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UPDATE # 119 - April 24, 2000 PART 1: Eavesdropping on Launch Contro EAVESDROPPING ON LAUNCH CONTROL
It's exciting to be watching a launch at the same time as I write to you. I'll hold on to see what happens before sending this. As I type, the countdown clock is holding at T minus 9 minutes, one of the scheduled holds. The announcer tells us that Astronaut Charlie Precourt ( see his bio at:http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/precourt.html) is flying the area in his T-38 to conduct real-time weather observations. At this point the crosswinds are exceeding the 17-knots limit, so it appears that the launch may be a no-go. I'm standing by, and will let you the status at launch time. The word just came down. The plan is now for a 24-hour scrub. The wind forecast appears to be better for tomorrow, but there will be a re-evaluation in the morning, and a decision made as to whether the will be able to launch tomorrow. If you'd like to watch the way I am, go to: http://quest.nasa.gov/ltc/sto/launch Maybe tomorrow, Linda Conrad lindac@quest.nasa.gov UPCOMING EVENTS:
Note: Most chats require pre-registration, so please plan ahead. If you need some help with how to chat, see the NASA QuestChat Information Center at: http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/qchats/ ->Thursday, April 27: 10-11:30am PDT (1-2:30pm EDT, 5-6:30pm GMT) WebCast with Astronaut Sam Durrance. As part of the Landing to Launch Series, two-time space traveler Sam Durrance will take us on a tour of the place astronauts live as they await the mission launch. This event requires pre-registration if you want to participate by placing questions in the chat room, however, the WebCast may be viewed by everyone. Details are at: http://quest.nasa.gov/space/events/ksc99 ->Thursday, April 27: all day The Virtual Take Our Daughters to Work Day schedule is now up. In case you've not participated in this NASA Quest, Women of NASA event before, you'll find a full roster of chats and forums, featuring for example: astronauts, engineers, and planetary scientists. These women will be online to meet with participants all day. Go to: http://quest.nasa.gov/women/TODTWD00/schedule.html [Editor's note: Brandt's timely reporting of events as they happen at KSC again keeps ups posted. See also the press release on this subject at: http://quest.nasa.gov/space/news/2000/04-22.txt and Brandt's online journal that includes photos: http://quest.nasa.gov/space/team/journals/secosh/04-24-00.html ] A NEW RECOVRY PROCESS FOR SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS http: quest.nasa.gov/space/team/secosh.html April 24, 2000 Recovering the two solid rocket boosters (SRB) used to launch the shuttle has been done by divers in the past. Once the SRB separate from the Shuttle they fall back into the ocean, usually within a 150 mile radius of Jacksonville, Florida, divers are taken to the site of the SRB splashdown and would go to depths of up to 120 feet to begin their work. The first task would be to cut tangled parachute cords from the SRB. The next task is to insert the Diver Operated Plug (DOP) into the aft nozzle of the SRB. Once the plug is in place, air is pumped into the SRB forcing the water out. The booster them comes to the ocean surface and floats horizontally. It is then towed back to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Station for refurbishment. The new process will use a one manned submarine called the Deepworker 2,000. The Deepworker 2000 is built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia, is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high and weighs 3,800 pounds. It can explore to depths of 2,000 feet and is equipped with a package of eight high-powered thrusters. The Deepworker 2000 will be evaluated during today's launch of STS 101. DeepWorker 2000, will be deployed from Liberty Star once the right hand booster splashes down. The submarine will be evaluated on its ability to duplicate the job USA divers presently do at the recovery site. Using a manipulator arm, the submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines, if necessary, and attach a the Diver Operator Plug (DOP). The test also will include evaluation of a new Enhanced Diver Operator Plug (EDOP) that features a motor powered locking mechanism that replaces the present manual system to enhance diver safety and reduce work load at depth. It also has been streamlined for easier handling underwater. NASA is always searching for better and safer ways to conduct shuttle operations. If the evaluation is successful, the new method will be adopted and will greatly increase the safety of the recovery team by limiting their exposure to hazardous conditions. Everything looks great for today's launch at 4:15! Weather forecasters indicate a 90 percent chance of favorable weather at launch time today. The forecast calls for few clouds at 4,000 feet and broken clouds at 25,000 feet; visibility at 7 miles; winds out of the south at 12 gusting to 18 knots and temperature at 85 degrees F. Along with a slight chance of thunderstorms and thick clouds, officials will monitor wind conditions at the Shuttle Landing Facility. I plan on meeting with many viewers of the launch today and publishing their thoughts and experiences for you in my next journal. Until then, enjoy the STS 101 launch! STATUS OF ORBITER PROCESSING
RE: MISSION: STS-101, 3rd ISS Flight (2A.2a) - carrying SPACEHAB Earlier today: Launch controllers began loading the external tank of Space Shuttle Atlantis with more than 500,000 gallons of liquid propellant at 7 a.m. today. Shuttle engineers are not working any significant issues that would prohibit an on time launch at about 4:15 p.m. The exact time of liftoff will be determined at the T-9 minute hold. Launch controllers yesterday began Shuttle communication activation. In the evening, flight crew equipment late stow operations concluded, and early this morning the orbiter's fuel cells were activated. Weather forecasters indicate a 90 percent chance of favorable weather at launch time today. The forecast calls for few clouds at 4,000 feet and broken clouds at 25,000 feet; visibility at 7 miles; winds out of the south at 12 gusting to 18 knots and temperature at 85 degrees F. Along with a slight chance of thunderstorms and thick clouds, officials will monitor wind conditions at the Shuttle Landing Facility. On 2:04pm today, April 24, 2000. The hatch to Atlantis was closed in preparation for an on time launch at 4:15 PM EDT. See above: a 24-hour scrub was declared due to cross winds above the 17 knots limit.
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