http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle en-us
This is the last day the space shuttle Atlantis and International Space Station astronauts will share each other’s company. The hatches between the spacecraft will be closed early this afternoon, following a change in command of the station from European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne to American astronaut Jeff Williams. Early in the morning all 12 crew members will gather for a joint crew news conference with reporters from around the world.]]> Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:05:39 GMT
This was the final STS-129 spacewalk, the 230th conducted by U.S. astronauts, and the second for both Satcher and Bresnik. It was the 136th in support of International Space Station assembly and maintenance, totaling 849 hours, 18 minutes. It was the 108th spacewalk out of the space station, totaling 662 hours, 3 minutes.

The three STS-129 spacewalks totaled 18 hours, 27 minutes. Mike Foreman now has completed five spacewalks between STS-123 and STS-129 totaling 32 hours, 19 minutes and placing him 28th on the all-time list. Satcher’s two spacewalks totaled 12 hours, 19 minutes. Bresnik’s two spacewalks totaled 11 hours, 50 minutes.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:09:45 GMT
Satcher now is moving to the Starboard 1/Starboard 3 truss segment to install fluid jumpers, while Randy Bresnik continues the same task on the Port 1/Port 3 truss segment.

Spacewalk elapsed time is four hours, 40 minutes.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:10:32 GMT
At an elapsed time of four hours, Bresnik is installing fluid jumpers on the Port 1/Port 3 and Starboard 1/Starboard 3 trusses and Satcher is at the mobile base system where he will install an insulating sleeve over power connections and two camera covers.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:38:55 GMT
Spacewalkers Robert Satcher Jr. and Randy Bresnik are about 30 minutes ahead of schedule as the elapsed time passed the three hour mark.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:36:02 GMT
Meanwhile, Mission Specialist Robert Satcher Jr. is preparing the Quest airlock for the installation of the high pressure gas tank, which is being moved to Quest by the station robotic arm.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:32:26 GMT
Bresnik already has moved the two MISSE 7 experiment “suitcases” from Atlantis’ payload bay and soon will install them on ELC 2.

At an elapsed time of an hour and 12 minutes, the spacewalk is about 20 minutes ahead of schedule.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:39:47 GMT
Sixteen minutes into the spacewalk, Robert L. Satcher and Randy Bresnik already were 15 minutes ahead of the timeline.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:49:37 GMT
Satcher and Bresnik are scheduled for a six and a half hour spacewalk, although 30-45 minutes of it are set aside as “contingency” time for any tasks that require longer to complete than estimated. Because the mission’s first two spacewalks accomplished more than was planned, this third excursion has taken on several new chores that originally were listed as mission “get ahead” tasks.

The first item on Satcher’s agenda is to transfer an oxygen-filled high pressure gas tank (HPGT) from the External Logistics Carrier (ELC) 2 to the Quest airlock. Space station robotic arm operators Leland Melvin and Barry Wilmore will assist with the move of the large, “doghouse” shaped HPGT. While Satcher works with the HPGT, Bresnik will retrieve the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE 7) from Atlantis’ payload bay and install it on ELC 2. The pair will work together to remove Quest airlock debris shields and activate the HPGT. The tank will be used to replenish airlock air that’s lost when spacewalkers exit and enter Quest..The HPGT installation is expected to take about three hours.

Next, while Satcher loosens a bolt on a starboard truss Ammonia Tank Assembly, Bresnik will install fluid jumpers on the Port1/Port 3 and Starboard 1/Starboard 3 truss segments. Finally, while Bresnik relocates an articulating portable foot restraint, Satcher will install two camera covers and an insulating sleeve on the station’s Mobile Base System.

This is the 230^th spacewalk conducted by U.S. astronauts, the 136^th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, the 100^th out of space station airlocks, and the second for both Satcher and Bresnik. Satcher is wearing an all white spacesuit and his helmet cam displays number 16. Bresnik is wearing a spacesuit with broken red stripes and his helmet cam displays number 18.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:31:18 GMT Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:25:47 GMT
This activity is expected to delay the start of today’s spacewalk by about an hour to 8:18 a.m. EST.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:51:18 GMT
This activity is expected to delay the start of today’s spacewalk by about an hour to 8:18 a.m. EST.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:40:52 GMT
Astronauts Robert Satcher Jr. and Randy Bresnik are ready to begin the third and final spacewalk of the STS-129 mission. They camped out in the Quest Airlock overnight to prepare for the task. The spacewalkers are scheduled to start an hour late at about 8:18 a.m. EST. Spacewalk veteran Foreman will be the intravehicular crew member and will help direct today’s activities and coordinate communications between the spacewalkers and Mission Control in Houston.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:40:44 GMT
The International Space Station crew began its sleep shift at 5:58 p.m. EST, and the shuttle crew headed to bed a half hour later. Both crews are set to wake up Monday at 2:28 a.m. The spacewalk is slated to begin at 7:18 a.m.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:07:56 GMT Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:04:43 GMT
Abigail Mae Bresnik was born Saturday, Nov. 21 at 11:04 p.m. CST, weighs six pounds, 13 ounces and is approximately 20 inches in length.

Bresnik was connected through a phone patch from Mission Control and the hospital to Atlantis after he woke up Sunday morning. During his wife’s labor Saturday night, he also had been connected to STS-129 Flight Surgeon Dr. Smith Johnston through the International Space Station’s IP Phone until he had to go to bed. A video conference is planned today so Bresnik can see his daughter for the first time. Photos and some video of the baby also will be uplinked to him.

No other information will be available until after Bresnik returns to Earth. Rebecca and Randy Bresnik offered this final word, “We are sending a big thank you to all of the people who have supported NASA and us for this mission and our special occasion.”]]> Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:29:03 GMT
At 5:14 a.m. CST, Bresnik called Mission Control and announced the birth of his daughter. Abigail Mae Bresnik arrived at 11:04 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 in Houston, TX. He reported his wife Rebecca and baby are doing well. He also thanked the flight control team and flight surgeon for their support and assistance.

This is the second time a baby has been born to an American astronaut during his spaceflight. Mike Fincke’s daughter was born in June 2004 while he was aboard the International Space Station.]]> Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:21:00 GMT
Today is an off-duty day for the International Space Station crew. The shuttle crew will enjoy half the day off, answer media questions, participate in an education event and prepare for Monday's spacewalk.]]> Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:41:49 GMT
The spacewalking pair finished all their assigned work way ahead of schedule and completed several get-ahead tasks. They deployed the last two of the Payload Attach Systems that remained on the outside of the International Space Station.

This was the second of three STS-129 spacewalks, the 229th conducted by U.S. astronauts, the fifth for Foreman and the first for Bresnik. It was the 135th in support of International Space Station assembly and maintenance, totaling 843 hours, 36 minutes. It was the 107th spacewalk out of the space station, totaling 656 hours, 21 minutes.]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:43:03 GMT
The STS-129 crew was planning to deploy two PAS in three spacewalks and actually deployed three PAS in two spacewalks.

Spacewalk choreographer Robert L. Satcher asked Mission Control, “Do you have any more PASs you need to deploy?” Capsule Communicator Steve Swanson replied, “Not on this station.”

Still running ahead of schedule, the spacewalkers are taking on more “get ahead” work. They are going to disconnect and reconnect a cable connector on the Space-to-Ground Antenna that was installed on the first spacewalk. The reconnection may correct a low signal on the system. The crew also may relocate an articulating portable foot restraint.]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:18:38 GMT
The astronauts continue to be well ahead of schedule. Next, they will deploy the final PAS, the attach system on the Earth-facing side of the Starboard 3 truss section. This is where the Express Logistics Carrier 4 will be installed next year. This task had been planned for the third spacewalk.]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:25:52 GMT Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:52:03 GMT Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:36:25 GMT
This is the second spacewalk of the mission, the 229^th spacewalk conducted by U.S. astronauts, the 135^th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, the fifth for Foreman and the first for Bresnik. Foreman is the lead spacewalker and wears a suit with solid red stripes on his legs. His helmet cam displays number 16. Bresnik is wearing a spacesuit with broken red stripes and his helmet cam displays number 18.

Foreman and Bresnik will be working together throughout the spacewalk. First, they will install a Grappling Adaptor to On-Orbit Railing Assembly, or GATOR, on the Columbus laboratory. GATOR contains a ship-tracking antenna system and a HAM radio antenna. They will relocate a floating potential measurement unit that gauges electric charges that build up on the station, deploy a Payload Attach System on the space-facing side of the Starboard 3 truss segment and install a wireless video system that allows spacewalkers to transmit video to the station and relay it to Earth.

The spacewalk was shortened by 30 minutes after an alarm woke the crew Friday night. The only items removed from the spacewalk are “get ahead” tasks that can be performed on a future excursion.]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:35:17 GMT Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:32:44 GMT Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:10:28 GMT Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:47:12 GMT
Foreman and Bresnik’s pre-breathe “campout” protocol in Quest was interrupted by false alarms aboard the station Thursday night. The alarms caused the crew sleep period to be extended by 30 minutes, reduced the spacewalk by 30 minutes to six hours, and shifted the start time for the excursion to 9:38 a.m. EST. The shortened spacewalk will not prevent Foreman and Bresnik from accomplishing all the major tasks that are planned. Thirty minutes had been set aside for “get ahead” tasks, which instead will be rescheduled for a later spacewalk.]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:17:04 GMT
Satcher will help direct today’s primary activity, the second STS-129 spacewalk. He will be the intravehicular crew member, choreographing the activities and coordinating communications between Mission Control in Houston and spacewalkers Mike Foreman and Randy Bresnik. The spacewalk is set to begin at 9:43 a.m. Also on today’s agenda is the installation of the Express Logistics Carrier 2 onto the International Space Station’s exterior.

Because of last night’s false space station alarms, the wakeup call moved 30 minutes later than planned. The spacewalk has been shortened to six hours, eliminating about 30 minutes of “get ahead” tasks that originally were scheduled.]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:48:07 GMT
The crews of Atlantis and the space station were wakened and took steps to respond to the alarms and restore the systems. The shuttle crew turned off the fan in the airlock that connects the shuttle to the station and inserted a lithium hydroxide canister to scrub carbon dioxide. At 10:26 the shuttle crew was given the go-ahead to go back to sleep.

Because it will take about another 90 minutes to return the Quest airlock to the normal configuration, spacewalkers Mike Foreman and Randy Bresnik will abandon the campout protocol and go to sleep elsewhere. They will perform an exercise protocol in the morning to scrub nitrogen from their systems, which the campout protocol normally accomplishes.

Teams in the space station Flight Control Room are discussing how the incident might affect tomorrow morning’s timeline. The wakeup time has moved 30 minutes later, to 3:58 a.m. and to accommodate the new wake up time, the spacewalk will be shortened by 30 minutes, removing some “get ahead” tasks that were planned for the excursion.

At this time, flight controllers do not know why the Poisk module generated another false rapid depressurization alarm.]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:18:43 GMT
The International Space Station crew is scheduled to go to sleep at 6:58 p.m. EST, and the shuttle crew heads to bed a half hour later. Both crews are set to wake up Saturday at 3:28 a.m. The spacewalk is slated to begin at 8:18 a.m.]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:23:38 GMT Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:50:06 GMT Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:09:04 GMT
Atlantis' astronauts will grab the nearly 14,000-pound Express Logistics Carrier 2 with the shuttle robotic arm this afternoon. Tomorrow, they will lift the carrier from Atlantis' payload bay, hand it off to the space station robotic arm and install it on the outside of the station. The combined crews of the shuttle and station also will speak to seven different media outlets today. And at the end of the day, Mike Foreman and Randy Bresnik will "campout" in the station's Quest Airlock to prepare for Saturday's second spacewalk.]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:39:57 GMT
It took about an hour to reactivate the ventilation fans and stabilize the station atmosphere following the incident. The crews have been warned to watch out for pockets where carbon dioxide has accumulated.

The initial cause for the false depressurization indication is under evaluation. Mission control Capcom Frank Lien told station Commander Frank De Winne it might have originated with the Poisk mini-research module that docked to the station earlier this month.

The space station crew will wait until ventilation is restored before going back to sleep. The shuttle crew has already been given the “go” from teams on the ground to go back to sleep. To make up for the sleep they lost reacting to the alarm, the sleep period has been extended by 30 minutes. The new wake up time will be 4:28 a.m. EST.]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:48:18 GMT
After finishing all their scheduled chores with two hours to spare, Foreman and Satcher were assigned a task that had been planned for the second spacewalk. They deployed the outboard Payload Attach System on the Earth-facing side of the Starboard 3 truss, after overcoming some initial difficulties.

This was the first of three STS-129 spacewalks, the 228th conducted by U.S. astronauts, the fourth for Foreman and the first for Satcher. It was the 134th in support of International Space Station assembly and maintenance, totaling 837 hours, 28 minutes. It was the 106th spacewalk out of the space station, totaling 650 hours, 13 minutes.]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:06:48 GMT Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:48:25 GMT Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:46:24 GMT
Now the spacewalkers will deploy the outboard Payload Attach System (PAS) on the Earth-facing side of the Starboard 3 truss. The PAS will allow future missions to store spare parts to the station’s truss segment for future use.]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:39:58 GMT Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:29:09 GMT Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:28:01 GMT
This is the 228^th spacewalk conducted by U.S. astronauts, the 134^th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, the fourth for Foreman and the first for Satcher. Foreman is the lead spacewalker and wears a suit with solid red stripes. His helmet cam displays number 16. Satcher is wearing an all-white spacesuit and his helmet cam displays number 18.

Once they get outside, Foreman and Satcher will install a spare S-band antenna structural assembly to the Z1 segment of the station’s truss, or backbone. To get there, Satcher will ride the station’s robotic arm, driven by Atlantis crew mates Charles Hobaugh, Leland Melvin and Barry Wilmore.

Foreman and Satcher also will install a set of cables for a future space-to-ground antenna on the Destiny laboratory. They will replace a handrail on the Unity node with a new bracket used to route an ammonia cable that will be needed for the Tranquility node when it is delivered next year. The two spacewalkers also will reposition a cable connector on Unity, troubleshoot S0 truss cable connections, and lubricate latching snares on the Kibo robotic arm and the station’s mobile base system.

While the spacewalk is underway, station Commander Frank De Winne and Flight Engineer Jeff Williams will work inside the station to prepare for the arrival of Tranquility, rewiring data, power and cooling lines and air flow connections at the port hatch of Harmony, where Tranquility will connect.

Meanwhile, Nicole Stott is celebrating her 47^th birthday in space.]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:24:33 GMT
Preparations are underway to begin the first spacewalk of the mission at 9:18 a.m. Spacewalkers Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher, Jr. will tackle a host of maintenance tasks outside the International Space Station, including installing a spare communications antenna, routing cables and lubricating parts of the mobile base system and Kibo robotic arm.

The spacewalk will be the 228th conducted by U.S. astronauts in history, the 134th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, the fourth for Foreman and the first for Satcher.]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:43:43 GMT
The International Space Station crew is scheduled to go to sleep at 7:58 p.m. EST, and the shuttle crew heads to bed a half hour later. Both crews are set to wake up Thursday at 4:28 a.m. The first spacewalk is slated to begin at 9:18 a.m.]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:01:50 GMT
The spare hardware stored on ELC-1 includes an Ammonia Tank Assembly, a Battery Charger Discharge Unit, a Control Moment Gyroscope, a station robotic arm Latching End Effector Unit, a Nitrogen Tank Assembly, a Plasma Contactor Unit, a Pump Module Assembly and a Passive Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanism.]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:32:21 GMT
The ELC is a platform that supports external payloads mounted to the space station’s trusses and weighs almost 14,000 pounds. The ELC carries a number of spare parts that will sustain station operations after shuttles are retired.]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:30:38 GMT
At 2:28 p.m. the crews will remove the Express Logistics Carrier 1 from Atlantis’ payload bay and at 3:08 p.m., hand if off from the shuttle robotic arm to the station robotic arm.

Two news briefings will be held today on NASA Television. STS-129 Lead Shuttle Flight Director Mike Sarafin will brief reporters on the status of the mission at 2:30 p.m. and Space Shuttle Program deputy manager and Mission Management Team (MMT) chairman LeRoy Cain will hold a post-MMT briefing at 5 p.m.]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:45:39 GMT Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:33:43 GMT
The shuttle and station crews will open hatches and hold the traditional welcome ceremony at 1:48 p.m. When hatches open, astronaut Nicole Stott’s tenure as a station Expedition 21 flight engineer will come to an end as she joins the Atlantis crew.]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:23 GMT
After a series of leak checks that should take about two hours, the hatches between the two vehicles will be opened and the two crews will start their joint operations.]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:52:37 GMT Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:29:28 GMT Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:19:02 GMT Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:57:02 GMT Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:14:35 GMT
Today is docking day in space, as space shuttle Atlantis closes the gap to the International Space Station and links up at 11:53 a.m. A series of maneuvers will take place prior to docking. Later in the day, the Express Logistics Carrier 1 will be unberthed from Atlantis' payload bay and handed off from the shuttle robotic arm to the space station robotic arm. At the end of the day, Mike Foreman and Satcher will "campout" in the Quest Airlock to prepare for Thursday's spacewalk.]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:36:32 GMT
The crew is scheduled to wake up at 4:28 a.m. Wednesday and begin rendezvous operations 90 minutes later to dock with the station shortly before noon.]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:16:43 GMT Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:31:30 GMT Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:27:19 GMT
The second flight day’s Mission Status Briefing is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT. The briefing will air live on NASA Television.]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:41:34 GMT Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:37:21 GMT
Beginning at 9 p.m., NASA TV will play Flight Day 1 highlights hourly until the STS-129 astronauts awaken at 4:28 a.m. Tuesday to begin their first full day in space.]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:39:21 GMT Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:03:42 GMT
Gerstenmaier congratulated the teams and the work they accomplished preparing the payload and vehicle for this complex and ambitious mission. "We still have a tough mission in front of us … but it (the shuttle) looked really, really good," Gerstenmaier continued.

Mike Moses, mission management team chairman, remarked that the launch ended up being picture-perfect after a low-layer of clouds settled over the center for the first few hours of the countdown. "As a management team we had no issues of any note to talk about," Moses said. "It (the countdown) was nice and quiet and smooth."

"We had a great countdown today," said Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director. He said Atlantis broke the record for the lowest problems reported, previously held by space shuttle Discovery. "It's due to the team and the hardware processing. They just did a great job."

The record will probably never be broken again in the history of the Space Shuttle Program, so congratulations to them," Leinbach continued.

Leinbach also honored the midbody team with an award for the processing of Atlantis' payload bay, which included the turnaround "down-processing" after the return of Atlantis from the Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. He said they did an outstanding job and they deserved their award today.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:15:31 GMT
Following a smooth countdown, with no technical issues and weather that steadily improved throughout the afternoon, the shuttle lifted off on time from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:28 p.m. EST.

NASA TV will air a post-launch news conference at no earlier than 3:30 p.m. EST, and on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:28:46 GMT
The team is not working any technical issues and the weather has cooperated with clear skies over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The last minutes of Atlantis' countdown to launch include several steps; the retraction of the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end, and the gaseous oxygen vent arm, which holds the "beanie cap," or cover, over the external tank.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:15:42 GMT
The countdown clock is holding at T-9 minutes. This is the last built-in hold today and is scheduled to last about 45 minutes.

The weather forecast remains "go" at the launch site and the Transoceanic Abort Landing, or TAL, sites as the countdown clock ticks backward toward an on-time launch at 2:28 p.m. EST.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:46:59 GMT
Atlantis' countdown has resumed at T-20 minutes and counting. There is a planned hold at T-9 minutes that will extend about 45 minutes.

Engineers evaluating the fuel cell electrical issue have determined it likely is a function of the configuration of the lighting in the crew cabin and there will be no troubleshooting necessary prior to launch.

All systems including weather remain "go." Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters has changed the launch weather forecast to 80-percent chance of favorable conditions at time of liftoff.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:28:59 GMT
All six STS-129 astronauts are safely strapped into their seats and are awaiting liftoff at 2:28 p.m. EST.

The Closeout Crew will pressurize the crew cabin, check for leaks and then finish up remaining work inside the pad's White Room before leaving the area.

The weather forecast remains "go" at the launch site and the Transoceanic Abort Landing, or TAL, sites where the shuttle could land in the unlikely event of an emergency.

NASA's recovery ships, Liberty Star and Freedom Star are stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, ready to gather up the solid rocket boosters after they fall into the sea.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:52:17 GMT
The launch pad Closeout Crew will close the hatch, pressurize the crew cabin, check for leaks, and then finish up remaining work inside the pad's environmentally controlled White Room before leaving the area.

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported to Launch Director Mike Leinbach that the launch forecast is "green," which means there are no weather constraints for liftoff this afternoon.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:10:43 GMT
Communications checks will be conducted throughout the strap-in process as the astronauts take their places.

There are no technical issues standing in the way of launch, and weather specialists continue to monitor the skies over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for signs of violations.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:12:39 GMT
Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters advised the launch team that the weather conditions at Kennedy are improving. She said the cloud cover now in the area should move away by launch time and leave the sky clear for Atlantis' flight.

The shuttle is showing no technical issues and launch is on schedule for 2:28 p.m. EST.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:42:01 GMT
The Final Inspection Team will check the outside of the shuttle. They are studying Atlantis, the solid rocket boosters and external tank for large chunks of ice or other debris on or near the shuttle.

The Closeout Crew is dressed in white coveralls, while the Final Inspection Team wears orange coveralls. The coveralls for both teams are numbered so the technicians can be accounted for during their time at the pad.

The Closeout Crew will help the astronauts climb aboard Atlantis and get situated for launch. They also will close the hatch later and conduct leak checks before departing the pad.

There is a 70-percent chance of favorable weather for launch -- the primary concern at this time is for low cloud ceilings.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:55 GMT
Fueling of the external tank was completed at 8 a.m. and the countdown has entered 2 1/2 hour hold.

The Final Inspection Team and Closeout Crew will head out to the pad shortly for their specialized tasks. The inspection team will look for signs of debris or ice buildup, while the Closeout Crew will ready Atlantis for its six-member astronaut crew.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:11:55 GMT
The three-hour fueling process will provide the fuel and oxidizer Atlantis' three main engines require for the 8 1/2 minute trip to orbit.

Weather forecast is now at a 70-percent chance of favorable weather for an on-time liftoff at 2:28 p.m. this afternoon.

NASA Television is providing live commentary of external tank loading and launch commentary and blog will begin at 9:30 a.m.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:39:23 GMT
There now is a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for launch. The primary concern is for low cloud ceilings. All three Transatlantic Abort Landing sites are “go.”

Launch is targeted for 2:28 p.m. NASA Television will provide live commentary of external tank loading beginning at 5 a.m. and launch commentary and blog will begin at 9:30 a.m.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:13:06 GMT
Also, at 4:30 a.m. Monday morning, the Mission Management Team will meet to give the “go” for tanking of space shuttle Atlantis. Tanking is scheduled to begin at 5 a.m.

Weather remains at 90 percent favorable for an on-time liftoff at 2:28 p.m. Monday afternoon.]]> Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:20:58 GMT
"After many, many months of hard work, STS-129 Atlantis and her crew are nearly ready to fly," said Payne. "We've had a clean countdown to date and are currently on schedule with no problems to report."

Main avionics check outs are still being performed and orbiter to ground communication tests will be completed this afternoon.

The flight crew's personal items also will be stowed this afternoon along with the recumbent seat that will accommodate the return of Nicole Stott, who has been serving as Flight Engineer at the station.

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters of the 45th weather squadron was pleased to announce that the forecast for launch day remains at 90-percent both for fueling of the external tank and for liftoff.

Weather continues to look good for the transatlantic abort, or TAL, sites where the shuttle could land in the unlikely event of an emergency although there still is a possibility of high seas where the solid rocket booster recovery ships are stationed.

If there is a 24-hour turnaround, Winters said the forecast increases to 30-percent probability that weather will violate weather constraints.

At about 5:30 p.m. today, the Rotating Service Structure that protects the shuttle from inclement weather will be rolled away. Loading of propellants into the external tank is scheduled to begin at around 5 a.m. Monday.]]> Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:45:46 GMT
Participating in today's briefing will be NASA Test Director Steve Payne and Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters.

Today at about 5:30 p.m., the Rotating Service Structure that protects the shuttle from inclement weather will be rolled away.

Loading of propellants into the external tank is scheduled to begin at around 5 a.m. on Monday.

Space shuttle Atlantis, its payload and crew are set to launch to the International Space Station at 2:28 p.m. Monday.]]> Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:12:25 GMT
"It was a really smooth meeting … Atlantis is ready to go," Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager said. (There was) "a unanimous vote to proceed with the launch countdown."

Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director said, "… We're right on the money. We're not tracking any issues with the vehicle, flight elements or ground systems. I'm happy to report we're ready to go."

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the forecast continues to be very favorable for launch day with only a 10-percent chance that weather will be a concern for liftoff and the fueling of Atlantis' external tank.

Weather also is looking good for the transatlantic abort, or TAL, sites where the shuttle could land in the unlikely event of an emergency. The only issue Winters mentioned was the possibility of some high seas where the solid rocket booster recovery ships are stationed.

On Sunday at about 5:30 p.m., the Rotating Service Structure that protects the shuttle from inclement weather will be rolled away. Loading of propellants into the external tank is scheduled to begin at around 5 a.m. on Monday.

Tune in tomorrow for the L-1 countdown status briefing at no earlier than 10 a.m. which will be aired on NASA TV and found on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:07:26 GMT
The weather forecast for launch day, according the shuttle weather officer Kathy Winters, is looking very favorable for both launch and fueling of the shuttle's external tank.

There is only a 10-percent chance that weather will hinder any launch-related activities for Atlantis' Monday's 2:28 p.m. liftoff to the International Space Station.]]> Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:50:44 GMT
NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson reported everything is progressing on schedule for Atlantis' 31st flight to deliver the crew, two Express Logistic Carriers and other necessary parts to the International Space Station.

"Our teams here at Kennedy Space Center, as well as all the NASA centers around the country, have worked very hard preparing this hardware for flight," said Blackwell-Thompson. "We're all looking forward to the mission that lies ahead."

Scott Higginbotham, the STS-129 payload manager, said the processing of the payload for this mission has been a difficult and challenging race for his team. "But we're smiling today," Higginbotham said. "Because we crossed the finish line and we survived." Final inspections were completed and the payload bay doors were closed for flight this morning.

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported weather is looking very good for launch day and for the loading of propellants into Atlantis' external fuel tank. At this time there's only a 10 percent chance of weather hindering a successful launch on Monday.

At 1 p.m. today, NASA's official launch countdown clock begins counting backward toward Monday's liftoff.

Tune into the STS-129 mission's pre-launch news conference that will be aired tomorrow at no earlier than 11 a.m. EST on NASA TV and on the web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:48:48 GMT
Final launch preparations continue at Launch Pad 39A with technicians closing space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay doors this morning.

Meanwhile, the STS-129 astronauts continue their prelaunch activities at Kennedy today. Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and Pilot Barry E. Wilmore practiced landings at the Shuttle Landing Facility this morning in NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft -- a Gulfstream II jet modified to simulate the shuttle controls and handling.

Techs also performed a final fit-check as Hobaugh and Wilmore donned their orange launch-and-landing gear.

NASA's official launch countdown clock begins counting backward at 1 p.m. EST today toward Monday's 2:28 p.m. liftoff.]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:16:50 GMT
After arriving, STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and his crew made brief statements to the media who were gathered at the shuttle runway.

"It's a real honor and pleasure to be here," said Hobaugh. "This has been the culmination of at least nine months of us being together as a crew … we've been deeply entrenched in our training, getting to develop all of our individual requirements for accomplishing our objectives for this mission."

The astronauts departed the landing strip and headed for the crew quarters of Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building to begin final preparations for liftoff.

The official countdown clock begins counting backwards at 1 p.m. EST tomorrow towards Monday's 2:28 p.m. launch.

Tune in to the STS-129 countdown status briefing being aired on NASA TV and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv, scheduled for 10 a.m. EST Friday.]]> Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:00:24 GMT
Arrival is scheduled for about 12:30 p.m. EST and will be carried live on NASA TV -- also online at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The crew is scheduled to make a brief statement to the media, who are gathered at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility covering the arrival, before departing to their quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building.

Technicians on Launch Pad 39A completed pressurizing tanks inside Atlantis' engine and steering jet systems, which are the main propulsion system and orbital maneuvering system, and the reaction control system early this morning.

Countdown officially begins tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. for Monday's 2:28 p.m. launch.]]> Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:08:13 GMT
The shuttle's three main engines, as well as the orbital maneuvering system and reaction control system, which will be used to steer Atlantis in space, will start being pressurized for flight.

Techs also will complete installation of sensors and microphones in Atlantis' aft section today for the acoustic environment testing. Final systems checks in the shuttle's aft section are complete.

The STS-129 astronauts will fly to Kennedy tomorrow in NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft. Landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility is expected around 12 p.m. EST. NASA TV will air the crew's arrival live on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The countdown to launch begins 1 p.m. Friday.

Liftoff of Atlantis' 11-day cargo mission to the space station is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:26:05 GMT
Installation work also continues for the shuttle's engine acoustic environment testing equipment. The equipment will record the sound pressure and vibration at liftoff -- which recently were determined to be stronger than originally thought.

Testing of the main engine acoustic environment equipment using microphones and sensors is scheduled to wrap up tomorrow.

The STS-129 mission's six astronauts are now in quarantine at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston until they fly to Kennedy on Thursday morning. They will practice final integrated ascent techniques in the motion base simulator and review camera equipment in crew quarters today.

Liftoff of Atlantis' flight to the International Space Station is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. The countdown to launch begins 1 p.m. Friday.]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:14:36 GMT
Technicians will install instruments in both the mobile launcher platform's tail service mast and in space shuttle Atlantis' aft section. The equipment will record the sound pressure and vibration at liftoff -- which recently were determined to be stronger than originally thought.

The testing of the "main engine acoustic environment" using microphones and sensors will continue with launch.

Yesterday, workers completed final ordnance installation and connections in the shuttle.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 mission astronauts will enter quarantine tonight after a day of administrative duties. On Thursday they'll fly to Kennedy for final preparations for their flight to the International Space Station.

Liftoff is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16 and the countdown to launch begins 1 p.m. EST Friday.]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:51:20 GMT
Preparations for final ordnance installations and connections at the pad will begin today and are expected to wrap up this weekend.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-129 mission's six astronauts will be given their L-10 physicals today. They'll also practice integrated entry procedures in Johnson's motion base simulator.

Atlantis is scheduled to launch on its 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.]]> Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:47:40 GMT
Workers finished attaching the orbiter midbody umbilical unit from the pad's rotating service structure to the shuttle, and then leak checks were conducted and completed.

Atlantis' cargo, consisting of Express Logistics Carrier 1 and 2, holding about 28,000 pounds of supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station, were moved from the pad's changeout room into the shuttle's payload bay yesterday.

Meanwhile, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 astronauts are participating in a final prelaunch meeting with the Mission Control Center's flight director team today, and they’ll also be reviewing final flight data.]]> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:53 GMT
The payload consists of Express Logistics Carrier 1 and 2, holding about 28,000 pounds of supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station.

Workers also will attach the orbiter midbody umbilical unit from the pad's rotating service structure to the shuttle today. The unit provides access to and permits servicing of Atlantis' mid-fuselage area. Liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen for the fuel cells and gases, such as nitrogen and helium, are provided through the unit.

The six Atlantis astronauts returned to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston yesterday after completing the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, training. They'll conduct final launch preparations at Johnson before flying back to Kennedy for the anticipated launch to the space station at 2:28 p.m. EST on Nov. 16.]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:10 GMT
The crew will return to Kennedy when the real countdown begins in about two weeks to launch space shuttle Atlantis on a mission to the International Space Station.

Tuesday's dress rehearsal is a standard procedure for shuttle crews known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. It gives the launch team a chance to practice the intricacies of launch day and affords the astronauts an opportunity to run through their escape process in the unlikely event that an emergency develops in the last moments before a real launch.]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:25:16 GMT
This is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, typically conducted during a 3-day period about two weeks prior to launch. But this practice session was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA's Ares I-X test rocket.

After the launch simulation and emergency pad escape training, the astronauts will inspect the cargo that they'll fly to the International Space Station before returning to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston this afternoon.

Atlantis is scheduled to launch on its 11-day supply mission to the space station on Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST.]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:13:03 GMT
Tonight, STS-129 Commander Charlie Hobaugh and Pilot Barry Wilmore will practice shuttle landings in modified Gulfstream II jets called Shuttle Training Aircraft.

Tuesday, the launch team with all six crew members inside Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A will go through a countdown simulation. Additional training associated with TCDT was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed until this week because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket.

After the launch simulation and emergency pad escape training, the astronauts will inspect the cargo that they’ll take to the International Space Station before returning to Johnson Space Center in Houston Tuesday afternoon.

Atlantis is scheduled to launch on its 11-day supply mission to the space station on Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m.]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:19:25 GMT
Atlantis' six astronauts will fly to Kennedy late this afternoon. Tuesday morning they will practice a simulated launch countdown inside the shuttle's cockpit at Launch Pad 39A.

Before returning to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on Tuesday, the crew members will inspect the cargo that they'll be delivering to the station.

The payload was transferred to the pad Oct. 30 and will be installed in Atlantis' bay Wednesday.

Launch of space shuttle Atlantis is set for Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST.]]> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:02:20 GMT
Technicians will finish testing Atlantis' waste collection system, or toilet, this weekend and ground teams are getting ready for the final part of launch dress rehearsal known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT.

Today, the STS-129 mission's six astronauts are involved in their final bench review of flight hardware at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, and they will conduct contingency abort simulation training in the motion base simulator.

The crew will fly to Kennedy Monday afternoon for the completion of TCDT. During their two-days at Kennedy they will participate in a simulated launch countdown where they practice liftoff procedures inside the shuttle. Before returning to Johnson on Tuesday, crew members will practice emergency pad evacuation.

On Oct. 29, NASA managers announced the official launch date and time of Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST for Atlantis' flight to the space station. The only deviation to this date would be if the planned Nov. 14 launch of an Atlas V rocket from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is delayed. Since the Atlas team has reserved the Eastern Range for Nov. 14 and 15, this means the shuttle's liftoff will move to no earlier than 2:02 p.m. on Nov. 17.]]> Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:27:15 GMT
At the post-FRR press briefing held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations congratulated the Ares I-X launch team for a successful flight test. He then talked about the extremely thorough review of vast amounts of data that led to announcing that Atlantis is certified to launch.

"We accomplished what we wanted to to get ready to move to the next activity … with just a little bit of open work left to do," said Gerstenmaier.

Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager thanked the teams across the country for their hard work getting Atlantis into good shape for the launch. He highlighted the Kennedy teams, complimenting them for working on preparations for both the Atlantis and Ares I-X launches at the same time.

"I'm really pleased -- this is going to be a challenging 11-day mission with three EVAs; the cargo resupply to the station is going to set them up for the future," said Moses.

Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director said Atlantis' payload for the STS-129 mission will be transported to Launch Pad 39A by Friday morning. The pad's rotating service structure, or RSS, which protects the shuttle against inclement weather and also provides access to the vehicle's payload bay, is being rolled away. This will allow techs to lift Atlantis' payload up to the pad for installation into the shuttle's cargo bay.

"It's a standard path flow for us and we have little bit of contingency hidden in the flow, so no problems there, said Leinbach. "We should be able to get to our T-0 on the 16th with no issues at all."

The Nov. 16 target date will depend on the planned Nov. 14 launch of an Atlas V rocket from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Atlas has reserved the Eastern Range on Nov. 14 and 15. But if the Atlas launch is delayed to Nov. 15, the shuttle's liftoff will move to no earlier than 2:02 p.m. on Nov. 17.]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:58:00 GMT
A post-FRR news conference will be broadcast on NASA TV which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. EDT.]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:20:46 GMT
So far, topics of discussion have been NASA's securing of the Eastern Range Nov. 16 and 17 for Atlantis' launch; the readiness of the EXPRESS Logistics Carriers, or ELCs, the payload that Atlantis will deliver; and the mission objectives which includes three spacewalks. No issues have been raised at this time.

Following the meeting, there will be a news conference broadcast no earlier than 6 p.m. EDT on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv. An official launch date is expected to be announced at the briefing.

Currently, Atlantis is targeted to liftoff at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:01:50 GMT
The group will thoroughly discuss how preparations are going for Atlantis' 11-day mission and they are expected to set an official launch date. Currently, Atlantis is targeted to liftoff at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.

Following the meeting, there will be a news conference broadcast on NASA TV no earlier than 6 p.m. EDT.

At Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A, technicians are continuing to prepare Atlantis for flight and for the mission payload that is expected to be transported to the pad tomorrow. The rotating service structure, which acts as weather protection and provides access to a shuttle, is scheduled to be opened today. This will allow techs to upload Atlantis' space station payload to the pad for installation into its cargo bay.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 astronauts are in the center's fixed based simulator today conducting an orbital simulation run.]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:08:05 GMT
The pad again will be reopened after launch, paving the way for technicians to continue their final check of systems in the aft, or back, section of Atlantis and to confirm that the waste collection system works.

The six STS-129 crew members will spend the day reviewing a variety of systems procedures and brushing up on photo and TV techniques at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Tomorrow, NASA managers are traveling to Kennedy for the STS-129 mission's Flight Readiness Review meeting. After a thorough review, an official launch date is expected to be announced.

A post-meeting briefing will be broadcast on NASA TV and can be found at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Space shuttle Atlantis' launch currently is targeted for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:03:51 GMT
After the Ares I-X launch, technicians will be allowed to return to pad A to continue making final system checks in the aft, or back, section of Atlantis. The waste collection system also will be tested later today.

Meanwhile, STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and Pilot Barry E. Wilmore are completing their payload-related tasks at Kennedy, and will fly their T-38 jets to Edwards Air Force Base in California for additional mission training.

The agency's Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, for Atlantis' flight to the International Space Station is set for Oct. 29 at Kennedy. NASA managers will announce an official launch date at a post-meeting briefing, which will be broadcast on NASA TV.

Space shuttle Atlantis' launch currently is targeted for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:55:30 GMT
Also, a retest of Atlantis' main propulsion pressure valve system, or engine piping, will take place today. This "closeout" work will be in progress all week.

Meanwhile, the STS-129 astronauts will be practicing for the mission's third spacewalk in the massive swimming pool, called the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, near NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

This afternoon, STS-129 Commander Charlie Hobaugh and Pilot Barry Wilmore will fly their T-38 jets to Kennedy for training associated with the mission's space station payload.]]> Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:32:07 GMT
During the weekend, pad techs will perform hypergolic load cleaning before starting final checks of Atlantis' aft, or back, section planned for next week.

Today, the six STS-129 crew members will review spacewalking procedures and timelines at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The agency's Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, for the STS-129 mission is set for Oct. 29 at Kennedy. Afterward, NASA will announce an official launch date and broadcast a post-meeting briefing on NASA TV.]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:07:51 GMT
Both of the units use hypergolic propellants, which are chemicals that burn on their own when they come in contact with each other. That is different from the oxygen and hydrogen mixture that fuels the shuttle's three main engines at launch.

Atlantis is being prepared for a launch targeted for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The STS-129 astronauts continue practicing their launch routine, as well. They are rehearsing ascent procedures during part of the day in the motion base simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:32:12 GMT
The crew members are scheduled to return to Kennedy to complete the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, on Nov. 2 and 3. At that time, they will participate in a full launch countdown exercise, safety briefings and payload bay walkdown.

Meanwhile at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A, technicians continue to check systems to verify there was no damage to the space shuttle from a lightning strike at the pad last week. So far no damage has been found.

Also at the pad today, workers are testing the solid rocket booster hydraulic system and completing the shuttle interface test -- which means confirming the various components and connections are "talking" to each other.

The agency's Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, for the STS-129 mission is set for Oct. 29 at Kennedy. Afterward, NASA will announce an official launch date and broadcast a post-meeting briefing on NASA TV.]]> Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:29:31 GMT
Space shuttle Atlantis Pilot Barry E. Wilmore reflected on the first shuttle flight he'll be flying.

"I can't begin to put into words how it feels," Wilmore said. "After being an astronaut for nine years and it's just now become my turn to go … and how exciting it was to fly by yesterday, look down and see Atlantis on the pad... knowing that all the efforts around this nation that have gone into preparing this vehicle for our launch. We're proud to be the folks to sit on the pointy end of it and get to launch on it."

"I'd do backflips for you," Wilmore continued. "It's been a thrilling time and a thrilling moment for all of us, and certainly for me being a first-time flier."

Peppered among mission-related questions was one answered by Atlantis' Commander Charles O. Hobaugh about the Constellation Program's next-generation spacecraft.

"We're ready to take the next step when it happens. For us, where we're at right now... we're focused on getting this mission off and doing our best job to make sure it happens," Hobaugh said. "Once we get back we'll jump into whatever the Augustine commission and the current administration decides is the proper course for NASA to take in its next generation."

"We are very lucky to be a participant in the space program," Hobaugh continued. "It's part of the bigger national interest and also part of an international effort and wherever our piece fits in I think all of us are more than happy to do our best part to make sure it occurs in the best way possible."

While at Launch Pad 39A today, the crew will practice emergency pad egress and other related safety training. They will return to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston tomorrow and then conduct the remainder of the launch dress rehearsal training at Kennedy on Nov. 2 and 3.]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:01:42 GMT
While at the pad, the crew will have a brief question-and-answer period with the media broadcast on NASA TV. The media event will begin at 9:40 a.m. EDT and can be accessed at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

In order to optimize NASA's ability to launch both Atlantis and the Constellation Program's Ares I-X flight test before the end of the year, the agency now is targeting Nov. 16 for the launch of Atlantis' STS-129 mission to the International Space Station. Therefore, the crew will cut this Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, short and conduct the remainder of launch dress rehearsal training Nov. 2 and 3.

The same launch team at Kennedy is supporting both the shuttle and the Ares I-X flight test, which is targeted to lift off Oct. 27.]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:11:59 GMT
Senior managers met Monday and decided to adjust Atlantis' target launch date to optimize the agency's ability to launch both Ares I-X and Atlantis before the end of the year. The same launch team at Kennedy is supporting both the shuttle and the flight test of the Ares I-X rocket, which is targeted to lift off on Oct. 27.

Atlantis' new target launch date will give Ares I-X launch opportunities Oct. 27, 28 and 29. NASA has yet to schedule Atlantis' new target liftoff date on the Eastern Range.

The change to Atlantis' targeted launch will affect the launch countdown dress rehearsal for the shuttle's six astronauts. The astronauts arrived at Kennedy on Monday for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test and related training. The simulated countdown has been rescheduled to Nov. 3. The astronauts will practice emergency escape and other related training while they are at Kennedy this week and return there Nov. 2 to conclude their rehearsal work.

The agency's Flight Readiness Review meeting for STS-129 is set for Oct. 29. NASA will schedule an official launch date for Atlantis at that meeting.]]> Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:59:27 GMT
Except for Mission Specialist Leland Melvin, the crew arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility in four T-38 training jets at 11:24 a.m. EDT. Melvin is on the way to Kennedy on a NASA G2 jet.

Because of the delayed arrival times, NASA Television will air crew arrival as a Video File segment on NASA TV this afternoon on www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Space shuttle Atlantis' launch now is targeted for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.]]> Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:18:04 GMT
Five of the crew members are flying in their T-38 training jets. Currently, they’ve stopped for refueling in Mississippi and are expected to arrive after 11 a.m. EDT at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility.

Mission Specialist Leland Melvin will be further delayed because the G2 NASA aircraft he was flying had a technical issue and returned to Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Because of the delayed arrival times, TCDT crew arrival will not be carried live on NASA Television but it will air as a Video File segment on NASA TV this afternoon on www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:17:33 GMT
The crew will be at Kennedy Oct. 19, 20, 21, to train for their upcoming flight to the International Space Station on space shuttle Atlantis.

The training, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, gives the crew an opportunity to check the fit of their spacesuits, practice emergency evacuation procedures at the launch pad, review firefighting methods and participate in a simulated launch countdown and other activities.

Today's training includes driving M-113 armored personnel carriers. Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and Pilot Barry E. Wilmore will take to the skies in NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft to practice shuttle landings at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility.]]> Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:27:50 GMT
This weekend, technicians at Kennedy will be testing the camera on the massive external fuel tank that is used during launch to provide video of any potential debris which may come off during liftoff. They also are changing out a pressure valve in Atlantis' aft, or bottom, section.

Atlantis is targeted to liftoff at 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12 on an 11-day mission.]]> Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:45:59 GMT
Several flight readiness tests are scheduled Thursday, including evaluations of the engines and aero surfaces. Workers will move standard weather protection panels into place, as well.

Two of Atlantis' astronauts are practicing spacewalking techniques inside the gigantic pool known as the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Mike Foreman and Randy Bresnick are rehearsing for the second of three spacewalks scheduled for the flight.]]> Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:46:23 GMT
The pad's protective rotating service structure will be closed around the shuttle tonight, and launch pad teams will begin preparations to support Atlantis' targeted Nov. 12 launch at 4:04 p.m. EST.

The STS-129 astronauts are scheduled to fly to Kennedy on Oct. 19 to participate in the three-day Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. This training gives the crew an opportunity to check the fit of their spacesuits, practice emergency evacuation procedures at the launch pad, review firefighting methods and participate in a simulated launch countdown.]]> Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:22:49 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-129 astronauts are rehearsing orbit maneuvers today in the fixed base simulator.

The simulator mimics the dials and controls of the shuttle along with monitors that animate a view from outside the shuttle's window. Johnson technicians program the simulator's software to throw various problem situations at the crew to make sure they can cope with anything while in flight.

Meanwhile, the Space Shuttle Program’s Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, is scheduled for Oct. 20 and 21. The executive-level FRR with NASA managers to set an official launch date is planned for Oct. 29 and will be held at Kennedy.]]> Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:14:32 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-129 astronauts are rehearsing orbit maneuvers today in the fixed base simulator.

The simulator mimics the dials and controls of the shuttle along with monitors that animate a view from outside the shuttle's window. Johnson technicians program the simulator's software to throw various problem situations at the crew to make sure they can cope with anything while in flight.

Meanwhile, the Space Shuttle Program's Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, is scheduled for Oct. 20 and 21. The executive-level FRR with NASA managers to set an official launch date is planned for Oct. 29 and will be held at Kennedy.]]> Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:07:51 GMT Atlantis and its six astronauts are targeted to launch Nov. 12 on the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:41:10 GMT
The 3.4-mile trek to the pad with Atlantis perched on top of the crawler-transporter is expected to take about six hours.

The launch pad team says it's ready for Atlantis' arrival tomorrow with four liquid hydrogen tanker trucks scheduled to help load the pad's Liquid Hydrogen-2 storage tank today.

After the three-day holiday weekend, the STS-129 astronauts will resume their training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Today, Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and Pilot Barry E. Wilmore take to the skies in their T-38 training jets, while ‪Mission Specialists Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. practice techniques for the mission's first of three spacewalks in Johnson's neutral buoyancy lab swimming pool.

Atlantis is targeted to launch to the International Space Station at 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12 on an 11-day mission.]]> Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:14:01 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 mission astronauts have the Columbus Day holiday off and will resume training on Tuesday morning.

The crew is scheduled to fly to Kennedy on Oct. 19 to participate in the three-day Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Typically held prior to launch, TCDT gives the crew an opportunity to check the fit of their spacesuits, practice emergency evacuation procedures at the launch pad, review firefighting methods, and participate in briefings on security and range safety.

Atlantis is targeted to launch to the International Space Station at 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12 on an 11-day mission.]]> Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:45:33 GMT
First motion of Atlantis from Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, to the pad is targeted for 12:01 a.m. EDT.

The shuttle was towed Oct. 6 from its hangar, Orbiter Processing Facility 1, to the VAB in preparation for its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station. However, an issue with a crane that was being used to transfer Atlantis for attachment to its external fuel tank and two solid rocket boosters caused a delay in operations. That in turn caused additional workload on teams in the VAB who also are working on preparing NASA's Ares I-X rocket for rollout to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39B on Oct. 19. Ares I-X is targeted to launch on its flight test on Oct. 27. Today, shuttle managers added 24-hours to Atlantis' rollout preparations to provide relief to the work force.

The one-day change to the rollout still will allow managers to target Atlantis' launch for Nov. 12. It also does not affect the practice countdown, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test, and associated training for Atlantis' six astronauts and ground teams, which is set to begin Oct. 19.

The STS-129 astronauts wrapped up their week at Johnson Space Center by completing two-days of equipment reviews related to the items they will use during their mission.]]> Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:13:49 GMT After the work is completed, an interface test will be conducted throughout the weekend to make sure the connections between the shuttle, external tank and two solid rocket boosters are set properly. Rollout for the STS-129 mission remains scheduled for 12:01 a.m. EDT on Tuesday.
The astronauts of STS-129 are completing two days of equipment reviews related to the items they will use during their mission to the International Space Station.
On the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Nicole Stott is expected to make the first official run on the COLBERT treadmill, the exercise device named for Comedy Central comedian Stephen Colbert.]]> Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:30:58 GMT The six astronauts for Atlantis' STS-129 mission to the International Space Station begin a two-day review of flight crew equipment today and will practice entry techniques in the motion base simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:47:40 GMT
About 9:45 p.m. EDT Tuesday, a problem with the overhead crane forced technicians to stop the lifting operation. The issue wouldn’t allow a "fine" adjustment of the 325-ton crane in the north direction. That left Atlantis suspended on its sling over the VAB transfer aisle overnight and this morning. Engineers discovered a wiring problem and fixed it late this morning. Lifting operations resumed about 12:15 p.m.

During the rest of the day and evening, Atlantis will be moved into the VAB’s high bay 1 and attached to its external tank and SRBs.

Shuttle managers will assess schedules and workflow as operations continue, but they’re still looking to support Atlantis’ rollout to Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 13 for its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:34:11 GMT
A sling was attached to the vehicle in order for it to be lifted and attached to the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters already positioned on the mobile launcher platform.

At this time, the lift process is holding at the 12-hour mark as engineers troubleshoot an overhead crane control issue that will not allow a "fine" adjustment of the crane in the north direction.

In another area of Kennedy, launch teams are scheduled to hold a countdown simulation today.

Meanwhile, the STS-129 mission's six astronauts are training in T-38 jets and practicing spacewalking techniques at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The crew will be involved in launch dress rehearsal activities, called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, scheduled for Oct. 19, 20, and 21 at Kennedy.

Atlantis is targeted to launch to the International Space Station at 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12 on an 11-day mission.]]> Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:40:25 GMT
The sling that will transfer Atlantis over to the VAB's High Bay 1 is set to be attached this afternoon. Atlantis will be lifted up and moved over the transom by this evening, and is scheduled to be firmly attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform by tomorrow morning.

Atlantis is on track to be rolled out to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 13 in anticipation of its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch Nov. 12.

Today, the mission's six astronauts are involved in a number of systems refresher meetings at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:07:34 GMT
In the VAB, the external tank and solid rocket boosters, now secured in place, also are undergoing final checks and testing.

After Atlantis is joined with the tank and boosters, the giant crawler-transporter will be rolled under the mobile launcher platform. The entire stack now is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 13.

Meanwhile, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-129 crew members will be reviewing deorbit burn procedures and space station systems manuals, and practicing heat shield repair techniques.

The astronauts are scheduled to fly to Kennedy on Oct. 19 to participate in the three-day Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Typically held prior to launch, TCDT gives the crew an opportunity to check the fit of their spacesuits, practice emergency evacuation procedures at the launch pad, review firefighting methods, and participate in briefings on security and range safety.]]> Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:15:23 GMT
The orbiter transport system will be rolled under space shuttle Atlantis for its move, or rollover, into Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building scheduled for Oct. 6.

Meanwhile, final work on the solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank stacked on the mobile launcher platform in the VAB continue in anticipation of Tuesday's rollover.

Rollout of shuttle Atlantis to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A is scheduled for Oct. 13.

The week ends for the STS-129 mission astronauts at Johnson with simulated docking procedures in the fixed based simulator.

The STS-129 crew members are scheduled to fly to Kennedy on Oct. 19 to participate in the three-day Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Typically held prior to launch, TCDT gives the crew an opportunity to check the fit of their spacesuits, practice emergency evacuation procedures at the launch pad, review firefighting methods, and participate in briefings on security and range safety.]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:19:06 GMT
Atlantis will be lowered on its wheels today and then weighed. A center-of-gravity check will be performed to make sure the shuttle is balanced properly for the move.

An exercise known as Mode II-IV also is taking place at Kennedy today. The exercise involves NASA fire rescue personnel, astronauts with simulated injuries, helicopters and personnel from the U.S. Air Force's 920th Rescue Wing, and medical trauma teams at three Central Florida hospitals.

The Space Shuttle Program and Air Force hold this emergency-simulation drill to allow teams to practice emergency response at Launch Pad 39A, including helicopter evacuation to local hospitals.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 mission astronauts will take part in a long-simulation exercise today, practicing docking procedures in the fixed based simulator.

The crew spends many hours training with dials and controls identical to that of the shuttle computer and screens that animate the view from outside the shuttle's window. Johnson technicians program the simulator's software to throw various problem situations at the crew to make sure they can cope with anything while in flight.]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:01:37 GMT
Vehicle power down, aft structural leak tests and shuttle compartment pressure tests were completed yesterday.

Workers in the Vehicle Assembly Building are in the process of performing final preps on the external fuel tank and two solid rocket boosters before Atlantis is attached to them following rollover, scheduled for Oct. 6.

The six STS-129 crew members will be doing a variety of training exercises today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston that relate to each astronaut's role in the mission.

In particular, Commander Charlie Hobaugh will be practicing flight proficiency training in a T-38 jet and Mission Specialist Leland Melvin will practice working with the Expedite the Processing of Experiments, or EXPRESS, rack, one of the several pieces of equipment Atlantis will be delivering to the International Space Station.

EXPRESS is a standardized shuttle payload rack system that transports, stores and supports experiments aboard the station.

Rollout of shuttle Atlantis to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A is scheduled for Oct. 13, and liftoff is targeted for 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12.]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:51:43 GMT
A structural leak test of the aft section of Atlantis, as well as a pressure test of the orbiter compartment, also will be performed.

The STS-129 mission astronauts will conduct an integrated entry simulation today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The simulator is a mock-up of a shuttle cockpit, balanced on a hydraulic platform and loaded with the same instruments and equipment of a real shuttle.

Launch of the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12.]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:41:27 GMT
The Ku band communication antenna has been stowed in the vehicle's payload bay and the payload bay doors have been closed. Technicians now are testing systems and closing them down for the targeted Oct. 6 rollover.

Teams in Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building also are working on installing pyrotechnic charges on the solid rocket booster and external fuel tank stack today.

After Atlantis is installed onto the mobile launcher platform, the entire stack will be moved or "rolled out" to Launch Pad 39A, currently scheduled for Oct. 13.

Meanwhile, the STS-129 mission astronauts have a full week of mission simulations at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Today, the crew will work in Johnson's virtual reality lab. This is a type of computer interface that is paired with virtual reality training hardware and software which helps the crew to practice working on tasks they'll be performing in space.]]> Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:42:56 GMT
Pre-rollover preps this weekend include work on the shuttle's thermal protection system, or heat shield, and application of waterproofing to the payload bay door hinge line. Atlantis' payload bay door will be closed today.

Meanwhile, the shuttle's hatch also is being prepared to be closed. Final preps are ongoing on the forward and wing sections of the shuttle and temporary doors will be installed to support rollover.

After Atlantis is rolled into in the VAB, it will be hoisted off the transfer aisle and joined with the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters that already have been stacked on the mobile launcher platform in High Bay 2.

Rollout to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A is scheduled for Oct. 13.]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:43:53 GMT
Closure of the payload bay door in anticipation for the rollover is planned for Friday. Testing of the wing leading edge sensors is ongoing. The sensors help monitor the reinforced carbon carbon heat shield panels on the shuttle’s wings for possible debris impacts.

Once Atlantis is in the VAB, it will be joined with the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters that already have been stacked on the mobile launcher platform in High Bay 2.

Rollout to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A is scheduled for Oct. 13.]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:07:49 GMT
Final preparations in the shuttle's aft section are complete and crews are working on the forward sections now. The main landing gear is set to be leak tested and the hydraulic fluid level will be checked today.

Battery installation and testing for the wing leading edge sensors is ongoing. The sensors help monitor the reinforced carbon carbon heat shield panels on the shuttle’s wings for possible debris impacts. The payload bay doors will be closed Friday for rollover.

Meanwhile in the VAB, Atlantis' external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters have been stacked on the mobile launcher platform in High Bay 2.]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:48:02 GMT