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UPDATE # 123 - May 22, 2000PART 1: Atlantis on Orbit ATLANTIS ON ORBIT
I hope you have been able to follow some of the news coverage of the STS-101 mission. We are trying to keep information fresh on STO to help you to stay on top of what's happening. The twice-daily reports may be found at: http://quest.nasa.gov/space/news/press.html#101 Also the video coverage provided by our Kennedy Space Center feed may be found at: http://quest.nasa.gov/ltc/sto/launch 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.nasa.gov/qchats/ Wednesday, May 31: 9-10am PDT (12-1pm EDT, 4-5pm GMT) QuestChat with TonyCeccacci Tony Ceccacci describes the X-38 as a 'lifeboat' International Space Station (ISS) crews will use to return to Earth, if any emergencies occur. Tony is responsible for preparing X-38 test vehicles for test flights. Read Tony's profile at http://quest.nasa.gov/space/team/ceccacci.html to ask informed questions. Pre-register at: http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/common/events.cgi?prj_sto [Editor's note: One of our newest team members, Jesús Computer Programmer / Analyst. Here he gives us a perspective on why/how delays in launches happen. The online version has pictures and links that can be very helpful: http://quest.nasa.gov/space/team/journals/ortiz/05-17-00.html ] READY-SET-WAIT-GO! http://quest.nasa.gov/space/team/ortiz.html Interviewer: Brandt Secosh May 17, 2000 Hi everyone. This is my first journal with the Space Team Online so let me wish all of you well and thank you for your interest in the space program! It has been a tough time for Kennedy Space Center's launch schedule since STS-101 was scheduled to launch on April 24, 2000. STS-101 was initially delayed due to high crosswinds at the Shuttle Landing Facility. A second launch attempt was scheduled for April 25th. This was also scrubbed because of high wind conditions at the SLF and the launch pad. A third launch attempt would be made for April 26th under much more favorable weather conditions at Kennedy Space Center. In fact it was a beautiful day for launch here at Kennedy. The only issue that could stop the launch was the weather at the Transatlantic Abort Sites TAL. Due to unacceptable weather conditions at the TAL's, the mission would be scrubbed again and a new launch date was announced for May 18, 2000. On May 17th, Space Shuttle Atlantis would be delayed again due to high winds postponing the launch of an ATLAS rocket on the Air Force side of the space center. Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Station share the same range (airspace) for launching the space shuttle and expendable launch vehicles such as the ATLAS rocket. The tracking of each launch requires a lot of programming for each mission configuration such as path of trajectory, mission abort information and many other factors. Due to scheduling and reconfiguring the range tracking systems, Atlantis was rescheduled for launch on May 19th at 6:12 A.M. eastern time. So, Atlantis awaits the STS 101 crew on launch pad 39A for it's fourth launch attempt early tomorrow morning. [Editor's note: I wish I could include the pictures here, but you may want to go to the web version to se the excellent photos Brandt describes in this journal: http://quest.nasa.gov/space/team/journals/secosh/05-19-00.html ] MOTHER NATURE GIVES ATLANTIS A BREAK! http://quest.nasa.gov/space/team/secosh.html May 19, 2000 After four previous attempts to launch, Atlantis and it's crew are on their way to the International Space Station! In contrast to the previous launch attempts, Mother Nature was very kind to Atlantis this morning. The risk of a weather related delay was 0%! The only thing that could stop the launch now was a technical delay - that would not be the case. At 6:12 A.M. Eastern Standard time Atlantis lit up the early morning sky as it departed launch pad 39A and sent a wake-up call to all of the wildlife on Kennedy Space Center. As Atlantis rose above the horizon the early morning light brought the flight path to life with a display of its own! If you follow the exhaust trail in the photograph at right and look to the left center you can still see Atlantis as it continues it's journey to the ISS. The primary mission for the crew of Atlantis is to deliver supplies to the International Space Station, perform a spacewalk and then reboost the station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles above the earth's surface. The crew will take air samples, monitor carbon dioxide, measure air flow, replace air filters, replace Zarya fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Repairs will also be done to replace four batteries on Zarya, replace failed or suspect electronics for Zarya's batteries, replace a Radio Telemetry System and a communications antenna. The station will also be resupplied with water, a docking mechanism accessory kit, film and video tape for documentation, office supplies and personal items. Crew health maintenance items will also be transferred including exercise equipment, medical support supplies. If enough fuel remains at the time Atlantis undocks from the ISS, a flyaround inspection will be performed. Atlantis is scheduled to land at Kennedy Space Center on May 29th at 2:19 A.M. STATUS OF ORBITER PROCESSING
RE: MISSION: STS-101, 3rd ISS Flight (2A.2a) - carrying SPACEHAB Following Friday's successful launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis, inspections of Launch Pad 39A revealed only normal damage. Over the weekend, KSC's solid rocket booster recovery ships towed the STS-101 boosters from the Atlantic Ocean back to Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Recovery ship Freedom Star returned to Hangar AF Saturday afternoon and Liberty Star arrived Sunday morning. Preliminary inspections indicate the boosters are in good shape and in-depth assessments are in work today. To follow the on-orbit reports see the news clips at: http://quest.nasa.gov/space/news/press.html#101 Continuing video coverage may be accessed from the launch page: http://quest.nasa.gov/ltc/sto/launch
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