[Waspie_Dwarf]

08.14.06

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-080406

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

At Launch Complex 17, the second stage of the Boeing Delta II was de-stacked on Tuesday and taken to the nearby High-Pressure Test Facility. The planned precautionary leak test has been completed. No leak was observed. The second stage will be returned to the launch pad on Saturday and mated again with the Delta first stage.

In the Hazardous Processing Facility clean room, the two STEREO observatories are scheduled to be stacked on Aug. 9 in preparation for spin test activities. These are planned to begin on Aug. 11. The integrated STEREO payload will then be mated to the upper stage booster on Aug. 16 and transported to Pad 17-B on Aug. 19 for integration with the Delta II.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

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


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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 080406

This post has been edited by Waspie_Dwarf: 15 August 2006 - 06:43 PM

[Waspie_Dwarf]

08.14.06

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-081406

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: Aug. 31, 2006
Launch Time: 3:12:24 - 3:14:24 or 4:20:28 - 4:35:28 p.m. EDT

At Launch Complex 17, the launch team is performing the Delta II Flight Simulation today. This is an electrical and mechanical test of the rocket that activates the first and second stage onboard systems, taking them through the programmed flight events as they will occur during launch.

In the Hazardous Processing Facility clean room, STEREO spin-test activities were successfully completed on Saturday. Thermal blanket closeouts and final spacecraft cleaning are under way. The STEREO payload is scheduled for mating to the upper stage booster on Wednesday. It will be transported to Pad 17-B on Friday for integration with the Delta II.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

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


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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 081406

[Waspie_Dwarf]

08.18.06

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-081806

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: Aug. 31, 2006
Launch Time: 3:12:24 - 3:14:24 or 4:20:28 - 4:35:28 p.m. EDT

After leak checks of the Delta II first stage, engineers decided to remove and replace the liquid oxygen fill and drain valve at Launch Complex 17. That work is being completed today without impact to the launch date. Also, preparations are under way at the pad for the arrival of the STEREO payload.

In the Astrotech Hazardous Processing Facility clean room, the STEREO spacecraft was mated to the upper stage booster on Wednesday. Today the integrated payload is being installed into its transportation canister. On Saturday morning, STEREO will be moved to the launch pad for hoisting atop the Delta II.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

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


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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 081806

[Waspie_Dwarf]

08.21.06

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-082106

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 Sept. 18, 2006
Launch Time: TBD

STEREO's launch has been postponed to no earlier than Sept. 18, the opening of the mission's next launch window. The additional time is necessary for further evaluation of the Delta II second stage to verify it is structurally sound for flight. This concern arose after further engineering analysis revealed that a similar tank produced for another mission was marginally thin in an area of the oxidizer tank. Engineers are assessing several options for the STEREO launch vehicle at Pad 17-B to determine the thickness of the tank in this same area.

STEREO was not transported from Astrotech to the launch pad over the weekend as planned. It will remain at the payload processing facility until the necessary course of action for the Delta II can be more clearly defined.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

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


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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 082106

[Waspie_Dwarf]

09.01.06

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-090106

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 Oct. 18, 2006
Launch Time: TBD

A decision was made to remove the STEREO second stage from the launch vehicle and perform inspection from inside the propellant tank to verify it is structurally sound for flight.

The launch of STEREO is now targeted for no earlier than Oct. 18. An electrical checkout of the vehicle is under way due to lightning strikes within a one-third mile radius of Complex 17 during the passing of Tropical Storm Ernesto.

The STEREO observatories remain at the Astrotech Space Operations Facility. Today technicians removed the transportation canister from around the payload to begin the process of reconditioning the batteries and preparing for the storage period (currently about 30 days). The twin spacecraft will remain in storage until the necessary course of action for the Delta II can be more clearly defined. There was no effect on the STEREO spacecraft from Tropical Storm Ernesto.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006
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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 090106

[Waspie_Dwarf]

09.15.06

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-091506

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 Oct. 25, 2006
Launch Time: TBD

At Pad 17-B, the Delta II second stage was destacked on Sept. 6 for further testing to determine the thickness of the tank in identified areas. The initial test procedures are complete and the results are being assessed. These results will be used with continuing analytical evaluation to determine the flight worthiness of the second stage. This should be concluded in about a week. In the meantime, workers will reinstall the engine on the second stage.

STEREO remains at the Astrotech Space Operations Facility. The transportation canister was removed on Sept. 1 so technicians could recondition the spacecraft flight batteries and monitor critical functions during the hiatus. The twin observatories remain stacked on top of the third stage. The transportation canister will be reinstalled immediately prior to the payload being moved to the launch pad for mating to the Delta II.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006
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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 091506

[Waspie_Dwarf]

09.27.06

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-092706

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 Oct. 25, 2006
Launch Time: TBD

After an assessment of all engineering data, engineers have determined that the Delta II second stage tank for STEREO is ready for processing to continue. A final determination of flightworthiness will be made prior to spacecraft mating to the Delta II rocket. The second stage will be re-erected atop the first stage on Friday, Sept. 29 at Pad 17-B.

STEREO remains at the Astrotech Space Operations Facility. During the hiatus, the spacecraft flight batteries were reconditioned. The twin solar observatories remain stacked on top of the third stage. The transportation canister will now be reinstalled in preparation for moving to the launch pad on Oct. 12.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2006
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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 092706

[Waspie_Dwarf]

10.06.06

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-100606

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: Oct. 25, 2006
Launch Time: 8:38 - 8:53 p.m. EDT

The Delta II second stage was re-erected atop the first stage on Sept. 29. Guidance and control system checks of the launch vehicle were completed on Oct. 4. Today, launch vehicle engineers are performing a simulated flight test. This is an electrical and mechanical flight events test that activates the rocket's systems as they will occur during powered flight, starting with liftoff and ending with second stage separation. The Flight Program Verification, an integrated test which includes the STEREO spacecraft and upper stage booster, is scheduled for Oct. 16.

STEREO is at the Astrotech Space Operations Facility being prepared for reinstallation into the payload transportation canister on Oct. 9. The twin observatories stacked on top of the upper stage booster will be moved to the launch pad on Oct. 11 and hoisted atop the Boeing Delta II rocket. The payload fairing is scheduled to be installed around STEREO on Oct. 19.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

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

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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 100606

[Waspie_Dwarf]

10.13.06

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-101306

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: Oct. 25, 2006
Launch Time: 8:38 - 8:53 p.m. EDT

STEREO is at Pad 17-B atop the Boeing Delta II rocket. The spacecraft was moved from Astrotech to the launch pad on Oct. 11 as scheduled. Functional testing of the twin observatories is under way. A compatibility test with the Deep Space Network is also scheduled for today.

The Delta II Flight Program Verification, a complete integrated electrical and mechanical test with STEREO and the rocket, is scheduled for Oct. 16. This involves a launch countdown (minus count) and the launch vehicle flight events (plus count). The spacecraft is scheduled to be encapsulated in the fairing on Oct. 19.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

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

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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 101306

[Waspie_Dwarf]

10.20.06

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-102006

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: Oct. 25, 2006
Launch Time: 8:38 - 8:53 p.m. EDT

STEREO, at Pad 17-B atop the Boeing Delta II rocket, was encapsulated into the Delta II fairing on Thursday. The second stage is scheduled to be loaded with storable propellants on Monday, Oct. 23. Because this is a hazardous operation, the launch pad will be closed to all other work.

The Delta II flight program verification, a complete integrated electrical and mechanical test with STEREO and the rocket, was successfully completed on Monday. There are no significant launch vehicle or spacecraft issues or concerns at this time.

On launch day, Oct. 25, the gantry-like mobile service tower is scheduled to be retracted from around the Delta II at 11:15 a.m. The terminal countdown procedure begins at 5:38 p.m. Engineers are scheduled to begin loading the first stage with RP-1, a highly refined kerosene fuel, at 5:58 p.m. The launch team will load the first stage with liquid oxygen 50 minutes later at 6:48 p.m. Liftoff is scheduled for 8:38 p.m. at the opening of a 15-minute launch window.

For previous expendable launch vehicle processing status reports, visit:

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

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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 102006

[Waspie_Dwarf]

12.22.06

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-122206

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions During Substorms)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: Feb. 15, 2007
Launch Time: 6:07:37 - 6:26:37 p.m. EST

At the Astrotech payload processing facility near Kennedy Space Center, THEMIS state-of-health checks and an electrical system checkout have been finished. Solar array illumination tests are also complete. The spacecraft is now being pressurized in preparation for fueling, which is scheduled for Jan. 3-5. The probes will be installed onto the payload carrier Jan. 9-11. Spin balance testing will follow Jan. 12. Because all work is on schedule and there are no issues or concerns, no THEMIS processing activities are scheduled for the week between the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The Delta II Vehicle on Stand review is scheduled for Jan. 3 followed by installation of the Delta II rocket first stage on Pad 17-B Jan. 6. The nine solid rocket boosters will be placed around the base of the first stage and attached in sets of three between Jan. 8-13. The second stage will be hoisted atop the first stage on Jan. 16. The following day, the payload fairing will be lifted inside the clean room facility located within the mobile service tower.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at

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

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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 122206

[Waspie_Dwarf]

01.05.07

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-010507

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions During Substorms)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: Feb. 15, 2007
Launch Time: 6:07:37 - 6:26:37 p.m. EST

At the Astrotech payload processing facility near Kennedy Space Center, fueling of the THEMIS spacecraft is under way this week. The probes will be installed onto the payload carrier Jan. 9 to 11. Spin-balance testing will follow Jan. 15 and 16. Mating to the upper stage booster is scheduled for Jan. 26. THEMIS will go to Pad 17-B for mating with the Delta II on Feb. 2.

At Pad 17-B, the first stage of the Delta II rocket is scheduled to be installed into the launcher on Saturday. The nine solid rocket boosters will be placed around the base of the first stage and attached in sets of three between Jan. 8 to 13. The second stage will be hoisted atop the first stage on Jan. 16. The following day, the payload fairing will be lifted inside the clean-room facility located within the mobile service tower.

There are no significant issues or concerns at this time.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:

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

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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 010507

[Waspie_Dwarf]

01.12.07

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-011207

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions During Substorms)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: Feb. 15, 2007
Launch Time: 6:07:37 - 6:26:37 p.m. EST

At the Astrotech payload processing facility near Kennedy Space Center, engineers finished installing the five THEMIS probes onto the spacecraft's probe carrier on Wednesday. The spacecraft was hoisted onto the spin table today and two days of spin-balance testing have begun. Mating to the upper stage booster is scheduled for Jan. 26. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B for mating with the Delta II on Feb. 2.

At Pad 17-B, the first stage of the Delta II rocket was installed into the launcher on Jan. 6. The nine solid rocket boosters are being placed around the base of the first stage this week and attached in sets of three. The final set of three boosters is being hoisted into position today and will be attached on Saturday. The second stage is to be hoisted atop the first stage on Jan. 17. The following day, the payload fairing will be lifted inside the clean-room facility located within the mobile service tower.

There are no significant issues or concerns at this time

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2007

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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 011207

This post has been edited by Waspie_Dwarf: 19 January 2007 - 07:56 PM

[Waspie_Dwarf]

01.19.07

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-011907

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions During Substorms)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: Feb. 15, 2007
Launch Time: 6:07:37 - 6:26:37 p.m. EST

At the Astrotech payload processing facility near Kennedy Space Center, engineers and technicians successfully completed spin-balance testing of THEMIS on Jan. 12. The prelaunch processing of the spacecraft is now finished. THEMIS awaits mating to the upper stage booster, scheduled for Jan. 26. The spacecraft will then be installed into its transportation canister and moved to Launch Complex 17 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for mating with the Delta II on Feb. 2.

At Pad 17-B, the nine solid rocket boosters were attached around the base of the Delta II first stage last week as scheduled. The second stage was hoisted atop the first stage today. The attempts were postponed on Wednesday due to high winds and on Thursday due to rain. The payload fairing is scheduled to be lifted into the mobile service tower on Monday.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2007

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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 011907

[Waspie_Dwarf]

01.26.07

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


STATUS REPORT: ELV-012607

NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions During Substorms)
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: Feb. 15, 2007
Launch Time: 6:08 - 6:27 p.m. EST

At the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA Kennedy Space Center, engineers and technicians are preparing the THEMIS spacecraft for mating to the upper stage booster, planned for Monday. The spacecraft will then be installed into its transportation canister on Feb. 1 and moved to Launch Complex 17 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Feb. 2 for mating with the Delta II later that day.

At Launch Complex 17, the stacking of the Delta II launch vehicle is complete on Pad 17-B. Prelaunch checkout and testing is under way. Initial leak checks of the first stage propellant systems were conducted on Thursday. Technicians are now performing guidance and control system checks.

On Monday, a "LOX leak check" will be performed by loading liquid oxygen aboard the first stage during a simulated countdown. The next day, a Simulated Flight Test will be performed, activating the vehicle's post-liftoff flight systems without fuel aboard. The electrical and mechanical systems of the entire Delta II will be exercised during this test. Once the THEMIS payload is attached to the third stage of the launch vehicle, a final major test, the Flight Program Verification will be conducted on Feb. 6. This is an integrated test of the Delta II and THEMIS working together. This test will simulate all events as they will occur on launch day, but without propellants aboard the launch vehicle.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/...ets/status/2007

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Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 012607