One week to launch STS-129

[Henk Voortwijs]

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:51:20 -0600

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the work week begins with the installation of new equipment at Launch Pad 39A.

Technicians will install instruments in both the mobile launcher platform's tail service mast and in space shuttle Atlantis' aft section. The equipment will record the sound pressure and vibration at liftoff -- which recently were determined to be stronger than originally thought.

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

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

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 mission astronauts will enter quarantine tonight after a day of administrative duties. They'll be housed in a germ-free environment until they fly to Kennedy on Thursday for Atlantis' launch to the International Space Station.

Liftoff is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16 and the countdown to launch begins 1 p.m. EST Friday.

http://www.nasa.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[tomh]

Thanks for the heads-up, Henk. I have copied the shuttle on my scanner on 148.0 mHz a couple of times as they talked to classrooms down below. I need to check the NASA website to see if any of this is planned on this mission. I have tried to photograph their overflight twice this past summer, but haven't succeeded yet. When I saw the shuttle and ISS linked together passing over at night, it was the brightest point-source object I have ever seen.

[Henk Voortwijs]

Five Days to Launch
Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:26:05 -0600

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians at Launch Pad 39A begin work today to get space shuttle Atlantis' propulsion systems ready for flight to the International Space Station.

The shuttle's three main engines, as well as the orbital maneuvering system and reaction control system, which will be used to steer Atlantis in space, will start being pressurized for flight.

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

The STS-129 astronauts will fly to Kennedy tomorrow in NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft. Landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility is expected around 12 p.m. EST. NASA TV will air the crew's arrival live on the Web at http://www.nasa.gov/ntv" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

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

Liftoff of Atlantis' 11-day cargo mission to the space station is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.

[Henk Voortwijs]

STS-129 Crew Due in to Kennedy Today
Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:08:13 -0600

Space shuttle Atlantis' six astronauts are expected to arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today for their prelaunch activities. Arrival in a Shuttle Training Aircraft is scheduled for about 12 p.m. EST and will be carried live on NASA TV and also can be found online at http://www.nasa.gov/ntv" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

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

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

Countdown officially begins tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. for Monday's 2:28 p.m. launch.

http://www.nasa.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Henk Voortwijs]

Atlantis Launch - One Day Away
Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:45:46 -0600

At the L-1 Atlantis launch countdown status briefing, NASA Test Director Steve Payne reported that all systems are "go" for liftoff and there are no issues being reported to hamper an on-time launch to the International Space Station at 2:28 p.m. EST Monday.

"After many, many months of hard work, STS-129 Atlantis and her crew are nearly ready to fly," said Payne. "We've had a clean countdown to date and are currently on schedule with no problems to report."

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

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

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

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

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

Today at about 5:30 p.m., the Rotating Service Structure that protects the shuttle from inclement weather will be rolled away.
Loading of propellants into the external tank is scheduled to begin at around 5 a.m. tomorrow and liftoff of Atlantis' STS-129 11-day cargo mission to the space station is set for 2:28 p.m.

http://www.nasa.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Henk Voortwijs]

Atlantis Undocks from International Space Station
Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:59:07 -0600

While flying 216 miles above the Pacific Ocean northeast of New Guinea, space shuttle Atlantis undocked from the International Space Station at 4:53 a.m. EST, six days, 17 hours and two minutes after docking on Nov. 18. Shuttle pilot Barry E. Wilmore will grab the stick and perform a fly around of the station, enabling his crewmates to conduct a photo survey of the 759,222 pound complex. The station now is 86 percent complete.

Atlantis’ newest crew member Nicole Stott spent 87 days aboard the space station and 80 days as an Expedition 20/21 Flight Engineer following her shuttle Discovery launch on Aug. 28. If Atlantis lands as planned Friday, she will have spent 91 days in space.

The deorbit burn is planned for 8:37 a.m. Friday, leading to a landing at 9:44 a.m. at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, runway 33.

http://www.nasa.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[PH-OUD]

Wow, never really did the math before, but 216 miles down in 1 hour and 7 minutes....

That is a vertical speed of 193.4 mph (312 kmh)!


Thanks for the updates.
E-J

[Kleintje Pils]

Some 45 minutes ago, around 18.12lt the ISS (as a bright star) was visible with the Spaceshuttle (as a small light) at some distance behind, heading from W-->SE