STS-114 - Shuttle-Mission 1 nach dem Columbia-Unglück

[Spocky]

Ich les hier auch mit - zwar nicht jedes einzelne Detail, aber die Grundzüge auf alle Fälle

[STS-Chris]

Launch of STS-114:
T - 034d 05h 43m



Space Shuttle Status


NASA nixes third tanking test for shuttle Discovery


June 6, 2005

NASA managers today ruled out a third tanking test for the shuttle Discovery, keeping launch of the first post-Columbia mission on target for July 13. The launch window extends to July 31 and as of this writing, engineers have five days of contingency time in the launch processing schedule to handle unexpected problems between now and the opening of the window.

Still to come: final disposition of questions about the risk posed by ice debris during launch; a final report by the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group regarding NASA's implementation of post-Columbia safety upgrades; and a formal flight readiness review to clear Discovery for flight.

The debris verification review, which will quantify the threat posed by ice debris based on a flurry of recent tests and extensive analysis, is targeted for June 24, followed by the Stafford-Covey group's final meeting and the two-day flight readiness review, which will be held at the Kennedy Space Center.

Among the debris threats still on the table is the question of possible ice buildups around brackets near the top of the external tank.

Assuming no show stoppers emerge during the meetings later this month, commander Eileen Collins and her crew will fly to Kennedy July 9 for the start of the countdown to blastoff of the 114th shuttle mission. Liftoff July 13 is targeted for 3:51 p.m. EDT (1951 GMT).

NASA had hoped to launch Discovery in May, but problems cropped up during a fueling test April 14 that contributed to a decision to delay the flight to mid July. During that test, two of four liquid hydrogen fuel depletion sensors (also known as engine cutoff sensors) failed to operate properly and a pressure relief valve that helps maintain hydrogen tank pressurization in the final two minutes of the countdown cycled more often than usual.

At the same time, the ongoing ice debris verification review raised questions about potentially dangerous buildups of ice around a liquid oxygen feedline bellows assembly that could shake off during launch and damage the shuttle's fragile heat shield tiles or wing leading edge panels.

NASA managers ultimately decided to delay launch and to move Discovery to a different set of boosters and a modified external tank equipped with a heater on the feedline bellows to prevent ice formation. Engineers are still debating the threat posed by ice around brackets at the top of the tank.

The new tank also features an older-style single-screen diffuser, which injects a jet of helium gas into the hydrogen tank to help keep the supercold fuel circulating at the proper temperature. It also provides the pressurization needed after the tank is isolated from ground systems one minute 52 seconds prior to launch.

Engineers believe the unusual valve cycling during the April 14 tanking test was due to a newer style dual-screen diffuser. During the April 14 test and a second tanking test May 20, the valve cycled 13 times. Based on past experience, it was expected to cycle eight or nine times.

By switching back to the older single-screen diffuser, engineers are confident the problem will not recur during the launch countdown. But testing continues to make sure.

As for the engine cutoff sensors, NASA managers now believe the intermittent operation in April most likely was do to a wiring issue that was resolved during troubleshooting. The sensors worked properly during the May 20 tanking test and engineers believe the sensors in Discovery's new tank will behave normally as well.


Credit: spaceflightnow.com






STS-114 Image Gallery:


For high resolution images: KSC Multimedia Gallery (Keywords: Discovery or STS-114)


June 6, 2005

KSC-05PD-1240 (06/06/2005)

KSC-05PD-1241 (06/06/2005)

KSC-05PD-1242 (06/06/2005)



KSC-05PD-1244 (06/06/2005)
In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers check under the nose of the orbiter Discovery as the 175-ton bridge crane slowly lifts Discovery off the orbiter transporter. Discovery is being lifted to vertical for the remate with the new External Tank, ET-121, and Solid Rocket Boosters in high bay 3.


KSC-05PD-1245 (06/06/2005)

KSC-05PD-1246 (06/06/2005)


June 7, 2005

KSC-05PD-1247 (06/07/2005)

KSC-05PD-1248 (06/07/2005)

KSC-05PD-1249 (06/07/2005)



KSC-05PD-1250 (06/07/2005)
Suspended by a 175-ton bridge crane, the orbiter Discovery is lowered next to the new External Tank, ET-121, and Solid Rocket Boosters in high bay 3 for mating. That tank was originally scheduled to fly with Atlantis on the second Return to Flight mission, STS-121. A new heater was added to the tank's feedline bellows, part of the pipeline that carries the liquid oxygen to the orbiter’s main engines, to minimize the potential for ice and frost buildup. After the remate, technicians will work final closeouts on the fully assembled Space Shuttle stack, and perform liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen electrical mates and an interface verification test. Discovery is currently scheduled to return to Launch Pad 39B on June 13.


KSC-05PD-1251 (06/07/2005)

KSC-05PD-1252 (06/07/2005)

KSC-05PD-1253 (06/07/2005)

KSC-05PD-1254 (06/07/2005)



Video File

KSC-05-S-00160 (06/07/2005)
NASA Space Shuttle Status Report


Credit: NASA/KSC



NASA TV

[STS-Chris]

Launch of STS-114:
T - 029d 03h 37m


12. Juni 2005

Die letzten Vorbereitungen für den Transport der Discovery zurück zur Startrampe 39B haben begonnen. Das Herausrollen aus dem Montagegebäude (Vehicle Assembly Building) ist für Dienstag um 07:00 Uhr MESZ (1 a.m. EDT) geplant.
Die Nutzlast wird in die Ladebucht verfrachtet, sobald das Shuttle die Startrampe erreicht hat.
Die Nutzlast besteht aus dem italienischem Versorgungsmodul Raffaello, gefüllt mit Ausrüstung und Material für die Internationale Raumstation, eine neue externe Verstauungsplattform, die an die Station montiert wird und ein neues Gyroskop, um ein seit einigen Jahren defektes Gyroskop der Station zu ersetzen.


13. Juni 2005

Das Herausrollen der Discovery verzögert sich um einen Tag, da die Vorbereitungen am Cape mehr Zeit eingenommen hat als ursprünglich geplant. Der Transport zur Startrampe 39B ist nun für Mittwoch um 06:01 Uhr MESZ (12:01 a.m. EDT) festgelegt worden.

Quelle: spaceflightnow.com





ISS Expedition 11 News:

Sergej Krikaljow rückt auf den zweiten Platz

12. Juni 2005

Die elfte Stammbesatzung an Bord der Internationalen Raumstation verbrachte die Woche mit dem Bereitmachen auf neue Ausrüstungsgegenstände und neue Versorgungsgüter, während sich der russische Kommandant Sergej Krikaljow auf den zweiten Platz der Rekordtabelle für den Aufenthalt im Weltraum verbesserte.

Die Expedition Crew 11 (EC-11), die sich aus dem russischen Commander (CDR) Sergej Krikaljow und dem amerikanischen Flight Engineer (FE) und National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) International Space Station (ISS) Science Officer (SO) John Phillips zusammensetzt, beschäftigte sich mit dem Ausführen wissenschaftlicher Experimente, der Behebung der Schwierigkeiten des russischen Sauerstofferzeugungssystems Elektron und dem Verstauen von Abfällen und anderer nicht mehr notwendiger Dinge in der russischen Progress M-52 zur Beseitigung.

Auf seiner sechsten Weltraummission und seinem vierten ausgedehnten Aufenthalt im Weltraum, jeweils zwei auf der russischen Weltraumstation Mir und der ISS, verdrängte CDR Krikaljow den russischen Kosmonauten Waleri Poljakow vom zweiten Platz der Rekordtabelle, was den Aufenthalt im Weltraum angeht. In mehr als zwei Monaten wird er auf dem ersten Platz der Rekordtabelle stehen, den im Moment Sergej Awdejew mit 747 Tagen behauptet.

Während der Woche wechselte CDR Krikaljow das große Flüssigkeitselement in Elektron aus, um es in zwei Wochen bei einem Versuch wieder in Gang zu setzen. An Bord der Progress M-53 sollen neue Filter für die Gasleitungen transportiert werden, die vor der versuchten Aktivierung installiert werden sollen.

In der Zwischenzeit reichern CDR Krikaljow und FE und NASA ISS SO Phillips die Atmosphäre der ISS weiter jeweils mit zwei Solid Fuel Oxygen Generation (SFOG) Canisters am Tag an, die den Sauerstoff aus einem chemischen Verfahren herstellen. Von den SFOG-Canisters befinden sich reichlich an Bord der ISS, wobei weitere an Bord der Progress M-53 transportiert werden sollen.

Mit dem Auffüllen der Sauerstoffreserven durch die Progress M-53, Progress M-54 und Progress M-55 wird der Sauerstoff selbst mit einem nicht funktionierenden Elektron bis zumindest nächstes Jahr reichen. Zusätzlich sollen neue Elektron-Elemente und -Ersatzteile transportiert werden.

Während der Woche arbeitete FE und NASA ISS SO Phillips mit einem wissenschaftlichen Experiment, das die Muskelkraft hauptsächlich in seinen Beinen und seinen Füßen misst. In bestimmten Zeitabständen vor der Mission und während der Mission ermittelte Informationen ermöglichen es den Principle Investigators (PIs) den Knochen- und Muskelabbau in eine Wechselbeziehung zu bringen, um Gegenmaßnahmen für zukünftige ausgedehnte Aufenthalte des Menschen im Weltraum zu entwickeln.

Nächste Woche werden CDR Krikaljow und FE und NASA ISS SO Phillips des Verstauen von Abfällen und anderer nicht mehr notwendiger Dinge in der Progress M-52 abschließen, so dass sie am Mittwoch, dem 15. Juni 2005 abkoppeln kann. Durch die Abkopplung vom Service Module Swjesda macht sie Platz für die Ankopplung der Progress M-53, am Samstag, dem 18. Juni 2005, die am Donnerstag, dem 16. Juni 2005 in den Weltraum aufbrechen soll.

Quelle: Raumfahrer.net




NASA TV

[Spocky]

Wenn sich der Start der Space Shuttles noch weiter hinauszögert, wird Krikaljow am Ende wohl auch noch den ersten Platz übernehmen

Wie viele Tage hat er denn schon? Entweder hab ich das überlesen, oder die Angabe steht wirklich nicht drin

[STS-Chris]

Rekordtabelle: Aufenthaltsdauer im Weltraum


1 Awdejew, Sergej (RUS)

1 ... Sojus TM-15 ... Mir ... 27.07.1992 - 01.02.1993 ... 188d 21h 41m
2 ... Sojus TM-22 ... Mir ... 03.09.1995 - 29.02.1996 ... 179d 01h 41m
3 ... Sojus TM-28 ... Mir ... 13.08.1998 - 28.08.1999 ... 379d 14h 52m

Gesamtdauer: ....................................................... 747d 14h 14m



2 Krikaljow, Sergej (RUS)

1 ... Sojus TM-7 ..... Mir ........ 26.11.1988 - 27.04.1989 ... 151d 11h 10m
2 ... Sojus TM-12 ... Mir ........ 18.05.1991 - 25.03.1992 ... 311d 20h 01m
3 ... STS-60 .......... OV-103 .. 03.02.1994 - 11.02.1994 ...... 8d 07h 09m
4 ... STS-88 .......... OV-105 .. 04.12.1998 - 15.12.1998 ..... 11d 19h 18m
5 ... Sojus TM-31 ... ISS 1 ..... 31.10.2000 - 21.03.2001 ... 140d 23h 38m
6 ... Sojus TMA-6 ... ISS 11 ... 15.04.2005 - heute (14.6.) .. 61d

Gesamtdauer bisher: ................................................... 685d 09h 16m
Resttage bis zum Rekord: .............................................. 63d
Datum des Rekords: .................................................... 16. August 2005



3 Poljakow, Waleri (RUS)

1 ... Sojus TM-6 .... Mir ... 29.08.1988 - 27.04.1989 ... 240d 22h 34m
2 ... Sojus TM-18 ... Mir ... 08.01.1994 - 22.03.1995 ... 437d 17h 58m

Gesamtdauer: ....................................................... 678d 16h 32m

[STS-Chris]

Launch of STS-114:
T - 028d 02h 50m


Next milestone:

Rollout to launch pad 39B

Wednesday,
12:01 a.m. EDT (Cape Canaveral)
06:01 CEST (Central Europe)




Video File

KSC-05-S-00161 (06/09/2005)
At Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Discovery has been remated to its External Tank and twin Solid Rocket Boosters.




STS-114 Image Gallery:


For high resolution images: KSC Multimedia Gallery (Keywords: Discovery or STS-114)


June 13, 2005

KSC-05PD-1286 (06/13/2005)
The payloads that will launch aboard Space Shuttle Discovery's Return to Flight mission STS-114 leave the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for a two-hour journey to Launch Pad 39B. Enclosed in a payload canister, the payloads are heading for Launch Pad 39B. There, the canister will be lifted up alongside the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload Changeout Room where the STS-114 payloads will be removed. Discovery’s payloads include the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC), and the External Stowage Platform-2 (ESP-2). Raffaello will deliver supplies to the International Space Station including food, clothing and research equipment. The LMC will carry a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope and a tile repair sample box. The ESP-2 is outfitted with replacement parts. Discovery’s launch window extends from July 13 through July 31.

KSC-05PD-1287 (06/13/2005)

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KSC-05PD-1291 (06/13/2005)


June 14, 2005

KSC-05PD-1295 (06/14/2005)



KSC-05PD-1296 (06/14/2005)
From an upper level in the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Discovery appears small in comparison to the stack of External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters behind it. Space Shuttle Discovery is waiting for rollout to Launch Pad 39B, expected to begin about 12:01 a.m. June 15 for the 4-mile, 6-hour trip. Space Shuttle Discovery's Return to Flight mission STS-114 is scheduled for liftoff in a window extending from July 13 to July 31.


KSC-05PD-1297 (06/14/2005)



Credit: NASA/KSC



NASA TV

[Spocky]

@ Chris: Danke für die Aufstellung. Schon echt hammermäßig, was die schon alles auf dem Buckel haben

[STS-Chris]

Rollout of Discovery to launch pad 39B:
Timeline


Watch the Rollout live at NASA TV!


04:00 CEST (Central European Summer Time) Wednesday
10:00 p.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) Tuesday

The giant doors of the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 3 have been opened tonight, providing a glimpse at the backside of space shuttle Discovery's tank and boosters. Rollout is scheduled to get underway in a couple of hours.


06:01 CEST (12:01 a.m. EDT)

The start of tonight's rollout is being pushed back a half-hour due to delays in transferring the mobile platform from ground-fed power to internal supplies.


06:05 CEST (12:05 a.m. EDT)

Despite the slight delay in beginning Discovery's trek to the launch pad, which is now anticipated to start around 12:30 a.m. EDT (06:30 CEST), NASA spokesman George Diller says activities have been going pretty well this evening.


06:10 CEST (12:10 a.m. EDT)

The weather forecast calls for light and variable winds for the overnight rollout. There's only a 10 percent chance of rain during the 8-hour rollout time frame.


06:15 CEST (12:15 a.m. EDT)

Work that is underway right now in the Vehicle Assembly Building is final retractions of access platforms around the shuttle vehicle.


06:17 CEST (12:17 a.m. EDT)

The power handover from facility supplies to the platform itself is continuing. Technicians are experiencing difficulty with this process, prompting some troubleshooting, NASA says.

Rollout is now expected to start around 12:45 a.m. (06:45 CEST).

"No showstoppers at this time," Kennedy Space Center spokesman George Diller says. "We're just a little bit behind because of some minor problems."


06:33 CEST (12:33 a.m. EDT)

The platform has successfully switched from the Vehicle Assembly Building power to its internal supplies. One final access plank remains to be retracted. So rollout should be getting underway shortly.


06:39 CEST (12:39 a.m. EDT)

Pre-rollout sweeps of the mobile launch platform by safety personnel have completed. The platform's compartments are now manned. Communications checks between the various observers stationed to monitor the shuttle's exit through the VAB doorway will begin in about five minutes. And then the jacking and leveling operations of Discovery's platform and transporter starts, which should take 20-25 minutes to complete. Rollout is now estimated to begin around 1:15 a.m. EDT (07:15 CEST) at the earliest.


06:46 CEST (12:46 a.m. EDT)

Shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach has given the "go" to start the jacking and leveling operations. This lifts Discovery's mobile launch platform from the VAB pedestals for the transportation to pad 39B today.


06:47 CEST (12:47 a.m. EDT)

Shuttle weather officer Kathy Winters reports that conditions will be acceptable throughout the next eight hours during Discovery's slow roll from the assembly building to the pad.


07:01 CEST (1:01 a.m. EDT)

The crawler-transporter is being raised to essentially pick up the mobile launch platform -- upon which Discovery stands -- for the 4.2-mile ferry to the pad. The platform has been resting on pedestals in the VAB during assembly of the shuttle pieces.


07:02 CEST (1:02 a.m. EDT)

The rollout start time is now expected around 1:30 a.m (07:30 CEST).


07:16 CEST (1:16 a.m. EDT)

The platform is hovering a few inches above the pedestals, which are located in all four corners, as the jacking work continues.


07:23 CEST (1:23 a.m. EDT)

Technicians report that the platform should reach the proper clearance height above the pedestals in about five minutes.


07:27 CEST (1:27 a.m. EDT)

A 25-foot clear zone is being established around the shuttle transporter in preparation for the rollout. The jacking and leveling is almost complete.


07:37 CEST (1:37 a.m. EDT)

One of the rollout observers noticed a possible obstruction of the shuttle platform by a VAB work plank. That is being checked out right now. There is no new estimate on when rollout will begin.


07:45 CEST (1:45 a.m. EDT)

The latest estimate has the rollout starting around 2 a.m. (08:00 CEST), pending resolution of concerns with the platform obstruction.


07:53 CEST (1:53 a.m. EDT)

A technician is adjusting the positioning of a flex hose on the left-hand solid rocket booster to ensure good clearance with one of the Vehicle Assembly Building's myriad of access planks. This extra work was ordered after an observer noted a possible obstruction.


07:54 CEST (1:54 a.m. EDT)

The official "go" has been given to start rolling to the launch pad in the next few minutes.


07:58 CEST (1:58 a.m. EDT)

ROLLOUT HAS BEGUN! First motion of space shuttle Discovery's rollout to launch pad 39B occurred at 1:58 a.m. EDT (07:58 CEST), beginning this 4.2-mile trek that should take eight hours to complete.

The first minutes of the rollout will proceed very slowly as the shuttle is moved out of the tight confines of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once outside the building, the transporter is allowed to rev up to its maximum drive speed of one mile per hour.


08:17 CEST (2:17 a.m. EDT)

Discovery is now outdoors as the rollout inches along. We'll provide further updates later this morning as the shuttle nears the pad.


08:20 CEST (2:20 a.m. EDT)

The space shuttle Discovery, bolted to an upgraded external tank and a fresh set of boosters, began its glacial return to pad 39B early today for work to ready the ship for blastoff July 13.


10:55 CEST (4:55 a.m. EDT)

Discovery remains en route to launch pad 39B on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. But this morning's rollout has been slowed a bit by problems with overheated bearings in the crawler-transporter. The shuttle is supposed to arrive at the pad around 10 a.m. EDT (16:00 CEST).


12:30 CEST (6:30 a.m. EDT)

It has been extra-slow going for Discovery. Overheating troubles with bearings on the Apollo-era crawler-transporter have caused reduced speeds and some stops along the way. Arrival at launch pad 39B is now expected no earlier than 12 noon EDT (18:00 CEST).


Credit: spaceflightnow.com

[STS-Chris]

Rollout Status:


13:35 CEST (7:35 a.m. EDT)

The transporter has made the northward turn where the crawlerway splits between pads 39A and 39B.

After moving at about 0.5 mph during the rollout while monitoring bearing overheating concerns, the crawler drivers have been able to pick up the pace to about 0.7 mph. But the transporter has not been allowed to reach its top speed of 1 mph.


14:03 CEST (8:03 a.m. EDT)

The bearing temperature has stabilized and the crawler's speed is now 0.95 miles per hour, which is almost top speed for the transporter.

NASA expects the shuttle will be on the pad before 12 noon EDT (before 18:00 CEST). The protective gantry-like rotating service structure should be moved around the orbiter by 1 p.m. (19:00 CEST) to shield Discovery from any adverse weather conditions this afternoon.


14:31 CEST (8:31 a.m. EDT)

The transporter has stopped again. Technicians are repacking the troublesome bearing that has been running hotter than desired during today's rollout. NASA says this quick "pit stop" to lubricate the bearing should take about 10 minutes.

Based on the progress made so far, the shuttle is expected to begin rolling up the pad's inclined ramp a little after 10 a.m. EDT (16:00 CEST).


14:58 CEST (8:58 a.m. EDT)

Now seven hours into today's rollout of Discovery. The shuttle has resumed moving after another greasing of a bearing in the transporter. Technicians have been forced to do that a few times during the rollout.


15:30 CEST (9:30 a.m. EDT)

The current speed is 0.9 mph. The latest estimation predicts Discovery should reach the launch pad ramp in a half-hour or so. It will take 30-45 minutes to travel up the incline, and the shuttle should be over the pad pedestals by around 11:30 a.m. (17:30 CEST).


16:09 CEST (10:09 a.m. EDT)

Discovery has reached the perimeter fence to enter into launch complex 39B.


16:20 CEST (10:20 a.m. EDT)

It should take 30 to 45 minutes for the transporter to climb the five percent incline ramp to the pad surface. The crawler's jacking and leveling system will be critical during this time. The vehicle uses hydraulic lifts to keep the shuttle level during the ramp ascent by jacking up the front-end of the mobile launch platform.


16:48 CEST (10:48 a.m. EDT)

The transporter continues its extremely slow roll up the pad ramp. There are no technical problems being reported.


16:58 CEST (10:58 a.m. EDT)

Discovery is creeping onto the level pad surface as the rollout passes the nine-hour mark.

A precision laser guidance system will help align the mobile launch platform over the pad pedestals. The crawler-transporter then lowers the platform onto the pedestals to complete the rollout.


17:30 CEST (11:30 a.m. EDT)

Just a few feet remain to place the platform atop the pad pedestals.


17:45 CEST (11:45 a.m. EDT)

The platform is being aligned with the pedestals now.


17:58 CEST (11:58 a.m. EDT)

Discovery is atop launch pad 39B to begin the final month of preparations leading to liftoff in mid-July. Technicians still must lower the platform onto the pad pedestals over the next hour or so and then begin the extensive connections of fuel, electrical and communication lines between the ground and shuttle.

Plans call for Discovery's payload bay doors to be opened tomorrow and the cargo to be installed into the orbiter on Friday. The cargo pieces include the Italian-made Raffaello supply module filled with equipment and materials for the International Space Station, a new external stowage platform that will be mounted to the station and a fresh control-stabilizing gyroscope to replace one that failed a couple of years ago.


18:43 CEST (12:43 p.m. EDT)

The transporter has lowered the mobile launch platform to the pad's four pedestals. The crawler will be disengaged and driven away, leaving Discovery on the pad following today's successful rollout.


Credit: spaceflightnow.com

[STS-Chris]

Launch of STS-114:
T - 027d 04h 22m



Discovery back at launch pad

Shuttle rolled out this morning at KSC

By CHRIS KRIDLER
FLORIDA TODAY

CAPE CANAVERAL - Discovery's second roll to its launch pad at Kennedy Space Center was slowed by overheating bearings in the crawler-transporter, but the shuttle reached the pad just after noon.

Its move out of the Vehicle Assembly Building began at 1:58 a.m. today, two hours behind schedule because of technical issues. The crawler had to pause so workers could grease a bearing, and then it plugged along at half speed before again cranking forward at 1 mph.

"After having gone in the backwards direction for a little bit of time, although we knew it was the right thing to do, it definitely feels good to be back on track, heading out to the pad," said Stephanie Stilson, NASA's manager for Discovery.

There are five days of cushion in the schedule for meeting the opening of the July 13-31 launch window, she said.

Early this morning, after workers checked out a possible obstruction in the Vehicle Assembly Building, the shuttle stack and crawler got under way.

With the orbiter, twin solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank on board, the moving behemoth weighs about 17.5 million pounds. Crawler drivers switch out several times during the operation.

An orange sun rose behind the orbiter, but managers were anxious to get the shuttle enclosed in its protective service structure before storms formed later in the day. The shuttle didn't get rained on.

Discovery had to roll back to the VAB to get a new external fuel tank. It is equipped with a heater designed to prevent ice buildup in a sensitive spot. Ice that flies off the tank, which is filled with supercold propellants, can damage the orbiter, potentially leading to a Columbia-like accident.

The shuttle is scheduled to lead the fleet back to flight during a launch window that extends from July 13 to July 31.


Credit: flatoday.com





STS-114 Image Gallery:


For high resolution images: KSC Multimedia Gallery (Keywords: Discovery or STS-114)


June 15, 2005

KSC-05PD-1298 (06/15/2005)

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KSC-05PD-1315 (06/15/2005)
Space Shuttle Discovery makes its way along the crawlerway from high bay 3 to Launch Pad 39B as the sun rises. First motion for the 4-mile, 6-hour journey was at 1:58 a.m. EDT. The Space Shuttle rests on a Mobile Launcher Platform which sits atop a Crawler-Transporter. This is the second rollout of Discovery after being returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building for connection to an improved External Tank. Launch of Discovery on its Return to Flight mission STS-114 is targeted for a launch window extending from July 13 to July 31. During its 12-day mission, Discovery’s seven-person crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve Shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies to the International Space Station.


KSC-05PD-1316 (06/15/2005)

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KSC-05PD-1323 (06/15/2005)
Space Shuttle Discovery makes its way along the crawlerway to Launch Pad 39B. First motion for the 4-mile, 6-hour journey was at 1:58 a.m. EDT. The Space Shuttle rests on a Mobile Launcher Platform that sits atop a Crawler-Transporter. This is the second rollout of Discovery after being returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building for connection to an improved External Tank. Launch of Discovery on its Return to Flight mission STS-114 is targeted for a launch window extending from July 13 to July 31.


KSC-05PD-1325 (06/15/2005)



Credit: NASA/KSC



NASA TV

[STS-Chris]

Launch of STS-114:
T - 026d 22h 24m



STS-114 Image Gallery:


For high resolution images: KSC Multimedia Gallery (Keywords: Discovery or STS-114)


June 15, 2005

KSC-05PD-1326 (06/15/2005)

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KSC-05PD-1330 (06/15/2005)



KSC-05PD-1331 (06/15/2005)
The Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39B is ready to enfold Space Shuttle Discovery upon its arrival. First motion for the 4.2-mile journey was at 1:58 a.m. EDT. The Space Shuttle rests on a Mobile Launcher Platform that sits atop a Crawler-Transporter. This is the second rollout of Discovery. The orbiter was returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building for connection to an improved External Tank. Launch of Discovery on its Return to Flight mission STS-114 is targeted for a launch window extending from July 13 to July 31.


KSC-05PD-1332 (06/15/2005)

KSC-05PD-1333 (06/15/2005)



Credit: NASA/KSC



NASA TV

[Dryonapse]

Hey Chris!
Also erst mal alle Achtung, dass du dir solch eine Mühe machst!
Ist auch alles sehr schön gegliedert und allers sehr gut gestaltet!
Nun...naja...ich lese eigentlich nicht richtig mit, wenn dann überfliege ich das hier mal eben schnell, aber was ich mir angucke sind die Bilder! ( )
Wirklich schönes Bildmateriel, das du da lieferst!
Danke dafür!

Gruss Dryo

[STS-Chris]

Launch of STS-114:
T - 025d 06h 56m


Next event:

Progress 18 docking at the International Space Station

Saturday,
07:44 p.m. CDT (Mission Control, Houston)
Sunday,
02:44 CEST (Central Europe)

NASA TV will provide live coverage of the linkup beginning at 6 p.m. CDT (01:00 CEST Sunday).




Video File

KSC-05-S-00162 (06/17/2005)
With the Return to Flight mission just around the corner, Space Shuttle Discovery is back in launch position at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.




International Space Station Status Report #30

2005
Report #30
6:30 p.m. CDT, Thursday, June 16, 2005
Mission Control Center, Houston

Carrying more than two tons of supplies, a Russian cargo spacecraft began a two-day trip to the International Space Station today after its launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The ISS Progress 18 resupply ship launched at 6:09:34 p.m. CDT (5:09:34 a.m. Baikonur time Friday / 01:09 CEST). Less than 10 minutes later, it settled into orbit and automatic commands deployed its solar arrays and navigational antennas.

Shortly after the Progress launched, Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev and Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips were informed of its arrival on orbit before beginning their sleep period. The Station was flying over Manchuria near the Russian-Chinese border at an altitude of 225 statute miles at the time of liftoff.

Engine firings are scheduled later today and tomorrow to raise and refine the Progress' orbit and its path to the Station for an automated docking at the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module on Saturday at 7:44 p.m. CDT (02:44 CEST Sunday). NASA TV will provide live coverage of the linkup beginning at 6 p.m. CDT (01:00 CEST Sunday).

The Progress is carrying food, fuel, oxygen, water, spare parts and personal items for the crew, including 397 pounds of propellant, 242 pounds of oxygen and air, 926 pounds of water, and more than 3,097 pounds of spare parts, life support system components and experiment hardware. In addition, the Progress is carrying 40 more solid fuel oxygen-generation canisters as a supplemental source of oxygen, if required.

Also in the Progress is an additional digital camera that will be used by the Expedition 11 crew to capture images of the thermal protection system on the Shuttle Discovery during its docking approach during the STS-114 mission in July. The new camera replaces a similar camera that is no longer operable. The photos will be part of imagery-gathering efforts to determine whether the Shuttle has incurred damage to its tiles or the reinforced carbon-carbon coating on its wings during ascent.

Krikalev and Phllips are scheduled to open the hatch to the Progress a few hours after docking Saturday to begin unloading its contents.

The Progress spacecraft that had been at the Station since March was undocked yesterday at 3:16 p.m. CDT (22:16 CEST) as the two vehicles flew over Manchuria, near the Russian-Chinese border. Filled with discarded items, the ship fired its engines after undocking to move to a safe distance away from the Station and was deorbited, burning up in Earth's atmosphere.


Credit: NASA



NASA TV

[STS-Chris]

Launch of STS-114:
T - 024d 11h 06m


Next event:

Progress 18 docking at the International Space Station

Saturday,
07:44 p.m. CDT (Mission Control, Houston)
Sunday,
02:44 CEST (Central Europe)

NASA TV will provide live coverage of the linkup beginning at 6 p.m. CDT (01:00 CEST Sunday).




Video File

KSC-05-S-00163 (06/17/2005)
Next, on the NASA Space Shuttle Status Report: Space Shuttle Discovery makes a much-anticipated return to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Plus, Discovery's payloads stand ready for flight. And the third Return to Flight External Tank is on its way to Kennedy Space Center.


KSC-05-S-00164 (06/17/2005)
From the NASA Web portal, NASA Direct puts you in the middle of America's greatest adventure. Our Web studio at the Kennedy Space Center features state-of-the-art Web streaming technology, and our talented team is dedicated to keeping you informed about the very latest happenings and discoveries at NASA.






International Space Station Status Report #31

2005
Report #31
3 p.m. CDT, Friday, June 17, 2005
Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas

After a busy week of preparations, the Expedition 11 crew on the International Space Station is ready for Saturday's arrival of a Progress cargo craft bearing more than two tons of supplies and equipment.

Commander Sergei Krikalev and NASA Science Officer John Phillips spent the week packing up and disposing of the previous cargo ship and making room for the new ISS Progress 18 spacecraft, scheduled to dock with the Station at 7:44 p.m. CDT on Saturday (02:44 CEST on Sunday). It will dock at the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module.

Krikalev and Phillips devoted Monday and Tuesday to filling the departing ISS Progress 17 with unneeded equipment and trash, and closed its hatch Tuesday afternoon. The spacecraft, which had been at the Station since March 2, was undocked at 3:16 p.m. Wednesday (22:16 CEST). It was commanded to deorbit and burned on re-entry about four hours after undocking. Friday was a light duty day for the crew in preparation for the new cargo ship's arrival.

Progress 18 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 6:10 p.m. CDT Thursday (01:10 CEST Friday). The cargo includes food, fuel, air, oxygen, 40 solid fuel oxygen generation (SFOG) cartridges and parts for the Elektron oxygen generation system. The air, oxygen and SFOGs will add to the existing supplies of oxygen aboard the Station. Flight control teams in Houston and Moscow hope the new parts will enable the crew to reactivate the Elektron, which has been out of service for several weeks. A new liquids unit that circulates water to be broken down into oxygen and hydrogen is to be launched later this year.

Crewmembers plan to open the Progress hatches Saturday, but won't begin unloading the cargo until Sunday. Beginning Monday, they plan to use oxygen from the Progress to replenish the Station's atmosphere instead of using the SFOGs.

Krikalev and Phillips also worked this week packing equipment and scientific experiments and samples for return to Earth aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on its STS-114 Return-to-Flight mission. Discovery is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 13.

On Tuesday, Phillips became the first person to testify before Congress from space. He testified via satellite before the House Science Committee's Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, telling Representatives what it is like to live and work in space. Astronauts Peggy Whitson and Mike Fincke, who previously served on the Space Station, testified before the subcommittee in person.

Phillips found time to work with the Fluid Merging Viscosity Measurement experiment, designed to use microgravity to provide insight into behavior of how fluids, including molten materials, flow. Krikalev worked with several Russian experiments.


Credit: NASA



NASA TV

[STS-Chris]

Launch of STS-114:
T - 023d 10h 21m


Next steps:

June 24:
NASA's internal review of whether all sources of damaging launch debris have been controlled.

June 29 and 30:
NASA's Flight Readiness Review.





Station commander remotely docks supply ship

Space station commander Sergei Krikalev took over manual control of an approaching Russian supply ship this evening and remotely guided the robotic craft to a picture-perfect docking after problems prevented an automatic linkup.

The unmanned Progress supply craft, launched Thursday from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, was poised for final approach when a problem on the ground prevented Russian flight controllers from sending commands to initiate the procedure.

Krikalev, one of the most experienced space fliers in the world, promptly took over manual control using a backup system known as TORU and guided the craft to a linkup at the aft end of the Zvezda command module at 8:42 p.m. EDT (0042 GMT / 02:42 CEST).

"I would like to congratulate you on the successful docking," a Russian flight controller radioed the station. "I am proud of you."

"I tried to do my best. Thank you very much," Krikalev replied. "I think it was very helpful to have all the TORU training. Say thank you to my TORU instructor."

"Yes, he is here, he is getting ready for receiving a medal for this wonderful job."

The Progress is loaded with 4,662 pounds of supplies and equipment, including 397 pounds of propellant, 242 pounds of oxygen, 926 pounds of fresh water and 3,097 pounds of dry cargo. The cargo includes 40 new solid-fuel oxygen generators, or SFOGs, which can be ignited to provide additional oxygen through a chemical reaction.

The station normally relies on a Russian Elektron oxygen generator, which uses solar electricity to break down water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is dumped overboard.

But the Elektron's main liquid unit failed recently and the crew has been burning SFOGs to provide oxygen. With the arrival of the Progress, Krikalev and flight engineer John Phillips now have a total of 82 SFOGs, enough to supply their needs for 41 days.

But oxygen from tanks aboard the Progress will be used in the near term and all together, the crew now has enough air to last until January without any additional supplies.

Last week, Krikalev removed the failed liquid unit (no. 5) from the Elektron and replaced it with a spare unit (no. 7) that experienced its own problems earlier. He transferred electrolytes from unit No. 5 to unit No. 7 and plans to install new filters carried up on the Progress. He hopes to make an attempt to re-activate the Elektron late next week.

The next Progress, scheduled for launch in late August, will carry a new liquid unit that should restore the Elektron to normal operation if it is still out of action. In the meantime, Krikalev and Phillips plan to burn two more SFOGs this weekend and to tap into the Progress oxygen supply Monday.

Credit: spaceflightnow.com





International Space Station Status Report #32

2005
Report #32
8 p.m. CDT, Saturday, June 18, 2005
Mission Control Center, Houston

An unpiloted Russian cargo ship linked up to the International Space Station today to deliver more than two tons of food, fuel, oxygen, water, supplies and spare parts.

The ISS Progress 18 craft docked to the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module at 7:42 p.m. CDT (02:42 CEST) as the Station flew 225 statute miles near Beijing, China. Within minutes, hooks and latches between the two ships engaged, forming a tight seal. The docking completed a two-day journey for the cargo ship since its liftoff Thursday from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

As the Progress approached the Station, Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev had to take over manual control of the docking of the Progress due to a Russian ground station problem that prevented commands to be uplinked to the cargo ship for its final approach for an automated docking. Nonetheless, Krikalev executed a flawless linkup. NASA Flight Engineer and Science Officer John Phillips took video and still photos of the arrival.

The Progress is loaded with 397 pounds of propellant, 242 pounds of oxygen and air, 926 pounds of water and more than 3,000 pounds of spare parts, life support system components and experiment hardware. In addition, the Progress carries 40 new solid-fuel oxygen generating canisters as a supplemental source of oxygen, if required. The crew will open the Progress hatch later today but will not begin to unload the ship's cargo until Sunday.

Among the items on the Progress is a new digital camera to be used by the Expedition 11 crew to capture images of the thermal protection system on the Shuttle Discovery during its approach to the Station during the STS-114 mission in July. The camera replaces a similar one that is no longer operable. The photos are part of the imagery-gathering effort to ensure that the Shuttle has no threatening damage to its heat shielding.




ISS Artwork

JSC2005-E-21683 (High Resolution)

JSC2005-E-21684 (High Resolution)

Die ISS heute.
Computergenerierte Bilder der Internationalen Raumstation. Diese Blickwinkel zeigen die Backbord- und Steuerbordseite des Orbitalkomplexes. Progress 18 (Progress M-53) befindet sich an der hinteren Anlegestelle vom Swesda Service-Modul und die Sojus 10 (Sojus TMA-6) befindet sich weiterhin an Sarias Nadir-Anlegestelle.





Die nächsten Raumflüge zur ISS:

13. Juli 2005 .............. LF 1 ...... STS-114 ... DISCOVERY
- Versorgungsflug - Mehrzweck-Versorgungsmodul (MPLM) Raffaello
- Space Shuttle Testmission
- Austausch des Control Moment Gyroscope
- Montage der External Stowage Platform (ESP-2)

24. August 2005 ......... 19P ....... Progress M-54
- Versorgungsgüter für elfte und zwölfte Expeditionsmannschaft

nicht vor dem
9. September 2005 ...... ULF 1.1 ... STS-121 ... ATLANTIS
- Versorgungsflug - Mehrzweck-Versorgungsmodul(MPLM)
- Space Shuttle Testmission
- ESA-Wissenschaftsastronaut (Thomas Reiter) zur ISS

27. September 2005 ... 11S .... Soyuz TMA-7
- Ersatz für Sojus TMA-6
- Mannschaftswechsel (E11 <=> E12 - McArthur, Tokarew)

nicht vor dem
8. November 2005 ....... 12A ... STS-115 ... DISCOVERY
- zweites linksseitiges Trägersegment (ITS P3/P4)
- Solarzellen und Batterien (Photovoltaik-Modul)


Credit: NASA



NASA TV