STS-116 - Space Shuttle Discovery

[STS-Chris]

After ISS Assembly Mission 12A.1 (STS-116 Discovery)

The STS-116 crew will deliver and install the third port truss segment, the
P5 Truss, and attach it to the second port truss segment, the P3/P4 Truss.
The Space Shuttle will deliver logistics and supplies inside a SPACEHAB
single cargo module. (December 2006)

STS-116 Mission Patch



STS-116

Mission: International Space Station Assembly Flight 12A.1
Nutzlast: Integrierte Trägerstruktur, Tragwerksegment P5,
SPACEHAB mit Versorgungsgütern
Shuttle: Discovery OV-103
Standort: Orbiter-Abfertigungswerk 3 (OPF-3)

Start: 14. Dezember 2006, 6:55 p.m. EST (00:55 CET)
Startrampe: 39-B
Missionsdauer: 12 Tage
Landung: 26. Dezember 2006
Bahnhöhe: 122 nautical miles (225 km)
Bahnneigung: 51.6°

Shuttle-Flug: Nr. 117
Discovery-Flug: Nr. 33
Shuttle-ISS-Flug: Nr. 20


Missionsziele:

1. Lieferung des dritten Backbord-Trägersegments, den P5-Träger.
Dieser wird an dem zweiten Backbord-Träger P3/P4 installiert.

2. Deaktivierung und Einziehen der Solarzellenanlage 4B
(Backbordseite) des P6-Trägers.

3. Rekonfigurieren der Stromversorgung der Solaranlagen 2A und 4A.

4. Ankunft von Sunita Williams auf der Raumstation und Heimkehr
von Thomas Reiter zur Erde.



Shuttle-Abfertigungsberichte:

17. Juli 2006, Montag

Nach erfolgreicher Landung auf der Landebahn 15 des Kennedy
Raumfahrtzentrums und Abschluß der Mission STS-121 wurde der Orbiter
DISCOVERY wurden in einer vierstündigen Prozedur die Systeme des
Orbiters gesichert, externe Kühlaggregate angeschlossen, die
Treibstoffleitungen gespült. Eine erste Inspektion des Hitzeschildes zeigte
eine Gesamtheit von 93 Beschädigungen, wovon 11 größer als 2,5 cm
waren. Anschließend wurde das Raumfahrzeug in die Halle 3 des
Orbiterabfertigungswerkes geschleppt, wo zunächst die Nutzlast aus der
Ladebucht entnommen wird und dann mit der Abfertigung für STS-116
begonnen wird.


21. Juli 2006, Freitag

Die Abfertigung von DISCOVERY für die Mission STS-116 hat begonnen.
Die Nutzlastbuchttore wurden geöffnet und die thermographischen
Inspektionen der Nasenkappe und der Flügelvorderkantensegmente sind
im Gange. Die Haupttriebwerke des Orbiters und das
Auslegersensorsystem sollen in der nächsten Woche ausgebaut werden.


Quelle: space-science-journal.de





Die Crew


CDR Mark Polansky (2. Flug)
Bisherige Flüge:
STS-98 Atlantis, ISS (2001)


PLT William Oefelein (1. Flug)


MS Robert Curbeam (3. Flug)
Bisherige Flüge:
STS-85 Discovery (1997)
STS-98 Atlantis, ISS (2001)


MS Joan Higginbotham (1. Flug)


MS Nicholas Patrick (1. Flug)


MS Christer Fuglesang (1. Flug) ESA, Sweden


ISS Sunita Williams (1. Flug) (Start)


ISS Thomas Reiter, ESA, Germany (Landung)


Quelle: NASA.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-116
Wikipedia: SPACEHAB

[Spocky]

Da ist ja eine nicht gerade sehr erfahrene Crew mit an Bord Für den Commander ist es der zweite, für den Piloten gar der erste und sonst ist noch einer mit dreien dabei, der Rest feiert Premiere

Nun gut, ich denke, dass die Leutz hinreichend trainiert sein werden, um das Shuttle zu schaukeln

[STS-Chris]

Nun gut, ich denke, dass die Leutz hinreichend trainiert sein werden, um das Shuttle zu schaukeln

Davon darfst du ausgehen!

Ich glaube die NASA möchte auch einfach bis 2010 so vielen "Rookies" (Neulinge ^^) wie möglich die Gelegenheit geben eine Mission zu absolvieren. Solange ein oder zwei erfahrene Leute dabei sind stellt das auch kein großes Problem dar. Und so eine Mission wird wirklich intensiv und jahrelang vorbereitet und trainiert.

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 launch window may be reduced
By Chris Bergin

18 July 2006

Discovery's second flight of the year, STS-116, may only have three days
of opportunity to launch, due to concerns over how the orbiter's software
will cope when 2006 turns to 2007 whilst in orbit.

Fuelled by a "wish" to keep overtime costs down during the Christmas and
New Year holidays, the NET (No Earlier Than) December 14 could
postpone the International Space Station assembly flight to next year if
Discovery fails to launch within the window.

STS-116 will be the 117th Shuttle mission and twentieth station flight (12A.1), carrying the P5 Truss and SPACEHAB to the outpost. The mission was set to have a short window - around seven days, but three days will be restrictive to getting Discovery off the pad.

A note, acquired by sources, claims: 'Year End Roll-Over (YERO) STS-116 Evaluation - JSC's (Johnson Space Center) YERO team has been recalled to investigate the possibility of flying STS-116 over the year end this December.

'If it is determined that a YERO event cannot be supported in flight, then the launch window will be limited to December 14-16. The first YERO team meeting in support of this task was held on June 27. DV is heading the effort.'

This is understood to relate to time management in the PASS/BFS, which are integral elements of the avionics software for the orbiter's GPCs (General Purpose Computers), with evaluations on-going how the software would cope with a change in the year whilst on orbit.

PASS (Primary Avionics System Software) consists of application software, which performs the actual functions that are required to fly and operate the vehicle, and operating system software, which controls the computer operations and provides the facilities to ensure that the application software can execute.

The Backup Flight Software (BFS) provides backup capability for the critical phases of a mission in case of a failure of PASS. It can, at a turn of a switch, complete ascent or entry safely, maintain vehicle control on orbit, and perform the systems management function during ascent and entry (when there is no PASS systems management).

As noted in the Flight Rules document, 'The onboard GPC's do not roll over (reset to GMT day 1) at year-end; the MTU (Master Timing Unit) does. For the GPC's to accept the MTU time, they must be taken to standby and reinitialized.

'This results in a period of no vehicle control, no navigation updates, and no payload support. Since this is unacceptable, the MTU is forced to accept GPC time. When this is done, the orbiter no longer reflects true GMT as reflected by WWV.'

This period of transition with the orbiter's software - and ultimately the period of no control - may be the reasoning engineers are looking at ensuring the 12 day mission returns to Earth before the turn of the year.

Also noted by sources is the 'convenient' side effect of reducing costs associated with this mission. Overtime costs of running a mission through the holidays, inclusive of New Year, has been estimated by sources to be 'in the millions of dollars.'

A decision is likely to be taken in the next month or two.


Quelle: nasaspaceflight.com

[Spocky]

Was ist denn das? Ein Millennium-Bug in Space oder wie? Sind die Leute bei der NASA nicht mal in der Lage, eine ordentliche Software zu schreiben, die auch einen Jahreswechsel verkraftet?

[STS-Chris]

STS-116

Nächste Ereignisse

November 2006
Überführung der Discovery zum VAB

Donnerstag, 14. Dezember 2006 - 6:55 p.m. EST
Freitag, 15. Dezember 2006 - 00:55 CET
Start



Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-072806

28 July 2006

Mission: STS-116 - 20th International Space Station Flight (12A.1) -
P5 Truss Segment
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
Launch Date: No earlier than Dec. 14, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Polansky, Oefelein, Curbeam, Higginbotham, Patrick and
Fuglesang
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Processing of Discovery for its next mission, STS-116, continues in Orbiter
Processing Facility 3. The payload bay doors have been opened, and
engineers are performing thermography inspections of the nose cap and
reinforced carbon-carbon panels on the wing leading edges. The orbiter's
main engines were removed on Wednesday and the orbiter boom sensor
system is scheduled to be removed today. Workers are also performing a
checkout of the forward reaction control system.


Endeavour (OV-105) - STS-118 (Feb. 2007)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing
Facility bay 2 following an extensive modification period. Functional testing
of the atmosphere revitalization pressure control system continues this
week. This system maintains crew module pressure during flight. Workers
completed the elevon and body flap rigging verification and calibration.
Rigging and alignment of the remote manipulator system manipulator
positioning mechanisms are under way. The star tracker doors were
installed this week. The star tracker is part of the on-orbit guidance
system.


Quelle: NASA.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-116

[STS-Chris]

STS-116

Nächste Ereignisse

November 2006
Überführung der Discovery zum VAB

Donnerstag, 14. Dezember 2006 - 6:55 p.m. EST
Freitag, 15. Dezember 2006 - 00:55 CET
Start



Image Gallery

The STS-116 Mission Patch


STS116-S-001 (July 2006)
The STS-116 patch design signifies the continuing assembly of the
International Space Station (ISS). The primary mission objective is to
deliver and install the P5 truss element. The P5 installation will be
conducted during the first of three planned spacewalks, and will involve
use of both the shuttle and station robotic arms. The remainder of the
mission will include a major reconfiguration and activation of the ISS
electrical and thermal control systems, as well as delivery of Zvezda
Service Module debris panels, which will increase ISS protection from
potential impacts of micro-meteorites and orbital debris. In addition, a
single expedition crewmember will launch on STS-116 to remain onboard
the station, replacing an expedition crewmember that will fly home with
the shuttle crew. The crew patch depicts the space shuttle rising above the
Earth and ISS. The United States and Swedish flags trail the orbiter,
depicting the international composition of the STS-116 crew. The seven
stars of the constellation Ursa Major are used to provide direction to the
North Star, which is superimposed over the installation location of the P5
truss on ISS.


3 August 2006


KSC-06PD-1727 (08/03/2006)
In bay 3 of the Orbiter Processing Facility, the orbiter boom sensor
system (OBSS) is lifted off a stand. The boom will be reinstalled in
Discovery's payload bay. It was removed last week in order to inspect the
power system, which is routine after every flight. Discovery returned from
mission STS-121 in late July, and is now being processed for mission
STS-116, scheduled to launch in mid-December.
Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann



KSC-06PD-1728 (08/03/2006)
Suspended by cables in bay 3 of the Orbiter Processing Facility, the
orbiter boom sensor system is lowered toward its place in Discovery's
payload bay.



KSC-06PD-1729 (08/03/2006)
Workers in bay 3 of the Orbiter Processing Facility check the progress of
the orbiter boom sensor system as it is lowered into place in Discovery's
payload bay.



KSC-06PD-1730 (08/03/2006)
Workers in bay 3 of the Orbiter Processing Facility check the installation of
the orbiter boom sensor system in Discovery's payload bay. The boom
was removed last week in order to inspect the power system, which is
routine after every flight. Discovery returned from mission STS-121 in
late July, and is now being processed for mission STS-116, scheduled to
launch in mid-December. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann


Quelle: NASA.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-116

[Spocky]

Was mir jetzt erst auffällt: Wieso darf Reiter vor einer deutschen Fahne posieren, der Schwede Fuglesang aber nicht vor einer schwedischen?

Im Wappen der Mission ist ja auch die schwedische Fahne verarbeitet.

[STS-Chris]

Was mir jetzt erst auffällt: Wieso darf Reiter vor einer deutschen Fahne posieren, der Schwede Fuglesang aber nicht vor einer schwedischen?

Im Wappen der Mission ist ja auch die schwedische Fahne verarbeitet.

Also eine Antwort darauf weiß ich nicht, aber ich hab mir einfach mal einige Portraits der NASA von internationalen Astronauten angesehen.

Also bei Fuglesang haben wir die USA-Flagge und die von der ESA.

Bei Thomas Reiter die deutsche Flagge und die von der ESA.

Beim Kanadier Steven MacLean (STS-115) sieht man die Flaggen der USA und von Kanada.

Beim Japaner Soichi Noguchi (STS-114) sieht man die Flaggen der USA und Japan.

So wie es aussieht wird es einfach mal so, mal so gemacht. Vielleicht hatte die NASA auch einfach keine schwedische Flagge, aber so eine zu besorgen sollte eigentlich kein Problem sein. Naja, wir werden es nie erfahren. Man kann nur spekulieren.

[Spocky]

OK, aber die ESA-Fahne vom Schweden sieht man auch nur, wenn man weiß, dass sie da ist Also mir ist die erst aufgefallen, jetzt nachdem du es mir gesagt hast

[STS-Chris]

STS-116

Nächste Ereignisse

November 2006
Überführung der Discovery zum VAB

Donnerstag, 14. Dezember 2006 - 6:55 p.m. EST
Freitag, 15. Dezember 2006 - 00:55 CET
Start



Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-080406

4 August 2006

Mission: STS-116 - 20th International Space Station Flight (12A.1) -
P5 Truss Segment
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
Launch Date: No earlier than Dec. 14, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Polansky, Oefelein, Curbeam, Higginbotham, Patrick and
Fuglesang
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Processing of Discovery for its next mission, STS-116, continues in Orbiter
Processing Facility bay 3. Following discovery of a leak, fuel cell no. 2 was
removed and replaced. Work is under way to remove and replace the L5L
vernier thruster, located on the portside orbital maneuvering system pod,
following a thruster heater malfunction during the STS-121 mission.
Windows no. 1, 2 and 5 have been replaced, with replacement of windows
no. 3 and 4 to follow this week. The orbiter boom sensor system was
re-installed Thursday after completion of post-flight inspections. Post-flight
inspection of the thermal protection system is 90 percent complete.

Die Abfertigung von Orbiter DISCOVERY für seine nächste Mission
STS-116 geht in der Halle 3 des Orbiterabfertigungswerkes weiter.
Nachdem ein Leck in der Brennstoffzelle Nr.2 entdeckt worden war, wurde
die Zelle ausgetauscht. Zur Zeit sind Arbeiten für den Austausch des
L5L-Steuertriebwerks im Gange, das sich an der Backbordgondel des
Orbitalmanövriersystems (OMS) befindet. Ein Heizelement des Triebwerks
hatte während der STS-121-Mission versagt. Die Fenster Nr. 1, 2 und 5
wurden ausgetauscht und Nr. 4 und 5 sollen nächste Woche folgen. Das
Orbiterauslegersensorsystem (OBSS) war am Donnerstag nach Abschluß
der Nachinspektion wieder eingebaut worden. Die Nachinspektion des
Hitzeschutzsystems ist zu 90% beendet.


Endeavour (OV-105) - STS-118 (Feb. 2007)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing
Facility bay 2 following an extensive modification period. Workers
performed brake leak checks, main propulsion actuator leak checks and
environmental control life support system rotary equipment checks this
week. Fuel tank installation for the power reactant storage and distribution
(PRSD) system is under way. Oxygen tank no. 5 will be installed Monday.
The PRSD supplies liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the orbiter's fuel
cells, which serve as the electrical power plant for the vehicle. The seats
for the shuttle crew commander and pilot were installed in the flight deck
this week. Testing of the atmosphere revitalization pressure control
system was completed this week.

Mechaniker haben in dieser Woche Dichtigkeitstests an den Bremsen und
den Aktuatoren der Haupttriebwerke, sowie Überprüfungen an der
Umweltregelung des Lebenserhaltungssystems durchgeführt. Der Einbau
der Tanks für die Reaktanten des Brennstoffzellenversorgungssystems
(PRSD) ist im Gange. Sauerstofftank Nr. 5 soll am Montag eingebaut
werden. Das PRSD stellt den Brennstoffzellen flüssigen Wasserstoff und
Sauerstoff für die Stromerzeugung zur Verfügung. Die Sitze für den
Shuttle-Kommandanten und den Piloten sind diese Woche auf dem
Flugdeck eingebaut worden. Die Tests des Druckregelsystems der
Luftauffrischungsanlage sind abgeschlossen.



Quelle: NASA.gov
Übersetzung: space-science-journal.de



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-116

[STS-Chris]

STS-116

Nächste Ereignisse

November 2006
Überführung der Discovery zum Montagegebäude (VAB)

Donnerstag, 14. Dezember 2006 - 6:55 p.m. EST
Freitag, 15. Dezember 2006 - 00:55 CET
Start



Space Shuttle Processing
Status Report S-081106

11 August 2006

Mission: STS-116 - 20th International Space Station Flight (12A.1) -
P5 Truss Segment
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
Launch Date: No earlier than Dec. 14, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Polansky, Oefelein, Curbeam, Higginbotham, Patrick and
Fuglesang
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Processing of Discovery for its next mission, STS-116, continues in Orbiter
Processing Facility bay 3. The thermal barrier on the orbiter's rudder
speed brake was replaced this week. Testing of the power reactant
storage and distribution system is under way, as are checkouts of the
Ku-band antenna heater, the main propulsion system and the orbital
maneuvering system pods. Functional checkout of the radiator is
complete. The wheels and tires for the nose landing gear have been
installed. Windows no. 3 and 4 were removed and replaced.


Endeavour (OV-105) - STS-118 (Feb. 2007)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing
Facility bay 2 following an extensive modification period. Freon coolant
loop no. 2 deservicing was completed this week. Rigging and alignment of
the remote manipulator system (orbiter arm) pedestals continue. Workers
completed verification of the orbiter's airlock/hatch. Fuel tank installation
for the power reactant storage and distribution (PRSD) system is under
way. Oxygen tank no. 5 was installed last week, and leak checks were
successfully completed this week. The PRSD supplies liquid hydrogen and
liquid oxygen to the orbiter's fuel cells, which serve as the electrical power
plant for the vehicle.


Quelle: NASA.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-116

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Discovery


Next Events

November 2006
Rollover of Discovery to VAB

December 14, Thursday
00:55 CET, Friday (6:55 p.m. EST)
Launch



Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
S-090106

September 1, 2006

Mission: STS-116 - 20th International Space Station Flight (12A.1) -
P5 Truss Segment
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
Launch Date: No earlier than Dec. 14, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Polansky, Oefelein, Curbeam, Higginbotham, Patrick and
Fuglesang
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Processing of Discovery for its next mission, STS-116, continues in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3. Work was interrupted this week by the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto, but the vehicle is now configured for normal operations, and system testing on the main propulsion system continues. Preparations for removal and replacement of auxiliary power unit No. 3 are in work. The brake anti-skid and nose wheel steering testing is in work. Final closeouts are under way to complete installation of the orbiter's drag chute. This weekend the orbiter's thermal protection system will be waterproofed.

Die Abfertigungsarbeiten für die nächste Mission der DISCOVERY, STS-116, mußten in dieser Woche wegen Tropensturm Ernesto unterbrochen werden, aber das Fahrzeug ist jetzt wieder für den normalen Arbeitsbetrieb wieder hergerichtet und die Systemtests am Hauptantriebssystem werden fortgesetzt. Vorbereitungen für den Austausch der Hilfskraftanlage Nr.3 sind im Gange. Testen des Antiblockiersystems der Vorderradbremse und der Lenkung des Bugfahrwerks werden zur Zeit durchgeführt. Ebenso werden noch die Abschlußarbeiten nach dem Einbau des Bremsschirms ausgeführt. An diesem Wochenende wird das Hitzeschutzsystem des Orbiters gegen Nässe imprägniert.


Endeavour (OV-105) - STS-118 (June 2007)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2 following an extensive modification period. Work was interrupted this week by the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto, but the orbiter is now configured for normal work and technicians are performing electrical tests on the remote manipulator system (shuttle arm) pedestal wire harnesses. Rigging of the orbiter boom sensor system pedestals is under way. Workers continue to remove and replace gap fillers in the high priority areas of the orbiter's underside.

Die Arbeiten mußten diese Woche wegen Tropensturm Ernesto unterbrochen werden, aber der Orbiter ist jetzt wieder für den normalen Arbeitsbetrieb hergerichtet und die Techniker führen an den Kabelbäumen der Robotarmlagerpfosten elektrische Tests durch. Die Ausrichtung der Lagerpfosten für das Orbiterauslegersensorsystem (OBSS) ist im Gange. Mechaniker fahren mit dem Austausch von Spaltfüllstreifen an der Unterseite des Orbiters fort.


Quelle: NASA.gov
Übersetzung: space-science-journal.de



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-116

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Discovery


Next Events

November 2006
Rollover of Discovery to VAB

December 14, Thursday
6:55 p.m. EST (00:55 CET, Friday)
Launch





Image Gallery

The following pictures were published on Sept. 14, 2006.

May 6, 2005


JSC2005-E-18147 (6 May 2005)
Astronauts Sunita L. Williams (left), Expedition 14 flight engineer, and
Joan E. Higginbotham, STS-116 mission specialist, use the virtual reality
lab at the Johnson Space Center to train for their duties aboard the space
shuttle. This type of computer interface, paired with virtual reality training
hardware and software, helps to prepare the entire team for dealing with
space station elements. Williams will join Expedition 14 in progress and
serve as a flight engineer after traveling to the station on space shuttle
mission STS-116.



JSC2005-E-18155 (6 May 2005)
Astronauts Robert L. Curbeam (foreground) and Nicholas J.M. Patrick,
both STS-116 mission specialists, use virtual reality hardware in the
Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center to rehearse
some of their duties on the upcoming mission to the international space
station. This type of virtual reality training allows the astronauts to wear a
helmet and special gloves while looking at computer displays simulating
actual movements around the various locations on the station hardware
with which they will be working.


July 28, 2005


JSC2005-E-31246 (28 July 2005)
Astronaut Robert L. Curbeam, STS-116 mission specialist, gets help with
the final touches on his training version of a shuttle launch and entry suit
prior to the start of an emergency egress training session in the Neutral
Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near Johnson Space Center. United Space
Alliance (USA) suit technician Raymond Fraide assisted Curbeam.



JSC2005-E-31291 (28 July 2005)
Astronaut Nicholas J. M. Patrick, STS-116 mission specialist, attired in a
training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit, floats in a small life
raft during an emergency egress training session in the Neutral Buoyancy
Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center.


August 1, 2005


JSC2005-E-32704 (1 Aug. 2005)
Astronauts Joan E. Higginbotham (left), STS-116 mission specialist, and
Sunita L. Williams, Expedition 14 flight engineer, attired in training
versions of the shuttle launch and entry suit, pose for a photo as they
await the start of an emergency egress training session in the Space
Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center. Williams will join
Expedition 14 in progress and serve as a flight engineer after traveling to
the station on space shuttle mission STS-116.



JSC2005-E-32775 (1 Aug. 2005)
European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Christer Fuglesang (left), and
astronaut Nicholas J.M. Patrick, both STS-116 mission specialists, attired
in training versions of the shuttle launch and entry suit, smile for a photo
as they await the start of an emergency egress training session in the
Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center.



JSC2005-E-32777 (1 Aug. 2005)
Astronaut Robert L. Curbeam, STS-116 mission specialist, uses a special
pulley device to escape from a simulated trouble-plagued shuttle during a
session of egress training in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at Johnson
Space Center. The full fuselage trainer (FFT) is a full-scale mockup of a
shuttle. Curbeam is wearing a training version of the shuttle launch and
entry suit.



JSC2005-E-32783 (1 Aug. 2005)
Attired in training versions of the shuttle launch and entry suit, the
STS-116 crew and an Expedition 14 crewmember pose for a group photo
prior to a training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the
Johnson Space Center. From the left are astronauts Robert L. Curbeam,
mission specialist; Sunita L. Williams, Expedition 14 flight engineer;
William A. Oefelein, pilot; Mark L. Polansky, commander; Joan E.
Higginbotham, Nicholas J.M. Patrick and European Space Agency (ESA)
astronaut Christer Fuglesang, all mission specialists. Williams will join
Expedition 14 in progress and serve as a flight engineer after traveling to
the station on space shuttle mission STS-116. The full fuselage trainer
(FFT), which is a full-scale mockup of a shuttle, is visible in the
background.


September 20, 2005


JSC2005-E-39940 (20 Sept. 2005)
Astronaut Sunita L. Williams, Expedition 14 flight engineer, participates in
a mission training session in one of the high fidelity trainers/mockups in
the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at Johnson Space Center. Williams,
attired in a training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit, is seated
on the middeck for an emergency egress training session. Williams will
join Expedition 14 in progress and serve as a flight engineer after
traveling to the station on space shuttle mission STS-116. United Space
Alliance (USA) suit technician Drew Billingsley assisted Williams.


April 21, 2006


JSC2006-E-16152 (21 April 2006)
Astronaut Robert L. Curbeam, STS-116 mission specialist, gets help with
the final touches on the training version of his Extravehicular Mobility Unit
(EMU) spacesuit prior to being submerged in the waters of the Neutral
Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near Johnson Space Center. Astronaut
William A. Oefelein, pilot, assisted Curbeam.



JSC2006-E-16170 (21 April 2006)
European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Christer Fuglesang and
astronaut Robert L. Curbeam (partially obscured), both STS-116 mission
specialists, are about to be submerged in the waters of the Neutral
Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center. Fuglesang
and Curbeam are wearing training versions of the Extravehicular Mobility
Unit (EMU) spacesuit. Divers are in the water to assist the crewmembers
during this training session.


June 15, 2006


JSC2006-E-23034 (15 June 2006)
Attired in their training versions of the shuttle launch and entry suit,
astronauts Mark L. Polansky (left), STS-116 commander, and William A.
Oefelein, pilot, occupy the commander and pilot's station during a training
session in the fixed-base shuttle mission simulator (SMS) in the Jake Garn
Simulation and Training Facility at Johnson Space Center.



JSC2006-E-23036 (15 June 2006)
European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Christer Fuglesang, STS-116
mission specialist, attired in his training version of the shuttle launch and
entry suit, participates in a fixed-base shuttle mission simulator (SMS)
training session in the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at
Johnson Space Center.


September 13, 2006


KSC-06PD-2165 (09/13/2006)
Engine No. 3 is ready to be installed on Discovery in the Orbiter
Processing Facility bay 3. The main engine configuration is manufactured
by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne in Canoga Park, Calif., and includes a
Pratt & Whitney high-pressure fuel turbo pump. Each space shuttle main
engine is 14 feet long, weighs about 6,700 pounds, and is 7.5 feet in
diameter at the end of the nozzle. Discovery is being processed for its
next mission, STS-116 (12A.1), to deliver a third truss segment, a
SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space
Station. The launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett



KSC-06PD-2166 (09/13/2006)
In the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, technicians on the Hyster forklift
are ready to install main engine No. 3 on Discovery.



KSC-06PD-2167 (09/13/2006)
In the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, technicians on the Hyster forklift
maneuver main engine No. 3 into place in Discovery.



KSC-06PD-2171 (09/13/2006)
In the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, technicians on the Hyster forklift
maneuver main engine No. 3 into place in Discovery.


Quelle: NASA.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-116

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Discovery


Next Events

November 2006
Rollover of Discovery to VAB

December 14, Thursday
6:55 p.m. EST (00:55 CET, Friday)
Launch



Image Gallery

September 19, 2006


KSC-06PD-2172 (09/19/2006)
The Pegasus barge is towed toward the turn basin dock in the Launch
Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Onboard the barge is
the external tank No. 123, designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery
on mission STS-116 in December. The tank, which was shipped from
NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, has undergone major
safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps.
Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module
and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is
currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14.
Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton



KSC-06PD-2175 (09/19/2006)
Tow boats secure the Pegasus barge at the turn basin dock in the Launch
Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. At left is the
525-foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building where the external tank will go
after offloading from the barge.


September 20, 2006


KSC-06PD-2177 (09/20/2006)
External tank No. 123 is offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn
basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. Designated to launch Space Shuttle
Discovery on mission STS-116 in December, the tank is being moved to
the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into a checkout cell for
further work.



KSC-06PD-2181 (09/20/2006)
External tank No. 123 heads toward the open doorway of the Vehicle
Assembly Building. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a
checkout cell for further work.


Quelle: NASA.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-116