[Waspie_Dwarf]

NASA produces regular updates (usually about once a week) on the status of the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station and Expendable Launch Vehicles. I posted these on the Spaceflight News site. With the demise of that site I will continue the threads in this forum.

----------------------------------

April 5, 2006

Joe Pally
Headquarters, Washington
(202) 358-7239

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468


STATUS REPORT: E06-011

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report: E06-011

Mission: Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation and CloudSat (CALIPSO/CloudSat)
Launch Site: NASA's Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: April 21, 2006
Launch Time: 6:02:08 a.m. EDT

NASA successfully completed a flight simulation of the Delta II rocket on April 4 at Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

Technicians are preparing both CALIPSO and CloudSat for the April 7 installation into the environmentally controlled payload transportation canister.

Transportation from the payload processing facility to the launch complex is scheduled for the pre-dawn hours of April 8. Upon arrival, the payload will be hoisted and mated to the Delta II.

The Flight Program Verification, an integrated electrical and mechanical flight test involving the Delta II and the CALIPSO/CloudSat payload, is planned for April 11. Installation of the launch vehicle ordnance will follow on April 13. CALIPSO/CloudSat payload closeouts are scheduled for April 13 and will be followed by installation of the fairing around the spacecraft on April 14-15. Previous status reports are available on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006

For information about these programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/calipso

http://www.nasa.gov/cloudsat




- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report E06-011

[Glacies]

Another fascinating thread. thanks for the link as well.

[Waspie_Dwarf]

April 12, 2006

Joe Pally
Headquarters, Washington
(202) 358-7239

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468


STATUS REPORT: E06-012

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report: E06-012

Mission: Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation and CloudSat (CALIPSO/CloudSat)
Launch Site: NASA's Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: April 21, 2006
Launch Time: 6:02:08 a.m. EDT

NASA transported CALIPSO and CloudSat from the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., to the launch complex on April 8. The payload was hoisted and attached to the top of the Delta II rocket.

The Flight Program Verification, an integrated electrical and mechanical flight test involving the Delta II and the CALIPSO/CloudSat payload, was successfully completed today. Following the test, technicians began installation of the launch vehicle ordnance. Payload closeouts are planned for Thursday. Installation of the fairing around the two spacecraft is scheduled for Friday.

For more information about CALIPSO/CloudSat, visit:

For information about these programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/calipso or http://www.nasa.gov/cloudsat

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report E06-012

[Waspie_Dwarf]

April 19, 2006

Katherine Trinidad
Headquarters, Washington
(202) 358-3749

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468


STATUS REPORT: E06-013

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report: E06-013

Mission: Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation and CloudSat (CALIPSO/CloudSat)
Launch Site: NASA's Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: April 21, 2006
Launch Time: 6:02:08 a.m. EDT

Workers at Space Launch Complex 2 fueled the Delta II second stage Tuesday for flight with storable hypergolic propellants. Officials also conducted a launch countdown dress rehearsal.

No significant issues or concerns were found during the Flight Readiness Review on Monday. Technicians installed the payload fairing around the two spacecraft on April 14 and are conducting a routine state-of-health check today.

Plans call for the RP-1 fuel, highly refined kerosene, to be loaded on the rocket's first stage on Thursday afternoon. Early that evening, the mobile service tower will be retracted from around the rocket. Liquid oxygen will be loaded into the first stage during the terminal countdown sequence that starts at 4 a.m. EDT Friday. There is currently an 80 percent chance of acceptable weather conditions for launch.

For more information about CALIPSO/CloudSat, visit:

For information about these programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/calipso or http://www.nasa.gov/cloudsat

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report E06-013

[Waspie_Dwarf]

May 12, 2006

Katherine Trinidad
Headquarters, Washington
(202) 358-3749

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468


STATUS REPORT: E06-014

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report: E06-014

Mission: Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)
Launch Site: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: July 22, 2006
Launch Time: 3:11 - 3:13 p.m. and 4:19 - 4:34 p.m. EDT

Technicians completed state-of-health testing of the two STEREO spacecraft this week, following their May 3 arrival in Florida. Individual system checkout is under way.

The STEREO flight batteries are scheduled to be installed next week. The build-up of the Delta II rocket at Pad 17-B is scheduled to begin during the last week of May.

For previous status reports visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006

STEREO will use "3D" vision to build a global picture of the sun and its influences. For more information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/stereo

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/home


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report E06-014

This post has been edited by Waspie_Dwarf: 19 May 2006 - 05:13 PM

[Waspie_Dwarf]

May 19, 2006

Katherine Trinidad
Headquarters, Washington
(202) 358-3749

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468


STATUS REPORT: E06-015

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report: E06-015

Mission: Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)
Launch Site: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: July 22, 2006
Launch Time: 3:11 - 3:13 p.m. and 4:19 - 4:34 p.m. EDT

Technicians are testing individual STEREO systems on both the "A" and "B" spacecraft. The flight battery for spacecraft A was installed this week. Technicians are expected to install the battery for spacecraft B next week. In addition to testing, work planned over the next few weeks includes solar array installation and integration of the high-gain communications antenna.

The build-up of the Delta II rocket at Pad 17-B is scheduled to begin on June 1 with the first stage. Pad workers will start to erect the nine solid rocket boosters on June 2. The second stage will be hoisted into position and mated to the first stage on June 20. The crew will raise the 10-foot fairing into the pad clean room on June 21.

STEREO will build a three-dimensional, global picture of the sun and study the sun's influence on Earth. For more information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/stereo

.

For previous status reports visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/home


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report E06-015

[Waspie_Dwarf]

May 26, 2006

Katherine Trinidad
Headquarters, Washington
(202) 358-3749

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468


STATUS REPORT: E06-016

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report: E06-016

Mission: Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)
Launch Site: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: July 22, 2006
Launch Time: 3:11 - 3:13 p.m. and 4:19 - 4:34 p.m. EDT

Technicians are testing individual STEREO systems on both the “A” and “B” spacecraft. Workers cleaned the black light on spacecraft “A,” completed vertical alignments, and installed the solar array ordnance. They also attached the high gain antenna to the spacecraft’s rotation fixture, and closed out blankets. Technicians installed the batteries on the “A” and “B” spacecraft last week. In addition to testing, upcoming work for spacecraft "B" includes solar array installation and integration of the high-gain communications antenna in mid-June.

The build-up of the Delta II rocket at Pad 17-B is scheduled to begin on June 1 with the first stage. Pad workers will start to erect the nine solid rocket boosters on June 2. The second stage will be hoisted into position and mated to the first stage on June 20. The crew will raise the 10-foot fairing into the pad clean room on June 21.

STEREO will build a three-dimensional, global picture of the sun and study the sun's influence on Earth. For more information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/stereo

.

For previous status reports visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report E06-016

[Waspie_Dwarf]

An apology for the long gap in updating this thread. NASA stopped placing these reports on it's main website and now only reports them on the KSC website. Now that I know where they are I can keep this thread up to date again.

----------------------------------

06.02.06

Katherine Trinidad
Headquarters, Washington
(202) 358-3749

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468


STATUS REPORT: ELV-060206

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: July 22, 2006
Launch Time: 3:11 - 3:13 p.m. and 4:19 - 4:34 p.m. EDT

Technicians are testing individual STEREO systems on both the "A" and "B" observatories (spacecraft). Solar arrays for both observatories are being cleaned, inspected and repaired prior to integration. Workers cleaned and black-light inspected observatory "A". The Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) instrument suite and the Plasma Supra Thermal Ion Composition (PLASTIC) instrument were reintegrated with the observatories. Technicians also performed functional tests on both instruments. Both high gain antennas have been integrated to the spacecraft and are under test. Upcoming work planned for both observatories includes solar array installation, g-negated deployments and comprehensive performance testing.

Today, workers begin the build-up of the Delta II rocket at Pad 17-B, beginning with the first stage. Pad workers will begin to erect the nine solid rocket boosters on June 5 with a scheduled completion date of June 9. The second stage is scheduled to be hoisted into position and mated to the first stage on June 20. The crew will raise the 10-foot fairing into the pad clean room on June 21.

STEREO will build a three-dimensional, global picture of the sun and study the star's influence on Earth. For more information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/stereo

.

For previous status reports visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 060206

[Waspie_Dwarf]

06.09.06

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468


STATUS REPORT: ELV-060906

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: July 22, 2006
Launch Time: 3:11 - 3:13 p.m. and 4:19 - 4:34 p.m. EDT

Testing and prelaunch processing of STEREO continue on schedule. Deep Space Network spacecraft compatibility testing is under way. Launch and mission simulation exercises are also being performed. Upcoming next week is further thermal blanket installation and preparations for attaching the solar arrays. STEREO is scheduled to be transported to Launch Complex 17 on July 11 to be mated to the Boeing Delta II rocket.

The first stage of the Delta II rocket at Pad 17-B was erected on June 2. The first of three sets of three solid rocket boosters were attached on June 5. At this time, the Delta II second stage is scheduled to be hoisted into position and mated to the first stage on June 20. The crew will raise the 10-foot fairing into the pad clean room on June 21.

For information about the STEREO mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/stereo

.

For previous status reports visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 060906

[Waspie_Dwarf]

06.16.06

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468


STATUS REPORT: ELV-061606

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: July 22, 2006
Launch Time: 3:11 - 3:13 p.m. and 4:19 - 4:34 p.m. EDT

At the Astrotech Space Operations Facility, testing and prelaunch processing of STEREO continues. Communications testing with the Deep Space Network continues. On observatory "A" on Wednesday, the Heliospheric Imager vertical instrument door was successfully deployed during testing. On observatory "B," the scientific instruments were aligned and tested. Comprehensive performance testing of both observatories continues to go well. STEREO is planned to be transported to Launch Complex 17 on July 11 to be mated to the Boeing Delta II rocket.

The first stage of the Delta II rocket at Pad 17-B was erected on June 2. The first of three sets of three solid rocket boosters was attached on June 5. A fourth solid rocket booster is set to be attached on Saturday. Following this, no further work on the launch vehicle is scheduled until after a U.S. Air Force launch next week on adjacent Pad 17-A.

For information about the STEREO mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/stereo

.

For previous status reports visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 061606

[Waspie_Dwarf]

06.26.06

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468


STATUS REPORT: ELV-062606

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: July 30, 2006
Launch Time: 2:55 - 2:57 p.m. or 4:03 - 4:18 p.m. EDT

The launch of STEREO aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket has been rescheduled to July 30, pending confirmation by the Eastern Range. This allows the launch to occur at a more optimum time in the launch period and provides additional schedule time to accomplish critical safety operations on the spacecraft, including fueling and spin balance testing.

At the Astrotech Space Operations Facility, testing and prelaunch processing of STEREO continues. The final Comprehensive Performance Test was completed late last week on the "A" Observatory. The "B" Observatory completed the test earlier in the week. The "B" spacecraft's solar arrays have been installed. Technicians are performing the deployment tests on the "A" solar arrays and high-gain antenna today. STEREO launch and mission simulations with the Deep Space Network were also performed. Thermal blanket installation continues.

The second and third sets of three solid rocket boosters will be erected on the Delta II booster for STEREO at Pad 17-B this week. This is possible now that the U.S. Air Force MiTEx mission has launched from adjacent Pad 17-A. After the boosters are erected, the second stage will be hoisted atop the first stage, and the payload fairing will be raised into the clean room inside the pad's mobile service tower.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 062606

[Waspie_Dwarf]

07.07.06

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468


STATUS REPORT: ELV-070706

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: NET Aug. 1, 2006
Launch Time: 2:42 - 2:44 p.m. or 3:50 - 4:05 p.m. EDT

The launch of STEREO aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket has been rescheduled to Aug. 1, pending Eastern Range availability and confirmation. Due to a faulty crane at Pad 17-B, vehicle stacking of the solid rocket boosters was not able to resume until yesterday and will continue on Saturday and Sunday. Hoisting of the Delta second stage atop the first stage is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11. On Wednesday, the payload fairing will be lifted into the pad clean room.

At the Astrotech Space Operations Facility, technicians completed final thermal blanket installation on Observatory "A" yesterday. This was followed by final black-light cleaning of the observatory. Today, it is being transported to the adjacent hazardous processing facility in preparation for fueling. Instrument testing on Observatory "B" has been completed. Final thermal blanket installation and black-light cleaning will take place this weekend. On Monday, Observatory B will also be moved to the hazardous processing facility, joining Observatory A.

Fueling of the two observatories, hoisting Observatory A and mating it with Observatory B, spin-testing of the integrated STEREO spacecraft, and mating to the upper stage booster will take place at the hazardous processing facility.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 070706

[Waspie_Dwarf]

07.17.06

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468


STATUS REPORT: ELV-071706

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: STEREO (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 20, 2006
Launch Time: 3:52 - 4:07 p.m. EDT

At the Astrotech Space Operations Facility, STEREO was moved to the hazardous processing facility early last week for fueling, stacking and spin-testing of the two observatories. During fueling of Observatory A, one of the valves used to load the spacecraft with hydrazine propellant was observed to be leaking from a secondary seal. Technicians suspended the fueling and made adjustments to the fuel line connection. Fueling operations resumed with no further leakage. Both observatories are now completely fueled. However, as a precaution, the two observatories have not been pressurized while this problem is investigated. An anomaly team is working to fully determine the reason for the problem and assess the integrity of the valve.

For this reason, launch has been rescheduled for the opening of the next launch window, no earlier than Aug. 20.

At Pad 17-B, the Delta II second stage was stacked atop the first stage on July 13. The following day, the payload fairing was hoisted into the pad cleanroom located at the upper levels of the mobile service tower. Technicians are now performing standard prelaunch electrical interface testing of the two stages and checking the guidance system.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 071706

[Waspie_Dwarf]

07.24.06

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468


STATUS REPORT: ELV-072406

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: STEREO (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 20, 2006
Launch Time: 3:52 - 4:07 p.m. EDT

At the Astrotech Space Operations Facility, work to prepare STEREO for launch resumed today with the pressurization of the hydrazine tanks on each of the two observatories. This will be followed by preparations to stack the spacecraft. Stacking is currently planned for Friday, July 28. Three days of spin-testing will follow beginning Sunday, July 30. The final major processing activity prior to launch occurs next week with the mating of STEREO to the upper stage booster.

At Pad 17-B, standard liquid oxygen leak checks of the Delta II first stage are under way today. The second stage will undergo a helium leak check on Wednesday.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 072406

[Waspie_Dwarf]

07.28.06

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468


STATUS REPORT: ELV-072806

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: STEREO (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 31, 2006
Launch Time: 3:12:24 or 4:20:28 p.m. EDT

The launch of STEREO aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket has been postponed to no earlier than Aug. 31. At the Boeing plant in Decatur, Ala., a leak has been observed in the second-stage oxidizer tank for the Delta II that had been scheduled to launch NASA's THEMIS spacecraft in November. Therefore, all identical tanks scheduled for launch in the near future must be checked.

Boeing engineers and technicians found that the second stage for the Delta II that will launch STEREO cannot be effectively tested while atop the first stage at Pad 17-B. It will be de-stacked and taken to the High Pressure Test Facility located near Launch Complex 17 for further leak checks. De-stacking will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 2. The stage will be returned to the pad in about a week if no problems are found.

Due to the change in the launch date, a decision has been made not to stack the two STEREO observatories earlier than Aug. 9.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006


- end -


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 072806