CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Journalists are invited to cover space shuttle Endeavour's move from the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, to Launch Pad 39A on Wednesday, March 9, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Six astronauts are targeted to launch aboard the shuttle on April 19. The STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is the final scheduled flight for Endeavour before it is retired.
Endeavour's first motion out of the VAB is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST. NASA Television will provide live coverage of the rollout. NASA TV's Video File will broadcast highlights of the move. The shuttle's 3.4-mile journey atop a giant crawler-transporter is expected to take approximately six hours.
Activities include an 8 p.m. photo opportunity of the move followed by an interview availability at 8:30 p.m. with Endeavour Flow Director Dana Hutcherson. Media representatives must arrive at Kennedy's news center by 7:30 p.m. for the rollout photo opportunity.
NASA also will provide a sunrise photo opportunity at the launch pad on March 10, following Endeavour's arrival. Reporters must be at the news center by 6 a.m. for transportation to the viewing area. Updates for events are available at 321-867-2525.
To attend rollout and the sunrise pad photo opportunity, U.S. media representatives must apply by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 7. Accreditation for international media representatives is closed. Reporters requesting accreditation must apply online at:
Thursday 3 March 2011
Leonardo attached to Space Station
After a flawless launch last Thursday and a textbook docking on Saturday, the Space Shuttle today delivered the European-built Leonardo Permanent Multipurpose Module to the International Space Station.
Read the whole article here: http://www.esa.int/esaHS/SEMHGVHSBKG_index_0.html
Read the whole article here: http://www.esa.int/esaHS/SEMHGVHSBKG_index_0.html
Permanent Multipurpose Module Successfully Grappled
Tue, 01 Mar 2011 07:31:55 -0600
At 8:26 a.m. EST, Discovery Mission Specialists Mike Barratt and Nicole Stott inched the 58-foot-long space station robotic arm onto a grapple fixture on the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM). The arm will lift the fully-loaded 28,353 pound PMM from space shuttle Discovery's cargo bay and carry it to the Earth-facing port on the Unity node, where it will be permanently attached.
At 8:26 a.m. EST, Discovery Mission Specialists Mike Barratt and Nicole Stott inched the 58-foot-long space station robotic arm onto a grapple fixture on the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM). The arm will lift the fully-loaded 28,353 pound PMM from space shuttle Discovery's cargo bay and carry it to the Earth-facing port on the Unity node, where it will be permanently attached.
Thursday 24 February 2011
NASA Assessing New Launch Dates For The Glory Mission
NASA Assessing New Launch Dates For The Glory Mission
Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:00:00 -0600
Preparations for the launch of NASA's Glory mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California have been suspended temporarily.
Spaceboosters Online Store
Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:00:00 -0600
Preparations for the launch of NASA's Glory mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California have been suspended temporarily.
Spaceboosters Online Store
Crew Suits Up for Launch
Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:36:42 -0600
The crew of STS-133 is suiting up for launch. Commanded by Steve Lindsey, the team of six astronauts will head out to Launch Pad 39A after they get on their partial pressure suits. They are the familiar orange-colored ensembles that are also known as "pumpkin suits." Discovery's crew today is made up of all spaceflight veterans. Along with Lindsey are Pilot Eric Boe, and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Steve Bowen, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. The countdown is continuing to go smoothly for the STS-133 mission today and liftoff remains on target for 4:50 p.m. EST. For continuous coverage of the countdown, check out NASA's launch blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html
Crew change STS-133 Patch
The crew of STS-133 is suiting up for launch. Commanded by Steve Lindsey, the team of six astronauts will head out to Launch Pad 39A after they get on their partial pressure suits. They are the familiar orange-colored ensembles that are also known as "pumpkin suits." Discovery's crew today is made up of all spaceflight veterans. Along with Lindsey are Pilot Eric Boe, and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Steve Bowen, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. The countdown is continuing to go smoothly for the STS-133 mission today and liftoff remains on target for 4:50 p.m. EST. For continuous coverage of the countdown, check out NASA's launch blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html
Crew change STS-133 Patch
Countdown Resumes After Planned Hold
Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:56:57 -0600
It is T-3 hours and counting for space shuttle Discovery. Launch remains on track for 4:50 p.m. EST. There are periodic holds or pauses scheduled during the countdown. The astronauts, led by Commander Steve Lindsey, will head out to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida shortly. For continuous coverage of the countdown, check out NASA's launch blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html
It is T-3 hours and counting for space shuttle Discovery. Launch remains on track for 4:50 p.m. EST. There are periodic holds or pauses scheduled during the countdown. The astronauts, led by Commander Steve Lindsey, will head out to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida shortly. For continuous coverage of the countdown, check out NASA's launch blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html
Astronauts In Astrovan Heading to Launch Pad
Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:04:56 -0600
The six astronauts of STS-133 are riding in the Astrovan headed to Launch Pad 39A. The countdown is proceeding smoothly this afternoon for a liftoff at 4:50 p.m. EST. Weather forecasters call for a 90 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. For continuous coverage of the countdown, check out NASA's launch blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html
The six astronauts of STS-133 are riding in the Astrovan headed to Launch Pad 39A. The countdown is proceeding smoothly this afternoon for a liftoff at 4:50 p.m. EST. Weather forecasters call for a 90 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. For continuous coverage of the countdown, check out NASA's launch blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html
Europe's ATV supply ship docks safely with Space Station
Eight days after launch, ESA's latest Automated Transfer Vehicle, Johannes Kepler, completed a flawless rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station at 17:08 CET (16:08 GMT) to deliver essential supplies.
The approach and docking were achieved autonomously by its own computers, closely monitored by ESA and French space agency (CNES) teams at the ATV Control Centre in Toulouse, France, as well as the astronauts on the Station.
ATV's own second set of sensors and computers provided an independent check.
Although both ATV and the ISS orbit at 28 000 km/hr, the relative speed during final approach remained below 7 cm/s and the accuracy within a few centimetres.
Johannes Kepler closed in on the ISS from behind in order to dock with Russia's Zvezda module.
At close range, the 20-tonne unmanned spaceship computed its position through sensors pointed at laser reflectors on the Station to determine its distance and orientation relative to its target.
ATV's docking probe was captured by the docking cone inside Zvezda's aft end at 16:59 CET (15:59 GMT). The closure of hooks completed the docking sequence some seven minutes later.
"With this smooth docking, Johannes Kepler proves to be a great example of the wave of innovation 'made in Europe'. We are more ready than ever to head into an era of autonomy in space exploration," said Simonetta di Pippo, ESA's Director for Human Spaceflight.
"Thanks to its flexibility, we can think of a wide variety of new space vehicles. ATV could evolve into a future reentry spacecraft to support future orbital infrastructures and exploration missions, carrying people and supplies to lunar orbit," added Mrs Pippo.
"This is very important for us and for all our partners in the ISS programme since, after the withdrawal of the Space Shuttle, ATV will be the largest servicing vehicle left to support the Station and it is our responsibility to deliver a proper service."
"What is happening up there is a lot more than the combination of space agencies, the engagement of ESA Member States and the dedication and 'savoir faire' of European Industry," said Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA's Director General.
"We are contributing to the largest international cooperation ever conducted in the field of science and technology.
"We have a lot to learn here, not only through scientific research conducted onboard, but also with the ongoing space operations, in order to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
"The succession of vehicles recently launched to the ISS gives an idea of the level of joint operations the Station generates now that it is fully operational."
ATV Johannes Kepler was launched by an Ariane 5 from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on 16 February. It will remain docked to the Station until June, serving as an additional module, providing a shirtsleeve environment for the astronauts and reboosts to move the complex to a higher altitude.
In the coming hours, the Station crew will open the hatch and enter ATV's pressurised cargo module to unload some 1760 kg of dry cargo, including food, clothes and equipment. They will also pump 860 kg of propellant and 100 kg of oxygen into Zvezda's tanks. ATV can carry about three times as much payload as Russia's Progress cargo ships. However, most of this load on Johannes Kepler is propellant for its own thrusters for periodic Station reboosts to compensate for atmospheric drag.
If required, ATV will also provide Station attitude control or even move the outpost out of the way of potentially dangerous space debris.
The docking of Johannes Kepler will be followed by NASA's docking of Space Shuttle Discovery, carrying the European-built Leonardo Permanent Multipurpose Module. With Europe's ATV and Leonardo, the US Shuttle, Japan's HTV-2 and two Russian Soyuz and one Progress docked simultaneously to the Station, the orbital outpost will set a new record for a manned space vehicle: it will provide more than 1000 cubic metres of pressurised volume and total more than 500 tonnes.
The approach and docking were achieved autonomously by its own computers, closely monitored by ESA and French space agency (CNES) teams at the ATV Control Centre in Toulouse, France, as well as the astronauts on the Station.
ATV's own second set of sensors and computers provided an independent check.
Although both ATV and the ISS orbit at 28 000 km/hr, the relative speed during final approach remained below 7 cm/s and the accuracy within a few centimetres.
Johannes Kepler closed in on the ISS from behind in order to dock with Russia's Zvezda module.
At close range, the 20-tonne unmanned spaceship computed its position through sensors pointed at laser reflectors on the Station to determine its distance and orientation relative to its target.
ATV's docking probe was captured by the docking cone inside Zvezda's aft end at 16:59 CET (15:59 GMT). The closure of hooks completed the docking sequence some seven minutes later.
"With this smooth docking, Johannes Kepler proves to be a great example of the wave of innovation 'made in Europe'. We are more ready than ever to head into an era of autonomy in space exploration," said Simonetta di Pippo, ESA's Director for Human Spaceflight.
"Thanks to its flexibility, we can think of a wide variety of new space vehicles. ATV could evolve into a future reentry spacecraft to support future orbital infrastructures and exploration missions, carrying people and supplies to lunar orbit," added Mrs Pippo.
"This is very important for us and for all our partners in the ISS programme since, after the withdrawal of the Space Shuttle, ATV will be the largest servicing vehicle left to support the Station and it is our responsibility to deliver a proper service."
"What is happening up there is a lot more than the combination of space agencies, the engagement of ESA Member States and the dedication and 'savoir faire' of European Industry," said Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA's Director General.
"We are contributing to the largest international cooperation ever conducted in the field of science and technology.
"We have a lot to learn here, not only through scientific research conducted onboard, but also with the ongoing space operations, in order to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
"The succession of vehicles recently launched to the ISS gives an idea of the level of joint operations the Station generates now that it is fully operational."
ATV Johannes Kepler was launched by an Ariane 5 from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on 16 February. It will remain docked to the Station until June, serving as an additional module, providing a shirtsleeve environment for the astronauts and reboosts to move the complex to a higher altitude.
In the coming hours, the Station crew will open the hatch and enter ATV's pressurised cargo module to unload some 1760 kg of dry cargo, including food, clothes and equipment. They will also pump 860 kg of propellant and 100 kg of oxygen into Zvezda's tanks. ATV can carry about three times as much payload as Russia's Progress cargo ships. However, most of this load on Johannes Kepler is propellant for its own thrusters for periodic Station reboosts to compensate for atmospheric drag.
If required, ATV will also provide Station attitude control or even move the outpost out of the way of potentially dangerous space debris.
The docking of Johannes Kepler will be followed by NASA's docking of Space Shuttle Discovery, carrying the European-built Leonardo Permanent Multipurpose Module. With Europe's ATV and Leonardo, the US Shuttle, Japan's HTV-2 and two Russian Soyuz and one Progress docked simultaneously to the Station, the orbital outpost will set a new record for a manned space vehicle: it will provide more than 1000 cubic metres of pressurised volume and total more than 500 tonnes.
Ready for Launch
Ready for Launch
The space shuttle Discovery is seen shortly after the Rotating Service Structure was rolled back at launch pad 39A, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011. Discovery, on its 39th and final flight, will carry the Italian-built Permanent Multipurpose Module, Express Logistics Carrier 4 and Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot in space, to the International Space Station.
Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
The space shuttle Discovery is seen shortly after the Rotating Service Structure was rolled back at launch pad 39A, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011. Discovery, on its 39th and final flight, will carry the Italian-built Permanent Multipurpose Module, Express Logistics Carrier 4 and Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot in space, to the International Space Station.
Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
Tuesday 22 February 2011
Countdown Progresses Toward Discovery's Launch
Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:10:08 -0600
Space shuttle Discovery continues to move toward launch Thursday, Feb. 24, as technicians put the finishing touches on the spacecraft and the launch team runs through the countdown checklist. Liftoff is scheduled for 4:50 p.m. EST. The weather forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time.
A minor problem came up when a regulator in the reactant storage system developed a slight leak, NASA Test Director Steve Payne said.
"In this case, we've seen it before," Payne said, adding that the system has numerous redundancies and the leak is so small. A waiver is to be completed soon and no impact to the countdown or launch is expected.
This is the last flight of Discovery, and with the shuttle program nearing retirement, Payne said crowds are growing to see the last launches.
"People are starting to realize they either see one now or they don’t get to see one," Payne said.
Space shuttle Discovery continues to move toward launch Thursday, Feb. 24, as technicians put the finishing touches on the spacecraft and the launch team runs through the countdown checklist. Liftoff is scheduled for 4:50 p.m. EST. The weather forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time.
A minor problem came up when a regulator in the reactant storage system developed a slight leak, NASA Test Director Steve Payne said.
"In this case, we've seen it before," Payne said, adding that the system has numerous redundancies and the leak is so small. A waiver is to be completed soon and no impact to the countdown or launch is expected.
This is the last flight of Discovery, and with the shuttle program nearing retirement, Payne said crowds are growing to see the last launches.
"People are starting to realize they either see one now or they don’t get to see one," Payne said.
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