friday, 2007 December 7
- 1309 PST
- 1609 EST
- 2109 UTC

About 28 hours to launch

KaiYeves · #21 (**permalink**) 07-December-2007, 02:22 AM

I found out that it had been posponed in free period and wanted to hit my head against the wall.
(Now I have to redraw the whole countdown in my school planner!)

01101001 · #22 (**permalink**) 07-December-2007, 02:20 PM

NASA Space Shuttle Mission Pages

Quote:

Dec. 7 - 8:45 a.m. EST
The launch of NASA's space shuttle Atlantis will take place no earlier than Saturday, Dec. 8, at 3:43 p.m. EST. Thursday's scheduled liftoff from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., was postponed because of a problem with a fuel cutoff sensor system inside the shuttle's external fuel tank.
[...]
Space Shuttle Program managers will hold a Mission Management Team meeting Friday at 2 p.m. to discuss the issue and determine the steps necessary to start a new launch countdown. A news conference will be held at about 5 p.m. after the meeting's conclusion.

New launch target:
Saturday, 2007 December 8
- 1243 PST
- 1543 EST
- 2043 UTC

About 30 hours to launch

JustAFriend · #23 (**permalink**) 07-December-2007, 03:09 PM

Having a Christmas party here Saturday afternoon here, about 100miles south of the launch (they're always easily viewable from my front porch if the weather cooperates).

Looks like we'll get some extra entertainment!

01101001 · #24 (**permalink**) 08-December-2007, 12:26 AM

Watch NASA TV

Briefing on now, regarding fuel sensors and launch schedule.

Edit: No. It looks not live (like the label conveyed) but edited, and therefore probably a Thursday briefing. They are talking about a Saturday launch which has been the plan for about a day now. Confirmed. Not live. They just put up a slug ID'ing the next snippet. I think the Mission Management Team is still meeting about the sensor-plan. Sorry.

Edit, 1808 PST: The Mission Management Team briefing is on now. I think.

Intermittent problem. Nobody's got a plan to improve the situation. Proposal on table is to launch with problem with 2 sensors, with constraints, with acceptable risk. More meetings Saturday. May launch Sunday, depending on review.

01101001 · #25 (**permalink**) 08-December-2007, 02:17 AM

NASA Space Shuttle Mission Pages

Quote:

Dec. 7 - 8:30 p.m. EST
Due to the length of tonight's Mission Management Team discussion, we are no go for a Saturday launch. The next attempt would be no earlier than Sunday at 3:21:00 p.m. EST.

Will have a 1-minute launch window for the sake of the finicky sensors.

If they don't go Sunday or Monday, then a longer recycle will be needed (yielding Thursday 13th).

New launch target:
Sunday, 2007 December 9
- 1221 PST
- 1521 EST
- 2021 UTC

About 42 hours to launch

Robonaut · #26 (**permalink**) 08-December-2007, 10:18 PM

Well, I'm back from Florida without seeing the launch.

I knew that there was a chance that it would get delayed going in, so I can't say that it was a total surprise.

Also, I've never been to KSC, so the trip was still completely worth it just to see the space center. It really was everything I hoped it would be.

I don't know who's in charge of the visitor experience, but they do a damn fine job.

KaiYeves · #27 (**permalink**) 08-December-2007, 10:23 PM

It's okay, Robonaut.
"The shuttle will launch to-morrow, bet your bottom dollar that to-morrow, it'll be fun..."

01101001 · #28 (**permalink**) 09-December-2007, 01:29 AM

This flight, playing the role of the Luke Skywalker light saber are 3 NASCAR green starting flags.

NASA feature: Atlantis to Help Mark NASCAR Milestone

Quote:

A trio of flags from the Daytona 500 will set speed marks of their own as they race to 17,500 mph aboard space shuttle Atlantis.

The green starter's flags are tucked inside the shuttle during the STS-122 mission to the International Space Station. One of the flags will be waved to begin the 2008 installment of what NASCAR calls the "Great American Race," while another will be presented to the winning driver. NASA will keep the third.
[...]
Atlantis will also carry a dried red rose that will be woven into a NASA-themed float during the Tournament of Roses parade. The float also will celebrate NASA's first 50 years in existence.
[...]
The special items for European representatives include dozens of fabric patches for the Columbus program, a host of decals and 20 flags representing the European Space Agency. More than 500 pins representing the STS-122 mission are also stowed inside Atlantis.

[...] There is even a deflated football from the University of Richmond's Athletic Department. Mission Specialist Leland Melvin attended the University of Richmond and played professional football before joining NASA.

18 hours 52 minutes to launch

01101001 · #29 (**permalink**) 09-December-2007, 02:37 PM

NASA Space Shuttle Mission Pages

Quote:

Dec. 9 -9:30 a.m. EST
The launch of space shuttle Atlantis has been rescheduled for no earlier than Jan. 2, 2008. The postponement will give engineers time to evaluate false readings from the engine cutoff sensor system that measures liquid hydrogen in the external tank.

Of the four engine cutoff sensors, ECO sensor number three gave false readings during Sunday's launch attempt. The sensor system is one of several that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low.

I guess they can unpack that dried rose from the mementoes locker. The Tournament of Roses parade launches before Atlantis.

Launch no earlier than January 2

banquo's_bumble_puppy · #30 (**permalink**) 09-December-2007, 06:20 PM

I'd like to know why this problem keeps coming back...this is the 3rd. mission? to be haunted by this glitch.

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