http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle en-us Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:48:23 GMT Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:16:53 GMT
Space shuttle Atlantis was towed into Kennedy's Orbiter Processing Facility-2 following yesterday's employee appreciation event. Technicians will spend the next few weeks reconfiguring Atlantis after its final flight. Today, they will finish readying the shuttle and its hangar for the normal post-flight processing and begin draining residual cryogenic reactants. They'll continue deservicing work through the weekend.

Atlantis touched down yesterday on the Shuttle Landing Facility's Runway 15 at 5:57 a.m. EDT. The landing brought to a close 30 years of space shuttle flights.

"Although we got to take the ride," said Commander Chris Ferguson on behalf of his crew, " we sure hope that everybody who has ever worked on, or touched, or looked at, or envied or admired a space shuttle was able to take just a little part of the journey with us."

The STS-135 crew consisted of Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim.

"I really want to thank the space shuttle team and the Space Shuttle Program for just a tremendous effort today and throughout the entire history of the program. We gave them a tremendous challenge to fly and execute these missions and to finish strong and I can tell you today that the team accomplished every one of those objectives," said Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier as he addressed the media at the post-landing news conference. "I'd also like to thank the nation for allowing us to have these thirty years to go use the shuttle system."

On the 13-day mission, the STS-135 crew delivered to the International Space Station more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, spare equipment and other supplies in the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module, including 2,677 pounds of food. The supplies will sustain space station operations for the next year. The 21-foot long, 15-foot diameter Raffaello brought back nearly 5,700 pounds of unneeded materials from the station.]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:09:14 GMT
Space shuttle Atlantis was towed into Kennedy's Orbiter Processing Facility-2 following yesterday's employee appreciation event. Technicians will spend the next few weeks reconfiguring Atlantis after its final flight. Today, they will finish readying the shuttle and its hangar for the normal post-flight processing and begin draining residual cryogenic reactants. They'll continue deservicing work through the weekend.

Atlantis touched down yesterday on the Shuttle Landing Facility's Runway 15 at 5:57 a.m. EDT. The landing brought to a close 30 years of space shuttle flights.

"Although we got to take the ride," said Commander Chris Ferguson on behalf of his crew, "we sure hope that everybody who has ever worked on, or touched, or looked at, or envied or admired a space shuttle was able to take just a little part of the journey with us."

The STS-135 crew consisted of Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim.

"I really want to thank the space shuttle team and the Space Shuttle Program for just a tremendous effort today and throughout the entire history of the program. We gave them a tremendous challenge to fly and execute these missions and to finish strong and I can tell you today that the team accomplished every one of those objectives," said Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier as he addressed the media at the post-landing news conference. "I'd also like to thank the nation for allowing us to have these thirty years to go use the shuttle system."

On the 13-day mission, the STS-135 crew delivered to the International Space Station more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, spare equipment and other supplies in the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module, including 2,677 pounds of food. The supplies will sustain space station operations for the next year. The 21-foot long, 15-foot diameter Raffaello brought back nearly 5,700 pounds of unneeded materials from the station.]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:17:23 GMT
"Although we got to take the ride," said Commander Chris Ferguson on behalf of his crew, " we sure hope that everybody who has ever worked on, or touched, or looked at, or envied or admired a space shuttle was able to take just a little part of the journey with us."

The STS-135 crew consisted of Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim.

"I really want to thank the space shuttle team and the Space Shuttle Program for just a tremendous effort today and throughout the entire history of the program. We gave them a tremendous challenge to fly and execute these missions and to finish strong and I can tell you today that the team accomplished every one of those objectives," said Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier as he addressed the media at the post-landing news conference. "I'd also like to thank the nation for allowing us to have these thirty years to go use the shuttle system."

"It is great to have Atlantis safely home after a tremendously successful mission -- and home to stay," said Bob Cabana, Kennedy Space Center director, referencing Atlantis' retirement at Kennedy's Visitor Complex.

"I'm unbelievably proud to be here representing the Space Shuttle Program and the thousands of people across the country who do the work," said Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager. "Hearing the sonic booms as Atlantis came home for the last time really drove it home to me that this has been a heck of a program."

"The workers out here and across the country in the Space Shuttle Program have dedicated their lives, their hearts and their souls to this program, and I couldn't be more proud of them," said Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director at Kennedy.

A welcome home ceremony for the astronauts will be held Friday, July 22, in Houston. The public is invited to attend the 4 p.m. CDT event at NASA's Hangar 990 at Ellington Field. Gates to Ellington Field will open at 3:30 p.m. The ceremony will be broadcast live on NASA Television.

On the 13-day mission, the STS-135 crew delivered to the International Space Station more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, spare equipment and other supplies in the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module, including 2,677 pounds of food. The supplies will sustain space station operations for the next year. The 21-foot long, 15-foot diameter Raffaello brought back nearly 5,700 pounds of unneeded materials from the station.]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:52:20 GMT
"It is great to have Atlantis safely home after a tremendously successful mission -- and home to stay," said Bob Cabana, Kennedy Space Center director, referencing Atlantis' retirement at Kennedy's Visitor Complex.

"I'm unbelievably proud to be here representing the Space Shuttle Program and the thousands of people across the country who do the work," said Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager. "Hearing the sonic booms as Atlantis came home for the last time really drove it home to me that this has been a heck of a program."

"The workers out here and across the country in the Space Shuttle Program have dedicated their lives, their hearts and their souls to this program, and I couldn't be more proud of them," said Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director at Kennedy.

A crew news conference with the STS-135 astronauts is scheduled for noon and will be carried live on NASA TV and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Atlantis landed at 5:57 a.m. EDT, after 200 orbits around Earth and a journey of 5,284,862 miles.

The STS-135 crew consisted of Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim. They delivered more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, spare equipment and other supplies in the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module - including 2,677 pounds of food - that will sustain space station operations for the next year. The 21-foot long, 15-foot diameter Raffaello brought back nearly 5,700 pounds of unneeded materials from the station.

A welcome home ceremony for the astronauts will be held Friday, July 22, in Houston. The public is invited to attend the 4 p.m. CDT event at NASA's Hangar 990 at Ellington Field. Gates to Ellington Field will open at 3:30 p.m. The ceremony will be broadcast live on NASA Television.]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:55:45 GMT
"Although we got to take the ride," said Commander Chris Ferguson on behalf of his crew, " we sure hope that everybody who has ever worked on, or touched, or looked at, or envied or admired a space shuttle was able to take just a little part of the journey with us."

In the shadow of Atlantis as it sat on the runway at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, the crew was welcomed back by senior NASA officials, including NASA Administrator Charles Bolden.

"They have come to be known as the 'final four.' They did an absolutely incredible job," said Bolden. "They made us very proud."

A shuttle program post-landing news conference is set for 10 a.m. EDT, followed by a crew news conference at noon. Both will be carried live on NASA TV and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv. Participants in the 10 a.m. panel will be Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, Bob Cabana, Kennedy center director, Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager, and Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director.

Atlantis landed at 5:57 a.m. EDT, after 200 orbits around Earth and a journey of 5,284,862 miles.

The STS-135 crew consisted of Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim. They delivered more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, spare equipment and other supplies in the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module - including 2,677 pounds of food - that will sustain space station operations for the next year. The 21-foot long, 15-foot diameter Raffaello brought back nearly 5,700 pounds of unneeded materials from the station.

A welcome home ceremony for the astronauts will be held Friday, July 22, in Houston. The public is invited to attend the 4 p.m. CDT event at NASA's Hangar 990 at Ellington Field. Gates to Ellington Field will open at 3:30 p.m. The ceremony will be broadcast live on NASA Television.]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:10:31 GMT
"It truly was an awesome, spectacular launch," added Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, who looked ahead to plans for future development beyond the shuttle program as space station operations continue.

"We're really looking forward to a great mission. This is a very critical mission for station resupply. We're going to do our best to try and stretch out an extra day," said Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager and chairman of the pre-mission Mission Management Team Mike Moses. "I think the shuttle program is ending exactly as it should. We've built the International Space Station, we're stocking it up for the future, and ready to hand it off, and we finish really, really strong."

"On behalf of the launch team, and all the thousands of people here at KSC, we're just very, very proud that we finished strong from the launch perspective," added Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach.

Atlantis and its four astronauts lifted off from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:29 a.m. EDT. Atlantis will dock with the space station on Sunday.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:11:11 GMT
With the International Space Station flying 220 miles high and east of Christchurch, New Zealand, Atlantis left Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:29 a.m. EDT. There was a slight delay at T-31 seconds while retraction of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, or "Beanie Cap," was verified. Atlantis will dock with the space station on Sunday.

The STS-135 post-launch news conference will begin at 1:10 p.m. EDT from NAS's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Participating will be NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager and chairman of the pre-mission Mission Management Team Mike Moses, and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. The news conference will be carried live on NASA TV and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:59:41 GMT
Atlantis and its four astronauts have left Earth for the final space shuttle mission, which will cap off an amazing 30-year program of exploration, which launched great observatories, built an International Space Station, and taught us more about how humans can live and work in space.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:42:18 GMT
Atlantis and its four astronauts leave Earth on the final space shuttle mission, capping off an amazing 30-year program of exploration, which launched great observatories, built an International Space Station, and taught us more about how humans can live and work in space.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:30:06 GMT
Space shuttle Atlantis is poised for liftoff at 11:26:46 a.m. EDT., to begin the final space shuttle mission.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:17:59 GMT
During the hold, a series of polls will be conducted to verify the readiness of managers and engineers at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Mission Control in Houston to proceed with launch. Liftoff is targeted for 11:26:46 a.m. EDT.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:35:17 GMT
There is a planned hold at T-9 minutes that will extend about 45 minutes.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:31:25 GMT Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:23:43 GMT
With all four astronauts aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the Close Out Crew sealed the hatch for flight and are completing the break down the White Room before departing the launch pad.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:14:16 GMT
Weather still is 30 percent "go" and while weather remains dynamic, Launch Director Mike Leinbach told the launch team earlier, "We do have a shot at this today."

There are no major technical issues and launch remains on schedule for 11:26 a.m. EDT for the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:49:08 GMT
Weather still is 30 percent "go" as forecasters watch a band of thunderstorms moving from southwest to northeast across Florida. While weather remains dynamic, Launch Director Mike Leinbach told the launch team earlier, "We do have a shot at this today."

There are no major technical issues and launch remains on schedule for 11:26 a.m. EDT for the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:56:59 GMT
Launch Director Mike Leinbach completed a weather briefing with Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters, Ascent Flight Director Richard Jones and the Spaceflight Meteorology group in Mission Control in Houston. While weather remains dynamic, Leinbach told the launch team, "We do have a shot at this today."

Teams are not working any issues that would delay the launch of Atlantis on mission STS-135, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:07:56 GMT
Inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the launch team continues to closely monitor the weather. The forecast remains 30 percent "go" with a concern for showers and thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility, flight through precipitation, and cumulus clouds.

Teams are not working any issues that would delay the launch of Atlantis on mission STS-135, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:56:40 GMT
Inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the launch team continues to closely monitor the weather. The forecast remains 30 percent "go" with a concern for showers and thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility, flight through precipitation, and cumulus clouds.

Teams are not working any issues that would delay the launch of Atlantis on mission STS-135, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:39:07 GMT
Space shuttle Atlantis' astronauts are donning their orange launch-and-entry suits in crew quarters and are set to depart at 7:36 a.m. EDT for Launch Pad 39A. The crew will begin boarding Atlantis at 8:06 a.m.

Inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the launch team continues to closely monitor the weather. The forecast remains 30 percent "go" with a concern for showers and thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility, flight through precipitation, and cumulus clouds.

Teams are not working any issues that would delay the launch of Atlantis on mission STS-135, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:34:11 GMT
Inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the launch team continues to closely monitor the weather. The forecast remains 30 percent "go" with a concern for showers and thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility, flight through precipitation, and cumulus clouds. Liftoff time is 11:26 a.m. Teams are not working any issues that would delay the launch of Atlantis on mission STS-135, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:20:05 GMT
Inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the launch team continues to closely monitor the weather. The forecast remains at 30 percent chance of favorable conditions for liftoff at 11:26 a.m. EDT. Teams are not working any issues that would delay the launch of Atlantis on mission STS-135, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.

Earlier this morning at Launch Pad 39A, filling of Atlantis' external fuel tank with 535,000 gallons of super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen began on time at 2:01 a.m. and was completed slightly ahead of schedule at 4:58 a.m.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:34:02 GMT
Earlier this morning at Launch Pad 39A, filling of Atlantis' external fuel tank with 535,000 gallons of super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen began on time at 2:01 a.m. and was completed slightly ahead of schedule at 4:58 a.m.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:20:03 GMT Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:29:34 GMT Fri, 08 Jul 2011 06:19:28 GMT Fri, 08 Jul 2011 06:00:14 GMT
As engineers prepared to move the Rotating Service Structure away from Atlantis, a severe thunderstorm passed overhead, delivering rain and lightning that produced two strikes near the launch pad.

Data review showed the two strikes occurred at 12:31 p.m. and 12:40 p.m. EDT. The first struck the water tower 515 feet (157 meters) from the pad and the second struck the beach area northeast of the pad.

So far, the data review indicates no issues with any systems, including shuttle Atlantis, External Tank, Solid Rocket Boosters, Space Shuttle Main Engines or Ground Support Equipment.

Review of the data will occur again during the traditional “Tanking Weather Meeting” scheduled for 1:30 a.m. Friday, which is the point where managers will decide to proceed with fueling Atlantis’ tank ahead of launch. Fueling is scheduled to start at 2:01 a.m. Friday leading to launch at 11:26 a.m.]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 21:45:59 GMT Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:28:36 GMT
Teams will continue to monitor weather and will conduct a walk down of the pad following a lightning strike within one third of a mile from the pad. Walk downs will occur through the evening.

At this morning's briefing, Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the launch weather forecast remains unchanged, with a 30 percent chance of favorable weather for the 11:26 a.m. EDT liftoff. The forecast is a more favorable 80 percent when the filling of the huge external fuel tank is set to begin.

At 5 a.m. this morning, the countdown entered a planned hold at the T-11 hour mark, and will resume at 7:01 p.m. tonight.

The astronauts had an early wakeup call as they continue to prepare for tomorrow's launch of Atlantis on the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:53:10 GMT
After the rollback, the teams will continue work that must be performed before fueling Atlantis' external tank early tomorrow morning. The rollback originally was planned for 2 p.m. EDT.

At this morning's briefing, Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the launch weather forecast remains unchanged, with a 30 percent chance of favorable weather for the 11:26 a.m. liftoff. The forecast is a more favorable 80 percent when the filling of the huge external fuel tank is set to begin.

At 5 a.m. this morning, the countdown entered a planned hold at the T-11 hour mark, and will resume at 7:01 p.m. tonight.

The astronauts had an early wakeup call as they continue to prepare for tomorrow's launch of Atlantis on the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:43:56 GMT
With the scheduled liftoff of Atlantis just one day away, Jeff Spaulding, NASA test director, Joe Delai, STS-135 payload manager, and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer, conducted the last countdown status briefing of the Space Shuttle Program this morning.

Winters reported that the launch weather forecast remains unchanged, with a 30 percent chance of favorable weather for the 11:26 a.m. EDT liftoff. The forecast is a more favorable 80 percent when the filling of the huge external fuel tank is set to begin.


"Our teams here and really all around the world have been working extremely hard for quite awhile on this particular mission to make sure the vehicle and the payload are ready for hopefully a magnificent launch on Friday," said NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding.

At 5 a.m. this morning, the countdown entered a planned hold at the T-11 hour mark, and will resume at 7:01 p.m. tonight.

The astronauts had an early wakeup call as they continue to prepare for tomorrow's launch of Atlantis on the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:12:23 GMT
With the scheduled launch of Atlantis just one day away, Jeff Spaulding, NASA test director, Joe Delai, STS-135 payload manager, and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer, conducted the last countdown status briefing of the Space Shuttle Program.

Winters reported that the launch weather forecast remains unchanged, with a 30 percent chance of favorable weather for the 11:26 a.m. EDT liftoff. The forecast is a more favorable 80 percent when the filling of the huge external fuel tank is set to begin.

"Our teams here and really all around the world have been working extremely hard for quite awhile on this particular mission to make sure the vehicle and the payload are ready for hopefully a magnificent launch on Friday," said NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding.

At 5 a.m. this morning, the countdown entered a planned hold at the T-11 hour mark, and will resume at 7:01 p.m. tonight.

The astronauts had an early wakeup call as they continue to prepare for tomorrow's launch of Atlantis on the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:24:38 GMT
Winters reported that the launch weather forecast remains unchanged, with a 30 percent chance of favorable weather for the 11:26 a.m. EDT liftoff. The forecast is a more favorable 80 percent when the filling of the huge external fuel tank is set to begin.

"Our teams here and really all around the world have been working extremely hard for quite awhile on this particular mission to make sure the vehicle and the payload are ready for hopefully a magnificent launch on Friday," said NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding.

At 5 a.m. this morning, the countdown entered a planned hold at the T-11 hour mark, and will resume at 7:01 p.m. tonight.

The astronauts had an early wakeup call as they continue to prepare for tomorrow's launch of Atlantis on the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:56:04 GMT
This morning's countdown status briefing is scheduled for 10 a.m. The briefing will be carried live on NASA TV and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv. Panelists are Jeff Spaulding, NASA test director, Joe Delai, STS-135 payload manager, and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.

The updated STS-135 launch weather forecast remains the same as yesterday, with a 30 percent prediction for favorable weather.

The STS-135 astronauts had an early wakeup call as they continue to prepare for tomorrow's scheduled 11:26 a.m. liftoff of space shuttle Atlantis on the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program.]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:31:51 GMT
Following a meeting of the Mission Management Team this morning, STS-135 countdown and weather updates were provided at prelaunch news conference. Panelists included Mike Moses, Mission Management Team chair and space shuttle launch integration manager, Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.

"We had a really smooth Mission Management Team meeting today," said Moses. "The vehicle is in fantastic shape." In regard to the launch-day weather forecast, he added, "Before we go load the propellants into the tank we'll take a look at the weather and make sure it's really a good day to try that, and so at that point we'll be making a decision."

"The countdown so far is going extremely well," reported Leinbach. "We're not tracking anything at all that would prevent an on-time liftoff Friday morning."

"We have a tropical wave that's out in the Caribbean," explained Winters. "That wave is actually going to come into Florida along with a lot of tropical moisture that's down to the south, and it's all going to roll into Florida in the next couple of days." Based on these conditions, Winters predicted an 80 percent chance of weather preventing tanking operations, with a 70 percent chance of it standing in the way of launch at 11:26 a.m. EDT on Friday. The forecast for the following days improves to 60 percent no-go on Saturday and 40 percent on Sunday.]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:07:45 GMT
"We had a really smooth Mission Management Team meeting today," said Moses. "The vehicle is in fantastic shape." In regard to the launch-day weather forecast, he added, "Before we go load the propellants into the tank we'll take a look at the weather and make sure it's really a good day to try that, and so at that point we'll be making a decision."

"The countdown so far is going extremely well," reported Leinbach. "We're not tracking anything at all that would prevent an on-time liftoff Friday morning."

"We have a tropical wave that's out in the Caribbean," explained Winters. "That wave is actually going to come into Florida along with a lot of tropical moisture that's down to the south, and it's all going to roll into Florida in the next couple of days." Based on these conditions, Winters predicted an 80 percent chance of weather preventing tanking operations, with a 70 percent chance of it standing in the way of launch at 11:26 a.m. EDT on Friday. The forecast for the following days improves to 60 percent no-go on Saturday and 40 percent on Sunday.

The countdown for this final space shuttle launch began yesterday at 1 p.m. This morning at the T-27 hour mark, the countdown entered a planned hold at 5 a.m. and resumed at 9 a.m.

The Atlantis astronauts awoke at 4:30 a.m. to continue their preparations for launch.]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:49:02 GMT
"We had a really smooth Mission Management Team meeting today," said Moses. "The vehicle is in fantastic shape." In regard to the launch-day weather forecast, he added, "Before we go load the propellants into the tank we'll take a look at the weather and make sure it's really a good day to try that, and so at that point we'll be making a decision"

"The countdown so far is going extremely well," reported Leinbach. "We're not tracking anything at all that would prevent an on-time liftoff Friday morning."

"We have a tropical wave that's out in the Caribbean," explained Winters. "That wave is actually going to come into Florida along with a lot of tropical moisture that's down to the south, and it's all going to roll into Florida in the next couple of days." Based on these conditions, Winters predicted an 80 percent chance of weather preventing tanking operations, with a 70 percent chance of it standing in the way of launch at 11:26 a.m. on Friday.

The countdown for this final space shuttle launch began yesterday at 1 p.m. This morning at the T-27 hour mark, the countdown entered a planned hold at 5 a.m. and resumed at 9 a.m.

The Atlantis astronauts awoke at 4:30 a.m. to continue their preparations for launch.]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:15:54 GMT
Winters will discuss her updated forecast during today's prelaunch news conference, which begins at 11:30 a.m. live on NASA TV and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv. Other participants will be Mike Moses, Mission Management Team chair and space shuttle launch integration manager and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.

The countdown for this final space shuttle launch began yesterday at 1 p.m. This morning at the T-27 hour mark, the countdown entered a planned hold at 5 a.m. and resumed at 9 a.m.

The Atlantis astronauts awoke at 4:30 a.m. to continue their preparations for launch.]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:44:31 GMT
Winters will discuss her updated forecast during today's prelaunch news conference, which begins at 11:30 a.m. live on NASA TV and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv. Other participants will be Mike Moses, Mission Management Team chair and space shuttle launch integration manager and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.

The countdown for this final space shuttle launch began yesterday at 1 p.m., and this morning at the T-27 hour mark entered a planned hold at 5 a.m.

The Atlantis astronauts awoke at 4:30 a.m. to continue their preparations for launch.]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:52:12 GMT
At the 10 a.m. precountdown status briefing yesterday, NASA Test Director Jeremy Graeber reported space shuttle Atlantis is ready for flight, and STS-135 payload manager Joe Delai said the payloads are ready to go as well. The only issue standing in the way of liftoff is the chance of showers and thunderstorms developing along the sea-breeze front reported by Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.

Today's prelaunch news conference will begin at 11:30 a.m. EDT live on NASA TV and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv. Participants will be Mike Moses, Mission Management Team chair and space shuttle launch integration manager, Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:07:52 GMT
At the 10 a.m. precountdown status briefing this morning, NASA Test Director Jeremy Graeber reported space shuttle Atlantis is ready for flight, and STS-135 payload manager Joe Delai said the payloads are ready to go as well. The only issue standing in the way of liftoff on Friday is a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing along the sea-breeze front reported Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.

After flying to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida yesterday, the STS-135 astronauts today are reviewing their flight data file and conducting checks of their launch and entry suits.

At Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A, technicians have completed space shuttle Atlantis' aft confidence checks and final preparations of the main propulsion system.

Despite storms in the area over the extended weekend, there were no reports of adverse weather or lightning strikes inside the launch pad.]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:24:15 GMT
At the 10 a.m. precountdown status briefing this morning, NASA Test Director Jeremy Graeber reported space shuttle Atlantis is ready for flight, and STS-135 payload manager Joe Delai said the payloads are ready to go as well. The only issue standing in the way of liftoff on Friday is a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing along the sea-breeze front reported Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.

After flying to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida yesterday, the STS-135 astronauts today are reviewing their flight data file and conducting checks of their launch and entry suits.

At Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A, technicians have completed space shuttle Atlantis' aft confidence checks and final preparations of the main propulsion system.

Despite storms in the area over the extended weekend, there were no reports of adverse weather or lightning strikes inside the launch pad.]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:31:38 GMT
The countdown for the final space shuttle launch begins today at 1 p.m. EDT. The STS-135 astronauts flew to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida yesterday. Today the crew members will review their flight data file and conduct checks of their launch and entry suits.

At Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A, technicians have completed space shuttle Atlantis' aft confidence checks and final preparations of the main propulsion system.

Despite storms in the area over the extended weekend, there were no reports of adverse weather or lightning strikes inside the launch pad.]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:10:17 GMT
At Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A, technicians have completed space shuttle Atlantis' aft confidence checks and final preparations of the main propulsion system.

Despite storms in the area over the extended weekend, there were no reports of adverse weather or lightning strikes inside the launch pad.

At 10 a.m. EDT this morning, NASA TV will carry the Precountdown Status Briefing live. Briefing participants will be Jeremy Graeber, NASA test director, Joe Delai, STS-135 payload manager, and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer. The briefing can be seen online at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:30:44 GMT
"I think I speak for the whole crew in that we are delighted to be here after a very arduous nine month training flow and we're thrilled to finally be here in Florida for launch week," said Ferguson.

Launch of space shuttle Atlantis is scheduled for Friday, July 8, at 11:26 a.m.]]> Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:58:56 GMT Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:53:00 GMT Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:15:40 GMT At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-135 astronauts will perform a final ascent simulation today before next week's launch. The crew is set to arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Monday, July 4th. The arrival will be shown live on NASA TV and at www.nasa.gov/ntv]]> Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:37:34 GMT
The STS-135 crew will participate in preflight interviews from NASA's Johnson Space Center today. Briefings about this final mission of the Space Shuttle Program will air live on NASA TV throughout the day and also can be seen online at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:57:48 GMT
This follows yesterday's day-long Flight Readiness Review at which senior NASA and contractor managers confirmed that Atlantis is ready for this last shuttle flight to supply the International Space Station.

"This flight is incredibly important. The cargo that is coming up on this flight is really mandatory for space station," said Bill Gerstenmaier, assistant administrator for space operations, following yesterday's review.

In preparation for this final mission of the Space Shuttle Program, the STS-135 astronauts will undergo their L-10 physicals today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:48:11 GMT
"We had a very thorough review," said Bill Gerstenmaier, assistant administrator for space operations. "This flight is incredibly important. The cargo that is coming up on this flight is really mandatory for space station."

"We're really looking forward to achieving this mission, putting station where it needs to be and finishing strong with the shuttle program here with STS-135," added Mike Moses, Space Shuttle Program launch integration manager.

"Atlantis is in great shape out at the pad," said Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director. "Team Atlantis is feeling good about the flow and the launch countdown and hope we'll be able to get her off the ground on Friday the 8th as scheduled."

The STS-135 mission to the International Space Station is the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:30:33 GMT
NASA Television will air a news conference at 3:30 p.m. to discuss the meeting and preparations for Atlantis' mission to the International Space Station. Participants will include Bill Gerstenmaier, assistant administrator for space operations, Mike Moses, Space Shuttle Program launch integration manager and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.

Watch the news conference at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2011 19:02:44 GMT
A few miles away, technicians at Launch Pad 39A will perform functional tests on the spacewalking suits the STS-135 crew will take on this final mission to the International Space Station. Also at the pad, the week-long process of closing Atlantis' aft section continues.]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:32:53 GMT
Over the weekend, teams at the pad completed a full retest of the No. 3 engine's main fuel valve. They replaced the valve last week due to a suspected leak detected during a tanking test on June 15. In addition, engineers found no issues with the 21-foot long support beams on space shuttle Atlantis' external fuel tank following X-ray scans of the stringers that were completed last week.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston today, the STS-135 astronauts are set to practice an entry simulation as they continue to train for the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.]]> Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:52:09 GMT
The STS-135 astronauts are back at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston following the completion of their countdown dress rehearsal and training activities at Kennedy this week. Today they'll conduct a final review of the flight data file in preparation for their mission to the International Space Station.

The targeted launch date for this final mission of the Space Shuttle Program is July 8.]]> Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:48:54 GMT
The crew members are wrapping up their on-site training at Kennedy before departing from the Shuttle Landing Facility later today for the flight back to their home base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. At Johnson, they'll continue their training for the final space shuttle flight, the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. The crew plans to return to Kennedy on July 4 in preparation for the targeted liftoff on July 8.

Work at the launch pad continues as technicians are scanning the bottom portions of the stringers on Atlantis' external fuel tank, and no issues have been found. A mass spectrometer external leak check of the shuttle's engine No. 3's main fuel valve was completed, and technicians now are installing insulation. A full retest of the valve is set for this weekend.]]> Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:55:38 GMT
The crew members will wrap up their on-site training today at Kennedy before departing from the Shuttle Landing Facility for the flight back to their home base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. At Johnson, they'll continue their training for the final space shuttle flight, the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. The crew plans to return to Kennedy on July 4 in preparation for the targeted liftoff on July 8.

Work at the launch pad continues as technicians are scanning the bottom portions of the stringers on Atlantis' external fuel tank, and no issues have been found. A mass spectrometer external leak check of the shuttle's engine No. 3's main fuel valve was completed, and technicians now are installing insulation. A full retest of the valve is set for this weekend.]]> Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:12:16 GMT
The crew members will wrap up their on-site training today at Kennedy before departing from the Shuttle Landing Facility for the flight back to their home base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. At Johnson, they'll continue their training for the final space shuttle flight, the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. The targeted launch date of July 8 will have the crew returning to Kennedy on July 4.

Work at the launch pad continues as technicians are scanning the bottom portions of the stringers on Atlantis' external fuel tank, and no issues have been found. A mass spectrometer external leak check of the shuttle's engine No. 3's main fuel valve was completed, and technicians now are installing insulation. A full retest of the valve is set for this weekend.]]> Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:57:46 GMT
The crew members will wrap up their on-site training today at Kennedy before departing from the Shuttle Landing Facility for the flight back to their home base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. At Johnson, they'll continue their training for the final space shuttle flight, the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. The targeted launch date of July 8 will have the crew returning to Kennedy on July 4.

Work at the launch pad continues as technicians are scanning the bottom portions of the stringers on Atlantis' external fuel tank, and no issues have been found. A mass spectrometer external leak check of the shuttle's engine No. 3's main fuel valve was completed, and technicians now are installing insulation. A full retest of the valve is set for this weekend.]]> Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:37:40 GMT
Before beginning their training this morning, the crew members -- Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim -- answered questions from the news media during a live NASA TV broadcast from the launch pad.

Reflecting on the significance of this final space shuttle mission, Commander Ferguson said, "I don't think that the full magnitude of the moment will really hit us until the wheels have stopped on the runway. I'm not sure words will really be able to capture for the crew and for the entire shuttle workforce just how much the shuttle program has meant to us for the last 30 years."

Yesterday the Space Shuttle Program held its program-level Flight Readiness Review at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The team recommended a "go" to proceed to the agency-level review next Tuesday, with a targeted July 8 launch date for the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.

Technicians at the pad have completed their high-tech X-ray scans of the tops Atlantis' external fuel tank stringer support beams. They'll now scan the bottoms of those 21-foot long beams. Other technicians replaced the main fuel valve in space shuttle main engine No. 3 yesterday. Retesting of the valve is up next.]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:59:49 GMT
Before beginning their training this morning, the crew members -- Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim -- answered questions from the news media during a live NASA TV broadcast from the launch pad.

Reflecting on the significance of this final space shuttle mission, Commander Ferguson said, "I don't think that the full magnitude of the moment will really hit us until the wheels have stopped on the runway. I'm not sure words will really be able to capture for the crew and for the entire shuttle workforce just how much the shuttle program has meant to us for the last 30 years."

Yesterday the Space Shuttle Program held its program-level Flight Readiness Review at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The team recommended a "go" to proceed to the agency-level review next Tuesday, with a targeted July 8 launch date for the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.

Technicians at the pad have completed their high-tech X-ray scans of the tops Atlantis' external fuel tank stringer support beams. They'll now scan the bottoms of those 21-foot long beams. Other technicians replaced the main fuel valve in space shuttle main engine No. 3 yesterday. Retesting of the valve is up next.]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:16:36 GMT
Afterward, the astronauts will spend time training at the pad as they practice emergency escape procedures and inspect the payloads inside Atlantis' cargo bay. In addition, they'll receive operations and payload briefings inside Kennedy's Launch Control Center.

Yesterday the Space Shuttle Program held its program-level Flight Readiness Review at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The team recommended a "go" to proceed to the agency-level review next Tuesday, with a targeted July 8 launch date for the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.

Technicians at the pad have completed their high-tech X-ray scans of the tops Atlantis' external fuel tank stringer support beams. They'll now scan the bottoms of those 21-foot long beams. Other technicians replaced the main fuel valve in space shuttle main engine No. 3 yesterday. Retesting of the valve is up next.]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:56:04 GMT
Afterward, the astronauts will spend time training at the pad as they practice emergency escape procedures and inspect the payloads inside Atlantis' cargo bay. In addition, they'll receive operations and payload briefings inside Kennedy's Launch Control Center.

Yesterday the Space Shuttle Program held its program-level Flight Readiness Review at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The team recommended a "go" to proceed to the agency-level review next Tuesday, with a targeted July 8 launch date for the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.

Technicians at the pad have completed their high-tech X-ray scans of the tops Atlantis' external fuel tank stringer support beams. They'll now scan the bottoms of those 21-foot long beams. Other technicians replaced the main fuel valve in space shuttle main engine No. 3 yesterday. Retesting of the valve is up next.]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:55:45 GMT
Today's full day of activities include meetings in the Launch Control Center, fire suppression training, range safety and security briefings and emergency escape training in an M113 armored personnel carrier near Launch Pad 39A.‬

Technicians working at the launch pad today are expected to remove a suspected leaky main fuel valve in Atlantis' main engine No. 3.

On Monday, the final payload installation of the Space Shuttle Program was completed as technicians finished stowing the STS-135 payload bound for the International Space Station inside Atlantis' cargo bay. The payload includes the Rafaello multi-purpose logistics module carrying supplies and spare parts for the station.‬ Today technicians will work on payload mechanical and electrical attachments.

And on Atlantis' external fuel tank, other technicians are continuing high-tech X-ray scans of 50 support beams, called stringers, on the tank's intertank section that faces Atlantis. So far, no issues have been detected.]]> Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:42:31 GMT
"I speak on behalf of the crew, everyone in the astronaut office, and I'm sure everybody here at KSC in saying that we are just trying to savor the moment," said STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson upon arrival. "As our children and our children's children ask us, we want to be able to say, 'We remember when there was a space shuttle.'" As crewmates Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim looked on, Ferguson also thanked the gathered media representatives for taking the message of the space program to the public.

Their T-38 jets touched down at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at about 5:30 p.m. EDT. The crew will participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test and related training. The countdown full dress rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A, technicians are performing high-tech X-ray scans of the tops and bottoms of 50 support beams, called stringers, on the shuttle-facing side of space shuttle Atlantis' external fuel tank. The scans should take about a week to complete and are expected to confirm there are no problems with the tank's stringers. Scans began Sunday due to strong storms on Saturday, which caused no damage to the shuttle and pad. Technicians are also replacing a suspected leaky valve in Atlantis' space shuttle main engine No. 3.

Atlantis is being prepared for the STS-135 mission, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program, targeted for launch July 8.]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:53:42 GMT
The crew is coming to Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test and related training. The countdown full dress rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A, technicians are performing high-tech X-ray scans of the tops and bottoms of 50 support beams, called stringers, on the shuttle-facing side of space shuttle Atlantis' external fuel tank. The scans should take about a week to complete and are expected to confirm there are no problems with the tank's stringers. Scans began Sunday due to strong storms on Saturday, which caused no damage to the shuttle and pad. Technicians are also replacing a suspected leaky valve in Atlantis' space shuttle main engine No. 3.

Atlantis is being prepared for the STS-135 mission, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program, targeted for launch July 8.]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:34:16 GMT
The crew is coming to Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test and related training. The countdown full dress rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A, technicians are performing high-tech X-ray scans of the tops and bottoms of 50 support beams, called stringers, on the shuttle-facing side of space shuttle Atlantis' external fuel tank. The scans should take about a week to complete and are expected to confirm there are no problems with the tank's stringers. Scans began Sunday due to strong storms on Saturday, which caused no damage to the shuttle and pad. Technicians are also replacing a suspected leaky valve in Atlantis' space shuttle main engine No. 3.

Atlantis is being prepared for the STS-135 mission, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program, targeted for launch July 8.]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:21:26 GMT
The crew is coming to Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test and related training. The countdown full dress rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A, technicians are performing high-tech X-ray scans of the tops and bottoms of 50 support beams, called stringers, on the shuttle-facing side of space shuttle Atlantis' external fuel tank. The scans should take about a week to complete and are expected to confirm there are no problems with the tank's stringers. Scans began Sunday due to strong storms on Saturday, which caused no damage to the shuttle and pad. Technicians are also replacing a suspected leaky valve in Atlantis' space shuttle main engine No. 3.

Atlantis is being prepared for the STS-135 mission, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program, targeted for launch July 8.]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:24:03 GMT
Technicians will begin to replace a suspected leaky valve in Atlantis' space shuttle main engine No. 3 today.

Late this afternoon, the mission's four veteran astronauts are scheduled to fly to Kennedy from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. They're set to arrive in T-38 jets at about 5:45 p.m. EDT to begin their prelaunch countdown dress rehearsal, called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, and related training. Their arrival at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility will be carried live on NASA TV and on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:49:36 GMT A busy weekend is under way at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A in Florida.

With space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-135 mission payload now secured inside the pad’s rotating service structure, the RSS was closed Saturday morning, and Atlantis' payload bay doors are scheduled to be opened Saturday night. It's all part of the preparations to install the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module and other payloads bound for the International Space Station into the shuttle’s cargo bay on Monday.‬
‪

Also on Saturday, technicians begin high-tech X-ray scans of the tops and bottoms of 50 support beams, called stringers, on the shuttle-facing side of Atlantis’ external tank. The scans are expected to take about a week to complete and confirm there are no issues with the tank stringers.

Technicians also begin preparations to replace a suspected leaky valve in Atlantis’ space shuttle main engine No. 3. ‪

And Atlantis’ four veteran astronauts are scheduled to fly in their T-38 aircraft from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to Kennedy on Monday. They’re set to arrive at about 5:45 p.m. EDT to being their prelaunch countdown dress rehearsal, called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT),  and related training. Their arrival at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility will be carried live on NASA TV and on the web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Sat, 18 Jun 2011 13:29:15 GMT
Also on Monday, the STS-135 astronauts will fly from their base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, traveling to Florida for their pre-launch countdown dress rehearsal and on-site training at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility is set for 5:45 p.m. EDT and will be carried live on NASA TV and on the web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:53:37 GMT
Atlantis' payload is the multi-purpose logistics module Raffaello, filled with a variety of spare parts and supplies for the International Space Station. The mission also will deliver the Robotic Refueling Mission system, which will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit.‬ ‪‬]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:38:25 GMT
On Saturday, technicians will follow up on yesterday's tanking test for Atlantis by taking high-tech X-ray scans of the external fuel tank's support beams, called stringers, on the shuttle-facing side of the tank. Earlier this year, teams made the same stringer reinforcement modifications to Atlantis' tank as they had to Discovery's after small cracks in the support beams were discovered prior to the STS-133 mission. Managers ordered the work since Atlantis' tank is similar to the one used for STS-133. Yesterday's tanking test was conducted to help verify there are no issues with the reinforced tank.‬

‪During the tanking test, the main fuel valve for Atlantis' No. 3 space shuttle main engine recorded temperatures below normal levels, indicating a possible liquid hydrogen leak. Teams isolated the engine and continued to fuel Atlantis with no issues and temperatures returned to normal readings. Technicians can gain access to the engine area once it is cleared from tanking test operations, and engineers will evaluate any necessary work on the fuel valve. If the valve needs to be replaced, managers expect that the work could be done early next week at the pad and still support Atlantis' July 8 target launch date.‬ ‪]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:31:48 GMT
This morning at the launch pad, teams are boiling off excess propellant from space shuttle Atlantis' external fuel tank following yesterday's tanking test. The tank is expected to be completely empty by midday. On Saturday, technicians will begin taking high-tech X-ray scans of the tank's support beams, called stringers, on the shuttle-facing side of the tank. Earlier this year, teams made the same stringer reinforcement modifications to Atlantis' tank as they had to Discovery's after small cracks in the support beams were discovered prior to the STS-133 mission. Managers ordered the work since Atlantis' tank is similar to the one used for STS-133. Yesterday's tanking test was conducted to help verify there are no issues with the reinforced tank.‬

‪During the tanking test, the main fuel valve for Atlantis' No. 3 space shuttle main engine recorded temperatures below normal levels, indicating a possible liquid hydrogen leak. Teams isolated the engine and continued to fuel Atlantis with no issues and temperatures returned to normal readings. Technicians can gain access to the engine area once it is cleared from tanking test operations, and engineers will evaluate any necessary work on the fuel valve. If the valve needs to be replaced, managers expect that the work could be done early next week at the pad and still support Atlantis' July 8 target launch date.‬ ‪]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:54:17 GMT Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:05:16 GMT
During the fueling process, the main fuel valve on one of Atlantis' three main engines recorded temperatures below normal levels. Teams isolated the engine and continued to fuel Atlantis with no issues. Temperatures returned to normal readings. Engineers will evaluate any necessary work on the engine fuel valve following the tanking test.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:56:46 GMT
Next up, the Final Inspection Team will arrive at Launch Pad 39A for its top-to-bottom walkdown.

During the fueling process, the main fuel valve on Atlantis' main engine three recorded temperatures below normal levels. Teams isolated the engine and continued to fuel Atlantis with no issues. Temperatures returned to normal readings. Engineers will evaluate any necessary work on the engine fuel valve following the tanking test.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:33:34 GMT
Last night, teams first changed today's scheduled 7 a.m. start after severe storms delayed preparations. Then overnight, a power substation that supports the launch pad went offline at about 3 a.m., causing a further delay in beginning the test.

Meanwhile, other engineers have been assessing three lightning strikes within a quarter mile of Launch Pad 39A during yesterday's storms, but preliminary data indicate no damage to either Atlantis or the pad. Engineers are reviewing data to confirm that assessment.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:45:03 GMT
Last night, teams changed the start of today's test from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. after severe storms delayed preparations. But overnight, a power substation that supports the launch pad went offline at about 3 a.m., which caused a number of systems to lose electrical redundancy. Engineers have been working to fix the problem and in the meantime have developed a method to get the redundant power feed restored to critical systems. That extra work this morning caused the further delay in starting the tanking test.

Meanwhile, other engineers have been assessing three lightning strikes within a quarter mile of Launch Pad 39A during yesterday's storms, but preliminary data indicate no damage to either Atlantis or the pad. Engineers are reviewing data to confirm that assessment.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:20:30 GMT
Filling of Atlantis' external fuel tank with more than 500,000 gallons of super cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen now is set to begin at about 11 a.m. EDT.

Initial reports indicated that the storms produced three lightning strikes within a quarter mile of Launch Pad 39A, but preliminary assessments show no damage to either Atlantis or the pad. Engineers are reviewing data to confirm that assessment.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:28:47 GMT
Initial reports indicate three lightning strikes within 1/4 mile of the pad this afternoon, but preliminary assessments indicate no damage from the storm to the pad or shuttle. Engineers are reviewing data to confirm.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 02:34:05 GMT STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley will perform shuttle training aircraft, or STA, runs at the White Sands Space Harbor, N.M. today while Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim review transfer work for the upcoming joint docked mission at the International Space Station.]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:04:51 GMT The STS-135 astronauts will have a spacewalk hardware review in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:56:20 GMT
Technicians also are preparing for next Wednesday's tanking test, set to start at 7 a.m. EDT. During the test, Atlantis' external tank will be filled with about 535,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen just as it would be for launch. The tank will then be drained, and over the following week, technicians will take high-tech x-rays of the tops of the tank's support beams.

Managers scheduled the tanking test to precede Atlantis' launch to verify there are no issues similar to those seen on shuttle Discovery's external tank prior to the STS-133 mission. Modifications were made to fix small cracks in the support beams on Discovery's tank.

This weekend, work at the pad will include final inspections and preparations to close out Atlantis' aft compartment systems.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:53:01 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-135 crew members will review flight data and practice spacewalking techniques in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:42:56 GMT
The four STS-135 astronauts are back at their home base, NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Their training agenda for today includes a review of procedures for the spacewalk scheduled on the fifth day of the mission.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:27:25 GMT
The four STS-135 crew members are set to fly back to their home base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston where they will resume training for the upcoming mission. The astronauts are expected to depart from Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility in T-38 jets this morning.]]> Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:46:12 GMT
The STS-135 crew members will fly to Kennedy today to look over part of the payload they will deliver to the International Space Station. While in Florida, Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley also will practice landings in Shuttle Training Aircraft.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:28:23 GMT
Engineers have reviewed data from a lightning strike nearly half a mile from the pad on Wednesday. No issues have been seen due to the strike. An engineering also will perform a visual inspection walkdown at the pad.

Today, technicians will connect the forward reaction control system quick disconnects and check them for leaks, over the weekend, teams will connect and check the quick disconnects for the auxiliary power system.]]> Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:00:28 GMT
Technicians completed a hotfire of space shuttle Atlantis' auxiliary power unit and connected the ground umbilical carrier plate yesterday.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:43:46 GMT
A sunrise photo opportunity will be held at the pad beginning at 6 a.m.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:52:06 GMT Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:32:38 GMT
Currently, the crawler-transporter (CT) with Atlantis and its mobile launcher platform on top is temporarily stopped to allow technicians to preemptively grease some bearings in the CT that were starting to heat up. The rollout will resume shortly.

Atlantis is expected to be secured on the launch pad about 3:30 a.m. EDT.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:49:48 GMT
Technicians repaired a minor hydraulic leak on a corner valve for the jacking and elevation system on the crawler-transporter, which delayed the scheduled 8 p.m. rollout start.

The media Q&A with Atlantis’ four astronauts on NASA TV is expected about 9:15 p.m.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:13:04 GMT
The media Q&A with Atlantis’ four astronauts on NASA TV also will be delayed. The exact time for the Q&A is TBD, but it should be roughly about 30 minutes after first motion.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:32:07 GMT Tue, 31 May 2011 23:39:30 GMT
The Engineering Review Board met Friday morning to discuss inspections due to debris seen when Endeavour's solid rocket boosters (SRBs) separated from the shuttle following the STS-134 launch.‬ ‪‬ Preliminarily, inspections in Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building and at Pad A have not revealed any missing hardware that could have contributed to the debris. Engineers still are evaluating high wind data to see if it could have liberated hardware at the pad during the launch. Teams are evaluating whether more inspection photos are needed of the pad.

Additional borescope inspections are planned during Atlantis' final SRB inspections in late June.]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 14:43:54 GMT
Atlantis' rollout still is scheduled for May 31 with first motion at 8 p.m. EDT.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 13:54:11 GMT Thu, 26 May 2011 12:49:36 GMT
Teams at the launch pad are getting ready to refill the liquid hydrogen tanks on Friday. Liquid oxygen tanks already have been replenished.]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 13:17:45 GMT
At Launch Pad 39A, crews have moved the mobile launcher platform used for Endeavour's last launch to the VAB.]]> Tue, 24 May 2011 13:16:03 GMT
Meanwhile, at Launch Pad 39A, the liquid oxygen storage tank will be refilled today and tomorrow. Liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen are the two propellants used by the shuttle's trio of main engines during the climb to space.]]> Mon, 23 May 2011 12:49:46 GMT
Teams gained access to the spacecraft's aft section, and platforms to the shuttle have been extended, including the White Room. The side hatch was opened this morning to allow access to Atlantis' crew module, allowing preparations for a shuttle interface test planned for Tuesday, May 24.

Meanwhile, out at Launch Pad 39A, Mobile Launcher Platform-2 will be moved to the VAB and the external tank arm will be checked out.]]> Fri, 20 May 2011 13:22:00 GMT
The completed space shuttle assembly is tentatively scheduled to start its slow move from the VAB to Launch Pad 39A on May 31 at 8 p.m. EDT.]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 13:37:19 GMT
Initial walkdowns of Launch Pad 39A haven't revealed any significant damage following shuttle Endeavour's launch Monday. It's expected to take about two weeks to clean up and prepare the pad for Atlantis. Tentatively, space shuttle Atlantis' move from the VAB to Launch Pad 39A is targeted for May 31 starting at 8 p.m.]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 12:55:50 GMT
Tomorrow morning, Atlantis will be lifted and attached to its external fuel tank and two solid rocket boosters.

Initial walkdowns of Launch Pad 39A haven't seen any significant damage following shuttle Endeavour's launch Monday. It expected to take about two weeks to clean up and prepare the pad for Atlantis. Tentatively, space shuttle Atlantis' move from the VAB to Launch Pad 39A is targeted for May 31 starting at 8 p.m.]]> Tue, 17 May 2011 19:52:07 GMT
So far, debris walkdowns of Launch Pad 39A, minus the flame trench, haven't seen any significant damage following Endeavour's launch Monday. It typically takes about two weeks to clean up a launch pad and prepare it for another shuttle launch. Tentatively, space shuttle Atlantis' move from the VAB to Launch Pad 39A is set for May 31 at 8 p.m.]]> Tue, 17 May 2011 11:07:59 GMT Thu, 12 May 2011 16:31:17 GMT Wed, 11 May 2011 12:40:52 GMT Tue, 10 May 2011 13:09:51 GMT
Managers are evaluating when to move the shuttle from its processing hangar to the Vehicle Assembly Building since its target, move, or 'rollover,' date is May 16, the same day as shuttle Endeavour's no earlier than launch date.]]> Mon, 09 May 2011 12:40:59 GMT Fri, 06 May 2011 12:02:41 GMT Thu, 05 May 2011 12:19:25 GMT
To avoid any possible space shuttle Endeavour launch dates next week, Atlantis' move, or rollover, from OPF-1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building now is targeted for May 16. The beginning of its rollout to Launch Pad 39A now is targeted for May 23, depending on when Endeavour's actual launch date ends up being.

Atlantis' launch remains targeted for June 28.]]> Wed, 04 May 2011 13:04:47 GMT Tue, 03 May 2011 12:45:56 GMT
Atlantis' move or "rollover" to the Vehicle Assembly Building is scheduled for May 10. Once there, Atlantis will be joined with the waiting external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters already installed on the mobile launcher platform.]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 13:01:41 GMT Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:11:34 GMT Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:08:53 GMT Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:46:44 GMT Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:55:52 GMT Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:12:35 GMT Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:43:42 GMT Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:40:46 GMT Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:50:42 GMT Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:53:04 GMT Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:54:49 GMT Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:14:30 GMT Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:39:51 GMT Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:59:53 GMT Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:03:03 GMT Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:42:07 GMT Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:51:23 GMT
The STS-135 crew members will spend most of the day in Kennedy's Space Station Processing Facility familiarizing themselves with the equipment they'll be using on the final planned mission of the Space Program.

The STS-135 crew includes Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus.]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:48:03 GMT Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:42:24 GMT Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:47:11 GMT Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:53:59 GMT Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:54:10 GMT Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:16:13 GMT
In late December, the agency’s Space Operations Mission Directorate requested the shuttle and International Space Station programs take the necessary steps to maintain the capability to fly Atlantis on the STS-135 mission.

The Authorization Act of 2010 directs NASA to conduct the mission, and baselining the flight enables the program to begin preparations for the mission with a target launch date of June 28. The mission would be the 135th and final space shuttle flight.

Prepping for the next shuttle mission, STS-133, continues in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida where technicians are making good progress in their work to modify the stringers on Discovery's external fuel tank. Discovery and its six astronauts are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station on Feb. 24.

Having been joined by their newest crew member, Steve Bowen, Discovery’s astronauts will review robotics procedures today and review spacewalk timelines at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Bowen, who flew into space on STS-132 in May 2010, will be the first astronaut to fly on consecutive missions.]]> Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:20:22 GMT Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:59:19 GMT