Tag: STS-128
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STS-128: PV12 troubleshooting begins ahead of MMT launch decision
The push to return Discovery back to launch operations has begun, with initial troubleshooting via five test cycles of the LH2 inboard fill and drain valve at the pad complete, following issues with the PV12 (pneumatic valve) during STS-128’s second launch attempt. The goal is to gain confidence the issue is instrumentation – as opposed…
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SCRUB: Second STS-128 launch attempt scrubbed due to valve issue
Discovery was undergoing S0007 Launch Countdown Scrub Turnaround procedures, with the goal to launch on Wednesday morning at 1:10am local time. However, during tanking, the PV12 (pneumatic valve) failed ‘stuck’ on the fill and drain system on Discovery, causing the scrub for “at least” 48 hours. STS-128 Attemp 2 (pre-scrub): The local Florida weather – notoriously…
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STS-128 Scrubbed due to unacceptable weather – 24 hour turnaround
Unacceptable weather over the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has caused the scrub of STS-128 for 24 hours. NASA managers had worked through a few minor last-minute issues with Discovery and her systems in what has been an extremely interesting flow – one that has highlighted the pad teams’ ability to cope with unexpected work while still…
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L-2 MMT passes Discovery to move into final launch preps
With Discovery deep into S0007 (Launch Countdown) operations, the Mission Management Team (MMT) has passed STS-128 to proceed towards the business end of the count – with the aim to launch early Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, NASA managers conducted a systematic review of Discovery’s Cargo Integration Hardware (CIH) and CSCS (Contingency Shuttle Crew Support) calculations brought forth…
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STS-128: Launch Countdown operations begin for Discovery
STS-128 entered into S0007 (launch countdown) operations at 11pm on Friday evening, as engineers at Launch Pad 39A are nearly complete with both standard and non-standard pre-launch processing operations. Meanwhile, NASA managers continue to review past-vehicle and hardware performance ahead of Tuesday morning’s scheduled liftoff – with the L-2 Mission Management Team (MMT) set to…
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STS-128 confirmed for August 25 – RSRM and SRB performance reviewed
With STS-128 and Discovery officially cleared by the SOMD (Space Operations Mission Directorate) FRR for an opening launch attempt on Tuesday, August 25 at 1:36A.M. EDT, NASA’s ongoing effort to ensure that all aspects of the Space Shuttle system are safe to fly was not dedicated just to the External Tank, as managers thoroughly reviewed…
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STS-128: FRR working through to foam loss risk acceptance
The Agency Flight Readiness Review (FRR) is still expected to slip STS-128’s launch date by one day – to August 25 – due to additional pad flow work related to repairs on an ETVAS (External Tank Vent Arm System) ordnance cable. However, managers will meet again on Wednesday to set the launch date, as they…
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Discovery to debut new OI-34 flight software and new operations
At last week’s Space Shuttle Program (SSP) FRR, program managers discussed a wide range of topics, including Weather Satellite limitations, the Boundary Layer Transition DTO (Detailed Test Objective), several new operations that will be a part of STS-128 – including Discovery’s debut of new flight software – as well as previous flight performance of the MPLM…
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STS-128: Engineers successfully troubleshoot Main Bus Controller issue
As managers prepare their External Tank findings for the Agency Flight Readiness Review (FRR), engineers out at Pad 39A have through what is being described as a significant issue related to the Forward Power Control Assembly (FPCA) on Discovery. The troubleshooting took place through the weekend, with a 24 hour hit to the processing flow. STS-128 Latest:…
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SSP FRR outlines mission specifics for Discovery and STS-128
As STS-128 tracks an August 24 launch date – pending final clearance of the Ice Frost Ramp foam liberation concern – the Space Shuttle Program Flight Readiness Review (SSP FRR) has conducted thorough review of Discovery’s mission/payload content and launch opportunities. Mission Overview: The 37th voyage of Shuttle Discovery will be the Shuttle Program’s 30th…