posted 04-15-2005 02:33 PM               

Shuttle manager Wayne Hale possibly leaned toward an on-time launch, saying that they are now “whittling down the to-do list." Still being reviewed is the issue of some ice on the top structures of the external tank, yet an engineer said the tank is ready to fly. One manager, happy about the tank test milestone, said the only remaining milestone is the launch itself.
-------------------------------

A little more material from yesterday's talk by new Administrator MIKE GRIFFIN, made via simulcast to all of NASA's major centers.

"The day we lost Columbia was probably the worst day in our history," Griffin said in the beginning portion of his talk, while also touching on the other tragedies of the program. He continued, "But out of that came a new vision for NASA"

Griffin said the President's space vision was exactly the right one, that it was the best proposal, that it is in fact no longer a proposal, but that the vision is now policy that is being implemented. He referred to the new vision as the nation’s “exciting, outward.. destination oriented” program. Griffin said that where he has spoken he has had nothing but cheers for the Space Initiative, with people thinking it is the right thing to do. He said NASA can do both robotic & manned programs. Griffin responded to a question from a NASA employee in the aeronautics branch during the Q&A session. He said that aeronautics at NASA has been reduced somewhat, and that resources are not boundless. He also hinted to the worker that aeronautics was not his strong suit.

Griffin joked, "I do well when I keep the pointy end of the plane going forward & the dirty side down." But he said he remembered well from his college years that during Apollo's beginnings, the X15 & lifting body programs as well as crucial turbo fan & turbo jet research were carried forward, and that a similar scenario can occur again today.
-------------------------------

The beginning of Mike's address to NASA was so quiet, so soft spoken, it had a humble quality. Yet some segments of the press are saying he's very bold & very aggressive with his work agendas. I used the word "personable" in yesterday's post to describe him. Maybe not the best adjective. But, perhaps unlike his predecessors, there appears to be a certain warmth to new NASA Administrator Griffin. I think, myself, they should change the official photo of him they've been using, to one from yesterday's talk!
-------------------------------

posted 04-15-2005 04:09 PM               

But there are other factors which, as Paron's said last week, mean its 50-50 at best (and if you ask me it would be a miracle to make May 15).

One of the things is the delay in NASA getting the Stafford-Covey group needed paperwork certifying some of the Return to Flight implemenations.

------------------
-Ben

posted 04-16-2005 09:01 AM               

Well, I suppose there are some who might even lean toward the 2nd launch window instead. I was just putting up different thoughts on it. But if anyone was betting on MAY 15, you better get out of that bet! Can't beat a hot tip of inside info -- its good to be connected! Colin, I saw ANDY on nasa-tv today. Nice to hear that accent, and about his big photographing responsibility for, I think he mentioned, for Discovery's mission. Its also wonderful how NASA is showing the other crews for the next missions this year, during the press conferences. The final mission this year isbringing another huge truss segment for the Alpha station! But STS 114 looks like a massive mission.

There were a couple other nice lines from the beginning of Mike Griffin's talk that I'm going to try & get still, he seems like a great new Administrator. Take care.

posted 04-16-2005 09:40 PM               

It is unclear as to whether they will soon (the date for their next meeting is on hold). And who knows what NASA will do in the end as far as keeping the shuttle on the ground for that.

------------------
-Ben

posted 04-20-2005 11:29 AM               

ALSO IN THE NEWS, NEW NASA ADMN. MIKE GRIFFIN gets top to bottom tour of the shuttle, yesterday at the Cape.

MikeISN99, you're touching a hot-button issue! I think it will all play out o.k., next week I beleive, thanks for your posts Mike99.

The new Admn seems kind of warm & professorial. But, like they've said, he has his strong side. The great launch day decisions could come down to a man named Mike Griffin. And to a woman. Named Eileen Collins!

posted 04-20-2005 12:49 PM               

....let´s welcome Mike Griffin !!!

all our best wishes to the new NASA administrator !!!

isnt it kind of symbolic that he is starting with his new responsible job just days before RTF ? ;-)

ps. thx bill

posted 04-20-2005 01:05 PM               

Just when we need a nice seeming man like Griffin, just when things are exciting and we need leadership, he is ready to walk in. And if there is disparity between reviews, I think Mike G will be able to lead through it and through the sensitive issue of tile repair, ( and "boxes" being incomplete from CAIB & Staff/Covey ) and bring a good result & reconciliation. Plus get us going toward Moon/Mars too!

posted 04-20-2005 02:00 PM               

...but i guess because of this extra pressure and in fact of the unusual nature of this mission and its importance for the future of spaceflight , she will become one of the most important space shuttle commanders ever !

do u know her in person ???

posted 04-20-2005 02:07 PM               

happend without any intention !
the cape never could be nerving to me

i rember my visit the with great happiness because a dream since beeing a child did become true in staying there !!!

------------------
michael may www.ag-99.de/spacenet/main/main.html