Tag: STS-119
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STS-119: Interfacing the stack – Discovery preparing for S0008
Shuttle Discovery as the STS-119 stack will undergo the Shuttle Interface Test (S0008) on Sunday, although engineers had to work through issues with the mating of the orbiter/ET umbilicals – which have since been resolved. The STS-119 stack is being worked through Orbiter/ET mate (S0004 operations) since Discovery was transitioned over to High Bay 3…
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STS-119: Discovery mated to ET-127 as engineers focus on FCV issue
Mating operations have moved past the soft mate phase inside the Vehicle Assembly Facility (VAB), following Discovery’s milestone of rollover ahead of next month’s STS-119. The main issue under discussion is the need to replace the orbiter’s three Flow Control Valve (FCV) which will be carried out at Pad 39A after next week’s rollout. Discovery…
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Discovery rollover to VAB completed following late tire change
Veteran orbiter Discovery has arrived in the Vehicle Assembly Facility (VAB) ahead of her February launch of STS-119. The short trip was slightly delayed, following a late requirement to changeout a tire on the orbiter. Discovery will now undergo a week’s worth of operations inside the VAB, which begins with the transition from the transfer…
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Risk assessment notes holddown post debris threat to shuttle
An assessment into the holddown post failure on STS-126’s launch has found that debris that is not captured by the Debris Containment System (DCS) is capable of impacting the vehicle during launch. A solution to STS-126’s anomaly is currently being certified for STS-119. The Holddown Post (HDP) #3 Debris Containment System (DCS) failure has already…
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Fleet processing involves holiday work – Giant crane dominates KSC skyline
Processing will continue on two orbiters through the Christmas holidays, with work required on both Discovery and Endeavour. Meanwhile, a huge crane has been built up to support the final construction of the 600ft Ares I lightning protection towers at Pad 39B. The bulk of the workforce at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) belong to…
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Dextre grounded – engineers evaluating potential failure on ISS robot
An issue with Canada’s Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) robot “Dextre” is being evaluated, after engineers identified a potential failure mode in the SPDM Power Switching Init (PSU). As a result, the robot will remain in its current position attached to the Destiny Lab until further notice. Dextre is capable of robotic execution of ISS…
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Endeavour into STS-127 processing – Discovery ready for STS-119 rollover
Endeavour has finally arrived back to the home comforts of her Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF-2), following her highly successful STS-126 mission. Meanwhile, the pace shows no sign in letting up, with Discovery now powered down for the final time, as she prepares to rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) early in January, ahead of…
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STS-119/Discovery rollover date changed as 2009 shuttle schedule realigns
Only around five weeks will separate Endeavour’s return home from her STS-126 mission, and when Discovery is due to rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) ahead of STS-119. Discovery’s upcoming milestones are part of a realigned plan for the 2009 missions. However, STS-119’s launch date advancement has been disapproved by shuttle managers. The S6…
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ISS prepares for arrival of STS-126 – STS-119 launch date advancement debate
With STS-126 closing in on the start of S0007 – otherwise known as the three day launch countdown – Expedition 18 are busily preparing for Endeavour’s arrival on Flight Day 3. Meanwhile, shuttle managers have discussed – and appear to have dismissed – the advancement of STS-119 to January 20. Shuttle managers met for the…