STS-115 Sept. 9 launch attempt - collectSPACE: Messages

Space News
space history and artifacts articles

Messages
space history discussion forums

Sightings
worldwide astronaut appearances

Resources
selected space history documents

collectSPACE: Messages

Space Shuttles - Space Station

STS-115 Sept. 9 launch attempt

profile | register | preferences | faq | search

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Author	Topic: STS-115 Sept. 9 launch attempt
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999	posted 09-08-2006 01:56 PM NASA release quote: NASA has delayed Friday's launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on its STS-115 mission to the International Space Station. Lift-off now is set for 11:15 a.m. EDT Saturday. Shuttle program managers decided to postpone Atlantis' launch at 10:52 a.m. EDT Friday due to an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities Friday morning a sensor inside the external tank failed a routine pre-launch check. The engine cut-off, or ECO sensor, is one of four inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen will be drained Friday. While the tank is emptied, engineers will monitor and collect data on the liquid hydrogen sensors. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states if a single ECO sensor fails, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. If the sensors and system work as expected, Atlantis will be cleared to launch with three of four working sensors Saturday. The reloading of the external tank is set for 1:15 a.m. EDT Saturday. During Atlantis' mission astronauts will deliver and install the P3/P4 truss, a girder-like structure, with solar arrays that will double the International Space Station's power capability. Atlantis' crew consists of Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson and mission specialists Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joe Tanner and Steve MacLean, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut. [Edited by Robert Pearlman (September 08, 2006).]
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999	posted 09-09-2006 03:35 AM At Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39B, the loading of space shuttle Atlantis' orange external tank with about 528,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen began on time at 12:15 a.m. CDT today. The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until liftoff. All systems on-board the space shuttle, including the four low-level engine cut-off (ECO) sensors, are functioning normally and are ready for launch at 10:15 a.m. CDT. Throughout the morning, the STS-115 crew will prepare for launch in the Operations and Checkout Building's crew quarters before taking the 20-minute ride to the pad aboard the Astrovan.
KSCartist Member Posts: 2896 From: Titusville, FL USA Registered: Feb 2005	posted 09-09-2006 03:54 AM Robert- It amazes me what you can accomplish on 2 hours of sleep a night. Tim
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999	posted 09-09-2006 04:24 AM It sometimes amazes me too, Tim. [Edited by Robert Pearlman (September 09, 2006).]
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999	posted 09-09-2006 08:08 AM The STS-115 crew members are now seated and strapped into Atlantis' crew cabin, having earlier made the trip from their quarters in their O&C building. (Our photos from this morning's walkout will be posted after launch.) The hatch is now closed and locked for flight. Weather conditions continue to be "green" for launch today. [Edited by Robert Pearlman (September 09, 2006).]

All times are CT (US)	next newest topic \| next oldest topic
Administrative Options: Close Topic \| Archive/Move \| Delete Topic
	Hop to:

Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts

Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a