Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-25-2017 10:23 AM
Hurricane Harvey is forecast to make landfall on the central Texas coast between Port O'Connor and Corpus Christi (near Port Aransas or Rockport) around midnight tonight (Aug. 25) as a 120 mph category 3 hurricane. From Johnson Space Center (JSC) Emergency Management:
Near term impacts to JSC: a few hours of near or low end tropical storm force winds (35 to 45 mph) late tonight into Saturday morning and some brief heavy rainfall.
Longer term impacts: Harvey is forecast to slow down considerably and meander around before eventually moving out to the northeast beginning late Sunday night or Monday. This means a long period of very heavy, potentially flood producing rains at times for JSC especially Sunday through Tuesday.
Should Harvey indeed move back towards this way in a much weakened state, JSC could see another period of 30 to 40 mph winds Monday night into Tuesday. Largest hazard for JSC remains a high potential for flooding rains. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Monday morning for JSC.
From the International Space Station:
"God Bless Texas, may you weather the storm as you always have!" — Randy Bresnik
"Oh boy – looks like a ton of rain is about to unload. Here's a prayer for family, friends and everyone in Hurricane Harvey's path — stay safe." — Jack Fischer
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-25-2017 04:14 PM
NASA video
This video includes views from The International Space Station recorded on August 24, 2017 at 6:15 p.m. Eastern Time.
Cameras outside the International Space Station captured views of Hurricane Harvey during a flyover of the massive storm at 5:15 p.m. EDT Aug. 25.
posted 08-25-2017 07:14 PM
This beast is looking a lot like Hurricane Carla which hit land as a Category 4 in about the same location. As a child remember it passing by San Antonio packing wild winds and torrential rain. It was still a Cat 1 storm at that point. That was the afternoon of Sept. 11, 1961.
Perhaps it would be best for everyone along the Texas coast if this monster keeps its forward momentum and continues northwest into the state a couple hundred miles before changing course. Praying that it does just that.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-26-2017 01:34 PM
Update from Johnson Space Center:
Harvey will move very little over the next 3 or 4 days setting up conditions for heavy rainfall and potential flooding. As of 10:35 a.m., 3.45 inches of rain had fallen at Building 30 [Mission Control Center] since midnight. Total rain from Harvey at Building 30 so far is 5.25 inches.
At Ellington Field 3.10 inches have fallen since midnight and 4.71 inches in total. An additional 15 inches of rain or more is possible over the next 3 days so flooding is a concern. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for JSC through Tuesday evening.
Roads at the front entrance to JSC are still passable at this time. The roads onsite are also passable.
issman1 Member
Posts: 1042 From: UK Registered: Apr 2005
posted 08-26-2017 04:10 PM
Someone, a contractor perhaps, made a live broadcast on Periscope nearby JSC.
randy Member
Posts: 2176 From: West Jordan, Utah USA Registered: Dec 1999
posted 08-26-2017 04:51 PM
Incredible. I'm glad we don't get anything like this in Utah. Thoughts and prayers are with those affected.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-27-2017 07:15 AM
The situation has worsened at Johnson Space Center. The gates were closed overnight as the rainfall increased. From JSC:
Saturday rainfall at JSC B30 was 7.24 inches and as of 1:26 AM an additional 6.53 has fallen since midnight. Total Harvey rainfall is now 15.57 inches at JSC B30. NASA Ellington Field recorded 10.96 inches Saturday and 3.98 since midnight. Clear Creek is also experiencing major flooding.
Essential personnel planning to work on site should call their supervisors before attempting to drive in. Conditions in and around site have worsened overnight. Stay off the roads if you can.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-27-2017 09:03 AM
Update from Johnson Space Center:
The National Weather Service has continued a Flash Flood Warning that includes the JSC area until 12:30 PM today.
Total accumulated rainfall at JSC B30 Saturday through 07:40 AM is 22.23 inches. For the same period 20.83" has fallen at NASA Ellington Field. An additional 2 to 4 inches of rain is possible through 1PM today from another band of storms. After that JSC should see a break in the weather until late this evening.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-27-2017 09:13 AM
Here is a weather cam shot from within the past hour showing the rear of Independence Plaza at Space Center Houston and the Saturn V building at Johnson Space Center's Rocket Park in the background.
denali414 Member
Posts: 593 From: Raleigh, NC Registered: Aug 2017
posted 08-27-2017 09:41 AM
My heart and prayers go out to all affected by this storm. Have a friend that owns a pool company in Houston and he says just unbelievable the amount of rain and it's expected to continue for two more days. Hope all remain safe.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-27-2017 01:50 PM
From Johnson Space Center:
TS Harvey is forecast to move slowly southeast towards the coast and may briefly move offshore before moving nothing onshore again on Tuesday. No significant redevelopment is expected for the storm center. The main threat from Harvey continues to be outer rainbands rotating through the JSC vicinity capable of additional flooding rains. As Harvey moves back nearer the coast the stronger rain bands may slide a bit further east of JSC reducing the threat for very heavy rains, but more rain bands are expected. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until Wednesday evening.
This is still a dangerous storm; residents and visitors in areas potentially affected by the severe weather should continue to monitor local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information.
The Center will be closed tomorrow to all but Mission Essential Personnel. Senior management will evaluate on a day-to-day basis after Monday.
posted 08-28-2017 07:31 AM
Thanks for the updates Robert. Take care of yourself.
moorouge Member
Posts: 2454 From: U.K. Registered: Jul 2009
posted 08-28-2017 09:52 AM
Robert - many astronauts, both former and current, as well as old timers from the Apollo era have homes in the Houston area. Any news of how they are coping?
As previously posted, our thoughts are with everyone affected with the wish that their troubles soon come to an end and that they come through these difficult times safely.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-28-2017 09:52 AM
quote:Originally posted by alanh_7: Take care of yourself.
Thanks Alan. My place is dry and thus far has escaped flooding. My heart goes out to friends and others who have seen their properties submerged by the rising water.
quote:Originally posted by moorouge: Any news of how they are coping?
Fred Haise marked himself safe on Facebook and Sy Liebegot noted that he was spared flooding and still has power. A friend who lives in Timber Cove, near the former homes of the Mercury astronauts, reported that her house was dry but that there was some flooding in the area.
A few astronauts have checked in on Twitter:
Houston home flooded while we were away, I'm in Moscow for training, family is safe in Canada. Not sure when we'll be able to return. — David Saint-Jacques
24" of rain at my house in the past 48 hours with another 24" expected. Houston area flooding is beyond worse case scenario. Stay safe! — Rick Mastracchio
We are safe so far, but more rains to come... but so proud as I watch friends and neighbors come together in Texas! — Clay Anderson
This week held an awful lot of "firsts" including my first brush with a hurricane. Thank you for the well wishes. We're safe and sound! — Jenni Sidey
Feeling like an ant in an anthill today, here by the grace of Mother Nature. Sometimes we get stepped on. — Joshua Kutryk
Flight Director Royce Renfew, Tungsten Flight, shared photos from inside Mission Control:
Managed to make it in to relieve one of the other flight directors. MCC kind of surreal with off duty folks crashed in the B&WFCR.
Some other updates this morning via Twitter:
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been undergoing thermal vacuum testing at Johnson Space Center.
We appreciate the concern for the James Webb Space Telescope. Our personnel and hardware are safe and everyone is taking appropriate precautions.
The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) operates the National Laboratory on the International Space Station.
Our Houston office will remain closed until further notice. Our thoughts are with all the families affected by Hurricane Harvey.
NanoRacks is a commercial partner with CASIS and organizes experiments and nanosatellite launches on the space station.
All members of our Houston team are safe and facilities are dry, but many have flooded homes. Family first as recovery begins.
farthestreaches Member
Posts: 1074 From: Redondo Beach, Ca Registered: Jan 2001
posted 08-28-2017 01:57 PM
I've been in touch with both Gene Kranz and Sy Liebergot.
Gene has taken on four feet of water which is obviously very bad news but think he and Marta are otherwise physically okay. He has promised to keep me updated.
Sy Liebergot has somehow managed to remain high and dry despite the terrible rains. Not as much as a roof leak.
I'll relay additional updates as I receive them from both.
Kite Member
Posts: 831 From: Northampton UK Registered: Nov 2009
posted 08-28-2017 02:35 PM
Thinking of you all who live and work in Houston and area and wish you a rapidly improved environment.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-28-2017 03:43 PM
Johnson Space Center will remain closed tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug. 29) to all but mission essential personnel.
The rainfall total at Building 30 as of noon today is 31.66 inches.
ZeroG Member
Posts: 27 From: St. Louis, MO., USA Registered: Apr 2013
posted 08-28-2017 03:56 PM
Sorry to hear! Prayers to all affected and for a quick recovery!
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member
Posts: 3445 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
posted 08-28-2017 08:19 PM
On the Space Hipsters Facebook group, it was mentioned that Jeff Lovell said the Lovell's home was under water. This was for sale just last year.
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 08-28-2017 09:39 PM
Any news on Alan Bean and Walt Cunningham?
Spaceflyer Member
Posts: 194 From: Nauheim, Germany Registered: Jan 2003
posted 08-29-2017 05:48 AM
Walt is doing fine. I talked to him yesterday.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-29-2017 09:38 AM
Update from Johnson Space Center:
As of 7:45 AM this morning rainfall since midnight at JSC has been 2.04 inches and at NASA Ellington Field 2.76 inches. Total Harvey accumulated rainfall Friday to now is 42.02 inches at JSC B30 and 37.89 inches at NASA Ellington Field.
While additional rain will fall today the amounts forecast are much lower than the previous 3 days. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain is likely today and another 1 to 2 inches tonight.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-29-2017 12:32 PM
Flight Director Royce Renfrew, Tungsten Flight, shared this insignia along with additional photos from inside Mission Control Houston.
David Carey Member
Posts: 782 From: Registered: Mar 2009
posted 08-29-2017 12:45 PM
quote:Originally posted by Hart Sastrowardoyo: On the Space Hipsters Facebook group, it was mentioned that Jeff Lovell said the Lovell's home was under water. This was for sale just last year.
The house referenced by Jeff Lovell might have been their family home in the JSC area "back in the day" or perhaps another Houston-area property.
The Lovell's Horseshoe Bay vacation home put up for sale last year is northwest of Austin on Lake LBJ, which has not been affected by flooding.
Limited impact from Harvey here in the central Texas area, but a heavy heart for all my fellow Texans affected by this disaster.
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1255 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 08-29-2017 01:18 PM
This is now on our office blog sites and blast email to our clients in the agency. Metrowest Massachusetts area residents, we will be accepting new goods for delivery to The City of Boston Houston Aid Program. See our announcement below.
HOUSTON NEEDS OUR HELP!
The City of Boston is launching a Help for Houston Drive until Thursday. The collection is for NEW clothing, blankets, toiletries, diapers, baby formula, and non-perishable food.
We are extending this to the suburbs. Please help by dropping any of these it at McGlynn, Clinton & Hall Insurance Agencies, 325 Boston Post Road, Suite 4, Sudbury, MA. 01776
Thank You!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-29-2017 02:17 PM
Ellen Ochoa, Johnson Space Center director, noted on Twitter:
Ironically had to cancel survival training for new astronauts this week. They'll get partial credit, onsite folks full credit and big thanks.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-29-2017 02:27 PM
From Space Center Houston:
Space Center Houston remains closed through Friday, Sept. 1, due to flooding and regional conditions caused by Hurricane Harvey.
We are monitoring conditions and will announce Saturday's operating hours on Friday. Information on reopening will be posted at spacecenter.org and on our Facebook page.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-29-2017 02:57 PM
From Johnson Space Center:
The Center will be closed until Tuesday, Sept. 5 to all but Mission Essential personnel. The group of Mission Essential personnel will be larger in the coming days due to mission operations.
JSC will continue to see moderate to occasionally heavy rain today into this evening. An additional 1.5 to 3 inches is possible through midnight. There are indications of a significant break in rainfall beginning this evening. A few showers and storms overnight wrapping around Harvey could bring an additional 1 to 2 inches of rainfall. Winds will continue to be breezy at JSC today with average winds of 20 to 30 mph and occasional gusts of 40 to 45 mph possible.
p51 Member
Posts: 1642 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 08-29-2017 05:02 PM
I assume that Marshall is taking a large chunk (or all) of the MCC duties for the ISS during this situation?
quote:Originally posted by MCroft04: Any news on Alan Bean and Walt Cunningham?
quote:Originally posted by Spaceflyer: Walt is doing fine. I talked to him yesterday.
Good, but how about Al Bean? I'm concerned how he's doing, and I'm sure I'm in a large group in that regard.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-29-2017 05:33 PM
quote:Originally posted by p51: I assume that Marshall is taking a large chunk (or all) of the MCC duties for the ISS during this situation?
The space station still is still being managed by the flight control room at Johnson Space Center.
...the Mission Control team stayed in Houston to ride out the storm, and they’ve been busy. As floodwaters rose around them on Sunday, Mission Control talked ISS astronauts through an orbital adjustment maneuver that got ISS into position to dock with a Soyuz spacecraft scheduled to arrive next month.
OV-105 Member
Posts: 816 From: Ridgecrest, CA Registered: Sep 2000
posted 08-30-2017 02:47 AM
Wasn't there a back up mission control at White Sands or wherever the TDRS system down links the data to for shuttle flights and could it be used for ISS or was it just for shuttle?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-30-2017 11:13 AM
quote:Originally posted by p51: Good, but how about Al Bean?
Alan Bean and his wife are okay (via a friend of theirs).
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-01-2017 12:28 PM
From Ellen Ochoa, Johnson Space Center director:
JSC experienced significant flooding during the heaviest rains, but the main campus buildings did not flood. A few buildings experienced some roof leaks, resulting in water in some offices. Additionally, the Sonny Carter Training Facility was hit especially hard with rising water. We have evaluated the habitability of all our facilities and cleanup is progressing quickly. All facilities are expected to be ready for use next week, although some significant workarounds may be required.
Flight control for the International Space Station will continue in our Mission Control Center as Expedition 52 crew members Peggy Whitson, Jack Fischer and Fyodor Yurchikhin return to Earth this Saturday in Kazakhstan and Peggy and Jack back to Houston Sunday.
The James Webb Space Telescope mission essential personnel at JSC remained safethroughout the storm and the telescope and test chamber are in good shape. Testing continued throughout the storm and we will continue to monitor the JWST's status. A water leak caused damage in the open high-bay area of building 32. While all backup facility systems required to maintain services were checked out before the storm and readied for use, they were not needed.
p51 Member
Posts: 1642 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 09-01-2017 04:37 PM
I understand that Ellington didn't flood all that much (I've been there a few times but couldn't recall its elevation in regard to the surrounding area), but did the T-38s and WB-57s fly out ahead of this storm?
If so, where did they go to until it was safe to return?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-01-2017 06:54 PM
NASA made no mention of relocating its aircraft prior to the storm and FlightAware shows that at least the three WB-57 aircraft remained in place.
I did though, receive a bit more detail about Ellington's status today:
The NASA side of Ellington Field experienced low level flooding with an estimated three inches of water on hangar floors and in office spaces. Office spaces also experienced numerous roof leaks.
fredtrav Member
Posts: 1673 From: Birmingham AL Registered: Aug 2010
posted 09-02-2017 06:39 PM
Space Center Houston reopened today. They are offering free parking and $15 admission through Labor Day.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
Some of Houston's largest and most iconic landmarks — historic NASA rockets and spacecraft — weathered Hurricane Harvey and are now accessible to the public just one week after the storm flooded significant parts of the city.
One of only three remaining Saturn V moon rockets, which since 2005 has been sheltered inside a temporary building designed to stand for just 10 years, reopened to tourists on Saturday (Sept. 2), as the remnants from the tropical storm continued to dry out in a drainage ditch running the length of the 363-foot-long booster.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-04-2017 02:01 PM
An update on Gene Kranz from i45NOW on Facebook:
After being rescued from his own flooded home, famed NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz gave City of Dickinson first responders a special thank you Sunday (9-3-2017) at the Dickinson Police Department.
Wearing a Texas A&M University BTHO Harvey T-shirt Kranz spoke about being prepared for the unexpected and coming together as a team.
Kranz, who got out of his house by boat when water was almost waist deep, said the response to the storm in Dickinson had many parallels to the Apollo 13.
UPDATE: We spoke with Kranz this morning and he continues to clear out and dry out the water damage in his house.
In a separate post, NASA's Historic Preservation Officer at Johnson Space Center shared that she and her office were ready to use the agency's vacuum chambers to try to save as many historic documents as possible from NASA veterans' flooded houses like Kranz's.