STS-121 - Space Shuttle Discovery

[STS-Chris]

!!! Noch 2 Monate bis zum Start !!!



Next Event:
12 May 2006 - Moving orbiter Discovery to the VAB



STS-121
Space Shuttle Processing Status Report S-042806


April 28, 2006


NASA's space shuttle fleet is housed and processed at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.


Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1)
- Multi-Purpose Logistics Module
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue closing out areas of Discovery before it is moved to
the Vehicle Assembly Building on May 12. The payload bay doors were
closed on Wednesday for the final time prior to flight.

Last week, technicians removed the space shuttle main engine in position
No. 2 and replaced it with a new one. Engine leak checks were
successfully completed on Tuesday. Interface verification tests were
completed for sensors No. 1 and 2 on the new orbiter boom sensor
system.


Quelle: NASA





STS-121 Video Gallery


April 28, 2006

Space Shuttle Program Update on STS-121

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin and Associate Administrator for
Space Operations William Gerstenmaier will brief the media about the
space shuttle program and processing for the next mission (STS-121)
Friday, April 28, at 11 a.m. EDT. The briefing will be in the NASA
headquarters auditorium, 300 E. St. S.W., Washington.

Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale will join them electronically
from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.


April 29, 2006

Expedition 13 In-Flight Interviews

Expedition 13 In-Flight Interviews with KNX Radio, Los Angeles and
News 13 Orlando



Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA





STS-121 Image Gallery


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Cape Canaveral

For high resolution and more images go to KSC Multimedia Gallery
(Search for "STS-121", "Discovery" or the image number)



April 24, 2006



KSC-06PD-0717 (04/24/2006)
In the Vehicle Assembly Building's transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy
Space Center, external tank No. 119 is lifted off its transporter. The tank
will be raised to vertical and lifted into high bay 3 for stacking with solid
rocket boosters. The tank and boosters will launch Space Shuttle
Discovery on mission STS-121 in July. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller



KSC-06PD-0729 (04/24/2006)
In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank
designated for Space Shuttle Discovery is lowered into position between
the solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Discovery is
scheduled to launch on mission STS-121 in July.
Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller



April 25, 2006



KSC-06PD-0732 (04/25/2006)
Mission STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly, and Mission Specialist Piers Sellers
(kneeling) and Commander Steven Lindsey (right) get a close look at the
Integrated Cargo Carrier at the SPACEHAB facility in Cape Canaveral
during a Crew Equipment Interface Test. This test allows the astronauts to
become familiar with equipment they will be using on their upcoming
mission. STS-121 is scheduled to launch in July aboard Space Shuttle
Discovery. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



April 26, 2006



KSC-06PD-0744 (04/26/2006)
In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, the orbiter Discovery's payload bay
doors are closing. Discovery is being prepared for rollover to the Vehicle
Assembly Building no earlier than May 12 for final processing and
stacking. Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-121 in July to
the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller



KSC-06PD-0747 (04/26/2006)
In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers prepare to close the
hatch on the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo. The module is part
of the payload for Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 to the
International Space Station. Discovery is scheduled to launch in July.
Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller



Quelle: NASA





Nächster Versuch: „Discovery“ startet im Juli

26. April 2006

Die amerikanische Raumfahrtbehörde Nasa hat die technischen Probleme
an der Raumfähre „Discovery“ behoben und ist zu einem Start im Juli
bereit. Das sagte Nasa-Direktor Michael Griffin am Dienstag (Ortszeit) vor
einem Senatsausschuß in Washington. Die Nasa sei in guter Form für
diesen Flug, wird Griffin zitiert.

Nachdem beim Start der „Discovery“ Ende Juli vergangenen Jahres
Schaumstoffteile vom Außentank abgefallen waren und die Raumfähre nur
um Haaresbreite verfehlt hatten, mußte der rund 47 Meter hohe Tank
technisch komplett überholt werden. Seit Rückkehr der „Discovery“ im
August 2005 durfte deshalb keine Raumfähre mehr starten.

Griffin: Wartungsflüge privatisieren

Nach den Worten von Griffin sollen die Space Shuttle in den kommenden
dreieinhalb Jahren 16 Mal fliegen und den Ausbau der Internationalen
Raumstation ISS abschließen. Auch der deutsche Astronaut Thomas Reiter
wird zu einem Langzeitaufenthalt auf der Raumstation aufbrechen. Mit
einem weiteren Shuttle-Flug soll das alternde Weltraumteleskop „Hubble“
in Stand gesetzt werden.

Bis zum Jahr 2010 sollen die Raumfähren nach den Worten von Griffin
ausgemustert werden. Über ein Nachfolgemodell der Shuttle werde die
Nasa frühestens 2011 oder 2012 verfügen. Der Nasa-Direktor sprach sich
dafür aus, Wartungs- und Dienstleistungsflüge zur Raumstation zu
privatisieren.

Text: FAZ.NET mit Material von dpa, AFP




NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121
Wikipedia: ISS Expedition 13

[STS-Chris]

Der Tank soll in der jetzigen Konfiguration fliegen

Am Montag, den 24. April, haben die Kranführer den Tank aus der horizontalen Lage auf dem Transporter gehoben und zwischen die beiden Feststoffstartraketen plaziert, die bereits vollständig aufgebaut in der Hochmontagehalle 3 des VAB stehen.

Am Donnerstag, den 27. April, hat die Space-Shuttle-Programmleitung entschieden, daß die Eis-/Frost-Rampen in der jetzigen Konfiguration fliegen sollen. Die Begründung dafür basiert auf mehreren Faktoren. Das bisherige Verhalten der Rampen war zwar nicht berauschend, aber dennoch akzeptabel. Die Vorschläge für Änderungen an der Rampenkonstruktion würden dagegen mehr Unsicherheit hineinbringen anstatt das Risiko signifikant zu verringern. Neue Kameras sollen bessere Einblicke in das Verhalten der jetzigen Rampen während des Fluges erlauben, was bei der Umkonstruktion förderlich sein wird. Wenn mit den aktuellen Eis-/Frostrampen geflogen wird, begrenzt dies auch die konstruktiven Veränderungen am Tank, der bereits mit der Entfernung der Überstands-Strömungsschutzleisten (PAL-Rampen) einer erheblichen Umkonstruktion unterworfen wurde. Die Shuttle-Ingenieure werden so bessere Bedingungen zum Sammeln von Daten haben, wenn sie mit nur einer aerodynamischen Veränderung am Tank fliegen brauchen.

Quelle: space-science-journal.de / NASA




SHUTTLE-SICHERHEIT
Nasa will Geier aushungern

Zusammenstöße zwischen startenden Shuttles und Großvögeln
wie zuletzt bei der "Discovery" soll es nicht mehr geben. Darum
werden in Cape Canaveral jetzt Kadaver von den Straßen geklaubt -
um aasfressende Geier nicht mehr anzulocken.


AP/ The Villages Daily Sun

Das Kennedy-Space-Center in Cape Canaveral liegt mitten in einem Naturschutzgebiet in den Sümpfen Floridas. Doch nun müssen die Astronauten vor der Natur geschützt werden, genauer gesagt vor deren fliegenden Aasverwertern - den Geiern.

Die US-Weltraumbehörde Nasa fordert alle Mitarbeiter des Weltraumbahnhofs auf, nach überfahrenen Wildtieren Ausschau zu halten. Das Bodenpersonal werde die Kadaver dann umgehend von Straßen und Rollbahnen entfernen, kündigte der Nasa-Wissenschaftler John Schaffer an.

Beim Start des Space Shuttles "Discovery" im vergangenen Jahr war ein Geier gegen den Treibstofftank geflogen und hatte ihn leicht beschädigt. "Wir versuchen so etwas künftig zu verhindern", sagte Schaffer. "Soweit es um das Shuttle-Programm geht, ist das Risiko eines weiteren Unfalls einfach inakzeptabel."

Wenn die Kadaver überfahrener Tiere - englisch roadkill genannt - alle entfernt würden, blieben künftig auch die Geier dem Startbereich fern, weil sie kein Futter mehr locke, so Schaffer. Er arbeitet im Umweltbüro des Kennedy Space Center. Der Einsatz von Kameras und Radar um die Startplattform während des Countdowns nach Vögeln abzusuchen hatte alleine nicht genügt.

Der Zusammenstoß mit dem Geier war allerdings nicht der Grund für die Schäden an den Hitzekacheln der "Discovery" gewesen. Beim Start der Raumfähre hatten sich Schaumstoffstücke gelöst - was aufwendige Inspektionen und den Außeneinsatz eines Astronauten im Weltall erforderlich gemacht hatte.

Das weiträumig abgesperrte Gelände um die Startrampe für die Space Shuttles hat sich zum Biotop für rund 500 Tierarten entwickelt, darunter auch Adler, Schildkröten, Alligatoren und Seekühe. Immer wieder kommt es vor, dass Tiere von den Einsatzwagen der Nasa überfahren werden.

stx/AP

Quelle: spiegel.de

[Spocky]

Naja, wirklich überzeugend klingt das ganze noch nicht, aber zuminderst schonmal positiv, dass es voran geht. Bleibt halt abzuwarten, ob das Entfernen von Kadavern wirklich die Vögel in dem Maß abhält, wie das geplant ist

[STS-Chris]

Heute hat Astronautin
Lisa Nowak ihren 43. Geburtstag!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!




vergrößern

Astronaut Lisa M. Nowak, mission specialist
NASA Biographical Data
Wikipedia (deutsch)



Left: Astronauts Lisa M. Nowak (foreground) and Stephanie D.
Wilson, STS-121 mission specialists, participate in a training session in the
virtual reality lab at the Johnson Space Center. This type of computer
interface paired with virtual reality training hardware and software helps
to prepare the entire team for dealing with shuttle and station elements.

Right: Astronaut Lisa M. Nowak, STS-121 mission specialist, attired
in a training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start
of an emergency egress training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup
Facility at the Johnson Space Center.



Left: Astronauts Lisa Nowak (left) and Stephanie D. Wilson,
STS-121 mission specialists, enjoy a brief break from training in the
Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center. The orange
launch and entry suits are used for a variety of types of training, including
launch countdown procedures, emergency egress and others.

Right: Astronaut Lisa M. Nowak, STS-121 mission specialist,
participates in an exercise in the systems engineering simulator at
Johnson Space Center. The facility includes moving scenes of full-sized
international space station components over a simulated Earth.


All photos: NASA

[EREIGNISHORIZONT]

Die sieht wirklich nett aus!

Ich kann es nicht mehr abwarten. Ich hoffe wirklich, dass alles auf "Go" steht und das nicht nur aus Sicht der NASA.

Diesen Ruf als "Schluderer" muss die NASA erst mal wieder bereinigen und ich bin mir da nicht sicher, ob das wirklich hinreichend gelungen ist.
Wenn ich mir alleine die Aktionen im Bezug auf den Tank ansehe, wird mir doch ein wenig mulmig.
Ich meine, die können doch nicht in so kurzer Zeit den Außenstoff des Tankes modifiziert haben, oder?

Anyway, es muss weiter gehen und ich ziehe den Hut vor allen Crew.Mitgliedern!

[STS-Chris]

Nächstes Ereignis:
19. Mai 2006 - Discovery wird zur Startrampe gerollt



STS-121
Space Shuttle Processing Status Report S06-016


May 12, 2006


Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1)
- Multi-Purpose Logistics Module
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 3
Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Discovery was moved today from Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3 to the
Vehicle Assembly Building, a major step toward a launch to the
International Space Station. Technicians and crane operators began
preparations to lift Discovery into the assembly building's High Bay 3 and
attach the shuttle to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters.
After final integration, a crawler transporter is scheduled to carry
Discovery to the launch pad May 19.

Discovery was scheduled to move Thursday, but a sheared left-hand jack
screw on the lifting sling in the assembly building postponed the rollover
until today. Both the right and left-hand screws were removed and
replaced. The replacements were inspected, analyzed, proof loaded and
installed on the sling.

The payloads that will launch aboard Discovery were loaded into the
payload transportation canister this week and are scheduled to roll out to
the launch pad on May 16. Discovery's payloads include the Italian-built
logistics module, known as Leonardo, which will carry food, clothing, spare
parts and research equipment to the station. Other payloads include two
cargo carriers which contain heat shield tile samples, a spare pump
module and a replacement mobile transporter reel assembly.


Quelle: NASA





STS-121 Video Gallery


May 4, 2006

Space Shuttle STS-121 - introduction

NASA's Space Shuttle Status Report


May 13, 2006

Space Shuttle Discovery to Move to Vehicle Assembly Building

The move from the Orbiter Processing Facility to the Vehicle Assembly
Building at Kennedy is known as the rollover. Inside the assembly
building, Discovery will be attached to a redesigned external fuel tank and
twin solid rocket boosters.
Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 with a launch window that
extends to July 19. During its 12-day mission to the International Space
Station, Discovery's crew of seven will test new hardware and techniques
to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies to the station.


Discovery's Cargo Ready To Roll To Launch Pad

The cargo that will launch aboard the next space shuttle mission was
loaded into the payloads transportation canister this week at NASA's
Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Shuttle Discovery's payloads include the
Italian-built logistics module, known as Leonardo, which will carry food,
clothing, spare parts, and research equipment to the
International Space Station. Two other cargo carriers contain heat
shield tile samples, a spare pump module and a replacement mobile
transporter reel assembly.



Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA





STS-121 Image Gallery


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Cape Canaveral

For high resolution and more images go to KSC Multimedia Gallery
(Search for "STS-121", "Discovery" or the image number)



May 11, 2006



KSC-06PD-0810 (05/11/2006)
In the Space Station Processing Facility, the multi-purpose logistics
module Leonardo moves above the payload transportation canister. The
module will be lowered into and installed in the canister for transfer to
Launch Pad 39B. At the pad, the module will be installed in Space Shuttle
Discovery's payload bay. Part of the payload for mission STS-121,
Leonardo carries tons of supplies and experiments for the International
Space Station and its crew.



May 12, 2006



KSC-06PD-0823 (05/12/2006)
The orbiter Discovery, sitting on an orbiter transporter, slowly backs out
of NASA's Orbiter Processing Facility to begin the rollover to the Vehicle
Assembly Building (VAB).



KSC-06PD-0824 (05/12/2006)
The orbiter Discovery, sitting on an orbiter transporter, begins making the
short trip to NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) , seen behind it.



KSC-06PD-0829 (05/12/2006)
The orbiter Discovery, atop an orbiter transporter, reaches its destination,
the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The rollover
to the VAB marks the start of the journey to the launch pad and,
ultimately, launch. After the slings of the overhead crane are in place,
Discovery will be raised to vertical and lifted up and over into high bay 3
for stacking with its redesigned external tank and twin solid rocket
boosters.



May 13, 2006



KSC-06PD-0831 (05/13/2006)
The orbiter Discovery is lowered via a crane and sling into high bay 3 of
NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building. Discovery will be mated with its
external tank and twin solid rocket boosters waiting below on the mobile
launcher platform. Space Shuttle Discovery is expected to roll out to
Launch Pad 39B later this week via the crawler-transporter. Launch of
Discovery on mission STS-121 is scheduled to take place in a window
extending July 1 to July 19. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser



Quelle: NASA




NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

Nächstes Ereignis:
Freitag, 19. Mai 2006 - Discovery wird zur Startrampe 39-B gerollt



STS-121 Das neue Crew-Portrait

Jetzt wurde das neue STS-121-Crew-Portrait mit Thomas Reiter und
der Discovery (statt der Atlantis) im Hintergrund veröffentlicht.


Low res
High res
These seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the
STS-121 crew portrait. From the left are astronauts Stephanie D. Wilson,
Michael E. Fossum, both mission specialists; Steven W. Lindsey,
commander; Piers J. Sellers, mission specialist; Mark E. Kelly, pilot;
European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter of Germany; and
Lisa M. Nowak, both mission specialists. The crewmembers are attired in
training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suit.




STS-121 Video Gallery


May 16, 2006

Discovery attached to External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters

Space Shuttle Discovery being attached to its propulsion elements, a
redesigned external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters in the Vehicle
Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Following the
May 13 mating, final integration, preparations and closeouts began in
preparation for Discovery's next mission, designated STS-121.


Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA





STS-121 Image Gallery


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Cape Canaveral

For high resolution and more images go to KSC Multimedia Gallery
(Search for "STS-121", "Discovery" or the image number)



May 13, 2006



KSC-06PD-0832 (05/13/2006)
In high bay 3 of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, a crane lowers the
orbiter Discovery into place alongside its external tank and twin solid
rocket boosters for mating. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser



May 15, 2006



KSC-06PD-0833 (05/15/2006)
In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, orbiter Discovery is in place on the
mobile launcher platform after being lowered into high bay 3 for mating
with its external tank and solid rocket boosters. Space Shuttle Discovery
is expected to roll out to Launch Pad 39B later this week via the
crawler-transporter. Launch of Discovery on mission STS-121 is scheduled
to take place in a window extending July 1 to July 19. Photo credit:
NASA/Jim Grossmann



KSC-06PD-0834 (05/15/2006)
Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann



KSC-06PD-0835 (05/15/2006)
Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann


Quelle: NASA




NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

Nächstes Ereignis:
HEUTE, 19. Mai 2006 - Discovery wird zur Startrampe 39-B gerollt



SciFi-Forum - Internationale Raumstation ISS



STS-121 Image Gallery


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Cape Canaveral

For high resolution and more images go to KSC Multimedia Gallery
(Search for "STS-121", "Discovery" or the image number)


May 11, 2006



KSC-06PD-0810 (05/11/2006)
In the Space Station Processing Facility, the multi-purpose logistics
module Leonardo moves above the payload transportation canister. The
module will be lowered into and installed in the canister for transfer to
Launch Pad 39B. At the pad, the module will be installed in Space Shuttle
Discovery's payload bay. Part of the payload for mission STS-121,
Leonardo carries tons of supplies and experiments for the International
Space Station and its crew. Discovery is scheduled to be launched in a
window that extends from July 1 to July 19.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett


May 17, 2006



KSC-06PD-0839 (05/17/2006)
The payload canister moves past NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building on its
way to Launch Pad 39B. Inside are the payloads for mission STS-121: the
multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, with supplies and equipment for
the International Space Station; the lightweight multi-purpose experiment
support structure carrier; and the integrated cargo carrier, with the mobile
transporter reel assembly and a spare pump module. The payload will be
transferred from the canister to Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay at
the pad. Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-121 from
Launch Pad 39B in a window that opens July 1 and extends to July 19.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-06PD-0848 (05/17/2006)



KSC-06PD-0851 (05/17/2006)
The payload canister arrives under the payload changeout room in the
rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space
Center.



KSC-06PD-0857 (05/17/2006)
On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the payload
canister holding Space Shuttle Discovery's payloads is lifted toward the
payload changeout room on the rotating service structure. The red
umbilical lines are still attached. The payload changeout room provides an
environmentally clean or "white room" condition in which to receive a
payload transferred from a protective payload canister. After the shuttle
arrives at the pad, the rotating service structure will close around it and
the payloads, which include the multi-purpose logistics module and
integrated cargo carrier, will then be transferred from the changeout room
into Discovery's payload bay.


Quelle: NASA




NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

Nächstes Ereignis:
HEUTE, 19. Mai 2006 - Discovery wird zur Startrampe 39-B gerollt

Beginn:
ca. 18:00 Uhr MESZ (12 p.m. EDT)

Ankunft an Rampe 39-B:
ca. 01:00 Uhr MESZ oder später (7 p.m. EDT or later)


Quelle: NASA




NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

Hinweis: Dieser Beitrag wird in den nächsten Stunden
immer mal wieder aktualisiert!


17:05 CEST (11:05 a.m. EDT)

Good day from Complex 39 at the Kennedy Space Center where space shuttle Discovery is about to begin its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39B. The crawler-transporter has been positioned beneath the mobile platform for the rollout, the VAB doors are open and weather looks great. First motion is still expected at 12 noon EDT (1600 GMT).


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

The press is gathered outside the VAB doorway to cover the start of Discovery's trip to the launch pad.


17:55 CEST (11:55 a.m. EDT)

Rollout has been pushed back at least 30 minutes.


18:25 CEST (12:25 p.m. EDT)

Technicians can be seen working in the area around the pedestals upon which the mobile platform rests in the VAB. The transporter jacks up the platform, carries it to the pad and then lowers it onto the pad pedestals. The roll is not expected to start until 12:45 p.m. at the earliest.


18:32 CEST (12:32 p.m. EDT)

The platform has been raised off the pedestals. And the gates on the crawlerway just swung open.


18:35 CEST (12:35 p.m. EDT)

The diesel engines of the Apollo-era transporter are starting up. Thick black smoke can be seen pouring from the exhaust ducts.


18:45 CEST (12:45 p.m. EDT)

ROLLOUT HAS BEGUN! First motion of space shuttle Discovery's rollout to launch pad 39B occurred at 12:45 p.m. EDT. This 4.2-mile trek will take about eight hours to complete.


18:55 CEST (12:55 p.m. EDT)

The initial phase of rollout goes ever so closely as the shuttle is moved out of the tight confines of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once outside the building, the transporter will rev up to its maximum drive speed of almost one mile per hour.


18:57 CEST (12:57 p.m. EDT)

The external tank and solid rocket boosters are peeking out of the VAB now.


Photo: NASA/KSC


18:59 CEST (12:59 p.m. EDT)

Discovery has emerged fully from the 52-story vehicle as the shuttle continues to gradually back out of the building.


19:05 CEST (1:05 p.m. EDT)

The transporter is making its turn to pull onto the main crawlerway. Discovery was mounted to the fuel tank and booster rockets in VAB High Bay 3, which is the northern of the two stacking areas.


Photo: NASA/KSC


19:12 CEST (1:12 p.m. EDT)

And now the transporter has maneuvered onto the crawlerway. Destination: Pad 39B.


Photo: NASA/KSC


19:23 CEST (1:23 p.m. EDT)

Crowds of employees have flocked to the Vehicle Assembly Building area to witness this remarkable sight of the shuttle. Folks are just pulling their cars off the road to get out and snap some pictures.


19:35 CEST (1:35 p.m. EDT)

With Discovery on its way, the gates covering the crawlerway around the VAB have been re-closed. The shuttle is making great progress thus far.


19:45 CEST (1:45 p.m. EDT)

Now 60 minutes into today's rollout of space shuttle Discovery.


20:00 CEST (2:00 p.m. EDT)

The crawlerway is 130 feet wide -- almost as broad as an eight-lane highway. Two 40-foot-wide lanes are separated by a 50-foot-wide median strip. The average depth is seven feet.


20:20 CEST (2:20 p.m. EDT)

The transporter consumes 126 gallons of diesel fuel in each mile it travels from the VAB to pad. The vehicle has a fuel capacity of 5,000 gallons.


20:45 CEST (2:45 p.m. EDT)

Now passing the two-hour mark in the rollout. But Discovery has come to a stop. A bearing in the transporter is overheating, forcing crews to halt the crawler to apply extra grease and allow the bearing to cool down. The roll is expected to resume in about 20 minutes, a NASA spokesman says.

This is not unusual. Discovery's moves to the pad last year were interrupted several times by hot bearings.


20:53 CEST (2:53 p.m. EDT)

The crawler is rolling again.


21:15 CEST (3:15 p.m. EDT)

The crawler-transporter carrying Discovery to launch pad 39B is powered by 16 traction motors that feed from two 2,750 horsepower diesel engines. Two 1,065 horsepower diesel engines are used for jacking, steering, lighting and ventilating.


21:30 CEST (3:30 p.m. EDT)

Meanwhile at launch pad 39B, technicians are lowering the payload-transporter canister out of the Rotating Service Structure. The canister was used to deliver Discovery's cargo to the pad earlier this week. The Leonardo logistics module and equipment being launched on the shuttle will be placed into Discovery's payload bay via the changeout room of pad's Rotating Service Structure.


21:55 CEST (3:55 p.m. EDT)

Discovery is moving past the tourist observation tower operated by the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This gantry gives a 360-degree panoramic view of the space shuttle launch pads to the north and Cape Canaveral rocket pads to the south.


22:00 CEST (4:00 p.m. EDT)

The shuttle is approaching the point where the crawlerway splits into two paths -- one to pad 39A and the other to pad 39B.


22:15 CEST (4:15 p.m. EDT)

The crawler is making the northward turn to head for pad 39B.


22:35 CEST (4:35 p.m. EDT)

Shuttle program manager Wayne Hale, on hand for Discovery's rollout to launch pad 39B today, said a preliminary look at complex wind tunnel data shows the ship's redesigned external fuel tank should be safe to fly in July. While stressing that a detailed analysis of the data is ongoing and saying new problems could always crop up, "the preliminary loads indications are good, but we have to wait until they get to the bottom line."


22:45 CEST (4:45 p.m. EDT)

Now four hours into today's rollout. The overall weight of the transporter, mobile launch platform and shuttle Discovery is 12 million pounds.


23:05 CEST (5:05 p.m. EDT)

About 30 people are aboard the transporter to operate it during today's rollout, including three drivers -- a prime and backup in the front cabin and one in the rear -- a jacking and leveling operator, a control room operator to run crawler systems and talk with the Launch Control Center, two electricians, two electronic technicians and four diesel mechanics for starting, monitoring and shutting down the transporter's engines. The other team members are mechanics watching over the roll and helping with the platform's docking to the launch pad.


23:25 CEST (5:25 p.m. EDT)

The transporter features eight tracked tread belts, each containing 57 tread belt "shoes." Each shoe is 7.5 feet long, 1.5 feet wide and weighs approximately 2,100 pounds. Over 1,000 shoes (456 per transporter plus spares) were built by Marion Power Shovel Co. when NASA constructed two transporter in 1965 for Apollo. After finding a crack in one shoe and concerns about fatigue failures in the others, new shoes were made by ME Global Manufacturing and installed in the fall of 2004.


23:35 CEST (5:35 p.m. EDT)

After the emptied payload-transport canister was loaded onto a specially-designed motorized truck this afternoon at launch pad 39B, that canister has now driven down the pad ramp and into a parking lot. That clears the way for Discovery's arrival this evening.


23:45 CEST (5:45 p.m. EDT)

Now passing the five-hour point since Discovery began its trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad. The shuttle should be on the pad within the next couple of hours, if all goes well.


00:45 CEST (6:45 p.m. EDT)

Discovery is inching ever closer to its seaside pad. The shuttle should reach the pad entrance within the next half-hour and then begin the climb up the five percent incline ramp to the pad surface.


01:05 CEST (7:05 p.m. EDT)

Discovery is right at the pad entrance. This is a planned pause point so that the rollout crew can activate the crawler-transporter's jacking and leveling system. The crawler uses hydraulic lifts to keep the shuttle level during the ascent up the pad's ramp by jacking up the front-end of the mobile launch platform.


01:15 CEST (7:15 p.m. EDT)

Discovery is beginning the slow creep up the ramp of pad 39B as rollout passes the six-hour, 30-minute mark.


01:20 CEST (7:20 p.m. EDT)

The crawler has stopped.


01:29 CEST (7:29 p.m. EDT)

The shuttle is in motion again.


01:35 CEST (7:35 p.m. EDT)

The crawler is designed to keep the mobile launch platform -- and thus the shuttle itself -- level during the five-percent incline up the ramp.


01:45 CEST (7:45 p.m. EDT)

The sun is sinking in the west as the rollout elapsed time hits the seven-hour mark.


02:03 CEST (8:03 p.m. EDT Fri.)

The vehicle is arriving on the flat surface of the pad. A precision laser guidance system helps align the mobile launch platform over the pad pedestals. The crawler-transporter will lower the platform onto the pedestals to complete the rollout.


02:15 CEST (8:15 p.m. EDT Fri.)

The platform is straddling the flame trench now.


02:20 CEST (8:20 p.m. EDT Fri.)

The rollout is nearing conclusion tonight. It is getting dark here at Kennedy Space Center as the transporter moves into position on the pad at a glacial speed.


02:25 CEST (8:25 p.m. EDT Fri.)

Less than half a length of the launch platform remaining to go.


02:35 CEST (8:35 p.m. EDT Fri.)

Just a matter of feet left in Discovery's 4.2-mile trip from VAB to the pad.


02:40 CEST (8:40 p.m. EDT Fri.)

ON THE PAD! Discovery has arrived at pad 39B for its planned July 1 liftoff on the second post-Columbia space shuttle test flight. Today's rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building took eight hours to complete.


Photo: NASA/KSC

In the next few hours and days, the methodical process of hooking up the crew module assess and hydrogen vent arms extending from the launch tower, as well as electrical, propellant, communications and other lines between the ground systems and mobile launch platform will begin.

A hot-fire test for Discovery's auxiliary power unit system is scheduled for Saturday. The APUs provide the hydraulic pressure needed to move the ship's wing flaps and main engine nozzles and deploy the landing gear. Then gantry-like Rotating Service Structure will be moved around Discovery. That will allow the payload bay doors to be opened and the mission cargo to be loaded aboard the shuttle later in the week.


04:15 CEST (10:15 p.m. EDT Fri.)

The mobile launch platform was lowered onto the pad pedestals at 9:14 p.m. EDT. That marks the official time of "harddown" for Discovery's arrival at pad 39B.


Quelle: spaceflightnow.com





NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

STS-121 Video Gallery


May 19, 2006


Discovery's Cargo Rolls to Launch Pad

The cargo that will launch aboard the next space shuttle mission
arrived at Launch Pad 39-B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Shuttle
Discovery's payloads include the Italian-built logistics
module, known as Leonardo, which will carry food, clothing, spare parts
and research equipment to the International Space Station. Two other
cargo carriers contain heat shield tile samples, a spare pump module and
a replacement mobile transporter reel assembly.


Discovery Roll Out to Launch Pad


Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA





STS-121 Image Gallery


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Cape Canaveral

For high resolution and more images go to KSC Multimedia Gallery
(Search for "STS-121", "Discovery" or the image number)



May 19, 2006



KSC-06PD-0860 (05/19/2006)



KSC-06PD-0863 (05/19/2006)



KSC-06PD-0866 (05/19/2006)



KSC-06PD-0867 (05/19/2006)



KSC-06PD-0870 (05/19/2006)



Quelle: NASA




NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

STS-121 Image Gallery


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Cape Canaveral

For high resolution and more images go to KSC Multimedia Gallery
(Search for "STS-121", "Discovery" or the image number)



May 19, 2006



KSC-06PD-0876 (05/19/2006)



KSC-06PD-0878 (05/19/2006)



KSC-06PD-0895 (05/19/2006)



KSC-06PD-0897 (05/19/2006)



KSC-06PD-0899 (05/19/2006)



Quelle: NASA




NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[EREIGNISHORIZONT]

Es kribbelt im Bauch! Gibt doch wichtigeres als WM 2006!

Ich hoffe wirklich, dass alles gut geht. Hoffentlich hat die NASA gut entschieden, was den Tank betrifft. Mir kommt das wenig vor. Ein paar Kameras zur bessren Sicht der Vorgänge alleine?
Weiss irgend jemand, ob denn nun der Schaum in seiner Zusammensetzung noch mal geändert wurde?
Wenn nein, dann frage ich mich, ob es überhaupt möglich ist, eine Form dieser Isolierung herzustellen. Mit all diesen Belastungen???

Na ja, Daumen drücken. Ich ziehe wir immer, den Hut vor der Crew!!

[STS-Chris]

Heute hat Astronaut
Thomas Reiter seinen 48. Geburtstag!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


vergrößern

European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter
NASA Biographical Data
Wikipedia (deutsch)



Left: European Space Agency (ESA) Astronaut Thomas Reiter of
Germany, attired in a training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit,
awaits the start of a mission training session at the Neutral Buoyancy
Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

Right: European Space Agency (ESA) Astronaut Thomas Reiter of
Germany, dons a training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit prior
to the start of a mission training session at the Neutral Buoyancy
Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center (JSC). United Space
Alliance (USA) suit technician Raymond Fraide assisted Reiter.



Left: European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter of
Germany, attired in a training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit,
participates in mission training in one of the full-scale trainers in the
Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center. Reiter is
seated on the middeck for an emergency egress training session, assisted
by United Space Alliance suit tech George Brittingham.

Right: United Space Alliance (USA) crew trainer David Pogue (left
foreground) briefs the STS-121 crew members during a training session in
one of the full-scale trainers in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the
Johnson Space Center. Also pictured in the background, from left to right,
are astronauts Steven W. Lindsey, commander; Mark E. Kelly, pilot;
Stephanie D. Wilson, Lisa M. Nowak, Michael E. Fossum, Piers J. Sellers,
all mission specialists; and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut
Thomas Reiter of Germany.


All photos: NASA

[STS-Chris]

STS-121 Image Gallery


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Cape Canaveral

For high resolution and more images go to KSC Multimedia Gallery
(Search for "STS-121", "Discovery" or the image number)



May 19, 2006



KSC-06PD-0906 (05/19/2006)
The sun is setting as Space Shuttle Discovery nears its place on Launch Pad
39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. At right are the fixed and rotating
service structures.



KSC-06PD-0907 (05/19/2006)
Space Shuttle Discovery, seen behind the orange external tank and white
solid rocket boosters, moves into place on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B.
The shuttle rests on a mobile launcher platform and made the 4.2-mile
journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building via the crawler-transporter
beneath the platform.



KSC-06PD-0908 (05/19/2006)
This side view taken from the upper level of the fixed service structure shows
Space Shuttle Discovery, mated with the orange external tank, as it has
come to rest on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B.



KSC-06PD-0910 (05/19/2006)
The lights from the fixed and rotating service structures bathe Space Shuttle
Discovery in a warm glow as it rests on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B at
NASA's Kennedy Space Center after completing the 4.2-mile journey from the
Vehicle Assembly Building.


May 23, 2006



KSC-06PD-0927 (05/23/2006)
From inside the payload changeout room on the rotating service structure on
Launch Pad 39B, the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo is lowered into
Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay. The payload ground-handling
mechanism (PGHM) is used to transfer the module into the payload bay.
Leonardo is a reusable logistics carrier. It is the primary delivery system used
to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.
Leonardo is part of the payload on mission STS-121.




NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

May 26, 2006

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Launch Pad 39B
Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue performing system testing on Space Shuttle Discovery while the vehicle is powered at Launch Pad 39B. Auxiliary power units No. 1 and 3 connections and leak checks were completed, with No. 2 in progress.

The orbiter payloads were installed in Discovery's payload bay on Wednesday. Discovery's payloads include the Italian-built logistics module Leonardo, which will carry food, clothing, spare parts and research equipment to the International Space Station. Other payloads include two cargo carriers which contain heat shield tile samples, a spare pump module and a replacement mobile transporter reel assembly.

There is no significant holiday weekend work planned.



Quelle: NASA



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121