Tag: STS-119
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STS-119: SAW deploy success highlights Flight Day 6
Discovery continues to perform without any issues of note as her crew completed the task of remotely deploying the 1B and 3B solar arrays from the newly installed S6 integrated truss structure on the International Space Station (ISS). The operation was a huge success for both arrays, which are now fully deployed on the Station.…
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STS-119 EVA-1: Final Truss Segment S6 installed on Station
Following the successful handover of the S6 truss element to the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) on Wednesday, astronauts Steven Swanson and Rick Arnold have completed STS-119’s first Extravehicular Activity (EVA) on Flight Day 5. The first of three planned EVAs for STS-119 saw Swanson and Arnold install the final integrated truss element –…
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Complex robotics complete S6 removal – TPS cleared from Focused Inspection
A complex ballet of robotics between the Shuttle and Station arms took place on Wednesday, as the S6 is transitioned out of Discovery’s payload bay ahead of installation on Thursday. Engineers on the ground have also cleared Discovery’s Thermal Protection System (TPS) from requiring a Focused Inspection. The performance of Discovery continues to impress, with only…
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Clean Discovery completes RPM and ISS docking
Discovery has docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Flight Day 3, as the initial TPS (Thermal Protection System) inspection images show a very clean orbiter. Prior to docking, Discovery carried out the RPM (Rbar Pitch Maneuver) for a full check of her TPS and belly. The STS-119 crew head to the Station with…
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STS-119: Opening TPS inspections complete – several issues being worked
Discovery is completed her opening Thermal Protection System (TPS) inspections on Flight Day 2 of STS-119, as engineers on the ground evaluate ascent imagery and the opening ‘funnies’ reported to the Mission Evaluation Room (MER). In total, engineers have reported eight issues – all of which are minor and have no mission impact. Flight Day 2 opened…
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STS-119 LIVE: Discovery launches – perfect count and ride to orbit
STS-119 has launched after an issue-free tanking and countdown, following engineering work to troubleshoot a LH2 (GH2) leak from the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP) attached to the External Tank. Discovery launched at 19:43pm local time launch, with added focus on the T-0 umbilicals on the TSM (Tail Service Masts) – following an incident on STS-126.…
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STS-119: NASA Managers press ahead with Sunday launch attempt
The second launch attempt for STS-119 will take place on Sunday at 19:43pm local time, pending the expected resolution of the leak related to the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP) – which caused the scrub of Wednesday’s attempt. Engineers are currently in S007.300 scrub turnaround procedures, but are eight hours down on the timeline –…
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STS-119: LH2 leak during tanking postpones launch to March 15
STS-119’s opening launch attempt has been scrubbed until Sunday, March 15,, following a LH2 leak during tanking. The leak related to a carrier plate that is attached to the intertank area of the ET, with attempts to cycle the associated valve to reduce the leak to acceptable proving to be unsuccessful. Scrub info: Work at the…
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L-1 for STS-119, minor troubleshooting at pad – ISS EVA complete
STS-119 is one day away from the opening launch attempt, with only a few issues of note are being worked on by engineers out at Pad 39A. One ealier issue that has been resolved related to the Seat Detailed Test Objective (DTO), which will gather information on Thrust Oscillation (TO) for Ares I. Meanwhile, two members…
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STS-119: L-2 MMT pre-empt OMS issue via Discovery’s previous flight
Engineers are currently working no serious issues with the Discovery, as the Mission Management Team (MMT) sailed through L-2 ahead of STS-119’s opening launch attempt on Wednesday. The main topic of conversation related to an issue with Discovery’s OMS (Orbital Maneuvering System) Engine Gimbal Controller during her previous flight, STS-124. The orbiter aft closeout/aft confidence…