LIFE'S A BITCH, THEN YOU DIE AS THE SAYING GOES...
BUT..YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHILE YOU ARE HERE ON EARTH. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! TELL IT LIKE IT IS.
IF YOU SIT BACK AND DO NOTHING, THEN NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE. MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.
Friday, November 27, 2009
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS, STS129 LANDS SAFELY AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER NOV. 27, 2009
SEE VIDEO BELOW OF THE LANDING OF SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS, STS-129.
Space shuttle Atlantis and its crew of seven astronauts ended an 11-day journey of nearly 4.5 million miles with a 9:44 a.m. EST landing Friday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission, designated STS-129, included three spacewalks and the installation of two platforms to the International Space Station's truss, or backbone. The platforms hold large spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired. The shuttle crew delivered about 30,000 pounds of replacement parts for systems that provide power to the station, keep it from overheating, and maintain a proper orientation in space.
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS BLASTS OFF TODAY NOVEMBER 16, 2009
A beautiful Launch today on a clear day. SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE NASA BLOG AND FOR SOME NICE PICS AT THE VERY BOTTOM..You can see replay of the launch below.Great video. If you missed it today. Watch now. Space Shuttle Atlantis launch, in HD <--Very cool video of the Shuttle launch.
Space Shuttle ATLANTIS sits on the launch pad ready for launch today @ 2:28 PM.EST (FIRED UP AND READY TO GO! )
Commander Charlie Hobaugh will lead the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Atlantis. Barry Wilmore will serve as the pilot. Mission Specialists are Robert Satcher, Michael Foreman, Randy Bresnik and Leland Melvin. Wilmore, Satcher and Bresnik will be making their first trips to space.
The mission will return station crew member Nicole Stott to Earth. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle crew rotation flight to or from the space station.
Atlantis will deliver parts to the space station, including a spare gyroscope. The mission will feature three spacewalks.
STS-129 is the 31st shuttle mission to the station.
Image above: On the front row are Commander Charlie Hobaugh (left) and Pilot Barry Wilmore. On the back row (from left) are astronauts Leland Melvin, Mike Foreman, Robert Satcher and Randy Bresnik, all mission specialists. Image credit: NASA
Image above: Atlantis crew members leave Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building to board NASA's Astrovan for the short trip to Launch Pad 39A. Photo credit: NASA/TV
Launch Blog Ends with Atlantis Safely in Space Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:49:59 PM EST
As the crew of Atlantis begins 11 days of work in space, the NASA Launch Blog is wrapping up. Thanks for following the countdown of STS-129 with us today at Kennedy Space Center and come back to the NASA Web site often to track the progress of this exciting mission. The crew is scheduled to return to Kennedy on Nov. 27 to end the flight. We will be here also to record the landing of Atlantis. See you then!
Atlantis in Orbit Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:41:23 PM EST
Space shuttle Atlantis reached orbit after a flawless launch at 2:28 p.m. The spacecraft and its crew of six astronauts are chasing the International Space Station and are on a trajectory to meet with the orbiting laboratory in two days time. Once docked, the crew of Atlantis will grow by one as station resident Nicole Stott becomes a member of the STS-129 team.
MECO! Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:37:50 PM EST
The three main engines on Atlantis have shut down and the external tank has separated.
Shuttle Picking up Speed in Climb to Space Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:34:13 PM EST
At 67 miles high and traveling about 8,000 mph, Atlantis is gaining speed and altitude as it soars toward an orbit that will put it on a path to track down the International Space Station.
SRB Sep Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:31:14 PM EST
The twin solid rocket boosters have fallen away from Atlantis and its external tank on schedule and the launch is proceeding perfectly. The shuttle is riding spaceward on the strength of its three liquid-fueled engines.
Liftoff! Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:28:48 PM EST
Shuttle Atlantis has cleared the tower!
One Minute to Launch Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:27:40 PM EST
The last minute of the countdown is proceeding smoothly. The main engines will ignite six seconds before liftoff.
Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm Retracts Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:26:23 PM EST
The "beanie cap," which collects oxygen venting from the external tank, is being retracted now as the countdown proceeds toward the launch of STS-129 at 2:28 p.m.
Countdown in Home Stretch Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:24:23 PM EST
The last phase of the countdown is a busy time at Launch Pad 39A where a series of automated and remote-controlled actions set up the shuttle for its vertical climb toward space. The orbiter access arm, which is the platform leading from the service structure to the shuttle, is being retracted. In a few minutes, the arm holding the "beanie cap" will swivel out of the way of Atlantis. At launch, umbilicals attached to the shuttle's aft compartments will retract. At the same time, T-0, eight explosive bolts holding the twin solid rocket boosters will fire and the shuttle will leave the launch pad on the force of some 7 million pounds of thrust from the boosters and Atlantis' three main engines.
Countdown Under Way Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:19:46 PM EST
At T-9 minutes, the countdown to the launch of STS-129 has resumed on schedule. Liftoff is scheduled for 2:28 p.m.
Launch Teams Give "Go" for Liftoff Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:17:37 PM EST
Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach has cleared Atlantis for launch after conducting the last launch readiness poll for the countdown of STS-129.
"We're excited to take this incredible vehicle for a ride," Atlantis Commander Charles Hobaugh radioed to the launch team.
The countdown will resume in about two minutes for an on-time launch at 2:28 p.m.
In the Firing Room Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:50:08 PM EST
Today's blog is originating from Firing Room 3 at the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The LCC is home to four firing rooms, with Firing Room 4 serving as the prime control room for the STS-129 launch. Controllers, engineers and technicians representing scores of NASA and contractor specialties work in the firing rooms during a shuttle launch because not all of them will fit in a single room. Each of the rooms is set up with several rows of consoles connected by computer and communications networks so controllers and support staff can reach whoever they need very quickly. The rooms are also staffed between launches as engineers follow the processing of each shuttle up to launch. The Young-Crippen Firing Room has been converted for the Constellation Program and was used to oversee last month's flight test of the Ares I-X rocket.
Countdown Enters Last Planned Hold Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:34:52 PM EST
With liftoff on schedule for 2:28 p.m., the countdown entered its last planned pause of the cycle at T-9 minutes. Several polls will be conducted during this hold to clear Atlantis for launch.
One Hour to Launch Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:30:56 PM EST
With the countdown moving along on schedule, space shuttle Atlantis and its six astronauts are poised to begin their mission to the International Space Station with a 2:28 p.m. liftoff. Weather is green and improving, plus there are no technical issues that would hinder a launch.
Special Guests Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:27:10 PM EST
Every launch brings out famous faces and historic figures. This launch is no different. Olympic swimmer Dara Torres is slated to watch the liftoff as a VIP. She has competed in five Olympiads reaching back to 1984. Her medal haul includes four gold, four silver and four bronze. Three of the silver medals came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Also invited to see the launch are two of the original Tuskegee Airmen, Don Elders and Alexander Jefferson.
Weather Improves, Fuel Cell Issue Not an Impediment Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:25:30 PM EST
Engineers evaluating the fuel cell electrical issue have determined it likely is a function of the configuration of the lighting in the crew cabin and there will be no troubleshooting necessary prior to launch. All systems remain “go,” and weather remains “go." Kathy Winters, the shuttle weather officer, has changed the launch weather prediction to 80 percent chance of favorable conditions.
Countdown Resumes Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:23:46 PM EST
The countdown came out of its planned hold on schedule and is moving backward from the T-20 minute mark.
Countdown in Planned Hold Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:14:38 PM EST
The clock has paused at T-20 minutes as planned. The liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-129 remains on schedule for 2:28 p.m. from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Fuel Cell Issue Not Expected to Delay Launch Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:55:51 PM EST
The launch team is evaluating small electrical “noise” on a fuel cell pump motor. The noise is believed to be related to crew cabin lighting, which is on the same power bus. The issue is not expected to impact launch. Atlantis’ hatch is closed and latched and standard cabin leak checks are under way. Astronaut Steve Lindsey is flying a Shuttle Training Aircraft to survey weather conditions around the Kennedy Space Center.
Technicians Close Atlantis Hatch Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:33:14 PM EST
Working in the White Room at Launch Pad 39A, the Closeout Crew has swung Atlantis' hatch closed and is getting ready to latch it for flight. They will conduct leak checks on the cabin, also, before the technicians leave the launch pad.
Comm Checks Under Way Between Shuttle, Controllers Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:20:17 PM EST
The astronauts are testing their microphones and communications systems aboard Atlantis as the countdown proceeds toward a 2:28 p.m. liftoff. The crew is going through a series of tests to verify they can talk directly to the launch team here at Kennedy and the Mission Control Center in Houston.
What Atlantis is Taking to Space Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:09:18 PM EST
For STS-129, NASA is putting to use the shuttle's unique ability to haul large pallets of equipment to position spare parts on the orbiting laboratory for possible use in the future. Atlantis has two platforms known as ELC 1 and ELC 2 in its payload bay. ELC is short for ExPRESS Logistics Carrier. Each one is about 16 feet long and 14 feet wide and weighs more than 13,000 pounds.
Fourteen large pieces of equipment generically called orbital replacement units are attached to the platforms. They include things, such as a fresh ammonia tank assembly for the station's cooling system, two spare gyroscopes that are used to hold the station's attitude and a spare end for the station's robotic arm. The platforms with their extra parts will be connected to the outside of the station's truss where the robotic arm and spacewalking astronauts can get to them easily. Two more ELCs are to be brought up on STS-134 and STS-133. Taken together, the parts and the platforms amount to a storage bin in space.
Bresnik Last to Board Atlantis Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:01:03 PM EST
Randy Bresnik has scooted through the hatch of Atlantis and is on his way to the flight deck where he will sit in the flight engineer's seat between Commander Hobaugh and Pilot Wilmore. Bresnik is an accomplished Marine pilot, but he is making his first flight into space as a mission specialist. He will perform two of the mission's three spacewalks.
Foreman in Middeck Seat Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:54:32 AM EST
Veteran astronaut and spacewalker Mike Foreman is riding into space on the middeck of Atlantis, in the seat closest to the hatch. Foreman, a native of Columbus, Ohio, performed three spacewalks during STS-123 in 2008. Like many astronauts, he flew a wide variety of high-performance aircraft before joining the space agency.
Weather Goes Green Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:49:59 AM EST
The cloud deck over Kennedy Space Center has thinned out enough for Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters to declare conditions "go." The forecast also calls for green conditions at launch time.
Melvin Heads to Flight Deck Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:48:22 AM EST
Astronaut Leland Melvin, a veteran from the STS-122 mission, will sit behind Pilot Barry Wilmore during launch. Melvin worked at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia before joining the astronaut corps. He is a specialist in fiber optics and has earned numerous performance awards from the agency. He has also enjoyed a robust football career as a wide receiver. He was drafted by the NFL's Detroit Lions and took part in training camps with the Dallas Cowboys and Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts. He is also an enthusiastic speaker and travels across the country talking to schoolchildren about technical interests and careers.
Satcher Boards Atlantis Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:37:50 AM EST
Mission Specialist Robert Satcher, a native of Hampton, Virginia, has taken his place on the lower level of Atlantis' crew compartment. A medical doctor, Satcher counts as his alma maters MIT, Harvard Medical School, UC-Berkeley and the University of Florida. He has completed medical missions in Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nigeria and Gabon. For STS-129, Satcher will perform two of the mission's three spacewalks.
Wilmore Takes Pilot Seat Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:29:36 AM EST
Barry Wilmore, known as "Butch," is getting into the pilot seat on Atlantis. He is on the other side of the cockpit from Hobaugh. Wilmore was a standout football player at Tennessee Tech and is in the school's Sports Hall of Fame. He served as a pilot in the Navy before joining NASA. STS-129 is his first spaceflight.
Astronauts at Launch Pad Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:04:38 AM EST
The crew of STS-129 are at Launch Pad 39A at this hour about to board Atlantis. Commander Hobaugh will climb inside the cockpit first, making his way to the left-hand seat at the front of the flight deck. He will start comm checks soon after getting into his seat. The astronauts will be reclined with their weight on their backs because Atlantis is standing on its tail for liftoff. Meanwhile, the countdown is continuing on schedule.
STS-129 Crew Heads for Launch Pad 39A Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:42:01 AM EST
The astronauts' trip to space begins with an short drive to the launch pad. After spending the morning at the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building, the crew is now riding inside NASA's silver Astrovan, which is a modified Airstream motor coach. The vehicle is big enough on the inside to accommodate the crew members and their bulky pressure suits. It will take less than half an hour to reach Atlantis.
Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters advised the launch team that the weather conditions at Kennedy are improving. She said the cloud cover now in the area should move away by launch time and leave the sky clear for Atlantis' flight.
The shuttle is showing no technical issues and launch is on schedule for 2:28 p.m. EST.
Launch Day for Atlantis The STS-129 mission will be commanded by Charles O. Hobaugh and piloted by Barry E. Wilmore. Mission Specialists are Robert L. Satcher Jr., Mike Foreman, Randy Bresnik and Leland Melvin. Wilmore, Satcher and Bresnik will be making their first trips to space.
Atlantis and its crew will deliver two control moment gyroscopes, equipment and EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 1 and 2 to the International Space Station. The mission will feature three spacewalks.
The mission also will return station crew member Nicole Stott to Earth and is slated to be the final space shuttle crew rotation flight.
STS-129 LAUNCH COVERAGE
Track the exciting countdown to the launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-129 mission beginning at 9:30 a.m. EST on Nov. 16. Liftoff is scheduled for 2:28 p.m. Blogger Steve Siceloff will deliver live updates from the Firing Room inside the Launch Control Center as the clocks tick backward to launch.
Veteran astronaut Charlie Hobaugh will command Atlantis on the flight to the International Space Station. First-time flier Barry Wilmore will serve as pilot. The mission specialists are Randy Bresnik and Robert Satcher, making their first spaceflights, and veteran fliers Leland Melvin and Mike Foreman. Current space station crew member Nicole Stott will return to Earth aboard Atlantis as the seventh crew member of STS-129.
NOTE: All times are posted in Eastern. Timestamps may appear in your local time.
In the Firing Room Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:50:08 PM EST
Today's blog is originating from Firing Room 3 at the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The LCC is home to four firing rooms, with Firing Room 4 serving as the prime control room for the STS-129 launch. Controllers, engineers and technicians representing scores of NASA and contractor specialties work in the firing rooms during a shuttle launch because not all of them will fit in a single room. Each of the rooms is set up with several rows of consoles connected by computer and communications networks so controllers and support staff can reach whoever they need very quickly. The rooms are also staffed between launches as engineers follow the processing of each shuttle up to launch. The Young-Crippen Firing Room has been converted for the Constellation Program and was used to oversee last month's flight test of the Ares I-X rocket.
Countdown Enters Last Planned Hold Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:34:52 PM EST
With liftoff on schedule for 2:28 p.m., the countdown entered its last planned pause of the cycle at T-9 minutes. Several polls will be conducted during this hold to clear Atlantis for launch.
One Hour to Launch Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:30:56 PM EST
With the countdown moving along on schedule, space shuttle Atlantis and its six astronauts are poised to begin their mission to the International Space Station with a 2:28 p.m. liftoff. Weather is green and improving, plus there are no technical issues that would hinder a launch.
Special Guests Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:27:10 PM EST
Every launch brings out famous faces and historic figures. This launch is no different. Olympic swimmer Dara Torres is slated to watch the liftoff as a VIP. She has competed in five Olympiads reaching back to 1984. Her medal haul includes four gold, four silver and four bronze. Three of the silver medals came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Also invited to see the launch are two of the original Tuskegee Airmen, Don Elders and Alexander Jefferson.
Weather Improves, Fuel Cell Issue Not an Impediment Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:25:30 PM EST
Engineers evaluating the fuel cell electrical issue have determined it likely is a function of the configuration of the lighting in the crew cabin and there will be no troubleshooting necessary prior to launch. All systems remain “go,” and weather remains “go." Kathy Winters, the shuttle weather officer, has changed the launch weather prediction to 80 percent chance of favorable conditions.
Countdown Resumes Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:23:46 PM EST
The countdown came out of its planned hold on schedule and is moving backward from the T-20 minute mark.
Countdown in Planned Hold Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:14:38 PM EST
The clock has paused at T-20 minutes as planned. The liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-129 remains on schedule for 2:28 p.m. from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Fuel Cell Issue Not Expected to Delay Launch Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:55:51 PM EST
The launch team is evaluating small electrical “noise” on a fuel cell pump motor. The noise is believed to be related to crew cabin lighting, which is on the same power bus. The issue is not expected to impact launch. Atlantis’ hatch is closed and latched and standard cabin leak checks are under way. Astronaut Steve Lindsey is flying a Shuttle Training Aircraft to survey weather conditions around the Kennedy Space Center.
Technicians Close Atlantis Hatch Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:33:14 PM EST
Working in the White Room at Launch Pad 39A, the Closeout Crew has swung Atlantis' hatch closed and is getting ready to latch it for flight. They will conduct leak checks on the cabin, also, before the technicians leave the launch pad.
Comm Checks Under Way Between Shuttle, Controllers Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:20:17 PM EST The astronauts are testing their microphones and communications systems aboard Atlantis as the countdown proceeds toward a 2:28 p.m. liftoff. The crew is going through a series of tests to verify they can talk directly to the launch team here at Kennedy and the Mission Control Center in Houston.
What Atlantis is Taking to Space Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:09:18 PM EST
For STS-129, NASA is putting to use the shuttle's unique ability to haul large pallets of equipment to position spare parts on the orbiting laboratory for possible use in the future. Atlantis has two platforms known as ELC 1 and ELC 2 in its payload bay. ELC is short for ExPRESS Logistics Carrier. Each one is about 16 feet long and 14 feet wide and weighs more than 13,000 pounds.
Fourteen large pieces of equipment generically called orbital replacement units are attached to the platforms. They include things, such as a fresh ammonia tank assembly for the station's cooling system, two spare gyroscopes that are used to hold the station's attitude and a spare end for the station's robotic arm. The platforms with their extra parts will be connected to the outside of the station's truss where the robotic arm and spacewalking astronauts can get to them easily. Two more ELCs are to be brought up on STS-134 and STS-133. Taken together, the parts and the platforms amount to a storage bin in space.
Bresnik Last to Board Atlantis Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:01:03 PM EST
Randy Bresnik has scooted through the hatch of Atlantis and is on his way to the flight deck where he will sit in the flight engineer's seat between Commander Hobaugh and Pilot Wilmore. Bresnik is an accomplished Marine pilot, but he is making his first flight into space as a mission specialist. He will perform two of the mission's three spacewalks.
Foreman in Middeck Seat Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:54:32 AM EST
Veteran astronaut and spacewalker Mike Foreman is riding into space on the middeck of Atlantis, in the seat closest to the hatch. Foreman, a native of Columbus, Ohio, performed three spacewalks during STS-123 in 2008. Like many astronauts, he flew a wide variety of high-performance aircraft before joining the space agency.
Weather Goes Green Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:49:59 AM EST The cloud deck over Kennedy Space Center has thinned out enough for Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters to declare conditions "go." The forecast also calls for green conditions at launch time.
Melvin Heads to Flight Deck Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:48:22 AM EST
Astronaut Leland Melvin, a veteran from the STS-122 mission, will sit behind Pilot Barry Wilmore during launch. Melvin worked at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia before joining the astronaut corps. He is a specialist in fiber optics and has earned numerous performance awards from the agency. He has also enjoyed a robust football career as a wide receiver. He was drafted by the NFL's Detroit Lions and took part in training camps with the Dallas Cowboys and Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts. He is also an enthusiastic speaker and travels across the country talking to schoolchildren about technical interests and careers.
Satcher Boards Atlantis Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:37:50 AM EST
Mission Specialist Robert Satcher, a native of Hampton, Virginia, has taken his place on the lower level of Atlantis' crew compartment. A medical doctor, Satcher counts as his alma maters MIT, Harvard Medical School, UC-Berkeley and the University of Florida. He has completed medical missions in Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nigeria and Gabon. For STS-129, Satcher will perform two of the mission's three spacewalks.
Wilmore Takes Pilot Seat Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:29:36 AM EST
Barry Wilmore, known as "Butch," is getting into the pilot seat on Atlantis. He is on the other side of the cockpit from Hobaugh. Wilmore was a standout football player at Tennessee Tech and is in the school's Sports Hall of Fame. He served as a pilot in the Navy before joining NASA. STS-129 is his first spaceflight.
Astronauts at Launch Pad
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:04:38 AM EST
The crew of STS-129 are at Launch Pad 39A at this hour about to board Atlantis. Commander Hobaugh will climb inside the cockpit first, making his way to the left-hand seat at the front of the flight deck. He will start comm checks soon after getting into his seat. The astronauts will be reclined with their weight on their backs because Atlantis is standing on its tail for liftoff. Meanwhile, the countdown is continuing on schedule.
Crew Heads to Launch Pad 39A Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:40:52 AM EST
Commander Hobaugh led his crew of six astronauts out of the Operations and Checkout Building this morning on the first leg of their trip to space. The astronauts have climbed into the Astrovan to begin a 20-mile commute to the launch pad. A brief elevator ride will take them to the 195-foot level where the open hatch of Atlantis awaits. Once strapped in, the crew will have an eight-and-a-half minute climb into orbit. Two days later, they are to rendezvous and dock with the International Space Station to deliver two platforms loaded with spare parts for the orbiting laboratory.
Countdown Resumes at T-3 Hours Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:35:00 AM EST
The countdown to the launch of STS-129 picked back up on schedule and the clocks are ticking backward again from T-3 hours. There are several built-in holds or pauses in the process. Liftoff remains on schedule for a 2:28 p.m.
Astronauts Suit Up Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:16:29 AM EST
The crew of STS-129 is getting into their launch-and-entry suits before heading out to the launch pad. They are in the Operations and Checkout Building here at Kennedy, about a 20-minute drive from Launch Pad 39A. The suit-up procedure includes leak checks with helmet and gloves on to make sure the partial pressure suit will seal up properly.
The Crew Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:00:53 AM EST
Six astronauts will fly Atlantis into orbit this afternoon to begin the STS-129 mission. Charles O. Hobaugh, who has already flown two shuttle missions, is the commander for this flight. As a Marine aviator before joining NASA, Hobaugh piloted Harrier jump-jets, the small aircraft that can take off and land vertically. He flew his first shuttle mission in 2001 as pilot of Atlantis. He also served as pilot on STS-118 aboard shuttle Endeavour.
Barry E. Wilmore is the pilot for this Atlantis mission. He's a rookie who came to NASA in 2000. Leland Melvin, an experienced astronaut from STS-122, and first-time flier Randy Bresnik round out the crew on the flight deck. Mike Foreman, who flew on STS-123 last year, will sit on the lower level for launch, along with rookie Robert L. Satcher. While they won't have the best view on the way up, both will get stunning opportunities to look around during the mission since they are slated to perform spacewalks during the 11-day mission.
The shuttle will bring back one more person from the station: Nicole Stott, who has been a resident of the orbiting laboratory since August.
Final Inspection Team, Closeout Crew at Pad Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:54:00 AM EST
Two small groups of technicians are at Launch Pad 39A this morning in preparation for Atlantis' liftoff later today. The Final Inspection Team, which many may know as the Ice Team, is looking for ice buildup and debris on the shuttle stack. The external tank gets a careful survey by the technicians who carry handheld equipment to scan the tank's temperature. They can take pictures of anything they find and send those from the pad back to the Launch Control Center for evaluation. The Final Inspection Team wears orange jumpsuits during their work at the pad. The Closeout Crew wears white jumpsuits and their work focuses on the White Room at the pad and crew compartment of Atlantis. Before the astronauts get to the launch pad, the Closeout Crew sets up the cockpit to accommodate the flight crew. They'll get things ready to strap the astronauts in. Later, the technicians will close and lock the hatch.
Where the Fuel Goes Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:46:19 AM EST
In just a few seconds during launch, the super-cold liquid propellants inside the external tank are piped into the shuttle's main engine structure where the chemicals are vaporized and then ignited to produce the thrust to lift the shuttle spaceward.
You may wonder why the metal engine nozzles, the part of the rocket engine you see at the back of the shuttle, don't melt under the intense heat of the combustion. Well, the ingenious designers fit small pipes around the outside of the engines and they run some of the propellants through them when the propellants are still cold. So the metal of the engines is kept safely cooled during launch.
Atlantis' Tank Fueled for Flight Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:37:18 AM EST
The rust-colored external fuel tank has been loaded with about half-a-million gallons of liquid propellants to power Atlantis' three main engines during the ride into orbit. Sensors inside the tank showed no problems during the fueling operation, nor have any other technical issues developed.
The external tank comprises two separate tanks, one holding liquid hydrogen and the top tank holding liquid oxygen. Both chemicals are chilled to supercold temperatures that turn them into a slush. That way, the tank can hold a lot more of the propellants than it could if they were stored as gases. The oxygen is at minus -297 degrees and the hydrogen is minus -423 degrees.
Atlantis on Schedule for Launch Today Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:30:08 AM EST
Welcome to our coverage of the countdown and launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff is on schedule for 2:28 this afternoon from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, which is the home of the agency's three-shuttle fleet.
There are no technical issues in work this morning and forecasters have put the chances of acceptable conditions at 70 percent for launch time. The primary concern is for low clouds over the launch site. The cloud deck this morning has broken up a bit at this hour from what was a substantial layer at sunrise.
Weather Forecast 70 percent Favorable Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:26:50 AM EST
Good morning from Kennedy Space Center where our continuous blog coverage of the countdown to the launch of STS-129 will begin at 9:30 this morning. Weather watchers here are concerned that a low cloud deck might persist throughout the day, but the chance of acceptable conditions at launch time is positive. Forecasters predict a 70 percent chance of acceptable weather at launch time. The countdown is proceeding on schedule and liftoff is planned for 2:28 p.m. for space shuttle Atlantis' mission to the International Space Station.
LIFE'S A BITCH, THEN YOU DIE AS THE SAYING GOES...
BUT..YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHILE YOU ARE HERE ON EARTH. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! TELL IT LIKE IT IS.
IF YOU SIT BACK AND DO NOTHING, THEN NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE. MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.
