Tag: Shuttle
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Major Shuttle and ISS extension drive taking place at the Augustine Commission
With NASA authorization language already being drawn up behind the scenes by Congress, Augustine Commission ISS/Shuttle subgroup lead Dr Sally Ride – along with several key NASA and United Space Alliance (USA) managers – have embarked on a major push to extend the shuttle program, linking the move with the allowance for the International Space…
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Extra NASA funds: An initial step towards gap reduction options/extension
US lawmakers have agreed on a stimulus package that includes just over $1 billion in additional funds for NASA, to be utilized during 2009 and 2010. While the $400m allocated towards “Exploration” is not specifically earmarked for extension of the shuttle program, it could allow NASA to take the first steps in reducing “The Gap”…
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Largest CT system in US to be shutdown during shuttle transition
NASA’s Program Requirements Control Board (PRCB) has revealed that the Computed Tomography (CT) system, located at the Santa Susana Field Lab (SSFL) in Canoga Park, CA – the largest CT system in the US – will be shutdown, pending the shuttle extension decision. Use of the facility, based on a 2010 retirement of the shuttle fleet,…
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STS-125 launch target moves to February 17 – crucial week for Hubble
STS-125 has been given a new “work-to” launch date of February 17, pending a November 5 meeting that will likely result in a Change Request (CR) to officially re-align the near-term launch manifest. Hubble troubleshooting is proceeding well, with NASA engineers preparing to switch over from the Side A control system, to the back-up Side B.…
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Atlantis to rollback to VAB on October 20 – Hubble troubleshooting latest
As NASA and the SSP (Space Shuttle Program) refine their orbiter schedules, preparations for STS-125’s rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) are proceeding – with confirmation that payload removal operations will begin this weekend. October 20 has been pencilled in for Atlantis’ rollback from Pad 39A, which will clear the pad for hosting Endeavour.…
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Hubble control system failure – STS-125 launch date delayed
A major failure of the “Side A” control system on the Hubble Space Telescope has delayed STS-125’s launch as far as 2009. The failure has shut down Hubble’s science operations, and is currently unable to send data back to Earth. Attempts will be made to switch to the “Side B” control system later this week. Switching…
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Senate pass NASA bill for extra funding – shuttle extension goals
The US Senate has passed the new NASA Authorization Bill by unanimous consent Thursday evening, a move that could result in a major boost to NASA. The Bill proposes a $2.6 billion increase in next year’s NASA budget, directs the Agency to cease shuttle retirement activities until April 30, 2009 – pending the extension assessment…
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TCDT concludes, FRR begins – STS-125 slips to NET Oct 14
STS-125’s Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) – the dress rehearsal for next month’s launch – ended at 11:00am local time this morning, as shuttle managers head into the SSP (Space Shuttle Program) Flight Readiness Review (FRR). While the Agency FRR sets the launch dates, NASA managers have now confirmed a NET (No Earlier Than) launch…
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STS-400 rolls out of VAB – STS-125 payload delay to Saturday
A problem during the preparation of Atlantis’ Hubble Servicing payload has delayed its arrival at Pad 39A until Saturday. As a result, STS-125’s launch date is in real danger of slipping – with a re-evaluation of the flow timelines on Monday. Meanwhile, Endeavour has begun to rollout to Pad 39B shortly, following a 24 hour…
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FRR to discuss unique safety requirements for STS-125 and STS-400
As preparations continue on Atlantis and Endeavour for their respective roles on STS-125 and STS-400, Boeing – at the direction of NASA – has identified three unique safety issues for the flagship mission and two unique safety issues for STS-400. These issues will make up the bulk of the upcoming Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR) –…