SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY NIGHT LAUNCHES TODAY 3-15-2009~STS-119

AFTER A 4 DAY DELAY SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY LIFTS OFF FLAWLESSLY.














STS-119 Launch Coverage STS-119 Launch Blog

Space shuttle Discovery launched March 15, 2009 at 7:43 p.m. EDT, carrying a crew of seven and the final set of power-generating solar arrays to the International Space Station. The successful liftoff highlighted a day of perfect Florida weather and a smooth countdown.

Discovery's two Orbital Maneuvering System engines now are assisting the trio of main engines

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:44:55 GMT
Ten seconds into flight, control is handed over to the Mission Control team in Houston as Discovery clears the tower. The shuttle is rolling into a head-down, wings-level orientation as it rockets away from Kennedy Space Center on a path to link up with the orbiting station.
the Launch Control Center here at Kennedy and at the Mission Control Center, located at Johnson Space Center in Texas.]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:06:07 GMT
Astronaut Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will strap into Seat 6. On the return flight, Seat 6 will be occupied by returning space station crew member Sandra Magnus.

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:49:58 GMT
Pilot Tony Antonelli is taking his seat, Seat 2, on the forward right side of the flight deck. STS-119 will be his first shuttle flight.

Next to board Discovery is Mission Specialist Richard Arnold, also embarking on his first space mission. He'll sit in Seat 5, on the left side of the middeck.

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:37:53 GMT
The crew accesses Discovery's crew module through the pad's White Room, the environmentally-controlled room at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm. Assisting the astronauts with boarding is the Closeout Crew, a seven-person team whose task is to ensure that the orbiter cockpit is properly configured for flight and to help the astronauts with entry into the orbiter. Closeout Crew members also ensure the side hatch is properly closed and that the White Room is prepped for launch.

Astronaut Support Personnel (ASPs) are affectionately known as the "Cape Crusaders." Astronaut Ken Ham is the prime ASP today, with additional support provided by astronauts Butch Wilmore, Shane Kimbrough, Steve Bowen, and Marsha Ivins. As part of the Closeout Crew, Ham is in the White Room to assist the astronauts as they climb into the orbiter and get strapped in.

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:45:32 GMT
Led by Commander Lee Archambault, Discovery's crew also includes Pilot Tony Antonelli and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold, John Phillips and Koichi Wakata. Once aboard the International Space Station, Wakata will replace departing Flight Engineer and Science Officer Sandra Magnus, who is returning to Earth aboard Discovery at the end of the STS-119 mission.

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:59:23 GMT Nearly 500,000 gallons of chilled liquid oxygen and hydrogen propellants began flowing into Discovery's massive orange external tank at 10:20 a.m. This fueling operation, known as "tanking," wrapped up three hours later and now is in stable replenish, meaning both propellants will be topped off continuously until the final minutes of the countdown.

Kennedy is enjoying postcard-perfect spring weather today. The launch forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of good conditions at launch time, and alternate landing sites across the U.S. and at emergency landing sites overseas also have favorable forecasts.

The countdown clock is holding at the T-3-hour mark. This planned hold is expected to be released at 3:48 p.m. when the clock begins counting once more. Stay with us for a front row seat as the launch time approaches.

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:22:00 GMT
This Concludes Our Live Launch Coverage

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:55:08 PM EDT
After a spectacular twilight liftoff from Kennedy Space Center, shuttle Discovery is in orbit and beginning a two-day chase to catch up to the International Space Station.
Tonight's countdown went well and weather cooperated, leading to an on-time launch at 7:43 p.m. EDT. For ongoing mission updates, visit www.nasa.gov/shuttle.

Thanks for joining us for today's coverage. From Firing Room 3 of the Launch Control Center at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this is NASA's Launch Blog.

MECO! Discovery Reaches Orbit
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:52:36 PM EDT

Mission Control confirms main engine cutoff -- Discovery is in orbit! The spent external fuel tank has been jettisoned and will burn up as it falls back toward Earth.

Press to MECO
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:50:17 PM EDT

At this point, Discovery can make it into orbit even if one engine failed. However, all three space shuttle main engines are performing as expected.

Roll to Heads-Up
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:49:51 PM EDT

Discovery is returning to a head-up orientation. Less than three minutes remain in the climb to orbit.

Press to ATO
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:49:13 PM EDT

If one of Discovery's main engines were to fail at this point, the orbiter would still be capable of reaching orbit in an "Abort to Orbit" abort mode, known as ATO. However, Discovery's engines are performing well as the orbiter and its crew of seven continue on a path toward the International Space Station.

No Turning Back
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:47:50 PM EDT

Discovery has passed the point of "negative return," meaning the vehicle is too far down range and too high in altitude to return to Kennedy Space Center.

Solid Rocket Booster Separation
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:46:14 PM EDT

The shuttle's two solid rocket boosters have burned out and jettisoned on time. They'll fall back into the Atlantic Ocean below, where NASA's two retrieval ships, Freedom Star and Liberty Star are stationed offshore to recover the spent boosters. Discovery and its external tank will continue the rest of the climb to orbit.

Discovery's two Orbital Maneuvering System engines now are assisting the trio of main engines.

Throttle-up Call
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:44:55 PM EDT

Commander Lee Archambault reports Discovery's engines are throttling up to 104 percent of rated thrust. Coming up on separation of the vehicle's twin solid rocket boosters.

Liftoff of Space Shuttle Discovery!
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:43:53 PM EDT

Booster ignition and liftoff of space shuttle Discovery on a mission to deliver more power and expanded capability to the International Space Station!

Ten seconds into flight, control is handed over to the Mission Control team in Houston as Discovery clears the tower. The shuttle is rolling into a head-down, wings-level orientation as it rockets away from Kennedy Space Center on a path to link up with the orbiting station.

T-1 Minute and Counting
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:42:51 PM EDT

T-1 minute and counting. At T-31 seconds, the ground launch sequencer gives the command for auto-sequence start. At this point, the orbiter's onboard computers assume control of all the vehicle's critical functions. The launch pad's sound suppression water system will activate shortly before liftoff, unleashing about 350,000 gallons of water across the pad's surface and into the flame trench to dampen the shock waves generated at ignition.

Astronauts Instructed to Close and Lock Visors
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:41:47 PM EDT

T-2 minutes and counting. Orbiter Test Conductor Laurie Sally just advised the astronauts to close and lock their visors and turn on the air flow to their helmets. With launch approaching, stable replenish has ended and Discovery's external tank is fully pressurized. The vent arm and "beanie cap" that allowed venting during the countdown has been retracted.

Five More Minutes
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:39:06 PM EDT

The ground launch sequencer is "go" for APU start. Discovery's three auxiliary power units are being activated. T-5 minutes and counting.

Orbiter Access Arm is Retracted
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:36:32 PM EDT

The Orbiter Access Arm is being pulled away from Discovery. This walkway connects the launch pad's fixed service structure to the orbiter's crew module, providing access for the Closeout Crew and astronauts. It is moved out of the way for liftoff but can be quickly returned to position if necessary.

T-9 Minutes and Counting
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:34:51 PM EDT

T-9 minutes and counting. The computerized ground launch sequencer is controlling the countdown, issuing the commands to put Discovery and the launch pad into the final configuration for liftoff. The GLS, as it's called, monitors about a thousand critical orbiter functions through launch.

Discovery and Crew are "Go" for Launch
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:31:55 PM EDT

Launch Director Mike Leinbach and NASA Test Director Steve Payne have completed their prelaunch polls and all members of the launch team are reported "go" for launch.

Mission Management Team is Ready to Proceed
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:25:56 PM EDT

Mission Management Team Chairman Mike Moses has polled the members of the management team, and they confirm they're ready to proceed with the countdown.

Countdown Update
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:19:44 PM EDT

The sun is setting at Kennedy Space Center, where space shuttle Discovery is poised to lift off in less than half an hour. The countdown clock is holding at T-9 minutes, and the count will resume at 7:34 p.m. Liftoff is targeted for 7:43:44 p.m.

Closeout Crew Leaves Launch Pad 39A
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:51:29 PM EDT

The STS-119 flight crew is safely strapped in aboard space shuttle Discovery, the orbiter's side hatch is closed and sealed, and it's time for the Closeout Crew to depart Launch Pad 39A. They'll watch tonight's launch from a roadblock a safe distance away from the pad. At this point, the only people remaining at Launch Pad 39A are the seven astronauts scheduled to lift off tonight.

T-9 minutes and holding
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:49:32 PM EDT

The countdown has entered the final planned hold.

One Hour Until Launch
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:43:38 PM EDT

There is only one hour left in the countdown tonight. Discovery remains on track to lift off at 7:43 p.m. EDT.

T-20 Minutes and Counting
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:38:12 PM EDT

The countdown has resumed. The final hold in tonight's countdown is coming up at T-9 minutes.

T-20 Minutes and Holding
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:28:07 PM EDT

The countdown has entered a built-in hold at the T-20-minute mark. The clock will resume counting in 10 minutes.

Weather Reconnaissance Data Factors into Forecast
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:18:29 PM EDT

Astronaut Steve Lindsey is flying weather reconnaissance aircraft this evening. He flew a T-38 earlier, and soon will take off in the Shuttle Training Aircraft. He'll practice landing approaches to the long runway at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility to assess the current weather's effect on the orbiter in the unlikely event of a Return to Launch Site abort. He is passing his observations to astronaut John Casper, who is serving as weather coordinator in the firing room. Weather looks ideal for launch tonight at 7:43 p.m. EDT.

T-45 Minutes and Counting
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:02:53 PM EDT

Launch teams are not working on any issues that would interfere with launch this evening. Discovery's hatch is closed and latched and cabin leak checks are under way.

Closeout Crew is "Go" to Close the Hatch
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 05:48:18 PM EDT

Now that the astronauts are strapped in and air-to-ground voice checks are complete, the Closeout Crew has been given the go-ahead to close Discovery's side hatch. The hatch will be closed and latched, then sealed for flight.

Weather is Perfect
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 05:30:22 PM EDT

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters just briefed Launch Director Mike Leinbach on the weather, and she has upgraded our forecast to 100 percent "go" -- there is no chance of weather prohibiting launch tonight at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The countdown is going smoothly at T-1 hour, 18 minutes and counting, and the Closeout Crew is preparing to close Discovery's side hatch shortly.

All Aboard
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 05:06:07 PM EDT

Mission Specialist Steve Swanson has climbed into Seat 4, on the rear left side of the flight deck, behind Archambault. Like Archambault, Swanson's first spaceflight was aboard shuttle Atlantis on the STS-117 mission.

The entire STS-119 crew now is on board. Next on the agenda is a checkout of the astronauts' air-to-ground voice communications with the Launch Control Center here at Kennedy and at the Mission Control Center, located at Johnson Space Center in Texas.

Acaba and Wakata Enter Discovery
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:49:58 PM EDT

Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba is next to climb aboard. This will be the first spaceflight for the former middle school and high school science teacher. He'll ride into space in Seat 3, in the rear right side of the flight deck, behind the pilot.

Astronaut Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will strap into Seat 6. On the return flight, Seat 6 will be occupied by returning space station crew member Sandra Magnus.

Phillips, Antonelli and Arnold Now On Board
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:37:53 PM EDT

Mission Specialist John Phillips will fly into space in Seat 7, on the right side of Discovery's middeck. Phillips, a spaceflight veteran, previously served aboard the International Space Station as Expedition 11 flight engineer.

Pilot Tony Antonelli is taking his seat, Seat 2, on the forward right side of the flight deck. STS-119 will be his first shuttle flight.

Next to board Discovery is Mission Specialist Richard Arnold, also embarking on his first space mission. He'll sit in Seat 5, on the left side of the middeck.

Crew Boarding Begins
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:22:08 PM EDT

Commander Lee Archambault is climbing into Discovery's crew module. Seat 1, the commander's seat, is located on the forward left side of the flight deck. Archambault, a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, is making his second spaceflight. He flew space shuttle Atlantis as pilot on mission STS-117.

The crew accesses Discovery's crew module through the pad's White Room, the environmentally-controlled room at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm. Assisting the astronauts with boarding is the Closeout Crew, a seven-person team whose task is to ensure that the orbiter cockpit is properly configured for flight and to help the astronauts with entry into the orbiter. Closeout Crew members also ensure the side hatch is properly closed and that the White Room is prepped for launch.

Astronaut Support Personnel (ASPs) are affectionately known as the "Cape Crusaders." Astronaut Ken Ham is the prime ASP today, with additional support provided by astronauts Butch Wilmore, Shane Kimbrough, Steve Bowen, and Marsha Ivins. As part of the Closeout Crew, Ham is in the White Room to assist the astronauts as they climb into the orbiter and get strapped in.

Countdown Proceeding Smoothly
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:08:51 PM EDT

At T-minus 40 minutes and counting, the countdown is going well this afternoon and there are no issues being handled right now that could impact launch this evening at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The astronauts, riding in the vintage silver Astrovan, have arrived at the base of the launch pad and will ride the elevator up to the 195-foot level to board Discovery in the next few minutes.

Discovery to Deliver Station's Final Truss Segment
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:59:32 PM EDT

After launch, Discovery and the STS-119 astronauts are bound for the International Space Station to deliver the fourth and final set of power-generating solar arrays. The S6 truss segment will complete the outpost's backbone and provide enough power to support an expanded crew of six resident astronauts.

Crew Departs for the Launch Pad
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:53:17 PM EDT

The STS-119 astronauts are departing Kennedy Space Center's Operations and Checkout Building. A small crowd has gathered to wave and cheer, giving the astronauts a proper send-off as they board the silver Astrovan and pull away in a motorcade. In less than half an hour, they'll be at the pad, preparing to board Discovery.

Final Inspection Complete
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:48:44 PM EDT

The Final Inspection Team has completed its check of the shuttle and pad and is preparing to leave. They've found no issues other than a sleeping bat that is hanging onto the external tank. The bat is not expected to interfere with launch this evening.

T-3 Hours and Counting
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:48:23 PM EDT

The countdown has resumed. The next planned hold begins at T-20 minutes. The STS-119 flight crew will leave for the launch pad in about five minutes.

Red Team Departs Launch Pad
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:45:32 PM EDT

The red team has successfully made the necessary manual adjustments at Launch Pad 39A, raising the helium pressure. With this issue resolved, the team is departing the pad.

Discovery Astronauts Include a New Station Crew Member
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:28:44 PM EDT

Right now the astronauts are at their crew quarters, which is located across the space center. They'll soon begin climbing into their bright orange launch-and-entry suits, then they'll depart for the launch pad at about 5:30 p.m. EDT.

Led by Commander Lee Archambault, Discovery's crew also includes Pilot Tony Antonelli and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold, John Phillips and Koichi Wakata. Once aboard the International Space Station, Wakata will replace departing Flight Engineer and Science Officer Sandra Magnus, who is returning to Earth aboard Discovery at the end of the STS-119 mission.

Helium Pressure Issue Not an Impact to Launch
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:26:56 PM EDT

The "red team" of technicians and safety personnel are accessing a panel inside the MLP to increase the pressure of helium that feeds to a "gap" area between the external tank and shuttle. This area, where liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen lines run from the tank to the shuttle, is purged with helium to prevent the formation of ice and the accumulation of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. Helium does not freeze in the presence of super-cold hydrogen. The helium level was on the lower side of acceptable limits, and the red team will adjust the pressure to create the proper margin. This issue will not interfere with today's launch attempt.

Team Conducts Final Inspection of Shuttle and Pad
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:15:11 PM EDT

The seven-member Final Inspection Team is at Launch Pad 39A right now, conducting a thorough check of the shuttle assembly and the pad structures prior to liftoff. The team includes both NASA and contractor personnel who search for ice build-up or debris that could pose a danger to the vehicle during launch and ascent. The inspection typically lasts two-and-a-half to three hours, and during that time the team members move methodically from the top of the pad all the way down to the surface of the mobile launcher platform.

"Red Team" Dispatched to Launch Pad
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:59:23 PM EDT

The launch team is monitoring a drop in helium pressure in a liquid hydrogen umbilical disconnect. Launch Director Mike Leinbach has sent a "red team" of specially trained personnel to the pad to make manual adjustments in order to increase the pressure.

About Built-In Holds
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:44:11 PM EDT

During every countdown, there are times when the clock is temporarily stopped. These periods are called "built-in holds," and the launch team uses these pauses to synchronize with other countdown clocks, monitor weather events, make final adjustments to the launch time and check various systems before resuming the countdown.

Welcome to the Countdown
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:30:24 PM EDT

At T-3 hours and holding, this is NASA's Launch Blog. Thanks for joining us for the countdown to tonight's launch of space shuttle Discovery, which is set for 7:43 p.m. EDT. The launch blog comes to you from Firing Room 3 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, about three miles west of Launch Pad 39A.

Nearly 500,000 gallons of chilled liquid oxygen and hydrogen propellants began flowing into Discovery's massive orange external tank at 10:20 a.m. This fueling operation, known as "tanking," wrapped up three hours later and now is in stable replenish, meaning both propellants will be topped off continuously until the final minutes of the countdown.

Kennedy is enjoying postcard-perfect spring weather today. The launch forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of good conditions at launch time, and alternate landing sites across the U.S. and at emergency landing sites overseas also have favorable forecasts.

The countdown clock is holding at the T-3-hour mark. This planned hold is expected to be released at 3:48 p.m. when the clock begins counting once more. Stay with us for a front row seat as the launch time approaches.

Join Us Today for Live Launch Coverage
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:22:00 PM EDT

NASA's Launch Blog will begin live countdown coverage this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. EDT. We hope you'll join us for the liftoff of space shuttle Discovery on its STS-119 mission.