http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle en-us Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:47:12 GMT Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:19:08 GMT Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:29:12 GMT
Discovery's move will accommodate decommissioning work on all three shuttles at the same time.]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2011 20:28:23 GMT Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:04:41 GMT Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:56:22 GMT Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:43:47 GMT Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:02:39 GMT Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:18:58 GMT Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:59:55 GMT Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:02:26 GMT Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:49:35 GMT Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:03:00 GMT Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:24:05 GMT Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:07:28 GMT Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:20:58 GMT Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:25:20 GMT Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:54:10 GMT Tue, 31 May 2011 14:46:42 GMT Fri, 27 May 2011 14:03:10 GMT Thu, 26 May 2011 12:56:24 GMT Wed, 25 May 2011 13:27:03 GMT Tue, 24 May 2011 13:18:06 GMT Mon, 23 May 2011 13:11:07 GMT Fri, 20 May 2011 13:14:57 GMT Thu, 19 May 2011 13:50:26 GMT Wed, 18 May 2011 12:59:00 GMT Tue, 17 May 2011 11:18:36 GMT Wed, 11 May 2011 12:42:44 GMT Tue, 10 May 2011 13:12:09 GMT Mon, 09 May 2011 12:44:45 GMT Fri, 06 May 2011 12:04:03 GMT Thu, 05 May 2011 12:21:03 GMT Wed, 04 May 2011 13:12:13 GMT ]]> Tue, 03 May 2011 12:47:13 GMT Mon, 02 May 2011 13:04:40 GMT Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:13:22 GMT Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:09:39 GMT Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:51:04 GMT Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:57:07 GMT Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:16:18 GMT Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:46:13 GMT Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:44:25 GMT Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:55:08 GMT Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:57:24 GMT Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:57:11 GMT Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:15:24 GMT Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:40:48 GMT Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:09:16 GMT Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:03:03 GMT Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:44:07 GMT Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:44:38 GMT Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:50:08 GMT Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:45:05 GMT Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:51:42 GMT Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:57:51 GMT Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:56:13 GMT Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:19:26 GMT
STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey was first to say, "It was a great day to come back and land in Florida, we're happy to bring Discovery home."

When asked how emotional the landing was, Lindsey said, "As hard as it was to leave the flight deck when we were all done -- at least for me it was -- we were really focused today on bringing it (the shuttle) home safe. We were really working hard the whole mission and didn't have a whole lot of time to reflect about that."

"I did notice when I was on the ramp and walking around afterward as the minutes passed I kind of got more and more sad looking at the vehicle and how healthy it is and wonderful it performed, not just on this flight but the other two flights that I flew on, as well as every other flight," Lindsey continued. "It kind of got sadder for me as the minutes rolled past."

Mission Specialist Steve Bowen, who replaced Tim Kopra on the mission after a bicycle accident kept him earthbound, said Kopra was with them not only in spirit but in constant contact via the Mission Control Center in Houston.

"He actually helped us through the EVA's (extravehicular activities, or spacewalks) from the ground, which I greatly appreciated," said Bowen. "Just having him in mission control to be able to question things and know that if I wasn't doing something quite right, he was going to step in and help me out."

The crew of Discovery's STS-133 mission, the final flight for NASA's oldest active shuttle, will be honored at a welcome ceremony tomorrow at Ellington Field near Houston.

Meanwhile, space shuttle Endeavour's move, or "rollout" to Launch Pad 39A has been delayed for at least 24 hours, due to predictions of unfavorable weather. Managers will meet Thursday morning to reassess weather conditions for the next rollout attempt.]]> Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:10:54 GMT
"Spaceflight doesn't come easy," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations. "We need to stay focused, keep our heads down and recognize that this is not easy."

Discovery worked so well during its final orbital journey that the six-astronaut crew was given two extra days in space to help the residents of the International Space Station with a host of duties. Gerstenmaier said the work was critical to set up the station and its crew for research.

"I think (Discovery's) legacy will be the future," Gerstenmaier said.

Although Discovery will not go back into space, it will still offer scientific insight to future engineers, said Mike Moses, chairman of the Mission Management Team.

"The vehicle itself is a science platform," he said, adding that parts of Discovery will be pulled from the spacecraft and evaluated for wear.

The shuttle teams throughout NASA drew special praise for the longevity of the program and its successes, along with the workers' diligence.

"Discovery was in great shape and I view that as a testament to the team," Moses said. "It was really a triumph today for the entire Discovery team."

"We wanted to go out on a high note and Discovery's done that," said Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director. "We couldn't ask for more. It was virtually a perfect mission conducted by a perfect flight crew and a perfect ground crew. I couldn't be happier."

A post-landing crew news conference with space shuttle Discovery's six STS-133 astronauts is targeted to start at 5:45 p.m. EST on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov/ntv).]]> Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:31:39 GMT
"This is very bittersweet for all of us," Bolden said this afternoon. "Discovery holds a special place for me and for (Kennedy Space Center Director) Bob Cabana over here because we both had the opportunity to fly on it twice."

The shuttle enjoyed a flawless mission to the International Space Station that saw the astronauts deliver the last pressurized module to the orbiting laboratory, the Permanent Multipurpose Module. Robonaut 2, a groundbreaking humanoid robot, also made the trip into space with Discovery, remaining on the station to act as an assistant to the crews there. Discovery's crew also enjoyed perfect weather at Kennedy that allowed them to return to Earth on the first opportunity of the day.

"I am so glad we got to land here at Kennedy, the home of Discovery," STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey said. "My crew did a fantastic job, we accomplished every objective, plus a whole bunch more. As the minutes pass, I'm actually getting sadder and sadder about this being the last flight and I know all the folks involved with the shuttle program feel the same way."

The post-landing press conference is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. EST on NASA TV.]]> Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:06:05 GMT Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:20:24 GMT Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:48:45 GMT
"It was one more second than Mike Leinbach (shuttle launch director) needed to get the job done, so there was plenty of margin," said Mike Moses, chairman of the Mission Management Team. Still, he joked, "I could use a little less heart palpitations in the final seconds of the countdown."

Leinbach said launch simulations have conditioned the team of controllers to handle the pressures of last-second "go" decisions without jeopardizing a mission.

"This was one for the record books," Leinbach said. "It may have seemed a little rushed to people on the outside. It's a testament to the team that we have practiced for this."

The launch of the shuttle was not the only thing to happen in space exploration on launch day. Just as Discovery's tank finished being fueled, a cargo-carrying Automated Transfer Vehicle from the Eurpoean Space Agency docked to the station. The spacecraft, which carried no people, launched from South America last week on an Ariane V.

"This is a pretty tremendous day in spaceflight for us," said Bll Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for Space Operations. "For us to be sitting here today with both of these events occurring as they did is pretty amazing."]]> Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:03:08 GMT
The post-launch news conference is expected to begin at about 6 p.m. on NASA TV. The participants will be Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations; Mike Moses, launch integration manager and chairman of the Mission Management Team; and Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director.]]> Thu, 24 Feb 2011 22:03:52 GMT Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:59:14 GMT Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:48:48 GMT Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:47:39 GMT Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:43:05 GMT Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:34:55 GMT Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:23:22 GMT
Discovery is embarking on its last mission. It will carry the Leonardo Permanent Multipurpose Module, or PMM, to the International Space Station. The PMM has been loaded with supplies, experiments, equipment and a humanoid robot assistant for the station. The Robotic astronaut is called Robonaut 2 and it will become the first robot of its kind to fly into and work in space.]]> Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:04:35 GMT Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:47:56 GMT Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:45:32 GMT Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:04:56 GMT Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:56:57 GMT Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:36:42 GMT
At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery's launch preparations continue on track for liftoff at 4:50 p.m. EST. The massive external fuel tank has been filled with cryogenic propellants and technicians are readying the white room for the astronauts.]]> Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:00:22 GMT
The countdown has entered a planned 2.5-hour hold at T-3 hours, during which the tank will remain in “stable replenish” mode, the Close Out Crew will prepare the white room, and the Final Inspection Team will conduct its inspections. NASA Television will begin launch commentary at 11:30 a.m.]]> Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:27:27 GMT
Fast fill of the external fuel tank began at 8:15 a.m. with the liquid oxygen and one minute later for the liquid hydrogen. The propellants are used by the shuttle's three main engines during the launch into orbit. The fueling process is expected to be finished at about 10:25 a.m. From there, propellants will be trickled into the tank to replace the portion of the chemicals that evaporate during the countdown.]]> Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:08:37 GMT Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:40:57 GMT
The rotating service structure, or RSS, was moved back to its launch position last night. Teams are not working any issues that would delay today's liftoff. Fueling of Discovery's external fuel tank with more than 535,000 gallons of super cold liquid hydrogen and oxygen is expected to begin at about 7:25 a.m. NASA TV coverage begins at 7:15 a.m.]]> Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:39:35 GMT
Teams are not working any issues that would delay liftoff at 4:50 p.m.

Fueling of Discovery's external fuel tank with more than 535,000 gallons of super cold liquid hydrogen and oxygen is expected to begin at approximately 7:25 a.m. NASA TV coverage begins at 7:15 a.m.
‪]]> Thu, 24 Feb 2011 01:42:32 GMT
"Everything is on track and going beautifully with the countdown," said Mike Moses, mission management team chair. "We're really looking forward to a very action-packed, successful mission and everything is on track."

Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, agreed that everything is going extremely well with the launch countdown. He also acknowledged the processing teams who worked on Discovery, its flight systems and ground elements. "As we're powering up (the systems) we're seeing no problems at all."

The rotating service structure will be rolled away from Discovery at around 8 p.m. revealing it for the last time on the launch pad. Loading of the external fuel tank will begin at around 7:25 a.m. tomorrow morning. "We're not tracking any issues and it looks like Discovery will fly this time," said Leinbach.

Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer, reported that the weather remains exceptional with only a 20 percent chance that weather will be prohibitive at launch time. The only slight issue may be a localized off-shore shower in the late afternoon. The forecast during tanking also is looking very good.

At 7:15 a.m. EST NASA TV will begin coverage of the fueling of the external tank. Launch coverage for Discovery's final mission to the International Space Station will begin at 11:30 a.m.]]> Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:46:37 GMT
The prelaunch news conference is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on NASA Television. The participants will be Mike Moses, Mission Management Team chair, Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, Scott Higginbotham, STS-133 payload manager, and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.

Watch the news conference live at http://www.nasa.gov/ntv]]> Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:25:53 GMT
‪The Prelaunch News Conference airs on NASA TV at 11 a.m.]]> Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:25:25 GMT
A minor problem came up when a regulator in the reaction control system developed a slight leak, NASA Test Director Steve Payne said.

"In this case, we've seen it before," Payne said, adding that the system has numerous redundancies and the leak is so small. A waiver is to be completed soon and no impact to the countdown or launch is expected.

This is the last flight of Discovery, and with the shuttle program nearing retirement, Payne said crowds are growing to see the last launches.

"People are starting to realize they either see one now or they don’t get to see one," Payne said.]]> Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:10:08 GMT
The system, known by its initials PRSD, holds the chemicals for use in the shuttle's three fuel cells to produce electricity in space. The oxygen is also used to pressurize the shuttle's crew cabin. The combination of hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cells produces a beneficial byproduct for the shuttle: water. Shuttle crews visiting the International Space Station routinely fill up bags with the water for use by station residents.

The same two chemicals, liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, are used by the space shuttle main engines at liftoff, but the propellants for that job go into the 15-story-tall external fuel tank and are not loaded until launch day.

STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe will practice landing approaches at the Shuttle Landing Facility in shuttle training aircraft, a Gulfstream II jet modified to simulate a shuttle's cockpit, motion and handling qualities. The rest of the crew will conduct a review of orbiter ingress procedures. A countdown status briefing will air on NASA TV at 10 a.m.]]> Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:07:10 GMT
Countdown clocks are ticking backward from the T-43 hour point. With seven holds built in, the countdown will lead to the scheduled launch of Discovery at 4:50 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24.

The shuttle is in good shape, NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding said Monday morning. This mission is slated to be Discovery's last flight into space. The spacecraft has gone into orbit 38 times before. Discovery launched its first mission Aug. 30, 1984.]]> Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:24:11 GMT
"She still has a few more miles before she sleeps," said Jeff Spaulding, NASA test director. Discovery has flown more than any other shuttle, including two return-to-flight missions and the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Launch day weather is also shaping up nicely, with the current forecast calling for an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions.

"It's been really nice weather for prelaunch processing and that's going to continue," said Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.]]> Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:49:53 GMT
All six astronauts for Discovery's final mission, STS-133, are at Kennedy for prelaunch preparations. STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe will practice landing approaches at the Shuttle Landing Facility in shuttle training aircraft, a Gulfstream II jet modified to simulate a shuttle's cockpit, motion and handling qualities
The countdown for Thursday's 4:50 p.m. EST launch officially begins today at 3 p.m. A precountdown status briefing will air on NASA TV at 10 a.m.]]> Mon, 21 Feb 2011 13:58:15 GMT
The crew made brief statements to media who attended the arrival. The astronauts then headed off to begin their prelaunch activities.

The countdown for Thursday's 4:50 p.m. EST launch officially begins tomorrow at 3 p.m.

A precountdown status briefing will air on NASA TV Monday at 10 a.m.]]> Sun, 20 Feb 2011 21:20:55 GMT Sun, 20 Feb 2011 19:44:39 GMT
"We had a really thorough review today," said Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for Space Operations. "Things are looking pretty good."

Managers, engineers and contractors went over the detailed analysis and testing performed on the support beams of Discovery's external fuel tank during the session and reviewed the repairs and modifications made. The processes of the repairs and testing involved people throughout the agency and its centers.

"I can't say enough about the work the teams have done," Gerstenmaier said.

The crew also underwent a change recently when astronaut Steve Bowen was assigned to take the place of Tim Kopra who was injured in a bicycle accident.

"Overall the crew was in really good shape and felt really comfortable with this change," said Mike Moses, chairman of the Mission Management Team.

Discovery is poised on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The countdown is to begin Monday at 3 p.m.

"We're in outstanding shape out at the pad," said Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.]]> Fri, 18 Feb 2011 23:59:38 GMT Fri, 18 Feb 2011 22:08:59 GMT
At Launch Pad 39A, technicians removed the access arm to space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank and intertank door area. Installation of the aft flight door is expected late this evening.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS-133 crew is reviewing its flight data file today before flying to the Kennedy on Sunday for final pre-launch preparations.]]> Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:34:10 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS-133 crew members are enjoying a day off today before entering quarantine this evening in crew quarters in advance of next Thursday’s targeted launch.]]> Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:23:21 GMT
At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, teams continue preparations for next week's launch attempt. At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS-133 crew is conducting its final integrated ascent sim today in the motion base simulator and reviewing robotics procedures today.]]> Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:33:44 GMT Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:20:25 GMT Liftoff for space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for Feb. 24 at 4:50 p.m. EST.
‪At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe will conduct shuttle training aircraft landing practice runs today at the White Sands Space Harbor, N.M. while their crewmates review systems manuals.‬]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:31:52 GMT
‪At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS-133 crew will conduct a final integrated entry simulation today in the motion base simulator and receive their L-10 day physicals.]]> Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:32:29 GMT
The main topics discussed today included briefings from all elements updating any changes or issues that surfaced since the Nov. 5, 2010 launch attempt. Items included repair of the ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) on space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank; investigation, testing and repair of the tank’s support beams, called stringers; and a debris risk assessment if foam insulation comes loose in the stringer area because of a crack in the first two minutes and 15 seconds of flight.

Managers also received a crew update following Mission Specialist Steve Bowen's addition to the STS-133 crew.

At the agency-level FRR, NASA officials will discuss the readiness of flight crew and hardware and announce a launch date for Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station, now targeted for 4:50 p.m. EST Feb. 24.]]> Fri, 11 Feb 2011 22:27:10 GMT
‪The Space Shuttle Program will hold its Flight Readiness Review today to assess the readiness of Discovery, the crew, flight and launch control teams, to proceed toward the target launch date of Thursday, Feb. 24. The meeting typically concludes with a recommendation to proceed to the agency Flight Readiness Review scheduled at Kennedy on Friday, Feb. 18.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS-133 Mission Specialists Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew will rehearse procedures for the mission's first spacewalk today in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.]]> Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:01:32 GMT
Technicians completed a walk down yesterday of the launch pad to evaluate potential damage after a feeler gauge, which came apart last night, fell from the work area. A feeler gauge is a tool technicians use that consist of 13 pieces of metal about the thickness of a piece of paper held together by a retainer screw. It was being used by a technician to take measurements on the GUCP.

‪Engineers have identified minor foam damage to the backside of the external tank, which will not need repair. All components from the gauge have been located.

‪Inclement weather delayed Marshall Space Flight Center's opening, so the Space Shuttle Program will hold its Flight Readiness Review tomorrow to assess the readiness of Discovery, the crew, flight and launch control teams, to proceed toward the target launch date of Thursday, Feb. 24. The meeting typically concludes with a recommendation to proceed to the agency Flight Readiness Review scheduled at Kennedy on Friday, Feb. 18.]]> Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:39:49 GMT


Engineers have identified minor foam damage to the backside of the external tank, which will not need repair. All components from the gauge have been located.



The Space Shuttle Program plans to hold its Flight Readiness Review Thursday morning as scheduled to assess the readiness of Discovery, the crew, flight and launch control teams, to proceed toward the target launch date of Thursday, Feb. 24. The meeting typically concludes with a recommendation to proceed to the agency Flight Readiness Review scheduled at Kennedy on Friday, Feb. 18.]]> Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:11:02 GMT
Last night, while measurements were being taken on the GUCP, a feeler gauge came apart and some components of the gauge fell from the work area. Feeler gauges consist of 13 pieces of metal about the thickness of a piece of paper held together by a retainer screw.

Overnight, technicians performed a walk down of the pad to assess any impact from the fall and collect the gauge components prior to resuming work on the GUCP. Additional walk downs began at daylight. Engineers will identify, evaluate, and address any damage to the space shuttle and its external tank and solid rocket boosters.

At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew is will brush up on robotics training today and review contingency abort procedures.

The Space Shuttle Program plans to hold its Flight Readiness Review Thursday as scheduled to assess the readiness of Discovery, the crew, flight and launch control teams, to proceed toward the target launch date of Thursday, Feb. 24. The meeting typically concludes with a recommendation to proceed to the agency Flight Readiness Review scheduled at Kennedy on Friday, Feb. 18.]]> Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:31:33 GMT
Following a recently reviewed analysis of the vent line weight distribution (loads), engineers decided to replace the seal with the same enhanced process used prior to the successful tanking test in December 2010.

Once the seal has been replaced and the GUCP reconnected, technicians will perform additional leak checks on the system. Work is not expected to delay Discovery’s targeted launch on Feb. 24.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS-133 Mission Specialists Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew are in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory today rehearsing procedures for the mission's second spacewalk.]]> Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:26:22 GMT
Following a recently reviewed analysis of the vent line weight distribution (loads), engineers decided to replace the seal with the same enhanced process used prior to the successful tanking test in December 2010.

Once the seal has been replaced and the GUCP reconnected, technicians will perform additional leak checks on the system.

The current work being conducted is not expected to impact Discovery's targeted launch on Feb. 24.]]> Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:05:27 GMT
Discovery is targeted to launch on its STS-133 mission to the International Space Station on Feb. 24, 2011.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew is reviewing robotics tasks for the mission's spacewalks in the Virtual Reality Lab today and brushing up on the stowage configuration for cargo being taken to the station in the Leonardo Permanent Multipurpose Module.]]> Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:40:20 GMT
Discovery is targeted to launch on its STS-133 mission to the International Space Station on Feb. 24, 2011.]]> Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:42:49 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Discovery's astronauts will review computer network manuals and robotic procedures today.]]> Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:54:44 GMT Techs attached the ground umbilical carrier plate and hydrogen gas vent line to Discovery's external fuel tank yesterday. Alignment measurements were taken and are being evaluated by engineers to make sure there's a proper fit and won't leak, as happened Nov. 5 which caused Discovery's first launch attempt to be scrubbed. Leak tests are scheduled for Friday.
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Discovery's astronauts are conducting an integrated deorbit prep sim today in the fixed base simulator.]]> Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:56:38 GMT
The rotating service structure was closed around Discovery a little before 6 a.m. EST. Technicians now are working on connecting the ground umbilical carrier plate or GUCP. Leak checks are scheduled for Friday. The shuttle was powered up this morning as part of the initial check out of systems.

At NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Discovery’s STS-133 astronauts are reviewing photo/TV operations today before Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe conduct Shuttle Training Aircraft training runs around the White Sands Space Harbor, N.M.]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:33:05 GMT
The move began at 7:58 p.m. EST took approximately seven hours.]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:20:29 GMT
The move began at 7:58 p.m. EST and will take approximately seven hours.]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 04:47:12 GMT Launch Pad 39A. First motion began at 7:58 p.m. EST. The move will take
approximately 7 hours.]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:51:01 GMT
First motion to the pad is expected at 8 p.m. EST and will be shown live on NASA Television (www.nasa.gov/ntv).]]> Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:31:13 GMT
Meanwhile, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 crew is in the virtual reality lab today rehearsing robotic techniques that will be conducted during the second spacewalk by Mission Specialists Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew.

Discovery and its six astronauts are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station on Feb. 24.]]> Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:06:13 GMT
‪At NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, STS-133 Mission Specialists Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew are in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory rehearsing procedures for the mission's first spacewalk.]]> Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:51:22 GMT ‪‬At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew is conducting an integrated post-insertion simulation today in the fixed base simulator.‬]]> Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:29:22 GMT ‪‬At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew is conducting an integrated ascent simulation today in the motion base simulator.]]> Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:56:59 GMT
‪STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe will conduct Shuttle Training Aircraft runs around White Sands Space Harbor, N.M., while the other crewmembers brush up on tasks for the mission's first spacewalk at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:14:55 GMT
Work for the rest of the week will involve additional foam spraying and trimming operations. This will support Discovery’s scheduled rollout back to Launch Pad 39A on Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. EST.

At NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 astronauts, including the newly added Steve Bowen, will run through an ascent proficiency session in the motion base simulator today and will review procedures for the mission’s first spacewalk and robotics work in the virtual reality lab.]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:47:21 GMT
Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida completed radius block modifications on 61 of 94 stringers on Discovery's external fuel tank. Work on the stringer modifications will continue through the weekend.

Discovery and its six astronauts are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station on Feb. 24.]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:40:13 GMT
Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida completed radius block modifications on 61 of 94 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.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 crew is involved in administrative work today and a tag up with their shuttle and station flight control team members.]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:32:37 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 crew is involved in administrative work today and a tag up with their shuttle and station flight control team members.]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:39:02 GMT
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 13:14:52 GMT
STS-133 Mission Specialist Tim Kopra was injured Saturday in a bicycle accident, but he will be OK. However, there could be an impact to his duties for shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. That possibility still is being evaluated. Further details of his injury are not being released at this time due to concerns for his medical privacy.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Texas, the remainder of the crew will participate in an integrated entry sim today in the fixed base simulator.]]> Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:23:17 GMT
Further details of his injury are not being released at this time due to concerns for his medical privacy.

Meantime, technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are working through the weekend on making strengthening modifications on Discovery's external fuel tank stringers.
Discovery and its six astronauts are targeted to launch Feb. 24.]]> Sun, 16 Jan 2011 02:48:56 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS-133 crew will conduct an integrated simulation of the mission's first spacewalk in the fixed based simulator today.

Discovery is targeted to launch at 4:50 p.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 24, for its mission to the International Space Station.]]> Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:19:36 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, STS-133 Mission Specialists Alvin Drew and Tim Kopra will rehearse procedures for the mission's second spacewalk today in the Neutral Buoyancy Facility, which is the massive swimming pool astronauts use to simulate the weightless conditions of space. The pool is large enough to hold full-scale replicas of International Space Station modules.

Discovery will not launch on the STS-133 mission before Feb. 24, but shuttle managers have not yet chosen a target date for the mission. The schedule depends in part on traffic at the International Space Station during that time frame. A European cargo spacecraft, ATV-2, is scheduled to launch to the station Feb. 15 carrying supplies and equipment.

‪]]> Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:32:28 GMT
"It's been a long road," said John Shannon, Space Shuttle Program manager. "I'm very confident we have it finally figured out and we have a fix. We're going to fly with a lot of confidence in this tank."

Discovery will not launch on the STS-133 mission before Feb. 24, but shuttle managers have not yet chosen a target date for the mission. The schedule depends in part on traffic at the International Space Station during that time frame. A European cargo spacecraft, ATV-2, is scheduled to launch to the station Feb. 15 carrying supplies and equipment.]]> Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:38:20 GMT
Shuttle program managers will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EST this afternoon to update the progress of the repairs and modifications. The press conference will air on NASA TV and on the NASA Web site.

The astronauts who will fly Discovery on the STS-133 mission will practice contingency abort scenarios in the motion-base simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the training base for shuttle crews and home of the Mission Control Center.]]> Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:44:43 GMT
The participants are Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations; John Shannon, Space Shuttle Program manager; and Mike Suffredini, International Space Station Program manager.

Space Shuttle Program managers briefed senior NASA officials Monday about the status of repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks found on 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets called stringers on the shuttle's external fuel tank. Managers approved installing small strips of metal, called radius blocks, on the tank's remaining stringers. Testing and analysis completed to date show the modification will provide additional strength to the stringers.

The news conference will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website.]]> Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:48:23 GMT
The shuttle program also reviewed the plan to modify as many as 32 additional stringers with radius blocks, which will provide added structural support in areas known to carry much of the structural load of the external tank. These radius blocks essentially fit over existing stringer edges through which the securing rivets are installed to provide additional structural support. The radius block modification is a known and practiced structural augmentation technique used extensively on the intertank. This work should begin as soon as the repairs to the three stringers with the four additional small cracks have been completed, likely in the next day or so, and the modification of the additional 32 stringers is expected to be complete next week.

NASA managers will meet with Space Shuttle Program officials today to review the progress to date and the forward plan. A determination of the need and viability for the installation of additional radius blocks on all remaining stringers will be made sometime this week.

NASA managers are evaluating potential launch dates for space shuttle Discovery in late February and working to see if International Space Station on orbit operations would allow a launch as early as Feb. 24. Managers hope to set a launch date by the end of this week.]]> Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:27:37 GMT
Progress continues to be made in understanding the most probable cause of cracks discovered on Discovery’s external tank mid-section, known as the intertank, where small cracks developed during the Nov. 5, 2010, launch attempt. Four additional small cracks were found during thorough X-ray of the backside of the tank after Discovery was returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building before Christmas.

Plans are for the repair work to continue through the weekend. The shuttle program also reviewed the plan to modify as many as 32 additional stringers with radius blocks, which will provide added structural support in areas known to carry much of the structural load of the external tank. These radius blocks essentially fit over existing stringer edges through which the securing rivets are installed to provide additional structural support. The radius block modification is a known and practiced structural augmentation technique used extensively on the intertank. This work should begin as soon as the repairs to the three stringers with the four additional small cracks have been completed, likely in the next day or so, and the modification of the additional 32 stringers is expected to be complete next week.

NASA managers will meet with Space Shuttle Program officials Monday to review the progress to date and the forward plan. A determination of the need and viability for the installation of additional radius blocks on all remaining stringers will be made sometime next week. With the work remaining, the potential for additional modifications yet to be defined, and further reviews pending, the decision was made Thursday to allow the teams additional time and delayed the targeted launch date out of the early February launch window. Launch dates for Discovery and Endeavour will be discussed at next Thursday’s Space Shuttle Program Requirements Control Board meeting.]]> Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:05:37 GMT
Progress continues to be made in understanding the most probable cause of cracks discovered on Discovery’s external tank mid-section, known as the intertank, where small cracks developed during the Nov. 5, 2010, launch attempt. Four additional small cracks were found during thorough X-ray image scans of the backside of the tank after Discovery was returned from the launch pad to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Dec. 22.

Plans are for the repair work to continue through the weekend. The shuttle program also reviewed the plan to modify as many as 32 additional stringers with radius blocks, which will provide added structural support in areas known to carry much of the structural load of the external tank. These radius blocks essentially fit over existing stringer edges through which the securing rivets are installed to provide additional structural support. The radius block modification is a known and practiced structural augmentation technique used extensively on the intertank. This work should begin as soon as the repairs to the three stringers with the four additional small cracks have been completed, likely in the next day or so, and the modification of the additional 32 stringers is expected to be complete next week.

Senior NASA managers and Space Shuttle Program managers will meet Monday to review the progress to date and the forward plan. A determination of the need and viability for the installation of additional radius blocks on all remaining stringers will be made sometime next week.]]> Fri, 07 Jan 2011 01:19:03 GMT
‪‪‪The next available launch date for Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station remains Feb. 3 at the opening of a window that extends through Feb. 10.]]> Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:32:39 GMT
‪Repairs to four cracks on three stringers on the opposite side of the tank from Discovery that were discovered Dec. 29 began Monday and are expected to be completed by Friday. Technicians removed the stringers overnight and begin installing replacement stringer sections today. The repairs are similar to repairs made on cracks found on two stringers after Discovery's Nov. 5 launch attempt.

‪Teams also are performing scans on all of the tank’s stringers using a backscatter device, which bounces radiation off the tank allowing engineers to see below the foam insulation. Engineers at various NASA centers continue to analyze testing and imaging data. Preliminary results from this latest round of X-ray type image scans show no cracks in the stringers that have been scanned so far. Managers will meet again Thursday to determine whether radius block modifications are needed on the remaining stringers. Scans are expected to be completed this weekend.

‪‪The next available launch date for Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station remains Feb. 3 at the opening of a window that extends through Feb. 10.]]> Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:32:56 GMT
‪Teams also are scanning all the tank’s stringers using a backscatter device, which bounces radiation off the tank allowing engineers to see below the foam insulation. Engineers at various NASA centers continue to analyze testing and imaging data. Managers will meet again Thursday to determine whether radius block modifications are needed on the remaining stringers. ‪

Repairs to four cracks on three stringers on the opposite side of the tank from Discovery that were discovered on Dec. 29 began Monday and are expected to be completed mid-week. The repairs are similar to repairs made on cracks found on two stringers after Discovery's Nov. 5 launch attempt.

‪The next available launch date for Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station remains Feb. 3 at the opening of a window that extends through Feb. 10.]]> Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:41:29 GMT Mon, 03 Jan 2011 23:45:24 GMT
Also beginning today is another round of imaging -- this time, using the backscatter method -- on all of the tank's stringers. Engineers at various NASA centers continue to analyze testing and imaging data.

The repair work is estimated to take 2-3 days. Any further work will be evaluated thoroughly during the week after additional data and analysis are reviewed.

Managers also continue to evaluate an option to perform known and practiced modifications on some stringers. Before breaking for the holiday, technicians reconfigured scaffolding to provide access for the modification work, should it be required. A decision may be made on that work as early as today.

The next available launch date for Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station remains Feb. 3 at the opening of a window that extends through Feb. 10.]]> Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:57:03 GMT
Engineers at various NASA centers continue to analyze data from testing and X-ray type image scans collected during the past week of all 108 stringers on the outside of the external tank's ‪intertank section. The image scans showed four small cracks on three stringers on the opposite side of the tank from Discovery. Managers decided Thursday to have those cracks repaired in a similar fashion to repairs made on cracks on two stringers found after Discovery's Nov. 5 launch attempt.

The repair work is estimated to take 2–3 days. Any further work will be evaluated thoroughly during the week after additional data and analysis are reviewed.
 
Managers also continue to evaluate an option to perform known and practiced modifications on some stringers. Before breaking for the holiday, technicians reconfigured scaffolding to provide access for the modification work, should it be required. A decision may be made on that work as early as Monday.
 
The next available launch date for Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station remains Feb. 3 at the opening of a window that extends through Feb. 10.]]> Sat, 01 Jan 2011 09:18:31 GMT  
Following the rollback of Discovery's STS-133 stack to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Wednesday, Dec. 22, engineers immediately began the work to continue evaluation of the intertank area of the External Tank. Since the rollback data analysis from a tanking test has continued to be reviewed along with “non-destructive evaluation” (X-rays) of stringers that were not accessible at the launch pad.
 
The X-rays showed four additional small cracks on three stringers on the opposite side of the tank from Discovery, and managers elected to repair those cracks in a similar fashion to repairs made on cracks discovered after the Nov. 5 launch attempt. That work is estimated to take 2–3 days. Any further work will be evaluated thoroughly early next week after additional data is reviewed. The hardware is in place to perform any modification. That work would be performed inside the VAB.
 
Managers continue to evaluate an option to perform known and practiced modifications on additional stringers. A decision may be made as early as Monday, Jan. 3.
 
The next available launch date is Thursday, Feb. 3 at the opening of a window that extends through Feb. 10. The current preferred launch time on Feb. 3 is 1:37 a.m. EST.]]> Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:51:41 GMT
The computed radiography images of all 108 support beams, called stringers, on the outside of the external tank’s intertank section, which technicians began taking Sunday, are being evaluated by engineers.

However, preliminary analysis indicates small cracks were detected on the tops of three stringers on panel 6, which is on the opposite side of the tank from Discovery. The newly detected cracks currently are under evaluation and there has been no decisions on what affect, if any, these cracks will make on future plans.

The new data, along with previous testing and analysis, will help engineers and managers determine what caused other small cracks on the tops of two stringers during Discovery’s launch countdown on Nov. 5.

Space Shuttle Program managers are meeting this afternoon to decide whether testing and analysis indicate modifications are needed on some of the stringers. If required, modifications would begin next Monday (Jan. 3).]]> Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:05:39 GMT
The team has been using a refined method of gathering the computed radiography scans of all 108 support beams, called stringers, on the outside of the external tank’s intertank section. The method has provided overlapping images, which has lowered the need to have scans retaken.

Engineers at other NASA locations are analyzing the new image scans, which began Sunday. The new data, along with previous testing and analysis, will help engineers and managers determine what caused small cracks on the tops of two stringers during Discovery’s launch countdown on Nov. 5.

Space Shuttle Program managers still are scheduled to decide Thursday afternoon whether testing and analysis indicate modifications are needed on some of the stringers. If required, modifications would begin next Monday (Jan. 3).]]> Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:54:31 GMT
By Tuesday evening, they'll be more than half way done with the computed radiography scans of all 108 support beams, called stringers, on the outside of the external tank’s intertank section.

Engineers at various other NASA locations already are analyzing the new image scans, which began Sunday. The new data, along with previous testing and analysis, will help engineers and managers determine what caused small cracks on the tops of two stringers during Discovery’s launch countdown on Nov. 5.‬

‪‬Technicians expect to complete their scans by Thursday (Dec. 30) when Space Shuttle Program managers are set to decide whether testing and analysis indicate modifications are needed on some of the stringers.]]> Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:17:27 GMT
Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida have removed the foam insulation and test sensors from the external tank, and Sunday they started computed radiography scans of all 108 support beams, called stringers, on the outside of the tank’s intertank section.

While additional scans are under way, engineers at various other NASA locations continue data analysis to help determine what caused small cracks on the tops of two stringers during Discovery’s launch countdown on Nov. 5.‬

‪‬
The latest scans are scheduled to continue through Thursday (Dec. 30) when Space Shuttle Program managers are set to decide whether testing and analysis indicate technicians need to perform known and practiced modifications on some of the stringers.]]> Mon, 27 Dec 2010 16:53:30 GMT
Beginning Sunday, Dec. 26, crews start a week’s worth of additional x-ray type image scans of all 108 support beams, called stringers, on the outside of external tank’s intertank section. While additional scans are under way, engineers at various other NASA locations continue data analysis to help determine what caused small cracks on the tops of two stringers during Discovery’s launch countdown on Nov. 5.

On Dec. 21, Space Shuttle Program managers decided to protect the option of performing known and practiced modifications on some of the stringers, if testing and analysis indicates that it is necessary. Managers are expected to decide whether modifications are needed on Dec. 30.]]> Thu, 23 Dec 2010 22:59:18 GMT
Next week, crews will take x-ray scans beneath the foam insulation of all 108 support beams, called stringers, on Discovery's external tank.

On Dec. 21 Space Shuttle Program managers also decided to protect the option of performing known and practiced modifications on some of the stringers, if additional testing and analysis indicates that it is necessary.

Managers are expected to decide whether modifications are needed on Dec. 30.]]> Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:41:03 GMT
There, technicians will take x-ray scans beneath the foam insulation of all 108 support beams, called stringers, on Discovery’s external fuel tank. They’ll also remove sensors on the external tank from last Friday’s tanking test and reapply foam to those areas.‬

Tuesday afternoon, Space Shuttle Program managers also decided to protect the option of performing known and practiced modifications on some of the stringers, if additional testing and analysis indicates that’s necessary. Managers are expected to decide on Dec. 30 whether modifications are needed.‬]]> Wed, 22 Dec 2010 11:40:42 GMT
Discovery is expected to be securely back inside the VAB by about 6 a.m. Wednesday

Once there, technicians will take x-ray scans beneath the foam insulation of all 108 support beams, called stringers, on Discovery’s external fuel tank. They’ll also remove sensors on the external tank from last Friday’s tanking test and reapply foam to those areas.‬

Tuesday afternoon, Space Shuttle Program managers also decided to protect the option of performing known and practiced modifications on some of the stringers, if additional testing and analysis indicates that’s necessary. Managers are expected to decide on Dec. 30 whether modifications are needed.‬]]> Wed, 22 Dec 2010 07:32:08 GMT Teams at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida began moving space shuttle Discovery from Launch Pad 39A back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) Tuesday at 10:48 p.m. EST.

Discovery is expected to be securely back inside the VAB by about 5 a.m. Wednesday.‬

‪Once there, technicians will take x-ray scans beneath the foam insulation of all 108 support beams, called stringers, on Discovery’s external fuel tank. They’ll also remove sensors on the external tank from last Friday’s tanking test and reapply foam to those areas.‬

Tuesday afternoon, Space Shuttle Program managers also decided to protect the option of performing known and practiced modifications on some of the stringers, if additional testing and analysis indicates that’s necessary. Managers are expected to decide on Dec. 30 whether modifications are needed.‬]]> Wed, 22 Dec 2010 04:03:01 GMT
Technicians have replaced a faulty transducer used with the leveling system on the crawler-transporter, which hauls the shuttle the 3.4 mile distance between the pad and VAB. The faulty transducer delayed Discovery’s rollback, as the move is called, early Tuesday morning. If there are no other issues, Discovery is expected to be securely back inside the VAB by 5 a.m. Wednesday. Once there, technicians will take x-ray scans beneath the foam insulation of all 108 support beams, called stringers, on Discovery’s external fuel tank. They’ll also remove sensors on the external tank from last Friday’s tanking test and reapply foam to those areas. Tuesday afternoon, Space Shuttle Program managers also decided to protect the option of performing known and practiced modifications on some of the stringers, if additional testing and analysis indicates that’s necessary. Managers are expected to decide on Dec. 30 whether modifications are needed.]]> Tue, 21 Dec 2010 23:56:18 GMT
Technicians are working to resolve an issue with the leveling system on the crawler-transporter. They believe a faulty transducer is the problem, and it can be changed out to support rollback, which the move is called, tonight.]]> Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:40:34 GMT
Engineers are working to resolve the issue. Discovery's move could begin as early as Tuesday afternoon.]]> Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:06:01 GMT
The slight delay will give crews more time to prepare Discovery for the move, which is known as a rollback.

Teams aren't working any technical issues, and weather conditions look good for the expected six-hour trip.]]> Tue, 21 Dec 2010 02:22:10 GMT
Initial data and a walk down by the inspection team identified no cracks in the foam or anything out of the ordinary. Analysis could take several weeks. Engineers are looking at what caused two stringers on the tank's ribbed section to crack during fueling on Nov. 5. Discovery’s launch attempt was scrubbed after a leak developed in the ground umbilical carrier plate, GUCP, which also was evaluated. The GUCP did not leak during the tanking test. Analysis could take several weeks.

‪The STS-133 mission to the International Space Station is planned to launch no earlier than Feb. 3, 2011.

‪]]> Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:40:59 GMT


Teams collected data from sensors placed on the shuttle's external tank. Eighty-nine sensors, 39 strain gauges and 50 thermocouples, were installed on the aluminum skin of the tank to precisely measure changes as propellants were pumped in. Engineers want to find out what caused two stringers on the tank's ribbed section to crack during fueling on Nov. 5. Discovery’s launch attempt was scrubbed after a leak developed in the ground umbilical carrier plate, GUCP, which also was evaluated. The GUCP did not leak.



Sensors will continue to record readings through Dec. 18. Analysis could take several weeks.



Discovery's next milestone is a trip back to the Vehicle Assembly Building no earlier than Tuesday, Dec. 21. There, the back side of the intertank will be scanned and foam reapplied to areas where sensors were placed for the tanking test. The STS-133 mission to the International Space Station is planned to launch no earlier than Feb. 3, 2011.]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:45:10 GMT
The clocks were held at T-31 seconds as teams at NASA's Kennedy Space Center collected data from sensors placed on the shuttle's external fuel tank. Controllers left the tank at flight pressure for five minutes at the end of the test. Eighty-nine sensors, 39 strain gauges and 50 thermocouples, were installed on the aluminum skin of the tank to precisely measure changes as super-cold propellants were pumped in. Engineers want to find out what caused two stringers on the tank's ribbed section to crack during fueling on Nov. 5. Discovery’s launch attempt was scrubbed after a leak developed in the ground umbilical carrier plate, GUCP, which also was evaluated. The GUCP did not leak.

With the countdown concluded, teams will drain the tank of more than 535,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Sensors will continue to record readings through Dec. 18. Analysis could take several weeks.

Discovery's next milestone is a trip back to the Vehicle Assembly Building no earlier than Tuesday, Dec. 21. There, the back side of the intertank will be scanned and foam reapplied to areas where sensors were placed for the tanking test. The STS-133 mission to the International Space Station is planned to launch no earlier than Feb. 3, 2011.]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:20:01 GMT
The data is coming from dozens of strain gauges and temperature sensors placed on the aluminum skin of Discovery's external fuel tank to monitor the tank's changes as it was loaded this morning with more than 535,000 gallons of super-cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The information is to be used to determine why a pair of stringers cracked on the ribbed intertank portion of the external tank. Moses said engineers are already working through the early data returns by hand and they are matching up with what was expected.

The data collection will continue throughout the day and into Saturday. Today's countdown also continues, with controllers keeping to a normal launch day schedule where possible. The countdown is to hold at T-31 seconds. The tank will be pressurized to flight levels at that point and controllers will leave it at the level for five minutes to monitor its conditions. Then the countdown will end at 2:24 p.m. today. The tank is planned to be drained beginning at 2:45 today and the process finished around 5 p.m. The sensors will continue taking readings through Saturday when the tank returns to ambient temperature.

Moses explained that the data will first be compared to computer models and then, over the course of a couple weeks, be used to back up flight rationale about the stringers. Other aspects of the data will not be completed for months as they are used for long-term projections, but that information is not needed for Discovery's upcoming mission.

"It's definitely getting us back to launch posture," Moses said.]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:15:12 GMT
The tank has been loaded with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants. The hydrogen loading was completed at 9:28 a.m. and the oxygen loading was completed at 9:59 a.m. At 2:18 p.m. EST the tank will be fully pressurized to flight levels for five minutes and the test will terminate at 2:24 p.m. The tank will then be drained. The sensors on the tank will take readings through tomorrow to monitor changes as the tank returns to ambient temperature.

After today's tanking test, Discovery will be prepped for a return to the Vehicle Assembly Building next week. The rollback is scheduled for no earlier than Tuesday, Dec. 21, and would begin in the early morning hours.]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:18:24 GMT
"We're looking forward to the real thing," Leinbach added.

Currently, Discovery is to perform "the real thing" no earlier than Feb. 3, 2011, depending on the outcome of today's test and other preparations.]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:53:22 GMT
Setting up for today's tanking test required technicians to place 39 strain gauges and 50 temperature sensors on the outside of space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank. The sensors were basically focused on two areas of the tank, one where a pair of cracked stringers were repaired and one in a similar section of the tank where the stringers were not repaired. But the preparation did not stop there. Workers also had to run 162 wires, each 200 feet long, from the recording gear at the fixed service structure along an access arm to the shuttle and finally attaching to the individual sensors. And it was done during a severe cold snap here at the Florida spaceport.

"The biggest challenge was the weather," said Alicia Mendoza, NASA's External Tank and Solid Rocket Booster vehicle manager at Kennedy.

The sensors are expected to gather at least 6 terabytes of data. For the sake of comparison, an average academic research library contains about 2 terabytes of information. So these sensors should return about as much information as three academic research libraries.]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:45:27 GMT
"The biggest challenge was the weather," said Alicia Mendoza, NASA's External Tank and Solid Rocket Booster vehicle manager at Kennedy.

The sensors are expected to gather at least 6 terabytes of data. For the sake of comparison, an average academic research library contains about 2 terabytes of information. So these sensors should return about as much information as three academic research libraries.

Today's tanking test is continuing on track. The fast-fill phases began on time with the liquid hydrogen fast-fill starting at 7:49 a.m. and the liquid oxygen fast-fill starting one minute later at 7:50 a.m.]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:24:11 GMT
"This tanking test will hopefully give us the final piece of data," Moses said.

The test is taking place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, home of the space shuttle fleet, but the information from the test will be sent to NASA's Michaud Assembly Facility in Louisiana and Marshall Spaceflight Center in Alabama for detailed analysis. Focused testing on aspects like materials, design and construction will be performed.

At the launch pad, the fueling process is continuing. Slow-fill began at 7:12 a.m. The launch team will follow a launch-day countdown very closely, without putting astronauts inside the shuttle, though. The countdown will hold at T-31 seconds. The tank will be monitored before draining begins.]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:47:19 GMT
"This tanking test will hopefully give us the final piece of data," Moses said.

The test is taking place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, home of the space shuttle fleet, but the information from the test will be sent to NASA's Michaud Assembly Facility in Louisiana and Marshall Spaceflight Center in Alabama for detailed analysis. Focused testing on aspects like materials, design and construction will be performed.

At the launch pad, the fueling process is continuing. Slow-fill began at 7:12 a.m. The launch team will follow a launch-day countdown very closely, without putting astronauts inside the shuttle, though. The countdown will hold at T-31 seconds. The tank will be monitored before draining begins.]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:43:25 GMT Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:07:55 GMT Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:39:00 GMT
Teams are not working any issues that would delay the test, which is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 17.

Live coverage on NASA TV is set to begin at 6:45 a.m.]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2010 03:20:42 GMT
The rotating service structure will be moved away from the spacecraft tonight at 9:30 p.m. EST. Managers will meet at 6:30 a.m. Friday for a weather briefing before beginning the test at 7 a.m.

The test will  help verify repairs associated with cracks on the tops of two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the external tank.

Data collected from the strain gauge and thermal couple sensors will potentially help engineers determine what caused the cracks during Discovery's launch countdown on Nov. 5. Technicians repaired the cracks and reapplied foam insulation on the stringers last month.

Results of the instrumented test will not be known immediately. Managers and engineers will review the data gathered from the test before determining the next course of action. Discovery’s next launch opportunity is no earlier than 1:34 a.m. on Feb. 3.]]> Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:44:54 GMT
Teams are not working any issues that would delay the test, which is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 17.


The test will help verify repairs associated with cracks on the tops of two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the external tank.

Data collected from the strain gauge and thermal couple sensors will potentially help engineers determine what caused the cracks during Discovery's launch countdown on Nov. 5. Technicians repaired the cracks and reapplied foam insulation on the stringers last month.

Results of the instrumented test will not be known immediately. Managers and engineers will review the data gathered from the test before determining the next course of action. Discovery’s next launch opportunity is no earlier than 1:34 a.m. on Feb. 3.]]> Thu, 16 Dec 2010 02:09:05 GMT
The test will help verify repairs associated with cracks on the tops of two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the external tank. Data collected from the strain gauges and thermal couple sensors will potentially help engineers determine what caused the cracks during Discovery's launch countdown on Nov. 5. Technicians repaired the cracks and reapplied foam insulation on the stringers last month.

Results of the instrumented test will not be known immediately. Managers and engineers will review the data gathered from the test before determining the next course of action. Discovery’s next launch opportunity is no earlier than 1:34 a.m. on Feb. 3.

The test will air live on NASA Television beginning at 6:45 a.m. EST. Discovery's external tank will be filled with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, as it is before launch. Technicians placed 89 instruments on the tank to assess its performance during the fuel loading.]]> Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:49:05 GMT
A few days after the test, Discovery will be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, where more scans of the external tank will be done and the test instrumentation will be removed and insulating foam re-applied. Managers will decide the next step for the STS-133 preparations after evaluating the test results. The current plan calls for Discovery to return to the launch pad in January for a launch no earlier than Feb.  3, 2011.]]> Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:46:53 GMT
Shuttle managers also decided late Monday afternoon that following the tanking test they plan to roll Discovery back into Kennedy’s Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to allow its external tank to undergo additional image scans. Rollback is expected to occur four to five days after the tanking test. Once in the VAB, technicians would collect X-ray data on stringers on the back side of the external tank midsection, called the intertank, which is not accessible at the launch pad. Additionally, the test instrumentation and foam insulation on those areas of the intertank would be removed and the area would be prepared again for launch. In parallel, the back side stringer inspections would take place.

At the launch pad, crews currently are replacing foam insulation after installing 89 strain gauges and temperature sensors for the tanking test to precisely record movement and temperatures from the intertank as it chills and warms again during the loading of propellants and emptying process. The tank holds super-cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, which cause the tank to shrink by about half an inch.

Managers and engineers will review the data gathered from the tanking test and additional image scans before determining the next course of action. Currently, managers plan to have Discovery returned to the launch pad in January ahead of its next launch opportunity, which is no earlier than Feb. 3 at 1:34 a.m. EST.]]> Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:36:38 GMT
Shuttle managers also decided late Monday afternoon that following the tanking test they plan to roll Discovery back into Kennedy’s Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to allow its external tank to undergo additional image scans. Rollback is expected to occur 4-5 days after the tanking test. Once in the VAB, technicians would collect X-ray data on stringers on the back side of the external tank midsection, called the intertank, which is not accessible at the launch pad. Additionally, the test instrumentation and foam insulation on those areas of the intertank would be removed and the area would be prepared again for launch. In parallel, the back side stringer inspections would take.

At the launch pad, crews currently are finishing installing 89 strain gauges and temperature sensors for the tanking test to precisely record movement and temperatures from the intertank as it chills and warms again during the loading of propellants and emptying process. The tank holds super-cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, which cause the tank to shrink by about half an inch.

Managers and engineers will review the data gathered from the tanking test and additional image scans before determining the next course of action. Currently, managers plan to have Discovery returned to the launch pad in January ahead of its next launch opportunity, which is no earlier than Feb. 3 at 1:34 a.m. EST.]]> Mon, 13 Dec 2010 23:17:04 GMT
The forecast for the next several days calls for continuing cold conditions at Launch Pad 39A at the Florida spaceport. Technicians worked through the weekend to place dozens of sensors on the tank's ribbed intertank region so engineers can analyze temperature and tank movement as the tank is filled with cryogenic propellants. All the strain gauges have been attached in the intertank region near the top of the external tank where the stringers are located. Once the remaining temperature sensors are in place and foam insulation has been reapplied, the tank will be filled with about 535,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to help verify repairs associated with cracks on the tops of two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the external tank and help engineers determine what caused the cracks in the first place.

Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Discovery’s next launch opportunity is no earlier than Feb. 3 at 1:34 a.m. EST.]]> Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:56:01 GMT
The test will help verify repairs associated with cracks on the tops of two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the external tank and help engineers determine what caused the cracks in the first place. Technicians repaired the cracks and reapplied foam insulation on the stringers last month.

Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Discovery’s next launch opportunity is no earlier than Feb. 3 at 1:34 a.m. EST.]]> Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:29:25 GMT
The test will help verify repairs associated with cracks on the tops of two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the external tank and help engineers determine what caused the cracks in the first place. Technicians repaired the cracks and reapplied foam insulation on the stringers last month.

Managers determined last week more tests and analysis were needed before proceeding with Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Discovery’s next launch opportunity is no earlier than Feb. 3 at 1:34 a.m. EST.]]> Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:30:34 GMT
The test will help verify repairs associated with cracks on the tops of two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the external tank and help engineers determine what caused the cracks in the first place. Technicians repaired the cracks and reapplied foam insulation on the stringers last month.

Tanking test plans call for recording temperature and strain gauge measurements in the intertank region near the top of the external tank where the stringers are located.

Managers determined last week more tests and analysis were needed before proceeding with Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Discovery’s next launch opportunity is no earlier than Feb. 3 at 1:34 a.m. EST.]]> Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:39:04 GMT
Engineers have been meeting this week to evaluate plans for the test. It will help verify repairs associated with cracks on the tops of two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the external tank and help engineers determine what caused the cracks in the first place. Technicians repaired the cracks and reapplied foam insulation on the stringers last month. Tanking test plans call for recording temperature and strain gauge measurements in the intertank region near the top of the external tank where the stringers are located.

Managers determined last week more tests and analysis were needed before proceeding with Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Discovery’s next launch opportunity is no earlier than Feb. 3 at 1:34 a.m. EST.]]> Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:16:43 GMT
NASA managers have targeted Discovery's launch for no earlier than Feb. 3 at 1:34 a.m. EST. Shuttle managers determined more tests and analysis are needed before proceeding with the launch of the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.

NASA will review and analyze the data from the tests before setting a launch date. Because of Discovery's delayed launch, the earliest opportunity for the liftoff of the final scheduled shuttle mission, STS-134 on Endeavour, is April 1.

Today at NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew is reviewing its flight plan.]]> Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:50:09 GMT
The Program Requirements Control Board met Dec. 2 and reviewed engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. NASA repaired the cracks and reapplied foam to the exterior of the stringers. Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. They are planning to conduct an instrumented test on the external fuel tank and structural evaluations on stringer test articles to determine whether the analysis is correct. Details and timelines for the tanking test are in work, but plans call for temperature and strain gauge measurements in the intertank region near the top of the tank during the test.

NASA will review and analyze the data from the tests before setting a launch date. Because of Discovery's delayed launch, the earliest opportunity for the liftoff of the final scheduled shuttle mission, STS-134 on Endeavour, is April 1.

Today at NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew is conducting an integrated entry simulation today in the motion base simulator and will review spacewalking procedures.]]> Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:48:43 GMT
The Program Requirements Control Board met Thursday and reviewed engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long,

U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. NASA repaired the cracks and reapplied foam to the

exterior of the stringers. Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. They are planning to conduct an instrumented test on the external fuel tank and structural evaluations on stringer test articles to determine whether the analysis is correct. Details and timelines for the tanking test are in work, but plans call for temperature and strain gauge measurements in the intertank region near the top of the tank during the test.

NASA will review and analyze the data from the tests before setting a launch date. Because of Discovery's delayed launch, the earliest

opportunity for the liftoff of the final scheduled shuttle mission, STS-134 on Endeavour, is April 1.]]> Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:14:33 GMT Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:18:13 GMT
The news conference follows Thursday's Space Shuttle Program Requirements Control Board meeting. Program officials reviewed repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets called stringers on the shuttle's external tank.

The briefing participants are Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations; John Shannon, Space Shuttle Program manager and Mike Suffredini, International Space Station Program manager.

The news conference will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/ntv]]> Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:29:30 GMT
Technicians at Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A will continue to collect data on the stringer repair by performing backscatter scans, which bounces radiation off space shuttle Discovery’s external fuel tank, through the weekend.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew will review rendezvous procedures today.]]> Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:15:05 GMT
Technicians at Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A will continue to collect data on the stringer repair by performing backscatter scans, which bounces radiation off space shuttle Discovery’s external fuel tank, through the weekend.]]> Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:07:05 GMT
The Program Requirements Control Board will meet today to assess repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. If managers clear Discovery for launch on Dec. 17, the preferred time is about 8:51 p.m. EST.

Astronauts Alvin Drew and Tim Kopra are rehearsing their second spacewalk at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab in Houston.

  ]]> Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:53:10 GMT
Discovery's launch is currently targeted for no earlier than Dec. 17, after shuttle managers determined more tests and analysis are needed.

The Program Requirements Control Board reviewed on Nov. 23 repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. The work will continue through this week.

The next status review by the PRCB will be tomorrow, Dec. 2. If managers clear Discovery for launch on Dec. 17, the preferred time is about 8:51 p.m. EST.]]> Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:18:56 GMT
The shuttle's crew is practicing on-orbit tasks today in the motion base simulator at the astronauts' training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Discovery's launch is currently targeted for no earlier than Dec. 17, after shuttle managers determined more tests and analysis are needed.

The Program Requirements Control Board reviewed on Nov. 23 repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. The work will continue through this week.

The next status review by the PRCB will be Thursday, Dec. 2. If managers clear Discovery for launch on Dec. 17, the preferred time is about 8:51 p.m. EST.]]> Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:04:50 GMT
Discovery's launch is currently targeted for no earlier than Dec. 17 after shuttle managers determined more tests and analysis are needed.

The Program Requirements Control Board, or PRCB, reviewed on Nov. 23 repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. The work will continue through this week.

The next status review by the PRCB will be Thursday, Dec. 2. If managers clear Discovery for launch on Dec. 17, the preferred time is about 8:51 p.m. EST.]]> Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:59:22 GMT
The Program Requirements Control Board reviewed on Wednesday repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. The work will continue through next week.

The next status review by the PRCB will be Thursday, Dec. 2. If managers clear Discovery for launch on Dec. 17, the preferred time is about 8:51 p.m. EST.]]> Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:47:44 GMT
The Program Requirements Control Board reviewed on Wednesday repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. The work will continue through next week.

The next status review by the PRCB will be Thursday, Dec. 2. If managers clear Discovery for launch on Dec. 17, the preferred time is about 8:51 p.m. EST.]]> Wed, 24 Nov 2010 21:07:40 GMT
The news conference follows today's Space Shuttle Program Requirements Control Board, during which program officials reviewed repairs and ongoing engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called "stringers," on the shuttle's external tank. The news conference will air live on NASA TV and at http://www.nasa.gov/ntv]]> Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:55:16 GMT
The Space Shuttle Program will review the analysis and repairs that are required to safely launch shuttle Discovery on its STS-133 mission during a special Program Requirements Control Board session today. Pending a successful review of the flight rationale at that meeting, a Launch Status Briefing would be held with senior NASA management on Monday, Nov. 29 at Kennedy.

Kennedy's “Call-to-Stations” to begin the launch countdown will be no earlier than Nov. 30, supporting a first launch attempt no earlier than Dec. 3 at 2:52 a.m. EST.]]> Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:51:00 GMT
The Space Shuttle Program will review the analysis and repairs that are required to safely launch shuttle Discovery on its STS-133 mission at a special Program Requirements Control Board session Wednesday. Pending a successful review of the flight rationale at that meeting, a Launch Status Briefing would be held with senior NASA management on Monday, Nov. 29 at Kennedy.

Kennedy's “Call-to-Stations” to begin the launch countdown will be no earlier than Nov. 30, supporting a first launch attempt no earlier than Dec. 3 at about 2:52 a.m. EST.]]> Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:58:12 GMT
The Space Shuttle Program will review the analysis and repairs that are required to safely launch shuttle Discovery on its STS-133 mission at a special Program Requirements Control Board session Wednesday. Pending a successful review of the flight rationale at that meeting, a Launch Status Briefing would be held with senior NASA management on Monday, Nov. 29 at Kennedy.

Kennedy's “Call-to-Stations” to begin the launch countdown will be no earlier than Nov. 30, supporting a first launch attempt no earlier than Dec. 3 at about 2:52 a.m. EST.]]> Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:55:12 GMT
The Space Shuttle Program will review the analysis and repairs that are required to safely launch shuttle Discovery on its STS-133 mission at a special Program Requirements Control Board session Wednesday. Pending a successful review of the flight rationale at that meeting, a Launch Status Briefing would be held with senior NASA management on Monday, Nov. 29 at Kennedy.

Kennedy's “Call-to-Stations” to begin the launch countdown will be no earlier than Nov. 30, supporting a first launch attempt no earlier than Dec. 3 at about 2:52 a.m. EST.]]> Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:51:55 GMT
The Space Shuttle Program will review the analysis and repairs that are required to safely launch shuttle Discovery on its STS-133 mission at a special Program Requirements Control Board session Wednesday. Pending a successful review of the flight rationale at that meeting, a Launch Status Briefing would be held with senior NASA management on Monday, Nov. 29.

Kennedy's “Call-to-Stations” to begin the launch countdown will be no earlier than Nov. 30, supporting a first launch attempt no earlier than Dec. 3 at about 2:52 a.m. EST.]]> Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:34:28 GMT
At yesterday’s Program Requirements Control Board, or PRCB, the Space Shuttle Program clearly identified the analysis and repairs that are required to safely launch shuttle Discovery on its STS-133 mission. This analysis will be reviewed at a special PRCB on Wednesday, Nov. 24. Pending a successful review of the flight rationale at that meeting, a Launch Status Briefing would be held with senior NASA management on Monday, Nov. 29.

The Launch Status Briefing and news conference planned for Monday, Nov. 22 are cancelled. The Kennedy Space Center “Call-to-Stations” to begin the launch countdown will be no earlier than Nov. 30, supporting a first launch attempt no earlier than Dec. 3 at about 2:52 a.m. EST.]]> Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:33:31 GMT
The Launch Status Briefing and news conference planned for Monday, Nov. 22 are cancelled.

The Kennedy Space Center “Call-to-Stations” to begin the launch countdown will be no earlier than Nov. 30, supporting a first launch attempt no earlier than Dec. 3 at about 2:52 a.m. EST.]]> Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:45:50 GMT
Today, teams will install a new section of metal, called a "doubler" because it’s twice as thick as the original stringer metal, to replace the two cracked stringers.

Senior managers plan to meet Nov. 22 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and via video conference for a launch status briefing to assess and review the repair work and launch preparations. Although managers have not set a new target launch date for Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station, the repair work and planning are aimed at supporting an attempt in the upcoming launch window that opens Nov. 30.]]> Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:12:42 GMT
Technicians have removed all fasteners for two, 21-foot-long support beams, called stringers, on the exterior of the external tank in an area known as the intertank. Preparations will begin today to install a new section of metal, called a doubler because it’s twice as thick as the original stringer metal, on the stringer that had the 9-inch cracks to replace the two cracked stringers.

Engineers continue evaluating the intertank for any potential issues, but so far no other cracks have been found beyond the ones on the two previously identified stringers. There are a total of 108 stringers on the intertank.

Senior managers plan to meet on Nov. 22 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and via video conference for a launch status briefing to assess and review the repair work and launch preparations. Although managers have not set a new target launch date for Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station, the repair work and planning still are aimed at supporting an attempt in the upcoming launch window that opens Nov. 30.]]> Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:39:58 GMT
Another team of technicians is working on repairing cracks on the tops of two, 21-foot-long support beams, called stringers, on the exterior of the external tank in an area known as the intertank. The team includes personnel from the external tank manufacturing plant in Louisiana, the Michoud Assembly Facility.

Over the weekend, technicians removed a section of one of the stringers that had two, 9-inch cracks in it. Last Friday, during foam removal and inspection of adjacent stringers to the one with the 9-inch cracks, technicians identified a crack about 3-inches long on the left-hand adjacent stringer. Further foam removal revealed one additional corresponding crack on the same left-hand adjacent stringer. Technicians plan to remove that section of the stringer Monday night. They’ll also install a new section of metal, called a doubler because it’s twice as thick as the original stringer metal, on the stringer that had the 9-inch cracks.

Engineers continue evaluating the intertank for any potential issues, but so far no other cracks have been found beyond the ones on the two previously identified stringers. There are a total of 108 stringers on the intertank.

Senior managers plan to meet on Nov. 22 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and via video conference for a launch status briefing to assess and review the repair work and launch preparations. Although managers have not set a new target launch date for Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station, the repair work and planning still are aimed at supporting an attempt in the upcoming launch window that opens Nov. 30.]]> Tue, 16 Nov 2010 03:09:46 GMT
Engineers also are continuing work to repair cracks in Discovery’s external tank intertank section. During foam removal and inspection of adjacent stringers to the one with two 9-inch cracks, technicians identified a crack about 3-inches long on the left-hand adjacent stringer. This was not an unexpected result since the load was most likely transferred to the adjacent stringer when both sides of the original stringer cracked during tanking operations for Discovery’s scrubbed launch attempt on Nov. 5. Teams will build and use existing structural math models to understand the loading at the interface. Stringers are aluminum support strips on the outside of the external tank that form the section between the inside liquid oxygen tank and the liquid hydrogen tanks.]]> Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:19:59 GMT
Engineers met today to discuss upcoming work to repair cracks in Discovery’s external tank intertank section. During foam removal and inspection of adjacent stringers to the one with two 9-inch cracks, technicians today identified an approximately 3-inch crack on the left-hand adjacent stringer. This was not an unexpected result since the load was most likely transferred to the adjacent stringer when both sides of the original stringer cracked during tanking operations for Discovery’s scrubbed launch attempt on Nov. 5. Teams will build and use existing structural math models to understand the loading at the interface. Stringers are aluminum support strips on the outside of the external tank that form the section between the inside liquid oxygen tank and the liquid hydrogen tanks.]]> Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:54:38 GMT
Technicians will trim the foam insulation around the area where two cracks were found on Discovery's external fuel tank metal exterior to inspect the surrounding areas. The cracks were found on the stringer, which is the aluminum strip that forms the section between the liquid oxygen tank and the liquid hydrogen tank, after removing foam that cracked during initial loading operations for the STS-133 launch attempt on Nov. 5.]]> Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:59:20 GMT
Teams performed an initial inspection of the flight seal and quick disconnect prior to sending them to labs for a thorough inspection. Data collected from the initial inspections will be evaluated today by the investigation team. Engineering saw some areas of interest that are being further evaluated. Based on this evaluation, crews could be ready to install a new GUCA on Friday.

Also, technicians have removed external tank foam insulation that cracked during initial loading operations for space shuttle Discovery’s launch attempt on Nov. 5. After foam removal, two cracks were found on a section of the tank’s metal exterior. The cracks were found on the stringer, which is the aluminum strip that forms the section between the Liquid Oxygen tank and the Liquid Hydrogen tank. Stringers provide structural integrity to the intertank. The cracks are approximately nine inches long and were found at the top of one of the stringers beneath the area of foam that cracked during tanking. The cracks in the stringer moved the metal outward sufficiently to dislocate the foam. Engineers are reviewing images of the cracks to determine the best possible repair method, which would be done at Launch Pad 39A.

The stringers are manufactured using a lighter weight, stronger material of Aluminum Lithium, which was initially incorporated with the Super Light Weight Tank on ET-96 and first flown on STS-91. While the material is stronger and lighter in weight, it is more brittle and has resulted in increased cases of cracked stringers in the areas noted.

The cracked stringer section matches well with the area of foam that cracked, which indicates the stringer crack was the root cause of the foam crack. Analysis shows the intertank has sufficient structural capability for the launch and ascent environments with the cracks in a single stringer. Although the foam was firmly attached to the damaged structure, it is undesirable to launch in this configuration. This area is clearly visible during the pre-launch inspections and would have been detected by the final inspection team.

Crews have repaired similar cracks during external tank production by installing a second piece of aluminum for reinforcement on top of the cracked area before replacing the foam insulation. This piece frequently is referred to as a "doubler." The repair plan being put into effect is a known one consisting of cutting out the cracked section and replacing it with an available piece that matches its size. A doubler will be inserted before the mounting rivets to complete the repair.

BX foam then will be formed over the newly repaired stringer and will require about four days to cure.

Exact schedules and repair options still are being evaluated. Engineers will meet Friday to discuss the status of the three repair activities underway, the external tank stringer and foam repair, the ground umbilical carrier plate and the cockpit panel L4 removal and replacement.

Intertank Facts:

· The intertank is composed of eight mechanically fastened panels (not welded). Six of these panels have external stringers. Each of these six panels has 18 stringers for a total of 108. These stringers provide buckling resistance and load distribution, providing structural integrity for the intertank

· Each stringer is about 21.5 feet long

· The ends of each stringer are flush with the foam on the LH2 and LO2 tank sections]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:30:36 GMT
Teams performed an initial inspection of the flight seal and quick disconnect prior to sending them to labs for a thorough inspection. Data collected from the initial inspections will be evaluated today by the investigation team. Engineering saw some areas of interest that are being further evaluated. Based on this evaluation, crews could be ready to install a new GUCA on Friday.

During removal of external tank foam insulation, technicians identified two cracks on a section of the tank’s metal exterior. The foam cracked during draining operations following Discovery’s launch scrub on Nov. 5. The cracks were found on the stringer, which is the composite aluminum strip that forms the section between the liquid oxygen tank and the liquid hydrogen tank. The cracks were found at the top of one of the stringers beneath the area of foam that cracked during tanking and are about nine inches long. The cracks in the stringer moved the metal outward sufficiently to dislocate the foam. Engineers are reviewing images of the cracks to determine the best possible repair method, which would be done at Launch Pad 39A.

Crews have repaired similar cracks during external tank production by installing a second piece of aluminum for reinforcement on top of the cracked area before replacing the foam insulation. This piece frequently is referred to as a "doubler."

Exact schedules and repair options still are being evaluated.]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:49:34 GMT
Crews have repaired similar cracks during external tank production by removing the cracked aluminum and replacing it with a “doubler,” which is a twice-as-thick stringer section before replacing the foam insulation.

Exact schedules and repair options still are being evaluated.]]> Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:13:35 GMT
Teams will continue analysis and inspection of the approximately 20-inch-long crack in the external tank foam. Teams are planning to use terahertz or backscatter scans to see beneath the foam to look for any other potential issues. Technicians could begin dissecting the cracked section as early as Wednesday so foam experts can make a thorough evaluation in order to help determine the cause of the crack. Teams still are working out plans to reapply foam to the external tank after inspections are complete.‪‪

Shuttle managers continue evaluating the data to determine the best repair methods and next launch opportunity for Discovery’s STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.

The STS-133 crew is involved in administrative work today before Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe fly back to Kennedy for a training run in shuttle training aircraft.]]> Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:48:59 GMT Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:07:01 GMT Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:47:49 GMT
Discovery's liftoff to the International Space Station was postponed because of a leak in the ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) at Launch Pad 39A, which prompted a scrub of Friday's launch attempt.

Mission managers also will look at a crack in the external tank foam that developed as supercold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen were being drained from the tank -- although the crack did not develop until after the launch attempt was called off.

Discovery's next possible launch opportunity comes Nov. 30 at 4:05 a.m. EST.]]> Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:34:34 GMT
Mission managers also will look closely at a crack in the external tank foam that developed as supercold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen were being drained from the tank. The 15-story tall, orange external tank shrinks and expands as its temperature changes from the effects of the propellants. That change can cause the foam insulation on the outside of it to crack.

Mike Moses, chair of the Mission Management Team, said the crack did not develop until after the launch attempt was called off. However, he said the team will analyze the crack carefully.

Discovery's next possible launch opportunity comes Nov. 30 at 4:05 a.m. EST.]]> Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:32:40 GMT
Details will be discussed during a 1 p.m. news conference with Mike Moses, Space Shuttle Program launch integration manager and mission management team chairman, and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.]]> Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:46:24 GMT
The earliest opportunity is Monday, Nov. 8, at 12:53 p.m. EST, the last date Discovery can launch in this window. The next launch window for Discovery is Tuesday, Nov. 30 through Saturday, Dec. 5.

At 8:11 a.m., launch was scrubbed because of a hydrogen gas leak at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, or GUCP, an attachment point between the external tank and a 17-inch pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from Discovery to the flare stack, where it is burned off.

Shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach characterized the leak as “significant,” similar to what was seen on STS-119 and STS-127, although today’s rate was higher in magnitude and occurred earlier in the fueling process.

The external tank is being drained and will be inerted for about 20 hours before it is safe for technicians to look at the GUCP on Saturday.

The Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team will meet Saturday after technicians have had the opportunity to troubleshoot the hardware. The MMT will determine if it is possible to achieve a launch attempt Monday.

NASA Television will air a news conference no earlier than 1 p.m. EDT with Mike Moses, Space Shuttle Program launch integration manager and Mission Management Team chair, and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.]]> Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:25:58 GMT
During the process of filling the external tank, the hydrogen leak was detected at the GUCP, an attachment point between the external tank and a 17-inch pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from Discovery to the flare stack, where it is burned off.

Managers will meet to determine the next steps and NASA Television will air a news conference later today.]]> Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:29:30 GMT
Managers continue to assess the leak. Similar issues affected the launches of shuttle missions STS-119 and STS-127.]]> Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:07:51 GMT
The hydrogen and oxygen will power Discovery's three main engines during liftoff and ascent into orbit. Both propellants are kept extremely cold as they are pumped into the tank. The liquid hydrogen is minus 497 degrees F and the liquid oxygen is minus 297 degrees.

Steve Lindsey commands this mission to the International Space Station and he will be joined on the shuttle's flight deck by Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Alvin Drew and Tim Kopra. Mission specialists Michael Baratt and Nicole Stott will sit on the lower level during launch.

The weather forecast improved overnight for today's launch attempt. Forecasters are calling for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. The prime concern is the possibility of high winds around NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the shuttle fleet's launch site.]]> Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:22:39 GMT
The weather forecast also improved from yesterday. There is a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for launch. The primary concern is for high winds at the launch pad and Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). The weather is forecast “go” at all three Transatlantic Abort Landing sites.]]> Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:27:30 GMT
Friday's launch time is 3:04 p.m. EDT. There are no scheduled STS-133 news conferences on NASA Television today and no planned Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team meetings today. The shuttle team will convene at 5 a.m. Friday to assess the weather before giving a “go" or "no-go” decision to fill Discovery’s external tank.

If Discovery launches Friday, it will dock with the International Space Station at 10:55 a.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 7. The mission’s two spacewalks will occur on Tuesday Nov. 9 and Thursday Nov. 11. Undocking will occur at 4:21 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, and landing at Kennedy Space Center will take place at 9:16 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16.]]> Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:03:54 GMT Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:08:24 GMT
"From the vehicle perspective, we're ready to go," Moses said.

However, the weather forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of acceptable conditions, with the concerns being low clouds and rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility at launch time. The MMT will meet at 5:30 a.m. Thursday to consider the forecast and will decide then whether to fill the shuttle's huge external fuel tank for the launch.

"The weather still looks pretty bad for tomorrow," Moses said. "There's a chance we'll decide not to spend one of our (launch) opportunities."]]> Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:38:11 GMT Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:03:31 GMT
The Rotating Service Structure will be rotated back at 6:30 p.m. to reveal Discovery.

The launch countdown will resume at 11:04 p.m.

The shuttle team will convene at 5:30 a.m. and assess the weather before loading Discovery's external tank for launch.

‪‪NASA Television will air a news conference at 7 p.m. EDT with Mike Moses, prelaunch MMT chair and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.]]> Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:38:44 GMT Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:33:23 GMT Wed, 03 Nov 2010 20:19:36 GMT Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:57:00 GMT Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:50:07 GMT
Rather than rush the shuttle launch team through an analysis and launch cycle quickly, Moses said he opted to let the engineers work throughout the night on the issue without having to worry about an early morning tanking and Wednesday afternoon launch. The MMT will meet again Wednesday at 2 p.m. EDT and then decide whether to try to launch Thursday. A liftoff Thursday would be at 3:29 p.m.]]> Tue, 02 Nov 2010 23:21:01 GMT
The Rotating Service Structure will not be retracted tonight.

NASA Television will air a news conference at 6:30 p.m. EDT with Mike Moses, prelaunch MMT chair and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.

The delay enables engineers more time to evaluate data gathered after irregular electrical readings were received while powering up the shuttle main engines Tuesday morning.]]> Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:54:03 GMT Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:52:07 GMT
Engineers continue to analyze data that showed voltage irregularities and will meet this afternoon to review their data. The Mission Management Team now will convene at 5 p.m. EDT to assess the issue.]]> Tue, 02 Nov 2010 18:20:09 GMT
Engineers continue to analyze data that showed voltage irregularities and will meet this afternoon to review their data. The Mission Management Team will convene at 3 p.m. EDT to assess the issue.]]> Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:37:49 GMT
"There is excitement in the air," said NASA Test Director Steve Payne. "People are putting their game faces on."

This mission is the last spaceflight for Discovery, NASA's oldest active shuttle. Its history includes deployment of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and two successful Return to Flight missions, STS-26 and STS-114.

"When she goes, she's going to take a little bit of everyone of us and we're ready," Payne said.

The weather forecast is holding steady with a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time Wednesday. Liftoff is scheduled for 3:52 p.m. EDT.]]> Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:05:49 GMT
NASA TV will air an STS-133 Countdown Status Briefing at 10:30 a.m. with Steve Payne, NASA test director, Scott Higginbotham, STS-133 payload manager and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.]]> Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:21:30 GMT
"The mission's in great shape," Moses said.

The weather forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. Those odds fall to 40 percent for Thursday. The launch window extends until Sunday. Discovery is headed to the International Space Station for an 11-day mission to deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module and its host of supplies and equipment to the orbiting outpost.

At the launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians will load super-cold oxygen and hydrogen into Discovery's onboard tanks this morning. The hydrogen and oxygen are going into Discovery's power reactant storage and distribution system that supplies the shuttle with electrical power during the mission. The process is often abbreviated to "PRSD load."]]> Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:30:53 GMT


The weather forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. Those odds fall to 40 percent for Thursday. The launch window extends until Sunday. Discovery is headed to the International Space Station for an 11-day mission to deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module and its host of supplies and equipment to the orbiting outpost.



At the launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians will load super-cold oxygen and hydrogen into Discovery's onboard tanks this morning. The hyroden and oxygen are going into Discovery's power reactant storage and distribution system that supplies the shuttle with electrical power during the mission. The process is often abbreviated to "PRSD load."]]> Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:13:31 GMT
The Mission Management Team plan to meet Monday morning with a Pre-launch News Conference scheduled to follow at 11 a.m. The new conference will be carried live on NASA Television and at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The weather forecast remains at 70 percent chance of favorable conditions at launch time.]]> Sun, 31 Oct 2010 19:30:01 GMT
The Mission Management Team will meet tomorrow morning with a Pre-launch News Conference scheduled to follow at 11 a.m. The new conference will be carried live on NASA Television and at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The weather forecast remains at 70 percent chance of favorable conditions at launch time.]]> Sun, 31 Oct 2010 16:42:16 GMT
NASA Television will air a status briefing at 10 a.m. EDT with NASA Test Director Steve Payne and Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. To view the briefing online go to www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:08:23 GMT
"Right now we're in a good path to get there," Spaulding said.

The shuttle has until Sunday, Nov. 7, to launch in the current window, Spaulding said. Discovery is going to the International Space Station on mission STS-133. It will attach the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies, equipment experiments and Robonaut 2, to the station. The crew of six astronauts will conduct two spacewalks during the 11-day mission.

The weather forecast for a launch Wednesday calls for 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions, according to Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. The main concerns are low clouds and the possibility of rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the shuttle's launch and landing site.]]> Sat, 30 Oct 2010 14:46:53 GMT
Kennedy Space Center technicians worked overnight to repair quick-disconnect fittings in the system used to pressurize space shuttle Discovery’s right Orbital Maneuvering System rocket engine. They made good progress but are slightly behind the timeline that was prepared yesterday.

NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding will provide the latest details at 10 a.m. during a Precountdown Status Briefing on NASA Television.

The L-2 Mission Management Team meeting will occur Monday, Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m.]]> Sat, 30 Oct 2010 13:21:57 GMT
NASA managers will meet at 8 a.m. EDT to evaluate the replacement work on the connectors and determine Discovery’s next launch opportunity. Currently, launch is targeted for 4:17 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding will provide the latest details at 10 a.m. during a Precountdown Status Briefing on NASA Television.]]> Sat, 30 Oct 2010 12:44:42 GMT
Managers are meeting to discuss the plan to repair helium and nitrogen leaks in the pressurization portion of space shuttle Discovery’s right-hand Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod. The leaks must be fixed before launch and the decision was made to delay picking up the launch countdown by at least a day.

Since the scheduled launch day fell close to election day, NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding said the launch team members have been encouraged to take advantage of early voting or absentee ballot options so they could take part in the elections.]]> Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:27:55 GMT
The leaks must be fixed before launch and the decision was made to delay picking up the launch countdown by at least a day. The countdown, which had been scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. EDT today, would begin at 2 p.m. Saturday. The next possible launch opportunity would be Tuesday, Nov. 2, at 4:17 p.m.

These leaking helium and nitrogen seals are unrelated to the fuel leak that was repaired last week, also related to Discovery’s right OMS pod.

NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding will provide details at a 10 a.m. Precountdown Status Briefing on NASA Television.]]> Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:58:54 GMT
"I want to say a word of thanks to the team here are Kennedy Space Center," Lindsey said. Talking about repairs last weekend to a crossfeed flange inside Discovery, he said, "They did a fantastic job getting it ready for us. "

Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Michael Barratt, Tim Kopra and Nicole Stott touched down at the Shuttle Landing Facility at about 3 p.m. EDT aboard three T-38 jet aircraft. Mission Specialist Alvin Drew arrived at approximately 4 p.m. Drew's arrival was delayed due to an issue with his aircraft causing him and his pilot to return to Houston for another T-38.

Discovery and its astronauts will launch Monday at 4:40 p.m. EDT to take the Permanent Multipurpose Module to the International Space Station, along with experiments, supplies and equipment.

"We're really looking forward to getting up there and doing our part to add to it again," Barratt said.]]> Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:29:20 GMT Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:01:26 GMT
The countdown for Monday's launch of space shuttle Discovery begins tomorrow at 3 p.m. EDT. Technicians will spend the weekend putting the finishing touches on Discovery. Liftoff is scheduled for 4:40 p.m., the precise time that the shuttle's launch pad will be in the same plane as the International Space Station it will chase and dock with during the flight.]]> Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:28:37 GMT
Technicians also are continuing closeout work today on Discovery's aft compartment and preparations are under way to pressurize the main propulsion systems.

The STS-133 crew meets with its lead flight directors today at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and will conduct a conference with the Expedition 25 crew on board the space station. Discovery's six-person crew will fly to Kennedy on Thursday afternoon for the countdown and launch Monday at 4:40 pm. EDT.‪]]> Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:47:35 GMT
The STS-133 crew, commanded by veteran astronaut Steve Lindsey, will conduct its final ascent simulation at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston today and review procedures with digital cameras.‪]]> Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:21:46 GMT
"We're in great shape out at the pad," Launch Director Mike Leinbach said.

The countdown is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. Friday, about a day after the six astronauts of Discovery arrive at Kennedy. A set of seals was replaced over the weekend in extensive work that was completed before it could threaten the scheduled launch date.

"It's a huge testament to the team doing the work," said Mission Management Team Chairman Mike Moses.]]> Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:28:11 GMT
A post-FRR news conference will be aired on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov/ntv) at 4 p.m. to discuss the meeting and preparations for Discovery's mission to the International Space Station. Participants include Bill Gerstenmaier, assistant administrator for Space Operations, Mike Moses, Space Shuttle Program launch integration manager and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.]]> Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:50:32 GMT
NASA managers are at Kennedy today for the STS-133 Flight Readiness Review, where they will discuss the readiness of the shuttle, crews, payload and International Space Station and set the official launch date. A news conference will be held live on NASA TV at the conclusion of the meeting.

The STS-133 astronauts will enter quarantine at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston this afternoon in preparation for the mission.]]> Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:09:59 GMT
The four orbital maneuvering and reaction control system tanks now are being refilled with propellants.

The work should not impact the targeted launch date on Nov. 1.‬‪‬‪]]> Sun, 24 Oct 2010 11:53:03 GMT
Propellants from the four orbital maneuvering and reaction control system tanks and the crossfeed have been drained. Crews will disconnect the right-hand fuel crossfeed flange, perform an inspection and replace the primary and secondary seals.‬‪

The seal replacement is expected to be completed tonight. The work should not impact the targeted launch date on Nov. 1.‬‪‬‪]]> Sat, 23 Oct 2010 21:37:07 GMT
Work to replace the seals and reload propellants into the systems should be completed on Oct. 25 and is expected to still support Discovery’s targeted Nov. 1 launch date. NASA managers will meet Monday at Kennedy for the STS-133 Flight Readiness Review and are expected to set the official launch date.

The crew undergoes its L-10 day physicals today and a final bench review of its tools and flight equipment.‪]]> Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:29:52 GMT
Crews will replace the primary and secondary seals at a flange located at the interface where two propellant lines meet in the shuttle’s aft compartment. Work to replace the seals and reload propellants into the systems should be completed on Oct. 25 and is expected to still support Discovery’s targeted Nov. 1 launch date.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 crew will conduct its final integrated entry simulation today.‪‪]]> Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:11:17 GMT
Replacing the seals allows NASA managers to have the highest confidence in the system and will allow the seals and flange to be inspected.

Work to replace the seals and reload propellants into the orbital maneuvering and reaction control systems should be completed on Oct. 25 and is expected to still support Discovery’s targeted Nov. 1 launch date

Technicians completed a checkout of the Extra-vehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) for the STS-133 mission yesterday. Preparations for the upcoming launch countdown are under way.

The STS-133 astronauts will practice procedures for the mission's first spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:10:08 GMT
The leak stopped last night when technicians tested six bolts around the suspect flange. Replacing the seals allows NASA managers to have the highest confidence in the system and will allow the seals and flange to be inspected. Preparations to drain the tanks and crossfeed line will begin tonight. Work to replace the seals and reload propellants into the orbital maneuvering and reaction control systems should be completed on Oct. 25 and still is expected to support Discovery's targeted Nov. 1 launch date.]]> Tue, 19 Oct 2010 20:52:45 GMT
Crews will perform a pressure check today to ensure there is no further leaking. Engineers are meeting to assess the issue‪.

The leak was found at a flange located at the interface where two propellant lines meet in the shuttle's aft compartment. The line carries a propellant called monomethyl hydrazine, one of two chemicals used to ignite the 6,000-pound thrust engines seen on either side of the shuttle's tail above the three main engines.]]> Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:57:55 GMT
Back at NASA's Johnson Space Center following last week’s countdown dress rehearsal at Kennedy, Discovery's crew will conduct administrative work and review rendezvous procedures today.‪‪]]> Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:35:17 GMT Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:28:44 GMT Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:57:28 GMT
"We are basically trained and ready to fly, just a few more weeks of activities to go through and then we'll hopefully be back here for an on-time launch Nov. 1," Commander Steve Lindsey said. This will be Lindsey's fifth time in space and the third time aboard Discovery. "It's a privilege for us to be able to fly Discovery's last flight," he said.

The astronauts are at Kennedy this week for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration test, or TCDT, which is a week of training that concludes with a full launch day dress rehearsal minus the liftoff. That practice session will come tomorrow and the crew will fly back to their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston in the afternoon.]]> Thu, 14 Oct 2010 13:15:14 GMT Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:18:35 GMT Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:21:58 GMT
Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Michael Barratt, Nicole Stott, Alvin Drew and Tim Kopra flew to Kennedy from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston Tuesday afternoon. They landed at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility aboard NASA T-38 jets, the sleek, white supersonic aircraft astronauts use to keep their aerial skills up between missions.

While at Kennedy this week, the astronauts will go through several training sessions, talk with the news media and conduct the practice launch countdown. The astronauts will return to Houston Friday afternoon.]]> Tue, 12 Oct 2010 20:46:18 GMT Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:44:03 GMT
At the launch pad, where space shuttle Discovery is going through its own TCDT and launch preparations, the Permanent Multipurpose Module and Express Logistics Carrier-4 were installed in the shuttle's payload bay yesterday. The PMM has been packed with supplies, experiments and equipment. Robonaut 2 is also making the trip to the station inside the cargo module.]]> Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:43:33 GMT
After the rehearsal, the astronauts will return to their training home at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Discovery and its crew are targeted to lift off on the real STS-133 on Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.]]> Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:38:19 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew members will continue their bench review of flight equipment.

Managers will meet on Oct. 25 for the agency-level Flight Readiness Review to discuss the shuttle and station's status and officially set the launch date.]]> Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:00:18 GMT
The STS-133 astronauts will perform a bench review of flight equipment today at NASA's Johnson Space Center.]]> Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:44:26 GMT
The payload canister now will be lifted into the pad's payload changeout room and then installed into Discovery's cargo bay next week.

The Space Shuttle Program held its Flight Readiness Review meeting yesterday. No issues were identified that would delay Discovery's targeted launch on Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon polled the team and it was a unanimous "go" to proceed toward Nov. 1.

Managers will meet on Oct. 25 for the agency-level Flight Readiness Review to discuss the shuttle and station's status and officially set the launch date.]]> Thu, 07 Oct 2010 07:57:23 GMT
NASA managers will meet on Oct. 25 to discuss shuttle and station readiness and officially set the launch date.]]> Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:51:04 GMT
Workers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today will move the rotating service structure or RSS away from space shuttle Discovery as it sits on Launch Pad 39A. The move is part of operations to prepare for the arrival at the pad of the payload canister holding the Permanent Multipurpose Module that Discovery is to carry to the International Space Station during its STS-133 mission. The payload is to arrive at the pad early Thursday morning. Technicians will lift the canister into the RSS where the module will be moved into the clean room there before it is pushed into Discovery's 60-foot-long payload bay later.

STS-133 is targeted for launch Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the training home of the astronaut corps and mission control, the Discovery astronauts will practice in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory today for the mission's second spacewalk.]]> Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:38:43 GMT
STS-133 is targeted for launch Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the training home of the astronaut corps and mission control, the Discovery astronauts will practice in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory today for the mission's second spacewalk.]]> Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:12:45 GMT
Technicians also finished installing foam insulation on Discovery's solid rocket booster aft skirt last night. The external tank also is covered in insulation foam, but most of that was sprayed on at the factory before it was shipped to the launch site.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will perform an integrated ascent simulation.]]> Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:42:56 GMT
The six-person STS-133 astronaut crew will practice procedures for the missions first spacewalk today in NASA Johnson Space Center's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.]]> Mon, 04 Oct 2010 12:51:57 GMT Fri, 01 Oct 2010 12:35:26 GMT
About three miles away, at Launch Pad 39A, technicians are servicing the solid rocket booster hydraulic power units as the space shuttle Discovery stack is readied for launch. Liftoff remains targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole passed well offshore from Kennedy and aren't affecting operations at the center. Discovery's processing at the pad also was not affected by the storm.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 crew will perform a bench review of flight crew equipment.]]> Thu, 30 Sep 2010 17:48:29 GMT Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:15:06 GMT
Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are preparing to move ahead with shuttle processing tonight as long as weather conditions allow it.

Discovery is targeted for launch Nov. 1 on a mission to the International Space Station. It will also be the final flight of NASA's oldest active space shuttle.]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:36:16 GMT
NASA forecasters say Tropical Depression 16 is expected to pass offshore early Thursday morning bringing heavy rain and wind to Kennedy today. TD 16 isn't expected to have a severe affect on the center. The center remains open and Discovery will remain on its launch pad.

Technicians continue leak checks today of the quick disconnects on Discovery's auxiliary power units.

STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe will fly shuttle training aircraft runs around the White Sands Space Harbor, N.M. while their crewmates review procedures for the two spacewalks during the mission at NASA's Johnson Space Center.]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:09:22 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, training home to the astronauts, the STS-133 crew will practice procedures in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory for the mission's first spacewalk.]]> Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:25:06 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 crew will review orbiter systems and conduct robotic training today.‪]]> Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:56:04 GMT
STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe will fly to Kennedy today to conduct practice landings in a shuttle training aircraft, or STA.

Discovery is targeted to launch Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. on a mission to take supplies and equipment to the International Space Station.]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:09:32 GMT
Teams will also test the flight readiness of Discovery's three main engines today. Liftoff is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT on Discovery's last mission, a flight to the International Space Station.

The astronauts of Discovery will wrap up a two-day integrated simulation of orbital operations ath their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:14:12 GMT
Discovery, which first launched Aug. 30, 1984, on STS-41D, is being readied for the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT. This is scheduled to be the last mission for the oldest of NASA's three active orbiters.

Astronaut Steve Lindsey commands a veteran crew for STS-133, including Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Alvin Drew, Tim Kopra, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. They will take the supply- and equipment-laden Permanent Multipurpose Module to the station, along with the humanoid helper called Robonaut 2.]]> Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:15:29 GMT
Discovery's crew of six astronauts are to perform an integrated entry simulation today at their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA TV will cover the rollout this evening beginning at 8 p.m. Coverage will continue until it gets dark at Kennedy.]]> Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:41:07 GMT
The crew is in the fixed-base simulator today at their training home at NASA's Johnson Space Center rehearsing rendezvous and docking procedures and the installation of ELC-4 that will follow hatch opening on Flight Day 3 of the mission.‪]]> Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:01:02 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew will practice procedures for the mission's second spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory today.]]> Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:33:30 GMT
Discovery's six astronauts are practicing the launch of STS-133 today at NASA's Johnson Space Center, home of the astronaut corps and mission control. Johnson is full of simulators and mock-ups to allow in-depth training, including a replica of the shuttle flight deck.

Launch is targeted for Nov. 1.]]> Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:25:45 GMT
Next door to the VAB, the launch team will run a countdown simulation today in Firing Room 4 in the Launch Control Center.

Discovery's STS-133 astronauts will train in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab today at Johnson Space Center for the mission's first spacewalk.]]> Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:22:05 GMT
Technicians resolved an issue with a main separation bold nut early Saturday morning that held up mate operations for almost a day.

The nut slipped back into Discovery's aft compartment Friday morning as technicians were attaching the left-side main separation bolt on the bottom of the shuttle to the external tank in NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building in Florida. The right-side bolt already had been attached. No hardware was damage in the incident.

After thoroughly evaluating the situation and developing a plan to fix the problem, technicians put up several platforms Friday night and used them to enter Discovery’s aft section through an access door. They then moved the nut back into position and finished attaching the bold, which is used to separate Discovery from the external tank once the shuttle is in orbit.

Discovery still is on track to be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A as scheduled on Sept. 20. The shuttle and its six astronaut crew are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission with supplies and a new module for the International Space Station on Nov. 1.]]> Sat, 11 Sep 2010 14:21:58 GMT
The nut slipped back into Discovery's aft compartment Friday morning as technicians were attaching the left-side main separation bolt on the bottom of the shuttle to the external tank in NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building in Florida. The right-side bolt already had been attached. No hardware was damaged in the incident.

After thoroughly evaluating the situation and developing a plan to fix the problem, technicians put up several platforms Friday night and used them to enter Discovery’s aft section through an access door. They then moved the nut back into position and finished attaching the bold, which is used to separate Discovery from the external tank once the shuttle is in orbit.

Barring any further complications, Discovery should be fully attached to its external tank and two solid rocket boosters today, which would keep it on track to be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A as scheduled on Sept. 20.  

Discovery and its six astronaut crew are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission with supplies and a new module for the International Space Station on Nov. 1.]]> Sat, 11 Sep 2010 12:43:32 GMT
The nut slipped into the aft compartment Friday morning as technicians were attaching the left-side main separation bolt on the bottom of the shuttle to the external tank in NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building in Florida. The right-side bolt already had been attached. Initial inspections have seen no indications of damage from the incident.

Engineers spent Friday afternoon thoroughly evaluating the situation and developing the plan to fix the problem. Technicians will put up several platforms and use them to enter Discovery’s aft compartment through an access door. They’ll then move the nut back into position and finish attaching the bold, which is used to separate Discovery from the external tank once the shuttle is in orbit.

Barring any further complications, Discovery should be fully attached to its external tank and two solid rocket boosters Saturday, which would keep it on track to be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A as scheduled on Sept. 20. Discovery and its six astronaut crew are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission with supplies and a new module for the International Space Station on Nov. 1.]]> Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:41:32 GMT Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:38:08 GMT Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:35:23 GMT Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:23:23 GMT
Engineers currently are meeting to discuss the best possible way to obtain access to Discovery’s aft section since there is no way to reach the nut without accessing the internal compartment. The issue is not expected to impact rollout of Discovery to its launch pad on Sept. 20.]]> Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:24:31 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew is involved in an integrated ascent simulation today and will hone their Thermal Protection System repair skills to close out their week of training.‪]]> Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:37:20 GMT
At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, STS-133 Mission Specialists Alvin Drew and Tim Kopra will rehearse procedures for the mission's second spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:01:53 GMT
The vehicle will stop for several hours during its move for an employee photo opportunity. Rollover is expected to be complete by approximately 11:30 a.m.]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:09:32 GMT Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:34:53 GMT
Crews have isolated the break in a 24-inch pipe located at the LC-39 Complex turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). They’re also assessing Kennedy’s water system to confirm there aren’t any other potential problems. Water has been restored to the center, except for an administrative building across from the VAB and Kennedy’s Press Site.

Shuttle Discovery’s move, known as rollover, from its hangar, Orbiter Processing Facility-3, to the VAB now is targeted for Thursday morning (Sept. 9), weather permitting. Rollover had been scheduled for Wednesday morning. The delay is not expected to affect Discovery’s targeted Nov. 1 launch on its STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:07:08 GMT
Crews are working on a break in a 24-inch pipe located at the LC-39 Complex turn basin across from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). They’re also assessing Kennedy’s water system to identify any other potential problems. Currently, there is no potable water at the center.

Shuttle Discovery’s move, known as rollover, from its hangar, Orbiter Processing Facility-3 to the VAB, which had been scheduled for 6:30 a.m. EDT this morning, is postponed until at least tomorrow morning (Sept. 9). Today’s delay is not expected to affect Discovery’s targeted Nov. 1 launch on its STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:49:16 GMT
While their spacecraft undergoes preparations in Florida, the astronauts who will fly Discovery to the International Space Station will be practicing for their arrival in space. Training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the crew will conduct a suited post-insertion simulation today.]]> Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:07:10 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew is conducting a rendezvous simulation today.‪]]> Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:33:31 GMT
In the VAB, the 52-story-tall landmark building at Kennedy, the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters have been assembled on the mobile launch platform and are waiting for Discovery's arrival to complete the stack.

The astronauts who will fly Discovery to the International Space Station on the upcoming STS-133 mission are also at Kennedy today for a Crew Equipment Interface Test, known as the CEIT. They will check out the Permanent Multipurpose Module and the Express Logistics Carrier that will carry critical spare parts to the International Space Station.]]> Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:46:22 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 astronauts will conduct a deorbit preparation simulation today.]]> Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:06:09 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will practice procedures for the mission's first spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.]]> Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:30:53 GMT
Discovery's crew will practice deorbit burn techniques and contingency scenarios in the motion-base simulator today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:37:27 GMT Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:40:17 GMT Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:28:43 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS- 133 astronauts will continue working on spacewalk procedures in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.]]> Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:00:08 GMT
The six STS-133 mission astronauts are in the fixed-base simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the training base for NASA's astronauts. The crew is rehearsing the installation of ELC-4, a procedure they will perform during the mission to the International Space Station.]]> Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:04:27 GMT
Discovery's crew members are training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Today they are practicing spacewalk techniques in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, home to the huge pool that lets spacewalkers work in conditions similar to the microgravity in space.]]> Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:30:08 GMT
Discovery's astronauts will rehearse the first spacewalk of the mission inside the large pool at Johnson Space Center's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Houston.]]> Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:19:46 GMT
The astronauts of STS-133 are working through a simulated entry and landing today at their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Such simulations, performed inside a moving replica of a shuttle flight deck, are made as realistic as possible and often force crew members to deal with emergency situations in a safe environment.]]> Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:49:07 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will practice flight procedures in their T-38 training aircraft and perform various administrative duties.]]> Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:56:59 GMT
The astronauts of STS-133 are at NASA's Ames Research Center in California today for training.]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:37:08 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS-133 crew members will fly T-38 training aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to practice flight procedures.]]> Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:43:25 GMT Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:26:54 GMT
Mission Specialists Tim Kopra and Alvin Drew will rehearse procedures for the mission's second spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston today.]]> Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:40:04 GMT Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:53:32 GMT
In Houston, the crew of STS-133 is practicing for undocking the shuttle from the International Space Station and the following flyaround of the orbiting science complex.]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:49:41 GMT
The STS-133 astronauts are working at their training base at Johnson Space Center in Houston, with a focus today on spacewalk practice in the virtual reality lab.]]> Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:37:22 GMT Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:19:49 GMT
Workers finished electrical checks of the shuttle's robotic arm and orbiter boom sensor system yesterday. The boom is used to inspect the shuttle's heat shield once in space. They also finished inspections of the shuttle's radiator retract hoses.

The STS-133 crew is rehearsing ascent techniques today in the crew trainer and will review other ascent procedures as they continue training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:43:31 GMT
The STS-133 astronauts are involved in spacewalk protocol training and administrative work today.]]> Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:25:57 GMT
The astronauts who will fly the shuttle into orbit are taking spacewalk training today at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab outside Johnson Space Center. That is the large swimming pool outfitted as a specialized training facility which allows spacewalkers to rehearse all their procedures before a flight. The pool is large enough to hold full-size mock-ups of space station modules. Discovery is targeted to launch Nov. 1 to the International Space Station.]]> Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:27:33 GMT
The astronauts are conducting a launch simulation today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. They will work inside the motion-based simulator which mimics the movements and behavior of the shuttle. The mission control and launch control teams also take part in launch simulations so the whole team gets in-depth practice.]]> Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:25:35 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the astronauts will practice procedures in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory for the mission's first spacewalk.]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:57:54 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew will train in the Virtual Reality Lab on robotics for spacewalk support.]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:54:11 GMT
The six STS-133 crew members will rehearse procedures for the mission's second spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory near NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston today.]]> Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:48:10 GMT
STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Tim Kopra and Alvin Drew will practice in the shuttle training aircraft today at Kennedy. Mission Specialists Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott will conduct payload training at NASA's Johnson Space Center.]]> Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:38:39 GMT
The astronauts who will fly the mission return today from summer vacation and will conduct emergency systems and robotics training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:10:51 GMT
Technicians are scheduled to conduct integrated hydraulic testing today and during the weekend work on Discovery's thermal protection system, or heat shield tiles.

The six STS-133 astronauts will resume training on Monday at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston after returning from their week of summer vacation.]]> Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:12:52 GMT
The techs will be wearing Self-Contained Atmospheric Protective Ensemble, or SCAPE, hazardous operation suits which will protect them from the toxic chemicals they will be in contact with while working on the engine.

The shuttle's two OMS pod engines make major course adjustments for the vehicle while in space and also is used to slow down a shuttle allowing gravity take over as it falls out of orbit for its return to Earth.

The six STS-133 crew members are enjoying a well-deserved vacation this week.]]> Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:42:32 GMT Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:53:03 GMT
Working inside Orbiter Processing Facility-3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians will also conduct a flight control checkout on Discovery's Orbital Maneuvering System in advance of the shuttle's Nov. 1 launch on the STS-133 mission.

The six STS-133 astronauts are on summer vacation this week before resuming training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:23:32 GMT
The STS-133 mission's six astronauts are on summer vacation this week.]]> Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:54:08 GMT Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:34:56 GMT
The crew is working administrative tasks today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:22:06 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts are practicing rendezvous techniques today.]]> Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:23:14 GMT
The STS-133 astronauts are handling administrative work and interviews today at their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:38:27 GMT
The processing is part of the work on Discovery leading up to the STS-133 mission targeted for launch Nov. 1. The astronauts completed the Crew Equipment Interface Test, or CEIT, on Saturday and are back at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Today, the crew will practice procedures for the mission's first spacewalk.]]> Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:29:24 GMT
The six astronauts who will fly Discovery to the International Space Station are training at Kennedy through Saturday with the actual flight hardware they will use on the mission. The training is called the CEIT, for Crew Equipment Interface Test.]]> Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:41:44 GMT
Meanwhile, preparations are in process for the Crew Interface Equipment Test, or CEIT, scheduled to begin tomorrow. Held at Kennedy prior to launch, CEIT gives astronauts the opportunity for hands-on training with the actual tools, equipment and hardware they'll use in orbit.

The STS-133 astronauts are flying to Kennedy today in their T-38 training aircraft for CEIT. They also will be reviewing the systems and proposed cargo for the Leonardo Permanent Multipurpose Module, or PMM, that will be delivered to the International Space Station during the mission.‪]]> Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:52:30 GMT
The crew of STS-133, targeted for launch Nov. 1, are working on spacewalking procedures at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston as they continue training for the mission to the International Space Station.]]> Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:25:05 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the astronauts' extensive training picks up with a long-duration Flight Day 3 rendezvous and docking simulation today.]]> Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:51:40 GMT
Discovery's launch is now targeted for Nov. 1, with Endeavour's STS-134 mission targeted for liftoff on Feb. 26, 2011.]]> Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:58:57 GMT Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:41:31 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew will conducts its first integrated ascent simulation today.]]> Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:47:15 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will rehearse ascent techniques.]]> Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:30:29 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will practice procedures for the mission's first spacewalk today in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.]]> Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:04:00 GMT
Discovery's main engine re-installation is scheduled to begin Tuesday.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will practice emergency simulations.]]> Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:31:18 GMT
Workers are also testing the Power Reactant Distribution System, which serves the electricity-generating fuel cells on Discovery. The payload bay doors were closed yesterday for plug installation today.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, Mission Specialists Tim Kopra and Alvin Drew are rehearsing spacewalk procedures today in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab.‪‪

Discovery is to launch on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. The official targeted launch date remains Sept. 16, but a change request has been submitted to move the flight to Oct. 29, with STS-134 moving to February 2011. The request is under consideration and an announcement is expected at the first of July.]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:40:00 GMT
The astronauts continue their training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for the STS-133 mission. The crew members are working on robotics tasks today they will use during the flight to the International Space Station.

Space Shuttle Program managers are considering a change request that would move the launch dates for STS-133 and STS-134. The submittal targets STS-133 for launch on Oct. 29 and STS-134 on Feb. 28, 2011. The change is under review and any changes will be announced at the first of July. Currently, targeted dates remain officially scheduled for: STS-133 – Sept. 16 and STS-134 – late-November.]]> Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:09:01 GMT Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:45:04 GMT
STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew are simulating an undocking and flyaround of the International Space Station as part of their training for the upcoming mission, targeted to launch in September.]]> Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:33:45 GMT Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:09:48 GMT
The astronauts, working at their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, are undergoing spacewalk systems and photo and TV training today.]]> Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:48:42 GMT
In the VAB, workers are getting ready for Tuesday's operation to lower the external fuel tank for Discovery's STS-133 mission into place between the twin solid rocket boosters that will help lift Discovery and its crew into space.

The astronauts who will fly Discovery to the International Space Station during STS-133 are rehearsing the launch and ascent in the motion-base simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The simulator is an exact duplicate of the shuttle's flight deck that allows crews to practice all sorts of launch and landing scenarios safely.]]> Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:51:21 GMT
The shuttle's S-band radio system is another focus for the technicians as they continue Discovery's standard processing work for the STS-133 mission. The S-band system links the shuttle to the ground by relaying telemetry and other information through NASA's Tracking and Data Relay System satellites. The satellite constellation allows almost-constant communications with shuttles without relying on an assortment of ground stations spread all over the globe.

Workers also installed and connected Discovery's drag chute Wednesday. That won't be used until landing, when it helps slow the shuttle as it moves down the runway.

As for the astronauts slated to take Discovery into space, they are going through rendezvous training in the fixed-based simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

STS-133 is targeted for launch in September on a mission to take the Permanent Multipurpose Module, along with supplies and equipment, to the International Space Station.]]> Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:08:27 GMT Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:43:49 GMT
The STS-132 astronauts, led by Commander Ken Ham, flew to Kennedy in T-38 jets Tuesday evening and will spend the rest of the week conducting the standard prelaunch training and countdown dress rehearsal known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT.

Rollout of space shuttle Atlantis to Launch Pad 39A was again delayed by weather today, with the move now set to begin at 12:01 a.m. EDT Thursday. The 3.4-mile trip normally takes about six hours, and tonight's weather forecast is favorable. STS-132 is the last planned mission for Atlantis.

Following their successful 15-day mission, the STS-131 astronauts will return to their home base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston later this afternoon.]]> Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:12:48 GMT
"Wrapping up 131 here from Discovery -- a really great mission. A lot of good science and a lot of good stuff delivered up to the station. Couldn't be more proud of the teams," said Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses, who described post-flight shuttle Discovery as "a very clean vehicle."

Earlier, after physicals aboard the crew transport vehicle, space shuttle Discovery's seven astronauts took a walk around the spacecraft that carried them more than six million miles. They paused to each express their thoughts about the mission and their gratitude to those on the ground who helped make the mission safe and successful.

"We had a lot of adversity but we overcame it all with some great team work," said Mission Specialist Clayton Anderson, who participated in the mission's three spacewalks and previously spent five months at the space station. "I've had two homecomings this flight. I got to go home to the International Space Station and now I get to come home to KSC. To all of you who helped get us up and bring us back, thank you so very much. God bless America."

The astronauts returned to crew quarters aboard the silver Astrovan, the same vehicle that carried them to the launch pad for their liftoff. They are expected to return to their home base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston tomorrow.

Discovery's touchdown at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida came at 9:08 a.m. EDT on April 20, after a one-day delay due to weather.

The STS-132 crew arrived tonight in preparation for their countdown dress rehearsal later in the week. Space shuttle Atlantis is poised to roll to Launch Pad 39A at 6 a.m. EDT Wednesday, weather permitting.]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:22:37 GMT
"We had a lot of adversity but we overcame it all with some great team work," said Mission Specialist Clayton Anderson, who participated in the mission's three spacewalks and previously spent five months at the space station. "I've had two homecomings this flight. I got to go home to the International Space Station and now I get to come home to KSC. To all of you who helped get us up and bring us back, thank you so very much. God bless America."

The astronauts returned to crew quarters aboard the silver Astrovan, the same vehicle that carried them to the launch pad for their liftoff. They are expected to return to their home base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston tomorrow.

Discovery's touchdown at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida came at 9:08 a.m. EDT on April 20, after a one-day delay due to weather.]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:36:37 GMT
Discovery landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after a 15-day mission and 238 orbits of Earth.

Discovery's main gear touched down at 9:08:35 a.m. EDT, followed by the nose gear at 9:08:47 a.m. and wheelstop at 9:09:33 a.m.

STS-131 was the 131st space shuttle mission, the 38th for Discovery and the 33rd shuttle mission to the International Space Station. It was the second flight of 2010. It is Discovery's penultimate mission; its last flight is STS-133, targeted for Sept. 16.]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:10:36 GMT
Discovery’s main gear touched down at 9:08:35 a.m. EDT, followed by the nose gear at 9:08:47 a.m. and wheel stop at 9:09:33 a.m.

STS-131 was the 131st space shuttle mission, the 38th for Discovery and the 33rd shuttle mission to the International Space Station. It was the second flight of 2010. It is Discovery’s penultimate mission; its last flight is STS-133, targeted for Sept. 16.]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:29:15 GMT
The landing will take the shuttle over Vancouver, northeast Washington, near Helena, Montana, over central Wyoming, across Kansas to northeast of Tulsa, Oklahoma, north of Little Rock, Arkansas, over Oxford, Mississippi, near Montgomery, Alabama, north of Albany, east of Valdosta and south of Columbus, Georgia, and, finally, over Florida east of Gainesville and west of Jacksonville.]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:48:31 GMT Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:47:16 GMT
Everything currently is “go” for Discovery’s planned 7:34 a.m. landing at Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility, runway 15. Discovery’s payload bay doors are closed and the astronauts have donned their orange launch and entry suits. Entry Flight Director Bryan Lunney and his team continue to assess weather conditions at Kennedy. The only concern is for the formation of fog that could obscure the runway during Discovery’s landing attempt. The National Weather Service Spaceflight Meteorology Group in Houston is advising Lunney on the current conditions and those forecast for the time of landing. At this time, the weather is observed and forecast “go.” Astronaut Chris Ferguson is flying weather reconnaissance at Kennedy to aid Lunney in his decision.

Lunney is expected to make a “go-no go” decision for landing by 6:18 a.m., setting up a deorbit burn at 6:28 a.]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2010 09:25:44 GMT
Edwards Air Force Base in California is expected to be called up as a possible landing site. The first landing opportunity at Edwards is at 9:01 a.m]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:59:14 GMT
Calling the launch, "a great start to a great mission," Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, said the successful liftoff was a tribute to the team at Kennedy that got the vehicle ready to fly.

Mike Moses, chair of the Mission Management Team, said it was, "a spectacular launch and picture-perfect countdown." He outlined a few minor technical issues that were recorded, but that the spacecraft and crew were ready to start an action-packed mission.

Expressing his happiness that they were able to launch on the first attempt, Pete Nickolenko, STS-131 launch director, said he was proud of the teams that make such a difficult job look so easy.

Also on hand was Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency President Keiji Tachikawa, who noted that this will be the first time two Japanese astronauts will be in space at the same time, as Discovery's Mission Specialist Naoko Yamazaki joins Expedition 23 crew member Soichi Noguchi for the STS-131 mission.

Discovery and crew will spend 13 days in space on their mission to the International Space Station.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:21:27 GMT Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:30:58 GMT
The post-launch news conference will begin at 7:30 p.m. EDT and will be carried live on NASA TV and on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:21:36 GMT
Discovery is "go" for launch at 6:21 a.m. EDT!]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:12:36 GMT
During this hold, the mission management team will conduct their final "go/no-go" poll, and the countdown enters the home stretch.

This hold in the countdown will last for approximately 45 minutes.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:27:55 GMT
Today's countdown continues to go smoothly. Weather at NASA's Kennedy Space Center is cooperating, with favorable conditions predicted for launch time at 6:21 a.m.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:16:11 GMT
Having finished their work in the White Room at Launch Pad 39A, the Closeout Crew is leaving the pad and moving to a fallback area a safe distance away.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:08:50 GMT
The good weather at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida continues to cooperate, and the launch team is not reporting any problem that would prevent an on-time liftoff at 6:21 a.m. EDT.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:24:19 GMT
Astronaut Chris Ferguson is flying the Shuttle Training Aircraft to assess the weather conditions around NASA's Kennedy Space Center this morning, and the launch team is not reporting any technical problems that would prevent an on-time liftoff at 6:21 a.m. EDT.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:54:21 GMT
The weather at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida continues to cooperate, and the launch team is not reporting any technical problems that would prevent an on-time liftoff at 6:21 a.m. EDT.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:03:24 GMT
There are no technical issues in work and weather remains favorable for the 6:21 a.m. EDT launch time.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:33:02 GMT Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:26:14 GMT
The countdown clock is currently still in a planned hold at T-3 hours, which will end at 2:26 a.m. Liftoff is set for 6:21 a.m.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:00:38 GMT
The countdown remains in a planned hold at T-3 hours, and the clock will resume at 2:26 a.m. Both the Closeout Crew and Final Inspection Team are now on their way to Launch Pad 39A. The inspection team will conduct their top-to-bottom "walkdown" of the shuttle and pad, looking for any debris that could damage the vehicle during launch. The Closeout Crew will prepare for the astronauts' arrival at approximately 3 a.m.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 04:33:38 GMT
At Launch Pad 39A, Discovery's external fuel tank is still being filled with about 500,000 gallons of chilled liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. These propellants will fuel the shuttle's three main engines during the ascent to space. The fueling process, known as "tanking," began at 9:28 p.m. EDT and should finish in about a half hour.

The weather forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of good weather for launch, and no weather issues are expected to prevent an on-time predawn liftoff. Launch remains scheduled for 6:21 a.m.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 04:00:26 GMT
Weather is looking good, and launch remains scheduled for 6:21 a.m. Live launch coverage will begin on NASA TV and on NASA's Launch Blog at 1:15 a.m. Monday. The Launch Blog can be found at www.nasa.gov/launch and NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:06:14 GMT hydrogen is under way. That’s about 30 minutes later than originally
scheduled, but it won’t be an issue to make an on-time launch. The three-hour
tanking process will provide the fuel and oxidizer Discovery's three main
engines require for the 8 1/2 minute trip to orbit.

Live launch coverage will begin on NASA TV and on NASA's Launch Blog at
1:15 a.m. Monday. The Launch Blog can be found at www.nasa.gov/launch and
NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Launch is scheduled for 6:21 a.m. EDT Monday.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:47:16 GMT external fuel tank. The operation was scheduled to begin at 8:56 p.m. but
will be delayed slightly while the launch team investigates an anomaly with
a fuel cell pump motor voltage spike. Although this will delay the start of
tanking, it is not anticipated to impact tomorrow mornings launch. Launch
is planned for 6:21 a.m.

There is a 80 percent chance of favorable weather for launch. The primary
concern is a slight chance for ceiling and visibility constraints.

Live launch coverage will kick off on NASA TV and on NASA's Launch Blog at
1:15 a.m. Monday. The Launch Blog can be found at www.nasa.gov/launch and
NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:54:37 GMT
The Mission Management Team plans to meet tonight around 8:15 p.m. to give Discovery its "go/no-go" decision for fueling. If given the “go”, the filling of Discovery’s external tank should begin around 9 p.m. with NASA TV’s tanking coverage scheduled to begin at 8:45 p.m.

Live launch coverage will kick off on NASA TV and on NASA's Launch Blog at 1:15 a.m. Monday. The Launch Blog can be found at www.nasa.gov/launch and NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:18:29 GMT
The team evaluated a few minor technical issues that came up late in the count but, "At the end of the day, a unanimous poll from the MMT that we're "go" for launch," said Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager. "We're really excited about this mission … and the science we'll be able to get onboard for the ISS to do what it needs to do and demonstrate its true ability as a national laboratory."
Pete Nickolenko, space shuttle launch director said, "The STS-131 launch countdown is in process and everything is in good shape. The team is doing what it does best and we're on track and ready to go for Monday."

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the forecast continues to be very favorable for launch day with only a 20-percent chance that weather will be a concern for liftoff. The only issue Winters mentioned was the possibility of fog in the area.

The forecast also is looking good for the transatlantic abort, or TAL, sites where the shuttle could land in the unlikely event of an emergency.

On Sunday at about 9:30 a.m., the Rotating Service Structure that protects the shuttle will be rolled away. Loading of propellants into the external tank is scheduled to begin at around 9 p.m. with tanking coverage starting about 8:45 p.m. on NASA TV found on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

At 1:15 a.m. Monday, live launch coverage will kick off on NASA TV and you also can follow space shuttle Discovery's exciting countdown to launch with NASA's Launch Blog from inside Firing Room 3 at Kennedy's Launch Control Center at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html.]]> Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:50:22 GMT
Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters also reported good news, saying that the launch-time conditions continue to be very favorable. The only reason for a remaining 20 percent chance of "no-go" weather is the possibility of early morning fog. The weather would be similar if a 24-hour turnaround was necessary.

Saturday's prelaunch news conference is targeted for 11:30 a.m. EDT, and will be broadcast live on NASA TV and on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The countdown kicked off at 3 a.m. on Friday when the official clock started counting back from the T-43 hour point. Liftoff of Discovery and the seven-member crew on the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station is set for 6:21 a.m. on April 5.]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:48:13 GMT
Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters also reported good news, saying that the launch-time conditions continue to be very favorable. The only reason for a remaining 20 percent chance of "no-go" weather is the possibility of early morning fog. The weather would be similar if a 24-hour turnaround was necessary.

The countdown kicked off at 3 a.m. EDT this morning when the official clock started counting back from the T-43 hour point. Liftoff of Discovery and the seven-member crew on the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station is set for 6:21 a.m. on April 5.]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:26:52 GMT
Discovery's seven astronauts arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Thursday, touching down on Shuttle Landing Facility's runway in a modified Gulfstream II jet.]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:26:48 GMT Fri, 02 Apr 2010 07:07:17 GMT
NASA Test Director Jeremy Graeber reported that since arriving in Florida earlier in the day, the astronauts had conducted a payload inspection at the pad, and the launch team was in final preparation and looking forward to the beginning of the countdown, which begins at 3 a.m. EDT Friday.

Discovery's seven astronauts arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Thursday, touching down on Shuttle Landing Facility's runway at 6:53 a.m. in a modified Gulfstream II jet.

In brief remarks before leaving the runway, Commander Alan Poindexter said that the crew is very happy to be at Kennedy, adding, "We had a short flyby of the pad and saw the good ship Discovery out there and it looks great and we're ready to go."]]> Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:34:55 GMT
In brief remarks before leaving the runway, Commander Alan Poindexter said that the crew is very happy to be at Kennedy, adding, "We had a short flyby of the pad and saw the good ship Discovery out there and it looks great and we're ready to go."

As crews at Launch Pad 39A continue Discovery's final preparations for flight, at 3 a.m. tomorrow, the countdown clock is set to begin ticking down toward a 6:21 a.m. liftoff on Monday.

The first STS-131 countdown status briefing will be carried live at 10 a.m. this morning on NASA TV and on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:44:32 GMT Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:16:28 GMT
As they wrap up their final day at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-131 astronauts are preparing to arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility tomorrow at about 7 a.m.]]> Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:51:09 GMT
The STS-131 crew continues to slip their sleep schedules to accommodate their mission flight schedule, as they prepare to fly to Kennedy from their home base in Houston on April 1.

Last Friday, NASA managers gave Discovery the "go" for launch after an all-day Flight Readiness Review meeting. At the review, they determined that there were no unresolved issues that would prevent Discovery and crew from flying a safe and successful mission.]]> Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:12:24 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the astronauts continue slipping their sleep schedule in preparation for the mission. This afternoon, they will review procedures with the piston grip tool used during spacewalks.

Last Friday, NASA managers gave Discovery the "go" for launch after an all-day Flight Readiness Review meeting. At the review, they determined that there were no unresolved issues that would prevent Discovery and crew from flying a safe and successful mission.]]> Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:12:22 GMT
In discussing the earlier problem regarding a troublesome helium isolation valve, it was decided that the built-in redundancy in regulator valves provides protection for the reaction control system. All other shuttle systems, as well as the payload and crew, were deemed ready for flight as well.

At a news conference following the meeting, Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, described a thorough review and concluded, "We are ready to fly."

Discovery is set to liftoff into the predawn darkness from Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A at 6:21 a.m. EDT.]]> Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:41:27 GMT
The post-review news conference will begin at 5:30 p.m. EDT, and will be carried live on NASA TV and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv. Participants will be: Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, John Shannon, Space Shuttle Program manager, and Pete Nickolenko, STS-131 launch director.]]> Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:03:00 GMT
The review will be followed by a news conference, now set to start no earlier than 5:30 p.m. EDT. The briefing will be carried live on NASA TV and streamed online at www.nasa.gov/ntv. Participants will be: Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, John Shannon, Space Shuttle Program manager, and Pete Nickolenko, STS-131 launch director.]]> Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:32:58 GMT
Meanwhile, crews will complete closeout of Discovery's aft compartment at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A. The mission's payload, including the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, was installed inside the shuttle's cargo bay this week.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-131 astronauts continue to shift their sleep schedules to prepare for the upcoming mission. They will go into quarantine on Saturday, March 27, and are scheduled to fly to Kennedy for the countdown on Thursday, April 1.]]> Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:10:35 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Discovery's astronaut crew members are set to begin their gradual sleep shift today in preparation for the mission. Commander Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists James P. Dutton Jr. and Clayton Anderson will fly T-38 jets to Kennedy for additional flight training time in the Shuttle Training Aircraft.

Tomorrow at Kennedy, shuttle program managers will conduct the agency-level Flight Readiness Review. At the conclusion of the day-long meeting, officials will set the official launch date for the STS-131 mission, which currently is targeted for April 5.]]> Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:35:24 GMT
Discovery's astronauts are set to have prelaunch physicals today and conduct final review of flight data at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Tuesday, engineers discussed data from tests performed last weekend on Discovery's right reaction control system helium regulators. The decision was made to move forward with this Friday's agency-level Flight Readiness Review. At the conclusion of the review, managers will set the official launch date for the STS-131 mission, which currently is targeted for April 5.]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:55:07 GMT Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:36:49 GMT
Discovery's astronauts are continuing training at their home base, NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, by conducting a review of key flight items today.

Launch of this next mission to the International Space Station currently is targeted for April 5.]]> Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:33:38 GMT
Today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-131 astronauts will review stowage and transfer activities for the items that will be transported on Discovery during the flight to the International Space Station.]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:03:55 GMT Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:56:28 GMT
During the weekend, crews at the launch pad will perform additional tests on Discovery's right reaction control system helium regulators. Engineers will evaluate the data and discuss options Tuesday morning.]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:57:19 GMT
During the upcoming weekend, crews at the launch pad will perform additional tests on Discovery's right reaction control system helium regulators. Engineers will evaluate the data and discuss options Tuesday morning.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, STS-131 astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Clayton Anderson will rehearse techniques for the mission's third spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab's huge tank.]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:44:49 GMT
Meanwhile, engineers continue evaluating data from a pressurization test of Discovery's right reaction control system's helium system to verify the overall health of the regulators downstream of the helium isolation valves. Preliminary data shows positive results for the test, with further testing scheduled for later in the week. The testing was initiated because of an issue that occurred last weekend while Discovery's aft fuel propellant tanks were being vented in preparation for fuel loading.

After a few days off, the STS-131 crew will brush up on rendezvous techniques at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, as Commander Alan Poindexter and Pilot James P. Dutton Jr. practice in the Shuttle Training Aircraft over the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.

Discovery's mission to the International Space Station currently is targeted to launch April 5.]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:24:41 GMT
The testing was initiated because of an issue that occurred over the weekend while Discovery's aft fuel propellant tanks were being vented in preparation for fuel loading. The Right Reaction Control System, or RRCS, fuel helium tank pressure unexpectedly decreased in unison with the RRCS fuel propellant tank when the fuel tank was vented. This indicates that at least one of the two parallel helium isolation valves is leaking or is remaining in the open position when it is expected to be closed.

The two helium system regulators, a primary and a secondary, will be tested to verify they are functioning correctly. The regulators are "downstream" of the isolation valves, and help to maintain helium pressure to the fuel tank. Knowing whether the regulators are operating correctly is a key factor for managers who must decide whether to launch with the errant condition of the isolation valves. The test is expected to occur late this week once a ground support equipment test panel has been calibrated. The helium system will be brought to flight pressure and engineers monitoring the panel will ascertain whether the regulators function properly.

Also this week, managers are targeting Friday to move Discovery's payload to Launch Pad 39A, starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT.

There still are a few days of contingency left in the schedule to make the targeted launch date of April 5.]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:47:00 GMT
Program managers and engineers met yesterday to discuss options following an issue that occurred over the weekend while Discovery's aft fuel propellant tanks were being vented in preparation for fuel loading.

The Right Reaction Control System, or RRCS, fuel helium tank pressure unexpectedly decreased in unison with the RRCS fuel propellant tank when the fuel tank was vented. This indicates that at least one of the two parallel helium isolation valves is leaking or is remaining in the open position when it is expected to be closed.

The two helium system regulators, a primary and a secondary, will be tested to verify they are functioning correctly. The regulators are "downstream" of the isolation valves, and help to maintain helium pressure to the fuel tank. Knowing whether the regulators are operating correctly is a key factor for managers who must decide whether to launch with the errant condition of the isolation valves. The test is expected to occur late this week once a ground support equipment test panel has been calibrated. The helium system will be brought to flight pressure and engineers monitoring the panel will ascertain whether the regulators function properly.

Also this week, managers are targeting Friday to move Discovery's payload to Launch Pad 39A, starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT.

There still are a few days of contingency left in the schedule to make the targeted launch date of April 5.]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:55:54 GMT
The Right Reaction Control System, or RRCS, fuel helium tank pressure unexpectedly decreased in unison with the RRCS fuel propellant tank when the fuel tank was vented. This indicates that at least one of the two parallel helium isolation valves is leaking or is remaining in the open position when it is expected to be closed.

Two helium system regulators, a primary and a secondary, will be tested to verify they are functioning correctly. The regulators are "downstream" of the isolation valves, and help to maintain helium pressure to the fuel tank. Knowing whether the regulators are operating correctly is a key factor for managers who must decide whether to launch with the errant condition of the isolation valves. The test is expected to occur late this week once a ground support equipment test panel has been calibrated. The helium system will be brought to flight pressure and engineers monitoring the panel will ascertain whether the regulators function properly.

Managers now are targeting Friday, March 19 to move Discovery's payload to Launch Pad 39A starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT.

There still are a few days of contingency left in the schedule to make the targeted launch date of April 5.]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:19:17 GMT
The Right Reaction Control System, or RRCS, fuel helium tank pressure unexpectedly decreased in unison with the RRCS fuel propellant tank. At least one helium isolation valve is leaking or is remaining in the open position when it is expected to be closed.

Currently, the rotating service structure rotation will be delayed to no earlier than Tuesday, March 16. Payload delivery to the pad will be delayed to no earlier than Wednesday, March 17.

Launch still is targeted for April 5.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-131 astronauts will spend downtime with their families during spring break this week.]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:55:23 GMT
Troubleshooting overnight revealed at least one helium isolation valve that is leaking or is remaining in the open position when it is expected to be closed.

Following a review meeting this morning, engineers have decided to complete Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) Reaction Control System fuel loading, Solid Rocket Booster Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) tilt system and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) hydrazine loads this weekend.

Engineers will meet again Monday morning to discuss options.

Currently, Rotating Service Structure (RSS) rotation will be delayed to no earlier than Tuesday, March 16; and payload delivery to the pad will be delayed to no earlier than Wednesday, March 17. 

Launch still is targeted for April 5.]]> Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:28:24 GMT
Meanwhile, the STS-131 astronauts continue training at their home base in Houston in preparation for Discovery's launch on the next mission to the International Space Station, which is targeted for April 5.]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:10:11 GMT
Meanwhile, the STS-131 astronauts continue their training at their home base in Houston. Today, they'll get some flying time in T-38 training jets.

Discovery's launch on the next mission to the International Space Station is targeted for April 5.]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:32:04 GMT
The STS-131 astronauts are reviewing docking and robotics systems manuals at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Commander Alan Poindexter and Pilot James P. Dutton Jr. will wrap up the day with a training run in the Shuttle Training Aircraft at the White Sands Space Harbor in Las Cruces, N.M.

Yesterday, Space Shuttle Program managers wrapped up their review of Discovery's readiness for flight. The meeting was a precursor to the agency's executive-level review on March 26, which will establish a firm launch date for this next mission to the International Space Station.]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:33:39 GMT
Launch Pad 39A technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida continue preparations to service Discovery's hypergolic system in addition to performing leak checks on the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate quick disconnects.

In Houston, the STS-131 astronauts continue their work at NASA's Johnson Space Center as they participate in robotics and spacewalk system refresher training.]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:03:31 GMT
Preparation of space shuttle Discovery continues on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where today technicians are getting ready to service the shuttle's hypergolic system.]]> Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:01:56 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio and Clayton Anderson are rehearsing procedures for their first spacewalk of the mission in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab. The lab, which resembles a huge swimming pool, simulates as closely as possible on Earth the conditions the astronauts encounter working in the weightlessness of space.]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:00:59 GMT
Earlier in the day, the crew members finished a week of prelaunch training that culminated at Launch Pad 39A as they climbed aboard space shuttle Discovery for a full-dress launch rehearsal, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. The exercise gave the crew, launch team and technicians an opportunity to walk through all the steps leading up to the launch.

Discovery's launch on its mission to the International Space Station is targeted for April 5.]]> Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:32:11 GMT
The astronauts are set to depart from Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility runway at 1:30 p.m. EST, flying T-38 jets back to their home base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.]]> Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:59:01 GMT Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:31:49 GMT
Also Thursday, technicians at the launch pad were set to close space shuttle Discovery's crew hatch and perform tests in preparation for a targeted liftoff on April 5.]]> Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:06:32 GMT
Also today, technicians at the launch pad will close space shuttle Discovery's crew hatch and perform tests in preparation for a targeted liftoff on April 5.]]> Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:59:52 GMT
The seven astronauts for Discovery's STS-131 mission, who are at Kennedy for their launch countdown dress rehearsal this week, were on-hand for the beginning of the move.]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:15:31 GMT
The seven astronauts for Discovery's STS-131 mission, who are at Kennedy for their launch countdown dress rehearsal this week, were on-hand for the beginning of the move. The crew will continue prelaunch training today.]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:04:07 GMT
The Rotating Servicing Structure will be moved around Discovery at 9 a.m. EST. The structure provides protection from the weather and access to the spacecraft.]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:15:33 GMT under way. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's
Kennedy Space Center in Florida was at 11:58 p.m. EST on Tuesday.

Despite a gusty wind at Kennedy, it's not expected to exceed the allowable
limits of 40 knots (46 mph) with gusts to 60 knots (69 mph).

Discovery is expected to complete its 3.4 mile trip and be secured down on
the launch pad at about 7 a.m.

NASA Television's live video coverage of the move, known as rollout, will
begin at 6:30 a.m.

The seven astronauts for Discovery's STS-131 mission, who are at Kennedy for
their launch countdown dress rehearsal training called the Terminal
Countdown Demonstration Test, were on-hand to watch the start of rollout.]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:58:19 GMT Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:03:08 GMT
Inside the massive Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy, space shuttle Discovery is ready for its rollout to Launch Pad 39A, which is set to begin just after midnight tonight.]]> Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:27:31 GMT standard prelaunch training called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration
Test.

Technicians have completed preparations to move space shuttle Discovery from
the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A. First motion is targeted
for 12:01 a.m. EST Wednesday.]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:52:39 GMT Crew members are expected to arrive at the SLF between 3:40 and 5:40 p.m. EST.
Live coverage will begin on NASA TV at approximately 6 p.m. on www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:00:31 GMT
Crew members are expected to arrive at the SLF between 3:40 and 7 p.m. EST. Four of the seven crew members, including Commander Alan Poindexter, are expected to arrive between 6 and 7 p.m.

The STS-131 crew will be at Kennedy to participate in the standard prelaunch training called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.

Live coverage will begin on NASA TV at approximately 6 p.m. on www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:24:54 GMT
Rollout was delayed 24 hours due to a high possibility of rain and lightning in the area tonight and tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, the STS-131 astronauts are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at about 7 tonight for their full launch dress rehearsal and related training, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT.]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:47:38 GMT
The team completed installing the tank's camera, which is used to take images as it falls away from the shuttle after main engine cutoff and the shuttle heads into space.

The STS-131 astronauts are undergoing systems training today at NASA's Ames Research Center in California before heading back to their home base in Houston for the weekend. They will fly to Kennedy next week to participate in the standard prelaunch training called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.

Discovery is on track to head to the launch pad next Tuesday, beginning its slow roll at 12:01 a.m. EST. Launch is targeted for April 5.]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:37:18 GMT
They also are installing the external tank camera, which will be used to take images of the tank as it falls away from the shuttle after main engine cutoff and of the shuttle as flies into space. The camera looks for potential sources of debris that may come off the tank.

Yesterday, the ordnance to disconnect the external tank's liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen umbilicals, or hoses, from Discovery after it reaches orbit were installed.

STS-131 Commander Alan Poindexter, Pilot James P. Dutton Jr., and Mission Specialists Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger and Rick Mastracchio are making training runs in NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft over California's Mojave Desert.

Discovery's rollout to the launch pad still is on track for Tuesday, March 2, with first motion beginning at 12:01 a.m. EST.]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:35:32 GMT
Engineers are preparing the shuttle for its rollout to Launch Pad 39A, which is scheduled for March 2 at 12:01 a.m. EST.

The STS-131 astronauts are conducting a deorbit integrated simulation today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Discovery's crew will head to Kennedy early next month to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, and related prelaunch training.]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:21:25 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Discovery's STS-131 crew members will be reviewing administrative and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, or MPLM, berthing and unberthing procedures today.

MPLMs are large pressurized modules flown in the shuttle's payload bay and attached to the International Space Station after docking. The MPLM can carry up to 16 large containers or racks of supplies, such as food, clothing, spare parts and research equipment. For this flight, the MPLMs will be filled with science racks that will be transferred to the station's laboratories.

Discovery's liftoff is targeted for April 5 at 6:27 a.m. EDT.]]> Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:32:04 GMT The launch target now is April 5 with a tentative launch time of 6:27 a.m. EDT.
The change is due to the delay in moving Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pad because of cold weather in Florida. Temperatures cannot be below 45 degrees for more than four hours because Discovery will not be attached to any heating purges to protect it from potential cold damage.
The agency Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, has been moved to Friday, March 26 at Kennedy and will be followed on March 11-12 by the Shuttle Program's FRR.]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:25:26 GMT
The STS-131 crew will fly to Kennedy to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, for preflight training March 5.

Meanwhile, managers are evaluating Discovery's targeted March 18 launch, but expect it to move off that date. More information will be available as it becomes official.]]> Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:38:37 GMT
Teams will meet daily to evaluate the weather to determine the best date and time to move the shuttle and attach its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters.

Discovery's rollout from the VAB to Launch Pad 39A is expected to be about one week after rollover.

March 18 still is being targeted for Discovery's STS-131 mission to the International Space Station, but the date is being evaluated.]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:34:31 GMT
Teams will meet daily to evaluate the weather to determine the best date and time to move the shuttle and attach its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters.

Discovery's rollout from the VAB to Launch Pad 39A is expected to be about one week after rollover.]]> Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:16:15 GMT
Temperatures cannot reach below 45 degrees for more than four hours because Discovery will not be attached to any heating purges to protect it from potential damage from the cold.

Rollout of Discovery from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A has been scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19. First motion is planned for 12:01 a.m. EST.]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:58:14 GMT Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:15:29 GMT Preparations are also under way in the Vehicle Assembly Building for the November launch of Atlantis on the STS-129 mission. The external tank for Atlantis was connected yesterday to the twin solid rocket boosters.]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:40:46 GMT The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:05 p.m. EDT.
Discovery will be detached from the modified jumbo jet during the next 14-18 hours. Tuesday, the shuttle will be towed to Orbiter Processing Facility-3 where the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo will be removed from the payload bay and the shuttle will be prepared for its next mission, STS-131. Discovery is targeted for launch to the International Space Station in March 2010.
Discovery's 2,500 mile ferry flight began at 9:20 a.m. EDT Sunday after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in California. The shuttle landed there Sept. 11 to end its STS-128 mission to the space station. The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft made three stops yesterday. Two were refueling stops, one at Rick Husband International Airport in Amarillo, Texas, the other at Ft. Worth Naval Air Station, Texas. The third and final stop Sunday was at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, La., where Discovery stayed overnight. The ferry flight team departed Barksdale at about 9:40 a.m. EDT today and traveled non-stop to Kennedy, maneuvering around storms along the way.]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:41:08 GMT Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:10:48 GMT The NASA C-9 "pathfinder" support aircraft will touch down at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility on runway 15 a little before the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with shuttle Discovery attached to it.
Because of the dynamic weather, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is expected to land directly at Kennedy rather than perform a flyover of the surrounding area known as the Space Coast.]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:01:39 GMT
About 11:45 a.m., the ferry flight team will take a close look at the stormy weather around Kennedy to decide whether to try to touch down at the Shuttle Landing Facility or head west to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., to refuel and temporarily wait for a break in the weather.]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:21:53 GMT Without any weather delays it is about a two-hour, 45-minute flight to Kennedy. The earliest Discovery would arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility is about 12:30 p.m. But the team is going to have to fly around a line of showers over central Louisiana first and then see whether storms currently around Kennedy will permit a landing. If weather is not cooperative, Discovery could divert to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:09:33 GMT
The 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with shuttle Discovery on top and NASA's C-9 "pathfinder" support aircraft will have to navigate through a line of showers across Louisiana. In addition, there are storms currently around Kennedy. The team will have to make real-time decisions and see whether those storms break up and Discovery can touch down at the Shuttle Landing Facility once the 747 and pathfinder aircraft near Florida's east coast.

If not, the ferry flight team plans to divert to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida to refuel and temporarily wait for a break in the weather. The exact timing of a possible landing at Kennedy today isn't known now because it will be based on weather conditions in flight.]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:23:41 GMT Weather permitting, the team is targeting a possible 10 a.m. EDT departure from Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana. Depending on real time weather and air traffic conditions, that could have Discovery back at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida by early Monday afternoon.
Discovery arrived at Barksdale at 6:39 p.m. EDT.
Barksdale was today's third stop for Discovery. The cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy began this morning with a 9:20 a.m., departure from Edwards Air Force Base in California. That was followed by refueling stops at Rick Husband International Airport in Amarillo, Texas and Ft. Worth Naval Air Station, Texas.
If the weather cooperates, the ferry flight team members plan to finish their 2,500 mile trip by returning to Kennedy tomorrow with no additional stops.]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:44:27 GMT
Discovery arrived at 6:39 p.m. EDT, about 20 minutes behind the ferry flight's "pathfinder" support aircraft, a NASA C-9 plane.
Barksdale is today's third stop. The cross-country ferry flight to NASA's Kennedy Space Center began today with a 9:20 a.m., departure from Edwards Air Force Base in California. That was followed by refueling stops at Rick Husband International Airport in Amarillo, Texas and Ft. Worth Naval Air Station, Texas.

The ferry flight team members plan to finish their 2,500 trip by returning to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida Monday.
The team will meet tomorrow morning to evaluate the weather and determine the exact take off time. The plan is to leave Barksdale and arrive at Kennedy without any additional stops.]]> Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:54:53 GMT The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft departed Ft. Worth Naval Air Station, Texas at about 5:50 p.m. EDT headed for Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The team plans to stay at Barksdale overnight and then finish the cross-country ferry flight by returning to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida Monday morning.]]> Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:01:03 GMT The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft landed at 3:16 p.m. EDT after departing from Rick Husband International Airport in Amarillo, Texas at 2:17 p.m. to begin the second leg of its cross-country trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The teams now will assess the weather conditions to determine whether they can still get to Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana this afternoon where they plan to stay overnight.
Managers plan to have Discovery back at Kennedy on Monday.]]> Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:24:52 GMT The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft took off from Rick Husband International Airport in Amarillo, Texas at about 2:20 p.m. EDT to begin the second leg of its cross-country trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
After landing in Ft. Worth in about an hour, the teams will assess the weather and determine whether they can still get to Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana this afternoon where they plan to stay overnight.
Managers plan to have Discovery back at Kennedy on Monday.]]> Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:28:13 GMT Teams will evaluate the weather again while the aircraft are refueling to determine the next stop in the 2,500 mile trek. Their objective is to get to Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana this afternoon where they will stay overnight.
Managers plan to have Discovery back at Kennedy on Monday.]]> Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:19:30 GMT The modified 747 carrying Discovery took off from Edwards Air Force Base in California at 9:20 a.m. EDT. Discovery's "pathfinder" support aircraft, a NASA C-9 plane, departed about 9:10 a.m.
The aircraft are heading to Rick Husband International Airport in Amarillo, Texas for a refueling stop.
Teams will evaluate the weather again once they're in Amarillo to determine the next refueling stop. Their objective is to get to Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana this afternoon where they will stay overnight.
Managers plan to have Discovery back at Kennedy on Monday.]]> Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:26:49 GMT Teams met at 7 a.m., to confirm Discovery's readiness for the ferry flight and evaluate weather. Conditions in the southern United States have improved and are favorable for the 2,500 mile trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The first leg of the journey will take Discovery piggybacked on the 747, known as a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, to the Rick Husband International Airport in Amarillo, Texas.
Teams will evaluate the weather again once they're in Amarillo to determine the next refueling stop. Their objective is to get to Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana this afternoon where they will stay overnight.
Managers plan to have Discovery back at Kennedy on Monday.
The ferry flight departure from Edwards will be carried live on NASA Television and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:04:42 GMT Managers met with the air crew and weather team at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center this afternoon. They discussed the weather forecast for the next several days and formulated a tentative plan for the route and refueling stops along the way back to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Weather permitting, the plan is to have Discovery leave Edwards at about 9:20 a.m. EDT Sunday. The flight's "pathfinder" support aircraft will depart about 20 minutes earlier. The 747 and pathfinder then will head to the first refueling stop at Rick Husband International Airport in Amarillo, Texas.
Depending on the weather, the teams plan one additional stop before ending their travel day at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana tomorrow afternoon.
Managers expect to be able to reach Kennedy from Barksdale on Monday without any additional stops.‬‪‪
The low pressure weather system that forecasters have been monitoring for the last several days is expected to begin moving to the northeast and that would allow the ferry flight to reach Barksdale tomorrow.
Shuttle teams finished preparations overnight for the 2,500 mile flight, including fully attaching Discovery to the top of the 747, known as a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, and moving the piggybacked pair into position to be ready for tomorrow's departure.
The teams will have an additional weather briefing Sunday at 7 a.m. EDT before their 9:20 a.m. expected departure from Edwards.]]> Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:00:04 GMT Shuttle teams at Edwards Air Force Base in California finished preparations for the 2,500 mile flight overnight, including fully attaching Discovery to the top of the 747 and moving the piggybacked pair into position to be ready for departure.‬‪
Managers will meet with air crews and the weather team at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center at 2 p.m. EDT today to discuss the weather forecast for the next several days and formulate a tentative plan for the route that would be flown Sunday. Weather permitting, the team plans to have Discovery back at Kennedy by Monday.‬‪]]> Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:21:56 GMT
Shuttle managers met at NASA’s Dryden Research Center this afternoon to assess ferry flight preparations and weather conditions across the southeastern United States. Forecasters still are tracking a low pressure system over Texas that has been influencing weather across the southeast.‪ Managers decided the forecast was too dynamic and unstable to try to begin the flight Saturday.

Discovery is expected to be attached to the top of a modified 747 jet, called a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, and be ready for its piggyback ride to Florida by Friday evening.

Managers will meet again with air crews and the weather team at 2 p.m. EDT Saturday to discuss how possible a Sunday morning departure would be and decide the best route to get Discovery back to Kennedy within two days, weather permitting.]]> Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:17:10 GMT
Managers will meet with air crews and the weather team at 2 p.m. EDT today to discuss the possibility of a Saturday departure and decide the best route to get Discovery back home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Forecasters still are tracking a low pressure system over northeast Texas that has been influencing weather across the southeast.‪]]> Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:58:11 GMT Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:25:13 GMT


Forecasters are tracking a slow moving low pressure system over northeast Texas that has been influencing weather across the southeast.



Shuttle teams expect to have Discovery and its modified 747 aircraft ready for the piggyback flight by mid-to-late Friday morning. Then they plan to meet at 2 p.m. EDT to review departure preparations, the latest weather forecasts and determine the best route and timing to get Discovery back to Kennedy.



A major milestone of attaching the tail cone over Discovery's engines was completed Thursday. Overnight, teams plan to lift Discovery and attach it to the top of the 747.



Discovery landed at Edwards Sept. 11, ending its STS-128 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:51:47 GMT
Tuesday’s primary tasks involve the all-day process of draining of residual fuels, oxidizers and other hazardous chemicals from Discovery's orbital maneuvering system, a process that requires all technicians working near or on the shuttle to wear protective suits and respiratory equipment. Installation of the aerodynamic tailcone should occur on Thursday, and mating of Discovery to the modified 747 is scheduled for Thursday night.

The final schedule for Discovery’s departure from Edwards Air Force Base will be determined at a Flight Readiness Review, currently slated for Thursday afternoon. If departure occurs Friday morning, the 747-shuttle combo could arrive at the Kennedy Space Center as early as late Saturday.]]> Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:00:11 GMT
Among turnaround tasks already completed by Monday morning, United Space Alliance technicians finished shuttle main engine drying operations, offloaded cryogenics, removed the external tank separation camera and inerted the Power Reactant Storage and Distribution system battery tank. Purging of the Orbital Maneuvering System fluid lines and valves and other tasks requiring access to the aft end of the shuttle are in process Monday.

Processing managers hope to begin the all-day process of purging and offloading of residual fuels and oxidizers and other hazardous chemicals early Tuesday morning.]]> Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:28:20 GMT Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:18:31 GMT
After flying up on Discovery, Nicole Stott will trade places with station resident Tim Kopra, who went into space last month aboard Endeavour. Equipment and science racks for the orbiting laboratory are riding inside the Leonardo cargo module, which is secured tightly inside Discovery's payload bay. The module will be lifted out of Discovery and locked onto the station so the crew can transfer the gear efficiently. The treadmill named for comedian Stephen Colbert also is aboard Discovery and destined for the station.]]> Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:18:13 GMT Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:05:10 GMT Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:55:02 GMT Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:51:31 GMT
"Looks like the third time really is the charm," STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko told Discovery's crew.

Commander Rick "C.J." Sturckow said the crew is ready. "Let's go step up the science on the International Space Station," he said.]]> Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:47:31 GMT Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:22:08 GMT Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:52:22 GMT Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:46:11 GMT Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:02:51 GMT Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:32:31 GMT Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:39:09 GMT Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:07:25 GMT Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:41:55 GMT Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:50:38 GMT
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 Discovery for its seven-astronaut crew.

Liftoff remains on schedule for 11:59 p.m. EDT tonight.]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:51:27 GMT
Liftoff of Discovery on the STS-128 mission remains on schedule for 11:59 p.m. EDT tonight and the weather remains the primary concern. The forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions. Meteorologists are watching for signs of anvil clouds and thunderstorms within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:38:14 GMT
Launch is scheduled for 11:59 p.m. EDT tonight. Forecasters call for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time.

The mission management team reported that all the testing and analysis of Discovery's fill-and-drain valve during the last two days gives them a high degree of confidence the valve is working. Procedures have been approved in case there is a similar issue with the position sensor on the hydrogen fill-and-drain valve.

The plan includes being able to open and close the valve, or cycle it, two times during the tanking process if the valve position indicator sensor doesn't work. Teams would use alternate means, including monitoring pressure in the system, to provide confidence the valve is closed for launch.]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:23:08 GMT
The mission management team also reports that all the testing and analysis of Discovery's fill-and-drain valve during the last two days gives them a high degree of confidence the valve is working.

The shuttle team has approved procedures in case there is a similar issue with the position sensor on the hydrogen fill-and-drain valve.

The plan includes being able to open and close the valve, or cycle it, two times during the tanking process if the valve position indicator sensor doesn't work. Teams would use alternate means, including monitoring pressure in the system, to provide confidence the valve is closed for launch.

For launch time, forecasters are calling for a 60 percent chance of favorable weather.

The earliest the filling of Discovery's external fuel tank with 535,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen can begin is 2:34 p.m.

NASA TV's tanking commentary will begin at 2:30 p.m. and can be accessed at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:28:51 GMT
The Rotating Service Structure on Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A was rolled away from Discovery this morning at 6:11 a.m.

NASA's Mission Management Team plans to meet at noon to review launch preparations and determine whether teams will continue to march toward a targeted liftoff tonight at 11:59 p.m.

Weather is forecasted to be 60 percent "go" for external tank loading and 60 percent "go" for launch.]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:03:07 GMT
The decision moved Discovery's liftoff to Friday at 11:59 p.m. EDT to begin the STS-128 mission to the International Space Station.

Engineers are comfortable that the 8-inch diameter valve will work just fine, but the extra time will be used to polish that conclusion and determine a series of possible steps in case another trouble comes up during a future countdown.

STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko said preparations are already moving ahead toward Friday night's launch, including moving the rotating service structure around Discovery so technicians can replace the Tyvek covers protecting the nose thrusters of the shuttle.

"In essence, we're ready to go," Nickolenko said.]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:12:00 GMT
Launch is targeted for 11:59 p.m. Friday. The weather forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. The main concerns are for anvil clouds and thunderstorms within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, launch site for the shuttles.

Teams will begin closing the Rotating Service Structure around space shuttle Discovery at approximately 4:15 p.m. EDT in order to replace Tyvek covers on the shuttle's thrusters. The work is expected to take six to seven hours. When completed, the team again will move the RSS to the park position in preparation for Discovery's targeted launch attempt Friday at 11:59 p.m.]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:21:33 GMT
NASA managers postponed Friday's 12:22 a.m. EDT launch of space shuttle Discovery to allow engineers more time to develop plans for resolving an issue with a valve in the shuttle's main propulsion system. Launch now is targeted for no earlier than 11:59 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

During loading of the shuttle's external fuel tank for Wednesday's launch attempt, a liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve located in Discovery's aft compartment failed to provide the proper indication when it was commanded to close. Engineers cycled the valve five times Wednesday evening to collect data on the valve and its associated actuator and position indicator.

NASA managers decided Thursday that more time is needed to analyze the test data and develop alternative procedures for confirming that the valve is closed if the valve fails to provide the proper closed indication during Discovery's next launch attempt.]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:04:17 GMT for Friday, Aug. 28 at 11:59 p.m. EDT instead of 12:22 a.m. Friday morning.

The additional time will allow teams to plan in case they see the same
reading that happened with the liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve that
caused Tuesday afternoon's launch scrub during tanking.

The MMT will meet again on Friday at noon.

A news conference will be held on NASA TV later this afternoon to discuss
the decision.]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:27:56 GMT
The evaluation of the low-level hydrogen leak detected in a tail service mast on the mobile launcher platform on Launch Pad 39A following Tuesday's launch scrub is complete, and no leaks were detected.

All the test data will be brought to the mission management team for review at the noon EDT meeting. Mission managers also are scheduled to meet at 2:15 p.m. to give the “Go - No Go” for tanking.

If Discovery gets the “Go”, tanking commentary on NASA TV will begin at 2:45 p.m. and fueling operations will start at approximately 3 p.m. Launch commentary will begin tonight at 7 p.m.

Discovery's seven astronauts are sleeping and will wake up for their launch day preps at 1:30 p.m.]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:13:24 GMT
Teams are now performing a pressure test of the propulsion system, and recording the leak rate of small amounts of liquid hydrogen. Data from tonight’s tests will be brought to tomorrow’s mission management team for evaluation at the noon meeting.

NASA is targeting Discovery’s next launch attempt for no earlier than Friday, Aug. 28 at 12:22 a.m., depending on the results of the testing and a review of the data by the mission management team.

Discovery’s countdown is expected to resume at the T-11 hour point at 8:57 a.m. tomorrow.]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:35:49 GMT
Following inerting, engineers will begin evaluating and testing the liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve in the shuttle's main propulsion system by opening and closing it.

This morning's launch attempt was postponed after an indication that valve failed to perform as expected during fueling of the shuttle's external tank Tuesday afternoon.

NASA is targeting Discovery's next launch attempt for no earlier than Friday, Aug. 28 at 12:22 a.m., depending on the results of the testing. The weather forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time.]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:10:56 GMT Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:47:12 GMT Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:23:35 GMT Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:47:38 GMT Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:34:26 GMT Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:38:58 GMT
Regarding the valve, when launch controllers commanded it to close, they did not receive the "closed" indication. There is a concern that the valve is either open or partially open, but that needs to be evaluated for confirmation.
A new launch date and time for Discovery's STS-128 mission has not been set at this time.]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:09:01 GMT Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:01:00 GMT Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:12:44 GMT
The current weather forecast is 70 percent favorable conditions for launch. The primary concern is cumulus clouds and showers within 20 nautical miles of the shuttle landing facility at the time of launch.

Tanking commentary on NASA TV will begin at 3:30 p.m. and fueling operations will start at approximately 3:45 p.m. EDT. Launch commentary will begin tonight at 8 p.m.

Weather permitting, launch is scheduled for 1:10 a.m.]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:25:02 GMT
The mission management team will meet at 3 p.m. today to give the “go- no go” for tanking operations. The current STS-128 launch day weather forecast is 70 percent favorable conditions for tanking and launch. The primary concern is cumulus clouds and showers within 20 nautical miles of the shuttle landing facility at the time of launch.

Launch commentary on NASA TV will begin tonight at 8 p.m.]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:57:53 GMT
Tanking coverage of Discovery will begin at 3:30 p.m. and launch commentary at 8 p.m. on NASA TV.]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:44:42 GMT Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:28:32 GMT Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:49:48 GMT Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:40:26 GMT Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:22:29 GMT Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:46:27 GMT Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:09:45 GMT Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:16:40 GMT Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:34:05 GMT Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:58:12 GMT
Fueling of Discovery's external tank with 500,000 gallons of super-cold liquid oxygen and hydrogen is scheduled to begin at 4:11 p.m. EDT, depending on weather conditions at the time.

The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until Discovery's liftoff. All systems aboard the shuttle are functioning normally and no issues are being reported.

Weather continues to be 80 percent acceptable for a 1:36 a.m. Tuesday launch.

Coverage of Discovery's liftoff on the STS-128 mission begins Monday at 8:30 p.m. Follow the countdown with NASA's launch blog and live commentary broadcast on NASA TV.]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:53:36 GMT
NASA's Management Team Chair, Mike Moses gave an update of the maintenance and repair projects performed preparing the shuttle for launch and said the only concern at this point was the possible inclement weather just before the external tank is fueled.

"I'm really pleased to report that launch countdown activities are proceeding nominally and we working no issues," said Launch Director Pete Nickolenko.

Nickolenko reported that there are four launch attempts available within five days from Aug. 25 through Aug. 30 and he was "96 percent certain" of being able to launch in this time frame.

The forecast for launch has improved to 80 percent for favorable weather at time of liftoff according to Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. There is a possibility that storms could form within 5 miles of Launch Pad 39A just before fueling of the external tank violating constraints but the sea breezes could move them out of the area in time.

Rollback of the rotating service structure that protects the shuttle before launch is planned for 5 a.m. Monday and fueling of the external tank is scheduled to begin at 4:11 p.m.]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:49:11 GMT
Scheduled conference participants will be Mission Management Team Chair, Mike Moses; Director of Human Spaceflight, Simonetta di Pippo of the European Space Agency; STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko and Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters.

The forecast for the 1:36 a.m. Tuesday launch has improved to 80 percent for favorable weather at time of liftoff but the probability of favorable weather for tanking decreased to 60 percent because of storms possibly moving into the area over Launch Pad 39A.

The STS-128 astronauts will be awakened at 3 p.m. today to begin their day and preparations on space shuttle Discovery are proceeding smoothly with no issues being worked.]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:57:09 GMT
At today's Countdown Status Briefing held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson was pleased to report that all countdown preparations are on schedule and looking forward to a great launch.

"In this business there are few sites as beautiful as a nighttime launch," said Blackwell-Thompson. "And I expect this to be a spectacular site as Discovery roars to life early Tuesday morning and lights up the night sky."

STS-128 Payload Manager Joe Delai applauded the immense amount of work done by a great team to prepare the payload for delivery by Discovery and its crew.

"We're very excited about this mission," said Delai. "We're going to support a six crew capability both from a cargo and storage point of view -- we'll also be bringing up some good science racks so we can keep doing some good work up in space and for us folks here on Earth."

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the forecast for launch time is holding at a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for liftoff and fueling. There only a slight concern of possible storms moving into the area before tanking begins.

Keeping to an early-morning launch schedule, Discovery’s crew went to bed at 7 a.m. and will be awakened at 3 p.m. They will undergo standard medical examinations this afternoon.

Tune in to the next Countdown Status Briefing being aired on NASA TV, Sunday at 2 p.m. EDT.]]> Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:43:26 GMT
Launch teams are not working any issues that would prevent Discovery’s scheduled launch Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 1:36 a.m. on its 13-day mission to the International Space Station.

Discovery’s seven astronauts have additional mission study time in their overnight schedule before they head into their sleep period at 7 a.m. Saturday. The crew is scheduled to wake up at 3 p.m.

Tune in for the next countdown status briefing on NASA TV on Saturday at 10 a.m.]]> Sat, 22 Aug 2009 03:08:15 GMT
"Our systems are in good shape, the launch countdown preps are proceeding without much event and we have no new issues to report," Payne said. "The flight crew, vehicle and the launch team are ready to go; we're excited to pick up the launch countdown."

Discovery's launch is on track for 1:36 a.m. EDT Tuesday, and the official countdown for launch begins at 11 tonight.

The STS-128 crew members are on a launch sleep schedule and went to bed at 7 a.m. They'll be awakened at 3 p.m. to start their day and review flight plans. At 9 p.m., Commander Rick Sturckow and Pilot Kevin Ford will climb into NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft to practice approaches and landings at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility.

Rollback of the rotating service structure that protects the shuttle before launch is planned for 5 a.m. Monday, and fueling of the external tank is scheduled to begin at 4:11 p.m.

Shuttle Launch Weather Officer Kathy Winters forecasts a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for liftoff and fueling.

Tune in to the Countdown Status Briefing aired on NASA TV on Saturday at 10 a.m. EDT.]]> Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:41:31 GMT
Shuttle Launch Weather Officer Kathy Winters forecasts a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for liftoff and fueling of the external tank.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-128 crew members are on a launch sleep schedule and went to bed at 7 a.m. They'll be awakened at 3 p.m. to start their day and review flight plans. At 9 p.m. Commander Rick Sturckow and Pilot Kevin Ford will climb into NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft to practice approaches and landings at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility.

NASA Television will broadcast a countdown preview briefing with NASA Test Director Steve Payne at 10 a.m. today, which can be found at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The official countdown for Tuesday’s launch begins at 11 tonight.]]> Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:07:02 GMT
In the crew quarters of Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building they will review flight data and check out their launch-and-entry suits today.

Countdown to the launch of the STS-128 mission to the International Space Station begins at 11 p.m. EDT Friday. Liftoff of Discovery is set for 1:36 a.m. Aug. 25.]]> Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:52:38 GMT
Earlier in the day, the Flight Readiness Review for space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission concluded, setting the launch date for Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 1:36 a.m. EDT.

"I can't say enough about the quality of the review we had over the past day and a half," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, during a post-FRR news conference Wednesday morning. "It was a very effective review; I think we're ready to go fly. It's a real tribute to be here with the team that's done a great job with engineering, the (Kennedy) team that's gotten us this far in processing."

"I think the largest hurdles are behind us," said STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko. "The teams are in great shape to make this launch attempt on the 25th."]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:04:08 GMT
"I can't say enough about the quality of the review we had over the past day and a half," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, during a post-FRR news conference Wednesday morning. "It was a very effective review; I think we're ready to go fly. It's a real tribute to be here with the team that's done a great job with engineering, the (Kennedy) team that's gotten us this far in processing."

"I think the largest hurdles are behind us," said STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko. "The teams are in great shape to make this launch attempt on the 25th."

Because of inclement weather between Kennedy Space Center and Johnson Space Center, Discovery's seven astronauts plan to arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility in a NASA Shuttle Training Aircraft instead of T-38 aircrafts at 6:30 p.m.

The arrival at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility will be carried live on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:19:06 GMT
Yesterday afternoon, the meeting ended following a discussion about the foam insulation loss issue related to space shuttle Discovery’s external fuel tank. Managers heard all different viewpoints and decided the external tank was able to fly "as is" without additional testing.

Managers are expected to set a launch date at the end of today's meeting. If a "go" is given for the targeted Aug. 25, 1:36 a.m. launch, Discovery’s seven astronauts will arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at about 7:30 tonight in T-38 aircraft.

Currently, we’re expecting the post FRR news conference on NASA TV to start no earlier than 11 a.m.]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:25:31 GMT
The briefing will be broadcast live on NASA Television and on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The STS-128 mission currently is targeted to liftoff Aug. 25 at 1:36 a.m. EDT.]]> Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:51:43 GMT
The STS-128 mission currently is targeted to liftoff Aug. 24 at 1:58 a.m. EDT.]]> Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:00:17 GMT
On Saturday, 18 plug pulls were completed and passed the bond adhesion test. Foam loss during the last two shuttle launches from one particular ice-frost ramp, or IFR, high up on the liquid oxygen tank led to a detailed examination.

Meanwhile, the STS-128 crew is heading into quarantine today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to prepare for the upcoming mission reviewing flight documents.

Launch currently is targeted for 1:58 a.m. EDT on Monday, Aug. 24.]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:48:14 GMT
On Friday, shuttle managers approved 18 additional plug pull tests on the orbiter side of the external fuel tank to ensure there are no issues with its intertank region. Engineers at the tank’s manufacturing plant in New Orleans are assessing high-tech X-ray data to ensure protective foam ramps on the tank slated for November’s STS-129 mission show no defects.

The ice-frost ramps (IFR) protect brackets along the external tank from development of ice when super-cold liquid oxygen and hydrogen are loaded prior to launch. Foam loss during the last two shuttle launches from one particular IFR high up on the liquid oxygen tank has led to a detailed examination to determine if it is acceptable to launch Discovery without further work.

Meanwhile, the STS-128 crew Friday conducted its final launch training session integrated with Mission Control before heading into quarantine Monday. They will fly to Kennedy on Wednesday to prepare for launch.]]> Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:14:23 GMT Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:06:53 GMT Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:17:15 GMT
Seven astronauts who will fly to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Discovery began subtle changes in their daily routine to adjust their body clocks for the mission's schedule. The process is called sleep-shifting and it basically gets the crew members accustomed to being awake when they wouldn't normally be.]]> Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:30:26 GMT


Seven astronauts who will fly to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Discovery began subtle changes in their daily routine to adjust their body clocks for the mission’s schedule. The process is called sleep-shifting and it basically gets the crew members accustomed to being awake when they wouldn’t normally be.]]> Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:40:10 GMT
Workers are also performing their own tasks at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A to ready Discovery for its flight. While those careful preparations continue, teams will analyze foam loss from the external tanks on the STS-125 and STS-127 missions. Also, with the program-level Flight Readiness Review completed, officials are getting ready for the higher-level FRR Aug. 18.]]> Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:22:37 GMT Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:35:48 GMT Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:00:54 GMT Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:12:28 GMT Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:31:38 GMT