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On Orbit => Real NASA Space Shuttle Missions => Topic started by: Jordaxe12 on October 11, 2007, 07:19:08 AM

Title: STS-120
Post by: Jordaxe12 on October 11, 2007, 07:19:08 AM: Mission: STS-120 - 23rd International Space Station Flight - U.S. Node
2 (Harmony)
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Launch Pad 39A
Launch Date: Targeted for Oct. 23, 2007
Crew: Melroy, Zamka, Parazynski, Wheelock, Wilson, Nespoli and Tani
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

On Sunday, STS-120 was transported via the crawler transporter to
Launch Pad 39A. The rotating service structure, which protects and
provides access to the Shuttle at the pad, was rolled into position
on Monday. During the week, workers performed shuttle interface
testing, Shuttle/external tank leak checks and launch pad
validations. The payload was installed in the Shuttle on Thursday,
and the sensor packs were installed on the Shuttle boom sensor
system.

Loading of hypergolic propellants aboard Discovery is scheduled for
this weekend. Next week, the terminal countdown demonstration test is
scheduled with the STS-120 astronauts and the launch team. This
routine series of events includes emergency training procedures and a
launch countdown dress rehearsal.

After the hail monitoring system at the pad showed possible hail in
the predawn hours of Wednesday, engineers fully inspected the space
shuttle but found no damage. There were no radar indications of hail,
though wind-driven rain may have been possible. The calibration of
the hail monitoring system sensors and associated instrumentation is
being assessed.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Cthulhus on October 11, 2007, 01:39:30 PM: Nice report ! I'm impatient to watch and follow the mission on Nasa TV! 8)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: simking on October 11, 2007, 11:05:48 PM: The STS-120 astronauts capped off three days of exercises and training at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida by boarding space shuttle Discovery for a simulated countdown Wednesday morning. After the rehearsal concluded, the crew members flew back to their home base in Houston to complete their final preparations for the targeted launch of Discovery on Oct. 23.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Cornwallus on October 12, 2007, 12:05:31 AM: Crew portrait of STS-120

(http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/t1243689_sts120crewportrait.jpg)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 12, 2007, 08:20:00 PM: Yesterday at sunrise the RSS(Rotating Service Structure) was removed from Discovery to support the APU hotfire test. That test was completed with no problems.

Then at sunset the RSS was replaced around Discovery to support the final prelaunch preparations.

Today the so called Shuttle Mid-Body Umbilical Unit(OMBUU) will be hooked up to Discovery to support loading of the fuel cell reactants in the launch countdown.

Below are a set of images of the RSS retract, RSS extend and a image of the OMBUU hooked up to Atlantis prior to STS-117.

(http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/3084/chan14largeapu20bf0.jpg)

(http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/225/chan3largeapurss4tz4.jpg)

(http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/2346/svcmd14sts117ombuusi4.jpg)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Cthulhus on October 12, 2007, 09:07:47 PM: Someone has an animation of the RSS(Rotating Service Structure) ?

or some photos?

Thanks!
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 12, 2007, 11:37:59 PM: Quote from: Cthulhus on October 12, 2007, 09:07:47 PM
Someone has an animation of the RSS(Rotating Service Structure) ?

or some photos?

Thanks!
Here's two from STS-121 un July 2006:
http://www.netwrx1.net/rfischer/DIVX/STS-121/STS-121.RSSRollbackReplay.20060701.avi (http://www.netwrx1.net/rfischer/DIVX/STS-121/STS-121.RSSRollbackReplay.20060701.avi) - NASA TV clip

http://www.netwrx1.net/rfischer/DIVX/STS-121/chan3large.20060630.RSSRollback.avi (http://www.netwrx1.net/rfischer/DIVX/STS-121/chan3large.20060630.RSSRollback.avi) - Web cam capture when it really happened

Note: These two clips require the DivX codec(www.divx.com (http://www.divx.com)).

And to close out the post: Here is a link to Bill Harwood of CBS News STS-120 preliminary Launch Countdown chart of events: http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html#COUNT (http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/currentglance.html#COUNT)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Cornwallus on October 13, 2007, 02:09:23 AM: Payload for Discovery: Harmony

(http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/t1247905_getattachmentthumbnail.asp.jpg) (http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i1247905_getattachmentthumbnail.asp.jpg)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Cornwallus on October 13, 2007, 02:20:47 AM: Cam shot showing RSS rolling out of the way for APU hotfire today.

(http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/t1247923_rss1.jpg) (http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i1247923_rss1.jpg)
Click for larger image

(http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/t1247924_rss2.jpg) (http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i1247924_rss2.jpg)
Click for larger image
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Cthulhus on October 13, 2007, 03:27:01 AM: Thank you all for the links and videos !
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 14, 2007, 03:25:41 AM: NASA Announces News Conference on Status of Next Shuttle Launch

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA managers have scheduled a news conference at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., no earlier than 3 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, Oct. 16, to discuss the status of the upcoming space shuttle mission. The news conference will begin after the conclusion of the Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, which is chaired by NASA's Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier.

A two-day preliminary review to assess preparations for shuttle Discovery's mission, designated STS-120, was held Oct. 9-10. Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale chaired that meeting and will provide a summary to the Oct. 16 executive-level FRR. The Oct. 16 review is expected to include the selection of an official launch date for Discovery's voyage to the International Space Station. The current targeted launch time is 11:38 a.m. on Oct. 23.

Briefing participants are:
- NASA Associate Administrator Chris Scolese
- Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier
- Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale
- Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach

The briefing will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's Web site. Media may ask questions from participating NASA locations. Reporters should contact their preferred NASA center to confirm its participation.

For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For STS-120 crew and mission information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
- end -
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Firefighterdan on October 14, 2007, 03:34:39 AM: It looks like I may have to record this launch because I am going to be a work. :(
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 14, 2007, 03:53:28 AM: Some personal notes on the press release above:

If the launch is approved for Oct. 23, here's my NASA TV events preliminary times:

October 20, Saturday
10 a. m. L-3 day Countdown Status Briefing

October 21, Sunday
10 a.m. L-2 day Countdown Status Briefing
NET 4 p.m Post-Launch Readiness Review pressconference

October 22, Monday
10 a.m. L-1 day Countdown Status Briefing

October 23, Tuesday
11:30 am. Launch day and mission coverage

All times are US Eastern time. After the FRR pressconference on Tuesday NASA will release their own NASA TV schedule for the mission, so keep an eye out for it a couple of hours after the pressconference!
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Firefighterdan on October 14, 2007, 04:24:07 AM: Thank you Dave. ;D
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 14, 2007, 04:27:12 AM: I just realized that I made an critical error in my NASA TV time listing. The NASA TV launch coverage start time should 5:30 a.m Eastern time, not 11:30 a.m.

Sorry for the mistake!
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Admin on October 14, 2007, 05:42:45 AM: It gets more and more interesting :). I like this thread very much!

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 14, 2007, 06:01:23 AM: It's the final push towards launch countdown now. Launch countdown will be started at 2 p.m EDT Saturday October 20. At that time, the countdown will be at T-43 hours and counting. T-43 hours is the equivalent of T-1 day, 19 hours.

By that time all the aft engine compartment should have been finsihed and the 50-1 and 50-2 doors will have been installed for flight.

Depending on the circumstances, KSC PAO might be generours enough to go live on NASA TV with a static feed from some of the 39A cameras prior to RSS retract which is currently scheduled for 3 p.m EDT Monday Octover 22.

They did this for STS-117 and kept the feed running until launch coverage started.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Cornwallus on October 15, 2007, 05:22:00 AM: Despite the concern looks like everything is a go.

Quote
The Flame Trench and Tod Halvorson are going with "Shuttle managers are "go" for Discovery launch" stating that "Shuttle managers next week will recommend launching Discovery on Oct. 23 despite an independent safety group's concerns about tiny cracks in protective coating on critical wing panels." here http://www.floridatoday.com/floridatoday/blogs/spaceteam/ down several pages.

In their new Chat section http://forums.floridatoday.com/viewforum.php?f=38 John Kelly (John Kelly is the Local Editor for Florida Today, and is responsible for their space coverage.) states that "The shuttle program manager Wayne Hale already has decided to recommend flying as-is."
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 15, 2007, 11:27:35 PM: Quote from: Cornwallus on October 15, 2007, 05:22:00 AM
Despite the concern looks like everything is a go.
Don't read too much into that. Wayne Hale might see this a as "GO" situation, but tommorow he has to convince every other senior agency officials to see it that same way during the Level 1 FRR.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Cornwallus on October 16, 2007, 12:35:42 AM: Well I of course vote for the safest option even if it requires a rollback. I doubt everyone agrees or it wouldn't be an issue. Most are saying 90% chance of NOT rolling back.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 17, 2007, 12:59:50 AM: FRR is over; Presser to start anytime now.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 17, 2007, 01:08:57 AM: Presser will start at 4 pm Eastern time.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Admin on October 17, 2007, 01:22:20 AM: Quote from: DaveS on October 17, 2007, 01:08:57 AM
Presser will start at 4 pm Eastern time.

Links! WE want LINKS!

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 17, 2007, 01:30:01 AM: Quote from: Admin on October 17, 2007, 01:22:20 AM
Quote from: DaveS on October 17, 2007, 01:08:57 AM
Presser will start at 4 pm Eastern time.

Links! WE want LINKS!

/Admin
NASA TV: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html (http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 17, 2007, 01:37:45 AM: Earlier today the SRB flamedeflectors was installed into the launch position.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Cornwallus on October 17, 2007, 02:21:02 AM: Good news! Good news!

From Nasaspaceflight.com
Quote
The final Flight Readiness Review (FRR) is expected to approve October 23 as the launch date for STS-120, with the only one major outstanding issue receiving flight rationale.

Concerns over the coating on three of Discovery's RCC (reinforced carbon-carbon) panels - noted by two engineers at NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) - are being downplayed, after it was revealed NESC used data from Endeavour for their thermography data. Flight rationale has also been presented.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 17, 2007, 02:48:22 AM: STS-120 presskit has been released: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/192719main_STS120_Shuttle_Press_Kit.pdf (http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/192719main_STS120_Shuttle_Press_Kit.pdf)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Cornwallus on October 17, 2007, 03:08:58 AM: Finally! I can't remember one taking so long.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 17, 2007, 03:59:18 AM: Presser now NET 6:30 pm Eastern.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 17, 2007, 01:15:18 PM: NASA press release:

NASA Gives "Go" for Space Shuttle Launch on Oct. 23
NASA senior managers Tuesday completed a detailed review of space shuttle Discovery's readiness for flight and selected Oct. 23 as the official launch date. Commander Pam Melroy and her six crewmates are scheduled to lift off at 11:38 a.m. EDT on the STS-120 mission to the International Space Station.

Tuesday's meeting included a discussion about concerns raised by the NASA Engineering and Safety Center regarding the reinforced carbon carbon on three of Discovery's wing leading edge panels. This issue initially was brought before the Space Shuttle Program during a two-day, preliminary review held last week to assess preparations for Discovery's mission.

"After a thorough discussion and review of all current engineering analysis, we have determined that Discovery's panels do not need to be replaced before the mission," said Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, who chaired Tuesday's meeting.

During the shuttle's 120th mission, the shuttle and station crews will work with flight controllers at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, to add a module to the station that will serve as a port for installing future international laboratories. The Harmony module will be the first expansion of the living and working space on the station since 2001. The upcoming mission also will move the first set of solar arrays installed on the station to a permanent location on the complex and redeploy them.

The 14-day mission includes five spacewalks - four by shuttle crew members and one by the station's Expedition 16 crew. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6.

Joining Commander Melroy on STS-120 will be Pilot George Zamka and mission specialists Scott Parazynski, Stephanie Wilson, Doug Wheelock, Daniel Tani and Paolo Nespoli of the European Space Agency. Tani will remain aboard the station and return with the STS-122 crew, which is targeted to launch Dec. 6. Current Flight Engineer Clayton Anderson will return to Earth on Discovery after nearly five months on the station.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 17, 2007, 08:22:31 PM: NASA TV schedule is now listing the start time for launch and mission coverage at 6:30 am Eastern time on Oct. 23.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 17, 2007, 09:37:08 PM: Now that the launch has been approved for Oct. 23, here's my NASA TV events times:

October 19, Friday
12:30 p.m. - STS-120 crew arrival at SLF for launch

October 20, Saturday
10 a. m. - L-3 day Countdown Status Briefing

October 21, Sunday
10 a.m. - L-2 day Countdown Status Briefing
NET 4 p.m. - Post-Launch Readiness Review pressconference

October 22, Monday
10 a.m. - L-1 day Countdown Status Briefing

October 23, Tuesday
6:30 a.m. - Launch and mission coverage

All times are US Eastern time.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 19, 2007, 02:20:53 AM: MEDIA ADVISORY: M07-140

NASA SETS SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY PRELAUNCH EVENTS

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- News conferences, events and operating hours
for NASA's Kennedy Space Center News Center are set for the upcoming
launch of space shuttle Discovery. The STS-120 mission to the
International Space Station is set to lift off at 11:38 a.m. EDT on
Oct. 23.

On Friday, Oct. 19, the seven Discovery crew members are scheduled to
arrive at the Kennedy Space Center at 12:30 p.m. Badged media
planning to cover the event must be at Kennedy's News Center by 11
a.m. for transportation to the Shuttle Landing Facility. Commander
Pam Melroy will make a brief statement to media. NASA Television will
provide live coverage.

NASA TV also will broadcast live countdown status briefings and news
conferences Oct. 20-22. Complete listings of news briefing times and
participants as well as hours of operation for the Kennedy News
Center and media credentialing office are available at:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/news/index.html

For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For the latest information about the STS-120 crew and mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

-end-

STS-120 BRIEFING & EVENTS SCHEDULE
(All time are Eastern)

All briefings are held inside the Kennedy Press Site auditorium and
will be carried live on NASA TV unless otherwise noted.

L-4 Days - Friday, Oct. 19

12:30 p.m. - STS-120 crew arrival at Shuttle Landing Facility

L-3 Days - Saturday, Oct. 20

10 a.m. - Countdown Status Briefing
- Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA Test Director
- Glenn Chin, STS-120 Payload Manager
- Kathy Winters, Shuttle Weather Officer

2 p.m. - Launch countdown officially begins (not on NASA TV)

L-2 Days - Sunday, Oct. 21

10 a.m. - Countdown Status Briefing
- Jeff Spaulding, NASA Test Director
- Glenn Chin, STS-120 Payload Manager
- Kathy Winters, Shuttle Weather Officer

1 p.m. (no earlier than) - STS-120 Launch Readiness News Conference
- LeRoy Cain, Launch Integration Manager, Space Shuttle Program
- Mike Leinbach, Space Shuttle Launch Director
- Alan Thirkettle, ISS Program Manager, ESA
- Mauro Piermaria, ASI ESPERIA Mission Manager
- Kathy Winters, Shuttle Weather Officer

L-1 Day - Monday, Oct. 22

10 a.m. - Countdown Status Briefing
- Steve Payne, NASA Test Director
- Kathy Winters, Shuttle Weather Officer

11:30 a.m. - Live Astronaut Webcast with Sandra Magnus

1 p.m. - Constellation Briefing
- Mark Geyer, Deputy Manager, Constellation Program
- Mark Kirasich, Deputy Manager, Orion Project
- Bob Ess, Manager, Ares 1-X Project

3 p.m. - Rotating Service Structure moves to launch position

Launch Day - Tuesday, Aug. 7

6:30 a.m. - Live launch commentary begins

Launch Day Crew Activities: (times may vary slightly)
1:30 a.m. -- Crew wakes up (not on NASA TV)
7:08 a.m. -- Weather briefing (CDR, PLT, MS2) (not on NASA TV)
7:08 a.m. -- Astronauts don flight suits
7:48 a.m. -- Depart for launch pad
8:18 a.m. -- Arrive at white room and begin ingress
9:33 a.m. -- Close crew hatch
11:38 a.m. -- Launch

Launch + 1 hour - Post-launch News Conference
- Chris Scolese, NASA Associate Administrator
- Bill Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator for Space Operations
- LeRoy Cain, Mission Management Team
- Mike Leinbach, Space Shuttle Launch Director
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 19, 2007, 08:30:15 PM: The Rev. 0 NASA TV schedule for the STS-120/10A mission is now available here: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/mission_schedule.html (http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/mission_schedule.html)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 19, 2007, 08:42:54 PM: The first early launch weather forecast has been issued:

STS-120 Launch Weather Forecast
Vehicle: STS-120, Discovery
Issued: 19 October 2007/ 1130Z (0730EDT)
Valid: 23 October 2007/ 1533 - 1547Z (1133 ? 1147EDT)

Synoptic Discussion: Westerly wind flow is currently present in the low and mid-levels over Kennedy Space
Center, and the air mass is warm and moist. A sea breeze will develop this afternoon adding the trigger that will
cause afternoon thunderstorms. Saturday, a cold front will move into the area with the potential for isolated
showers and thunderstorms. This boundary will not progress very far to the south, and by Sunday, the boundary
will begin returning from the south moving through Central Florida late Sunday/early Monday. On launch day, high
pressure will be located off of the east coast of the US causing southeasterly flow over the east coast of Central
Florida, bringing a threat for coastal showers and cumulus cloud development at the onset of the east coast sea
breeze near launch time. Our primary concerns for launch day are cumulus clouds and showers. The
weather pattern remains similar the following two days as well.

Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch: 40%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds, showers.

Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 24-hour delay 40%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds, showers.

Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 48-hour delay 30%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds, showers.

Next forecast will be issued: 20 October 2007, 0800 EDT
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 19, 2007, 11:06:51 PM: Space Shuttle Crew Heads for Florida

The Shuttle Training Aircraft carrying the STS-120 astronauts is headed to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The jet departed Ellington Field in Texas at about 11:24 a.m. EDT. The crew is expected to land at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility between 1 and 1:30 p.m. Their arrival will be carried live on NASA TV.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 19, 2007, 11:26:21 PM: Flight crew has arrived at the SLF!
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 20, 2007, 10:35:25 PM: NASA managers overseeing the launch preparations for STS-120 said space shuttle Discovery is ready for two weeks in space.

"All of our systems are in good shape," NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said.

The extensive staff of engineers who conduct the countdown will report to the Launch Control Center on Saturday afternoon and the countdown will begin at 2 p.m.

The Italian-built Harmony module Discovery is carrying to the International Space Station is also in good shape, payload manager Glenn Chin said. The station segment weighs more than 31,000 pounds and will serve as a connecting point for laboratory modules from NASA and the European and Japanese space agencies.

Weather officer Kathy Winters pointed to some concerns that rain showers and clouds could interfere with Discovery's launch. She said there is a 60 percent chance of favorable weather at launch time. Liftoff is scheduled for 11:38 a.m. Tuesday.

Discovery's crew of seven astronauts arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Friday. They have been going through final checklists and preparations of their own for Tuesday's planned lift off.

Crew members Pam Melroy and George Zamka flew simulated space shuttle landings early Saturday morning aboard a Gulfstream business jet modified to mimic the flight characteristics of a gliding shuttle.

STS-120 is scheduled to return to Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at 4:47 a.m. Nov. 6.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 20, 2007, 11:40:19 PM: S0007 CTS has occured on time. The countdown will begin at T-1 day, 19 hours and it is the equivalent to T-43 hours in the overall countdown which includes 28 hours of hold time.

The countdown begins approx. 70 hours before targeted lift-off time. At Launch Complex 39A the aft engine compartment has been closed out for flight and the flight doors have been installed for launch.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 21, 2007, 12:02:07 AM: T-43 hours and counting! S0007 ops are now in work by the launch team. Primary work will be focused on reading the launch pad facilities and Discovery for the loading of the cryogenic reactants for the three power producing fuel cells into storage spheres beneath the payload bay liner. This is scheduled to start at 11:30 am EDT tommorow with the loading of liquid oxygen.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 21, 2007, 12:07:00 AM: A webbased version of the KSC Pressite countdown clock can be viewed here: http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/cdt/ (http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/cdt/)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 21, 2007, 04:08:09 PM: T-27 hours and holding for 4 hours!
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 21, 2007, 08:01:58 PM: T-27 hours and counting!
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Admin on October 21, 2007, 08:05:26 PM: Briefing on NASA TV at this moment.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 21, 2007, 08:36:40 PM: Quote from: Admin on October 21, 2007, 08:05:26 PM
Briefing on NASA TV at this moment.

/Admin
Yep. Working no technical issues, tracking according to schedule on the S0007 bar chart. PRSD LO2 servicing at 11:30 am to 2 pm EDT. Picking up PRSD LH2 servicing at 2 pm through 4:30 pm EDT.

Weather on Tuesday is still 40% of KSC weather conditions prohibiting launch. Wednesday is 40% with Thursday at 30%.

Also, the L-2 MMT meeting has wrapped up far earlier than anticipated and the press conference is now scheduled for 11 am EDT, in 25 minutes.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Firefighterdan on October 21, 2007, 11:34:20 PM: I watched. It was interesting. :)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Skylab on October 22, 2007, 12:48:53 AM: Argh... The launch is during my prices :'( >:(
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Admin on October 22, 2007, 02:20:54 AM: Quote from: Skylab on October 22, 2007, 12:48:53 AM
Argh... The launch is during my prices :'( >:(

Say what?

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Firefighterdan on October 22, 2007, 02:24:15 AM: I was wondering the same thing ???
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Skylab on October 22, 2007, 03:00:25 AM: Quote from: Admin on October 22, 2007, 02:20:54 AM
Quote from: Skylab on October 22, 2007, 12:48:53 AM
Argh... The launch is during my prices :'( >:(

Say what?

/Admin

Oops sorry, translate: the launch is during school, unfortunately... :'(
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 22, 2007, 04:29:49 AM: Right now in the 19 hours hold which was started 27 minutes ago at 6 pm EDT. Also PRSD servicing was completed about 1 hour and 50 minutes later than anticipated due to bad weather that held up LH2 servicing. They got plenty of time to catch up however.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 22, 2007, 06:28:12 PM: STS-120 Launch Weather Forecast
Vehicle: STS-120, Discovery
Issued: 22 October 2007/ 1100Z (0700EDT)
Valid: 23 October 2007/ 1533 - 1547Z (1133 ? 1147EDT)

Synoptic Discussion: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are affecting the coastal area this morning.
This afternoon, the east coast sea breeze will push inland allowing for favorable weather for the Rotating Service
Structure retract operations. A decrease in atmospheric moisture over Kennedy Space Center will also allow for
favorable weather during the external tank fueling operations tomorrow morning. By launch time, high pressure will
be located off of the east coast of the U.S. causing south-southeasterly flow over Central Florida. With this weather
pattern, there is a threat of coastal showers, cumulus cloud development, and a low-cloud ceiling at the onset of
the east coast sea breeze near launch time. Our primary concerns for launch day are cumulus clouds,
showers, and a low-cloud ceiling. The upper-level low in the Central U.S. will most likely cut-off over the Texas
area, preventing the associated cold front from progressing toward Florida until no earlier than the end of the week.

Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch: 60%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds, showers, low-cloud ceiling.

Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 24-hour delay: 40%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds, showers.

Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 48-hour delay: 40%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds, showers.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Firefighterdan on October 22, 2007, 06:43:02 PM: If is get's delayed I may get to watch after all. ;D
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Admin on October 22, 2007, 07:08:50 PM: The numbers do not look good to me.

This reminds me the scrubbed STS-116 launch that I attended. Weather was just like this and numbers were very similar. We thought - "40% is still a good chance for launch"... and it wasn't even raining. It all had to do with the cloud ceiling and cover (and winds). NASA wants to have a clear and on-going visual link with the Shuttle during the Ascent phase and heavy clouds may prohibit that.
What was funny is that the winds calmed down exactly within the launch window, but the cloud cover didn't let go.

We waited until the T-last few minutes for the weather to clear and then it was scrubbed. We went form high to low spirits several times during the waiting period.

I hope I am wrong, but I do not envy those who bought tickets to the launch... they might as well return on the 25th...

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 22, 2007, 08:07:58 PM: SMG at JSC Wx forecast for CONUS and TAL sites:

NOUS54 KWNJ 220952
OAVJSC

NOAA/NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
SPACEFLIGHT METEOROLOGY GROUP / WS8
LYNDON B. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
HOUSTON TX 77058
500 AM CDT MONDAY OCTOBER 22 2007

LANDING FORECAST FOR STS-120

EXPECTED LAUNCH TIME: 1538Z
DATE: 10/23/07

RETURN TO LAUNCH SITE (RTLS) - VALID LAUNCH TIME + 25 MINUTES
SHUTTLE LANDING FACILITY... KENNEDY SPACE CENTER FL
KSC SCT030 SCT250 7 15008P13
SHRA WI 20NM CHC BKN030

TRANS-OCEANIC ABORT LANDING SITES (TAL) - VALID LAUNCH TIME + 35 MINUTES

ZARAGOZA...SPAIN
ZZA SCT090 BKN180 7 32018P28
MDT TURB 300-400

MORON...SPAIN
MRN SCT050 SCT200 7 26008P13

ISTRES...FRANCE
FMI FEW090 BKN200 7 34020P30

ABORT-ONCE-AROUND SITE (AOA) - VALID LAUNCH TIME + 90 MINUTES
NOR SKC 7 02014P22

PRIMARY LANDING SITE (PLS) - VALID 10/23/07 20Z TO 10/23/07 21Z
EDW SKC 7 05015P25

FLIGHT RULE VIOLATIONS:
KSC ... CIG/PRECIP
NOR ... NONE
EDW ... NONE
ZZA ... HWIND
MRN ... NONE
FMI ... HWIND

THE NEXT SCHEDULED FORECAST WILL BE ISSUED 22/2200

KSC ...KENNEDY SPACE CENTER...FL
ICAO ID IS KTTS
NOR ...NORTHRUP STRIP WHITE SANDS SPACE HARBOR...NM
ICAO ID IS KE28 (KHMN IS NEARBY)
EDW ...EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE...CA
ICAO ID IS KEDW
ZZA...ZARAGOZA SPAIN
ICAO ID IS LEZG
MRN...MORON SPAIN
ICAO ID IS LEMO
FMI...ISTRES FRANCE
ICAO ID IS LFMI
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 22, 2007, 08:44:35 PM: Space Shuttle Discovery is Ready; Weather Remains a Concern

The countdown to launch of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-120 mission is proceeding smoothly at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Test Director Steve Payne announced at this morning's countdown status briefing.

"At this point in the count, we're on schedule, our systems are all good and we're in great shape," Payne said, adding that the launch team is not tracking any technical issues. However, the weather forecast for Tuesday continues to pose a threat to NASA's launch plans. Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the seabreeze could begin developing by the 11:38 a.m. EDT launch time. There is a 60-percent chance that cumulus clouds, showers and a low cloud ceiling could keep Discovery grounded.

Because launch times are earlier each day, the forecast improves slightly for Wednesday and Thurdsday, with a 40-percent probability of weather prohibiting liftoff.

Discovery's crew of seven astronauts arrived in Florida on Friday and have been going through final checklists and preparations for Tuesday's liftoff.

Discovery is scheduled to return to Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at 4:47 a.m. Nov. 6.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 22, 2007, 09:33:34 PM: Engine Service Platform(ESP) is being transported to the launch position now, 3? hours later than planned as outlined by the S0007 bar chart.

(http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/7028/chan3largeespxportertoltv0.th.jpg) (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=chan3largeespxportertoltv0.jpg)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 23, 2007, 01:27:00 AM: RSS retract for launch is about to get underway. Live views can be seen here: http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan3large.jpg (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan3large.jpg) and here: http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan3large.jpg (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan3large.jpg)

You can also get a live video feed here: http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/rrg2.pl?encoder/cif.rm (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/rrg2.pl?encoder/cif.rm)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 23, 2007, 01:41:52 AM: RSS retract for launch is underway!
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 23, 2007, 02:05:34 AM: RSS retract complete!
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 23, 2007, 02:11:13 AM: Starting at midnight(12 am) EDT, NASA TV plans to provide a static shot from LC-39A of Discovery. Launch coverage remains set for 6:30 am EDT.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Admin on October 23, 2007, 02:12:20 AM: Quote from: DaveS on October 23, 2007, 01:27:00 AM
RSS retract for launch is about to get underway. Live views can be seen here: http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan3large.jpg (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan3large.jpg) and here: http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan3large.jpg (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan3large.jpg)

You can also get a live video feed here: http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/rrg2.pl?encoder/cif.rm (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/rrg2.pl?encoder/cif.rm)

Any Windows Media link?

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 23, 2007, 02:21:31 AM: Quote from: Admin on October 23, 2007, 02:12:20 AM
Any Windows Media link?
Unfortunetely not. But RealPlayer isn't that bad. I have used far worse software in my days.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 23, 2007, 12:22:32 PM: T-6 hours and counting.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: DaveS on October 23, 2007, 01:39:15 PM: Tanking operations have now been underway for more than an hour, everything continues to look good for launch later today. NASA TV is currently airing a static shot from the LC-39A perimeter camera.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 03:41:06 PM: Countdown is currently holding at T-3:00:00
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 05:48:35 PM: ... and is now moving again, just now. yay!
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 07:15:33 PM: T-1:30

getting close!
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 07:33:20 PM: apparently 4 inches by half inch ice on the ET somewhere they say, apparently it's being discussed... :-\ (T-1:11)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Admin on October 23, 2007, 07:41:47 PM: Quote from: james on October 23, 2007, 07:33:20 PM
apparently 4 inches by half inch ice on the ET somewhere they say, apparently it's being discussed... :-\ (T-1:11)

On one of the umbilical connections to the "Liquid Hydrogen starboard side". That's a place where "they'd rather not have ice on" to quote Shuttle Launch staff because it may chip off and damage a tile during launch.

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Admin on October 23, 2007, 07:46:47 PM: T-000:01:00:00 and counting! Fingers crossed, we may still have a launch today!

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 07:52:18 PM: so now the inspection will take half an hour! >:(
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 08:02:23 PM: does anyone happen to be recording any of the streams?
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 08:15:53 PM: go ahead so far! :D

T-00:30:00!
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Admin on October 23, 2007, 08:22:16 PM: Watching those clouds move - they have some strong winds now! Liftoff rescheduled...

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 08:26:27 PM: T-00:20:00 and holding :(
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 08:29:51 PM: i've never seen this before - what are those two guys putting on their backs??
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 08:44:47 PM: T-00:09:00 and holding!
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Admin on October 23, 2007, 08:54:57 PM: I don't like those clouds and winds!

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 08:58:08 PM: yeah, that wind looks substantial.
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 09:07:30 PM: the ice seems to be melting :)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Admin on October 23, 2007, 09:28:53 PM: "GO FOR LAUNCH!"

Watch it live on NASA TV at:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

/Admin
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: james on October 23, 2007, 09:38:38 PM: yeehah!
Title: STS-120 Liftoff! Wishing them a successful Mission and a safe return home!
Post by: Admin on October 23, 2007, 09:41:03 PM: The Space Shuttle Mission 2007(tm) Team wishes the STS-120 Crew a successful mission and a safe return home!

(http://www.space-shuttle-mission.com/pic/STS-120-wish.jpg)
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: desktopsimmer on October 23, 2007, 09:50:01 PM: Meco and sep from tank, Good luck STS-120
Title: Re: STS-120
Post by: Admin on October 23, 2007, 09:52:04 PM: Now mission comments, reports and discussions will move to the STS-120 Liftoff thread :)

/Admin.