Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Launch

[dfergie]

Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Launch - HDNet 3:30 Pm Est 12/06
The seven astronauts aboard Atlantis will begin a planned 11-day mission to install the European-built 'Columbus' laboratory. Live from the Kennedy Space Center's launch pad 39a on Cape Canaveral, Florida.

 

[long_time_DNC]

Today's launch scrubbed due to fuel sensor issue. Rescheduled for 12/07 at 4:09 EST.

 

[dfergie]

Maybe Sunday...

 

[long_time_DNC]

And if not Sunday, then Monday. If both are scrubbed, the next launch window is the following Thursday.

 

[Andrewwski]

Technically no...the launch window itself is open every day until 12/16.

If they attempt Sunday and Monday then they need a 72 hour turnaround to top off the cyros.

The new LCC for tomorrow is that 4/4 ECO sensors must be working to attempt a launch. This is increased from 3/4 because when this situation has occured before (STS-114, STS-115), all 4/4 ECO's passed during the second tanking attempt.

If any of the ECO's fail tomorrow then we probably won't see a launch during this window. It would probably be decided that a repair or investigation is necessary, which most likely could be done at 39A, but would take longer than the rest of the launch window.

If STS-122 is delayed into January, STS-123's launch date in February is not affected.

Weather is looking fine tomorrow.

 

[long_time_DNC]

NASA scrubbed today's scheduled launch (same issue) and is standing down for a few weeks to try and figure out/resolve the fuel sensor issue.

Next possible date they stated that a launch may occur is Jan. 2nd. 2008.

 

[dfergie]

Dang.... last launch and flight was too perfect I guess...

 

[long_time_DNC]

Yeah, those were my thoughts too. Last launch was flawless. But when you've got a craft with over 2 million parts, I imagine getting it 100% every time is really a tough task...

 

[Andrewwski]

NASA scrubbed today's scheduled launch (same issue) and is standing down for a few weeks to try and figure out/resolve the fuel sensor issue.

Next possible date they stated that a launch may occur is Jan. 2nd. 2008.

Partially the same issue, but it's worse. An LH2 sensor failed during tanking, but LO2 sensor 3 also failed as dry when it was really wet. This is the first ever problem with an LO2 sensor.

Looks like any investigation or repairs will take up the rest of this launch window. If a rollback is required, I think we'll be seeing a week or two into January at the minimum. If these activities can be completed at 39A, it may be shorter.

EDIT: LO2 sensor does not seem to be a problem. Was most likely a console issue. LH2 is still a problem. MMT debating whether or not this area is safely accessable from pad. Looks like they will try at the pad.

 

[long_time_DNC]

Pad work would certainly be quicker/less time-consuming than a rollback. Either way, they have to do whatever it takes to fix it...

 

[Ilya]

If they roll back, January 2 becomes very unlikely...

 

[long_time_DNC]

Agreed...and then February's scheduled launch probably gets pushed into March (or later)...

 

[Ilya]

They said even that would be ok and should not put their plans for the next year in any jeopardy.
Hope they find what's causing the problem though. These sensors have been causing a lot of frustration in the past couple of years.

 

[Andrewwski]

Highly descriptive article:

STS-122 troubleshooting begins at pad - NASA identify fault candidate - NASA SpaceFlight.com

Looks like NET Jan 10. right now. Would make it a 2:26 AM launch. Night launches are always cool...even if it means I get no sleep that night so I can stay up and watch...

 

[Andrewwski]

Tanking test tomorrow. Flight rationale developed for any possible outcome with ECO Sensors for 1/10 launch.

Atlantis ready for tanking test - STS-122 flight rationale already built - NASA SpaceFlight.com

 

[dfergie]

HDNET TO BROADCAST LIVE, EXCLUSIVE HIGH DEFINITION COVERAGE OF THE LAUNCH OF SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS -
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2008

Network's coverage begins at 2:00 p.m. ET with launch from the Kennedy Space Center scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET

WHAT: HDNet to broadcast EXCLUSIVE HD coverage of the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis, marking NASA's 24th US mission to the International Space Station.

The mission of STS-122 is to deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus science laboratory module. The cylindrical, 23-foot long Columbus lab is the first all-European laboratory to be attached to the International Space Station. Additional construction on the International Space Station will also be part of the mission.

HDNet's coverage will be hosted by HDNet World Report Correspondent Greg Dobbs and former astronaut Colonel Charles "Sam" Gemar.

WHEN: EXCLUSIVE HD coverage begins on HDNet at 2:00 p.m., running until 3:00 p.m. ET - with the launch of Atlantis scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET.
Source: HDNet<!-- / message -->

 

[Sean Mota]

If you have seen one of these, there is very little to see the next time.

 

[dfergie]

If you have seen one of these, there is very little to see the next time.

For some , myself I watch them all and enjoy each one as if seen for the first time...

 

[long_time_DNC]

I never tire of watching the launches or the spacewalk activities either.

 

[Ilya]

I watch it every time too! I prefer NASA channel for the undubbed commentary, but I always switch to HDNet to witness the launch moment in HD. It takes my breath away every single time! I can't believe how lucky I am to live during the times when the civilization was finally able to go into Space. It's mindboggling if you think about it...