Crews Focusing on Logistics Module Transfer
Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:40:17 -0500
Gloria Estefan’s “Mi Tierra” was played for space shuttle Discovery Mission Specialist Jose Hernandez at 1:30 p.m. EDT.
Discovery and International Space Station crew members will focus on the transfer of the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module from Discovery’s payload bay to the station’s Harmony node. Later, the crew will open Leonardo’s hatch and move the new life support and science research racks into the space station.
At 4 p.m., NASA television will air a post-Mission Management Team news briefing with Space Shuttle Program Deputy Manager and MMT Chairman LeRoy Cain.
Monday, 31 August 2009
STS-128 Launch Photo
STS-128 Launch Photo
Billows of smoke and steam rise above Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida alongside space shuttle Discovery as it races toward space on the STS-128 mission. The STS-128 mission is the 30th International Space Station assembly flight and the 128th space shuttle flight. The 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill.
Image Credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell
Image Credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell
STS-128 Latest Updates - Sunday/Monday
Discovery Arrives at International Space Station
Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:54:24 -0500
Space shuttle Discovery finished its chase to the International Space Station with a docking at 8:54 p.m. EDT.
Hatches Open Between Shuttle and Station
Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:39:41 -0500
The crews have opened hatches between the two spacecraft and will be conducting the traditional Welcoming Ceremony. About 30 minutes later, Discovery mission specialist Nicole Stott and station Flight Engineer Tim Kopra will exchange Soyuz seat liners and titles, as Stott becomes a station Flight Engineer and Kopra a shuttle mission specialist. NASA Television will air a Mission Status news briefing at midnight to recap today's rendezvous and docking activities.
Crew Swap Complete
Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:24:58 -0500At 11:49 p.m. EDT,
Nicole Stott exchanged Soyuz seat liners with space station Flight Engineer Tim Kopra. Stott now is a member of the space station Expedition 20 crew, and Kopra is a member of Discovery’s crew. Kopra spent 44 days as a member of Expedition 20.
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Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:54:24 -0500
Space shuttle Discovery finished its chase to the International Space Station with a docking at 8:54 p.m. EDT.
Hatches Open Between Shuttle and Station
Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:39:41 -0500
The crews have opened hatches between the two spacecraft and will be conducting the traditional Welcoming Ceremony. About 30 minutes later, Discovery mission specialist Nicole Stott and station Flight Engineer Tim Kopra will exchange Soyuz seat liners and titles, as Stott becomes a station Flight Engineer and Kopra a shuttle mission specialist. NASA Television will air a Mission Status news briefing at midnight to recap today's rendezvous and docking activities.
Crew Swap Complete
Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:24:58 -0500At 11:49 p.m. EDT,
Nicole Stott exchanged Soyuz seat liners with space station Flight Engineer Tim Kopra. Stott now is a member of the space station Expedition 20 crew, and Kopra is a member of Discovery’s crew. Kopra spent 44 days as a member of Expedition 20.
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Sunday, 30 August 2009
Shuttle on Final Path to Station
Shuttle on Final Path to Station
Space shuttle Discovery began rendezvous operations at 3:29 p.m. EDT and has performed a series of minor maneuvers to close the gap with the International Space Station.
At 6:27 p.m., eight miles away from the station, Discovery used its left orbital maneuvering system engine for an 11-second Terminal Initiation burn, placing the shuttle on the final path for docking at 9:04 p.m. About an hour before docking, while 600 feet directly under the station, Commander Rick Sturckow will guide Discovery through a nine-minute back flip to enable station crew members Gennady Padalka and Mike Barratt to photograph the shuttle heat shield.
STS-128 Crew Portrait
Space shuttle Discovery began rendezvous operations at 3:29 p.m. EDT and has performed a series of minor maneuvers to close the gap with the International Space Station.
At 6:27 p.m., eight miles away from the station, Discovery used its left orbital maneuvering system engine for an 11-second Terminal Initiation burn, placing the shuttle on the final path for docking at 9:04 p.m. About an hour before docking, while 600 feet directly under the station, Commander Rick Sturckow will guide Discovery through a nine-minute back flip to enable station crew members Gennady Padalka and Mike Barratt to photograph the shuttle heat shield.
STS-128 Crew Portrait
STS-128 Prepares for Docking
STS-128 Crew Prepares for Docking
During their first full day in space, astronauts aboard Discovery conducted a daylong inspection of the space shuttle’s thermal protection system, checked out spacesuits and prepared to dock with the International Space Station.
With Commander Rick Sturckow at the controls, Discovery is scheduled to link up with the space station at 8:03 p.m. CDT Sunday.
STS-128 Mission Patch
During their first full day in space, astronauts aboard Discovery conducted a daylong inspection of the space shuttle’s thermal protection system, checked out spacesuits and prepared to dock with the International Space Station.
With Commander Rick Sturckow at the controls, Discovery is scheduled to link up with the space station at 8:03 p.m. CDT Sunday.
STS-128 Mission Patch
Saturday, 29 August 2009
STS-128 - Heat Shield Inspection
Heat Shield Inspection for Crew
The crew of space shuttle Discovery woke at 1:30 p.m. to start work on the first full day of their 13-day mission. The seven-person crew will focus on heat shield inspections and preparations docking to the International Space Station Sunday.
Overnight, the Flight Control Team reported the failure of one of two small steering jets that flank the orbiter nose due to a leak. This will have no impact to docking, other mission activities or entry, but the crew will close a manifold to isolate both jets and disable them from use for the remainder of the mission.
The crew of space shuttle Discovery woke at 1:30 p.m. to start work on the first full day of their 13-day mission. The seven-person crew will focus on heat shield inspections and preparations docking to the International Space Station Sunday.
Overnight, the Flight Control Team reported the failure of one of two small steering jets that flank the orbiter nose due to a leak. This will have no impact to docking, other mission activities or entry, but the crew will close a manifold to isolate both jets and disable them from use for the remainder of the mission.
NASA Space Shuttle Discovery in Orbit
Discovery in Orbit, Chasing Space Station
With seven astronauts and a host of experiments and equipment on board, space shuttle Discovery completed a flawless ascent into orbit Friday night to begin a two-day chase of the International Space Station. With Commander Rick "C.J. " Sturckow at the controls, the shuttle lifted off on-time at 11:59 p.m. EDT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew will rendezvous and dock with the station Sunday and the crew will begin transferring equipment to the outpost during the 13-day mission.
After flying up on Discovery, Nicole Stott will trade places with station resident Tim Kopra, who went into space last month aboard Endeavour. Equipment and science racks for the orbiting laboratory are riding inside the Leonardo cargo module, which is secured tightly inside Discovery's payload bay. The module will be lifted out of Discovery and locked onto the station so the crew can transfer the gear efficiently. The treadmill named for comedian Stephen Colbert also is aboard Discovery and destined for the station.
STS-128 Souvenirs at the Spaceboosters Online Store
With seven astronauts and a host of experiments and equipment on board, space shuttle Discovery completed a flawless ascent into orbit Friday night to begin a two-day chase of the International Space Station. With Commander Rick "C.J. " Sturckow at the controls, the shuttle lifted off on-time at 11:59 p.m. EDT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew will rendezvous and dock with the station Sunday and the crew will begin transferring equipment to the outpost during the 13-day mission.
After flying up on Discovery, Nicole Stott will trade places with station resident Tim Kopra, who went into space last month aboard Endeavour. Equipment and science racks for the orbiting laboratory are riding inside the Leonardo cargo module, which is secured tightly inside Discovery's payload bay. The module will be lifted out of Discovery and locked onto the station so the crew can transfer the gear efficiently. The treadmill named for comedian Stephen Colbert also is aboard Discovery and destined for the station.
STS-128 Souvenirs at the Spaceboosters Online Store
Launch Teams "Go" for Liftoff of STS-128
Launch Teams "Go" for Liftoff
Space shuttle Discovery has been cleared for launch tonight at 11:59 EDT. The mission management team, mission control and the launch team have given unanimous "go for launch" calls as the countdown prepares to enter its final phase. The weather has improved throughout the evening and is no longer a factor tonight.
"Looks like the third time really is the charm," STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko told Discovery's crew.
Commander Rick "C.J." Sturckow said the crew is ready. "Let's go step up the science on the International Space Station," he said.
Space shuttle Discovery has been cleared for launch tonight at 11:59 EDT. The mission management team, mission control and the launch team have given unanimous "go for launch" calls as the countdown prepares to enter its final phase. The weather has improved throughout the evening and is no longer a factor tonight.
"Looks like the third time really is the charm," STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko told Discovery's crew.
Commander Rick "C.J." Sturckow said the crew is ready. "Let's go step up the science on the International Space Station," he said.
Friday, 28 August 2009
NASA Sets Briefing, TV Coverage of Japan's First Cargo Spacecraft
HOUSTON -- NASA will hold a news briefing at 12:30 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, Sept. 2, to preview the maiden launch and flight of Japan's unpiloted H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station. NASA Television will broadcast the briefing live from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Participants in the briefing will include officials from NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
NASA TV also will broadcast live HTV's launch and flight. The HTV is scheduled to lift off on an H-IIB rocket from JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan at approximately noon Sept. 10 (about 2 a.m. Sept. 11 Japan time). NASA TV coverage of the launch will begin at 11:45 a.m. The HTV will augment the European Space Agency's Automated Transportation Vehicles and the Russian Progress ships that deliver supplies to the space station.
NASA conducted an HTV readiness review on Aug. 27. The HTV was formally approved for flight and rendezvous. The launch window will be open from Sept. 10-30. In the event of a launch postponement after the H-IIB rocket is fueled, a 72-hour turnaround will be required before the next launch attempt. As the 16.5-ton cargo craft makes its week-long journey to the space station, flight controllers in Tsukuba, Japan, and at Mission Control in Houston will conduct a number of tests of HTV's rendezvous and navigation systems.
NASA TV coverage of the cargo craft's arrival at the station will begin at 2 p.m. Sept. 17. As the HTV moves within about 40 feet of the orbiting laboratory, space station crew members will capture the craft using the station's Canadarm2 robotic arm. The crew then will attach the HTV to an Earth-facing docking port on the station's Harmony connecting module. The robotic maneuvers are set to begin at about 2:50 p.m. Sept. 17. The HTV will remain attached to the station for about six weeks while supplies are transferred. In addition to interior supplies and equipment, two new experiments carried on the exterior of the HTV will be moved to the Japanese Kibo module's external experiment porch using a combination of maneuvers with the station's Canadarm2 and Kibo's robotic arm.
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HOUSTON -- NASA will hold a news briefing at 12:30 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, Sept. 2, to preview the maiden launch and flight of Japan's unpiloted H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station. NASA Television will broadcast the briefing live from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Participants in the briefing will include officials from NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
NASA TV also will broadcast live HTV's launch and flight. The HTV is scheduled to lift off on an H-IIB rocket from JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan at approximately noon Sept. 10 (about 2 a.m. Sept. 11 Japan time). NASA TV coverage of the launch will begin at 11:45 a.m. The HTV will augment the European Space Agency's Automated Transportation Vehicles and the Russian Progress ships that deliver supplies to the space station.
NASA conducted an HTV readiness review on Aug. 27. The HTV was formally approved for flight and rendezvous. The launch window will be open from Sept. 10-30. In the event of a launch postponement after the H-IIB rocket is fueled, a 72-hour turnaround will be required before the next launch attempt. As the 16.5-ton cargo craft makes its week-long journey to the space station, flight controllers in Tsukuba, Japan, and at Mission Control in Houston will conduct a number of tests of HTV's rendezvous and navigation systems.
NASA TV coverage of the cargo craft's arrival at the station will begin at 2 p.m. Sept. 17. As the HTV moves within about 40 feet of the orbiting laboratory, space station crew members will capture the craft using the station's Canadarm2 robotic arm. The crew then will attach the HTV to an Earth-facing docking port on the station's Harmony connecting module. The robotic maneuvers are set to begin at about 2:50 p.m. Sept. 17. The HTV will remain attached to the station for about six weeks while supplies are transferred. In addition to interior supplies and equipment, two new experiments carried on the exterior of the HTV will be moved to the Japanese Kibo module's external experiment porch using a combination of maneuvers with the station's Canadarm2 and Kibo's robotic arm.
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Tanking Underway for Discovery Launch
Tanking Under Way For 11:59 p.m. Launch
Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are flowing into the gigantic orange external tank of space shuttle Discovery this afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tanking operations began at 2:45 p.m. EDT and it will take three hours to load the 500,000 gallons of propellants into the structure. The fuel will be consumed in 8 1/2 minutes as Discovery’s three main engines power the shuttle into orbit.
Launch is scheduled for 11:59 p.m. EDT tonight. Forecasters call for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time.
The mission management team reported that all the testing and analysis of Discovery's fill-and-drain valve during the last two days gives them a high degree of confidence the valve is working. Procedures have been approved in case there is a similar issue with the position sensor on the hydrogen fill-and-drain valve.
The plan includes being able to open and close the valve, or cycle it, two times during the tanking process if the valve position indicator sensor doesn't work. Teams would use alternate means, including monitoring pressure in the system, to provide confidence the valve is closed for launch.
STS-128 Mission Insignia at Spaceboosters
Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are flowing into the gigantic orange external tank of space shuttle Discovery this afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tanking operations began at 2:45 p.m. EDT and it will take three hours to load the 500,000 gallons of propellants into the structure. The fuel will be consumed in 8 1/2 minutes as Discovery’s three main engines power the shuttle into orbit.
Launch is scheduled for 11:59 p.m. EDT tonight. Forecasters call for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time.
The mission management team reported that all the testing and analysis of Discovery's fill-and-drain valve during the last two days gives them a high degree of confidence the valve is working. Procedures have been approved in case there is a similar issue with the position sensor on the hydrogen fill-and-drain valve.
The plan includes being able to open and close the valve, or cycle it, two times during the tanking process if the valve position indicator sensor doesn't work. Teams would use alternate means, including monitoring pressure in the system, to provide confidence the valve is closed for launch.
STS-128 Mission Insignia at Spaceboosters
Discovery Gets "Go" for Launch
Discovery Gets "Go" for Launch
The mission management team has approved launch teams to continue with the countdown toward an 11:59 p.m. EDT liftoff to start space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission to the International Space Station. Filling of Discovery's external fuel tank with propellants began at 2:45 p.m. after an initial "no-go" due to weather in the area violating constraints.
The mission management team also reports that all the testing and analysis of Discovery's fill-and-drain valve during the last two days gives them a high degree of confidence the valve is working.
The shuttle team has approved procedures in case there is a similar issue with the position sensor on the hydrogen fill-and-drain valve.
The plan includes being able to open and close the valve, or cycle it, two times during the tanking process if the valve position indicator sensor doesn't work. Teams would use alternate means, including monitoring pressure in the system, to provide confidence the valve is closed for launch.
For launch time, forecasters are calling for a 60 percent chance of favorable weather.
The earliest the filling of Discovery's external fuel tank with 535,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen can begin is 2:34 p.m.
The mission management team has approved launch teams to continue with the countdown toward an 11:59 p.m. EDT liftoff to start space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission to the International Space Station. Filling of Discovery's external fuel tank with propellants began at 2:45 p.m. after an initial "no-go" due to weather in the area violating constraints.
The mission management team also reports that all the testing and analysis of Discovery's fill-and-drain valve during the last two days gives them a high degree of confidence the valve is working.
The shuttle team has approved procedures in case there is a similar issue with the position sensor on the hydrogen fill-and-drain valve.
The plan includes being able to open and close the valve, or cycle it, two times during the tanking process if the valve position indicator sensor doesn't work. Teams would use alternate means, including monitoring pressure in the system, to provide confidence the valve is closed for launch.
For launch time, forecasters are calling for a 60 percent chance of favorable weather.
The earliest the filling of Discovery's external fuel tank with 535,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen can begin is 2:34 p.m.
Countdown Underway - again for STS-128
Countdown Resumes
Fri, 28 Aug 2009
The countdown for the launch of space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission is under way again. The count resumed at 8:34 a.m. EDT at the T-11 hour point with no issues being reported that could affect launch.
The Rotating Service Structure on Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A was rolled away from Discovery this morning at 6:11 a.m.
NASA's Mission Management Team plans to meet at noon to review launch preparations and determine whether teams will continue to march toward a targeted liftoff tonight at 11:59 p.m.
Weather is forecasted to be 60 percent "go" for external tank loading and 60 percent "go" for launch.
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Fri, 28 Aug 2009
The countdown for the launch of space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission is under way again. The count resumed at 8:34 a.m. EDT at the T-11 hour point with no issues being reported that could affect launch.
The Rotating Service Structure on Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A was rolled away from Discovery this morning at 6:11 a.m.
NASA's Mission Management Team plans to meet at noon to review launch preparations and determine whether teams will continue to march toward a targeted liftoff tonight at 11:59 p.m.
Weather is forecasted to be 60 percent "go" for external tank loading and 60 percent "go" for launch.
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Lightning over Launch Pad - Discovery
Lighting Up the Night Sky
Lightning over the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A competes with the xenon lights on the pad illuminating space shuttle Discovery waiting for a scheduled liftoff on the STS-128 mission. Launch was scrubbed due to the weather and another launch attempt is scheduled for Aug. 28.
Discovery's 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill.
The mission is the 128th in the Space Shuttle Program, the 37th flight of Discovery and the 30th station assembly flight.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Justin Deniere/EPA
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Target - Liftoff for Friday Night - STS 128
Shuttle Managers Target Discovery's Liftoff for Friday Night
The Mission Management Team has concluded with the decision to target launchfor Friday, Aug. 28 at 11:59 p.m. EDT instead of 12:22 a.m. Friday morning.
The additional time will allow teams to plan in case they see the samereading that happened with the liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve thatcaused Tuesday afternoon's launch scrub during tanking.
The MMT will meet again on Friday at noon.
A news conference will be held on NASA TV later this afternoon to discussthe decision.
The Mission Management Team has concluded with the decision to target launchfor Friday, Aug. 28 at 11:59 p.m. EDT instead of 12:22 a.m. Friday morning.
The additional time will allow teams to plan in case they see the samereading that happened with the liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve thatcaused Tuesday afternoon's launch scrub during tanking.
The MMT will meet again on Friday at noon.
A news conference will be held on NASA TV later this afternoon to discussthe decision.
Milky Way Galaxy
Symphony in Blue
Like early explorers mapping the continents of our globe, astronomers are busy charting the spiral structure of our galaxy, the Milky Way. Using infrared images from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, scientists have discovered that the Milky Way's elegant spiral structure is dominated by just two arms wrapping off the ends of a central bar of stars. Previously, our galaxy was thought to possess four major arms.This artist's concept illustrates the new view of the Milky Way, along with other findings presented at the 212th American Astronomical Society meeting.
The galaxy's two major arms (Scutum-Centaurus and Perseus) can be seen attached to the ends of a thick central bar, while the two now-demoted minor arms (Norma and Sagittarius) are less distinct and located between the major arms. The major arms consist of the highest densities of both young and old stars; the minor arms are primarily filled with gas and pockets of star-forming activity.
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
STS-128 Engineering Tests Complete
Valve Cycle Test Complete, No Issue, Other Testing Continues
Wed, 26 Aug 2009
Teams at Kennedy Space Center have completed a portion of the testing of a liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve in space shuttle Discovery’s main propulsion system. The valve opened and closed when commanded five different times with no issues. This “cycle testing” of Discovery began at 6:28 p.m. EDT and finished at 6:59 p.m.
Teams are now performing a pressure test of the propulsion system, and recording the leak rate of small amounts of liquid hydrogen. Data from tonight’s tests will be brought to tomorrow’s mission management team for evaluation at the noon meeting.
NASA is targeting Discovery’s next launch attempt for no earlier than Friday, Aug. 28 at 12:22 a.m., depending on the results of the testing and a review of the data by the mission management team.
Discovery’s countdown is expected to resume at the T-11 hour point at 8:57 a.m. tomorrow.
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Wed, 26 Aug 2009
Teams at Kennedy Space Center have completed a portion of the testing of a liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve in space shuttle Discovery’s main propulsion system. The valve opened and closed when commanded five different times with no issues. This “cycle testing” of Discovery began at 6:28 p.m. EDT and finished at 6:59 p.m.
Teams are now performing a pressure test of the propulsion system, and recording the leak rate of small amounts of liquid hydrogen. Data from tonight’s tests will be brought to tomorrow’s mission management team for evaluation at the noon meeting.
NASA is targeting Discovery’s next launch attempt for no earlier than Friday, Aug. 28 at 12:22 a.m., depending on the results of the testing and a review of the data by the mission management team.
Discovery’s countdown is expected to resume at the T-11 hour point at 8:57 a.m. tomorrow.
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Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Engineers to Test Valve This Evening
Engineers to Test Valve This Evening
Wed, 26 Aug 2009
The boil off of the remaining liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen in space shuttle Discovery's external tank was completed at about 1:40 p.m. EDT today. Crews have begun inerting the tank with helium gas to flush out any remaining hydrogen gas. They expect the process to be completed at about 5:30 p.m.
Following inerting, engineers will begin evaluating and testing the liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve in the shuttle's main propulsion system by opening and closing it.
This morning's launch attempt was postponed after an indication that valve failed to perform as expected during fueling of the shuttle's external tank Tuesday afternoon.
NASA is targeting Discovery's next launch attempt for no earlier than Friday, Aug. 28 at 12:22 a.m., depending on the results of the testing. The weather forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time.
Wed, 26 Aug 2009
The boil off of the remaining liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen in space shuttle Discovery's external tank was completed at about 1:40 p.m. EDT today. Crews have begun inerting the tank with helium gas to flush out any remaining hydrogen gas. They expect the process to be completed at about 5:30 p.m.
Following inerting, engineers will begin evaluating and testing the liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve in the shuttle's main propulsion system by opening and closing it.
This morning's launch attempt was postponed after an indication that valve failed to perform as expected during fueling of the shuttle's external tank Tuesday afternoon.
NASA is targeting Discovery's next launch attempt for no earlier than Friday, Aug. 28 at 12:22 a.m., depending on the results of the testing. The weather forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time.
Friday Morning Forecast: 70 Percent "Go"
Wed, 26 Aug 2009
The weather outlook for Friday morning's targeted launch of Discovery calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff would be at 12:22 a.m. Meteorologists will watch the conditions carefully throughout the countdown, with the greatest expected concern being for anvil clouds and thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.
The mission management team will evaluate analysis of a fill-and-drain valve problem before Discovery's massive external tank is loaded with propellant. The valve issue developed during Tuesday's countdown and forced a postponement of the launch of the STS-128 mission.
Wed, 26 Aug 2009
The weather outlook for Friday morning's targeted launch of Discovery calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff would be at 12:22 a.m. Meteorologists will watch the conditions carefully throughout the countdown, with the greatest expected concern being for anvil clouds and thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.
The mission management team will evaluate analysis of a fill-and-drain valve problem before Discovery's massive external tank is loaded with propellant. The valve issue developed during Tuesday's countdown and forced a postponement of the launch of the STS-128 mission.
Discovery for a launch attempt Friday 28 August
Launch Team Targets August 28 for next launch attempt!
Tue, 25 Aug 2009
NASA is targeting space shuttle Discovery for a launch attempt Friday morning at 12:22 a.m., mission management team Chairman Mike Moses said. Engineers will evaluate a liquid hydrogen valve that developed problems during tanking operations Tuesday evening. Detailed test data about the valve will be examined before Discovery's fuel tank is loaded with propellant ahead of Friday morning's launch attempt.
Tue, 25 Aug 2009
NASA is targeting space shuttle Discovery for a launch attempt Friday morning at 12:22 a.m., mission management team Chairman Mike Moses said. Engineers will evaluate a liquid hydrogen valve that developed problems during tanking operations Tuesday evening. Detailed test data about the valve will be examined before Discovery's fuel tank is loaded with propellant ahead of Friday morning's launch attempt.
Valve Problem Launched Scrubbed
Valve Problem Scrubs Launch Try
A problem with a fill-and-drain valve inside space shuttle Discovery's aft compartment has scrubbed the Wednesday morning launch attempt for STS-128. The launch team is evaluating the issue and has not set a new launch date and time at this point.
Keep you posted!
A problem with a fill-and-drain valve inside space shuttle Discovery's aft compartment has scrubbed the Wednesday morning launch attempt for STS-128. The launch team is evaluating the issue and has not set a new launch date and time at this point.
Keep you posted!
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Discovery Gets the "Go" for Tanking
Discovery Gets the "Go" for Tanking
Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:25:02 -0500
The "Go" was given to load space shuttle Discovery’s external fuel tank. Discovery’s launch was postponed early Tuesday morning due to lingering thunderstorms in the vicinity of the launch pad.
The current weather forecast is 70 percent favorable conditions for launch. The primary concern is cumulus clouds and showers within 20 nautical miles of the shuttle landing facility at the time of launch.
Tanking commentary on NASA TV will begin at 3:30 p.m. and fueling operations will start at approximately 3:45 p.m. EDT. Launch commentary will begin tonight at 8 p.m.
Weather permitting, launch is scheduled for 1:10 a.m.
Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:25:02 -0500
The "Go" was given to load space shuttle Discovery’s external fuel tank. Discovery’s launch was postponed early Tuesday morning due to lingering thunderstorms in the vicinity of the launch pad.
The current weather forecast is 70 percent favorable conditions for launch. The primary concern is cumulus clouds and showers within 20 nautical miles of the shuttle landing facility at the time of launch.
Tanking commentary on NASA TV will begin at 3:30 p.m. and fueling operations will start at approximately 3:45 p.m. EDT. Launch commentary will begin tonight at 8 p.m.
Weather permitting, launch is scheduled for 1:10 a.m.
Space Shuttle Discovery Launch Postponed
Discovery's Launch Delayed Due to Weather
Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:57:53 -0500
Launch of space shuttle Discovery was postponed early this morning due to lingering thunderstorms in the vicinity of the launch pad. Launch has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 1:10 a.m. EDT.
The mission management team will meet at 3 p.m. today to give the “go- no go” for tanking operations. The current STS-128 launch day weather forecast is 70 percent favorable conditions for tanking and launch. The primary concern is cumulus clouds and showers within 20 nautical miles of the shuttle landing facility at the time of launch.
Launch commentary on NASA TV will begin tonight at 8 p.m.
STS-128 Souvenirs at SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store
Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:57:53 -0500
Launch of space shuttle Discovery was postponed early this morning due to lingering thunderstorms in the vicinity of the launch pad. Launch has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 1:10 a.m. EDT.
The mission management team will meet at 3 p.m. today to give the “go- no go” for tanking operations. The current STS-128 launch day weather forecast is 70 percent favorable conditions for tanking and launch. The primary concern is cumulus clouds and showers within 20 nautical miles of the shuttle landing facility at the time of launch.
Launch commentary on NASA TV will begin tonight at 8 p.m.
STS-128 Souvenirs at SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store
Monday, 24 August 2009
STS-128 Launch Scrub for Today
Poor Weather Scrubs Tuesday Launch Try
Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:28:32 -0500
The launch attempt for space shuttle Discovery was called off Tuesday morning because of poor weather in the area. The launch team will make another attempt Wednesday morning at 1:10 a.m. EDT.
Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:28:32 -0500
The launch attempt for space shuttle Discovery was called off Tuesday morning because of poor weather in the area. The launch team will make another attempt Wednesday morning at 1:10 a.m. EDT.
Discovery Gets "Go" for Tanking
Discovery Gets "Go" for Tanking
Space shuttle Discovery's orange external tank will be loaded with about 500,000 gallons of super-cold propellants during a three-hour process that will begin at 4:11 p.m. The careful procedure will start with "chilldown" which conditions the pipes for the flow of liquid hydrogen at minus-423 degrees and liquid oxygen at minus-297 degrees. The chemicals power Discovery's three main engines during the 8 1/2-minute launch into orbit. Liftoff remains on schedule for 1:36 a.m. Tuesday, and the chance of acceptable weather conditions is 80 percent.
Space shuttle Discovery's orange external tank will be loaded with about 500,000 gallons of super-cold propellants during a three-hour process that will begin at 4:11 p.m. The careful procedure will start with "chilldown" which conditions the pipes for the flow of liquid hydrogen at minus-423 degrees and liquid oxygen at minus-297 degrees. The chemicals power Discovery's three main engines during the 8 1/2-minute launch into orbit. Liftoff remains on schedule for 1:36 a.m. Tuesday, and the chance of acceptable weather conditions is 80 percent.
Poised for Launch - Shuttle Discovery
Poised for Flight
The space shuttle Discovery is poised for liftoff on the STS-128 mission from Pad 39a at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Monday, Aug. 24, 2009. Discovery is scheduled to launch early Tuesday morning at 1:36 a.m. EDT.
Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
STS-128 Preparations
Making Preparations
STS-128 astronaut Nicole Stott participates in an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit fit check in the Space Station Airlock Test Article (SSATA) in the Crew Systems Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Fellow astronaut Jose Hernandez assisted Stott. Stott will join Expedition 20 as a flight engineer after launching to the station with the STS-128 crew.
Image Credit: NASA
Space Shuttle Discovery
Space Shuttle Discovery Ready for Flight
Space shuttle Discovery is in the final stages of preparation before its flight to the International Space Station from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Fueling of Discovery's external tank with 500,000 gallons of super-cold liquid oxygen and hydrogen is scheduled to begin at 4:11 p.m. EDT, depending on weather conditions at the time.
The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until Discovery's liftoff. All systems aboard the shuttle are functioning normally and no issues are being reported. Weather continues to be 80 percent acceptable for a 1:36 a.m. Tuesday launch.
Coverage of Discovery's liftoff on the STS-128 mission begins Monday at 8:30 p.m. Follow the countdown with NASA's launch blog and live commentary broadcast on NASA TV.
Space shuttle Discovery is in the final stages of preparation before its flight to the International Space Station from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Fueling of Discovery's external tank with 500,000 gallons of super-cold liquid oxygen and hydrogen is scheduled to begin at 4:11 p.m. EDT, depending on weather conditions at the time.
The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until Discovery's liftoff. All systems aboard the shuttle are functioning normally and no issues are being reported. Weather continues to be 80 percent acceptable for a 1:36 a.m. Tuesday launch.
Coverage of Discovery's liftoff on the STS-128 mission begins Monday at 8:30 p.m. Follow the countdown with NASA's launch blog and live commentary broadcast on NASA TV.
Sunday, 23 August 2009
Shuttle Launch STS-128 - 'GO'
L-2
Sun, 23 Aug 2009
The mission management team has given the "go" to continue the launch countdown. They are determined there are no issues that would prevent an on-time launch of space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission to the International Space Station on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 1:36 a.m. EDT.
NASA's Management Team Chair, Mike Moses gave an update of the maintenance and repair projects performed preparing the shuttle for launch and said the only concern at this point was the possible inclement weather just before the external tank is fueled.
"I'm really pleased to report that launch countdown activities are proceeding nominally and we working no issues," said Launch Director Pete Nickolenko.
Nickolenko reported that there are four launch attempts available within five days from Aug. 25 through Aug. 30 and he was "96 percent certain" of being able to launch in this time frame.
The forecast for launch has improved to 80 percent for favorable weather at time of liftoff according to Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. There is a possibility that storms could form within 5 miles of Launch Pad 39A just before fueling of the external tank violating constraints but the sea breezes could move them out of the area in time.
Rollback of the rotating service structure that protects the shuttle before launch is planned for 5 a.m. Monday and fueling of the external tank is scheduled to begin at 4:11 p.m.
Sun, 23 Aug 2009
The mission management team has given the "go" to continue the launch countdown. They are determined there are no issues that would prevent an on-time launch of space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission to the International Space Station on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 1:36 a.m. EDT.
NASA's Management Team Chair, Mike Moses gave an update of the maintenance and repair projects performed preparing the shuttle for launch and said the only concern at this point was the possible inclement weather just before the external tank is fueled.
"I'm really pleased to report that launch countdown activities are proceeding nominally and we working no issues," said Launch Director Pete Nickolenko.
Nickolenko reported that there are four launch attempts available within five days from Aug. 25 through Aug. 30 and he was "96 percent certain" of being able to launch in this time frame.
The forecast for launch has improved to 80 percent for favorable weather at time of liftoff according to Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. There is a possibility that storms could form within 5 miles of Launch Pad 39A just before fueling of the external tank violating constraints but the sea breezes could move them out of the area in time.
Rollback of the rotating service structure that protects the shuttle before launch is planned for 5 a.m. Monday and fueling of the external tank is scheduled to begin at 4:11 p.m.
STS-128 Launch Day Approaches
Launch Day Approaches
A prelaunch news conference will take place today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and will be broadcast on NASA TV beginning no earlier than 3 p.m. EDT.
Scheduled conference participants will be Mission Management Team Chair, Mike Moses; Director of Human Spaceflight, Simonetta di Pippo of the European Space Agency; STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko and Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters.
The forecast for the 1:36 a.m. Tuesday launch has improved to 80 percent for favorable weather at time of liftoff but the probability of favorable weather for tanking decreased to 60 percent because of storms possibly moving into the area over Launch Pad 39A.
The STS-128 astronauts will be awakened at 3 p.m. today to begin their day and preparations on space shuttle Discovery are proceeding smoothly with no issues being worked.
STS-128 Launch Souvenirs at the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store
A prelaunch news conference will take place today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and will be broadcast on NASA TV beginning no earlier than 3 p.m. EDT.
Scheduled conference participants will be Mission Management Team Chair, Mike Moses; Director of Human Spaceflight, Simonetta di Pippo of the European Space Agency; STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko and Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters.
The forecast for the 1:36 a.m. Tuesday launch has improved to 80 percent for favorable weather at time of liftoff but the probability of favorable weather for tanking decreased to 60 percent because of storms possibly moving into the area over Launch Pad 39A.
The STS-128 astronauts will be awakened at 3 p.m. today to begin their day and preparations on space shuttle Discovery are proceeding smoothly with no issues being worked.
STS-128 Launch Souvenirs at the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store
ISS Expedition 20 Embroidered Patch With Crew Names
Expedition 20 Embroidered Patch With Crew Names
A 4" diameter embroidered version of the ISS Expedition 20 Mission Insignia will shortly be available with the participating crew member names.
Expedition 20 crewmembers take a break from training at NASA's Johnson Space Center to pose for a crew portrait. From the left (front row) are European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne, Expedition 20 flight engineer and Expedition 21 commander; cosmonaut Gennady Padalka, Expedition 19/20 commander; and cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, Expedition 20/21 flight engineer. From the left (back row) are Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk, Expedition 20/21 flight engineer; NASA astronauts Michael Barratt, Expedition 19/20 flight engineer; Nicole Stott, Expedition 20/21 flight engineer; Tim Kopra, Expedition 20 flight engineer; and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, 18/19/20 flight engineer.Visit the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store for Space Station and other NASA and Spaceflight Collectables!
ISS Expedition 18 Embroidered Patch
Embroidered version of the ISS Expedition 18 Mission Insignia
An embroidered version of the ISS Expedition 18 Mission Insignia will shortly be available with the participating crew member names.
Visit the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store for Space Station Collectables!
Expedition 18 crewmembers take a break from training at NASA's Johnson Space Center to pose for a group portrait. From the left (front row) are NASA astronaut Michael Fincke and Russian Federal Space Agency cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov, commander and flight engineer, respectively. From the left (back row) are Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, NASA astronauts Sandra Magnus and Greg Chamitoff, all flight engineers. Chamitoff will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on the STS-124 mission, joining Expedition 17 in progress and will provide Expedition 18 with an experienced flight engineer for the first part of its increment. Fincke and Lonchakov are scheduled to launch to the station in the Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in October for a six-month mission. Magnus is scheduled to join Expedition 18, replacing Chamitoff, as flight engineer after launching to the ISS on mission STS-126. Wakata is scheduled to join Expedition 18, replacing Magnus, as flight engineer after launching to the orbital complex on mission STS-119.
Visit the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store!
An embroidered version of the ISS Expedition 18 Mission Insignia will shortly be available with the participating crew member names.
Visit the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store for Space Station Collectables!
Expedition 18 crewmembers take a break from training at NASA's Johnson Space Center to pose for a group portrait. From the left (front row) are NASA astronaut Michael Fincke and Russian Federal Space Agency cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov, commander and flight engineer, respectively. From the left (back row) are Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, NASA astronauts Sandra Magnus and Greg Chamitoff, all flight engineers. Chamitoff will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on the STS-124 mission, joining Expedition 17 in progress and will provide Expedition 18 with an experienced flight engineer for the first part of its increment. Fincke and Lonchakov are scheduled to launch to the station in the Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in October for a six-month mission. Magnus is scheduled to join Expedition 18, replacing Chamitoff, as flight engineer after launching to the ISS on mission STS-126. Wakata is scheduled to join Expedition 18, replacing Magnus, as flight engineer after launching to the orbital complex on mission STS-119.
Visit the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store!
Saturday, 22 August 2009
STS-128 Launch Countdown
Countdown to Launch Continues Smoothly
Discovery's launch remains on track for 1:36 a.m. EDT Tuesday for its 13-day mission to the International Space Station.
At today's Countdown Status Briefing held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson was pleased to report that all countdown preparations are on schedule and looking forward to a great launch.
"In this business there are few sites as beautiful as a nighttime launch," said Blackwell-Thompson. "And I expect this to be a spectacular site as Discovery roars to life early Tuesday morning and lights up the night sky."
STS-128 Payload Manager Joe Delai applauded the immense amount of work done by a great team to prepare the payload for delivery by Discovery and its crew.
"We're very excited about this mission," said Delai. "We're going to support a six crew capability both from a cargo and storage point of view -- we'll also be bringing up some good science racks so we can keep doing some good work up in space and for us folks here on Earth."
Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the forecast for launch time is holding at a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for liftoff and fueling. There only a slight concern of possible storms moving into the area before tanking begins.
Keeping to an early-morning launch schedule, Discovery’s crew went to bed at 7 a.m. and will be awakened at 3 p.m. They will undergo standard medical examinations this afternoon.
Tune in to the next Countdown Status Briefing being aired on NASA TV, Sunday at 2 p.m. EDT.
Spaceflight souvenirs and collectables from the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store!
Discovery's launch remains on track for 1:36 a.m. EDT Tuesday for its 13-day mission to the International Space Station.
At today's Countdown Status Briefing held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson was pleased to report that all countdown preparations are on schedule and looking forward to a great launch.
"In this business there are few sites as beautiful as a nighttime launch," said Blackwell-Thompson. "And I expect this to be a spectacular site as Discovery roars to life early Tuesday morning and lights up the night sky."
STS-128 Payload Manager Joe Delai applauded the immense amount of work done by a great team to prepare the payload for delivery by Discovery and its crew.
"We're very excited about this mission," said Delai. "We're going to support a six crew capability both from a cargo and storage point of view -- we'll also be bringing up some good science racks so we can keep doing some good work up in space and for us folks here on Earth."
Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the forecast for launch time is holding at a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for liftoff and fueling. There only a slight concern of possible storms moving into the area before tanking begins.
Keeping to an early-morning launch schedule, Discovery’s crew went to bed at 7 a.m. and will be awakened at 3 p.m. They will undergo standard medical examinations this afternoon.
Tune in to the next Countdown Status Briefing being aired on NASA TV, Sunday at 2 p.m. EDT.
Spaceflight souvenirs and collectables from the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store!
STS-128's Official Countdown Under Way
STS-128's Official Countdown Under Way
The countdown for the launch of space shuttle Discovery’s STS-128 mission officially is under way. The count began on-time at 11 p.m. EDT at the T-43 hour mark.
Launch teams are not working any issues that would prevent Discovery’s scheduled launch Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 1:36 a.m. on its 13-day mission to the International Space Station.
Discovery’s seven astronauts have additional mission study time in their overnight schedule before they head into their sleep period at 7 a.m. Saturday. The crew is scheduled to wake up at 3 p.m.
Discovery’s seven astronauts have additional mission study time in their overnight schedule before they head into their sleep period at 7 a.m. Saturday. The crew is scheduled to wake up at 3 p.m.
Tune in for the next countdown status briefing on NASA TV on Saturday at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
NASA Ares Assembly Complete
NASA Completes Assembly of Ares I-X Test Rocket
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- For the first time in more than a quarter-century a new space vehicle stands ready in NASA's Kennedy Space Center Vehicle Assembly Building. The Ares I-X rocket, its simulated crew module and launch abort system are assembled on a mobile launch platform at Kennedy in preparation for launch this fall. The final segments of the Ares I-X were stacked on Aug. 13, completing the 327-foot launch vehicle and providing the first look at the finished rocket's distinctive shape. The Ares I-X flight test is targeted for Oct. 31. "More than three years of hard work with the NASA and contractor team has brought us to this historic moment," said Bob Ess, Ares I-X mission manager. "This flight test is a critical step in continuing our design process for the Ares vehicle and the first flight for the Constellation Program." The Ares I-X is wired with more than 700 sensors to gather data during the two-and-a-half minute flight test. The launch will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. The data collected during the launch will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion spacecraft and the Ares I rocket. Now that the Ares I-X is assembled, numerous evaluations will be run on all the rocket systems, including complex instruments that will constantly measure the vehicle's movements as it launches and the first stage separates. The evaluations include a process called "modal testing," which will shake the stack slightly to test stiffness of the rocket, including the pinned and bolted joints.
For more information about the Ares I-X and NASA's next-generation spacecraft, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ares
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- For the first time in more than a quarter-century a new space vehicle stands ready in NASA's Kennedy Space Center Vehicle Assembly Building. The Ares I-X rocket, its simulated crew module and launch abort system are assembled on a mobile launch platform at Kennedy in preparation for launch this fall. The final segments of the Ares I-X were stacked on Aug. 13, completing the 327-foot launch vehicle and providing the first look at the finished rocket's distinctive shape. The Ares I-X flight test is targeted for Oct. 31. "More than three years of hard work with the NASA and contractor team has brought us to this historic moment," said Bob Ess, Ares I-X mission manager. "This flight test is a critical step in continuing our design process for the Ares vehicle and the first flight for the Constellation Program." The Ares I-X is wired with more than 700 sensors to gather data during the two-and-a-half minute flight test. The launch will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. The data collected during the launch will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion spacecraft and the Ares I rocket. Now that the Ares I-X is assembled, numerous evaluations will be run on all the rocket systems, including complex instruments that will constantly measure the vehicle's movements as it launches and the first stage separates. The evaluations include a process called "modal testing," which will shake the stack slightly to test stiffness of the rocket, including the pinned and bolted joints.
For more information about the Ares I-X and NASA's next-generation spacecraft, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ares
NASA Ares 1-X Complete
Ares I-X Complete
Standing tall at its fully assembled height of 327 feet, the Ares I-X is one of the largest rockets ever processed in the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 3, Super Stack 5 at the Kennedy Space Center.Ares I-X rivals the height of the Apollo Program's 364-foot-tall Saturn V. Five super stacks make up the rocket's upper stage that is integrated with the four-segment solid rocket booster first stage. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return humans to the moon and beyond. The Ares I-X flight test currently is targeted for Oct. 31.
Image Credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
Friday, 14 August 2009
NASA Lunar Lander
Lunar Lander Model
This 1963 model depicts an early Apollo lunar lander concept, called a "bug." Engineers designed several possible vehicle shapes for both manned and unmanned landers. In 1961, Bruce Lundin, former director of NASA's Lewis Research Center (now Glenn), chaired a NASA study group that assessed a variety of ways to accomplish a lunar landing mission.
Image Credit: NASA
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
NASA Assigns Crew for STS-134 Shuttle Mission
NASA Assigns Crew for STS-134 Shuttle Mission, Change to STS-132
WASHINGTON -- NASA has assigned the crew for space shuttle mission STS-134 to the International Space Station. The flight will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, or AMS, to the station. The AMS is a state-of-the-art cosmic ray particle physics detector designed to examine fundamental issues about matter and the origin and structure of the universe.
Navy Capt. Mark Kelly will command the STS-134 mission.
Retired Air Force Col. Gregory H. Johnson will serve as the pilot.
Mission Specialists are Air Force Col. Michael Fincke, Greg Chamitoff and Andrew Feustel. European Space Agency astronaut and Italian Air Force Col. Roberto Vittori also will serve as a mission specialist.
The flight will include three spacewalks and the installation of the AMS to the exterior of the space station using both the shuttle and station arms. The AMS will be attached to the right side of the station's truss, or backbone.
NASA also has named Air Force Col. Michael Good to replace Karen Nyberg on shuttle Atlantis' STS-132 mission, targeted to launch in May 2010. Nyberg is being replaced due to a temporary medical condition. Nyberg will be assigned to a technical role while she awaits a future assignment.
Kelly previously served as the pilot of STS-108 in 2001 and STS-121 in 2006, and commander for STS-124 in 2008. He was born in Orange, N.J., and considers West Orange, N.J., to be his hometown. Kelly has a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, King's Point, N.Y., and a master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif.
Johnson previously flew as a pilot on STS-123 in 2008. He was born in South Ruislip, Middlesex, United Kingdom, but graduated from Park Hills High School in Fairborn, Ohio. Johnson has a bachelor's from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and master's degrees from Columbia University and the University of Texas, Austin.
Fincke is a veteran of two long-duration missions aboard the space station. He served as the NASA science officer and flight engineer on Expedition 9, and commander for Expedition 18. He was born in Pittsburgh and considers Emsworth, Pa., his hometown. He has an Associate Science degree from El Camino College in Torrance, Calif., two bachelor's degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and master's degrees from Stanford University and the University of Houston - Clear Lake.
Chamitoff, also a veteran of a long-duration spaceflight, served as NASA science officer and a flight engineer on Expeditions 17 and 18. He was born in Montreal and grew up in San Jose, Calif. He holds a bachelor's degree from California Polytechnic State University, a master's degree from the California Institute of Technology, a second master's degree from UHCL and a doctorate from MIT.
STS-134 is the second mission for Feustel, who flew as a mission specialist on STS-125 in May. He has an Associate Science degree from Oakland Community College, Mich., a bachelor's and a master's degree from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., and a doctorate from Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Feustel considers Lake Orion, Mich., his hometown.
Vittori is a veteran of two prior spaceflights to the space station aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. He was born in Viterbo, Italy. He received his bachelor's degree from the Italian Air Force Academy and earned master's degrees from the University of Naples and University of Perugia.
This will be the second mission for Good, who flew on STS-125. He was born in Parma, Ohio, and considers Broadview Heights, Ohio to be his hometown. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Notre Dame.
Official Astronaut Portraits Available to Purchase Today from the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store!
WASHINGTON -- NASA has assigned the crew for space shuttle mission STS-134 to the International Space Station. The flight will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, or AMS, to the station. The AMS is a state-of-the-art cosmic ray particle physics detector designed to examine fundamental issues about matter and the origin and structure of the universe.
Navy Capt. Mark Kelly will command the STS-134 mission.
Retired Air Force Col. Gregory H. Johnson will serve as the pilot.
Mission Specialists are Air Force Col. Michael Fincke, Greg Chamitoff and Andrew Feustel. European Space Agency astronaut and Italian Air Force Col. Roberto Vittori also will serve as a mission specialist.
The flight will include three spacewalks and the installation of the AMS to the exterior of the space station using both the shuttle and station arms. The AMS will be attached to the right side of the station's truss, or backbone.
NASA also has named Air Force Col. Michael Good to replace Karen Nyberg on shuttle Atlantis' STS-132 mission, targeted to launch in May 2010. Nyberg is being replaced due to a temporary medical condition. Nyberg will be assigned to a technical role while she awaits a future assignment.
Kelly previously served as the pilot of STS-108 in 2001 and STS-121 in 2006, and commander for STS-124 in 2008. He was born in Orange, N.J., and considers West Orange, N.J., to be his hometown. Kelly has a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, King's Point, N.Y., and a master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif.
Johnson previously flew as a pilot on STS-123 in 2008. He was born in South Ruislip, Middlesex, United Kingdom, but graduated from Park Hills High School in Fairborn, Ohio. Johnson has a bachelor's from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and master's degrees from Columbia University and the University of Texas, Austin.
Fincke is a veteran of two long-duration missions aboard the space station. He served as the NASA science officer and flight engineer on Expedition 9, and commander for Expedition 18. He was born in Pittsburgh and considers Emsworth, Pa., his hometown. He has an Associate Science degree from El Camino College in Torrance, Calif., two bachelor's degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and master's degrees from Stanford University and the University of Houston - Clear Lake.
Chamitoff, also a veteran of a long-duration spaceflight, served as NASA science officer and a flight engineer on Expeditions 17 and 18. He was born in Montreal and grew up in San Jose, Calif. He holds a bachelor's degree from California Polytechnic State University, a master's degree from the California Institute of Technology, a second master's degree from UHCL and a doctorate from MIT.
STS-134 is the second mission for Feustel, who flew as a mission specialist on STS-125 in May. He has an Associate Science degree from Oakland Community College, Mich., a bachelor's and a master's degree from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., and a doctorate from Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Feustel considers Lake Orion, Mich., his hometown.
Vittori is a veteran of two prior spaceflights to the space station aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. He was born in Viterbo, Italy. He received his bachelor's degree from the Italian Air Force Academy and earned master's degrees from the University of Naples and University of Perugia.
This will be the second mission for Good, who flew on STS-125. He was born in Parma, Ohio, and considers Broadview Heights, Ohio to be his hometown. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Notre Dame.
Official Astronaut Portraits Available to Purchase Today from the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store!
Monday, 10 August 2009
Astronaut Pat Forrester
Texas Astronaut to Fly on Next Space Shuttle Mission
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Patrick Forrester, who was born in El Paso, Texas, will make his third journey into orbit on space shuttle Discovery's next mission to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted to launch at 1:36 a.m. EDT, Aug. 25, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To cover the launch on-site, U.S. reporters must request Kennedy credentials online at:
https://media.ksc.nasa.gov/
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Patrick Forrester, who was born in El Paso, Texas, will make his third journey into orbit on space shuttle Discovery's next mission to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted to launch at 1:36 a.m. EDT, Aug. 25, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To cover the launch on-site, U.S. reporters must request Kennedy credentials online at:
https://media.ksc.nasa.gov/
Forrester is one of seven astronauts who will fly on Discovery's STS-128 mission. The 13-day flight will deliver science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and a treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert. The name Colbert received the most entries in NASA's online poll to name the station's Node 3. NASA named the node Tranquility. Forrester graduated from West Springfield High School in Springfield, Va. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in applied sciences and engineering from the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., in 1979, and a Master of Science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Virginia in 1989. For Forrester's complete biography, visit:
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/forreste.html
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/forreste.html
Jose Hernandez Astronaut STS-128
Two California Astronauts to Fly on Next Space Shuttle Mission
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.-- NASA's next space shuttle mission will carry two California- born astronauts into orbit. Veteran space flier Rick Sturckow, from Lakeside, Calif., will command shuttle Discovery's mission to the International Space Station. Jose Hernandez, who considers Stockton, Calif., his hometown, will make his first trip to space. Discovery, with its crew of seven astronauts, is targeted to launch at 1:36 a.m. EDT Aug. 25 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To cover the launch on-site, U.S. reporters must request Kennedy credentials online at:
https://media.ksc.nasa.gov The 13-day flight will deliver science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and a treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert. The name Colbert received the most entries in NASA's online poll to name the station's Node 3. NASA named the node Tranquility. Sturckow graduated from Grossmont High School in La Mesa, Calif. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif., in 1984. Hernandez earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., in 1984, and a Master of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of California-Santa Barbara in 1986.
For Hernandez's complete biography, visit:
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/hernandez-jm.html
For Sturckow's complete biography, visit:
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/sturckow.html
For Hernandez's full colour portrait visit the spaceboosters web store
For Sturkow's Official Portrait visit the spaceboosters online store
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.-- NASA's next space shuttle mission will carry two California- born astronauts into orbit. Veteran space flier Rick Sturckow, from Lakeside, Calif., will command shuttle Discovery's mission to the International Space Station. Jose Hernandez, who considers Stockton, Calif., his hometown, will make his first trip to space. Discovery, with its crew of seven astronauts, is targeted to launch at 1:36 a.m. EDT Aug. 25 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To cover the launch on-site, U.S. reporters must request Kennedy credentials online at:
https://media.ksc.nasa.gov The 13-day flight will deliver science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and a treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert. The name Colbert received the most entries in NASA's online poll to name the station's Node 3. NASA named the node Tranquility. Sturckow graduated from Grossmont High School in La Mesa, Calif. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif., in 1984. Hernandez earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., in 1984, and a Master of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of California-Santa Barbara in 1986.
For Hernandez's complete biography, visit:
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/hernandez-jm.html
For Sturckow's complete biography, visit:
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/sturckow.html
For Hernandez's full colour portrait visit the spaceboosters web store
For Sturkow's Official Portrait visit the spaceboosters online store
Kevin Ford NASA Astronaut
Indiana Astronaut to Fly on Next Space Shuttle Mission
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Kevin Ford, who was born in Portland, Ind., and considers Montpelier, Ind., his hometown, will serve as the pilot on space shuttle Discovery's next mission to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted to launch at 1:36 a.m. EDT, Aug. 25, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To cover the launch on-site, U.S. reporters must request Kennedy credentials online at:
https://media.ksc.nasa.gov/
Ford is one of seven astronauts who will fly on Discovery's STS-128 mission. The 13-day flight will deliver science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and a treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert. The name Colbert received the most entries in NASA's online poll to name the station's Node 3. NASA named the node Tranquility. Ford attended the University of Notre Dame and received his Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering in 1982. In 1989, he received a Master of Science degree in international relations from Troy State University in Troy, Ala.; and in 1994, a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla. He earned his doctorate in astronautical engineering in 1997 at the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
For Ford's complete biography, visit:
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/ford-ka.html
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/ford-ka.html
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Discovery's Rollout Begins
Discovery's Rollout Begins
Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:18:53 -0500
Space shuttle Discovery began its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A Tuesday at 2:07 a.m. and is expected to be secured at the pad by approximately 9 a.m.
Visit NASA-SPACE
Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:18:53 -0500
Space shuttle Discovery began its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A Tuesday at 2:07 a.m. and is expected to be secured at the pad by approximately 9 a.m.
Visit NASA-SPACE
Monday, 3 August 2009
STS-128 Discovery to Roll Out to Pad Tuesday
Discovery to Roll Out to Pad Tuesday
Mon, 03 Aug 2009
During prerollout preparations and testing Saturday morning in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, a valve failed inside space shuttle Discovery's left-hand solid rocket booster hydraulic power unit tilt system, which helps steer the SRBs during launch. (The specific hardware was the check valve filter assembly, or CVFA )
The additional time to evaluate the issue has pushed Discovery's rollout to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A to Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 12:01 a.m. EDT instead of Monday.
Any work to replace the valve and associated hardware will be done at the launch pad. Managers are assessing how to integrate the additional work with standard prelaunch processing activities.
The astronauts for Discovery's STS-128 mission to the International Space Station still are scheduled to begin their launch dress rehearsal and related training Wednesday, Aug. 5. The Terminal Countdown Demonstration test, as the rehearsal is known, is set to conclude Friday, Aug. 7.
The astronauts for Discovery's STS-128 mission to the International Space Station still are scheduled to begin their launch dress rehearsal and related training Wednesday, Aug. 5. The Terminal Countdown Demonstration test, as the rehearsal is known, is set to conclude Friday, Aug. 7.
Discovery remains targeted for launch no earlier than Aug. 25.
STS-128 Mission Patch
STS-128 Crew Portrait
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