STS-116 - Space Shuttle Discovery

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Discovery



NASA TV and Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39B (update every 60 seconds)


Next Events

December 3, Sunday
Arrival of the crew at Shuttle Landing Facility, Kennedy Space Center

December 7, Thursday
9:35 p.m. EST (03:35 CET, Friday)
Launch

December 17, Sunday
External Tank ET-124 (for Space Shuttle Atlantis, STS-117/LON-317)
leaves Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans

December 19, Tuesday
4:36 p.m. EST (22:36 CET)
Landing

All times could change at short notice.
Changes are indicated in red.



It's Official:
Discovery is 'Go' for Launch on Dec. 7

November 29, Wednesday

NASA senior managers wrapped up the two-day flight readiness review
on Nov. 29 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At a press
conference immediately following the review, William Gerstenmaier, NASA
Associate Administrator for Space Operations, announced Dec. 7 as the
launch date for the STS-116 mission to the International Space Station.

Gerstenmaier was joined at the briefing by Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale and Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Hale pointed out that the launch team had been asked to aim for a launch on Dec. 7 rather than the original target date of Dec. 14.

"I am as proud of the team as I could be for advancing the date, but even more proud of them for doing the work properly and making sure we are safe," Hale commented.

"From the processing perspective we feel really, really good about Dec. 7," Leinbach agreed.

The Shuttle Mission Management Team conducts the review two weeks prior to the opening of the launch window for each space shuttle mission. The group thoroughly evaluates all activities and elements necessary for the safe and successful performance of shuttle mission operations -- from the prelaunch phase through post-landing -- including the readiness of the vehicle, flight crew and payloads.

The launch window for the STS-116 mission extends through Dec. 17. The seven-member flight crew will arrive for launch at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility the afternoon of Dec. 3. Primary payloads on the 12-day mission are the P5 integrated truss segment, SPACEHAB single logistics module and an integrated cargo carrier. The STS-116 mission will be the 20th flight to the station.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Video Gallery

November 29, Wednesday

1. STS-116 - Flight Readiness Review News Conference ... 30.9 MB


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



Image Gallery

November 29, Wednesday


KSC-06PD-2623 (11/29/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
A worker on Launch Pad 39B arrives on the 195-foot level of the fixed
service structure with a cart containing the external maneuvering units (or
spacewalk suits) to be used on mission STS-116. The suits will be stored
inside Space Shuttle Discovery. Launch of Discovery is scheduled for 9:35
p.m. Dec. 7. The crew will deliver the P5 integrated truss to the
International Space Station and install it during one or more
extravehicular activities. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller



KSC-06PD-2624 (11/29/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
Two workers on Launch Pad 39B maneuver a cart along the orbiter access
arm toward the White Room. The cart contains the external maneuvering
units (or spacewalk suits) to be used on mission STS-116. The suits will be
stored inside Space Shuttle Discovery, which has access from the White Room.



KSC-06PD-2625 (11/29/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
Inside the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, workers get ready to move a
cart through the hatch into Space Shuttle Discovery.



KSC-06PD-2626 (11/29/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
Inside the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, the worker in the foreground
hands off the cart to another worker in a protective suit who will move it
inside Space Shuttle Discovery for storage.


Quelle: NASA/KSC



NASA TV
STS-116
Integrated Truss Structure P5

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Discovery

Start:
Freitag, 8. Dezember 2006
03:35 CET (9:35 p.m. EST, 7. Dez.)

Startfenster: 7. - 17. Dezember 2006


NASA TV and Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39B (update every 60 seconds)


Weather and Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39B (update every 60 seconds)


Next Events

December 4, Today

10:55 p.m. EST (04:55 CET, Tuesday)
STS-116 - Commentary as Countdown begins
Countdown begins at 11 p.m. EST
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)


December 5, Tuesday

10:00 a.m. EST (16:00 CET)
STS-116 - Countdown Status Briefing
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)

4:00 p.m. EST (22:00 CET)
STS-116 - Launch Readiness News Conference
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)


December 6, Wednesday

10:00 a.m. EST (16:00 CET)
STS-116 - Countdown Status Briefing
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)


December 7, Thursday

3:30 p.m. EST (21:30 CET)
STS-116 - Launch and Mission Coverage
Launch scheduled at 9:35 p.m. EST
(NASA TV, All Channels)

10:30 p.m. EST (04:30 CET, Friday)
STS-116 - Post-Launch News Conference
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)


December 19, Tuesday
4:35 p.m. EST (22:35 CET)
STS-116 - Landing of Shuttle Discovery

All times could change at short notice.
Changes are indicated in red.


Quelle: NASA TV SCHEDULE





Three Days to Go

December 4, Monday

The STS-116 crew arrived Sunday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in
Florida to begin final preparations for launch on the STS-116 mission, a
construction flight to the International Space Station.

At Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery is safely enveloped by the
pad's rotating service structure, which protects the shuttle assembly from
the elements while providing access for technicians. The structure will be
rolled back to the "park" position early Thursday morning, revealing the
shuttle poised for launch.

The countdown is set to begin tonight at 11 p.m., with the clock starting at
the T-43 hour mark. There are 27 hours, 36 minutes of hold time built into
the countdown, leading to a preferred liftoff time at 9:35 p.m. EST.

Primary payloads on the 12-day mission are the P5 integrated truss
segment, SPACEHAB single logistics module and an integrated cargo
carrier. This will be the 20th flight to the station.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Video Gallery

December 3, Sunday

1. STS-116 - Crew Arrival at KSC ... 22.7 MB


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



Image Gallery

December 3, Sunday


KSC-06PD-2631 (12/03/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
At the Shuttle Landing Facility, Launch Director Mike Leinbach welcomes
(from left) STS-116 Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Robert
Curbeam and Commander Mark Polansky upon their arrival at KSC
aboard T-38 jet aircraft for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Dec. 7.



KSC-06PD-2633 (12/03/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
At the Shuttle Landing Facility, Launch Director Mike Leinbach welcomes
members of the STS-116 crew upon their arrival at KSC aboard T-38 jet
aircraft for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Dec. 7. From left are
Leinbach, Pilot William Oefelein, Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang
representing the European Space Agency, Mission Specialists Robert
Curbeam and Nicholas Patrick, Commander Mark Polansky (back to
camera) and Mission Specialist Sunita Williams joining Expedition 14 in
progress on the International Space Station.



KSC-06PD-2634 (12/03/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
At the Shuttle Landing Facility, Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left)
welcomes STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein upon his arrival at KSC aboard a
T-38 jet aircraft for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Dec. 7.



KSC-06PD-2635 (12/03/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
At the Shuttle Landing Facility, members of the STS-116 crew address
media representatives on hand for their arrival at KSC aboard T-38 jet
aircraft for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Dec. 7. From left are
Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham; Pilot William Oefelein; Mission
Specialists Robert Curbeam, Christer Fuglesang representing the
European Space Agency, Nicholas Patrick, and Sunita Williams joining
Expedition 14 in progress on the International Space Station; and
Commander Mark Polansky (at the microphone).



KSC-06PD-2639 (12/03/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
At the Shuttle Landing Facility, members of the STS-116 crew address
media representatives on hand for their arrival at KSC aboard T-38 jet
aircraft for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Dec. 7. From left are
Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham; Pilot William Oefelein; Mission
Specialist Robert Curbeam; and Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang, a
Swedish astronaut representing the European Space Agency (at the
microphone).



KSC-06PD-2641 (12/03/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
At the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-116 crew poses for media
representatives on hand for their arrival at KSC aboard T-38 jet aircraft
for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Dec. 7. From left are Mission
Specialist Joan Higginbotham; Pilot William Oefelein; Mission Specialists
Robert Curbeam, Christer Fuglesang representing the European Space
Agency, Nicholas Patrick, and Sunita Williams joining Expedition 14 in
progress on the International Space Station; and Commander Mark
Polansky.


Quelle: NASA/KSC



NASA TV
STS-116
Integrated Truss Structure P5

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Discovery

Shuttle Countdown Clock

Start:
Freitag, 8. Dezember 2006
03:35 CET (9:35 p.m. EST, 7. Dez.)

Startfenster: 7. - 17. Dezember 2006


NASA TV and Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39B (update every 60 seconds)


Weather and Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39B (update every 60 seconds)


Next Events

December 5, Today

10:00 a.m. EST (16:00 CET)
STS-116 - Countdown Status Briefing
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)

4:00 p.m. EST (22:00 CET)
STS-116 - Launch Readiness News Conference
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)


December 6, Wednesday

10:00 a.m. EST (16:00 CET)
STS-116 - Countdown Status Briefing
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)


December 7, Thursday

3:30 p.m. EST (21:30 CET)
STS-116 - Launch and Mission Coverage
Launch scheduled at 9:35 p.m. EST
(NASA TV, All Channels)

10:30 p.m. EST (04:30 CET, Friday)
STS-116 - Post-Launch News Conference
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)


December 19, Tuesday
4:35 p.m. EST (22:35 CET)
STS-116 - Landing of Shuttle Discovery

All times could change at short notice.
Changes are indicated in red.


Quelle: NASA TV SCHEDULE





Two Days Until Launch, Preparations Continue

December 5, Tuesday

Monday at 11 p.m. EST, NASA's countdown clock blinked to life at the
T-43 hour mark and began ticking down toward the liftoff of Space Shuttle
Discovery on a complex and challenging mission to the International
Space Station.

Led by Commander Mark Polansky, the seven crew members arrived at
Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday afternoon. Polansky and Pilot
Bill Oefelein spent part of Monday evening flying the Shuttle Training
Aircraft (STA) and checking the fit of their orange launch and entry suits.
They'll complete another STA flight tonight while Mission Specialists Robert
Curbeam, Joan Higginbotham, Nicholas Patrick, Christer Fuglesang and
Sunita Williams try on their suits.

Liftoff is targeted for 9:35 p.m. Thursday -- the midpoint of a 10-minute
launch window.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Die Crew, Teil 4

STS-116 Mission Specialist 2
Robert "Bob" Curbeam (MS2)


[Low Res | High Res]

Astronaut Robert L. Curbeam, Mission Specialist
NASA Biographical Data
Wikipedia (deutsch)


Bisherige Flüge:

STS-85 Discovery
7 - 19 Aug 1997

STS-85 Crew
Robert Curbeam, Mission Specialist



STS085-316-036 (7 - 19 August 1997) [Low Res | High Res]
Astronaut Robert L. Curbeam, Jr., mission specialist, takes pictures of
Earth with a 70mm handheld camera through the overhead windows on
the aft flight deck of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Curbeam, a member of
the 1995 class of astronaut candidates, is making his first flight aboard a
Space Shuttle.


STS-98 Atlantis
7 - 20 Feb 2001

STS-98 Crew
Robert Curbeam, Mission Specialist



STS98-E-5038 (9 February 2001) [Low Res | High Res]
Astronaut Robert L. Curbeam, mission specialist, stays busy at a
makeshift supply depot on the flight deck of the Space Shuttle Atlantis
during rendezvous and docking operations with the International Space
Station (ISS). The scene was recorded with a digital still camera.



STS98-E-5192 (12 February 2001) [Low Res | High Res]
Astronaut Robert L. Curbeam, STS-98 mission specialist, is pictured near
Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-3) during the second of three scheduled
space walks on 5A. The scene was recorded with a digital still camera.


All photos: NASA



NASA TV
STS-116
Integrated Truss Structure P5

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Discovery

Shuttle Countdown Clock

Start:
Freitag, 8. Dezember 2006
03:35 CET (9:35 p.m. EST, 7. Dez.)

Startfenster: 7. - 17. Dezember 2006



Next Events

December 7, Thursday

12:30 a.m. EST (06:30 CET)
STS-116 - Rotating Service Structure Retraction

11:40 a.m. EST (17:40 CET)
STS-116 - External Tank Loading

3:30 p.m. EST (21:30 CET)
STS-116 - Launch and Mission Coverage
Launch scheduled at 9:35 p.m. EST
(NASA TV, All Channels)

10:30 p.m. EST (04:30 CET, Friday)
STS-116 - Post-Launch News Conference
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)


December 19, Tuesday
4:35 p.m. EST (22:35 CET)
STS-116 - Landing of Shuttle Discovery

All times could change at short notice.
Changes are indicated in red.


Quelle: NASA TV SCHEDULE





Weather Forecast Takes Center Stage

December 6, Wednesday

No technical issues should affect Thursday's planned launch of Space
Shuttle Discovery, NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding announced during a
countdown status briefing this morning at Kennedy Space Center.
Discovery's onboard cryogenic tanks were loaded last night, and software
loads and verifications are underway today, along with the power-up and
checkout of ground communication systems. The launch pad's rotating
service structure is set to be retracted at 12:30 a.m. EST (06:30 CET)
Thursday, and loading of Discovery's orange external tank will begin
around 11:40 a.m. EST (17:40 CET).

"Discovery and her crew are set to embark on one of the most
complicated missions ever performed, and I'm happy to say our vehicle is
ready," Spaulding said.

Asked about the issues raised Tuesday evening regarding the mobile
launcher platform power surge and adhesive on a reusable solid rocket
motor, Spaulding replied, "We expect all issues to be cleared by the time
we go into the L-1 MMT meeting today."

Joining Spaulding at the briefing were Debbie Hahn, STS-116 payload
manager, and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer. Discovery's
payloads are ready for flight, but weather remains a major concern.

"Tomorrow we are expecting a frontal system to come into the area,
and that is going to bring in a lot of cloud cover," Winters said. "We did
increase our probability of weather prohibiting a [Kennedy] launch to
60 percent."

The forecast indicates the possibility of isolated light rain and low clouds in
the area at launch time. Weather is also a concern at a contingency
landing site in Istres, France. Tail winds there may increase and pose an
issue as well.

In the case of a 24-hour delay, the forecast isn't much better: there's a
chance the winds at the launch pad or Shuttle Landing Facility could
exceed limits, bringing the chance of weather prohibiting launch to 70
percent. A 48-hour delay would leave the launch team with a 60 percent
chance of weather preventing liftoff.

"Weather starts getting more promising as we get into Sunday or Monday
evening, but Tuesday looks the best right now," Winters concluded.

The STS-116 mission is the 33rd for Discovery and the 117th space
shuttle flight. During the 12-day mission, the crew will continue
construction on the International Space Station, rewiring the orbiting
laboratory and adding a segment to its integrated truss structure.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Die Crew, Teil 5

STS-116 Mission Specialist 3
Christer Fuglesang (MS3)


[High Res]

ESA Astronaut Christer Fuglesang, Mission Specialist
NASA Biographical Data
Wikipedia (deutsch)


Bisherige Flüge:

keine



JSC2003-00007 (7 January 2003) [Low Res | High Res]
Astronaut Christer Fuglesang, STS-116 mission specialist, puts 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) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). United Space
Alliance (USA) suit technician Jason Rache assisted Fuglesang, who
represents the European Space Agency (ESA).



JSC2006-E-47953 (6 Nov. 2006) [Low Res | High Res]
European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Christer Fuglesang (right),
STS-116 mission specialist, responds to a question from the media during
a pre-flight press conference at Johnson Space Center. Astronaut William
A. Oefelein, pilot, is at left.



JSC2006-E-49051 (13 Nov. 2006) [Low Res | High Res]
Astronauts William A. (Bill) Oefelein (right), STS-116 pilot, and Christer
Fuglesang, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency
(ESA), go through a pre-flight check of the systems of a NASA T-38 jet
trainer at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center prior to a flight to the
Kennedy Space Center, Florida.



KSC-06PD-2547 (11/14/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang checks his helmet during
suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal
countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities.


All photos: NASA



NASA TV
STS-116
Integrated Truss Structure P5

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Discovery

Shuttle Countdown Clock

Start:
Freitag, 8. Dezember 2006
03:35 CET (9:35 p.m. EST, 7. Dez.)

Startfenster: 7. - 17. Dezember 2006



Next Events

December 7, Thursday

12:30 a.m. EST (06:30 CET)
STS-116 - Rotating Service Structure Retraction

11:40 a.m. EST (17:40 CET)
STS-116 - External Tank Loading

3:30 p.m. EST (21:30 CET)
STS-116 - Launch and Mission Coverage
Launch scheduled at 9:35 p.m. EST
(NASA TV, All Channels)

10:30 p.m. EST (04:30 CET, Friday)
STS-116 - Post-Launch News Conference
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)


December 19, Tuesday
4:35 p.m. EST (22:35 CET)
STS-116 - Landing of Shuttle Discovery

All times could change at short notice.
Changes are indicated in red.


Quelle: NASA TV SCHEDULE





Video Gallery

December 4, Monday

1. STS-116 - Commentary as Countdown Begins ... 8.2 MB


December 5, Tuesday

1. STS-116 - Countdown Status Briefing L-2 Days ... 28.4 MB

2. STS-116 - Launch Readiness News Conference L-2 Days ... 43.4 MB


December 6, Wednesday

1. STS-116 - Countdown Status Briefing L-1 Day ... 40.6 MB


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



Die Crew, Teil 6

STS-116 Mission Specialist 4
Joan Higginbotham (MS4)


[Low Res | High Res]

Astronaut Joan E. Higginbotham, Mission Specialist
NASA Biographical Data
Wikipedia (deutsch)


Bisherige Flüge:

keine



JSC2003-00684 (January 2003) [Low Res | High Res]
Astronaut Joan E. Higginbotham, STS-116 mission specialist, takes a
break from training to pose for a portrait with a NASA T-38 trainer jet at
Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.



JSC2003-E-62172 (7 Nov. 2003) [Low Res | High Res]
Astronaut Joan E. Higginbotham, STS-116 mission specialist, uses the
virtual reality lab at the Johnson Space Center to train for her 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 shuttle and space station elements.



JSC2006-E-49040 (13 Nov. 2006) [Low Res | High Res]
Astronaut Joan E. Higginbotham, STS-116 mission specialist, looks over a
directory in the check-out facility at Ellington Field near Johnson Space
Center prior to a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet to the Kennedy Space
Center, Florida.



KSC-06PD-2582 (11/16/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
The STS-116 mission crew practices for launch with a simulation of
activities, from crew breakfast and suit-up to countdown in the orbiter. In
this photo Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham dons her launch suit and
helmet before heading to Launch Pad 39B.


All photos: NASA



NASA TV
STS-116
Integrated Truss Structure P5

[TechnikTom]

Also in ca. 21Stunden gehts los... dann gute Nacht... Muß doch wieder mal eine Nachtschicht Einlegen...

Dann los STS-116 Discovery

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Discovery

Shuttle Countdown Clock

Start:
Freitag, 8. Dezember 2006
03:35 CET (9:35 p.m. EST, 7. Dez.)

Startfenster: 7. - 17. Dezember 2006



Next Events

December 7, Today

11:40 a.m. EST (17:40 CET)
STS-116 - External Tank Loading

3:30 p.m. EST (21:30 CET)
STS-116 - Launch and Mission Coverage
Launch scheduled at 9:35 p.m. EST
(NASA TV, All Channels)

10:30 p.m. EST (04:30 CET, Friday)
STS-116 - Post-Launch News Conference
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)


December 19, Tuesday
4:35 p.m. EST (22:35 CET)
STS-116 - Landing of Shuttle Discovery

All times could change at short notice.
Changes are indicated in red.


Quelle: NASA TV SCHEDULE



Die Crew, Teil 7

STS-116 Mission Specialist 5 / Expedition 14 Flight Engineer
Sunita "Suni" Williams (MS5)


[Low Res | High Res]

Astronaut Sunita L. Williams, Mission Specialist
NASA Biographical Data
Wikipedia (deutsch)


Bisherige Flüge:

keine



JSC2006-E-08949 (16 March 2006) [Low Res | High Res]
Astronaut Sunita L. Williams, Expedition 14 flight engineer, participates in
a training session at a console in the simulation control area in the Neutral
Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) at the Sonny Carter Training Facility (SCTF)
near Johnson Space Center.



JSC2006-E-46472 (25 Oct. 2006) [Low Res | High Res]
Astronaut Sunita L. Williams, Expedition 14 flight engineer, attired in a
training version of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit, awaits
a training session in the waters of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL)
near Johnson Space Center.



JSC2006-E-47965 (6 Nov. 2006) [Low Res | High Res]
Astronaut Sunita L. Williams, Expedition 14 flight engineer, poses for a
portrait following a STS-116 pre-flight press conference at 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 in
December.



KSC-06PD-2602 (11/16/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita
Williams is helped with her gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery.
The mission crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown, part of
the terminal countdown demonstration test that includes prelaunch
preparations.



KSC-06PD-2632 (12/03/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
At the Shuttle Landing Facility, Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right)
welcomes STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams upon her arrival at
KSC aboard a T-38 jet aircraft for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery
on Dec. 7. Williams will join Expedition 14 in progress aboard the
International Space Station as a flight engineer.


All photos: NASA



NASA TV
STS-116
Integrated Truss Structure P5

[TechnikTom]

T -3:50 and counting

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Discovery

Shuttle Countdown Clock

Start:
Freitag, 8. Dezember 2006
03:35 CET (9:35 p.m. EST, 7. Dez.)

Startfenster: 7. - 17. Dezember 2006



Next Events

December 7, Today

3:30 p.m. EST (21:30 CET)
STS-116 - Launch and Mission Coverage
Launch scheduled at 9:35 p.m. EST
(NASA TV, All Channels)

10:30 p.m. EST (04:30 CET, Friday)
STS-116 - Post-Launch News Conference
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)


December 19, Tuesday
4:35 p.m. EST (22:35 CET)
STS-116 - Landing of Shuttle Discovery

All times could change at short notice.
Changes are indicated in red.


Quelle: NASA TV SCHEDULE





Tanking Begins as the Countdown Continues

December 7, Thursday

It's launch day at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where
Space Shuttle Discovery and a crew of seven astronauts are undergoing
final preparations for the STS-116 mission to the International Space
Station.

Discovery's orange external tank is being loaded with 500,000 gallons of
liquid oxygen and hydrogen. This process, called "tanking," began at
11:33 this morning and takes about three hours to complete. The
propellant levels in the tank will be continuously "topped off" during the
remainder of today's countdown.

All systems onboard the space shuttle are functioning normally this
morning, but there's a 60 percent chance of weather prohibiting a liftoff at
9:35 p.m. EST. A cold front moving through the area is expected to bring
with it a lingering blanket of clouds and isolated light rain. There are also
weather concerns at all three Transatlantic Abort Landing sites. The team
will press on with the countdown for now, in case the weather clears in
time for launch.

Across the space center, in the Operations and Checkout Building's crew
quarters, the astronauts were awakened about the time tanking began.
After breakfast, a weather briefing and suiting up, they'll board the silver
Astrovan and leave for the launch pad amid the cheers of Kennedy
employees.

The STS-116 mission is the 33rd for Discovery and the 117th space
shuttle flight. During the 12-day mission, the crew will continue
construction on the International Space Station, rewiring the orbiting
laboratory and adding a segment to its integrated truss structure.


Quelle: NASA.gov



Image Gallery

December 3, Sunday


KSC-06PD-2668 (12/07/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
Space Shuttle Discovery is bathed in light on Launch Pad 39B after
rollback of the rotating service structure after midnight. Seen above the
golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the
end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm, extending from the FSS. Vapors are
created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents
the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Below it,
also extending toward Discovery from the FSS, is the orbiter access arm
with the White Room at the end. The crew gains access into the orbiter
through the White Room.



KSC-06PD-2669 (12/07/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-116 at 9:35 p.m. today.
On the mission, the crew will deliver truss segment, P5, to the
International Space Station and begin the intricate process of
reconfiguring and redistributing the power generated by two pairs of U.S.
solar arrays. The P5 will be mated to the P4 truss that was delivered and
attached during the STS-115 mission in September.



KSC-06PD-2670 (12/07/2006) [Low Res | High Res]



KSC-06PD-2672 (12/07/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
Under a clear blue sky, Space Shuttle Discovery is ready for launch of
mission STS-116 from Launch Pad 39B. At far left is the rotating service
structure, rolled back to enable launch. Beneath Discovery's wings are the
tail masts, which provide several umbilical connections to the orbiter,
including a liquid-oxygen line through one and a liquid-hydrogen line
through another.



KSC-06PD-2674 (12/07/2006) [Low Res | High Res]
Under a blue sky streaked with clouds, Launch Pad 39B holds Space
Shuttle Discovery, ready for launch of mission STS-116. At the far left is
the rotating service structure, rolled back after midnight in preparation for
launch. Next to Discovery is the fixed service structure, with the
80-foot-high lightning mast on top, part of the lightning protection system
on the pad.


Quelle: NASA/KSC


GO DISCOVERY!


NASA TV
STS-116
Integrated Truss Structure P5

[STS-Chris]

03:02 CET (9:02 p.m. EST Thurs.)

The cloud ceiling at Kennedy Space Center has dropped below the acceptable
limit again. So weather is "no go" for launch at the moment. Meanwhile,
weather at the Zaragoza, Spain emergency site is now forecast "go" for
tonight, giving NASA an available location for Discovery to land if launch is
aborted.

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Mission Status

03:15 CET (9:15 p.m. EST Thurs.)

Launch weather is "no go" right now due to low clouds at Kennedy Space
Center. Final readiness polls of management and the launch team will be
coming up shortly.


03:22 CET (9:22 p.m. EST Thurs.)

The final readiness poll by the NASA test director Jeff Spaulding confirms
there are no technical issues being addressed. The Range is "no go" due
to low clouds, however.

NASA launch director Mike Leinbach is conducting his poll.


03:23 CET (9:23 p.m. EST Thurs.)

The decision has been made to resume the countdown and proceed to
T-minus 5 minutes. The clock will hold there if the weather does not
improve.

"We're ready to count down and get this mission underway," Discovery
commander Mark Polansky says.


03:26:48 CET (9:26:48 p.m. EST Thurs.)

T-minus 9 minutes and counting! The Ground Launch Sequencer is now
actively running this final phase of tonight's countdown to launch space
shuttle Discovery. Weather is still "no go" at this time. The countdown will
hold at T-minus 5 minutes if the weather does not clear. The low cloud
ceiling is currently 5,300 feet. The limit is 6,000 feet.


03:36 CET (9:36 p.m. EST Thurs.)

SCRUB. Tonight's liftoff has been scrubbed due to low clouds over the launch site.



STS-116 Launch Times

December 8
9:13 p.m. EST (03:13 CET, Dec. 9)

December 9
8:47 p.m. EST (02:47 CET, Dec. 10)

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Discovery

Shuttle Countdown Clock

Start:
Sonntag, 10. Dezember 2006
02:47 CET (8:47 p.m. EST, 9. Dez.)

Startfenster: 7. - 17. Dezember 2006



Video Gallery

December 7, Thursday

1. STS-116 - Launch Activities ... 21.9 MB

2. STS-116 - Launch has been scrubbed ... 7.7 MB


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



Launch Status

04:07 CET (10:07 p.m. EST Thurs.)

The weather forecast for Friday night's launch time calls for a
chance of isolated rain showers, scattered-to-broken clouds at 3,000 feet,
scattered clouds at 20,000 feet, 7 miles of visibility, northeasterly winds of
22 peaking to 30 knots and a temperature of 55 degrees. The showers,
winds and broken clouds constituting a ceiling at 3,000 feet would be
constraints. There is a 90 percent chance of violating the launch rules.

Saturday's outlook predicts isolated showers, scattered-to-broken
clouds at 3,000 feet, northeasterly winds of 15 peaking to 20 knots and a
temperature of 63 degrees. Showers, winds and a low ceiling would again
be constraints, with a 70 percent chance of violating the launch rules.

Sunday and Monday are 60 percent "no go" due to showers, winds
and low ceilings.

Tuesday is the first day with better odds, 40 percent "no go."


04:15 CET (10:15 p.m. EST Thurs.)

The mission management team has decided to forego a launch attempt on
Friday night. The next shot at launching space shuttle Discovery will be
Saturday, with a target liftoff time of 8:47:34 p.m. EST.
But even then the weather forecast is not ideal.


Quelle: SpaceflightNow.com



NASA TV
STS-116
Integrated Truss Structure P5

[STS-Chris]

So, bevor ich hier weiter über den nächsten Startversuch berichte muss ich euch leider mitteilen, dass ich vom 10. bis zum 15. Dezember auf einem Seminar sein werde und daher in diesem Zeitraum wohl nicht online sein kann. Also werde ich auch nicht in gewohnter Form über den Stand der Mission informieren können. Wenn jemand von euch das in dieser Zeit übernehmen möchte, kann er das gerne tun. Ansonsten könnt ihr euch ja auch direkt an den jeweiligen Quellen informieren und die Fotos direkt auf der NASA Website anschauen.

Also viel Spaß an alle, die die Mission verfolgen und bis dann!

[TechnikTom]

Hallo
der countdoun läuft wieder .. sind noch genau 14h 35min bis dahin... also T -09:35
Hofentlich hält das Wetter!!

[STS-Chris]

STS-116 Discovery

Shuttle Countdown Clock

Start:
Sonntag, 10. Dezember 2006
02:47 CET (8:47 p.m. EST, 9. Dez.)

Startfenster: 7. - 17. Dezember 2006



Next Events

December 9, Today

2:30 p.m. EST (20:30 CET)
STS-116 - Launch and Mission Coverage
Launch scheduled at 8:47 p.m. EST
(NASA TV, All Channels)

9:45 p.m. EST (03:45 CET, Sunday)
STS-116 - Post-Launch News Conference
(NASA TV, Public and Media Channels)


December 21, Thursday
STS-116 - Landing of Shuttle Discovery

All times could change at short notice.
Changes are indicated in red.


Quelle: NASA TV SCHEDULE REV A



Video Gallery

December 7, Thursday

1. STS-116 - Launch Activities (update) ... 21.9 MB, 18.8 MB and 16.0 MB

2. STS-116 - Launch has been scrubbed ... 7.7 MB


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



Launch Status

15:00 CET (9:00 a.m. EST)

Shuttle engineers are gearing up to refuel the shuttle Discovery for launch
tonight at 8:47:34 p.m. to kick off a critical space station mission.
Retraction of a huge service gantry ran behind schedule this morning, but
a NASA spokesman said the work was expected to be completed in time
to support fueling operations, scheduled to begin at 10:52 a.m. EST
(16:52 CET).


15:37 CET (9:37 a.m. EST)

Rollback of the rotating service structure is finally underway at pad 39B.


16:10 CET (10:10 a.m. EST)

The Mission Management Team pre-fueling meeting is proceeding at the
Kennedy Space Center. A decision on pressing ahead with filling the
external fuel tank with a half-million gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid
oxygen is expected within the hour.


16:35 CET (10:35 a.m. EST)

Officials have given a provisional "go" for fueling of space shuttle
Discovery in advance of tonight's launch. However, activities at the pad
are running three-and-a-half hours behind schedule. Managers will meet
again after 12 p.m. to reassess the progress of work and decide if the
countdown can get back on track for liftoff this evening.

Shuttle flights to the space station have only 10-minute launch windows --
in tonight's case, 8:42 to 8:52 p.m. So NASA is left with little wiggle room
compared to the old days of lengthy shuttle windows.

In any event, workers are scrambling to get caught up so that Discovery
can take a shot at launching. But the weather forecast does remain 70
percent "no go" for launch time.


Quelle: SpaceflightNow.com



NASA TV
STS-116
Integrated Truss Structure P5