Tag: STS-129
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Superb EVA-2 highlights FD6 – ODS issue cleared for contingency redock
STS-129 Spacewalkers Michael Foreman and Randolph Bresnik have concluded the second of three EVAs, which has been slightly replanned due to the success of EVA-1 and alarms on Station. Meanwhile, engineers have cleared Atlantis for a contingency redocking with the ISS – in the event of damage being found during post-undock Late Inspections – following…
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STS-129: ELC-2, Internal Transfers and EVA-2 preps mark Flight Day 5
As part of NASA’s effort to stockpile the International Space Station with as many spare components as possible before the retirement of the Space Shuttle fleet, the Express Logistics Carriers are a vital part of that endeavor. With Flight Day 5 involving the removal of ELC-2 from Atlantis’ cargo bay, an interview with Boeing’s Eve…
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STS-129 completes EVA-1 – TPS cleared from Focused Inspection
Spacewalkers Mike Foreman (EV1) and Robert Satcher (EV2) have completed the first of three EVAs on Flight Day 4, with tasks including installing a spare communications antenna, routing cables and lubricating parts of the mobile base system and Kibo robotic arm. Meanwhile, the Damage Assessment Team (DAT) have confirmed Atlantis will not require a Focused…
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Atlantis completes RPM and docks with the ISS
With her Flight Day 2 (FD-2) Thermal Protection System inspections behind her, Atlantis has docked with the International Space Station (ISS) – following a visually stunning R-bar Pitch Maneuver (RPM). Docking came after engineers cleared a minor ring alignment issue on Atlantis’ Orbiter Docking System (ODS). STS-129 Status: The Damage Assessment Team (DAT) are currently evaluating the vast…
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STS-129: TPS Inspections mark FD2 – Photos show extremely clean ET-133
STS-129’s crew have worked through the primary Flight Day 2 task of inspecting Atlantis’ Thermal Protection System via the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS), while the Mission Management Team (MMT) review ascent data and imagery of STS-129’s External Tank (ET-133). Post Sep ET Umbilical Well photography shows what appears to be one of the cleanest tanks on…
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STS-129: Atlantis in clean launch ahead of opening TPS inspections
Only three minor foam liberation events have been noted in initial ascent imagery evaluations, with External Tank ET-133 appearing to perform extremely well during launch. Further checks will take place via Flight Day 2’s opening Thermal Protection System (TPS) inspections which utilize the orbiter’s robotic arms for the first time during STS-129. Countdown review: Atlantis…
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LAUNCH DAY LIVE: Fuel Cell 2 issue cleared – Atlantis in perfect launch
With a smooth countdown behind her, Atlantis launched on her opening opportunity on the STS-129/ULF-3 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Engineers only had to work one issue during the count – relating to noise on the H2 pump inside Fuel Cell 2. Countdown Status – Click here for post launch article: The flight marks…
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L-1 MMT prepare for STS-129 tanking – engineers discuss Atlantis with her crew
Atlantis continues to behave herself on Pad 39A, with no notable issues reported in the launch countdown. With the Mission Management Team (MMT) now meeting daily, the build-up to a “go” for tanking at 5am local time on Monday currently has no obstructions in its path. Meanwhile, engineering leads from the United Space Alliance and…
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STS-129: Atlantis heads into countdown – no major issues for L-2 MMT
T-43 hours and counting for the launch of Atlantis on her STS-129 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), as engineers begin a highly complex ballet of S0007 (Launch Countdown) operations. No issues are being worked at Pad 39A, while the clearance for launch is expected to receive a green light at next milestone of…
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STS-129: Practising launch – Flight controllers put to the test
The STS-129 ascent/entry flight control team and flight crew concluded the fourth and final integrated ascent simulation at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) on Tuesday. NASASpaceflight.com’s Philip Sloss was given a unique insight by observing the sim runs conducted by Flight Director Bryan Lunney and his team. STS-129 Sim Runs: In preparation for the upcoming…