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Discovery Arrives at the Pad

Image above: Space Shuttle Discovery rests on Launch Pad 39B at
NASA's Kennedy Space Center after completing the 4.2-mile journey
from the Vehicle Assembly Building.
Image credit: NASA
+ View High-Res Version

Space Shuttle Discovery's 4.2-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B is complete! The move brings NASA one step closer to the STS-121 mission, targeted for launch no earlier than July 1.

Mounted on the Mobile Launcher Platform and carried by the mammoth crawler-transporter, Discovery emerged from the assembly building at 12:45 p.m. EDT. The "stack" rolls along at less than one mile an hour, and is expected to arrive at the launch pad sometime this evening. The STS-121 mission is targeted for launch no earlier than July 1.

The flight will continue the evaluation of flight safety procedures, including shuttle inspection and repair techniques. It also will deliver more supplies and cargo for future station expansion.

Steve Lindsey will command the mission, flying with pilot Mark Kelly, spacewalkers Mike Fossum and Piers Sellers and mission specialists Stephanie Wilson and Lisa Nowak. European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter is also part of the crew and will remain on the station for several months. Reiter's arrival will give the station its first three-person crew since May 4, 2003.

Source: NASA - Space Shuttle

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Discovery Reviews Continue for July Launch

Image above: Space Shuttle Discovery rests on Launch Pad 39B at
NASA's Kennedy Space Center after completing the 4.2-mile journey
from the Vehicle Assembly Building.
Image credit: NASA
+ View High-Res Version

31 May 2006
NASA Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale briefed the media about the status of the upcoming STS-121 mission during a mid-afternoon press conference on Wednesday at the Kennedy Space Center Press Site TV studio.

Hale discussed the importance of the space program's Debris Design Verification Review meetings and detailed the types of testing already completed surrounding external tank foam loss. Hale stressed that more areas of the tank will be subject to engineering review and improvements for future flights.

Another point Hale underscored is that there will always be foam debris released during launch. Research and testing continues in this regard, but as far as the STS-121 launch is concerned, there are "no show stoppers," he said.

The Design Certification Review for the external tank will take place next week and the Flight Readiness Review is set for June 16 and 17 at Kennedy. The actual launch target date will be selected at the Flight Readiness Review meeting.

Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director, also was on hand to talk about the preparation milestones for Discovery. He said hardware processing has gone extremely well and between now and July 1, the team has been able to build in about two weeks of contingency time, which is more than ever before. "Things are going really, really well," Leinbach said.

Source: NASA - Space Shuttle

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Next Space Shuttle Mission:

STS-121 Discovery/ International Space Station Flight ULF1.1
Launch Pad: 39B
Launch Window: No earlier than July 1, 2006
Landing: To Be Determined
Duration: 11 days
Orbital Insertion Altitude: 122 nautical miles
Orbit Inclination: 51.60°
Countdown begins: T-43 hours

Leonardo is Packed and Ready to Go


Image above: The multi-purpose logistics module is loaded into into
Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay (at left).
Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
+ View High-Res Version

From inside the payload changeout room on the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B, workers gently glide Leonardo into position. The payload ground-handling mechanism is used to transfer the module into the payload bay.

Leonardo is a reusable logistics carrier. It is the primary delivery system used to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.

The payloads that will launch aboard Discovery were loaded into the payload transportation canister May 8-10 and rolled out to the launch pad May 17. Leonardo will carry food, clothing, spare parts and research equipment to the station.

Other payloads include two cargo carriers which contain heat shield tile samples, a spare pump module and a replacement mobile transporter reel assembly.

Source: NASA - Shuttle - Launch and Landing

This post has been edited by Waspie_Dwarf: 01 June 2006 - 06:44 PM

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Discovery Crew Set for Briefings, Dress Rehearsal

Image above: STS-121 Mission Specialists, from left,
Lisa Nowak, Mike Fossum and Piers Sellers.
Credit: NASA

The seven-member crew of NASA's next space shuttle flight, STS-121, will join program managers in a series of briefings on Thursday, June 8 at the Johnson Space Center, Houston. The briefings begin at 9 a.m. EDT and will be broadcast live on NASA TV.
+ Briefing Schedule | NASA TV

Next week, the astronauts and ground crews go through a full launch dress rehearsal at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal countdown demonstration test runs June 12-15, and some activities will air on NASA TV.

Space Shuttle Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. The STS-121 mission will visit the International Space Station and continue evaluating new shuttle safety improvements. At least two spacewalks are planned during the 12-day mission, which also includes repair work to the station.

Source: NASA - Space Shuttle

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Discovery Crew Holds Briefings, Prepares for Dress Rehearsal

Image above: STS-121 Mission Specialists, from left,
Lisa Nowak, Mike Fossum and Piers Sellers.
Credit: NASA

Steve Lindsey, commander of STS-121, and the rest of the seven-member crew of NASA's next space shuttle flight, joined program managers in a series of briefings today at the Johnson Space Center, Houston. Lindsey remarked, that "it's been long road ... We've passed a lot of milestones."
NASA TV

Next week, the astronauts and ground crews go through a full launch dress rehearsal at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal countdown demonstration test runs June 12-15, and some activities will air on NASA TV.

Space Shuttle Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. The STS-121 mission will visit the International Space Station and continue evaluating new shuttle safety improvements. At least two spacewalks are planned during the 12-day mission, which also includes repair work to the station.

Source: NASA - Space Shuttle

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Discovery Crew to Hold Launch Dress Rehearsal

Image above: STS-121 Mission Specialists, from left,
Lisa Nowak, Mike Fossum and Piers Sellers.
Credit: NASA

This week, the astronauts and ground crews go through a full launch dress rehearsal at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal countdown demonstration test runs June 12-15, and some activities will air on NASA TV.

Space Shuttle Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. The STS-121 mission will visit the International Space Station and continue evaluating new shuttle safety improvements. At least two spacewalks are planned during the 12-day mission, which also includes repair work to the station.

Source: NASA - Space Shuttle

This post has been edited by Waspie_Dwarf: 13 June 2006 - 12:29 AM

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Discovery Crew Launch Dress Rehearsal Delayed

Image above: STS-121 Mission Specialists, from left,
Lisa Nowak, Mike Fossum and Piers Sellers.
Credit: NASA

The start of the terminal countdown demonstration test at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida scheduled for June 12-15 has been delayed because of inclement weather. The astronauts, prepared to leave Johnson Space Center in Texas and arrive at Kennedy around 6 p.m. EDT, were waived off awaiting tropical storm Alberto to pass over Florida.

The astronauts and ground crews will go through a full launch dress rehearsal at Kennedy during the tests and some activities will air on NASA TV

Space Shuttle Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. The STS-121 mission will visit the International Space Station and continue evaluating new shuttle safety improvements. At least two spacewalks are planned during the 12-day mission, which also includes repair work to the station.

Source: NASA - Space Shuttle

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Discovery Crew Expected Today

Image above: STS-121 Mission Specialists, from left,
Lisa Nowak, Mike Fossum and Piers Sellers.
Credit: NASA

Delayed by yesterday's stormy weather, the STS-121 mission crew is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., this afternoon. The astronauts will be at Kennedy this week for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test to prepare for their mission to the International Space Station.

The astronauts and ground crews will go through a full launch dress rehearsal at Kennedy during the tests and some activities will air on NASA TV

Space Shuttle Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. The STS-121 mission will visit the International Space Station and continue evaluating new shuttle safety improvements. At least two spacewalks are planned during the 12-day mission, which also includes repair work to the station.

Source: NASA - Space Shuttle

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The Discovery Team Arrives!

Image above: Discovery's STS-121 astronauts pose for the media
after their arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
Credit: NASA/Kim Schiflett
+ View High-Res Image

The STS-121 mission crew arrived safely at Kennedy Space Center this afternoon after a delayed departure due to continued stormy weather over Florida. For the next few days the Discovery astronauts will be participating in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.

Shortly after arrival in a NASA Gulfstream G-2 aircraft at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility, Discovery's Commander Steve Lindsey stepped to the podium and welcomed the media.

Lindsey introduced the crew members, Pilot Mark Kelly, Mission Specialists Mike Fossum, Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson, Piers Sellers and Thomas Reiter who are all involved in the countdown test this week. Lindsey commented on the Flight Readiness Review meetings scheduled for June 16-17 and said, "My crew and I are optimistic for an early July launch date."

The test is held at Kennedy prior to each space shuttle flight, providing the crew an opportunity to participate in several safety training and simulated countdown activities. The training includes a mock launch countdown, ending in a simulated main engine cut-off exercise. The astronauts also spend time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and have an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay.

The astronauts and ground crews will go through a full launch dress rehearsal at Kennedy during the tests and some activities will air on NASA TV

Space Shuttle Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. The STS-121 mission will visit the International Space Station and continue evaluating new shuttle safety improvements. At least two spacewalks are planned during the 12-day mission, which also includes repair work to the station.

Source: NASA - Space Shuttle

This post has been edited by Waspie_Dwarf: 14 June 2006 - 12:33 AM

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STS-121 Crew Begins Countdown Testing

Image above:Discovery's STS-121 astronauts pose for the media on
Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
Credit: NASA/Kim Schiflett
+ View High-Res Image

A beautiful sunny morning dawned on the Space Coast of Florida at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. as the Discovery astronauts prepared for their first full day of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test exercises.

The crew's morning began with a hearty early-morning breakfast. Wearing their traditional blue suits, the astronauts stepped out of their quarters for the 20-minute ride to Launch Pad 39B where they greeted the media. Commander Steven Lindsay introduced his crew members and described their responsibilities. The team then answered questions from the media about the mission and readiness for flight.

Today's activities involve safety training - where the astronauts familiarize themselves with launch pad escape routes, fire suppression procedures and an emergency egress walkdown. After a break for lunch, the STS-121 mission team will be briefed on the orbiter and its payload, including a late-afternoon payload bay walkdown.

Following a full day of activities and briefings the crew will enjoy dinner and a little relaxation to prepare for tomorrow's program.

The astronauts and ground crews will go through a full launch dress rehearsal during the tests and some activities will air on NASA TV.
+ View NASA TV Schedule

Space Shuttle Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. The STS-121 mission will visit the International Space Station and continue evaluating new shuttle safety improvements. At least two spacewalks are planned during the 12-day mission, which also includes repair work to the station.

Source: NASA - Space Shuttle

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Next Space Shuttle Mission:

STS-121 Discovery/ International Space Station Flight ULF1.1
Launch Pad: 39B
Launch Processing Window: July 1-19, 2006
Landing: To Be Determined
Duration: 12 days
Orbital Insertion Altitude: 122 nautical miles
Orbit Inclination: 51.60°
Countdown begins: T-43 hours

Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test at Kennedy


Image above: The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to
talk to the media. At the microphone is Commander Steven Lindsey.
Behind him are (from left) Mission Specialists Michael Fossum and
Lisa Nowak, Pilot Mark Kelly and Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson,
Piers Sellers and Thomas Reiter of Germany, who represents the European
Space Agency.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflet
+ View High-Res Version

To familiarize astronauts with equipment and safety procedures before each space shuttle mission, crews come to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test -- and Discovery's STS-121 crew is no exception.

For three days this week, the team is participating in safety training, emergency egress exercises at the launch pad and simulated countdown activities from inside Discovery's flight deck. The test concludes with a simulated main engine cut-off exercise.

Space shuttle landing practice is included in the training, allowing mission pilots to take to the skies in special jets called Shuttle Training Aircraft from Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. All of the crew members are involved in driving the M-113 tanks that could carry them from the launch pad in the event of an emergency.

The astronauts will also don their custom-fitted helmets and recognizable bright-orange suits they'll wear for launch and landing. They'll also be busy attending briefings, inspecting the payload and participating in standard pre-launch activities.

At the end of the test, the astronauts will depart for Johnson Space Center in Texas to continue training for the upcoming July mission.

NASA's Flight Readiness Review meeting on June 16 and 17 will conclude with the announcement of the target date for launching Discovery on the 18th mission to the International Space Station.

Source: NASA - Shuttle - Launch and Landing

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Countdown Test Continues for Discovery's Crew Members

Image above: The STS-121 astronauts wave to the crowd as they make
their way to the transport vehicle taking them to Launch Pad 39B for
a mock launch countdown.
Photo credit: NASA/KSC
+ View High-Res Image

This is day two of special training for the astronauts of upcoming mission STS-121, and a busy schedule greets them today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

It's an early start this morning for the crew, with a wake-up call at 6 a.m. followed by the traditional breakfast in the crew quarters at the Operations and Checkout building. After a weather briefing, the team members will don their custom-fitted orange flight suits and helmets.

The crew then will emerge from the Operations and Checkout building, waving to employees during this traditional countdown milestone known as the "walkout," and climb into NASA's silver Astrovan for the 20-minute ride to Launch Pad 39B. The astronauts will be whisked up into the White Room and seated inside the orbiter for a mock launch countdown, concluding in a simulated main engine cutoff.

Turning their attention to safety later in the day, the crew members will practice driving the M-113 tanks that could carry them away from the launch pad in an emergency.

After a rigorous and demanding day, the astronauts will sit down to a delicious dinner, relax and get some rest to prepare for the last day of the exercises.

The astronauts and ground crews will go through a full launch dress rehearsal during the tests and some activities will air on NASA TV.
+ View NASA TV Schedule

Space Shuttle Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. The STS-121 mission will visit the International Space Station and continue evaluating new shuttle safety improvements. At least two spacewalks are planned during the 12-day mission, which also includes repair work to the station.

Source: NASA - Space Shuttle

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Final Test Day for STS-121 Astronauts

Image above: The Discovery crew concludes emergency egress practice
at the top of the fixed service structure. From left are Mission Specialists
Michael Fossum and Thomas Reiter, Pilot Mark Kelly, Commander Steven
Lindsey, and Mission Specialists Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson and Piers
Sellers.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
+ View High-Res Image

It's the last morning of special training for the seven astronauts who will fly on mission STS-121, and the day started with a 7 a.m. wake-up call at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. After breakfast, the crew will be transported to Launch Pad 39B for a final inspection of the payload bay, traditionally called the "payload bay walkdown."

An elevator will take the team through the Rotating Service Structure, which surrounds the orbiter, into the Payload Changeout Room. There they will have a clear view of Leonardo, the multi-purpose logistics module that contains supplies, equipment and other cargo for the International Space Station.

This is an important part of their visit to Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, as it allows the crew members to carefully examine the module from access platforms that extend over the payload bay. They'll check for sharp edges that could snag on their spacesuits and confirm the payload's readiness for flight.

After careful inspection, the astronauts will depart for Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility for their return flight to Johnson Space Center in Texas, where they will continue training for the upcoming mission.

The astronauts and ground crews will go through a full launch dress rehearsal during the tests and some activities will air on NASA TV.
+ View NASA TV Schedule

Space Shuttle Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. The STS-121 mission will visit the International Space Station and continue evaluating new shuttle safety improvements. At least two spacewalks are planned during the 12-day mission, which also includes repair work to the station.

Source: NASA - Space Shuttle

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Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test Completed

Image above: Commander Steven Lindsey and Mission Specialist Michael
Fossum are headed for the NASA jet that will return them and their
crewmates to Johnson Space Center.
Photo credit: NASA/KSC
+ View High-Res Image

The Discovery crew departed from Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility at 11:25 a.m. today after three days of training and mission orientations. Prior to his departure for the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, STS-121 Shuttle Commander Steven Lindsey said "the vehicle looks great, we're ready to go, and I believe we are doing everything necessary to make it as safe as we possibly can to fly."

The seven astronauts began their day with a 7 a.m. wake-up call. After breakfast, the crew was transported to Launch Pad 39B for a final inspection of the payload bay, traditionally called the "payload bay walkdown."

An elevator took the team through the Rotating Service Structure, which surrounds the orbiter, into the Payload Changeout Room. There they had a clear view of Leonardo, the multi-purpose logistics module that contains supplies, equipment and other cargo for the International Space Station.

This was an important final stop while at Kennedy, which allowed the crew to carefully examine the module from access platforms that extend over the payload bay. While there they checked for sharp edges that could snag on their spacesuits and also confirmed the payload's readiness for flight.

NASA Senior Officials at Kennedy for Flight Readiness Review
NASA's Flight Readiness Review meeting began this morning and will conclude tomorrow, June 17, with the announcement of the official launch date that will send Space Shuttle Discovery on its way to the International Space Station.

The meetings are held about two weeks prior to launch and involve a thorough assessment of preparations for the mission. NASA senior officials are determining the readiness of the space shuttle vehicle, flight crew and payloads for the STS-121 mission. A signed Certification of Flight Readiness endorsement certifies the successful completion of the flight preparation processes.

NASA officials will host a news conference no earlier than 2 p.m. EDT Saturday. The briefing will air live on NASA TV from the Kennedy Space Center, Fla
+ View NASA TV

Space Shuttle Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. The STS-121 mission will visit the International Space Station and continue evaluating new shuttle safety improvements. At least two spacewalks are planned during the 12-day mission, which also includes repair work to the station.

Source: NASA - Space Shuttle

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NASA Gives 'Go' for Space Shuttle Discovery's Launch

The press release is reproduced below:

june 17, 2006

Allard Beutel
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-4769

Tracy Young
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468

RELEASE: 06-241

NASA Gives 'Go' for Space Shuttle Discovery's Launch

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA senior managers on Saturday cleared the Space Shuttle Discovery for a July 1 flight to the International Space Station.

The decision was announced after a lengthy Flight Readiness Review, a traditional meeting in which top NASA managers and engineers set launch dates, determine whether the shuttle's complex array of equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for flight and assess any risks associated with the mission.

"We had two full days of an intensive Flight Readiness Review," said Administrator Michael Griffin. "It was spirited and one of the most open, yet non-adversarial meetings I've seen since returning to NASA."

Commander Steve Lindsey and his six-crewmates are scheduled to lift off at 3:48 p.m. EDT to begin a 12-day mission, designated STS-121. Discovery's crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies, make repairs and bring a third crew member to the station.

"We were really careful to evaluate everything as thoroughly as we could," said Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, who chaired the Flight Readiness Review. "But the review of the ice/frost ramp was one of the most vigorously discussed."

The ice/frost ramps are structures made of insulation foam that cover 34 brackets on the outside of the shuttle's external fuel tank. The ramps have been cited as a potential source of foam loss, which could cause damage to the shuttle. The Flight Readiness Review board decided the current design does not pose sufficient risk to delay the upcoming mission while design improvements for later flights are under way.

Joining Lindsey aboard Discovery will be pilot Mark Kelly, mission specialists Mike Fossum, Piers Sellers, Lisa Nowak and Stephanie Wilson. European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter will launch on Discovery and stay on the station for several months.

Aboard the station, Expedition 13 Commander Pavel Vinogradov, a Russian Federal Space Agency cosmonaut, and Flight Engineer and NASA Station Science Officer Jeff Williams will greet Discovery and its crew. Vinogradov and Williams began their six-month mission on the station March 31.

For more information on the STS-121 mission, including images and interviews with the crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

- end -

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

Source: NASA Press Release 06-241