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.
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS ARRIVES HOME AT EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE 5-24-2009
Space shuttle Atlantis touches down at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. on Sunday.
Space Shuttle Atlantis Lands Safely
Sun, May 24, 2009
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Space Shuttle Atlantis and its crew of seven returned to Earth on Sunday, ending their exalted Hubble Space Telescope repair mission in California after stormy weather prevented a return to NASA's Florida home base.
Mission Control waited as long as possible for the weather to improve before finally giving up and directing commander Scott Altman and his crew to the Mojave Desert.
Atlantis swooped through a clear morning sky and touched down on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base.
"Welcome home, Atlantis," Mission Control radioed once the shuttle came to a safe stop. "Congratulations on a very successful mission giving Hubble a new set of eyes."
"It was a thrill from start to finish," Altman replied. "We've had a great ride."
After 13 days in orbit, many of them tending to Hubble, Altman and his crew were anxious to be back on the ground. They were supposed to land Friday, but NASA kept the astronauts circling the world in case thunderstorms from a lingering low-pressure system eased up.
The weather did not improve enough Sunday, and Mission Control passed up landing opportunities for a third straight day at Kennedy Space Center.
Altman was grateful for the pristine conditions at Edwards, NASA's backup landing site. "A beautiful day in the desert," he said before heading back.
NASA loses at least a week of work and close to $2 million in ferry costs by landing in California. And the astronauts will have to wait another day to be reunited with their families, who were in Florida.
The previous shuttle landing at Edwards was in November.
Atlantis ended up circling Earth 197 times and logged 5.3 million miles during its journey.
The astronauts left behind a refurbished Hubble that scientists say is better than ever and should keep churning out pictures of the universe for another five to 10 years. They carried out five spacewalks to give the 19-year-old observatory new science instruments, pointing devices and batteries, and fix a pair of broken instruments, something never before attempted. Stuck bolts and other difficulties made much of the work harder than expected.
The $1 billion overhaul was the last for Hubble and, thanks to the crew's valiant effort, won praise from President Barack Obama and members of Congress. But with space shuttles retiring next year, no more astronauts will visit the telescope, and NASA expects to steer it into the Pacific sometime in the early 2020s.
The astronauts brought back the old wide-field camera they pulled out, so it can be displayed as a souvenir for the masses at the Smithsonian Institution. The replacement camera and other new instruments will enable Hubble to peer deeper into the universe, to within 500 million to 600 million years of creation.
It will take almost all summer for scientists to check out all the new telescope systems. NASA expects to release the first picture in early September.
This mission almost didn't happen. It was canceled in 2004, a year after the Columbia tragedy, because of the dangers of flying into a 350-mile-high orbit that did not offer any shelter in case Atlantis suffered damage from launch debris or space junk. The public protest was intense, and NASA reinstated the flight after developing a rescue plan and shuttle repair kits.
Shuttle Endeavour was on standby for a possible rescue mission until late last week, after inspections found Atlantis' thermal shielding to be solid for re-entry. Endeavour now will be prepped for a June flight to the international space station.
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS DUE HOME ON SUNDAY, MAY 24th, 2009
This is the runway in Florida if Space Shuttle ATLANTIS can land there on Sunday. Weather has caused delay of the shuttle landing for two days. NASA really prefers Florida as it cost almost 2 million dollars to load it up and send it back to Florida if it has to land at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Hopefully the weather will clear up enough for them to land on Sunday Morning # 9:11 AM or...at 10:49 AM
This is a picture of the HUBBLE after it was released form the payload bay of ATLANTIS on Wednesday May 21st, 2009.
Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas 05.23.09 STATUS REPORT : STS-125-25 STS-125 MCC Status Report #25 Weather in Florida did not cooperate again for Atlantis’ return to Earth today. There are two additional landing opportunities being considered Sunday on both U.S. coasts.
For the first opportunity in Florida at Kennedy Space Center, the crew would execute a deorbit burn at 7:58 a.m. and land at 9:11 a.m. The second Kennedy opportunity calls for a deorbit burn at 9:31 a.m. and landing at 10:49 a.m.
The first landing opportunity targeted in California at Edwards Air Force Base would start with a deorbit burn at 9:25 a.m. and culminate in a 10:40 a.m. landing. The second opportunity would begin with a deorbit burn at 11:08 a.m. and result in landing at 12:19 p.m.
The Kennedy weather forecast is expected to improve slightly, but there is a chance that weather in the vicinity of the Shuttle Landing Facility will continue to be unfavorable. The Edwards forecast is generally favorable.
The crew is scheduled to go to sleep at 4:01 p.m. and awaken at 12:01 a.m. Sunday. The next status report will be issued after landing or earlier if events warrant. If Space Shutttle ATLANTIS hS TO LAND AT EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE IT WILL HAVE TO BE PIGGYBACKED BACK TO FLORIDA. The pics below are of the last landing of Atlantis at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS COMING HOME DELAYED AGAIN TODAY MAY 23, 2009
For the second day in a row, Space Shuttle Atlantis's touchdown was scrubbed. They really prefer to land it in Florida, as it cost a lot to land it at Edwards Air Force base. They have to piggyback it back to Florida when they are forced to land it there. Maybe the stormy weather in Florida will clear up today and overnight and they can land in Florida on Sunday.To be continued....
Space Shuttle Landing Coverage
Image above: The Shuttle Landing Facility's 15,000-foot long, 300-foot wide runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida has 1,000-foot paved overruns on each end, and 50-foot asphalt shoulders. When the shuttle lands from the north, it's called Runway 15. When it lands from the south, it's Runway 33. Image credit: NASA
STS-125 Landing Blog
Crew Given "Go" for Launch and Entry Suits Sat, 23 May 2009 06:14:59 AM EDT
The Atlantis crew has been given the "go" to put on their launch and entry suits. CAPCOM Greg Johnson told the crew that the weather at Kennedy Space Center is still "dynamic. It's right on the border. We're continuing to watch it."
After a successful mission, space shuttle Atlantis and crew are scheduled to return to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday after Friday's two landing opportunities were waved off because of weather. Saturday's first landing opportunity is at 9:16 a.m. EDT.
The seven-member crew conducted the final servicing mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, extending the life of the orbiting observatory into the next decade.
Image above: The STS-125 crew poses for a photo on the middeck of space shuttle Atlantis. Pictured on the front row are Commander Scott Altman (center), Pilot Gregory C. Johnson, and Mission Specialist Megan McArthur. Pictured on the back row (left to right) are Andrew Feustel, John Grunsfeld, Mike Massimino and Michael Good, all mission specialists. Photo Credit: NASA
Six Landing Opportunities for Atlantis Today
Six landing opportunities are available for space shuttle Atlantis and the STS-125 crew to return to Earth today.
Atlantis’ first landing opportunity is at 9:15 a.m. EDT on orbit 180. If controllers elect to take it, Commander Scott Altman will perform the deorbit burn at 8:01 a.m. to begin the descent to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. There are two other opportunities available for Atlantis to land at Kennedy, as well as three opportunities at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The first California landing opportunity would start with a deorbit burn at 9:29 a.m., and result in landing at 10:45 a.m.
Thunderstorms, low clouds and showers prevented Atlantis’ astronauts from landing yesterday at Kennedy.
Atlantis arrived at the Hubble Space Telescope on May 13, and the STS-125 crew performed five spacewalks on five consecutive days to repair and upgrade the telescope.
STS-125 is the 126th shuttle mission.
Atlantis and Crew Target a Saturday Landing
Space shuttle Atlantis and a crew of seven astronauts were scheduled to land Friday following their successful mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Weather concerns at the prime landing site, the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, delayed their return until Saturday. Over the previous few days, the site received more than 16 inches of rain, which continued throughout the day on Friday.
The team at mission control in Houston will evaluate weather conditions at Kennedy before giving a "go" for Atlantis and its crew to land at 9:16 a.m. Saturday. A second Kennedy landing opportunity comes at 10:54 a.m, with two additional landing times at Edwards Air Force Base in California at 10:46 a.m. and 12:24 p.m.
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS ON THE WAY HOME, LANDING CANCELLED FRIDAY, SATURDAY, MAY 22,23, 2009
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS WAS SCHEDULED TO TOUCH DOWN ON FRIDAY IN FLORIDA BUT DUE TO STORMS IN THE AREA THE LANDING WAS SCRUBBED. It is now rescheduled for today (SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2009 but where is not CLEAR. They always like to land at Kennedy in Florida as it is costly to have to land at Edwards Air Force Base In california. They have to load it up on top of a huge plance and fly ti back to Florida when it lands there. We will see where it lands today. They are saying there are 3 oportunitys at bothe Edwards and Florida but the weather in Florida does not look much better than it did on Friday.
PHOTO ABOVE: (SCROLL WAY DOWN TO SEE ALL PICTURES) Atlantis' Window on the World Solar panels on the Hubble Space Telescope make for unique window shades in this scene photographed from the flight deck of the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Atlantis. This image was taken on flight day 5 of the 11-day mission to repair and upgrade Hubble
Mission accomplished...Hubble repaired and deployed back into space.
From the Hubble Space Telescope Operations Control Center
Over the course of the mission’s five spacewalks, the crew added two new science instruments, repaired two others and replaced hardware that will extend the telescope's life at least through 2014. The five spacewalks lasted 36 hours and 56 minutes all together. There have been 23 spacewalks devoted to Hubble, totaling 166 hours and six minutes.
The science mission orbital verification work involving detailed checkouts, alignments and focusing of the new instruments is expected to take several months to complete.
Hubble scientists expect the first "new" images to be released in September.
STS-125 Leaves Improved Hubble Behind
The crew of Atlantis bid farewell to the Hubble Space Telescope on behalf of NASA and the rest of the world Tuesday. The telescope was released back into space at 8:57 a.m. EDT. With its upgrades, the telescope should be able to see farther into the universe than ever before.
Atlantis performed a final separation maneuver from the telescope at 9:28 a.m., which took the shuttle out of the vicinity of Hubble. The berthing mechanism to which Hubble has been attached during the mission was stored back down into the payload bay.
The rest of the day was focused on the scheduled inspection of Atlantis’ heat shield, searching for any potential damage from orbital debris. The crew used the shuttle robotic arm to operate the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) for the inspection. The crew worked ahead of schedule and returned the OBSS to the payload bay sill Tuesday instead of Wednesday.
Mission Duration: 11 days Landing Date: May 22 Landing Time: 10:01 a.m. EDT Landing Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida Inclination/Altitude: 28.5 degrees/304 nautical miles
----------------------------------------------------------- Atlantis and Crew Set to Return to Earth on Friday
Space shuttle Atlantis and a crew of seven astronauts are scheduled to land on Friday following their successful 11-day mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The first landing opportunity at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will come at 10:01 a.m. EDT.
At Launch Pad 39B, space shuttle Endeavour is on standby in the unlikely event that a rescue mission for the Atlantis crew members would be necessary. Endeavour will be moved to Launch Pad 39A prior to its next mission, STS-127, targeted for a June launch.
Atlantis Lifts Off! Under a dry, hot, cloud-washed Florida sky, space shuttle Atlantis roars off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida with its crew of seven for a rendezvous with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The launch was on time at 2:01 p.m. EDT. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan
HUBBLE TELESCOPE REPAIRS SURPRISED THE SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS CREW
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., May 20 (Reuters) - Years of training didn't prepare the shuttle Atlantis astronauts for the problems encountered during NASA's final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, the crew said on Wednesday.
Hubble's troubles surprised shuttle crew
* Shuttle Atlantis due back in Florida on Friday
* Scientist laments loss of satellite repair capability
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., May 20 (Reuters) - Years of training didn't prepare the shuttle Atlantis astronauts for the problems encountered during NASA's final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, the crew said on Wednesday.
With the refurbished telescope back in orbit, the seven shuttle astronauts took some time off and began preparing for Friday's homecoming at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
"It's amazing looking back at how hard things looked a couple of times -- more difficult than I ever expected -- and then to overcome and wind up with everything done in the way that it was. We were very successful," Atlantis commander Scott Altman told reporters during an in-flight news conference on Wednesday.
The crew conducted five spacewalks, fraught with unexpected problems, to outfit the 19-year-old Hubble with two new science instruments, fresh batteries, six positioning gyroscopes and other gear.
They also worked on two broken cameras that were never intended to be repaired in space, let alone by astronauts wearing the bulky gloves and pressurized suits needed for spacewalks.
During one spacewalk, astronaut Michael Massimino ripped off a handrail when a single bolt prevented him from unscrewing it as planned so he could reach the telescope's broken light-splitting spectrograph for repairs.
"Whoever it is down there at the Goddard Space Flight Center who figured out that we could just yank that handle off, I owe you one," Massimino said.
Atlantis' flight is NASA's fifth and final servicing mission to Hubble before the shuttle fleet is retired next year.
END OF SATELLITE SERVICING
Being able to service satellites in orbit is "one of the valuable things NASA has learned how to do," Hubble project scientist David Leckrone said. "It just makes me want to cry to think that this is the end of it."
"There is no person out there, no leadership out there, there's no vision out there to pick up the baton that we're about to hand off and carry it forward. And I think that's just a shame, to abandon one of the most impressive, refined, sophisticated capabilities that this agency as a whole, human side and robotics side, has achieved," Leckrone said.
Atlantis astronaut John Grunsfeld said NASA would continue to develop the ability of astronauts to work on machines in space in the International Space Station program and in the proposed lunar exploration initiative to follow. NASA plans to have a new ship ready to ferry astronauts to the space station by 2015, and return to the moon by 2020.
"As much as we love low-Earth orbit, it's time to leave and go out and explore the cosmos," Grunsfeld said.
The shuttle crew is preparing to wrap up its 11-day mission with a landing on Friday at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Wary of storms moving across the peninsula, however, NASA told the astronauts to turn off unneeded equipment and save power in case their landing is delayed.
Also on Wednesday, NASA started the countdown for a potential rescue mission in case a final inspection of Atlantis' heat shield, which was conducted on Tuesday by astronauts but is still being analyzed by a ground control team, turns up any problems. The shuttle Endeavour will remain on standby until Atlantis leaves orbit.
"From our vantage point, we think it's probably looking very good for entry (into the atmosphere) and we're looking forward to that," Altman said.
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS LIFTOFF TODAY PERFECT, MAY 11th, 2009
See pictures and read article below. Great liftoff. I am going to miss the shuttles when they end. Sad they have to end. Enjoy the video and pics. Thanks for stopping by.
Space shuttle Atlantis and a crew of seven astronauts are on their way to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope following liftoff from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:01 p.m. The 11-day STS-125 mission will be NASA's final service call to the space-based telescope.
At nearby Launch Pad 39B, space shuttle Endeavour is on standby in the unlikely event that a rescue mission for the Atlantis crew members would be necessary during their mission. Endeavour will be moved to Launch Pad 39A prior to its next missions, STS-127, targeted for a June launch.
This likely marks the last time two space shuttles will stand on the launch pads at the same time since the shuttle program is set to end next year.
The Mission to Hubble Begins Mon, 11 May 2009 02:16:07 PM EDT
The STS-125 astronauts are in orbit aboard space shuttle Atlantis. The beautiful launch was just the beginning of this exciting mission. Soon, the crew will conduct five spacewalks to improve NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.
We hope you will continue to follow the mission at www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Check back each day for the latest news, and be sure to join us on landing day for complete coverage of Atlantis' return to Earth. Thanks for following the countdown with NASA's Launch Blog.
Main Engine Cutoff Mon, 11 May 2009 02:10:38 PM EDT
Right on time! We have main engine cutoff and external tank separation as Atlantis and crew reach the weightlessness of space.
The solid rocket boosters have separated. Atlantis continues its climb toward space, and all is going well with the flight as the shuttle's three main engines power the vehicle toward a point where it escapes Earth's atmosphere.
Atlantis Climbs Skyward Mon, 11 May 2009 02:02:42 PM EDT
The shuttle rolls into a head-down position as it climbs skyward. About 30 seconds after liftoff, Atlantis' three main engines throttle down to about 72 percent. One minute after launch, the engines throttle up again to 104 percent, bringing the vehicle to the peak of aerodynamic pressure called "max Q."
Two minutes into flight, the twin solid rocket boosters will burn out and separate, falling back to Earth toward the Atlantic Ocean, where the booster recovery ships, Freedom Star and Liberty Star, are stationed to retrieve them.
Liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis! Mon, 11 May 2009 02:02:04 PM EDT
Three... two... one... and liftoff of space shuttle Atlantis as the thunderous roar of its boosters and engines echoes across Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle has cleared the tower and is headed toward its mission to extend the life of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Mission Control at NASA�s Johnson Space Center in Houston is now in directing the flight.
Countdown in the Final Stretch Mon, 11 May 2009 01:53:04 PM EDT
Coming out of the hold, the countdown clock is at T-9 minutes and counting. Liftoff of space shuttle Atlantis is just minutes away now as the automatic ground launch sequencer takes control of the countdown. During these final minutes, a number of events take place to ready the shuttle for launch. The crew access arm is retracted, as well as the gaseous oxygen vet arm. Atlantis' three auxiliary power units are started and activated, along with data recorders inside the Launch Control Center's Firing Room 4.
It's a "Go" for Atlantis' Launch! Mon, 11 May 2009 01:49:28 PM EDT
Mission Management Team Chairman Michael P. Moses and NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson both polled their teams, followed by a final poll by Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Atlantis is "go" for launch!
Launch Director Gets Briefing on Inspection Mon, 11 May 2009 01:42:55 PM EDT
Inspection team members are currently briefing Launch Director Mike Leinbach on their findings regarding the ice located on an umbilical line.
Final Countdown Hold Begins Mon, 11 May 2009 01:12:07 PM EDT
The countdown clock now stands at T-9 minutes and holding. This is the final built-in hold in today's countdown. During this time, the launch director, Mission Management Team and NASA test director conduct their final "go/no-go" polls. This hold will last 40 minutes, bringing the countdown in alignment with a 2:01 p.m. liftoff.
Inspection Team Members Prepare to Leave Launch Pad Mon, 11 May 2009 01:10:28 PM EDT
Members of the Final Inspection Team are heading back from Launch Pad 39A after taking a second look at some ice that is located on an umbilical. The launch team here at Kennedy's Launch Control Center will take a look at their findings.
Count Resumes Mon, 11 May 2009 01:01:07 PM EDT
Coming out of the hold, the clock is once again moving, counting down toward a 2:01 p.m. liftoff. There will be one final hold at T-9 minutes. Atlantis' onboard computers are being transitioned to launch configuration and fuel cell thermal conditioning has begun. The shuttle cabin vent valves are being closed.
Inspection Team Returns to the Launch Pad Mon, 11 May 2009 12:56:22 PM EDT
Four members of the Final Inspection Team are back at Launch Pad 39A to take a second look at some ice that is located on an umbilical on the left side. They are doing their inspection from the zero level of the pad.
Second Built-in Hold Begins Mon, 11 May 2009 12:51:56 PM EDT
The countdown clock now stands at T-20 minutes and holding. This is a built-in hold lasting 10 minutes. During this time, NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson will conduct final launch team briefings.
Weather Update: Go! Mon, 11 May 2009 12:47:24 PM EDT
Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters just updated Launch Director Mike Leinbach on the forecast for launch time. The launch site weather continues to be positive, and conditions at today's transoceanic abort landing site at Moron, Spain are now "go" as well.
It's a fact... Mon, 11 May 2009 12:22:26 PM EDT
This mission to Hubble will enhance the observatory and ensure its cutting-edge science by putting in place advanced technology that improves its discovery power by 10 to 70 times.
Hatch Closure Mon, 11 May 2009 12:08:24 PM EDT
With all seven astronauts strapped inside Atlantis, the closeout crew is closing Atlantis' hatch. They will perform hatch seal and cabin leak checks before departing the launch pad area, leaving the astronauts alone to await liftoff.
Red Team Leaving the Launch Pad Mon, 11 May 2009 11:38:21 AM EDT
The Red Team that was dispatched to the launch pad to verify the location of two shims from a side flame deflector in the flame trench is leaving the pad and reports no issues.
All Aboard Atlantis Mon, 11 May 2009 11:34:10 AM EDT
Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is the last to board Atlantis, taking her position in the flight deck's left rear seat.
Red Team Dispatching to the Launch Pad Mon, 11 May 2009 11:11:52 AM EDT
A "Red Team" is being assembled to go to Launch Pad 39A. The three-person crew will verify the location of two shims from a side flame deflector in the flame trench that runs beneath the pad. Because of the location, camera views cannot provide the proper verification.
Two More Climb Aboard Mon, 11 May 2009 11:05:25 AM EDT
Mission Specialist Michael Good is preparing to enter Atlantis' flight deck, where he will ride to space in the right rear seat. He will shortly be followed by Mission Specialist Mike Massimino, who will take the center seat on the middeck.
Astronauts Continue Boarding Atlantis Mon, 11 May 2009 10:53:01 AM EDT
Next up is Pilot Gregory C. Johnson, who will take the forward right seat on the flight deck, followed by Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld, who will climb into the left middeck position. Since Atlantis is in a vertical position on the launch pad, the astronauts are actually reclining in their seats, facing skyward.
Climb Aboard Mon, 11 May 2009 10:44:42 AM EDT
The astronauts are beginning to board space shuttle Atlantis from the White Room. Commander Scott Altman is the first to enter the shuttle and strap into the forward left seat on the flight deck. Next to board will be Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel, who will be located in the right seat on Atlantis' middeck.
As a standard part of the boarding process, all the astronauts do a communication test, or "comm" check, to verify that they are in two-way communication with both the launch team at Kennedy and mission control at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
At the Pad Mon, 11 May 2009 10:35:47 AM EDT
The astronauts have reached the foot of Launch Pad 39A where space shuttle Atlantis waits to carry them on their mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. They'll ride the pad's elevator up to the 195-foot level where the White Room crew awaits their arrival.
Astronauts Headed to the Pad Mon, 11 May 2009 10:28:47 AM EDT
The Astrovan reached the Launch Complex 39 area where it briefly paused here at the Launch Control Center so that some of the management team could disembark. They are now continuing the remaining few miles east to the launch pad.
Atlantis' Crew Doing "The Walk" Mon, 11 May 2009 10:16:24 AM EDT
Smiling and waving to cheering space center workers, the STS-125 astronauts are making their way out of the Operations and Checkout Building where their crew quarters is located. They are walking the short distance to the silver Astrovan that will carry them to the launch pad. Ever since 1984, each shuttle crew has traveled to the launch pad aboard the same vehicle. A modified Airstream motor home, the Astrovan is used solely to transport the astronauts on three occasions: to the launch pad for launch dress rehearsal, on launch day and after landing.
Countdown Resumes Mon, 11 May 2009 10:11:06 AM EDT
Reaching the end of the 2 1/2 hour built-in hold at T-3 hours, the countdown clock is once again ticking down toward today's liftoff. There are two more built-in holds in today's countdown, coming at the T-20 and T-9 minute marks.
Team Completes Inspection Mon, 11 May 2009 10:02:12 AM EDT
Right on schedule, the Final Inspection Team members have reported they are preparing to leave Launch Pad 39A and have no issues to report.
Launch Preparations Continue at Several Sites Mon, 11 May 2009 09:55:27 AM EDT
Inside the crew quarters of the Operations and Checkout Building, the astronauts are climbing into on their pressurized launch-and-entry suits before departing for the launch pad aboard the Astrovan. Stationed about 150 miles off the mid-Florida coast in the Atlantic Ocean, NASA's booster recovery ships, Freedom Star and Liberty Star, stand ready to retrieve and tow to shore the two solid rocket boosters that will tumble into the ocean.
As space shuttle Atlantis stands ready on Launch Pad 39A, technicians inside the White Room are making final preparations for the astronauts' arrival at the pad.
Here in the Launch Control Center, just over three miles from the launch pad, the launch team is assembled at their consoles in Firing Room 4.
Weather Looking Good Mon, 11 May 2009 09:46:36 AM EDT
Launch weather in Florida continues to be very favorable, with a 90-percent chance of permitting liftoff today. Keeping track of today's weather conditions from the Shuttle Training Aircraft will be astronaut Steve Lindsey, chief of the Astronaut Corps. The team will continue to monitor weather at today's only transoceanic abort landing site at Moron, Spain. Some earlier showers are expected to clear the area by launch time.
Today's launch team has a longer launch window than is typical for launches to the International Space Station -- 62 minutes -- with the scheduled launch time occurring 20 minutes into that window at 2:01 p.m.
Weather Briefing Mon, 11 May 2009 09:32:21 AM EDT
In crew quarters, Commander Scott Altman and his crew are scheduled to receive a weather briefing shortly from flight controllers at the Mission Control Center in Houston before they begin suiting up. As they put on the familiar, orange launch-and-entry suits, the astronauts are assisted by suit technicians from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Once suited, they'll take that familiar walk from the Operations and Checkout Building to the waiting Astrovan for the 20-minute trip to the launch pad. At the pad, one by one they'll strap into their seats aboard Atlantis in anticipation of a 2:01 p.m. liftoff.
Closeout Crew at the Pad Mon, 11 May 2009 09:23:34 AM EDT
Members of the closeout crew are inside the White Room making final preparations before the astronauts climb aboard Atlantis. The team is joined by today's Astronaut Support Personnel, led by astronaut Kay Hire. The team works in advance of the crew's arrival at the pad, and helps them as they board the shuttle.
Final Inspection Team at Launch Pad 39A Mon, 11 May 2009 09:11:07 AM EDT
The seven-member Final Inspection Team, also known as the Ice Team, is conducting a top-to-bottom examination of the shuttle and launch pad. The team has the crucial and potentially dangerous job of inspecting the entire space shuttle stack -- orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters -- to locate any unusual ice buildup, debris or damage that could endanger the vehicle and crew after liftoff.
Final Hubble Servicing Mission Mon, 11 May 2009 08:55:23 AM EDT
Today's liftoff will mark the fifth and final time that a space shuttle crew will fly a servicing mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis' crew will conduct five spacewalks to install new instruments, repair and refurbish existing equipment, and replace gyroscopes and batteries. The work is expected to extend the life of the observatory into the next decade.
Great Day for a Launch Mon, 11 May 2009 08:43:54 AM EDT
The weather along Florida's east coast where NASA's Kennedy Space Center is located has been hot and dry, and there is only a 10-percent chance of weather issues at liftoff time.
The STS-125 Crew Mon, 11 May 2009 08:38:32 AM EDT
After an early wake-up call in the crew quarters, the astronauts underwent a final prelaunch medical exam at about 6 a.m.
Veteran astronaut Scott Altman commands this final space shuttle mission to Hubble, with Gregory C. Johnson serving as pilot. Mission specialists include veteran spacewalkers John Grunsfeld and Mike Massimino, and first-time space fliers Andrew Feustel, Michael Good and Megan McArthur.
Launch Day for Atlantis and STS-125 Crew Mon, 11 May 2009 08:30:28 AM EDT
Good morning and thanks for joining NASA's Launch Blog as we follow the countdown to launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the final mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.
Today's live updates are coming to you from inside the Launch Control Center's Firing Room 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Just a few miles east of here, Atlantis stands ready on Launch Pad 39A.
The count is in the T-3 hour built-in hold and scheduled to resume at 10:11 a.m. Just after 4 a.m., the Mission Management Team met and gave the "go" to fill Atlantis' giant orange external tank with more than 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The operation was completed an hour ago, and both propellants will remain in stable replenish mode until the final minutes of today's countdown.
Live Countdown Coverage Mon, 11 May 2009 07:28:56 AM EDT
Launch day has arrived for space shuttle Atlantis and crew, and our live blog updates will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Space Shuttle ATLANTIS set to fly May 11th, 2009, Monday @2:01 PM~MISSION # STS 125
Atlantis' Launch One Day Away Sun, 10 May 2009 10:37:47 AM EDT
At this morning's final countdown status briefing from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said that the countdown timeline is on target and "Atlantis is ready to fly." READ MORE BELOW. Atlantis will fix the Hubble telescope 350 miles about earth.
Final preparations will continue throughout the day at Launch Pad 39A, and the rotating service structure that surrounds Atlantis will be rolled back into its launch position at 5 p.m. EDT.
Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters improved on the forecast, now giving the team a 90-percent chance to launch Atlantis at 2:01 p.m. EDT tomorrow without weather interfering.
Also this morning, STS-125 Commander Scott Altman and Pilot Gregory C. Johnson once again practiced landings in the Shuttle Training Aircraft as the entire crew readies for their mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.
Live countdown and launch coverage begins tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. on NASA TV and on the Web at
Mission: STS-125 Orbiter: Atlantis Primary Payload: Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission 4 Launch Date: May 11 Launch Time: 2:01 p.m. EDT Launch Pad: 39A Mission Duration: 11 days Landing Date: May 22 Landing Time: 11:41 a.m. EDT Landing Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida Inclination/Altitude: 28.5 degrees/304 nautical miles
Monday Launch Day Highlights 2:41 a.m. Countdown enters a two-hour planned hold at T-6 hours 4:06 a.m. Mission Management Team meets to give a "go" to begin fueling Atlantis' external tank 4:41 a.m. Countdown resumes at the T-6 hour mark with the fueling of Atlantis 5:30 a.m. STS-125 astronauts wake up for launch 6:00 a.m. Atlantis' astronauts undergo final medical exams 7:41 a.m. Countdown enters a two-hour, 30-minute hold at T-3 hours; fueling enters stable replenish 8:30 a.m. Live launch coverage begins on NASA TV and Launch Blog 10:11 a.m. Countdown resumes at T-3 hours 10:16 a.m. Atlantis astronauts depart crew quarters for Launch Pad 39A 10:46 a.m. Astronauts arrive at the launch pad and begin to board Atlantis 12:01 p.m. Atlantis' hatch is closed and latched for launch 12:51 p.m. Countdown enters a 10-minute planned hold at the T-20 minute mark 1:01 p.m. Countdown resumes at the T-20 minute mark 1:12 p.m. Countdown enters a 40-minute planned hold at the T-9 minute mark, during which the Mission Management Team, and Launch Control team will conduct polls to give a final "go" decision for launch 1:52 p.m. Countdown resumes at the T-9 minute mark 1:56 p.m. Auxiliary Power Units start at the T-5 minute mark 2:01:49 p.m. Atlantis launches on the STS-125 mission 2:10:19 p.m. Main Engine Cut Off (MECO)
Nasa's most dangerous ever shuttle mission to fix Hubble Telescope due to blast off
Nasa is set to dispatch seven astronauts on its most dangerous ever shuttle mission as it attempts to rescue the $7 billion Hubble Space Telescope from meltdown. Led by former US Navy fighter pilot Scott Altman, 49, a one-time stunt flier for actor Tom Cruise in the film Top Gun, the crew of Atlantis will repair and upgrade the orbiting observatory, risking a potentially deadly space-junk collision that could leave them stranded 350 miles above Earth. The mission, which is costing Nasa $1.4 billion and is due to blast off from Florida tomorrow, is considered so perilous that it was once cancelled by space agency chiefs who feared that it could cost the astronauts their lives.
It was resurrected only after they agreed to place a second shuttle and crew on emergency standby, ready to blast into space to save their colleagues should a catastrophe occur. The move is unprecedented in the 28-year history of the shuttle fleet. 'It’s a belt-and-suspenders kind of approach - but when your suspenders fail, you’re glad to have the belt,' said Cdr Altman, who is due to launch with his crew from Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral tomorrow evening, returning in 11 days. 'I don’t know if I’ll be breathing comfortably until our wheels stop back at KSC,' he added
Should a rescue become necessary, it would provide the greatest space drama since the abortive Apollo 13 lunar mission in 1970, say Nasa insiders, when three astronauts limped their crippled spacecraft home just hours from death, following an on-board explosion.
Among the greatest hazards facing Atlantis is the intense amount of space junk - such as broken satellites and dead rockets - that is cluttering the area where the shuttle will rendezvous with Hubble.
Shuttle flights usually only go to the International Space Station no more than 250 miles up - but at 350 miles, where Hubble flies, the hazards are far greater.
If Atlantis suffers damage, the crew would be marooned. Hubble is considered the most valuable astronomical tool since Galileo first designed a telescope in the 17th century. Since 1990, its high-precision lenses have peered deeper into space than any previous instrument, glimpsing back more than 13 billion years in time to provide scientists with breathtaking images of the cosmos under development, showing galaxies not long after they merged from the Big Bang. Orbiting Earth 97,000 times and travelling around three billion miles, it has sent back nearly 600,000 photographs that have forced the rewriting of astronomy textbooks and unlocked some of the greatest mysteries of the universe. On Wednesday Atlantis will catch up with the Hubble, where the astronauts will use the shuttle’s robotic arm to grapple it while both craft orbit Earth at 17,500mph.
During five highly risky spacewalks, they will clamber aboard Hubble to repair and replace instruments contained inside, upgrading its capabilities and prolonging its life for another five years. Without new cameras, gyroscopes and batteries, Hubble will otherwise burn out. But with the space shuttle fleet due to retire next year and its successor not due for completion until at least 2015, this is the last chance to fix its problems. 'The adrenalin is certainly pumping,' said Dr David Leckrone, Nasa’s senior Hubble scientist. Astronaut John Grunsfeld likens the intricacy of the tasks he and his colleagues will perform to 'performing brain surgery in space.' They will face major hurdles, such as unscrewing dozens of minute screws while wearing gloves five layers thick and removing razor-sharp circuit boards capable of piercing the $10 million spacesuits that keep them alive in the vacuum of space. 'I would consider this the climbing Mount Everest of spacewalking missions,' said Mr Grunsfeld, 51. 'The big unknowns are where we’re pushing the envelope further than its been done before in spaceflight…we’re trying some techniques that haven’t been done before.
'In training it’s been going very well…the only hesitation I have is that Hubble has a way of surprising us.'
There have been previous servicing missions to the Hubble, but this will be the last – and the most risky. 'You could say "Oh it’s going to be a piece of cake, we’ve done this five times" - except on this mission we are going to be repairing instruments that were never designed to be repaired in orbit,' explained Ed Weiler, Nasa’s associate administrator for science missions. He added: 'This is really going to be tough, the toughest servicing mission we have ever attempted.' Nasa promises that, if successful, Atlantis’s mission will allow Hubble to once more 'push the boundaries of how deep in space and how far back in time humanity can see.' Cdr Altman, who said: 'It’s going to be a busy time, it is challenging - and it’s going to be amazing.' Click on link below to read more about the mission. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1180135/Nasas-dangerous-shuttle-mission-fix-Hubble-Telescope-blast-off.html
Emergency Space Shuttle Moved Into Place Friday, April 17, 2009 The space shuttle Endeavour rolled out to a Florida launch pad on Friday to stand by for an unprecedented rescue mission NASA hopes it never has to fly.
Endeavour arrived at Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., at 7:17 a.m. EDT (1117 GMT), where it will be primed to launch within weeks of any emergency aboard its sister ship Atlantis during next month's risky repair mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.
Atlantis is poised atop its own launch pad for a planned May 12 liftoff.
"It's the first time that anyone has had a rescue mission standing by," NASA spokesperson Allard Beutel told SPACE.com from the Florida spaceport. "We thought it gives us that amount of extra insurance."
Endeavour has actually made the trek to the launch pad once before to serve as the upcoming Hubble mission's rescue ship.
The shuttle was on standby last September until a failure aboard Hubble delayed a planned October launch for Atlantis.
Altogether, two orbiters have been at their launch pads simultaneously only 18 times in NASA's 28-year history of shuttle flight, Beutel said.
"We really do expect this to be the last time we ever have two space shuttles on the launch pad at the same time," he added.
Risky repair flight
NASA has said the likelihood of requiring a rescue mission for the seven Hubble-bound astronauts is extremely remote.
But the space agency is taking the precaution because unlike recent shuttle flights to the International Space Station, where astronauts could seek shelter if their spacecraft is severely damaged, the crew of Atlantis will have no such safe haven.
Commanded by veteran NASA astronaut Scott Altman, Atlantis is poised to launch toward Hubble on May 12 from Launch Pad 39A, which is near Endeavour's current perch.
The much-delayed mission is NASA's final shuttle flight to overhaul Hubble and includes five back-to-back spacewalks to repair broken equipment, add new instruments and extend the iconic space telescope's lifetime through at least 2014.
Because Hubble flies in a higher orbit and different inclination than the International Space Station, Atlantis would be unable to reach the orbiting laboratory if it suffers a critical failure or severe damage its vital heat shield.
The mission also includes a higher risk of damage from orbital debris or micrometeorites, though that risk increase appears to be lower than initially thought, NASA officials have said.
It is because of the lack of a safe haven aboard the station that NASA opted to prepare Endeavour for a potential rescue.
The shuttle is already slated to fly a space station construction mission in June, but will be primed to launch with a skeleton crew relatively soon after an emergency is declared, Beutel said.
"Within that timeframe, we would be prepared to launch Endeavour with a crew of four astronauts," Beutel said, adding that the Atlantis astronauts would stage several spacewalks to abandon their ship and return home aboard Endeavour. "We would then splash Atlantis down safely somewhere in the Pacific Ocean."
Shuttle double duty
If Atlantis's Hubble mission goes smoothly as planned, Endeavour would simply be moved to the adjacent launch pad in late May for a planned June 13 launch to the International Space Station, Beutel said.
NASA plans to launch its remaining shuttle missions from Launch Pad 39A and use the nearby Pad 39B for its new Ares I rocket and Orion capsules, which will replace the agency's space shuttle fleet, once Endeavour is moved, he added.
Over the weekend, NASA will deliver the hardware for Atlantis's Hubble mission to the shuttle's launch pad, offering a relatively rare sight of two shuttles exposed atop their pads with their shroud-like service structures retracted.
The two spacecraft are expected to be visible through Monday and will be photographed from the ground and air, Beutel said, adding that NASA expects about 50,000 people to visit the space center during a Saturday employee Family Day.
"I think people are really excited about it," Beutel said.
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