With Atlantis riding on top, the modified 747 SCA (Shuttle Carrier Aircraft) was reversed out of the MDD (Mate Demate Device) at 4:43am local time, with a departure around 8am local on Monday - following approval by the Ferry Flight Readiness Review (FFRR).

Tuesday Update: Based on weather, the current plan on Tuesday involved heading to Lackland AFB (San Antonio), before heading to Columbus, MS, prior to an eventual arrival back at KSC around 6pm local time.

Refer to live update pages for the latest information.

Dryden farewell:

“Teams are preparing space shuttle Atlantis for its cross-country ferry flight from California to Kennedy,” noted a memo to KSC workers earlier today. ”Atlantis is mounted on top of a modified Boeing 747 and is expected to depart Edwards Air Force Base at 11 a.m. EDT (8 a.m. PDT) today.

“The ferry flight will travel to Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, TX and will stay there overnight before continuing the trip to KSC. Weather permitting, Atlantis could be back at its Florida home Tuesday night.”

Bar a slight problem during mating late on Sunday, all remaining closouts were completed without issue.

“Orbiter: OV-104 / Landing – Edwards AFB Turn Around Operations: Post Landing Ops Completed Over the Weekend: MPS (Main Propulsion System) decay checks. The 44 door and the drag chute door installations. Platform removals,” noted Monday processing on L2.

“The Ferry Flight Readiness Review; the team was given a ‘GO’ to proceed. The lift onto the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA). The Ferry flight is scheduled to depart Edwards AFB soon after completion of the Weather Briefing scheduled for 0600 PDT this morning.”

The results from the initial testing of Atlantis Aerosurface Servoamplifer (ASA) wiring have come back with no obvious issues. The failure of ASA Channel 1 as STS-125 launched held no mission impact, but a root cause would be deemed as helpful, as managers meet this week at the STS-127 Agency level Flight Readiness Review (FRR).

“ASA-1 initial troubleshooting for IPR-0002; no anomalies were found in orbiter wiring,” added Monday’s processing, with further testing scheduled for when Atlantis is back inside the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) at the Kennedy Space Center.

More will follow.

ET-130 IFR Review:

Also part of STS-127′s FRR is the IFA (In Flight Anomaly) of the foam loss observed from Atlantis’ External Tank (ET-130) during STS-125. While ET-130 was yet another “clean” tank, the loss of foam from the LOX Ice Frost Ramp (IFR) occurred during the “dangerous” period of ascent, where resulting impacts have the potential to cause damage.

The liberation did strike the orbiter, but only caused minor damage on her starboard Chine area of her Thermal Protection System (TPS). The damage failed to expand during the return home, backing up the DAT (Damage Assessment Team) findings the damage was of no concern.

Regardless, the foam loss made up the majority of Lockheed Martin’s ET IFA (STS-125) and FRR (STS-127) documentation (all available to download on L2), mainly thanks to the lack of other issues, and also to provide further understanding of the risks associated with similar foam liberations over the remainder of the shuttle program.

“STS-125/ET-130 post flight performance assessment in-work: Prelaunch and preliminary post launch assessments to be summarized. No constraints to STS-127 launch identified to date,” outlined the FRR presentation.

“ET-132 identified as STS-127 LON tank: First implementation of FSW welding on LH2 tank barrels 3 & 4 (longitudinal welds only)/ Provides more robust and producible design. Nominal processing with no issues for STS-127 LON (Launch On Need) requirement.”

Specific to ET-130, the presentation outlined that the tank performed as expected, with only four areas of foam loss observed imagery – which was initially gained from handheld photography, due to the failure to download the ET Umbilical Well camera footage. That footage has since been manually downloaded, following Atlantis’ arrival in California.

“Pre-launch Performance Assessment: All ET systems performed nominally – No (criteria) violations. No leakage observed at hydrogen vent system ground interface. Typical TPS observations acceptable per (requirements),” added the presentation.

“Post Flight Performance Assessment: Structural, electrical, and MPS systems performed nominally. TPS system performed nominally. Four (4) foam loss events observed in imagery review. Debris size / timing consistent with expectations

“One item observed to impact Orbiter chine at 104 secs. LO2 IFR debris location Xt 718 possible cause of damage. Time of release not observed but expected based on physics-based understanding of design and failure mode (void / delta pressure). Chine impact at 104 sec also observed via SRB video (multi piece event).”

Lockheed – who operate the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans – presented assessments related to the mass of the liberation, and any potential manufacturing changes that may have led to the foam shedding event. Importantly, the mass of the shedded foam was well below the risk assessment numbers.

“Performance consistent with physics-based understanding of hardware / failure mechanism (PDL pour with void/delta pressure divoting). Conservative mass estimate below risk assessment mass limit (0.020 lbm). 0.007 lbm max debris mass conservatively assuming single piece release.

“Assumed 104 secs MET time of release consistent with analytical prediction. Divoting potential starts at 95 secs. (combination of external heat and vacuum loading). Imagery and test data review support multi-piece liberation event. Review of SRB video shows additional debris observed within 1 sec. of chine impact with similar trajectory.

“Review of previous ascent imagery and test data shows successive foam release likely for PDL material. Thrust strut flange on STS-117 and LH2 IFR thermal / vac tests

“Reviewed ET-130 configuration, processing and repair history. No unique events or changes identified for STS-125. Design and process previously flown with no debris. Process revalidated since RTF – 3rd flight following re-validation of application process.”

“Performance consistent with debris cloud inputs and results used in integrated Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA). Divoting potential starts at around 95 secs. Largest single piece (assuming multiple events) ~< 0.007 lbm and consistent with debris cloud expectations (~0.005 lbm).

“Documented observations less frequent than predicted by debris cloud. 17 void / delta pressure debris events < 0.010 lbm expected per flight. Two debris events (divots) observed since RTF (XT 634 & 718). Erosion / popcorning typically observed on forward ramps due to high heating environment.”

Thanks mainly to the low mass of the liberation, the event will not require any further investigation.

“Summary / Forward Plans: Performance assessment results show all ET systems performed nominally. Four (4) debris events observed in umbilical well imagery. Mass estimates in-work but expected to remain below risk assessment mass limits. Time of release within expected performance for all observed losses.”

The performance of the External Tanks since the PAL ramp liberation event of STS-114 has been nothing short of spectacular. Several phases of redesigns – mainly focusing on reducing areas of foam on the tank that has the potential to shed and impact the orbiter – have proved to be highly successful.

ET-130 – despite the IFR event – can be added to the list of successes.

L2 members: Documentation – from which most of the above article has quoted snippets – is available in full in the related L2 sections, now over 4000 gbs in size.

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Deservicing will continue on Endeavour, following her cross country ferry trip on top of the SCA (Shuttle Carrier Aircraft), as part of launch preparations for her next mission, STS-127.

The orbiter will undergo jacking and levelling for her stay inside the OPF, normally followed by the offloading of her cryogenics – however, most of the deservicing operations have been completed out at Dryden, following her Californian landing.

An extensive mapping of her Thermal Protection System (TPS) will be carried out over the next week or so, ahead of any required repairs. Thanks to the extremely clean flight of Endeavour, most of the orbiter’s heatshield will not require any extensive work. A Flow Control Valve troubleshooting plan will also be put in-work within the next few days.

STS-127 will complete assembly of the Kibo Laboratory complex, on a launch date tracking mid June, 09, for a 15 day mission with five baselined EVAs. Aside from installing the Japanese Experiment Module – Exposed Facility (JEM-EF), Endeavour’s crew will be tasked with replacing six batteries on the P6 truss.

That mission is part of a very busy 2009, which will hopefully complete five shuttle missions – intersected by the test launch of the Ares I-X launch vehicle, as previewed by shuttle manager John Shannon.

“If you like the space business, next summer is going to be amazing! We will have launches for STS-125/HST-SM4, STS-127/2JA and STS-128/17A within a three month period, and the Ares I-X launch will be somewhere in the middle of all of this,” noted Mr Shannon on the Shuttle Stand-up/Integration report on L2.

“Thanks again to everyone for all your hard work on STS-126. This was a tremendous job all the way around, with a very long and successful flight!”

First up in 2009 is the February 12th launch of Discovery on STS-119. Preparations have been proceeding to plan, with the Payload Bay Doors (PLBDs) closed for rollover – which will take place on January 7.

A major boost to the processing flow timeline for Discovery was the ahead of schedule shipping of a new RCC (Reinforced Carbon Carbon) panel (10R) from Lockheed Martin.

Due to the slight differences between the three orbiters in NASA’s fleet, simply swapping hardware between the vehicles is not always desirable, as was the case with Discovery’s replacement panel on her right wing.

Although a backup plan was available for using a donated panel from one of Discovery’s sisters, Lockheed engineers worked around the clock to fabricate a new RCC panel for Discovery, two months ahead of the projected early January delivery estimate. This replacement panel has now been installed, following fit checks.

“Final Orbiter OPF power down completed on Friday. Rollover to the VAB is still planned for 1/7/09,” noted the latest processing information on L2. “Aft structural leak test and orbiter compartment positive pressure test were completed. The main landing gear was lowered to be configured for final gear retract.

“Reaction Control System (RCS) Thruster L2D and L3D drying will pick up today and continue into next week. Crew module side hatch closure for rollover is scheduled for Monday.”

Over in the VAB’s High Bay 3 (HB3), Orbiter Mate Preps are in-work with the awaiting External Tank (ET-127) – which was originally set to fly with Atlantis on STS-125 – and the twin Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs), known as Booster Integration set BI-135 and Reusable Solid Rocket Motor set RSRM-103.

The VAB is a busy place of late, with Ares I-X hardware taking shape in High Bay 4 (HB4). The test flight is currently scheduled for NET (No Earlier Than) July 11, 09.

“In HB-4, Upper Stage (US) processing continues. The forward skirt extension for Ares 1-X was received last week. The module is in the work stand and has been received and inspected. Work will begin soon,” noted the stand-up, with further details provided by processing reports.

“Ares I-X: US-7 mate to US-6 has not been torque yet, there is a gap that is out of tolerance. Personal are working it. IS-1 / IS-2 (Interstage) Deferred Work: DFI (Development Flight Instrumentation) Harness and Sensor Install and Hook-up in work.

“US-5 Alignment Pins for the mate, mated moved to today, fit checked and installed, go for mate.”

The launch date for Ares I-X will depend largely on the decision set to take place soon on whether Pad 39B – which Ares I-X requires – is still needed for STS-125′s rescue mission requirement, STS-400 LON (Launch On Need) with Endeavour.

Should a decision favor using Pad 39A for both STS-125 and STS-400 (pad to pad plan), the July launch date will become more favorable for Ares I-X, with modifications taking place on 39B almost immediately. Should 39B remain a requirement for STS-400, Ares I-X may be threatened with a delay to October, 09.

Also taking place in the VAB’s High Bay 2 (HB2), ET-130 – now the tank that will fly with Atlantis on STS-125′s mission to the Hubble Space Telescope – is being checked over in the aptly named Checkout Cell, following its recent arrival from the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF).

All indications point to a very clean tank, following its shipping from New Orleans.

“ET-130 has been received and inspected. The tank is very clean,” noted processing information. “Processing and installation continues with the ground umbilical carrier plate.”

Processing timelines for STS-125′s current launch date of May 12, 09, are tracking rollover for Atlantis from OPF-1 on March 26, followed by rollout to Pad 39A on April 2. This was confirmed on the recent Delta (Delta) Launch Site Flow Review by shuttle managers.

“There were no issues with the STS-125 Delta (Delta) Launch Site Flow Review. The APU QD (Auxiliary Power Unit Quick Disconnect) heater mod is one of the mods being implemented on OV-104 (Atlantis) this flow,” noted MOD’s 8th Floor News on L2.

“R&R due to suspect diodes in FA1 and EIU2 is also being considered but not yet approved. Orbiter Rollout to the VAB is scheduled on 3/26 and rollout to the pad on 4/2.”

With the delay to STS-125, due to Hubble’s troubles, engineers have been taking the opportunity to fine tune certain elements of Atlantis’ hardware, including the ATVC (Ascent Thrust Vector Control) box, which had notable issues ahead of her previous mission, STS-122.

The space shuttle Ascent Thrust Vector Control (ATVC) portion of the flight control system directs the thrust of the three SSMEs and the two SRB nozzles to control attitude and trajectory during lift-off and ascent.

“The ASA (Aerosurface Survo Amplifier) ATVC installation is being worked. ATVC 3 and 4 repairs work scheduled. ASA 4 installation completed,” noted processing information.

Other work taking place involves refined work on Atlantis’ TPS, following the inconvenience of being destacked from ET-127 post-mission delay.

The downstream manifest continues to remain fluid, with the milestone of the Shuttle Extension plan set to head to Congress in February. All indications point to a favourable plan to add at least two years to the shuttle manifest, which may include at least five new missions.

L2 members: All documentation – from which the above article has quoted snippets – is available in full in the related L2 sections, now over 4000 gbs in size.

Related posts:

1. Dual flow ballet for Endeavour and Atlantis – De-stack debate Preliminary milestone schedules have been created for the complex dual...
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ET-130 will be hoping to follow closely in the tanksteps of ET-129, which is being classed as the best performing tank since the major Return To Flight modifications were carried out on the ETs to reduce foam liberation during ascent.

ET-129 only liberated three tiny areas of foam during the entire ride to MECO (Main Engine Cut Off), a source of much praise from shuttle managers to the Lockheed Martin Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) workforce, who are the unsung heroes of RTF.

ET-130′s arrival on dock was slightly delayed by high winds in the KSC area, with processing information noting that it won’t be offloaded and sent to High Bay 2E’s checkout cell until Friday.

“ET-130 and Pegasus barge arrived at the VAB Turn Basin yesterday,” noted Thursday processing information. “Offload will occur today and lift to HB 2E is scheduled for Friday.”

Atlantis, currently undergoing some reworking on a few areas of her TPS (Thermal Protection System) and repairs on several of her cold plates, is waiting patiently to rollover – once again – to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for stacking, this time with ET-130.

The previous launch target, back in October, was delayed due to a fault on the HST, along with issues with the replacement hardware Atlantis is tasked with carrying to the aging space telescope.

Currently, STS-125 is tracking a May 12 launch, and at present the replacement hardware is expected at KSC in time to support that date. However, its affect on the downstream manifest, and notably Ares I-X, is continuing to give managers headaches over the upcoming schedule of five shuttle flights in 2009 and the test flight of Ares I-X.

Notably, managers have to consider the next scheduled flight after Atlantis – STS-127 mission to complete Kibo with Endeavour – which will be the LON (Launch On Need) STS-400 shuttle, should STS-125 remain on track for May, along with keeping STS-127 on track for May, should there be another delay to STS-125. Managers then need to work out if they can aid Ares I-X’s launch date.

“We are back to protecting for both STS-125/HST and STS-127/2JA in May,” noted minutes from a manifest meeting on Wednesday. “There is still open work associated with making the decision on single pad versus dual pad ops.”

Dual pad ops is the current plan for STS-125′s rescue mission. This is because the Hubble mission is without the “Safe Haven” of the International Space Station (ISS), thus any serious problems with Atlantis would result in a launch – within days – of Endeavour, before a rendezvous on orbit to transfer the crew from the stricken orbiter.

As seen before STS-125 was delayed, Atlantis took up residence on Pad 39A, with Endeavour – as the STS-400 rescue vehicle – rolling to Pad 39B. A previous “p-t-p” (Pad to Pad) option was considered months ahead of STS-125, but deemed too tight on the pad flow milestones to process Pad 39A post launch to allow the rescue orbiter to roll on to the pad in time.

However, Thursday’s all-powerful Program Requirements Control Board (PRCB) meeting is re-assessing plans to allow this to take place, which in turn would free Pad 39B to be modified for the delayed Ares I-X test flight – and hopefully allow the four segment test rocket to launch in July, rather than the threatened date of October, 09.

“The PRCB CR (Change Request) with STS-125/HST on 5/12, STS-127/2JA on 5/15, and STS-400 on 5/19 will be approved tomorrow based on dual pad ops,” added notes from the manifest meeting.

“If the decision is then made that single pad ops are acceptable so that Launch Pad B can be given to Ares to support Ares 1-X in July, (some) launch dates will be adjusted a few weeks to the right.

“The decision on single versus dual pad ops is expected by Jan 23rd. The decision on STS-125/HST or STS-127/2JA in May is expected in February (there was no push back on our decision need date).”

By the very nature of the pending confirmation of STS-125′s launch date, and STS-127′s role as LON STS-400, the rest of the 2009 schedule continues to remain fluid – more so, when considering several other mitigation efforts that are being carried out in parallel.

Again relating to STS-127, which is likely heading to mid June, managers considered a mission swap with STS-128, before opting to keep the missions in their current order on the manifest.

However, concerns of a projected food shortage on the ISS, when it becomes a six crew outpost next year – should there by a delay in either or both shuttle and the Japanese debut of its HTV – resulted in Station managers requesting help in finding ways to boost the ISS’ supplies.

One option included the advancement of STS-128 with Discovery – as her payload will include the MPLM Leonardo, which would have allowed the module to be packed with food supplies, thus solving the potential shortfall.

Shuttle managers were ready to support the ISS’ request, until an apparent breakthrough was reached with the Russians, who appear willing to provide contingency food upmass on the next Progress flight.

“Once again, excellent work by all to ensure all the trades/risks were considered to make the best possible decision regarding the manifest,” added meeting notes on Wednesday. “Even though all organizations reported that they could support the swap of 127/2JA and 128/17A, the decision was made to leave them in the current order.

“This decision was based on the impacts to 17A, 2JA, and HTV associated with the swap and additional work by ISSP to mitigate the food situation. They will be adding food to the 2JA manifest and will be working with the Russians to utilize Russian food if 17A is delayed and HTV is either delayed or unsuccessful.”

Had the decision been in favor of swapping the missions, STS-128 would have been moved to July on Endeavour, with STS-127 heading to early September on Discovery.

“To be able to handle an HTV failure, talking about moving 19A/131 (MPLM) up in place of ULF3/129 (2 ELC),” noted ISS meeting notes – which are being evaluated. “Also, since if HTV makes it, they will offload food in the 19A MPLM, ISSP strongly wants SSP to have 2J/A as early in Sept as possible so that HTV might possibly be able to be launched in Sept vs slipping to Nov or later.”

The STS-129 mission will deliver the first two of five Express Logistics Carriers (ELCs) to the ISS, and is currently due to return Canadian Space Agency astronaut – and ISS Expedition 20 Flight Engineer-4 – Robert Thirsk to Earth. This mission will also be re-baselined.

STS-131 – a logistics run to the ISS – will then follow, ahead of two CLF (Contingency Logistic Flight) missions (STS-132, STS-133) which had been scheduled for mid April and late May respectively. These missions were recently covered in the approval of latest Senate Bill.

Click HERE to watch MaxQ’s amazing STS-126 Review Video.

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Hubble troubleshooting is proceeding well, with NASA engineers preparing to switch over from the Side A control system, to the back-up Side B.

Those preparations are on track, with the Science Data Formatter (SDF) on Side A of the Science Instrument Command and Data Handler (SIC&DH) “recovered” to the point that the hardware has been confirmed as a hard failure.

Last week’s recovery is, however, providing additional insight into the SIC&DH condition, as well as providing additional monitoring of the science payload.

Atlantis/STS-125 Latest:

Atlantis’ mission to service Hubble has now moved to the right by five days on the projected launch date, which continues to track February.

This latest refinement was confirmed by STS-125 Mission Director Chuck Shaw, with the current target also continuing to point towards Discovery acting as the LON (Launch On Need) vehicle STS-401.

“At the SSP/ISS (Space Shuttle Program/International Space Station) scheduling meeting, it was agreed to by the SSP Manager to aim STS-125 at 2/17 for a ‘work to’ date, rather than simply stating ‘Mid-Feb’,” noted the memo.

“Earlier, the scheduling community had asked for 2/12 to be looked at, but that is somewhat OBE (Overtaken By Events) now. That will also then aim STS-401 at 2/24 (HST+7).”

A scheduling meeting will take place on November 5 to confirm the refined launch date targets, which are now focusing on two opportunities, the latter an alternative launch date – in May – based on the potential of problematic scheduling issues with the February target.

“Evidently, the senior managers within SOMD (Space Operations Mission Directorate) and SMD (Science Mission Directorate) have agreed that a decision will be made on Nov 5th for pressing on towards the Feb opportunity or a later one (May).

“Not sure when a manifest CR will be put into coordination, since it appears that everyone is able to keep moving forward based on the ‘work to’ date while the HST troops come to grips with getting the telescope switched over to the B side and also assess the status of the replacement avionics.”

The removal of the HST payload from Atlantis has been proceeding throughout the weekend, with the canister set to depart from Pad 39A on Monday. Work will then take place to prepare Atlantis for her rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).

“Are on target to move vehicle from Pad A to VAB High Bay 3 on October 20,” noted United Space Alliance Ground Operations on L2. “Payload Canister hoisting and Payload Ground Handling Mechanism positioning to Wings and Ladders in support of HST Payload transition into the canister on Monday.”

Endeavour/STS-126 Latest:

Atlantis departure will be followed by the transition of Endeavour from Pad 39B to 39A, follow her stand-down from STS-400 requirements.

Now tracking a November 14 launch for her primary STS-126 mission, an October 25 arrival at 39A will have built-in flexibility for that launch date.

“On Pad B, are continuing preparations for moving OV-105 to Pad A on October 25, 2008,” added Ground Operations. “When get to Pad A, will have four contingency days for launch on November 14, 2008.”

STS-126 is currently undergoing a series of Flight Readiness Review (FRR) departmental runs, following last week’s milestone MOD FRR (17 presentations on L2). No major issues are currently being reported in the run up to the SSP FRR.

“The STS-126 Payload Readiness Review was held at KSC,” noted one example on L2. “Have open paper, mainly concerning ECLSS (Environmental Control and Life Support System) issues for the six man crew. Most of this paper will still be open when the vehicle rolls to Pad 39A.”

This payload review has been aided by the latest analysis on the “Leonardo” Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM), via a Verification Loads Assessment (VLA) – which was initiated by an ability to add additional payload to the module.

“MPLM weight for the racks showed that five racks are out of tolerance for weight/C.G (Center of Gravity),” added Flight Operations and Integration. “This issue is being worked, but we have plenty of margin. Additionally, are now expecting racks to return lighter than expected compared to original VLA studies.”

Discovery/Dual LON/STS-119 Latest:

Overall, Discovery is the main factor via what is now a dual LON requirement, which opens with supporting Endeavour’s mission by being ready to launch on a rescue early next year.

The two main issues relate to the timely delivery of External Tank ET-130 from the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), and the delivery of a new RCC (Reinforced Carbon Carbon) panel (10R).

“ET-130: Processing is nominal. ET-130 is in final assembly position 3. Are working TPS (Thermal Protection System) preparations for nose cone installation,” noted Lockheed Martin/MAF on L2.

“The tank will be moved to Bldg 420 on about October 15. Trying to allow moving tank completion date in from November 21,” which would be within the required schedule.

Lockheed Martin are also pushing forward their delivery date of 10R, although engineers at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) are looking into the back-up plan of a donated panel, one that has previously flown with Atlantis and Endeavour.

Due to the unique ‘fit’ of these panels, which are mainly orbiter specific, fit checks have been carried out on these ‘spare’ panels all last week, with the results expected in the next few days, as normal processing continues.

“RCC fit checks on the OV-104 and OV-105 panels are complete,” added processing information. “SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engines) electrical connector mates were rescheduled for Monday. The team continues to work preps associated with ET Door Functional; scheduled for Monday.”

L2 members: All documentation - from which the above article has quoted snippets – is available in full in the related L2 sections, updated live.

Related posts:

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