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| Nick and Bryar Deakin meet U.K Astronaut Timothy Peake. |
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Tuesday, 30 November 2010
European Astronaut Centre Visit
My wife and I were fortunate enough to visit the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne last week. We had a tour around the facilities and met with U.K Astronaut Timothy Peake. Tim and the other five members of the Class of 2009 had graduated as astronauts the day before.
GUCP Work Delayed by Rain to be Finished Today
At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians plan to install reference dots on space shuttle Discovery's ground umbilical carrier plate, or GUCP, to monitor for movement during tanking. The work was expected to be completed yesterday, but was delayed by rain.
Discovery's launch is currently targeted for no earlier than Dec. 17, after shuttle managers determined more tests and analysis are needed.
The Program Requirements Control Board reviewed on Nov. 23 repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. The work will continue through this week.
The next status review by the PRCB will be Thursday, Dec. 2. If managers clear Discovery for launch on Dec. 17, the preferred time is about 8:51 p.m. EST.
Friday, 26 November 2010
Discovery Powered Down, Analysis Continues
Fri, 26 Nov 2010 09:47:44 -0600
At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is powered down for the weekend while analysis continue. Discovery's launch is currently targeted for no earlier than Dec. 17, after shuttle managers determined more tests and analysis are needed.
The Program Requirements Control Board reviewed on Wednesday repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. The work will continue through next week.
The next status review by the PRCB will be Thursday, Dec. 2. If managers clear Discovery for launch on Dec. 17, the preferred time is about 8:51 p.m. EST.
ESA's New Astronaut Graduates - Thomas Pesquet
Thomas Pesquet
European Space Agency Astronaut
Personal data
Born in Rouen, France, on 27 February 1978. Pesquet is a black belt in judo and enjoys basketball, jogging, swimming, squash and outdoor sports, such as mountain biking, kite surfing, sailing, skiing and snowboarding. He also has extensive experience in scuba diving and sky diving. His other interests include travelling, playing the saxophone and reading.
Education
Pesquet graduated from the Lycée Pierre Corneille in Rouen, France, in 1998.
In 2001, he received a master’s degree from the École Nationale Supérieure de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace in Toulouse, France, majoring in space systems and space vehicle mechanics. He spent his final year before graduation at the École Polytechnique de Montréal, Canada, as an exchange student on the Aeronautics and Space Master.
Pesquet graduated from the Air France flight school in 2006. This led to an Air Transport Pilot License-Instrument Rating (ATPL-IR).
Experience
From April to September 2001, Pesquet was a trainee engineer with Thales Alenia Space in Cannes, France, where he developed a satellite system pre-dimensioning tool using concurrent engineering techniques.
From October 2001, he worked as a spacecraft dynamics engineer on remote sensing missions for GMV S.A. in Madrid, Spain.
Between 2002 and 2004, Pesquet worked at the French space agency, CNES, as a research engineer on space mission autonomy. He also carried out various studies on future European ground segment design and European space technology harmonization. From late 2002, he was a representative of CNES at CCSDS, the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems, on cross-support topics.
A private pilot, he was selected in 2004 for Air France's flight training programme. He went on to become a commercial pilot for the French airline, where he started flying the Airbus A320 in 2006. He has logged more than 2000 hours flying time on various commercial airliners.
Pesquet was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009 and graduated on 22 November 2010.
European Space Agency Astronaut
Personal data
Born in Rouen, France, on 27 February 1978. Pesquet is a black belt in judo and enjoys basketball, jogging, swimming, squash and outdoor sports, such as mountain biking, kite surfing, sailing, skiing and snowboarding. He also has extensive experience in scuba diving and sky diving. His other interests include travelling, playing the saxophone and reading.
Education
Pesquet graduated from the Lycée Pierre Corneille in Rouen, France, in 1998.
In 2001, he received a master’s degree from the École Nationale Supérieure de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace in Toulouse, France, majoring in space systems and space vehicle mechanics. He spent his final year before graduation at the École Polytechnique de Montréal, Canada, as an exchange student on the Aeronautics and Space Master.
Pesquet graduated from the Air France flight school in 2006. This led to an Air Transport Pilot License-Instrument Rating (ATPL-IR).
Experience
From April to September 2001, Pesquet was a trainee engineer with Thales Alenia Space in Cannes, France, where he developed a satellite system pre-dimensioning tool using concurrent engineering techniques.
From October 2001, he worked as a spacecraft dynamics engineer on remote sensing missions for GMV S.A. in Madrid, Spain.
Between 2002 and 2004, Pesquet worked at the French space agency, CNES, as a research engineer on space mission autonomy. He also carried out various studies on future European ground segment design and European space technology harmonization. From late 2002, he was a representative of CNES at CCSDS, the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems, on cross-support topics.
A private pilot, he was selected in 2004 for Air France's flight training programme. He went on to become a commercial pilot for the French airline, where he started flying the Airbus A320 in 2006. He has logged more than 2000 hours flying time on various commercial airliners.
Pesquet was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009 and graduated on 22 November 2010.
ESA's New Astronaut Graduates - Timothy Peake
Timothy Peake
European Space Agency Astronaut
Personal data
Born in Chichester, the United Kingdom, on 7 April 1972. Married with one son. Peake includes skiing, scuba diving and cross country running among his leisure activities. He also enjoys reading.
Education
Peake completed his secondary education at Chichester High School for Boys in 1990. In 2005, he graduated from the Empire Test Pilots School (ETPS) in Boscombe Down, UK, where he was awarded the Westland Trophy. He received a Bachelor of Science in flight dynamics and evaluation from the University of Portsmouth in 2006.
Special Honours
Peake was awarded a Certificate for Meritorious Service for exemplary and dedicated service to the British Army in 2006.
Organisations
Member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
Experience
Peake graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1992 as an officer in the Army Air Corps. He served on attachment with the Royal Green Jackets as a Platoon Commander in Northern Ireland, prior to commencing flying training. He was awarded his Army Flying Wings in 1994.
Between 1994 and 1998 he served as a reconnaissance pilot and flight commander in Germany, the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland, Kenya and Canada. He also qualified as a Combat Survival and Rescue Instructor and a Flight Safety Officer.
Peake qualified as a helicopter flying instructor in 1998 prior to being selected for an exchange posting with the US Army, flying Apache helicopters (1999-2002). On his return to the UK, Peake was employed as an Apache helicopter instructor from 2002 to 2005, during which time he was instrumental in introducing the Apache into service with the British Army.
On completion of test pilot training, Peake served with Rotary Wing Test Squadron, Boscombe Down, between 2006 and 2009. He was the senior Apache test pilot in addition to test pilot for Special Forces aircraft projects. He was also the Squadron Training Officer and qualified as a Post Crash Management Incident Officer.
On retirement from the British Army in 2009, Peake was employed as a helicopter test pilot for AgustaWestland, flying Apache, Lynx, EH101 and A109 aircraft. He has logged over 3000 hours flying time on more than 30 types of helicopter and fixed wing aircraft, including the Hawk, Dakota, Harvard and Mi-17.
Peake was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009 and graduated on 22 November 2010.
European Space Agency Astronaut
Personal data
Born in Chichester, the United Kingdom, on 7 April 1972. Married with one son. Peake includes skiing, scuba diving and cross country running among his leisure activities. He also enjoys reading.
Education
Peake completed his secondary education at Chichester High School for Boys in 1990. In 2005, he graduated from the Empire Test Pilots School (ETPS) in Boscombe Down, UK, where he was awarded the Westland Trophy. He received a Bachelor of Science in flight dynamics and evaluation from the University of Portsmouth in 2006.
Special Honours
Peake was awarded a Certificate for Meritorious Service for exemplary and dedicated service to the British Army in 2006.
Organisations
Member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
Experience
Peake graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1992 as an officer in the Army Air Corps. He served on attachment with the Royal Green Jackets as a Platoon Commander in Northern Ireland, prior to commencing flying training. He was awarded his Army Flying Wings in 1994.
Between 1994 and 1998 he served as a reconnaissance pilot and flight commander in Germany, the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland, Kenya and Canada. He also qualified as a Combat Survival and Rescue Instructor and a Flight Safety Officer.
Peake qualified as a helicopter flying instructor in 1998 prior to being selected for an exchange posting with the US Army, flying Apache helicopters (1999-2002). On his return to the UK, Peake was employed as an Apache helicopter instructor from 2002 to 2005, during which time he was instrumental in introducing the Apache into service with the British Army.
On completion of test pilot training, Peake served with Rotary Wing Test Squadron, Boscombe Down, between 2006 and 2009. He was the senior Apache test pilot in addition to test pilot for Special Forces aircraft projects. He was also the Squadron Training Officer and qualified as a Post Crash Management Incident Officer.
On retirement from the British Army in 2009, Peake was employed as a helicopter test pilot for AgustaWestland, flying Apache, Lynx, EH101 and A109 aircraft. He has logged over 3000 hours flying time on more than 30 types of helicopter and fixed wing aircraft, including the Hawk, Dakota, Harvard and Mi-17.
Peake was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009 and graduated on 22 November 2010.
ESA's New Astronaut Graduates - Luca Parmitano
Luca Parmitano
European Space Agency astronaut
Personal data
Born in Paternò, Italy, on 27 September 1976. Married with one daughter. Parmitano is an active scuba diver and enjoys snowboarding, skydiving, weight training and swimming. Other interests include reading and music.
Education
Parmitano graduated from the Liceo Scientifico Statale `Galileo Galilei´ in Catania, Italy, in 1995.
In 1999, he completed a bachelor's degree in political sciences at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, with a thesis on international law. In 2000, he graduated from the Italian Air Force Academy, in Pozzuoli, Italy.
Parmitano completed basic training with the U.S. Air Force at the Euro-Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training in Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, US, in 2001. He completed the JCO/CAS course with the USAFE in Sembach, Germany, in 2002.
In 2003, he qualified as Electronic Warfare Officer at the ReSTOGE in Pratica di Mare, Italy. He completed the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) in Florennes, Belgium, in 2005.
In July 2009, Parmitano completed a master’s degree in experimental flight test engineering at the Institute Superieure de l’Aeronautique et de l’Espace (ISAE), in Toulouse, France.
Special honours
Awarded a Silver Medal to the Aeronautical Valour by the President of the Italian Republic in 2007.
Experience
Following completion of undergraduate pilot training in 2001, Parmitano flew the AM-X aircraft with the 13th Squadron, 32nd Wing in Amendola, Italy, from 2001 to 2007. During that time, he obtained all the qualifications on the aircraft, including Combat Ready, Four Ship Leader, Mission Commander/Package Leader.
Within the 13th Squadron he served as Chief of Training Section and Commander of the 76th Flight. He was also the 32nd Wing Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO).
In 2007, he was selected by the Italian Air Force to become a test pilot. He trained as an Experimental Test Pilot at EPNER, the French test pilot school in Istres.
Parmitano is a captain in the Italian Air Force. He has logged more than 2000 hours flying time, is qualified on more than 20 types of military airplanes and helicopters, and has flown over 40 types of aircraft.
Parmitano was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009 and graduated on 22 November 2010.
European Space Agency astronaut
Personal data
Born in Paternò, Italy, on 27 September 1976. Married with one daughter. Parmitano is an active scuba diver and enjoys snowboarding, skydiving, weight training and swimming. Other interests include reading and music.
Education
Parmitano graduated from the Liceo Scientifico Statale `Galileo Galilei´ in Catania, Italy, in 1995.
In 1999, he completed a bachelor's degree in political sciences at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, with a thesis on international law. In 2000, he graduated from the Italian Air Force Academy, in Pozzuoli, Italy.
Parmitano completed basic training with the U.S. Air Force at the Euro-Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training in Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, US, in 2001. He completed the JCO/CAS course with the USAFE in Sembach, Germany, in 2002.
In 2003, he qualified as Electronic Warfare Officer at the ReSTOGE in Pratica di Mare, Italy. He completed the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) in Florennes, Belgium, in 2005.
In July 2009, Parmitano completed a master’s degree in experimental flight test engineering at the Institute Superieure de l’Aeronautique et de l’Espace (ISAE), in Toulouse, France.
Special honours
Awarded a Silver Medal to the Aeronautical Valour by the President of the Italian Republic in 2007.
Experience
Following completion of undergraduate pilot training in 2001, Parmitano flew the AM-X aircraft with the 13th Squadron, 32nd Wing in Amendola, Italy, from 2001 to 2007. During that time, he obtained all the qualifications on the aircraft, including Combat Ready, Four Ship Leader, Mission Commander/Package Leader.
Within the 13th Squadron he served as Chief of Training Section and Commander of the 76th Flight. He was also the 32nd Wing Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO).
In 2007, he was selected by the Italian Air Force to become a test pilot. He trained as an Experimental Test Pilot at EPNER, the French test pilot school in Istres.
Parmitano is a captain in the Italian Air Force. He has logged more than 2000 hours flying time, is qualified on more than 20 types of military airplanes and helicopters, and has flown over 40 types of aircraft.
Parmitano was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009 and graduated on 22 November 2010.
ESA's New Astronaut Graduates - Andreas Mogensen
Andreas Mogensen
European Space Agency astronaut
Personal data
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark on 2 November 1976. He enjoys rugby, basketball, squash, fitness training and trail running. He also enjoys adventure travelling, such as canoeing, kayaking, and mountaineering. His other interests include general science, in particular space exploration, astrobiology and evolution, literature and politics. He also builds and flies remote-controlled airplanes.
Education
Mogensen graduated with an International Baccalaureate from Copenhagen International School in Denmark in 1995. In 1999, he received a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from Imperial College London, in the United Kingdom. He received a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, in the United States in 2007.
Organisations
Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the American Astronautical Society (AAS), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Institute of Navigation (ION) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DGLR).
Experience
Mogensen worked for Schlumberger as a drilling services engineer on an offshore oil rig in the Republic of Congo and the Republic of Angola between 2000 and 2001. From 2001 to 2003, he worked as a control systems engineer at Vestas Wind Systems in Denmark.
From 2004 to 2007, whilst working towards his doctorate, Mogensen worked as a research assistant at the Center for Space Research and as a teaching assistant in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, in the United States.
From 2007 to 2008, he was employed as an attitude & orbit control systems engineer by HE Space Operations. He was contracted out to EADS Astrium in Friedrichshafen, Germany for the duration of this employment.
From 2008 until his astronaut selection in 2009, Mogensen was employed as a research fellow at the Surrey Space Centre at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. His research focused on spacecraft guidance, navigation and control during entry, descent and landing.
Mogensen was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009 and graduated on 22 November 2010.
ESA's New Astronaut Graduates - Alexander Gerst
Alexander Gerst
European Space Agency astronaut
Personal data
Born in Künzelsau, Germany, on 3 May 1976. His favourite sports are fencing, swimming and running. He especially enjoys outdoor activities including skydiving, snowboarding, hiking, mountaineering, climbing and scuba diving.
Education
Graduated from the Technical High School in Öhringen, Germany, in 1995.
In 2003, Gerst received a diploma in geophysics from the University of Karlsruhe, Germany, and a master's degree in earth sciences from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Both degrees were awarded with distinction.
In 2010 he graduated with a Doctorate in Natural Sciences at the Institute of Geophysics of the University of Hamburg, Germany, following his dissertation on geophysics and volcanic eruption dynamics.
Organisations
Member of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI), the German Geophysical Society (DGG), the European Geosciences Union (EGU), the European Volcanological Society (SVE) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU).
Experience
During his school education, Gerst volunteered as a fire-fighter and water rescue lifeguard. As a student, between 1998 and 2003, he participated in various international scientific collaborations and field experiments. Several of these led him to remote locations in Antarctica and on other continents, where he installed various scientific instruments.
From 2001 to 2003, in the frame of research for his master’s thesis on a volcano in New Zealand, Gerst developed a new volcano monitoring technique that might one day improve the ability to forecast volcanic eruptions. Results of that study were published in Science Magazine.
Gerst worked on the development of scientific instruments as a scientist at the Institute of Geophysics at the University of Hamburg between 2004 and 2009.
From 2005 to 2009, whilst at the Institute of Geophysics, he also worked towards his doctorate, for which he investigated volcanic eruption dynamics on active volcanoes. The main goal of his research was to determine the mechanics and the energy release during the first seconds of a volcanic eruption. His research led him to visit volcanoes on all continents, concentrating on an active volcano in Antarctica that is used as an outdoor laboratory. In 2007, Gerst received the Bernd Rendel award for outstanding research from the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Gerst was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009 and graduated on November 22 2010.
European Space Agency astronaut
Personal data
Born in Künzelsau, Germany, on 3 May 1976. His favourite sports are fencing, swimming and running. He especially enjoys outdoor activities including skydiving, snowboarding, hiking, mountaineering, climbing and scuba diving.
Education
Graduated from the Technical High School in Öhringen, Germany, in 1995.
In 2003, Gerst received a diploma in geophysics from the University of Karlsruhe, Germany, and a master's degree in earth sciences from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Both degrees were awarded with distinction.
In 2010 he graduated with a Doctorate in Natural Sciences at the Institute of Geophysics of the University of Hamburg, Germany, following his dissertation on geophysics and volcanic eruption dynamics.
Organisations
Member of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI), the German Geophysical Society (DGG), the European Geosciences Union (EGU), the European Volcanological Society (SVE) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU).
Experience
During his school education, Gerst volunteered as a fire-fighter and water rescue lifeguard. As a student, between 1998 and 2003, he participated in various international scientific collaborations and field experiments. Several of these led him to remote locations in Antarctica and on other continents, where he installed various scientific instruments.
From 2001 to 2003, in the frame of research for his master’s thesis on a volcano in New Zealand, Gerst developed a new volcano monitoring technique that might one day improve the ability to forecast volcanic eruptions. Results of that study were published in Science Magazine.
Gerst worked on the development of scientific instruments as a scientist at the Institute of Geophysics at the University of Hamburg between 2004 and 2009.
From 2005 to 2009, whilst at the Institute of Geophysics, he also worked towards his doctorate, for which he investigated volcanic eruption dynamics on active volcanoes. The main goal of his research was to determine the mechanics and the energy release during the first seconds of a volcanic eruption. His research led him to visit volcanoes on all continents, concentrating on an active volcano in Antarctica that is used as an outdoor laboratory. In 2007, Gerst received the Bernd Rendel award for outstanding research from the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Gerst was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009 and graduated on November 22 2010.
ESA's New Astronaut Graduates - Samantha Cristoforetti
Samantha Cristoforetti
European Space Agency Astronaut
Personal data
Born in Milan, Italy, on 26 April 1977. Cristoforetti enjoys hiking, scuba diving, caving, swimming, running, weight training and yoga. Other interests include learning foreign languages, reading and ballroom dancing.
Education
Cristoforetti completed her secondary education at the Liceo Scientifico in Trento, Italy, in 1996.
In 2001, she graduated from the Technische Universität Munich, Germany, with a master’s degree in engineering. As part of her studies, she spent four months at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace in Toulouse, France (Erasmus exchange), and ten months at the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technologies in Moscow, Russia, where she conducted research for her master’s thesis.
She also completed a bachelor degree in aeronautical sciences at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, in 2005.
Experience
From 2001, Cristoforetti attended the Italian Air Force Academy in Pozzuoli, Italy, graduating in 2005. During this time she served as class leader and was awarded the Honour Sword for best academic achievement.
From 2005 to 2006, she was based at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, the United States. Upon completion of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, she became a fighter pilot and was assigned to the 132nd Squadron, 51st Bomber Wing, based in Istrana, Italy.
In 2007, Cristoforetti was assigned to the 212th Squadron, 61st Flight Training Wing, at Galatina, Italy, where she completed `Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals´ training.
From 2007 to 2008, she was a pilot and Deputy Chief of Wing's Plan and Operations Section for the 51st Bomber Wing in Istrana, Italy.
In 2008, she joined the 101st Squadron, 32nd Bomber Wing, based at Foggia, Italy, where she attended operational conversion training for the AM-X attack fighter.
Cristoforetti is a lieutenant in the Italian Air Force. She has logged more than 500 hours flying time on six types of military aircraft, including SF-260, T-37, T-38, MB-339A, MB-339CD, AM-X. She received her flight’s Best Wingman’s award during T-38 training.
Cristoforetti was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009, and graduated as an ESA astronaut on 22 November 2010.
European Space Agency Astronaut
Personal data
Born in Milan, Italy, on 26 April 1977. Cristoforetti enjoys hiking, scuba diving, caving, swimming, running, weight training and yoga. Other interests include learning foreign languages, reading and ballroom dancing.
Education
Cristoforetti completed her secondary education at the Liceo Scientifico in Trento, Italy, in 1996.
In 2001, she graduated from the Technische Universität Munich, Germany, with a master’s degree in engineering. As part of her studies, she spent four months at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace in Toulouse, France (Erasmus exchange), and ten months at the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technologies in Moscow, Russia, where she conducted research for her master’s thesis.
She also completed a bachelor degree in aeronautical sciences at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, in 2005.
Experience
From 2001, Cristoforetti attended the Italian Air Force Academy in Pozzuoli, Italy, graduating in 2005. During this time she served as class leader and was awarded the Honour Sword for best academic achievement.
From 2005 to 2006, she was based at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, the United States. Upon completion of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, she became a fighter pilot and was assigned to the 132nd Squadron, 51st Bomber Wing, based in Istrana, Italy.
In 2007, Cristoforetti was assigned to the 212th Squadron, 61st Flight Training Wing, at Galatina, Italy, where she completed `Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals´ training.
From 2007 to 2008, she was a pilot and Deputy Chief of Wing's Plan and Operations Section for the 51st Bomber Wing in Istrana, Italy.
In 2008, she joined the 101st Squadron, 32nd Bomber Wing, based at Foggia, Italy, where she attended operational conversion training for the AM-X attack fighter.
Cristoforetti is a lieutenant in the Italian Air Force. She has logged more than 500 hours flying time on six types of military aircraft, including SF-260, T-37, T-38, MB-339A, MB-339CD, AM-X. She received her flight’s Best Wingman’s award during T-38 training.
Cristoforetti was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009, and graduated as an ESA astronaut on 22 November 2010.
European Astronaut Centre Visit
My wife and I on business at the European Astronaut Centre near Cologne were lucky enough to meet the newly qualified U.K Astronaut Timothy Peake.
Class of 2009 - Officially Astronauts
ESA’s six latest astronaut candidates proudly received their diplomas today at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. From now on, they are officially ‘astronauts’.
The new astronauts, smiling in their blue overalls, were in the spotlight at ESA’s training centre today. They were presented with their certificates signed by Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General, Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of Human Spaceflight, and Michel Togini, Head of the Astronaut Group.
The graduation ceremony, held in front of friends, family, guests and media, marked a milestone in their astronaut careers: the official end of Basic Training, the first phase of astronaut education.
This training covered space engineering, electrical engineering, different scientific disciplines and the major systems of the International Space Station (ISS) and other space vehicles.
It included scuba diving to prepare for spacewalks, robotics, survival training, rendezvous and docking, and the Russian language.
ESA's new astronauts received their awards after completing their Basic Training and were named officially as 'astronauts' in a ceremony held at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, on Monday 22 November 2010. On the photo (from left to right): Jean-Jacques Dordain (ESA's Director General), Thomas Pesquet, Luca Parmitano, Alexander Gerst, Samantha Cristoforetti, Simonetta Di Pippo (Director of Human Spaceflight), Andreas Mogensen, Timothy Peake and Michel Togini (Director of the European Astronaut Centre).
Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja, 2010
New astronauts waiting for their graduation awards at the ceremony marking the completion of their Basic Training on Monday 22 November 2010 at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany. From left to right: Thomas Pesquet, France, Timothy Peake, United Kingdom, Luca Parmitano, Italy, Andreas Mogensen, Denmark, Alexander Gerst, Germany, Samantha Cristoforetti, Italy and Horst Schaarschmidt, acting Head of the EAC Astronaut Division.
Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja, 2010
Rings Around Saturn
A crescent Saturn appears nestled within encircling rings in this Cassini spacecraft image. Clouds swirl through the atmosphere of the planet and a barely visible Prometheus orbits between the planet's main rings and its the thin F ring. Saturn's moon Prometheus appears as a speck above the rings near the middle of the image.
This view looks toward the southern, unilluminated side of the rings from about 3 degrees below the ringplane.
The image was taken with the Cassini spacecraft's wide-angle camera on Sept. 14, 2010, and was obtained at a distance of approximately 1.6 million miles, or 2.6 million kilometers, from Saturn and at a sun-Saturn-spacecraft, or phase, angle of 100 degrees.
Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute
This view looks toward the southern, unilluminated side of the rings from about 3 degrees below the ringplane.
The image was taken with the Cassini spacecraft's wide-angle camera on Sept. 14, 2010, and was obtained at a distance of approximately 1.6 million miles, or 2.6 million kilometers, from Saturn and at a sun-Saturn-spacecraft, or phase, angle of 100 degrees.
Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute
Seasons Greetings - Send a postcard to space
NASA Invites the Public to Send Holiday Greetings to Station and Watch Message from Space
For many Americans, the Thanksgiving holiday is about journeys that bring families and friends together. This Thanksgiving, half of the International Space Station crew will return home to Earth. Cheer up the remaining crew by sending a holiday postcard 'From the Earth to Space'
Follow this link!
For many Americans, the Thanksgiving holiday is about journeys that bring families and friends together. This Thanksgiving, half of the International Space Station crew will return home to Earth. Cheer up the remaining crew by sending a holiday postcard 'From the Earth to Space'
Follow this link!
Shuttle Discovery set for December 17th launch
NASA managers have targeted space shuttle Discovery's launch for no earlier than Dec. 17. Shuttle managers determined more tests and analysis are needed before proceeding with the STS-133 mission. The launch status meeting planned for Monday, Nov. 29, has been postponed and will be rescheduled.
The Program Requirements Control Board reviewed on Wednesday repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. The work will continue through next week.
The next status review by the PRCB will be Thursday, Dec. 2. If managers clear Discovery for launch on Dec. 17, the preferred time is about 8:51 p.m. EST.
Soyuz Landing Caps Space Station's First Decade of Expeditions
WASHINGTON --
Expedition 25 Commander Doug Wheelock and Flight Engineers Shannon Walker and Fyodor Yurchikhin safely landed their Soyuz spacecraft on the Kazakhstan steppe Thursday, wrapping up a five-month stay aboard the International Space Station.
Russian cosmonaut Yurchikhin, the Soyuz commander, was at the controls of the spacecraft as it undocked at 8:23 p.m. EST from the station's Rassvet module. The trio landed at 11:46 p.m. (10:46 a.m. on Nov. 26 local time) at a site northeast of the town of Arkalyk.
Working in frigid temperatures, Russian recovery teams were on hand to help the crew exit the Soyuz vehicle and re-adjust to gravity. Yurchikhin will return to the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, outside of Moscow, while Wheelock and Walker will fly directly home to Houston.
The trio launched aboard the Soyuz TMA-19 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on June 15. As members of the Expedition 24 and 25 crews, they spent 163 days in space, 161 of them aboard the station, and celebrated the 10th anniversary of continuous human life, work and research by international crews aboard the station on Nov. 2.
During their mission, the Expedition 24 and 25 crew members worked on more than 120 microgravity experiments in human research; biology and biotechnology; physical and materials sciences; technology development; and Earth and space sciences.
The astronauts also responded to an emergency shutdown of half of the station's external cooling system and supported three unplanned spacewalks by Wheelock and Expedition 24 Flight Engineer Tracy Caldwell Dyson to replace the faulty pump module that caused the shutdown. Their efforts restored the station's critical cooling system to full function.
Yurchikhin has logged 371 total days in space, Wheelock 178 days and Walker 163 days.
The station is occupied by Expedition 26 Commander Scott Kelly and Flight Engineers Alexander Kaleri and Oleg Skripochka of the Russian Federal Space Agency. A new trio of Expedition 26 flight engineers, NASA astronaut Catherine Coleman, Russian cosmonaut Dmitry Kondratyev and Paolo Nespoli of the European Space Agency, will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Dec. 15. They will dock with the station and join its crew on Dec. 17.
To send holiday greetings to the crew and get more information about the space station, visit:
The Soyuz TMA-19 spacecraft touches down
Expedition 25 Landing
The Soyuz TMA-19 spacecraft with Expedition 25 Commander Doug Wheelock and Flight Engineers Shannon Walker and Fyodor Yurchikhin touches down near the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan on Friday, Nov. 26, 2010. Russian Cosmonaut Yurchikhin and NASA Astronauts Wheelock and Walker, are returning from six months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 24 and 25 crews.
Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
Monday, 15 November 2010
Teams to Evaluate GUCP Data Today, Repairs to ET Cracks Continue
Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:19:59 -0600
Over the weekend at Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians took additional measurements to ensure the best possible alignment of the newly installed ground umbilical carrier plate, or GUCP, on space shuttle Discovery’s external fuel tank. Teams installed the flight seal Friday night and will meet today to evaluate data. Technicians expect to begin installing the quick disconnects today.
Engineers also are continuing work to repair cracks in Discovery’s external tank intertank section. During foam removal and inspection of adjacent stringers to the one with two 9-inch cracks, technicians identified a crack about 3-inches long on the left-hand adjacent stringer. This was not an unexpected result since the load was most likely transferred to the adjacent stringer when both sides of the original stringer cracked during tanking operations for Discovery’s scrubbed launch attempt on Nov. 5. Teams will build and use existing structural math models to understand the loading at the interface. Stringers are aluminum support strips on the outside of the external tank that form the section between the inside liquid oxygen tank and the liquid hydrogen tanks.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Ghostly Spokes in the Rings
Scientists first saw these somewhat wedge-shaped, transient clouds of tiny particles known as "spokes" in images from NASA's Voyager spacecraft. They dubbed these features in Saturn's B ring "spokes" because they looked like bicycle spokes. An electrostatic charge, the way static electricity on Earth can raise the hair on your arms, appears to be levitating tiny ring particles above the ring plane, but scientists are still figuring out how the particles get that charge as they analyze images from NASA's Cassini spacecraft.
The image on the left was obtained by Voyager 2 on Aug. 22, 1981. The image on the right was obtained by Cassini on Nov. 2, 2008.
Image credit: NASA/JPL and NASA/JPL/SSI
New GUCP to be Installed Today, Foam to be Trimmed
Fri, 12 Nov 2010 06:59:20 -0600
At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, teams will begin installing space shuttle Discovery's new ground umbilical carrier plate, or GUCP, this morning. Engineers will meet today to analyze data. Teams plan to have the GUCP work completed over the weekend.
Technicians will trim the foam insulation around the area where two cracks were found on Discovery's external fuel tank metal exterior to inspect the surrounding areas. The cracks were found on the stringer, which is the aluminum strip that forms the section between the liquid oxygen tank and the liquid hydrogen tank, after removing foam that cracked during initial loading operations for the STS-133 launch attempt on Nov. 5.
Discovery's Ground Umbilical Carrier Assembly Removed
Thu, 11 Nov 2010 08:49:34 -0600
Overnight, crews removed space shuttle Discovery’s ground umbilical carrier assembly, or GUCA, which includes the flight seal, the 7-inch quick disconnect, or QD and the carrier plate, known as the GUCP, as they continue working to investigate the leak.
Teams performed an initial inspection of the flight seal and quick disconnect prior to sending them to labs for a thorough inspection. Data collected from the initial inspections will be evaluated today by the investigation team. Engineering saw some areas of interest that are being further evaluated. Based on this evaluation, crews could be ready to install a new GUCA on Friday.
During removal of external tank foam insulation, technicians identified two cracks on a section of the tank’s metal exterior. The foam cracked during draining operations following Discovery’s launch scrub on Nov. 5. The cracks were found on the stringer, which is the composite aluminum strip that forms the section between the liquid oxygen tank and the liquid hydrogen tank. The cracks were found at the top of one of the stingers beneath the area of foam that cracked during tanking and are about nine inches long. The cracks in the stringer moved the metal outward sufficiently to dislocate the foam. Engineers are reviewing images of the cracks to determine the best possible repair method, which would be done at Launch Pad 39A.
Crews have repaired similar cracks during external tank production by installing a second piece of aluminum for reinforcement on top of the cracked area before replacing the foam insulation. This piece frequently is referred to as a "doubler."
Exact schedules and repair options still are being evaluated.
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Apollo Anniversary Medallions Available
We still have Apollo Anniversary Medallions Available check out our earlier blogs:
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Apollo 17 medallion. Apollo 12 Medallion
or check them out on the Spaceboosters Store:
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Apollo 12 Medallion
Thanks for visiting.
Mars' Russell Crater dune field
Tattooed Mars
Originally released Aug. 1, 2007, this image is of Mars' Russell Crater dune field, which is covered seasonally by carbon dioxide frost. This image shows the dune field after the frost has evaporated from solid to gas, with just a few patches remaining of the bright seasonal frost. Numerous dark dust devil tracks can be seen meandering across the dunes.
Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona
Repair Analysis Continues at the Launch Pad
Wed, 10 Nov 2010 07:56:10 -0600
At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians at Launch Pad 39A began disconnecting space shuttle Discovery’s ground umbilical carrier plate last night by unhooking and lowering the hydrogen vent line that attaches to the plate on the external tank. As the disconnection process continues, they will take a careful step-by-step look and assess repair options. Today, crews will begin removing the seven-inch quick disconnect.
Teams also continue analyzing and inspecting the approximately 20-inch long crack in the external tank's foam. Tomorrow, technicians expect to begin using terahertz or backscatter scans to see beneath the foam, which will enable them to look for any other potential issues. Plans are still being worked out to reapply foam to the tank after the inspections are completed.
Shuttle managers continue evaluating the data to determine the best repair methods and next launch opportunity for Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station, which currently is no earlier than Nov. 30 at 4:02 a.m. EST.
Today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, STS-133 Mission Specialists Tim Kopra and Alvin Drew will practice for the mission's first spacewalk inside the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.
Teams Begin Hydrogen Gas Leak Repair Work
Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:14:11 -0600
Technicians will begin disconnecting space shuttle Discovery’s ground umbilical carrier plate this evening by unhooking and lowering the hydrogen vent line that attaches to the GUCP on the external tank. Teams will take a careful step-by-step look as the GUCP is disconnected and will assess repair options. Tomorrow, crews will begin to remove the 7” quick disconnect. Technicians will wait until morning to take advantage of the daylight in order to assist in their visual inspections. Teams continue analyzing and inspecting the approximately 20-inch long crack in the external tank foam. Today, technicians took samples of the foam and will perform dissection analysis tonight. On Thursday, teams expect to begin using terahertz or backscatter scans to see beneath the foam to look for any other potential issues. Teams still are working out plans to reapply foam to the external tank after inspections are complete. Shuttle managers continue evaluating the data to determine the best repair methods and next launch opportunity for Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station, which currently remains no earlier than Nov. 30 at 4:02 a.m. EST.
Technicians will begin disconnecting space shuttle Discovery’s ground umbilical carrier plate this evening by unhooking and lowering the hydrogen vent line that attaches to the GUCP on the external tank. Teams will take a careful step-by-step look as the GUCP is disconnected and will assess repair options. Tomorrow, crews will begin to remove the 7” quick disconnect. Technicians will wait until morning to take advantage of the daylight in order to assist in their visual inspections. Teams continue analyzing and inspecting the approximately 20-inch long crack in the external tank foam. Today, technicians took samples of the foam and will perform dissection analysis tonight. On Thursday, teams expect to begin using terahertz or backscatter scans to see beneath the foam to look for any other potential issues. Teams still are working out plans to reapply foam to the external tank after inspections are complete. Shuttle managers continue evaluating the data to determine the best repair methods and next launch opportunity for Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station, which currently remains no earlier than Nov. 30 at 4:02 a.m. EST.
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Space Station Cupola
"The ‘Cupola’, attached to the nadir side of the space station, gives a panoramic view of our beautiful planet," said Expedition 25 commander Doug Wheelock. "Fyodor (Yurchikhin) took this picture from the window of the Russian Docking Compartment (Airlock). Here I am in the Cupola preparing a camera for our late evening Hurricane Earl flyover … trying to capture the moment …"
Image Credit: NASA
Image Credit: NASA
Technicians Disconnect GUCP Ordnance Today
Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:48:59 -0600
Technicians will disconnect ordnance today as they take steps to remove the quick disconnect from the ground umbilical carrier plate, or GUCP, on Discovery's external tank. Teams will record measurements during the work so engineering analysis can be performed after the GUCP has been removed. Managers will assess repair options after the GUCP is inspected. The work is taking place as the shuttle stands on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Teams will continue analysis and inspection of the approximately 20-inch-long crack in the external tank foam. Teams are planning to use terahertz or backscatter scans to see beneath the foam to look for any other potential issues. Technicians could begin dissecting the cracked section as early as Wednesday so foam experts can make a thorough evaluation in order to help determine the cause of the crack. Teams still are working out plans to reapply foam to the external tank after inspections are complete.
Shuttle managers continue evaluating the data to determine the best repair methods and next launch opportunity for Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.
The STS-133 crew is involved in administrative work today before Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe fly back to Kennedy for a training run in shuttle training aircraft.
Teams Evaluate Discovery Issues and Consider Repair Plans
Engineers met in a series of meetings today to discuss inspection and repair options for space shuttle Discovery’s ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) and a crack in the external fuel tank foam insulation. Discovery's launch was postponed Friday until at least Nov. 30 because of a hydrogen gas leak at the GUCP.
Technicians at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida have been measuring the alignment of the plate on the external tank and performing leak checks. Crews expect to begin disconnecting the GUCP Tuesday afternoon after disconnecting the hydrogen vent line that attaches to the GUCP. Managers will assess repair options after the disconnected GUCP is inspected. Teams also have begun analysis and inspection of the approximately 20-inch long crack in the external tank foam.
Teams are planning to use terahertz or backscatter scans to see beneath the foam to look for any other potential issues. As soon as Wednesday, technicians could begin dissecting the cracked section so foam experts can make a thorough evaluation in order to help determine the cause of the crack. Teams still are working out plans to reapply foam to the external tank after inspections are complete. Shuttle managers continue evaluating the data to determine the best repair methods and next launch opportunity for Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.
Sunday, 7 November 2010
Sneak Preview - Gagarin Commemorative Embroidered Patch
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Friday, 5 November 2010
Crew Returns to Johnson -- Techs to Check Out GUCP
Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:34:34 -0500
Discovery's six STS-133 astronauts left NASA's Kennedy Space Center in their T-38 jets shortly after 3 p.m. EDT, Nov. 5, to return home to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Discovery's liftoff to the International Space Station was postponed because of a leak in the ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) at Launch Pad 39A, which prompted a scrub of Friday's launch attempt.
Mission managers also will look at a crack in the external tank foam that developed as supercold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen were being drained from the tank -- although the crack did not develop until after the launch attempt was called off.
Discovery's next possible launch opportunity comes Nov. 30 at 4:05 a.m. EST.
Discovery's six STS-133 astronauts left NASA's Kennedy Space Center in their T-38 jets shortly after 3 p.m. EDT, Nov. 5, to return home to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Discovery's liftoff to the International Space Station was postponed because of a leak in the ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) at Launch Pad 39A, which prompted a scrub of Friday's launch attempt.
Mission managers also will look at a crack in the external tank foam that developed as supercold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen were being drained from the tank -- although the crack did not develop until after the launch attempt was called off.
Discovery's next possible launch opportunity comes Nov. 30 at 4:05 a.m. EST.
STS-133 Launch Postponed to No Earlier Than Nov. 30
Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:46:24 -0500
NASA managers have decided to postpone the next launch attempt for space shuttle Discovery to no earlier than Nov. 30 at 4:05 a.m. EST.
Details will be discussed during a 1 p.m. news conference with Mike Moses, Space Shuttle Program launch integration manager and mission management team chairman, and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.
NASA managers have decided to postpone the next launch attempt for space shuttle Discovery to no earlier than Nov. 30 at 4:05 a.m. EST.
Details will be discussed during a 1 p.m. news conference with Mike Moses, Space Shuttle Program launch integration manager and mission management team chairman, and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.
NASA postponed space shuttle Discovery's launch
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 23:00:00 -0500
NASA postponed space shuttle Discovery's launch to the International Space Station due to a hydrogen gas leak detected while filling the external tank.
NASA postponed space shuttle Discovery's launch to the International Space Station due to a hydrogen gas leak detected while filling the external tank.
Launch Scrubbed Due to Hydrogen Leak at Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate
Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:29:30 -0500
Space shuttle managers have scrubbed Discovery’s launch attempt for today due to a hydrogen leak a the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, or GUCP (pronounced GUP).
During the process of filling the external tank, the hydrogen leak was detected at the GUCP, an attachment point between the external tank and a 17-inch pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from Discovery to the flare stack, where it is burned off.
Managers will meet to determine the next steps and NASA Television will air a news conference later today.
Space shuttle managers have scrubbed Discovery’s launch attempt for today due to a hydrogen leak a the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, or GUCP (pronounced GUP).
During the process of filling the external tank, the hydrogen leak was detected at the GUCP, an attachment point between the external tank and a 17-inch pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from Discovery to the flare stack, where it is burned off.
Managers will meet to determine the next steps and NASA Television will air a news conference later today.
Managers Monitor Leak at Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate
Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:07:51 -0500
During the fueling process, a hydrogen leak was detected at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, an attachment point between the external tank and a 17-inch pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from Discovery to the flare stack, where it is burned off.
Managers continue to assess the leak. Similar issues affected the launches of shuttle missions STS-119 and STS-127.
During the fueling process, a hydrogen leak was detected at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, an attachment point between the external tank and a 17-inch pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from Discovery to the flare stack, where it is burned off.
Managers continue to assess the leak. Similar issues affected the launches of shuttle missions STS-119 and STS-127.
Tanking Under Way for Discovery Launch
Fri, 05 Nov 2010 05:22:39 -0500
Liquid Hydrogen and liquid oxygen will flow into space shuttle Discovery's orange external fuel tank for the next three hours as launch day preparations continue for the STS-133 mission. The process began at 5:58 a.m. EDT. Liftoff is scheduled for 3:04 p.m.
The hydrogen and oxygen will power Discovery's three main engines during liftoff and ascent into orbit. Both propellants are kept extremely cold as they are pumped into the tank. The liquid hydrogen is minus 497 degrees F and the liquid oxygen is minus 297 degrees.
Steve Lindsey commands this mission to the International Space Station and he will be joined on the shuttle's flight deck by Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Alvin Drew and Tim Kopra. Mission specialists Michael Baratt and Nicole Stott will sit on the lower level during launch.
The weather forecast improved overnight for today's launch attempt. Forecasters are calling for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. The prime concern is the possibility of high winds around NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the shuttle fleet's launch site.
Liquid Hydrogen and liquid oxygen will flow into space shuttle Discovery's orange external fuel tank for the next three hours as launch day preparations continue for the STS-133 mission. The process began at 5:58 a.m. EDT. Liftoff is scheduled for 3:04 p.m.
The hydrogen and oxygen will power Discovery's three main engines during liftoff and ascent into orbit. Both propellants are kept extremely cold as they are pumped into the tank. The liquid hydrogen is minus 497 degrees F and the liquid oxygen is minus 297 degrees.
Steve Lindsey commands this mission to the International Space Station and he will be joined on the shuttle's flight deck by Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Alvin Drew and Tim Kopra. Mission specialists Michael Baratt and Nicole Stott will sit on the lower level during launch.
The weather forecast improved overnight for today's launch attempt. Forecasters are calling for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. The prime concern is the possibility of high winds around NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the shuttle fleet's launch site.
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Discovery at Night on Launch Pad 39A
Xenon lights illuminate space shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39A following the retraction of the rotating service structure. The structure provides weather protection and access to the shuttle while it awaits lift off on the pad. Launch of Discovery on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 5. During the 11-day mission, Discovery and its six crew members will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, to the orbiting laboratory. Discovery, which will be flying its 39th mission, is scheduled to be retired following this mission. This will be the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station.
Image Credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
Weather Forecast Friday: 60 percent "Go"
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:03:54 -0500
The shuttle weather team is calling for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions for space shuttle Discovery on Friday. They are watching for high winds in the wake of a cold front moving through Central Florida. Discovery is on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Friday's launch time is 3:04 p.m. EDT. There are no scheduled STS-133 news conferences on NASA Television today and no planned Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team meetings today. The shuttle team will convene at 5 a.m. Friday to assess the weather before giving a “go" or "no-go” decision to fill Discovery’s external tank.
If Discovery launches Friday, it will dock with the International Space Station at 10:55 a.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 7. The mission’s two spacewalks will occur on Tuesday Nov. 9 and Thursday Nov. 11. Undocking will occur at 4:21 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, and landing at Kennedy Space Center will take place at 9:16 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16.
The shuttle weather team is calling for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions for space shuttle Discovery on Friday. They are watching for high winds in the wake of a cold front moving through Central Florida. Discovery is on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Friday's launch time is 3:04 p.m. EDT. There are no scheduled STS-133 news conferences on NASA Television today and no planned Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team meetings today. The shuttle team will convene at 5 a.m. Friday to assess the weather before giving a “go" or "no-go” decision to fill Discovery’s external tank.
If Discovery launches Friday, it will dock with the International Space Station at 10:55 a.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 7. The mission’s two spacewalks will occur on Tuesday Nov. 9 and Thursday Nov. 11. Undocking will occur at 4:21 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, and landing at Kennedy Space Center will take place at 9:16 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16.
Discovery Shuttle Launch Attempt Delayed for Weather
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:08:24 -0500
Managers will delay Discovery’s launch for 24 hours due to weather. Mission managers will meet tomorrow at 5 a.m. to reevaluate the weather conditions. Friday’s launch attempt would be at 3:04 p.m. EDT.
Managers will delay Discovery’s launch for 24 hours due to weather. Mission managers will meet tomorrow at 5 a.m. to reevaluate the weather conditions. Friday’s launch attempt would be at 3:04 p.m. EDT.
RSS Rollback Delayed for Weather, MMT News Conference Coming Up
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:03:31 -0500
Movement of the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) was stopped this evening because of weather concerns in the area around NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The RSS protects the shuttle at the launch pad and gives workers access to the shuttle during launch processing. The Mission Management Team decided to proceed with the countdown for Discovery's launch on Thursday at 3:29 p.m. EDT. A news conference with Mike Moses, MMT chair, and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, will begin shortly on NASA TV.
Movement of the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) was stopped this evening because of weather concerns in the area around NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The RSS protects the shuttle at the launch pad and gives workers access to the shuttle during launch processing. The Mission Management Team decided to proceed with the countdown for Discovery's launch on Thursday at 3:29 p.m. EDT. A news conference with Mike Moses, MMT chair, and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, will begin shortly on NASA TV.
MMT Gives "Go" For Thursday Launch Try, Eyes Weather
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:38:11 -0500
After looking deeply into an issue with a main engine controller on space shuttle Discovery, the Prelaunch Mission Management Team is confident the issue has been resolved, said Mike Moses, chair of the MMT. The team therefore gave a unanimous "go" for Discovery's launch Thursday at 3:29 p.m. EDT. That means the countdown will proceed through the night, including the retraction of the Rotating Service Structure from around the shuttle.
"From the vehicle perspective, we're ready to go," Moses said.
However, the weather forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of acceptable conditions, with the concerns being low clouds and rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility at launch time. The MMT will meet at 5:30 a.m. Thursday to consider the forecast and will decide then whether to fill the shuttle's huge external fuel tank for the launch.
"The weather still looks pretty bad for tomorrow," Moses said. "There's a chance we'll decide not to spend one of our (launch) opportunities."
After looking deeply into an issue with a main engine controller on space shuttle Discovery, the Prelaunch Mission Management Team is confident the issue has been resolved, said Mike Moses, chair of the MMT. The team therefore gave a unanimous "go" for Discovery's launch Thursday at 3:29 p.m. EDT. That means the countdown will proceed through the night, including the retraction of the Rotating Service Structure from around the shuttle.
"From the vehicle perspective, we're ready to go," Moses said.
However, the weather forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of acceptable conditions, with the concerns being low clouds and rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility at launch time. The MMT will meet at 5:30 a.m. Thursday to consider the forecast and will decide then whether to fill the shuttle's huge external fuel tank for the launch.
"The weather still looks pretty bad for tomorrow," Moses said. "There's a chance we'll decide not to spend one of our (launch) opportunities."
RSS Rollback On Time as MMT Continues Session
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:33:23 -0500
The Rotating Service Structure will be moved back from space shuttle Discovery this evening as the Mission Management Team continues its discussions about a main engine controller on the shuttle. The RSS is an enclosed gantry that protects the shuttle while it's on the launch pad. The MMT has returned from a break and is discussing the controller. The controller showed a one-time, irregular power drop. The issue was isolated to Discovery's Number 3 engine and all the connectors were attached and retested. You can follow developments in the MMT meeting at www.twitter.com/NASA
The Rotating Service Structure will be moved back from space shuttle Discovery this evening as the Mission Management Team continues its discussions about a main engine controller on the shuttle. The RSS is an enclosed gantry that protects the shuttle while it's on the launch pad. The MMT has returned from a break and is discussing the controller. The controller showed a one-time, irregular power drop. The issue was isolated to Discovery's Number 3 engine and all the connectors were attached and retested. You can follow developments in the MMT meeting at www.twitter.com/NASA
MMT Opts to Resume Discovery Countdown
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:38:44 -0500
The Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team (MMT) decided to resume the countdown for space shuttle Discovery's mission and continue toward a 3:29 p.m. EDT Thursday launch.
The Rotating Service Structure will be rotated back at 6:30 p.m. to reveal Discovery.
The launch countdown will resume at 11:04 p.m.
The shuttle team will convene at 5:30 a.m. and assess the weather before loading Discovery's external tank for launch.
NASA Television will air a news conference at 7 p.m. EDT with Mike Moses, prelaunch MMT chair and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.
The Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team (MMT) decided to resume the countdown for space shuttle Discovery's mission and continue toward a 3:29 p.m. EDT Thursday launch.
The Rotating Service Structure will be rotated back at 6:30 p.m. to reveal Discovery.
The launch countdown will resume at 11:04 p.m.
The shuttle team will convene at 5:30 a.m. and assess the weather before loading Discovery's external tank for launch.
NASA Television will air a news conference at 7 p.m. EDT with Mike Moses, prelaunch MMT chair and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
MMT Discussing Potential Causes of Issue
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:57:00 -0500
From NASA's Twitter Feed : STS-133 managers are discussing one of Discovery's main engine controllers, which showed a one-time irregular power drop.
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:19:36 -0500
The Mission Management Team, which is meeting today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is discussing one of the main engine controllers on space shuttle Discovery. The controller showed a one-time, irregular power drop. The issue was isolated to Discovery's Number 3 engine and all the connectors were attached and retested. After reviewing the issue, the team is discussing possible causes. You can follow developments in the MMT meeting at www.twitter.com/NASA
From NASA's Twitter Feed : STS-133 managers are discussing one of Discovery's main engine controllers, which showed a one-time irregular power drop.
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:19:36 -0500
The Mission Management Team, which is meeting today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is discussing one of the main engine controllers on space shuttle Discovery. The controller showed a one-time, irregular power drop. The issue was isolated to Discovery's Number 3 engine and all the connectors were attached and retested. After reviewing the issue, the team is discussing possible causes. You can follow developments in the MMT meeting at www.twitter.com/NASA
Prelaunch Mission Management Team
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 12:50:07 -0500
The Prelaunch Mission Management Team will begin its meeting at 2:30 p.m. today to give participants more time to prepare for the session.
The Prelaunch Mission Management Team will begin its meeting at 2:30 p.m. today to give participants more time to prepare for the session.
Discovery Launch Delayed by at Least a Day
The Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team decided to delay by at least one day the launch of shuttle Discovery to begin its 11-day mission to the International Space Station.
The Rotating Service Structure will not be retracted tonight.
NASA Television will air a news conference at 6:30 p.m. EDT with Mike Moses, prelaunch MMT chair and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.
The delay enables engineers more time to evaluate data gathered after irregular electrical readings were received while powering up the shuttle main engines Tuesday morning.
Expedition 25 - 220 miles above Earth
From 220 miles above Earth, the Expedition 25 crew aboard the International Space Station shot this night time image of the northern Gulf coast. Mobile Bay and the city of Mobile (top left, beneath one of the solar panels of a docked Russian Soyuz spacecraft), New Orleans and Houston are visible as the view moves southeastward. The Interstate Highway 20 cities of Jackson, Shreveport, Dallas and Fort Worth are also visible further inland. The view extends northward (left) to Little Rock and Oklahoma City.
Since Nov. 2, 2000, humans have lived and worked in space continuously on board the station.
Image Credit: NASA
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
NASA Administrator Statement On 10th Anniversary Of Crews Aboard The International Space Station
WASHINGTON -- On Nov. 2, 2000, the first crew arrived aboard the International Space Station to live and work aboard the orbiting laboratory. The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Charles on the 10th anniversary:
"Today, we celebrate ten years of humans living and working continuously aboard the International Space Station. This global milestone is tremendously significant, both for NASA and our partners. It recognizes the success of an amazing feat of engineering and a magnificent leap forward in the story of human achievement. I congratulate the entire station team and the thousands of people worldwide who have helped us reach this anniversary.
"Since Bill Shepherd, Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikalev first boarded the station as the Expedition 1 crew, more than 196 people have visited the complex, and by the exact time of the anniversary this morning, the station will have completed 57,361 orbits of the Earth, traveling some 1.5 billion miles.
"More than 600 different research and technology development experiments have been conducted on the station, many of which are producing advances in medicine, recycling systems and a fundamental understanding of the universe. On Oct. 25, the station set a record for being the longest continuously inhabited spacecraft. On that day, the space station eclipsed the previous record of 3,644 days set by the Russian Mir Space Station. The station is our toehold in space, and it will be an essential part of our work to send humans on missions beyond low Earth orbit in the future.
"With passage of the NASA Authorization bill, we will now be able to extend the life of the station to at least 2020. Representatives of the five international agencies that built and operate the outpost have also agreed on this in principle. Indeed, one of the station's greatest legacies is the international partnerships we have forged to create something awe-inspiring that benefits people all over the world. Partnerships with other nations will be essential to the global exploration enterprise of the future, and with each new day, NASA and its partners are pushing the envelope of human achievement in space into uncharted territory.
"On board the station right now are six talented and courageous travelers representing NASA and our Russian partners. Tomorrow, the crew of STS-133 is expected to lift off on its way to the International Space Station aboard the last flight of shuttle Discovery. As we enter the station's second decade, our path forward will take us deeper into space and expand humanity's potential farther. The lessons we learn on the station will carry us to Mars and beyond. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to the six crew members on orbit and all the teams over the years that have helped us get to this milestone day."
To see the administrator’s discussion with the station's Expedition 25 crew Tuesday morning, visit:
For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
Shuttle Managers Assess Main Engine Controller Issue
Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:37:49 -0500
During space shuttle main engine checkouts, the backup controller for engine 3 did not turn on as expected. There appeared to be an issue with one of three power phases, which was narrowed down to either a cockpit circuit breaker or switch that provides power. The circuit breaker and switch were turned off and on, restoring power.
Engineers continue to analyze data that showed voltage irregularities and will meet this afternoon to review their data. The Mission Management Team will convene at 3 p.m. EDT to assess the issue.
NASA Countdown activities continue
Countdown activities continue to pick up as space shuttle Discovery is a day away from its final launch. Technicians are inspecting the external tank liquid oxygen feedline today. The onboard and ground communications systems will be activated this afternoon and preparations are being made to move the rotating service structure away from the shuttle this evening.
"There is excitement in the air," said NASA Test Director Steve Payne. "People are putting their game faces on."
This mission is the last spaceflight for Discovery, NASA's oldest active shuttle. Its history includes deployment of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and two successful Return to Flight missions, STS-26 and STS-114.
"When she goes, she's going to take a little bit of everyone of us and we're ready," Payne said.
The weather forecast is holding steady with a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time Wednesday. Liftoff is scheduled for 3:52 p.m. EDT.
One Day to Go - STS-133
Tue, 02 Nov 2010 07:21:30 -0500
Countdown activities continue to pick up as space shuttle Discovery is a day away from its final launch. Technicians are inspecting the external tank liquid oxygen feedline today. The onboard and ground communications systems will be activated this afternoon and preparations are being made to move the rotating service structure away from the shuttle this evening.
NASA TV will air an STS-133 Countdown Status Briefing at 10:30 a.m. with Steve Payne, NASA test director, Scott Higginbotham, STS-133 payload manager and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.
Robonaut 2, a dexterous, humanoid astronaut helper
Robonaut 2, a dexterous, humanoid astronaut helper, will fly to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Discovery on the STS-133 mission. Although it will initially only participate in operational tests, upgrades could eventually allow the robot to realize its true purpose -- helping spacewalking astronauts with tasks outside the space station.
Image Credit: NASA/JSC Robert Markowitz
Monday, 1 November 2010
Discovery's Last Ride
Discovery's Last Ride
This image of space shuttle Discovery was taken as the craft began its nighttime trek, known as "rollout," from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A.
It took the shuttle, attached to its external fuel tank, twin solid rocket boosters and mobile launcher platform, about six hours to complete the move atop a crawler-transporter. On STS-133, its final planned mission, Discovery will take the Permanent Multipurpose Module packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2 to the International Space Station.
Image Credit: NASA/Tony Gray
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This image of space shuttle Discovery was taken as the craft began its nighttime trek, known as "rollout," from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A.
It took the shuttle, attached to its external fuel tank, twin solid rocket boosters and mobile launcher platform, about six hours to complete the move atop a crawler-transporter. On STS-133, its final planned mission, Discovery will take the Permanent Multipurpose Module packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2 to the International Space Station.
Image Credit: NASA/Tony Gray
Spaceboosters Online Store
MMT Gives "Go" for Discovery to Launch Wednesday
Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:30:53 -0500
The Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team voted unanimously to proceed toward Discovery’s targeted liftoff at 3:52 p.m. Wednesday. At 11 a.m., NASA Television will air the STS-133 Prelaunch News Conference with Mike Moses, chair of the Prelaunch Mission Management Team and Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager, Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.
The weather forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. Those odds fall to 40 percent for Thursday. The launch window extends until Sunday. Discovery is headed to the International Space Station for an 11-day mission to deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module and its host of supplies and equipment to the orbiting outpost.
At the launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians will load super-cold oxygen and hydrogen into Discovery's onboard tanks this morning. The hyroden and oxygen are going into Discovery's power reactant storage and distribution system that supplies the shuttle with electrical power during the mission. The process is often abbreviated to "PRSD load."
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