ksc-news_release Digest of: get.100_200
Topics (messages 100 through 139):
L-1 launch day weather forecast
100 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
STS-110 LAUNCH TIME ANNOUNCED FOR LAUNCH ON APRIL 8
101 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
4-7-02 status
102 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
Launch day weather forecast
103 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
4-8-02 status
104 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
4/10/02 SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
105 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
4-11-02 status
106 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
4-15-02 status
107 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
4-17-02 SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
108 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
ATLANTIS SCHEDULED TO LAND AT KSC APRIL 19
109 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
4-18-02 status
110 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
4-19-02 status
111 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
4-22-02 status
112 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
KSC TESTS SMART UMBILICAL MATING SYSTEM FOR NASA'S SPACE LAUNCH INITIATIVE
113 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
NEW MEXICO MESA STUDENTS VISIT KSC
114 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
115 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
4-25-02 status
116 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
CONTOUR SPACECRAFT ARRIVES AT KSC FOR LAUNCH PREPARATIONS
117 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
4-29-02 Status
118 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
5-01-02 SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
119 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
05-02-02 Status
120 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
5-06-02 status
121 by: "Rehberg, C J" <Charles.Rehberg-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
05-09-02 Status
122 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT - May 9, 2002
123 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
MARSPORT COMPETITION COMES TO KSC
124 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
5-13-02 status
125 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
5-15-02 SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
126 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
MEDIA PHOTO OPPORTUNITY SET WITH STS-111 CREW AT KSC
127 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
ENDEAVOUR TO LAUNCH MAY 30 TO CONTINUE STATION ASSEMBLY, BRING HOME
128 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
5-20-02 status
129 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
HISTORIANS BEGIN WORK TO SHOWCASE KSC'S HERITAGE
130 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
5-22-02 SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
131 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
5-23-02 status
132 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
KSC BADGING REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDIA AND NEWS CENTER OPERATING HOURS SET FOR STS-111 LAUNCH ACTIVITIES
133 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
MISSION STS-111 KSC BRIEFINGS AND EVENTS SET
134 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
MISSION STS-111 WEB COVERAGE EVENTS SET
135 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
5-28-02 status
136 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
NASA AND FSRI PLAN "LEAVING EARTH'S ORBIT" LECTURE EVENT
137 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
Launch day weather forecast for STS-111
138 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
SHUTTLE MISSION STS-111 LAUNCH TIME ANNOUNCED FOR LAUNCH ON MAY 30
139 by: "Buckingham-1, Bruce" <Bruce.Buckingham-1@ksc.nasa.gov>
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
--- Begin Message ---
Eastern Range Operation Forecast Issued: 7 April 2002/0700 EDT Valid: 8 April 2002 45 Weather Squadron web site: https://www.patrick.af.mil/45OG/45ws/
Vehicle/Payload: STS-110 (Atlantis)/ISS 8A
Location: CX 39B
Launch Weather Officer: Kathy Winters
Synoptic Discussion: High pressure off the east coast of the US combined with low pressure in Texas on Monday causes a tight pressure gradient in Florida. The result is gusty winds expected at KSC.
Clouds Coverage Bases (feet) Tops (feet)
Cumulus SCT 035 3500 6000
Visibility: 7
Wind: 12022 P 30 kt (60 foot pad winds)
Temperature: 73 F RH: 59% Dewpoint: 58 F
Weather: None.
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch: 40%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting Tanking: 0%
Primary concern(s): Strong low-level winds.
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 24 hour delay: 20%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting Tanking: 0%
Primary concern(s): Low cloud ceiling.
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 48 hour delay: 20%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting Tanking: 0%
Primary concern(s): Low cloud ceiling.
Sunrise: 8 April 0705 EDT Moonrise: 8 April 0509 EDT Illumination: 18%
Sunset: 8 April 1945 EDT Moonset: 8 April 1621 EDT
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321 867-2468
For Release: April 7, 2002, 4:30 p.m. EDT
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
321/867-2468
KSC RELEASE NO. 31 - 02
SHUTTLE MISSION STS-110 LAUNCH TIME ANNOUNCED FOR LAUNCH ON APRIL 8
Following a review of weekend repair activities at Launch Pad 39B, mission managers today confirmed Monday, April 8, as the launch date for Shuttle mission STS-110. The preferred launch time is 4:39:31 p.m. EDT. Remaining countdown activities continue on schedule.
The planar launch window on Monday extends from 4:34:31 - 4:44:30 p.m. EDT with the preferred launch time reflecting a flight day three rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station. The launch window times will be updated to coincide with the latest orbital position of the Space Station and will be announced at the T-9 minute hold.
STS-110 is a scheduled 11-day mission with a planned KSC landing at about 12:42 p.m. on April 19.
Work over the weekend was focused on the Mobile Launcher Platform 16-inch hydrogen vent line that began to leak during external tank loading operations for the launch attempt on April 4. The launch was postponed that morning and, following the repairs to the line and subsequent leak checks, rescheduled for April 8.
This mission marks the thirteenth Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the second Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-110 is the 25th flight of the orbiter Atlantis and the 109th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program.
On mission STS-110, the seven-member crew will deliver the S-Zero Truss Segment and the Mobile Transporter to the International Space Station. During the seven days Atlantis will be docked to the Station, four spacewalks will be performed dedicated to truss installation. Work will also begin on the construction of the power and cooling plant that will be needed by future laboratories.
The STS-110 crew includes Commander Michael Bloomfield, Pilot Stephen Frick, and Mission Specialists Jerry Ross, Steven Smith, Ellen Ochoa, Lee Morin, and Rex Walheim.
(end of general release)
REMAINING COUNTDOWN MILESTONES
*all times are Eastern
Launch-1 Day (Sunday, April 7)
(As of 4:30 p.m., the countdown clock is in a scheduled built-in hold at the T-11 hour mark)
* Flight crew equipment late stow
* Move Rotating Service Structure (RSS) to the park position (about 10 p.m.)
* Perform ascent switch list
* Fuel cell flow-through purge complete
*
* Launch Day (Monday, April 8)
*
* Resume countdown at T-11 hours (1:44 a.m.)
*
* Activate the orbiter's fuel cells (3 a.m.)
* Clear the blast danger area of all non-essential personnel
* Switch Atlantis' purge air to gaseous nitrogen (4 a.m.)
*
* Enter planned 1-hour built-in hold at the T-6 hour mark (6:44 a.m.)
*
* Launch team verifies no violations of launch commit criteria prior to cryogenic loading of the external tank
* Clear pad of all personnel
* Chilldown of propellant transfer lines (7:14 a.m.)
*
* Resume countdown at T-6 hours (7:44 a.m.)
*
* Begin loading the external tank with about 500,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants (about 7:44 a.m.)
* Complete filling the external tank with its flight load of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants (about 10:44 a.m.)
*
* Enter planned 2-hour built-in hold at T-3 hours (10:44 a.m.)
*
* Final Inspection Team proceed to launch pad
* Perform inertial measurement unit preflight calibration
* Align Merritt Island Launch Area (MILA) tracking antennas
* Perform open loop test with Eastern Range
*
* Resume countdown at T-3 hours (12:44 p.m.)
*
* Complete close-out preparations in the white room
* Check cockpit switch configurations
* Begin Eastern Range final network open loop command checks
* Primary ascent guidance data is transferred to the backup flight system
*
*
*
* Enter planned 10-minute hold at T-20 minutes (3:24 p.m.)
*
* NASA Test Director conducts final launch team briefings
* Complete inertial measurement unit preflight alignments
*
* Resume countdown at T-20 minutes (3:34 p.m.)
*
* Transition the orbiter's onboard computers to launch configuration
* Start fuel cell thermal conditioning
* Close orbiter cabin vent valves
* Transition backup flight system to launch configuration
*
* Enter estimated 45-minute hold at T-9 minutes (3:45 p.m.)
*
* Launch Director, Mission Management Team and NASA Test Director conduct final polls for go/no go to launch
*
* Resume countdown at T-9 minutes (about 4:31 p.m.)
*
* Start automatic ground launch sequencer (T-9:00 minutes)
* Retract orbiter crew access arm (T-7:30)
* Start mission recorders (T-6:15)
* Start Auxiliary Power Units (T-5:00)
* Arm SRB and ET range safety safe and arm devices (T-5:00)
* Start liquid oxygen drainback (T-4:55)
* Start orbiter aerosurface profile test (T-3:55)
* Start main engine gimbal profile test (T-3:30)
* Pressurize liquid oxygen tank (T-2:55)
* Begin retraction of the gaseous oxygen vent arm (T-2:55)
* Fuel cells to internal reactants (T-2:35)
* Pressurize liquid hydrogen tank (T-1:57)
* Deactivate SRB joint heaters (T-1:00)
* Orbiter transfers from ground to internal power (T-0:50 seconds)
* Ground Launch Sequencer go for auto sequence start (T-0:31 seconds)
* SRB gimbal profile (T-0:21 seconds)
* Ignition of three Space Shuttle main engines (T-6.6 seconds)
* SRB ignition and liftoff (T-0)
CREW FOR MISSION STS-110
Commander (CDR): Michael Bloomfield
Pilot (PLT): Stephen Frick
Mission Specialist (MS1): Rex Walheim
Mission Specialist (MS2): Ellen Ochoa
Mission Specialist (MS3): Lee Morin
Mission Specialist (MS4): Jerry Ross
Mission Specialist (MS5): Steven Smith
-- end --
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Sunday, April 7, 2002 (5:00 p.m. EDT)
NOTE: Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-110 - 13th ISS Flight (8A) - ITS S0 TRUSS AND MOBILE TRANSPORTER
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
KSC LAUNCH DATE: Monday, April 8, 2002
PREFERRED LAUNCH TIME: 4:39:31p.m.
KSC LANDING DATE: April 19, 12:42 p.m.
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Bloomfield, Frick, Ross, Smith, Ochoa, Morin, Walheim
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: The 96-hour scrub turnaround for Shuttle Atlantis is proceeding on schedule, aiming toward the planned liftoff of the STS-110 flight to the International Space Station on Monday, April 8 at about 4:40 p.m. The welding team completed the repair work on the ground system hydrogen vent line leak Saturday night, and a series of pressure checks, cold shock and X-ray inspections were performed to verify the integrity of the system.
The launch team finished topping off the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen supplies that power the on-board fuel cells this morning and the pad was re-opened at noon to permit access for the astronaut support personnel and technicians to perform final checkouts of orbiter systems. The Rotating Service Structure will be moved to the parked position tonight, the mid-deck experiments will be loaded back on-board and the communications system will be activated prior to resuming the countdown at the T-11 hour mark at 1:44 a.m. Monday morning. The Shuttle Mission Management Team will meet again at 6:30 a.m. to assess status and give the go for propellant loading of the External Tank.
The seven STS-110 crewmembers spent the weekend making final mission preparations and spending some time with their families. They were at the launch pad on Saturday doing cable route inspections and had an opportunity to observe the welders doing their work on the Mobile Launcher Platform. Commander Mike Bloomfield and Pilot Steve Frick rehearsed landing procedures aboard the Shuttle Training Aircraft on both Saturday and Sunday, and several of their crewmembers joined them on the flights.
The forecast for Monday predicts a 40% probability of weather prohibiting the launch because of the possibility of strong low-level winds in the KSC area. The winds will be from the northeast at 22-30 knots, with a temperature of 73 degrees F and a relative humidity of 59 percent.
-- end --
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
<<...OLE_Obj...>> Eastern Range Operation Forecast Op Number: F1642 Issued: 8 April Valid: 8 April 2002 4:34 - 4:44 p.m. EDT 45 Weather Squadron web site: https://www.patrick.af.mil/45OG/45ws/
Vehicle/Payload: STS-110 (Atlantis)/ISS 8A
Location: CX 39B
Launch Weather Officer: Kathy Winters
Synoptic Discussion: High pressure off the east coast of the US combined with low pressure in Texas on Monday causes a tight pressure gradient in Florida. The result is gusty winds expected at KSC.
Clouds Coverage Bases (feet) Tops (feet)
Cumulus SCT 035 3500 6000
Visibility: 7
Wind: 12022 P 30 kt (60 foot pad winds)
Temperature: 73 F RH: 59% Dewpoint: 58 F
Weather: None.
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch: 40%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting Tanking: 0%
Primary concern(s): Strong low-level winds.
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 24 hour delay: 20%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting Tanking: 0%
Primary concern(s): Low cloud ceiling.
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 48 hour delay: 20%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting Tanking: 0%
Primary concern(s): Low cloud ceiling.
Sunrise: 8 April 0705 EDT Moonrise: 8 April 0509 EDT Illumination: 18%
Sunset: 8 April 1945 EDT Moonset: 8 April 1621 EDT
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Monday, April 8, 2002 (7 p.m. EDT)
NOTE: Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-110 - 13th ISS Flight (8A) - ITS S0 TRUSS AND MOBILE TRANSPORTER
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
KSC LAUNCH DATE: Monday, April 8, 2002
LAUNCH TIME: 4:44:19 p.m.
KSC LANDING DATE: April 19 at 12:46 p.m.
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Bloomfield, Frick, Ross, Smith, Ochoa, Morin, Walheim
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Shuttle Atlantis was successfully launched today at 4:44:19 p.m. carrying the seven STS-110 crewmembers on their 11-day construction mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis roared into a clear Florida sky with 11 seconds to spare in the launch window after data dropouts in a backup processing system were encountered in the last minutes of what had been a flawless countdown. At about the 6-minute, 30-second mark in the count, dropouts of radio frequency data occurred in the standby unit for the Launch Processing System (LPS). A hold was called at T-5 minutes, and the LPS team in the Launch Control Center reacted by successfully re-loading the data, allowing the countdown to proceed. Atlantis performed smoothly during the 8-minutes and 30 seconds of powered flight, and all systems on-board are operating normally.
Retrieval Ships Liberty Star and Freedom Star are in the process of completing their recovery operations of the Solid Rocket Boosters that burned out two minutes into the flight and splashed down in the Atlantic impact area. The ships are due to return to their berths at Cape Canaveral on Wednesday afternoon.
-- end --
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
April 10, 2002
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
MISSION: Aqua EOS-PM (Earth Observing System Aqua Observatory)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: DELTA II 7920-10L
LAUNCH PAD: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base
LAUNCH DATE: April 28, 2002 NET
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2:54:58 - 3:04:58 a.m. PDT
The Aqua spacecraft remains at the Spaceport Systems
International (SSI) payload processing facility located on South Vandenberg
Air Force Base. Aqua fueling activities were completed on Apr. 1. Due to
difficulties mating the spacecraft to the payload attach fitting (PAF), the
spacecraft is now expected to be transported to SLC-2 and mated to the Delta
vehicle no earlier than Monday, Apr. 15.
No significant launch vehicle work is scheduled this week and the
vehicle awaits the Aqua spacecraft. Boeing will conduct a launch site
readiness review prior to the spacecraft's arrival.
Due to the changes in the spacecraft processing schedule, launch
is now expected to occur no earlier than Apr. 28. A firm date can be
identified after the Aqua spacecraft is mated to the Delta booster.
MISSION: NOAA-M Polar Orbiter
LAUNCH VEHICLE: USAF Titan II
LAUNCH PAD: Space Launch Complex 4 West, Vandenberg Air Force Base
LAUNCH DATE: June 24, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 11:22 - 11:32 a.m. PDT
At SLC-4W, the Titan II/G-14 launch vehicle's initial "power-on"
test was conducted on Tuesday, April 9. The booster was erected on the
launch pad Monday, Apr. 1.
The NOAA-M apogee kick motor and the spacecraft ground support and
test equipment also arrived on Tuesday, Apr. 9.
The NOAA-M spacecraft is at the Lockheed Martin plant in Sunnyvale,
Calif. and is planned for shipment to Vandenberg on Apr. 25. It will be
processed at NASA spacecraft hangar 1610 located on North Vandenberg Air
Force Base.
MISSION: CONTOUR (Comet Nucleus Tour)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Delta II 7425
LAUNCH PAD: 17-A Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
LAUNCH DATE: July 1, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2:56:14 - 2:56:26 a.m. EDT
The spacecraft's solid rocket motor arrived at KSC on Tuesday,
Apr. 2 and is being processed at SAEF-2 prior to the arrival of CONTOUR.
The spacecraft is currently at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in
Greenbelt, MD and will arrive at KSC on Apr. 25 to begin final checkout and
preparations for launch. The spacecraft's electrical ground support and
test equipment will arrive two days prior on Apr. 23.
The launch vehicle second stage arrived at Cape Canaveral Air
Force Station on Monday, Apr. 1 and is undergoing checkout at Delta launch
vehicle Hangar AO. The Delta first stage is scheduled to arrive at Cape
Canaveral on Apr. 15.
At Space Launch Complex 17, erection of the Delta booster is
planned to begin on May 28. A pre-vehicle-on-stand (Pre-VOS) review is
scheduled for May 21 at the Boeing facility in Huntington Beach, CA.
# # #
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Thursday, April 11, 2002 (2:50 p.m. EDT)
NOTE: Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-110 - 13th ISS Flight (8A) - ITS S0 TRUSS AND MOBILE TRANSPORTER
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
KSC LAUNCH DATE: Monday, April 8, 2002
LAUNCH TIME: 4:44:19 p.m.
KSC LANDING DATE: April 19 at 12:46 p.m.
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Bloomfield, Frick, Ross, Smith, Ochoa, Morin, Walheim
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Shuttle Atlantis was successfully launched Monday, April 8 at 4:44 p.m. carrying the seven STS-110 crewmembers on their 11-day construction mission to the International Space Station. On-orbit operations began ahead of schedule on the International Space Station today with astronauts Rex Walheim and Steve Smith performing the first of four mission space walks to install the S-0 Truss and Canadarm 2 Mobile Transporter.
Retrieval Ships Liberty Star and Freedom Star returned to Cape Canaveral yesterday with the twin Solid Rocket Boosters in tow. Recovery operations went smoothly and there were no booster anomalies.
MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
TARGET LAUNCH DATE: May 31, 2002
TARGET KSC LANDING DATE: June 10, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson, Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Pre-launch operations with Shuttle Endeavour continue in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). Work in progress includes preparations for final payload bay door closure and installation of the External Tank door power drive units. Technicians have replaced six bolts on the Orbiter Maneuvering System engine flange that did not meet specifications.
MISSION STS-107 -SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR RESEARCH MISSION
VEHICLE -Columbia/OV-102
TARGET KSC LAUNCH DATE: July 19, 2002
TARGET LANDING DATE: August 3, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 16 days
CREW: Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon
ORBITAL INSERTION ANGLE AND INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/39 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Shuttle Mission managers have rescheduled the launch of the STS-107 Spacehab/Freestar Research Mission to July 19 to allow additional time to complete orbiter processing operations. Preparations are underway with Columbia in the OPF to re-service Freon coolant loop No. 1 after the line was purged to remove some trapped contaminates. X-ray inspections of coolant loop No. 2 are continuing. A control panel has been removed from the crew compartment to replace a faulty relay.
ORBITER MAJOR MODIFICATION PERIOD
VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
Shuttle Processing Note: Discovery is in the OPF awaiting the start of its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period that is scheduled to begin at the Kennedy Space Center late this summer.
- end -
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Thursday, April 15, 2002 (1:00 p.m. EDT)
NOTE: Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-110 - 13th ISS Flight (8A) - ITS S0 TRUSS AND MOBILE TRANSPORTER
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
KSC LAUNCH DATE: Monday, April 8, 2002
LAUNCH TIME: 4:44:19 p.m.
KSC LANDING DATE: April 19 at 12:37 p.m.
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Bloomfield, Frick, Ross, Smith, Ochoa, Morin, Walheim
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Shuttle Atlantis was successfully launched Monday, April 8, at 4:44 p.m., carrying the seven STS-110 crewmembers on their 11-day construction mission to the International Space Station. On orbit activities continue as scheduled. Landing of Atlantis is scheduled for Friday at about 12:37 p.m. at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility.
MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
TARGET LAUNCH DATE: May 31, 2002
TARGET KSC LANDING DATE: June 12, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 12 days
CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson, Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Pre-launch operations with Shuttle Endeavour continue in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). Work in progress includes aft closeouts and heat shield clearance checks. Final payload bay door closure will commence tomorrow and final power down will be on Wednesday to support upcoming rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building.
MISSION STS-107 -SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR RESEARCH MISSION
VEHICLE -Columbia/OV-102
TARGET KSC LAUNCH DATE: July 19, 2002
TARGET LANDING DATE: August 4, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 16 days
CREW: Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/39 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Shuttle mission managers have rescheduled the launch of the STS-107 Spacehab/Freestar Research Mission to July 19 to allow additional time to complete orbiter processing operations. Freon Coolant Loop No. 1 will be re-serviced on Wednesday.
ORBITER MAJOR MODIFICATION PERIOD
VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
Shuttle Processing Note: Discovery is in the OPF awaiting the start of its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period that is scheduled to begin at the Kennedy Space Center late this summer.
- end -
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
April 17, 2002
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
321/867-2468
MISSION: Aqua EOS-PM (Earth Observing System Aqua Observatory)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: DELTA II 7920-10L
LAUNCH PAD: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base
LAUNCH DATE: May 2, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2:54:58 - 3:04:58 a.m. PDT
This week, launch and spacecraft managers scheduled the launch of Delta/Aqua on the Western Range for Thursday, May 2 at 2:55 a.m. PST.
This morning the Aqua spacecraft was transported from its payload processing facility located on South Vandenberg Air Force Base to Space Launch Complex 2 located on North Vandenberg. It was then hoisted atop the Boeing Delta II launch vehicle and mated mechanically mated. Electrical hookups are now underway and will be followed by a spacecraft state of health check. A launch readiness check is scheduled for later this week. The installation of the nose fairing around the spacecraft is scheduled to begin on Apr. 25 and be completed the following day.
Boeing conducted a launch site readiness review on Monday prior to Aqua's arrival to assure readiness of the pad and the Delta vehicle to receive the spacecraft. Upcoming activities over the next week include installation of the launch vehicle ordnance and the Flight Program Verification. This is a combined composite electrical test and flight sequence test, the final major test prior to launch. The vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems will be actuated during the simulated plus count.
MISSION: NOAA-M Polar Orbiter
LAUNCH VEHICLE: USAF Titan II
LAUNCH PAD: Space Launch Complex 4 West, Vandenberg Air Force Base
LAUNCH DATE: June 24, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 11:22 - 11:32 a.m. PDT
At SLC-4W, the Titan II/G-14 launch vehicle's initial "power-on" test was conducted on Tuesday, April 9. The booster was erected on the launch pad Monday, Apr. 1.
The NOAA-M apogee kick motor and the spacecraft ground support and test equipment also arrived on Tuesday, Apr. 9.
The NOAA-M spacecraft is at the Lockheed Martin plant in Sunnyvale, Calif. and is planned for shipment to Vandenberg on Apr. 25. It will be processed at NASA spacecraft hangar 1610 located on North Vandenberg Air Force Base.
MISSION: CONTOUR (Comet Nucleus Tour)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Delta II 7425
LAUNCH PAD: 17-A Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
LAUNCH DATE: July 1, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2:56:14 - 2:56:26 a.m. EDT
The spacecraft is currently at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD and will arrive at KSC on Apr. 25 to begin final checkout and preparations for launch. The spacecraft's electrical ground support and test equipment will arrive two days prior on Apr. 23.
The launch vehicle second stage arrived at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Monday, Apr. 1 and is undergoing checkout at Delta launch vehicle Hangar AO. The Delta first stage arrived at Cape Canaveral on Apr. 15 and taken initially to Hangar M.
At Space Launch Complex 17, erection of the Delta booster is planned to begin on May 28. A pre-vehicle-on-stand (Pre-VOS) review is scheduled for May 21 at the Boeing facility in Huntington Beach, CA.
# # #
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
NOTICE TO EDITORS: The KSC press site will open for landing activities at 8
a.m. Friday, April 19. Accredited news media wishing to view Atlantis'
landing should be at the KSC News Center by 10:30 a.m. for transport to the
SLF. STS-110 launch badging requirements and security restrictions for the
media remain in effect. Media parking will be at Gate 3 on S.R. 405.
Additional information regarding accreditation, transportation to the KSC
Press Site, landing photo opportunities, post-landing press conferences with
the STS-110 crew, and News Center operational hours is available by calling
the KSC News Center.
NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321 867-2468
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
For Release: April 18, 2002
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
321-867-2468
KSC RELEASE NO. 32 - 02
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ATLANTIS SCHEDULED TO LAND AT KSC APRIL 19
The orbiter Atlantis is scheduled to land at Kennedy Space Center
(KSC) Friday, April 19, at about 12:26 p.m. EDT completing the nearly 11-day
STS-110 mission to deliver and install the S0 truss on the International
Space Station. Atlantis launched from KSC on April 8, 2002.
Landing at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) is slated to occur
on orbit 170 at mission elapsed time 10 days, 19 hours, 42 minutes. The
deorbit burn will occur at about 11:20 a.m. EDT. The two KSC landing
opportunities on April 19 are at 12:26 p.m. EDT and at 2:03 p.m. EDT.
If managers must keep Atlantis in orbit an additional day, two landing
opportunities are available on Saturday, April 20, at KSC at 11:18 a.m. EDT
and at 12:53 p.m. EDT. Two landing opportunities also exist at the back-up
landing location at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), Calif., on Saturday, at
2:24 p.m. EDT and at 3:59 p.m. EDT.
If landing occurs as scheduled, it will be the 59th landing at KSC
in the history of the Shuttle program. Following touchdown, Atlantis will be
towed to the Orbiter Processing Facility for post-mission servicing.
About an hour after touchdown, the crew will be taken to crew
quarters in the O&C Building, meet with their families and undergo physical
examinations. The Shuttle crew is scheduled to depart for Johnson Space
Center the day following landing.
If Atlantis lands at Edwards, an augmented KSC convoy team will be
on-site to safe the vehicle, disembark the crew and move the orbiter to the
Mate/Demate Device. The turnaround team will be deployed to Edwards by
charter aircraft on landing day.
-- end of general release --
SLF and KSC Ground Operations
The Shuttle Landing Facility was built in 1975. It is 300 feet wide
and 15,000 feet long with 1,000-foot overruns at each end. The strip runs
northwest to southeast and is located about three miles northwest of the
525-foot tall Vehicle Assembly Building.
Once the orbiter is on the ground, safing operations will commence and the
flight crew will prepare the vehicle for post-landing operations. The Crew
Transport Vehicle (CTV) will be used to assist the crew, allowing them to
leave the vehicle and remove their launch and re-entry suits easier and
quicker.
The CTV and other KSC landing convoy operations have been "on-call"
since the launch of Atlantis. The primary functions of the Space Shuttle
recovery convoy are to provide immediate service to the orbiter after
landing, assist crew egress, and prepare the orbiter for towing to the
Orbiter Processing Facility about three hours following touchdown.
Convoy vehicles are stationed at the SLF's mid-point. About two
hours prior to landing, convoy personnel don SCAPE suits, or Self-Contained
Atmospheric Protective Ensemble, and communications checks are made. A
warming-up of coolant and purge equipment is conducted and nearly two-dozen
convoy vehicles are positioned to move onto the runway as quickly and as
safely as possible once the orbiter coasts to a stop. When the vehicle is
deemed safe of all potential explosive hazards and toxic gases, the purge
and coolant umbilical access vehicles move into position at the rear of the
orbiter.
Following purge and coolant operations, flight crew egress
preparations will begin and the CTV will be moved into position at the crew
access hatch located on the orbiter's port side. A physician will board the
Shuttle and conduct a brief preliminary examination of the astronauts. The
crew will then make preparations to leave the vehicle.
-- end --
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
> KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
> SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
> Thursday, April 18, 2002 (1:00 p.m. EDT)
>
> NOTE: Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on
> the KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
>
>
> MISSION: STS-110 - 13th ISS Flight (8A) - ITS S0 TRUSS AND MOBILE
> TRANSPORTER
>
>
> VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
> KSC LAUNCH DATE: Monday, April 8, 2002
> LAUNCH TIME: 4:44:19 p.m.
> KSC LANDING DATE: April 19 at 12:26 p.m.
> MISSION DURATION: 11 days
> CREW: Bloomfield, Frick, Ross, Smith, Ochoa, Morin, Walheim
> ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6
> degrees
>
> Shuttle Processing Note: Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to return to the
> Kennedy Space Center tomorrow after completing the highly successful
> 11-day STS-111 construction mission to the International Space Station.
>
> The flight plan calls for Atlantis to touch down at the KSC Shuttle
> Landing Facility (SLF) at 12:26 p.m. with Commander Mike Bloomfield at
> the controls after logging more than 4.2 million miles on orbit. A second
> landing opportunity is available at 2:03 p.m.
>
> Weather conditions for the landing look favorable, according to NASA's
> Spaceflight Meteorology Group. A Bermuda high dominates the Cape area and
> the forecast calls for scattered clouds at 4,000 and 20,000 feet, easterly
> winds 6 to 10 knots and a temperature of 81degrees.
>
> After safing operations are completed at the SLF, Atlantis will be towed
> to its Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) bay to begin de-servicing and
> processing for its next flight, the STS-112 mission in August.
>
> MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
>
>
> VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
> TARGET LAUNCH DATE: May 30, 2002
> TARGET KSC LANDING DATE: June 11, 2002
> MISSION DURATION: 12 days
> CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson,
> Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
> ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6
> degrees
>
> Shuttle Processing Note: Shuttle managers today re-scheduled the STS-111
> mission one day earlier -- to Thursday, May 30 - to provide at least two
> launch opportunities before range operations conflicts at the Air Force
> Eastern Test Range.
>
> Processing operations of Shuttle Endeavour have been completed in the OPF
> and the orbiter will be jacked down on its transporter tonight in final
> preparations for roll over to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for
> space vehicle mate.
>
>
> MISSION STS-107 -SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR RESEARCH MISSION
>
> VEHICLE -Columbia/OV-102
> TARGET KSC LAUNCH DATE: July 19, 2002
> TARGET LANDING DATE: August 4, 2002
> MISSION DURATION: 16 days
> CREW: Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon
> ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/39 degrees
>
> Shuttle Processing Note: In the OPF, Shuttle Columbia is undergoing
> preparations for the STS-107 research mission in July. The Fuel Cell
> Single Cell Voltage Test is complete and mid-body bay closeouts are in
> work. Mid-body X-rays are being conducted on both freon coolant loops and
> a flow proportioning valve filter has been replaced in Loop No. 1.
> Servicing of Loop No. 1 is scheduled for next week.
>
> ORBITER MAJOR MODIFICATION PERIOD
>
> VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
>
> Shuttle Processing Note: Discovery was moved to the VAB for temporary
> storage yesterday. The start of its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM)
> period is scheduled to begin at the Kennedy Space Center late this summer.
>
>
> - end -
>
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Friday, April 19, 2002 (3:00 p.m. EDT)
NOTE: Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the
KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-110 - 13th ISS Flight (8A) - ITS S0 TRUSS AND MOBILE
TRANSPORTER
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
KSC LAUNCH DATE: Monday, April 8, 2002
LAUNCH TIME: 4:44:19 p.m.
KSC LANDING DATE: April 19 at 12:27 p.m.
MISSION DURATION: 10 days/19 hours/43 minutes/48 seconds
CREW: Bloomfield, Frick, Ross, Smith, Ochoa, Morin, Walheim
Shuttle Processing Note: Commander Mike Bloomfield guided Shuttle Atlantis
to a smooth touch down on south-north Runway 33 at the Kennedy Space Center
today, completing a record-setting 11- day STS-110 construction mission to
the International Space Station (ISS).
Atlantis' main landing gear touched down on the Shuttle Landing Facility
(SLF) runway on the first opportunity at about 12:27 p.m. after logging more
than 4.5 million miles during 171orbits of the earth. The seven STS-110 crew
members exited the Crew Transfer Vehicle about 1½ - hours after landing to
perform the traditional walk-around inspection of the orbiter before
proceeding to their crew quarters. The astronauts are scheduled to return to
Houston tomorrow.
The records belong to Mission Specialist Jerry Ross who completed his
seventh Shuttle flight, the most of any astronaut in history, and also set
the American mark for space walking time at 58 hours, 18 minutes on 9 EVAs
during his seven flights.
Initial inspections of Atlantis indicate the orbiter has returned in good
shape. Atlantis sustained 65 debris hits during the mission, 17 of them an
inch or greater. Overall, the number of hits is below the normal.
Later this afternoon, after safing operations are completed at the SLF,
Atlantis will be towed to its Orbiter Processing Facility bay to begin
de-servicing and recycle operations for its next mission, the STS-112 flight
to the ISS in August.
Unofficial Shuttle Landing Timetable:
Nose Gear 12:26:57 p.m. 10 days, 19 hours, 42 minutes, 38 seconds
MET
Main Gear 12:27:09 p.m. 10 days, 19 hours, 42 minutes, 50 seconds
MET
Wheels Stop 12:28:07p.m. 10 days, 19 hours, 43 minutes, 48 seconds
MET
-- end --
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Monday, April 22, 2002 (3:00 p.m.)
NOTE: This is an orbiter processing report and does not necessarily reflect the chronological order of upcoming Space Shuttle flights. Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
LAUNCH DATE: May 30, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: June 11, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson, Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Shuttle Endeavour passed a major processing milestone today when it rolled out from its bay to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for space vehicle mate. Endeavour rolled out from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) shortly before 10 a.m. this morning.
Endeavour will be mated to the External Tank/Solid Rocket Boosters atop the Mobile Launcher Platform tomorrow and the Shuttle Interface Test will be conducted to verify space vehicle systems.
The Leonardo Multi Purpose Logistics Module has been delivered to Pad A and will be installed in the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism, awaiting the arrival of Endeavour at the pad.
MISSION STS-107 -SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR RESEARCH MISSION
VEHICLE -Columbia/OV-102
LAUNCH DATE: July 19, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: August 4, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 16 days
CREW: Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/39 deg
Shuttle Processing Note: Columbia is in an OPF bay undergoing processing operations for the STS-107 research mission in July. X-rays of the two Freon Coolant Loops are complete and mid-body bay closeouts are in progress. The Extended Duration Orbiter pallet that contains additional propellants for the fuel cells has been checked out and will be installed later this week. An engineering team is evaluating the status of a cold plate located in bay 5 after several small dings were discovered on the cold plate surface.
MISSION STS-112 -- 15TH ISS FLIGHT (9A) - BA, ITS S1
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
LAUNCH DATE: August 22, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: September 1, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 10 days
CREW: Ashby, Melroy, Wolf, Sellers, Magnus, Yurchikhin
ORBITAL ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles, 51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Shuttle Atlantis is back in its OPF bay after completing the STS-110 space station construction mission with a smooth landing at KSC last Friday. De-servicing operations have begun, and the residual power reactant fuel cell propellants were off-loaded over the weekend. Preparations are underway to remove the heat shield and main engines this week.
Official STS-110 Landing Times, (from April 19, 2002):
Main Gear touchdown - 12:26:58 p.m. 10 days, 19 hours, 42 minutes, 40 seconds MET
Nose Gear touchdown - 12:27:08 p.m. 10 days, 19 hours, 42 minutes, 50 seconds MET
Wheels Stop - 12:28:08 p.m 10 days, 19 hours, 43 minutes, 50 seconds MET
ORBITER MAJOR MODIFICATION PERIOD
VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
Shuttle Processing Note: Discovery is in storage in the VAB, but will return to the OPF later this week. The Orbiter Major Modification Period is scheduled to begin the KSC late this summer.
-- end --
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For Release: April 23, 2002
Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468
KSC Release No. 35 - 02
KSC TESTS SMART UMBILICAL MATING SYSTEM FOR NASA'S SPACE LAUNCH INITIATIVE
Engineers at Kennedy Space Center are testing the newest in umbilical technology in support of NASA's Space Launch Initiative (SLI)-a technology development effort to establish reliable, affordable space access.
"Umbilicals are the lifeline for any Space Launch Vehicle," said Warren Wiley, KSC's SLI program manager. "Fluids including propellants, pressurization gasses, and cooling systems, power, communications, and instrumentation readings all flow through the umbilical. They are large devices that are manpower intensive to mate, test, and maintain."
Traditional umbilical systems release at vehicle lift-off (T-0) and can also take extensive connection time-reducing potential flight rate. The Smart Umbilical Mating System, three years in development by Rohwetter Systems, Oviedo, Fla., and NASA will serve as a modern, next-generation umbilical system.
"The concept is to replace a T-0 umbilical with an automated umbilical which has a mate, demate and remate capability," said Tom Lippitt, KSC's spaceport engineering and technology lead engineer. "The ability to quickly and reliably mate and demate umbilical connectors under automated control, along with remote connection verification would reduce the time and labor hours required to prepare for launch. The Smart Umbilical Mating System will also be used as a testbed for quick disconnect development and for advance control and leak detection technologies."
The system will be used as a development tool for future launch vehicle technology development. According to Lippitt, several technologies being developed relate to umbilicals, such as ice suppression, leak sensing, quick disconnects and others. By using the Smart Umbilical Mating System, the new technologies can be tested in cryogenic conditions.
"In addition to ground-based applications, planetary systems and rovers will require umbilical mating for propellant loading and electrical and data connection," said Lippitt. "The technology developed as part of this project may be applied to develop simple, reliable, self-sufficient mating. Some of this work will be required to make certain missions and systems feasible such as the Mars methane fueled rovers."
Kennedy Space Center is responsible for managing SLI's Ground Operations Project-NASA's effort to reduce the risk associated with developing a second generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) by defining, developing and testing technologies needed to safely and cheaply access space.
"The project will address the SLI goals of reducing operating costs by reducing the maintenance and manpower needed to do the connections and increase safety by automatically performing hazardous tasks and reducing potential failure modes," said Wiley.
Space Launch Initiative is a NASA wide research and development program managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. It is designed to improve safety, reliability and cost effectiveness of space travel for second generation reusable launch vehicles.
-- end --
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For Release: April 24, 2002
Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468
KSC Release No. 36 - 02
NEW MEXICO MESA STUDENTS VISIT KSC
High school seniors from New Mexico took over the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex last week to question a number of KSC employees about everything from career paths to balancing personal and professional roles.
External Relations and Business Development Director JoAnn Morgan and Education Programs and University Research Division Chief Pam Biegert welcomed the 87 New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) Program participants.
The students also listened to lectures, toured the space center, participated in student educational workshops at the Center for Space Education, and witnessed the landing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis following its STS-110 mission.
"I'm just so excited to see what's out here," said Valerie Salim, a student at Rio Grande High School in Albuquerque. "I plan to spend my four days in Florida looking for new career ideas."
The visit is part of the year-round, nonprofit New Mexico MESA program. The national initiative promotes educational enrichment for pre-college students from historically underrepresented ethnic groups. Starting in middle school, MESA prepares students for college majors in mathematics, engineering, science and related fields. The MESA program receives financial support from the state of New Mexico, numerous other state and national corporations and foundations, federal agencies, and private donations.
"I'd like to do something involving biology and engineering-maybe a physical therapist for astronauts," said Jonathan Vigil from Robertson High School, Las Vegas, Nev. "I'm also enjoying the weather and learning about the employees' extraordinary accomplishments."
Living in New Mexico is not the only acceptance criteria. The visiting seniors were a selected group who earned the incentive field trip to KSC based upon grades, completion of four years of high school math and science classes (which exceeds the required graduation minimum), participation in fields trips and community volunteer projects, and a career interest in NASA. (Historically, 98 percent of participants go on to college.)
"The number of students in college earning math, science, technology or engineering degrees continues to decline for U.S. students. But the number of jobs in these fields that need to be filled continues to increase," said Pre-College Programs Lead Steve Dutczak. "A major segment of pre-college students are the historically under-represented ethnic groups. It is to this group that programs like MESA offer the way to help fill the future needs of the scientific and technical world."
MESA students at KSC represented six regions of New Mexico-from the most northern to the most southern parts of the state, as well as some surrounding areas. Many of the students took part in fundraisers and worked various jobs to help pay for their trip to Florida.
"MESA students are our future engineers, scientists, and technicians," said Karroll Purer, KSC education specialist. "Many have faced challenges, such as financial constraints and being first generation college students. MESA students are achievers!"
-- end --
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
April 24, 2002
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
321/867-2468
MISSION: Aqua EOS-PM (Earth Observing System Aqua Observatory)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: DELTA II 7920-10L
LAUNCH PAD: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
LAUNCH DATE: May 2, 2002 (Under Review)
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2:54:58 - 3:04:58 a.m. PDT
.
On April 18, the Aqua spacecraft was mated atop the Boeing Delta
II launch vehicle at NASA's Space Launch Complex 2 located on North
Vandenberg Base. The Aqua spacecraft batteries were charged and a state of
health check performed on April 20. The Flight Program Verification was
performed on Monday, April 22. This is a combined composite electrical test
and flight sequence test, the final major test prior to launch. The
vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems were actuated during the
simulated plus count.
During the test, an unexpected spacecraft/vehicle interface
electrical problem was found creating an undesired secondary grounding path
precluding this portion of the test from being performed. The undesired
circuit this created was disabled upon reconfiguring the interface.
In addition, a second issue arose. Three of the four spacecraft
battery temperature sensors were reading incorrectly. It has been determined
that a pair of ground support equipment cables are not connected in a proper
manner. All the suspect cables were re-connected this morning and continuity
checks are now underway. The Flight Program Verification will be
re-performed tomorrow, Thursday, April 25. Some impact to the launch date is
anticipated and the remaining schedule of activities to prepare for launch
is currently under review.
MISSION: NOAA-M Polar Orbiter
LAUNCH VEHICLE: USAF Titan II
LAUNCH PAD: Space Launch Complex 4 West, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
LAUNCH DATE: June 24, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 11:22 - 11:32 a.m. PDT
At SLC-4W, the Titan II/G-14 launch vehicle's initial "power-on"
test was conducted on Tuesday, April 9 and routine vehicle checkout and
prelaunch preparations continue on schedule. The booster was erected on the
launch pad April 1.
The NOAA-M spacecraft is at the Lockheed Martin plant in
Sunnyvale, Calif. and is planned for shipment to Vandenberg on Thursday,
April 25. It will be prepared for launch at a NASA spacecraft processing
facility on North Vandenberg Air Force Base. The spacecraft's apogee kick
motor processing activities were successfully performed April 16 - 18. The
payload fairing is scheduled to arrive on May 9.
MISSION: CONTOUR (Comet Nucleus Tour)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Delta II 7425
LAUNCH PAD: 17-A Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
LAUNCH DATE: July 1, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2:56:14 - 2:56:26 a.m. EDT
The Contour spacecraft has been shipped from NASA's Goddard Space
Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD and will arrive at Kennedy Space Center (KSC)
tonight to begin final checkout and preparations for launch. The
spacecraft's electrical ground support and test equipment began arriving at
KSC yesterday.
The Contour Mission Readiness Review will be held at the Applied
Physics Laboratory in Baltimore on May 15.
The Boeing Delta II launch vehicle second stage arrived at Cape
Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on Monday, April 1 and is undergoing
checkout at Delta launch vehicle Hangar AO. The Delta first stage arrived
at Cape Canaveral on April 15 and is at Hangar M.
At Space Launch Complex 17, erection of the Delta booster is
planned to begin on May 28. A pre-vehicle-on-stand (Pre-VOS) review
continues to be scheduled for May 21 at the Boeing facility in Huntington
Beach, CA.
# # #
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Thursday, April 25, 2002 (12 noon)
NOTE: This is an orbiter processing report and does not necessarily reflect the chronological order of upcoming Space Shuttle flights. Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
LAUNCH DATE: May 30, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: June 11, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson, Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Shuttle Endeavour has been mated to the External Tank/Solid Rocket Boosters in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and the Shuttle Interface Test is being conducted to verify overall status of the STS-111 space vehicle. Final preparations will begin on Friday for Endeavour's rollout to the launch pad next week.
MISSION STS-107 -SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR RESEARCH MISSION
VEHICLE -Columbia/OV-102
LAUNCH DATE: July 19, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: August 4, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 16 days
CREW: Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/39 deg
Shuttle Processing Note: In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), the Extended Duration Orbiter pallet has been installed aboard Shuttle Columbia. Shuttle managers have made the decision to change out and retest a cold plate in Payload Bay 5 after several dings were discovered on the plate surface. Freon Coolant Loop No. 2 will be drained today to accommodate the cold plate changeout. Columbia will remain powered down until the cold plate is re-installed and the two freon loops are re-serviced.
MISSION STS-112 -- 15TH ISS FLIGHT (9A) - BA, ITS S1
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
LAUNCH DATE: August 22, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: September 1, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 10 days
CREW: Ashby, Melroy, Wolf, Sellers, Magnus, Yurchikhin
ORBITAL ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles, 51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: De-servicing of Shuttle Atlantis is ongoing in the OPF following the orbiter's return from the highly successful STS-110 mission last week. The heat shield has been removed and preparations are in work to remove the Space Shuttle Main Engines early next week.
ORBITER MAJOR MODIFICATION PERIOD
VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
Shuttle Processing Note: Discovery rolled back to the OPF yesterday after a brief storage period in the VAB. The orbiter is scheduled to begin its Major Modification period late this summer.
-- end --
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--- Begin Message ---
NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
____________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________
For Release: April 25, 2002
George H. Diller
321/867-2468
KSC Release No.: 38-02
CONTOUR SPACECRAFT ARRIVES AT KSC FOR LAUNCH PREPARATIONS
The NASA Comet Nucleus Tour (CONTOUR) spacecraft arrived at the Kennedy
Space Center April 24 and was transported to the Spacecraft Assembly and
Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2) in the KSC Industrial Area today to begin
final preparations for launch.
CONTOUR will provide the first detailed look into the heart of a comet - the
nucleus. The spacecraft will fly as close as 60 miles (100 kilometers) to at
least two comets, taking the sharpest pictures yet of the nucleus while
analyzing the gas and dust that surround these rocky, icy building blocks of
the solar system. For the first time, COUTOUR will help assess the
diversity of comets and unravel the mysteries of how they evolve. The
Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.,
built CONTOUR. They will also be in control of the spacecraft after launch.
Beginning on April 29, the CONTOUR integration and test team will undertake
a system performance test to verify that all spacecraft systems are
functioning to their design capabilities. The week of May 6, using
facilities located at KSC's MILA tracking station, the Deep Space Network
(DSN) compatibility test will be performed to verify CONTOUR's ability to
communicate with the worldwide system of deep space tracking stations
operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
On May 13, a five-day mission simulation will begin, once again using ground
station facilities at MILA to connect the spacecraft at KSC with the CONTOUR
mission operations control center located at the Applied Physics Laboratory.
The mission operations team will follow a compressed timeline simulating the
flight of CONTOUR, remotely commanding all of the spacecraft's systems and
instruments.
On May 20, mechanical prelaunch preparations will begin, followed by
installation of the spacecraft's solid rocket motor, attachment of the eight
solar panels, and performance of a solar array lighting test. The spacecraft
will then be placed on a spin-table for spin balance measurements. CONTOUR
can then be loaded with its hydrazine fuel. A weight and center of gravity
determination will be done and a final spin balance test will be performed.
Finally at SAEF-2, the CONTOUR spacecraft will be mated with a solid
propellant upper stage that serves as the third stage of the Delta booster.
The Boeing Delta II launch vehicle is at Cape Canaveral undergoing
pre-erection check out. Buildup of the launch vehicle on Pad A at Space
Launch Complex 17 is scheduled to begin on May 28.
CONTOUR will be transported to the pad and erected atop the Delta II on June
19. After a spacecraft functional test, there will be the integrated
vehicle/spacecraft flight program verification simulated flight. Upon
successful completion, the spacecraft will be closed out for launch and the
vehicle nose fairing installed around the spacecraft.
CONTOUR is scheduled for launch on July 1, 2002 during a 12-second launch
window that extends from 2:56:14 - 2:56:26 a.m. EDT.
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--- Begin Message ---
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Monday, April 29, 2002 (10:00 a.m.)
NOTE: This is an orbiter processing report and does not necessarily reflect
the chronological order of upcoming Space Shuttle flights. Visit
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home
Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
LAUNCH DATE: May 30, 2002
LAUNCH PERIOD: 4-8 p.m. EDT
KSC LANDING DATE: June 11, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson,
Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: After being mated to its External Tank and Solid
Rocket Boosters in the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Endeavour
began its rollout aboard the crawler-transporter this morning at 2:57 a.m.
enroute to Complex 39, Pad A. The rollout was completed at 9:21 a.m. At the
launch pad, Endeavour will undergo final processing operations in
preparation for its scheduled May 30 launch. The trip to the pad took about
6½ hours at a speed of .9 m.p.h.
The Leonardo Multi Purpose Logistics Module was delivered to the Pad last
week and will be installed in Endeavour's payload bay this Wednesday.
MISSION STS-107 -SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR RESEARCH MISSION
VEHICLE -Columbia/OV-102
LAUNCH DATE: July 19, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: August 4, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 16 days
CREW: Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/39 deg
Shuttle Processing Note: Columbia continues its stay in the OPF in
preparation for the STS-107 research mission in July. Over the weekend,
Shuttle technicians completed the replacement of a cold plate located in bay
5 after several small dings were discovered on the cold plate surface. Leak
checks of the two Freon Coolant Loops will be completed over the next few
days. Mid-body bay closeouts and installation of window No. 7 are in work.
MISSION STS-112 -- 15TH ISS FLIGHT (9A) - BA, ITS S1
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
LAUNCH DATE: August 22, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: September 1, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 10 days
CREW: Ashby, Melroy, Wolf, Sellers, Magnus, Yurchikhin
ORBITAL ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles, 51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Atlantis is undergoing processing in the OPF for
the August launch to the International Space Station. Heat shield removal
has been completed, and Shuttle technicians will begin to remove the Space
Shuttle Main Engines today and tomorrow.
ORBITER MAJOR MODIFICATION PERIOD
VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
Shuttle Processing Note: Discovery is in the OPF awaiting the start of its
Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period that is scheduled to begin at the
Kennedy Space Center late this summer.
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--- Begin Message ---
SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
May 1, 2002
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
321/867-2468
MISSION: Aqua EOS-PM (Earth Observing System Aqua Observatory)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: DELTA II 7920-10L
LAUNCH PAD: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base
LAUNCH DATE: May 4, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2:54:58 - 3:04:58 a.m. PDT
.
Preparations are on schedule for the launch of Delta/Aqua on
Saturday, May 4 at 2:55 a.m. PDT. The liftoff will occur from NASA's Space
Launch Complex 2 West located on North Vandenberg Air Force Base.
Fueling is underway today of the Delta second stage with Aerozine
50 and Nitrogen Tetroxide. The Flight Program Verification was successfully
completed on Thursday, Apr. 25. This is a combined composite electrical
test and flight sequence test, the final major test prior to launch. The
vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems were actuated during the
simulated plus count.
The launch vehicle and spacecraft ordnance were installed and
connected on Apr. 26. Aqua spacecraft closeouts were performed the
following day. The payload fairing installation was completed this week on
Monday, Apr. 29. Battery cooling lines were then connected and a battery
trickle charge initiated.
The Flight Readiness Review was also held on Monday with no
significant issues or concerns remaining. A final Launch Readiness Review
will be held tomorrow, Thursday, May 2.
MISSION: NOAA-M Polar Orbiter
LAUNCH VEHICLE: USAF Titan II
LAUNCH PAD: Space Launch Complex 4 West, Vandenberg Air Force Base
LAUNCH DATE: June 24, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 11:22 - 11:32 a.m. PDT
At SLC-4W, the Titan II/G-14 launch vehicle's prelaunch
preparations continue and work is progressing on schedule. An issue with
the vehicle's Inertial Measurement Unit is currently under evaluation. What
impact to the schedule there could be, if any, is under assessment.
The NOAA-M spacecraft arrived at VAFB as planned on Apr. 25 and
was taken to NASA Spacecraft Hangar 1610 on North Vandenberg. The
spacecraft's apogee kick motor was installed on Apr. 30. Today spacecraft
battery charging and other preparations are underway for the upcoming
Spacecraft Electrical Performance and Evaluation Test (SEPET).
The payload fairing is scheduled to arrive for processing
tomorrow, Thursday, May 2.
MISSION: CONTOUR (Comet Nucleus Tour)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Delta II 7425
LAUNCH PAD: 17-A Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
LAUNCH DATE: July 1, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2:56:14 - 2:56:26 a.m. EDT
The Contour spacecraft arrived at KSC late on April 24. The
following morning it was taken to NASA Spacecraft Assembly & Encapsulation
Facility-2 (SAEF-2) in the KSC Industrial Area to begin preparations for
launch. The flight batteries were installed and charged. Software was
installed for four days of spacecraft performance testing which is currently
underway. Some solar cells that were damaged during shipping of the
spacecraft have been removed and replaced.
The Boeing Delta II launch vehicle second stage arrived at Cape
Canaveral Air Force Station on Monday, Apr. 1 and is undergoing checkout at
Delta launch vehicle Hangar AO. The Delta first stage arrived at Cape
Canaveral on Apr. 15 and is at Hangar M.
The Contour Mission Readiness Review will be held at the Applied
Physics Laboratory in Baltimore on May 15.
At Space Launch Complex 17, erection of the Delta booster will
begin on May 28. A pre-vehicle-on-stand (Pre-VOS) review is scheduled for
May 21 at the Boeing facility in Huntington Beach, CA.
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--- Begin Message ---
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Thursday, May 2, 2002 (10:00 a.m.)
NOTE: This is an orbiter processing report and does not necessarily reflect the chronological order of upcoming Space Shuttle flights. Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
LAUNCH DATE: May 30, 2002
LAUNCH PERIOD: 4-8 p.m. EDT
KSC LANDING DATE: June 11, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson, Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: At Pad A, launch pad validations and the Space Shuttle Main Engine Flight Readiness Test were completed for Endeavour's scheduled mission on May 30. Preparations for the helium signature test are underway. The payload bay doors are scheduled to be opened today for the installation of the Leonardo Multi Purpose Logistics Module on Monday.
MISSION STS-107 -SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR MICROGRAVITY RESEARCH MISSION
VEHICLE -Columbia/OV-102
LAUNCH DATE: July 19, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: August 4, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 16 days
CREW: Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/39 deg
Shuttle Processing Note: In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), preparations continue with Columbia for the STS-107 research mission. Leak checks of the two Freon Coolant Loops are complete and servicing of Freon Coolant Loop No. 2 is scheduled for tomorrow. Checks of the newly installed cold plate in Bay 5 and installation of windows No. 5 and 7 are in work. Columbia will be powered up on Monday in preparation for the Payload Premate Test scheduled for next week.
MISSION STS-112 -- 15TH ISS FLIGHT (9A) - BA, ITS S1
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
LAUNCH DATE: August 22, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: September 1, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 10 days
CREW: Ashby, Melroy, Wolf, Sellers, Magnus, Yurchikhin
ORBITAL ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles, 51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Atlantis is continuing its deservicing in the OPF for the August launch to the International Space Station. Forward Reaction Control System checkout is scheduled for today and residual fuel in the Orbital Maneuvering System and Auxiliary Power Units was drained yesterday.
ORBITER MAJOR MODIFICATION PERIOD
VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
Shuttle Processing Note: Discovery is in the OPF awaiting the start of its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period that is scheduled to begin at the Kennedy Space Center late this summer.
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--- Begin Message ---
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Monday, May 6, 2002 (10:00 a.m.)
NOTE: This is an orbiter processing report and does not necessarily reflect
the chronological order of upcoming Space Shuttle flights. Visit
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home
Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
LAUNCH DATE: May 30, 2002
LAUNCH PERIOD: 4-8 p.m. EDT
KSC LANDING DATE: June 11, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson,
Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Work continued at Pad A as technicians completed
the helium signature test in preparation for Endeavour's scheduled mission
on May 30. Today, the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module will be
installed in the Shuttle's payload bay and on Wednesday the Space Station
Remote Manipulator System replacement wrist joint will be brought on board.
Preparations for hypergolic loading are in work and scheduled to begin next
week.
MISSION STS-107 -SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR MICROGRAVITY RESEARCH MISSION
VEHICLE - Columbia/OV-102
LAUNCH DATE: July 19, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: August 4, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 16 days
CREW: Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/39 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Processing work continues on Columbia in the
Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) for the STS-107 microgravity research
mission. As leak checks were being completed on Freon Coolant Loop No. 2,
technicians noticed that several seals needed to be replaced and additional
leak checks completed before servicing begins. Installation of window No. 5
is in work.
MISSION STS-112 -- 15TH ISS FLIGHT (9A) - BA, ITS S1
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
LAUNCH DATE: August 22, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: September 1, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 10 days
CREW: Ashby, Melroy, Wolf, Sellers, Magnus, Yurchikhin
ORBITAL ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles, 51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Processing of Atlantis in the OPF for the August
launch to the International Space Station continues on schedule. Removal of
the Forward Reaction Control System is planned for tomorrow and checkout of
the Orbital Maneuvering System is in work.
ORBITER MAJOR MODIFICATION PERIOD
VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
Shuttle Processing Note: Discovery is in the OPF awaiting the start of its
Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period that is scheduled to begin at the
Kennedy Space Center late this summer.
-- end --
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Thursday, May 9, 2002 (10:00 a.m.)
NOTE: This is an orbiter processing report and does not necessarily reflect the chronological order of upcoming Space Shuttle flights. Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
LAUNCH DATE: May 30, 2002
LAUNCH PERIOD: 4-8 p.m. EDT
KSC LANDING DATE: June 11, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson, Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: At Pad A, technicians have completed the installation of the Space Station Remote Manipulator System replacement wrist joint as work continues for Endeavour's scheduled May 30 mission. Preparations for the Multi-Purpose Logistic Module interface verification test are in work and scheduled to begin tomorrow. Beginning Friday, technicians will verify the integrity of 13 connector savers in the orbiter T-0 umbilicals after inspections indicated that several of the connectors appeared to be loose.
MISSION STS-107 -SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR MICROGRAVITY RESEARCH MISSION
VEHICLE - Columbia/OV-102
LAUNCH DATE: July 19, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: August 4, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 16 days
CREW: Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/39 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Work continues in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) for Columbia's STS-107 microgravity research mission. Servicing of Freon Coolant Loop No. 2 is complete and preparations for the payload premate test are in work. Servicing of Freon Loop No. 1 is scheduled to start tomorrow.
MISSION STS-112 -- 15TH ISS FLIGHT (9A) - BA, ITS S1
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
LAUNCH DATE: August 22, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: September 1, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 10 days
CREW: Ashby, Melroy, Wolf, Sellers, Magnus, Yurchikhin
ORBITAL ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles, 51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Processing of Atlantis continues on schedule in the OPF for the August launch to the International Space Station. Orbital Maneuvering System ckeckout and the Master Events Controller/Pyro Initiator test are underway.
ORBITER MAJOR MODIFICATION PERIOD
VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
Shuttle Processing Note: Discovery is in the OPF awaiting the start of its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period that is scheduled to begin at the Kennedy Space Center late this summer.
-- end --
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
May 9, 2002
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
321/867-2468
MISSION: Aqua EOS-PM (Earth Observing System Aqua Observatory)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: DELTA II 7920-10L
LAUNCH PAD: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base
LAUNCH DATE: May 4, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2:54:58 - 3:04:58 a.m. PDT
.
The launch of Aqua EOS - PM from NASA's Space Launch Complex 2
West occurred successfully on Saturday, May 4. Liftoff of the Boeing Delta
II rocket occurred at 2:54:58.290 PDT. Spacecraft separation occurred at
3:54 a.m. PDT inserting the spacecraft into a circular polar orbit of 438
miles.
MISSION: NOAA-M Polar Orbiter
LAUNCH VEHICLE: USAF Titan II
LAUNCH PAD: Space Launch Complex 4 West, Vandenberg Air Force Base
LAUNCH DATE: June 24, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 11:22 - 11:32 a.m. PDT
At SLC-4W, the Titan II/G-14 prelaunch preparations continue to
progress on schedule. This week the Combined Systems Engine Leak Checks are
in work on the first stage and gas generator servicing and verification
testing is underway on the second stage. A technical concern with the
vehicle's Inertial Measurement Unit remains under evaluation but it is not
clear at this time as to whether there could be any schedule impact.
The NOAA-M spacecraft arrived at VAFB on Apr. 25 and is at NASA
Spacecraft Hangar 1610 on North Vandenberg. The spacecraft's apogee kick
motor was installed on Apr. 30. The Spacecraft Electrical Performance and
Evaluation Test (SEPET) successfully completed on Wednesday, May 8.
The fairing for NOAA-M is scheduled to arrive today to begin
processing at an Air Force facility also located on North Vandenberg.
- more -
MISSION: CONTOUR (Comet Nucleus Tour)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Delta II 7425
LAUNCH PAD: 17-A Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
LAUNCH DATE: July 1, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2:56:14 - 2:56:26 a.m. EDT
At SAEF-2, the CONTOUR spacecraft has successfully completed the
System Performance Test to verify that all spacecraft systems are
functioning to their design capabilities.
This week the Deep Space Network compatibility test is underway
using facilities located at the MILA tracking station at KSC. This test
verifies CONTOUR's ability to communicate with the world-wide system of deep
space tracking stations operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The CONTOUR Mission Readiness Review will be held next week at the
Applied Physics Laboratory in Baltimore on May 15.
The Boeing Delta II launch vehicle second stage arrived at Cape
Canaveral Air Force Station on Monday, Apr. 1. It continues to undergo
checkout at Delta launch vehicle Hangar AO without any issues or concerns.
The Delta first stage arrived at Cape Canaveral on Apr. 15 and is at Hangar
M.
At Space Launch Complex 17, erection of the Delta booster will
begin on Tuesday, May 28. A pre-vehicle-on-stand (Pre-VOS) review is
scheduled for May 21 at the Boeing facility in Huntington Beach, CA.
- end -
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For Release: May 10, 2002
Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468
Jaydeep Mukherjee
Florida Space Grant Consortium
321-452-4301
KSC Release No. 41 - 02
MARSPORT COMPETITION COMES TO KSC
Future trailblazers are taking on the challenge of developing technology that will allow for vegetation growth on the surface of Mars. Students and faculty from universities around the country will converge at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for this year's NASA MarsPort Engineering Design Student Competition 2002 conference organized by the Florida Space Grant Consortium (FSGC). Innovative design ideas will be presented as part of a two-day conference on May 14 - 15 at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the KSC Visitor Complex.
Participants will present a paper on engineering trade studies to design optimal configurations for a MarsPort Deployable Greenhouse (MDG) for operation on the surface of Mars.
The MarsPort competition actually began in the fall of 2001 when invitations were sent out to colleges and universities. Participating student teams were required to write and submit a proposal to the NASA MarsPort 2002 design review committee. From the 20 entries received, six teams were selected to investigate and perform trade studies to derive an optimal configuration for the MDG. This involves a systematic defining of the MDG, and requires analyzing and trading options for the greenhouse structure, light collection, water and nutrient delivery, atmospheric controls, crop selection, harvesting and materials handling, and thermal management. The design keeps in mind the need for a minimal mass and lift-off volume approach. In addition, deployment options from the spacecraft and on the surface are also being analyzed.
Representatives of six university teams from Cornell University, University of Colorado-Boulder, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, Saint Louis University and Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, who are the finalists of the competition, will be here to make their presentations before a panel of judges from KSC, Dynamac Corporation and Florida Institute of Technology. The winning team's innovative ideas will be used by NASA to evaluate and study other engineering trade concepts.
The 2002 MarsPort competition conference will also feature presentations by Dr. Sam Durrance, FSGC director and former astronaut, and Dr. Gary Stutte, Plant Scientist, Dynamac Corporation. JoAnn Morgan, KSC's External Relations and Business Development Director will welcome the participants.
This year's MarsPort competition is jointly administered and sponsored by the FSGC and the Texas Space Grant Consortium and co-sponsored by KSC and the Florida Space Research Institute.
The FSGC was formed in 1989 when NASA implemented the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. The FSGC is a voluntary association of 17 universities and colleges along with KSC, Florida Space Authority (FSA), Astronaut Memorial Foundation and Higher Education Consortium for Math and Sciences. The FSGC represents Florida in NASA's Space Grant College and Education Program. It serves more than 230,000 university students in Florida.
The MarsPort Engineering Design Competition 2002 conference hours are 9:15 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14. The award ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 15 at 1:45 p.m. where Dr. James L. Jennings, KSC Deputy Director, will present awards to the winning teams. Further information on the NASA MarsPort competition may be obtained by calling the Florida Space Grant Consortium at 321-452-4301.
Media representatives are invited to attend and should drive directly to the KSC Visitor Complex and proceed to the Debus Conference Facility.
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--- Begin Message ---
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Monday, May 13, 2002 (2:30 p.m.)
NOTE: This is an orbiter processing report and does not necessarily reflect the chronological order of upcoming Space Shuttle flights. Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
LAUNCH DATE: May 30, 2002
LAUNCH PERIOD: 4-8 p.m. EDT
KSC LANDING DATE: June 11, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson, Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Over the weekend at Pad A, technicians completed inspections of 13 connector savers in the orbiter T-0 umbilicals after initial checks indicated several savers appeared to be loose. Only one of the 13 savers was not locking properly and was replaced. Workers today are inspecting welds on Mobile Launcher Platform 1 to verify the structural integrity of the hydrogen vent line. The Multi-Purpose Logistic Module interface verification test is complete. Payload bay doors are closed and payload closeouts are scheduled to begin today. Preparations for hypergolic loading are in work. The Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test for mission STS-111 is scheduled this week.
MISSION STS-107 -SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR MICROGRAVITY RESEARCH MISSION
VEHICLE - Columbia/OV-102
LAUNCH DATE: July 19, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: August 4, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 16 days
CREW: Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/39 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Processing for Columbia's STS-107 microgravity research mission continues in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). Right-hand Orbital Maneuvering System pod thruster replacements are complete. Payload premate test, Auxiliary Power Unit leak and functional test, and servicing of Freon Loop No. 1 are in work.
MISSION STS-112 -- 15TH ISS FLIGHT (9A) - BA, ITS S1
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
LAUNCH DATE: August 22, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: September 1, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 10 days
CREW: Ashby, Melroy, Wolf, Sellers, Magnus, Yurchikhin
ORBITAL ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles, 51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: In the OPF, processing continues for the schedule launch of Atlantis to the International Space Station this August. Master Events Controller/Pyro Initiator test is complete. Orbital Maneuvering System checkout is in work.
ORBITER MAJOR MODIFICATION PERIOD
VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
Shuttle Processing Note: Discovery is in the OPF awaiting the start of its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period that is scheduled to begin at the Kennedy Space Center late this summer.
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SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
May 15, 2002
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
321/867-2468
MISSION: NOAA-M Polar Orbiter
LAUNCH VEHICLE: USAF Titan II
LAUNCH PAD: Space Launch Complex 4 West, Vandenberg Air Force Base
LAUNCH DATE: June 24, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 11:22 - 11:32 a.m. PDT
At SLC-4W, the Titan II/G-14 prelaunch preparations continue to
progress on schedule. This week the Combined Systems Engine Leak Checks are
in work on the first stage and gas generator servicing and verification
testing is under way on the second stage. The technical concern with the
vehicle's Inertial Measurement Unit has been resolved and work on the
vehicle will continue as planned.
The NOAA-M spacecraft arrived at VAFB on April 25 and is at NASA
Spacecraft Hangar 1610 on North Vandenberg. The spacecraft's apogee kick
motor was installed on April 30. The Spacecraft Electrical Performance and
Evaluation Test (SEPET) successfully completed on Wednesday, May 8.
Spacecraft processing will be completed this Friday, May 17 and the
satellite will be installed into its payload canister on Monday in
preparation for being moved to Space Launch Complex 4 West. The spacecraft
will be erected top the Titan II on May 30.
The fairing for NOAA-M arrived on May 9 to begin processing at an
Air Force facility also located on North Vandenberg.
The Center Director Launch Vehicle Launch Readiness Review is
being held today with KSC Center Director Roy Bridges.
MISSION: CONTOUR (Comet Nucleus Tour)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Delta II 7425
LAUNCH PAD: 17-A Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
LAUNCH DATE: July 1, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2:56:14 - 2:56:26 a.m. EDT
At SAEF-2, a five-day Contour Mission Simulation is
under way using ground station facilities at the MILA tracking station at
KSC to connect the spacecraft with the CONTOUR mission operations control
center located at the Applied Physics Laboratory in Baltimore, Md. The
mission operations team is following a compressed timeline that simulates
the flight of CONTOUR, remotely commanding all of the spacecraft's systems
and instruments.
The Deep Space Network compatibility test was completed on Friday,
May 10 also using facilities located at the MILA tracking station at KSC.
This test verifies CONTOUR's ability to communicate with the worldwide
system of deep space tracking stations operated by the Jet Propulsion
Laboratory.
The spacecraft has also successfully completed the System
Performance Test to verify that all spacecraft systems are functioning to
their design capabilities.
The CONTOUR Mission Readiness Review is being held today at the
Applied Physics Laboratory in Baltimore.
The Boeing Delta II launch vehicle second stage arrived at Cape
Canaveral Air Force Station on Monday, April 1. It continues to undergo
checkout at Delta launch vehicle Hangar AO without any issues or concerns.
The Delta first stage arrived at Cape Canaveral on April 15 and is at Hangar
M.
At Space Launch Complex 17, erection of the Delta booster will
begin on Tuesday, May 28. A pre-vehicle-on-stand (Pre-VOS) review is
scheduled for May 21 at the Boeing facility in Huntington Beach, Calif.
The science window available to launch CONTOUR is July 1 - July
25.
MISSION: Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Pegasus XL
LAUNCH SITE: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
LAUNCH DATE: July 30, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 07:50 - 09:50 a.m. EDT
The Galex spacecraft is at the Orbital Space Systems Group
spacecraft facility in Dulles, Virginia. Environmental testing is complete
and preparations continue for a mid-June delivery to KSC.
At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus launch
vehicle's fin activation system is being installed this week. The
installation of the avionics battery is also being performed. Fairing
preparations are also in work. Testing of the Pegasus vehicle continues in
preparation for delivery to KSC in late June.
# # #
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NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321 867-2468
For Release: May 16, 2002
KSC Contact: Bill Johnson
321/867-2468
KSC RELEASE NO. 43-02
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA PHOTO OPPORTUNITY SET WITH STS-111 CREW AT KSC
The crew of Space Shuttle mission STS-111, the 110th mission in the history of Shuttle flight, is at Kennedy Space Center this week for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing flight crews an opportunity to participate in simulated launch countdown activities.
At the conclusion of TCDT activities and prior to departure for their homes in Houston, Texas, media representatives will have an opportunity to speak informally with and photograph both the STS-111 and Expedition Five crews.
Media interested in participating in this question-and-answer session should be at the KSC Press Site by 1 p.m. Friday, May 17. Those attending are required to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Shorts or tank tops are not permitted. This is a local media event only. No live NASA TV coverage is planned.
Mission STS-111 is targeted for launch from Kennedy Space Center May 30. The flight is scheduled to last about 12 days and will feature Shuttle Endeavour docking with the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering the Multi-Purpose Logisitics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System (MBS), the replacement wrist/roll joint for the Station's robot arm, and the Expedition Five crew.
Crew members for mission STS-111 are Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart, and Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz and Philippe Perrin, as well as Expedition Five crew members Valeri Korzun, Peggy Whitson and Sergei Treschev. This mission is the seventh flight in space for Franklin Chang-Diaz, making him the second U.S. astronaut to reach this milestone.
NOTE: Media are reminded that previously issued annual badges are no longer valid. Media without newly issued credentials should contact the KSC Press Site at 321/867-2468 for instructions.
###
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NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321 867-2468
Kyle Herring
For Release: May 16, 2002
Headquarters, Washington D.C.
(Phone: 202/358-4504)
Bill Johnson
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Phone: 321/867-2468)
James Hartsfield
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)
KSC RELEASE NO. 44-02
ENDEAVOUR TO LAUNCH MAY 30 TO CONTINUE STATION ASSEMBLY, BRING HOME
VETERAN CREW
Launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour to the International Space
Station (ISS) has been set for May 30 on a flight that will bring to a close
the longest stay yet aboard the complex for a resident crew.
Endeavour's liftoff on mission STS-111 will occur sometime between 4
p.m. and 8 p.m. EDT. A precise time will be announced about 24 hours prior
to liftoff. In addition to exchanging Station crews, Endeavour's
multinational mission will attach a Canadian-built mobile base system to the
Station that will enable the Canadarm2 robotic arm to move along a railway
on the Station's truss to build and maintain the outpost. Endeavour's crew
-- representing three different countries -- also will replace a faulty
joint on the Station's robotic arm and unload almost three tons of
experiments and supplies from the Italian-built Leonardo logistics carrier,
making its third visit to the Station aboard the shuttle.
"The team has done a great job preparing this flight and
accommodating a major addition to this mission's content that came only last
month -- the replacement of a joint on the Station's robotic arm," Space
Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore said. "The capability to plan, train
and prepare equipment for such a complex, new task in only a few extra weeks
demonstrates the flexibility required for support of the Station. Thanks to
those efforts, Endeavour is ready to go."
The International Space Station's Expedition Four crew, Commander
Yury Onufrienko and Flight Engineers Dan Bursch and Carl Walz, on the
Station since Dec. 7, 2001, will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. The
Expedition Five crew - Commander Valery Korzun and Flight Engineers Peggy
Whitson and Sergei Treschev - will arrive at the complex aboard Endeavour,
beginning a four-month stay.
Ken Cockrell will command Endeavour, and Paul Lockhart (Lt. Col.
USAF) will serve as pilot. Mission specialists will be Franklin Chang-Diaz
(Ph.D.) and French Space Agency astronaut Philippe Perrin (Col. French Air
Force). Chang-Diaz and Perrin will conduct three spacewalks to install the
new robotics mobile base system and replace the faulty arm wrist/roll joint.
Chang-Diaz will be making a record-tying seventh flight aboard the Space
Shuttle.
Endeavour is scheduled to land at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on
June 11. STS-111 marks the 18th flight for Endeavour and the 110th in
Shuttle history.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Monday, May 20, 2002 (11:00 a.m.)
NOTE: This is an orbiter processing report and does not necessarily reflect the chronological order of upcoming Space Shuttle flights. Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
LAUNCH DATE: May 30, 2002
LAUNCH PERIOD: 4-8 p.m. EDT
KSC LANDING DATE: June 11, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson, Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Last week the crew of STS-111 arrived to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) in preparation for the launch on May 30. As the astronauts were taking part in TCDT, mission managers met for the Flight Readiness Review and determined there were no issues or constraints at this time for Endeavour's launch next week. Late stow items are scheduled to placed in the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module on Wednesday and Orbiter aft closeout and Extravehicular Mobility Unit installation and checkout is in work.
MISSION STS-107 -SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR MICROGRAVITY RESEARCH MISSION
VEHICLE - Columbia/OV-102
LAUNCH DATE: July 19, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: August 4, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 16 days
CREW: Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/39 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Preparations continue in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) for Columbia's STS-107 microgravity research mission. Installation of the SPACEHAB/FREESTAR payload is scheduled for Wednesday of this week. Auxiliary Power Unit leak and functional test and servicing of Freon Loop No. 1 are in work.
MISSION STS-112 -- 15TH ISS FLIGHT (9A) - BA, ITS S1
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
LAUNCH DATE: August 22, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: September 1, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 10 days
CREW: Ashby, Melroy, Wolf, Sellers, Magnus, Yurchikhin
ORBITAL ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles, 51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Atlantis continues to be processed for its scheduled launch to the International Space Station this August. Draining of the Orbiter Maneuvering System (OMS) crossfeed is complete and OMS disconnect and replacement of window No. 2 is in work.
ORBITER MAJOR MODIFICATION PERIOD
VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
Shuttle Processing Note: Discovery is in the OPF awaiting the start of its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period that is scheduled to begin at the Kennedy Space Center late this summer.
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NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For Release: May 20, 2002
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
KSC Release No. 45 - 02
HISTORIANS BEGIN WORK TO SHOWCASE KSC'S HERITAGE
Following a best-value competitive procurement, Kennedy Space Center (KSC) this month awarded a two-year contract to two prominent historians and authors, Dr. Kenneth Lipartito and Dr. Orville Butler, to write the history of Kennedy Space Center. The new text will be the first major work to document the Center's history since 1976, when Moonport: A History of Apollo Launch Facilities and Operations was published. Moonport covered the period from KSC's inception through the Apollo program.
Lipartito is chair of the Department of History at Florida International University. A renowned historian, he has authored three books and numerous publications related to organizations and technology. Butler, an independent scholar from Auburn, Wash., co-authored Manufacturing the Future: A History of Western Electric, a critically acclaimed and widely read book that serves as a benchmark for works on the history of telecommunications manufacturing.
The authors will look at KSC's history from three distinct perspectives. The first will be a local perspective, focusing on the ways KSC has created a favorable culture for its resident workforce and impacted the local economy and community relations. The second will be an organizational perspective, recognizing KSC's unique role in the larger NASA structure, its specific contributions to the U.S. space efforts, and how the Center has evolved as an organizational culture. Third, an institutional perspective will explore KSC's contractor relations and the partnerships with technological and scientific communities that have resulted in scientific and technological advancements around the world.
"We are very impressed by this unique approach to the Center's history," said JoAnn Morgan, director of External Relations and Business Development at KSC. "Their work will document and recognize our special heritage and KSC's role in the nation's space program over the past 25 years. In addition, it will depict the achievements of a generation of extraordinary space pioneers."
Lipartito and Butler will gather information from a variety of sources, including the KSC archives, other NASA Centers, the National Archives, event and site visits, and individual and group interviews and collections.
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SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
May 22, 2002
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
321/867-2468
MISSION: NOAA-M Polar Orbiter
LAUNCH VEHICLE: USAF Titan II
LAUNCH PAD: Space Launch Complex 4 West, Vandenberg Air Force Base
LAUNCH DATE: June 24, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 11:22 - 11:32 a.m. PDT
At SLC-4W, the Titan II/G-14 prelaunch preparations continue to progress smoothly. The Combined Systems Test is under way today. The technical concern with the vehicle's Inertial Measurement Unit has been resolved and the work on the vehicle continues on schedule.
The NOAA-M spacecraft processing has been completed, and the satellite will be installed into its payload canister tomorrow in preparation for being moved to Space Launch Complex 4 West. The spacecraft will be erected top the Titan II on May 30.
MISSION: CONTOUR (Comet Nucleus Tour)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Delta II 7425
LAUNCH PAD: 17-A Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
LAUNCH DATE: July 1, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2:56:14 - 2:56:26 a.m. EDT
At SAEF-2, spacecraft Mission Operations testing concluded successfully on Tuesday, and today, CONTOUR was mated to its solid propellant apogee kick motor. Next week, the solar arrays will be installed and light-tested. On June 4-5, there will be a final test of the CONTOUR science instruments. The spacecraft will then be placed on a spin table for an initial spin test before fuel is loaded aboard. Fueling is currently scheduled for June 7-8. A second spin test with the spacecraft fully fueled will then be conducted.
The Boeing Delta II launch vehicle second stage arrived at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Monday, April 1. It continues to undergo checkout at Delta launch vehicle Hangar AO without any issues or concerns. The Delta first stage arrived at Cape Canaveral on April 15 and is at Hangar M.
At Space Launch Complex 17, erection of the Delta booster will begin next week on Tuesday, May 28. The pre-vehicle-on-stand (Pre-VOS) review was completed yesterday at the Boeing facility in Huntington Beach, Calif., without any significant issues or concerns.
MISSION: Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Pegasus XL
LAUNCH SITE: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
LAUNCH DATE: NET Aug. 14, 2002
LAUNCH WINDOW: 07:50 - 09:50 a.m. EDT
The launch of GALEX has been rescheduled by approximately two weeks to allow time for the spacecraft to complete processing at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Va.
At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL will also need some additional time to complete processing that allows for resolution of a concern with the vehicle's thrust vector control system.
Arrival of GALEX at KSC is now tentatively planned to occur on June 25 and arrival of the Pegasus XL is being anticipated for July 11.
# # #
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Thursday, May 23, 2002 (4:30 p.m.)
NOTE: This is an orbiter processing report and does not necessarily reflect
the chronological order of upcoming Space Shuttle flights. Visit
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home
Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
LAUNCH DATE: May 30, 2002
LAUNCH PERIOD: 4-8 p.m. EDT
KSC LANDING DATE: June 11, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 12 days
CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson,
Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Final preparations continue at Pad A for next
Thursday's launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour to the International Space
Station.
During routine testing, technicians observed that temperatures in the
Auxiliary Power Unit's coolant system (water spray boiler No. 3) did not
reach proper levels in the times required. Workers will enter the aft
engine compartment tonight to inspect the water spray boiler and look for
possible leaks. The system will be recycled and managers will determine if
additional work is required. At this time, no impact to the launch schedule
is expected.
At the pad in the orbiter's payload bay, late-stow items are being placed in
the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module today. Launch countdown preparations are
beginning, with the countdown scheduled to pick up early next week.
MISSION STS-107 -SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR MICROGRAVITY RESEARCH MISSION
VEHICLE - Columbia/OV-102
LAUNCH DATE: July 19, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: August 4, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 16 days
CREW: Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/39 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF),
processing continues for Columbia's STS-107 microgravity research mission.
Installation of the SPACEHAB/FREESTAR payload was temporarily delayed giving
payload mangers time to evaluate a small scratch on a payload support
attachment noticed by technicians this morning. Installation of Space
Shuttle Main Engine No. 1 is scheduled for tomorrow, and servicing of Freon
Loop No. 1 is in work.
MISSION STS-112 -- 15TH ISS FLIGHT (9A) - BA, ITS S1
VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
LAUNCH DATE: August 22, 2002
KSC LANDING DATE: September 1, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 10 days
CREW: Ashby, Melroy, Wolf, Sellers, Magnus, Yurchikhin
ORBITAL ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles, 51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Processing continues in the OPF for Atlantis'
scheduled launch to the International Space Station this August. Replacement
of window No. 2 is complete. Preparations for right-hand Orbiter Maneuvering
System removal and replacement of window No. 8 is in work.
ORBITER MAJOR MODIFICATION PERIOD
VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
Shuttle Processing Note: Discovery is in the OPF awaiting the start of its
Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period that is scheduled to begin at the
Kennedy Space Center late this summer.
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--- Begin Message ---
NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
____________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________
For Release: May 24, 2002
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
(321) 867-2468
KSC Release No. 47 - 02
NOTICE TO EDITORS/ NEWS DIRECTORS:
KSC BADGING REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDIA AND NEWS CENTER OPERATING HOURS SET FOR
STS-111 LAUNCH ACTIVITIES
News media badging requirements and operating hours for Kennedy
Space Center's News Center have been established for the launch of the Space
Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-111.
Media must request current credentials in writing via fax to the KSC
News Room (321-867-2692) on the letterhead of their current affiliation. The
request must include name (as it appears on drivers license or passport),
social security number, place and date of birth, nationality, valid address
(not P.O. box), and phone number. A passport number and country of
citizenship must be provided if the applicant is not a U.S. citizen.
Due to new badging requirements, news media representatives with
proper authorization must now obtain mission credentials at the Pass and
Identification Building (PIDs) on State Road 405 (NOT State Road 3 as
previously conducted). The PIDs facility is south of Titusville and east of
U.S. 1 on S.R. 405. (No badging will be conducted from the facility on State
Road 3.)
Due to heightened security, media with temporary badges are not permitted to
drive into the secured KSC areas. Media buses will run between the Press
Site and the S.R. 405 PIDs parking lot periodically each day through launch
time. Be advised, due to heightened security, media should add appropriate
time to their schedules.
Credential and badging hours are listed below.
KSC News Center Office Hours for STS-111
(Times may be adjusted in real time depending on mission events and
timelines.)
Monday, May 27........................CLOSED
Tuesday, May 28...................... 8 a .m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 29.................. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 30 (Launch Day)... 8 a.m. - 12 midnight
* [FOR MISSION DAY SCHEDULES SEE NOTE BELOW]
Tuesday, June 11 (Landing day)... 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
* NOTE: The KSC News Center will support media attendance and
questions for overnight and weekend STS-111 Mission Status Briefings and the
in-flight crew news conference. Media interested in attending the briefings
that occur after normal office hours MUST make their intentions known to the
KSC News Room at least 24 hours in advance in order to secure proper access
to the press site. Times of these briefings are available in the NASA TV
schedule at: <http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/nasatv/schedule.html>
Pass and Identification Badging Hours
News media may obtain STS-111 mission credentials at the Pass and
Identification Building on S.R. 405 south of Titusville, during the
following times.
Monday, May 27 ----------------------------- CLOSED
Tuesday, May 28 ---------------------------- 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
(The first bus will depart PIDs on S.R. 405 for the Press Site at 8 a.m.)
Wednesday, May 29 ----------------------- 8 a.m. -- 4 p.m.
Thursday, May 30 (Launch day)---------- 8 a.m. - Launch minus 1 hour
NEWS MEDIA ARE REQUIRED TO BE UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS ESCORT AT ALL
TIMES WHILE AT KSC. MEDIA WITH TEMPORARY BADGES ARE NOT PERMITTED AT THE
COMPLEX 39 CAFETERIA.
NEWS MEDIA ARE ALLOWED AT THE PRESS SITE ONLY WHEN THE KSC NEWS
CENTER IS OPEN.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For Release: May 24, 2002
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
(321) 867-2468
KSC Release No. 48 - 02
NOTICE TO EDITORS/ NEWS DIRECTORS:
MISSION STS-111 KSC BRIEFINGS AND EVENTS SET
News conferences and other events have been set for the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-111, the 110th launch in the Shuttle program. Mission STS-111 will launch between 4 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 30. The exact launch time will be announced 24 hours prior to the targeted liftoff time.
News conferences and events listed below will be carried live on NASA Television (unless otherwise noted) and originate from the KSC News Center.
The seven-member STS-111 crew will arrive at KSC early next week. A taped replay of their arrival will be broadcast on NASA TV the following day. Due to heightened security measures, live media coverage of the crew arrival will not be accommodated.
On launch day, the crew will depart their KSC living quarters and be driven to the launch pad. Again, due to heightened security, media will not be permitted at this event. The crew breakfast, suit-up and walkout activities will be taped and replayed during live launch commentary beginning approximately three hours prior to liftoff.
In addition to daily 9 a.m. countdown status briefings, a prelaunch press conference will be held two days before launch. The full briefing schedule is listed below.
STS-111 BRIEFINGS & EVENTS SCHEDULE (all times are EDT)
(All briefings are held inside the KSC Press Site auditorium and will be carried live on NASA TV unless otherwise noted)
L-2 Days - Tuesday, May 28
9 a.m. ------ Countdown Status Briefing
* Steve Altemus, NASA Test Director
* Glenn Chin, STS-111 Payload Mission Manager
* Kathy Winters, Shuttle Weather Officer
*
* (Crew arrival, taped earlier, will be replayed on NASA TV following the briefing.)
*
* 4 p.m. ----- Prelaunch News Conference
* Ron Dittemore, Shuttle Program Manager, NASA, JSC
* Bill Gerstenmaier, Deputy International Space Station Program Manager, JSC
* Alain de Leffe, Head, Systems Studies and Development, CNES
* Dave King, Director of Shuttle Processing, NASA, KSC
* 1st Lt. Tom Crenshaw, Launch Weather Officer, 45th Space Wing
*
* L-1 Day - Wednesday, May 29
*
* 9 a.m. ------ Countdown Status Briefing
* Pete Nickolenko, NASA Test Director
* Glenn Chin, STS-111 Payload Mission Manager
* Kathy Winters, Shuttle Weather Officer
*
* Launch Day - Thursday, May 30
*
* NOTE: Launch will occur between the hours of 4-8 p.m. NASA Television live launch programming and commentary will begin about 3 hours prior to launch.
*
* Launch + 1 hour ----- Post-launch Press Conference
* Jim Halsell, Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager, KSC
* Mike Leinbach, Shuttle Launch Director, KSC
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NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________
For Release: May 24, 2002
Dennis Armstrong
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321/867-4493
KSC Release No. 49 - 02
NOTICE TO EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:
MISSION STS-111 WEB COVERAGE EVENTS SET
Kennedy Space Center's web coverage events have been set for the launch of
Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-111, scheduled for launch May 30.
The KSC Direct! webcast will feature eight special guests: NASA/French
astronaut Jean-Loup Crétien; Space Shuttle expert Jon Cowart; Space Station
expert Nick Cummings; French astronaut Jean-Jacques Favier; Space Shuttle
main engine manager Daniel Hausman; Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM)
expert Mark Hutchins; Canadian Space Agency Program manager Benoît Marcotte;
and Microgravity Science Glovebox program manager Martin Zell.
Viewers will see informative programming highlighting the objectives of
mission STS-111, as well as the crew and payloads. During the program, our
featured guests will answer questions submitted to the KSC Direct! Question
Board from space enthusiasts around the world. The KSC Direct! home page is
now available at http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/KSCDirect/index.htm.
In addition to KSC Direct!, KSC's Live Launch Countdown site will provide
downloadable video clips of pre-launch and launch day events. The videos
will be available in RealMedia format in two sizes for users with 56K modems
or cable/broadband connections. The Live Launch Countdown site also features
real-time updating as milestones occur during the countdown, keeping site
visitors informed with the very latest news.
Those who would like to test their knowledge of the STS-111 mission, crew
and payloads, are invited to take the STS-111 Mission Quiz. The first 25
players to achieve a perfect score will receive an official VIP visitor
packet that includes a crew photo and mission patch.
STS-111 WEB COVERAGE SCHEDULE (all times are EDT)
L-6 Days - Friday, May 24
4:00 p.m. STS-111 Mission Quiz starts
http://pao.ksc.nasa.gov/ksctrivia/index.cfm
Live Countdown Coverage site is activated
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/sts110/index.htm
KSC Direct! Question Board opens
http://webcast.ksc.nasa.gov
L-2 Days and L-1 Day
Video of STS-111 events occurring prior to launch day will be posted to the
Live Countdown Coverage site as they become available.
L-0 Day - Launch Day, Thursday, May 30
3 hours prior to launch - Live Countdown Coverage begins
Approx. 2 hours prior to launch - KSC Direct! live webcast begins
http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/KSCDirect/index.htm
Shortly after launch - KSC Direct! live Q&A session begins
Approx. 1 hour after launch - KSC Direct! live webcast concludes
For the exact time of the start of KSC Direct! programming, please check the
KSC Direct! webcast page above on launch day.
Although coverage events mentioned do not begin until six days prior to
launch, the Shuttle Countdown Online page
(http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown) always serves as a starting
point for KSC's mission coverage.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Tuesday, May 28, 2002 (10:00 a.m.)
NOTE: Visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm on the KSC Home Page for the latest schedule of future Shuttle missions.
MISSION: STS-111 - 14th ISS Flight (UF2) - MPLM
VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
LAUNCH DATE: May 30, 2002
LAUNCH PERIOD: 4-8 p.m. EDT
KSC LANDING DATE: June 11, 2002
MISSION DURATION: 12 days
CREW: Cockrell, Lockhart, Chang-Diaz, Perrin; (ISS up) Korzun, Whitson, Treschev; (ISS down) Onufrienko, Bursch, Walz
ORBITAL INSERTION ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles/51.6 degrees
Shuttle Processing Note: Over the weekend, mission managers determined that one of the two valves in the Auxiliary Power Unit's coolant system (water spray boiler No. 3) could be replaced at the Pad without impacting the scheduled launch of Endeavour on May 30. Although this work had never been attempted before with a Shuttle at the Pad, technicians from vendor Hamilton Sundstrand were successful in replacing the valve. Functional tests of the new valve were completed Sunday, followed by 24-hour leak checks. Closeouts of the aft engine compartment were completed as the launch countdown picked up on schedule last night.
The STS-111 crew arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility yesterday in preparation for their scheduled launch to the International Space Station this Thursday.
The weather forecast shows a 60 percent chance of weather prohibiting launch on Thursday due to possible thunderstorms in the vicinity. The forecast for a 24-hour and 48-hour scrub turnaround both indicate a 70 percent chance of weather prohibiting launch.
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NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For Release: May 29, 2002
Greg Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-8777
KSC Release No. 50 - 02
NASA AND FSRI PLAN "LEAVING EARTH'S ORBIT" LECTURE EVENT
Three leading scientists in space-related physiology, plant biology, and human exploration will gather at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport on July 10 to discuss ongoing research that will pave the way for advances in human space exploration. The scientists will describe their work to faculty and students from Florida's universities and colleges, and with other interested participants as part of a Space Research Lecture Series organized by NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and the Florida Space Research Institute (FSRI) at the KSC Visitor Complex.
The July 10 lecturers will include:
* Dr. Kathy Clark, Senior Scientist for NASA's Human Exploration & Development of Space (HEDS) enterprise will discuss some of the scientific challenges NASA faces as the agency prepares for missions requiring a long-duration human presence in space.
* Dr. Robert Ferl, a molecular biologist and director of the University of Florida's new Center for Space Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education, will discuss his groundbreaking research on plant genetics for space and planetary travel.
* Dr. Millie Hughes-Fulford, an astronaut and biomedical scientist will discuss her research into the effects of space travel on human physiology.
The event, which is free of charge to the general public, will be held at 2:30 p.m. (July 10) in the Universe Theater at the KSC Visitor Complex.
KSC and FSRI have teamed with Delaware North Parks Services of Spaceport, Inc., the Florida Space Grant Consortium and the Florida Space Business Roundtable to co-sponsor the Lecture Series program. This will be the third event of the KSC/FSRI series following a Feb. 25 lecture by astrophysicist Dr. Holland Ford of the Space Telescope Science Institute.
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Eastern Range Operation Forecast Op Number: F2342 Issued: 29 May 2002/0700 EDT Valid: 30 May 2002 45 Weather Squadron web site:
Vehicle/Payload: STS-111 (Endeavour)/ISS UF-2
Location: CX 39A
Launch Weather Officer: Kathy Winters
Synoptic Discussion: The weak low pressure system currently located off the east coast of North Florida will gradually move west-northwest and weaken, but will not be the main factor affecting launch. Low level winds at KSC will be light from the west-southwest until the sea breeze begins late in the morning, generating a southeasterly flow at KSC. With plenty of moisture available in the atmosphere, the low-level convergence caused by the interaction of the Florida sea breezes will generate thunderstorms in the center portion of the state. These storms will move towards the east after development causing concerns for launch including anvil clouds and lightning.
Clouds Coverage Bases (feet) Tops (feet)
Cumulus 3/8 SCT 3500 7000
ALTOCUMULUS 4/8 SCT 10000 13000
CIRRUS 5/8 BKN 25000 28000
Visibility: 7
Wind: 14010 P 14 kt (60 foot pad winds)
Temperature: 78 F RH: 85% Dewpoint: 72 F
Weather: TSTMS VICINITY
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch: 60%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting Tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Thunderstorms vicinity.
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 24 hour delay: 70%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting Tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Thunderstorms vicinity.
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 48 hour delay: 70%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting Tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Thunderstorms vicinity.
Sunrise: 30 May 0626 EDT Moonrise: 29 May 2339 EDT Illumination: 81%
Sunset: 30 May 2015 EDT Moonset: 30 May 1009 EDT
Next Forecast will be issued: 30 May 2002 / 0700 EDT
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NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321 867-2468
For Release: May 29, 2002, 5:00 p.m. EDT
KSC Contact: Bruce Buckingham
321/867-2468
KSC RELEASE NO. 51 - 02
SHUTTLE MISSION STS-111 LAUNCH TIME ANNOUNCED FOR LAUNCH ON MAY 30
The launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour has been confirmed for Thursday, May 30, at the preferred launch time of 7:44:26 p.m. EDT (23:44:26 GMT). All remaining countdown activities continue on schedule.
The planar launch window on Thursday extends from 7:39:27 - 7:49:25 p.m. EDT (23:39:27 - 23:49:25 GMT) with the preferred launch time reflecting a flight day three rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station. The launch window will be updated to coincide with the latest orbital position of the Space Station and will be announced at the T-9 minute hold.
STS-111 is a scheduled 12-day mission with a planned KSC landing at about 2:13 p.m. EDT (18:13 GMT) on June 11.
This mission marks the fourteenth Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the third Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-111 is the 18th flight of the orbiter Endeavour and the 110th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program.
On mission STS-111, astronauts will deliver the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, the Mobile Remote Servicer Base System (MBS), and the Expedition Five crew to the International Space Station. During the seven days Endeavour will be docked to the Station, three spacewalks will be performed dedicated to MBS installation and the installation of the replacement wrist-roll joint on the Station's Canadarm2 robotic arm.
The STS-111 crew includes Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart, and Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz and Philippe Perrin, as well as Expedition Five crew members Valery Korzun, Peggy Whitson and Sergei Treschev.
(end of general release)
REMAINING COUNTDOWN MILESTONES
*all times are Eastern
Launch-1 Day (Wednesday, May 29)
(As of 5:00 p.m. EDT, the countdown clock is in a scheduled built-in hold at the T-11 hour mark)
* Flight crew equipment late stow
* Move Rotating Service Structure (RSS) to the park position (about 11:30 p.m.)
* Perform ascent switch list
* Fuel cell flow-through purge complete
*
* Launch Day (Thursday, May 30)
*
* Resume countdown at T-11 hours (3:49 a.m.)
*
* Activate the orbiter's fuel cells (4:59 a.m.)
* Clear the blast danger area of all non-essential personnel
* Switch Endeavour's purge air to gaseous nitrogen (6:04 a.m.)
*
* Enter planned 2-hour built-in hold at the T-6 hour mark (8:49 a.m.)
*
* Launch team verifies no violations of launch commit criteria prior to cryogenic loading of the external tank
* Clear pad of all personnel
* Chilldown of propellant transfer lines (10:19 a.m.)
*
* Resume countdown at T-6 hours (10:49 a.m.)
*
* Begin loading the external tank with about 500,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants (about 10:19 a.m.)
* Complete filling the external tank with its flight load of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants (about 1:24 p.m.)
*
* Enter planned 2-hour built-in hold at T-3 hours (1:49 p.m.)
*
* Final Inspection Team proceed to launch pad
* Perform inertial measurement unit preflight calibration
* Align Merritt Island Launch Area (MILA) tracking antennas
* Perform open loop test with Eastern Range
*
* Resume countdown at T-3 hours (3:49 p.m.)
*
* Complete close-out preparations in the white room
* Check cockpit switch configurations
* Begin Eastern Range final network open loop command checks
* Primary ascent guidance data is transferred to the backup flight system
*
*
*
* Enter planned 10-minute hold at T-20 minutes (6:29 p.m.)
*
* NASA Test Director conducts final launch team briefings
* Complete inertial measurement unit preflight alignments
*
* Resume countdown at T-20 minutes (6:39 p.m.)
*
* Transition the orbiter's onboard computers to launch configuration
* Start fuel cell thermal conditioning
* Close orbiter cabin vent valves
* Transition backup flight system to launch configuration
*
* Enter estimated 45-minute hold at T-9 minutes (6:50 p.m.)
*
* Launch Director, Mission Management Team and NASA Test Director conduct final polls for go/no go to launch
*
* Resume countdown at T-9 minutes (about 7:35 p.m.)
*
* Start automatic ground launch sequencer (T-9:00 minutes)
* Retract orbiter crew access arm (T-7:30)
* Start mission recorders (T-6:15)
* Start Auxiliary Power Units (T-5:00)
* Arm SRB and ET range safety safe and arm devices (T-5:00)
* Start liquid oxygen drainback (T-4:55)
* Start orbiter aerosurface profile test (T-3:55)
* Start main engine gimbal profile test (T-3:30)
* Pressurize liquid oxygen tank (T-2:55)
* Begin retraction of the gaseous oxygen vent arm (T-2:55)
* Fuel cells to internal reactants (T-2:35)
* Pressurize liquid hydrogen tank (T-1:57)
* Deactivate SRB joint heaters (T-1:00)
* Orbiter transfers from ground to internal power (T-0:50 seconds)
* Ground Launch Sequencer go for auto sequence start (T-0:31 seconds)
* SRB gimbal profile (T-0:21 seconds)
* Ignition of three Space Shuttle main engines (T-6.6 seconds)
* SRB ignition and liftoff (T-0)
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