|
Atlantis-747 Combo Arrives in Florida After Cross-Country Ferry Flight
Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:09:27 PM EDT
NASA's modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft carrying the Space Shuttle Atlantis touched down at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida Tuesday evening, concluding a more than 2,500-mile cross-country ferry flight from NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. The piggyback pair left Edwards Monday morning and flew to Biggs Army Air Field adjacent to El Paso, Texas, where it remained overnight.
The 747-shuttle combo then flew to Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas, Tuesday morning for refueling, and then continued on to Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi on the third leg of the cross-country journey. After refueling again at Columbus Tuesday afternoon, the modified Boeing 747 with Atlantis atop flew on to Kennedy, performing a low-level flyby of Florida's space coast beaches and the space center before touching down at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility runway at 6:53 p.m. EDT.
Atlantis En Route to Kennedy Space Center
Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:06:10 PM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis is on the final leg of its cross-country ferry flight back to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis on top of its modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft departed Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi at 4:37 p.m. EDT (3:37 p.m. CDT). The flight to Kennedy is expected to take about an hour and 50 minutes.
Weather permitting, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft will approach Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility from the south, providing a fly-by of Space Coast beaches before landing at about 6:30 p.m. EDT. Atlantis' arrival will be broadcast live on NASA Television.
Atlantis to Return Home Today
Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:34:23 PM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis, riding atop a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, is soon to begin the final leg of its cross-country journey from Edwards Air Force Base in California to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The ferry flight will depart Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi at approximately 5:40 p.m. EDT (3:40 p.m. CDT). Atlantis is expected to arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at about 6:30 p.m. EDT.
Atlantis Ferry Flight Continues
Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:55:57 PM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis, riding atop a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, is airborne once in the cross-country journey from Edwards Air Force Base in California to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The flight departed Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas this afternoon and is en route to Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. Once Atlantis gets to Columbus Air Force base, managers will assess the weather and determine the best route to arrive at Kennedy this evening.
Atlantis Ferry Flight Makes Refueling Stop
Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:30:44 AM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis, riding atop a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, landed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas this morning for a refueling stop. Next, the piggybacked duo will fly from Lackland to Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, continuing the cross-country journey from Edwards Air Force Base in California to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Shuttle Atlantis' Ferry Flight to Florida Continues This Morning
Tue, 02 Jun 2009 06:55:09 AM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis is being prepared to continue its cross-country ferry flight to Florida today. Managers met this morning for a weather briefing. They decided that Atlantis' departure on top of a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Biggs Army Air Field, in El Paso, Texas now will take place no earlier than 8:40 a.m. EDT (6:40 a.m. MDT).
The ferry flight team will continue to assess the weather to determine the best route to take from Texas to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Managers now estimate the earliest arrival at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility will be about 6 p.m. EDT.
Cross-country Trip to Continue on Tuesday
Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:42:02 PM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis will continue its cross-country trip to Florida Tuesday, June 2. Departure from Biggs Army Air Field, in El Paso, Texas is planned for 7:40 a.m. EDT (5:40 a.m. MDT). A weather briefing will be held at 5:30 a.m. EDT (3:30 a.m. MDT) to determined the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft's route. Weather permitting, Atlantis could be back at its Florida home Tuesday night.
Ferry Flight Update
Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:27:53 PM EDT
Mounted atop a modified 747 jet known as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, space shuttle Atlantis departed Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday morning to begin its journey home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pair arrived at Biggs Army Airfield in El Paso, Texas at 1:22 p.m. EDT (11:22 a.m. MDT) and will spend the night there before resuming the cross-country trip tomorrow. Atlantis may be home on Tuesday if weather permits. Atlantis and a crew of seven astronauts landed at Edwards on May 24, concluding the STS-125 mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope for the last time.
+ View Ferry Flight - Space Shuttle Atlantis Lands in El Paso
Atlantis Reaches First Stop on Journey Home
Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:08:35 PM EDT
Mounted atop a modified 747 jet known as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, space shuttle Atlantis departed Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday morning to begin its journey home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pair arrived at Biggs Army Airfield in El Paso, Texas at 1:22 p.m. EDT (11:22 a.m. MDT) and will spend the night there before resuming the cross-country trip tomorrow. Atlantis may be home on Tuesday if weather permits.
Atlantis Begins Journey Home to Florida
Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:18:58 AM EDT
Mounted atop a modified 747 jet known as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, space shuttle Atlantis departed Edwards Air Force Base in California this morning to begin its journey home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pair will fly to Biggs Army Air Field in El Paso, Texas and spend the night there before resuming the cross-country trip tomorrow.
Atlantis to Depart California Today
Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:12:45 AM EDT
Mounted atop a modified 747 jet known as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, space shuttle Atlantis will depart Edwards Air Force Base in California this morning to begin its journey home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft and Atlantis are scheduled to depart Edwards at 11 a.m. EDT (8 a.m. PDT) today. The pair will fly to Biggs Army Air Field in El Paso, Texas and spend the night there before resuming the cross-country trip tomorrow.
Atlantis Almost Ready For Ferry Flight, Endeavour On Its Launch Pad
Mon, 01 Jun 2009 06:12:09 AM EDT
Teams preparing space shuttle Atlantis for its cross-country trip from California to Florida are running behind their original schedule because of some minor hardware problems. But they're still aiming to depart Edwards Air Force Base this morning.
Managers now will meet for a pretake-off weather briefing at 9 a.m. EDT (6 a.m. PDT) for a target departure time of 11 a.m. EDT (8 a.m.) from Edwards.
Technicians encountered some difficulties while trying to tighten a bolt on the right attach point for connecting Atlantis to its modified Boeing 747 aircraft. The bolt now is securely in place, and Atlantis almost is ready to begin its ferry flight back to NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
Weather permitting, Atlantis could be back at its Florida home Tuesday night, where space shuttle Endeavour is being prepared for its upcoming STS-127 mission to the International Space Station.
STS-127 Ferry Flight Departure Planned for Monday, June 1
Sun, 31 May 2009 05:02:06 PM EDT
The STS-125 ferry flight departure from Edwards AFB, Calif. is currently planned for 8:20 a.m. EDT (5:20 a.m. PDT) Monday, June 1. Sunday's weather briefing has concluded and the forecast looks favorable for the departure just before sunrise Monday. There will be a weather briefing at 6:15 p.m. EDT (3:15 a.m. PDT) Monday.
+ View Prep of Atlantis prior to mateing with modified Boeing 747 aircraft
Atlantis' Ferry Flight Could Begin Early Monday
Sat, 30 May 2009 09:31:45 PM EDT
The STS-125 ferry flight departure is scheduled for no earlier than Monday morning. There will be a weather briefing at 2 p.m. EDT (11 a.m. PDT) Sunday. Flight managers are looking at various options for the best route to the Kennedy Space Center. Weather remains very dynamic. The mate of Atlantis to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is scheduled for Saturday evening.
Ferry Flight Readiness Review Delayed; Tail Cone Installation Complete
Sat, 30 May 2009 01:53:41 PM EDT
The Ferry Flight Readiness Review is delayed to 4 p.m. EDT (1 p.m. PDT). Managers will have a better feel for flight plans at the conclusion of Saturday's review. Atlantis' tail cone installation is complete. The tail cone covers and protects the main engines during the ferry flight.
Ferry Flight Readiness Review Scheduled for Saturday
Fri, 29 May 2009 10:58:20 PM EDT
The Ferry Flight Readiness Review is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT (11 a.m. PDT) Saturday, at which time managers will decide when the ferry flight will occur and the direction of takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California. The shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, and its piggyback passenger Atlantis could be ready for takeoff as early as Sunday, May 31.
Atlantis Ferry Flight Preparations Continue
Thu, 28 May 2009 03:38:21 PM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis is continuing preparations for its ferry flight back to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The ferry flight could depart Edwards as early as Sunday, May 31.
Atlantis Prepares for Return to Florida
Wed, 27 May 2009 09:48:28 AM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis is undergoing preparations for its ferry flight back to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
STS-125 Crew to be Welcomed Home Today
Tue, 26 May 2009 11:50:54 AM EDT
The STS-125 crew will be honored at a welcome-home ceremony today at 5 p.m. EDT at Houston's Ellington Field.
Space shuttle Atlantis and the seven astronauts touched down Sunday morning on Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base in California, finishing up a 13-day mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.
Thanks to Everyone
Sun, 24 May 2009 02:05:16 PM EDT
Before leaving Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base in California, Commander Scott Altman spoke for his crew to thank everyone for getting them safely back home.
"At last! I didn't realize it was going to be so hard to get back to the Earth, landing here just felt great to everybody," said Altman. "We're all thrilled to have the mission complete and it was a testament to the teamwork and cooperation of folks all across the country."
The STS-125 astronauts will be honored with a welcome home ceremony that will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Houston's Ellington Field.
Spacecraft Walkabout
Sun, 24 May 2009 01:45:15 PM EDT
The STS-125 astronauts are walking around and beneath space shuttle Atlantis, taking a last look at the vehicle that served them well in orbit and brought them safely home to Edwards Air Force Base in California this morning.
NASA Managers Praise the STS-125 Mission and Crew
Sun, 24 May 2009 01:12:14 PM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California at 11:39 a.m. EDT, completing a 13-day journey of approximately 5.3 million miles in space.
During a press conference held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Ed Weiler said, "Now, and only now can we declare this mission a total success -- the astronauts are safely on the ground."
Weiler called NASA's Hubble Space Telescope the great comeback story. He said the public continues to be captivated by the telescope's images of the universe and he hopes to see Hubble operate into its third decade of service.
NASA Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses agreed that this was a fantastic mission. "It's good to have Atlantis back here on the ground," said Moses. He also said the crew did a great job trying to get the shuttle back to Kennedy, even though the weather wouldn't cooperate.
Mike Leinbach, NASA space shuttle launch director, congratulated the STS-125 crew and also commended the crew members who were ready and standing by in case space shuttle Endeavour was needed for a rescue mission.
Atlantis Lands in California
Sun, 24 May 2009 11:52:36 AM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis landed at Edwards AFB at 11:39 EDT, completing a 13-day journey of approximately 5.3 million miles in space.
A post-landing news conference with managers at Kennedy is expected in approx. 30 minutes. The participants will be Ed Weiler, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, Mike Moses, launch integration manager, and Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director. A crew news conference is tentative and will be announced later. The ceremony to welcome the astronauts back will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Houston's Ellington Field.
Deorbit Burn Complete
Sun, 24 May 2009 10:34:26 AM EDT
Atlantis has completed its deorbit burn and begun the descent towards Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Alantis Given "Go" for Edwards
Sun, 24 May 2009 10:09:00 AM EDT
Mission Control has decided to target Edwards for today's landing since the weather at Kennedy is unstable. The deorbit burn is timelined to begin at 10:24 a.m. EDT for an 11:39 a.m. landing at Edwards. The burn lasts three to four minutes, slowing Atlantis enough to begin its descent.
First Landing Opportunity Waved Off
Sun, 24 May 2009 08:33:15 AM EDT
Mission Control Center waved off the first landing opportunity for shuttle Atlantis at NASA's Kennedy Space Center because of poor weather conditions. Both Edwards and Kennedy will be considered for the next landing opportunities: 11:39 a.m. EDT at Edwards, 11:48 a.m. at Kennedy and 1:17 p.m. at Edwards.
Crew Continues Toward Deorbit Burn
Sun, 24 May 2009 08:19:32 AM EDT
The crew has been told to continue down the timeline for a deorbit burn at 8:57 a.m. EDT. The weather at Kennedy is described as marginal, but the entry team continues to monitor conditions there.
Crew Given "Go" for Fluid Loading
Sun, 24 May 2009 07:56:45 AM EDT
The crew has been given a "go" for fluid loading as the entry team continues to analyze the weather conditions at Kennedy Space Center.
"Go" Given for Payload Bay Door Closure
Sun, 24 May 2009 05:58:16 AM EDT
Mission Control has given a "go" for payload bay door closure, timelined to begin at 6:17 a.m. EDT. Weather is still being monitored at Kennedy Space Center before the crew suits up as planned at 7:35 a.m.
Crew Begins Deorbit Preparations
Sun, 24 May 2009 05:42:24 AM EDT
The Atlantis crew has begun deorbit preparations, a four-hour process. The crew woke up this morning at 1:01 a.m. EDT to "The Ride of the Valkyries" composed by Richard Wagner. It was played for the entire crew. The first landing opportunity is at Kennedy Space Center at 10:09 a.m. EDT. The entry team continues to monitor weather conditions at Kennedy. The weather at Edwards Air Force Base is not a concern for a landing there.
Saturday Landing Opportunities Waved Off
Sat, 23 May 2009 08:44:48 AM EDT
STS-125 Entry Flight Director Norm Knight has waved off today's landing opportunities. Capcom Greg Johnson explained to the crew the weather did not permit a Kennedy landing today. Johnson said, "There's a chance for a landing at Kennedy tomorrow, and we're going to keep that option open. Edwards remains good for tomorrow and Monday, if needed."
Tomorrow, the first landing opportunity at Kennedy Space Center is at 10:11 a.m. EDT.
Crew Given "Go" for Launch and Entry Suits
Sat, 23 May 2009 06:14:59 AM EDT
The Atlantis crew has been given the "go" to put on their launch and entry suits. CAPCOM Greg Johnson told the crew that the weather at Kennedy Space Center is still "dynamic. It's right on the border. We're continuing to watch it."
"Go" Given for Payload Bay Door Closure
Sat, 23 May 2009 05:12:00 AM EDT
Mission Control has given a "go" for payload bay door closure. The weather is still being monitored before the crew suits up as planned at 6:38 a.m. EDT.
Mission Control and Crew Watching Weather
Sat, 23 May 2009 04:31:49 AM EDT
STS-125 Entry Flight Director Norm Knight and his team are on duty in Houston's Mission Control Center. Knight will receive constant weather updates from the Spaceflight Meteorology Group, and Chief Astronaut Steve Lindsey will fly a T-38 jet at approx. 4:30 a.m. EDT on weather reconnaissance passes around Kennedy Space Center and Central Florida to assess current conditions. Capcom Greg Johnson informed the crew that the weather at Kennedy is "marginal", and the weather pattern is similar to yesterday at this point. The plan is to continue the deorbit timeline through the payload bay door closure, but the astronauts will hold off suiting up until a final decision is made on whether to attempt the first landing opportunity at Kennedy.
Atlantis Crew Readying for Landing Today
Sat, 23 May 2009 01:39:51 AM EDT
The crew woke up at 1:01 a.m. EDT to "Where My Heart Will Take Me" performed by Russell Watson. It was played for the entire crew.
After the weather in Florida prevented Atlantis from landing yesterday, the crew is readying for another attempt today. Landing opportunities are available at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Edwards Air Force Base in California. For the first Kennedy opportunity, the crew would execute a deorbit burn at 8:01 a.m. and land at 9:15 a.m. Landing preparations will begin at 4 a.m. The closing of the payload bay doors is scheduled to occur at 5:22 a.m.
Landing Targets KSC Saturday Morning
Fri, 22 May 2009 05:28:13 PM EDT
The Atlantis crew is now in its sleep period and is scheduled to wake up Saturday at 1:01 a.m. EDT. Friday's landing opportunities at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) were waved off due to bad weather. Landing opportunities are now available at KSC and Edwards Air Force Base in California on Saturday and Sunday. The first KSC landing opportunity begins Saturday with a deorbit burn at 8:01 a.m. leading to a touchdown in Florida at 9:15 a.m. + Read More
Second Landing Attempt Waved Off
Fri, 22 May 2009 08:00:02 AM EDT
STS-125 Entry Flight Director Norm Knight has waved off today's second landing attempt at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the final chance to land today. Weather conditions at Kennedy would not permit a safe landing. CAPCOM Greg Johnson explained to Commander Scott Altman that weather is real moist, unstable, and officially "no go" due to thunderstorms, low cloud ceilings and showers consistently popping up offshore and over land.
Tomorrow, the first landing opportunity at Kennedy Space Center is at 9:16 a.m. Edwards Air Force Base in California will be activated for consideration as well.
First Landing Attempt Waved Off
Fri, 22 May 2009 06:02:10 AM EDT
STS-125 Entry Flight Director Norm Knight has waved off today's first landing attempt at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Weather continues to be a concern as we prepare for the second opportunity at 11:39 a.m. EDT.
Capcom Greg Johnson informed Atlantis Commander Scott Altman that the weather is not clearing up at Kennedy. The crew will hold in its entry timeline and await further updates.
Mission Control Continuing to Assess Weather
Fri, 22 May 2009 05:15:52 AM EDT
STS-125's entry team in mission control informed Atlantis' crew that it will continue to assess weather for today's first landing opportunity. The next "go-no go" decision point will be prior to Payload Bay door closing, planned for 6:10 a.m. EDT.
Mission control explained that weather around Kennedy Space Center is very dynamic with thunderstorms extending from the southeast near Bermuda to the northwest, going through the 30 nautical mile circle surrounding the Shuttle Landing Facility. There are some clear areas to the south which might, over time, move north, or may stay in place. Additionally, cloud ceilings and crosswinds continue to be an issue and are under assessment.
Weather Doubtful for Landing Today
Fri, 22 May 2009 04:41:04 AM EDT
STS-125 Entry Flight Director Norm Knight and his team are on duty in Houston's Mission Control Center. The entry team will carefully monitor weather conditions at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility as Atlantis' astronauts prepare for a possible landing there at 10 a.m. EDT. There is a second opportunity at 11:39 a.m. Knight will receive constant weather updates from the Spaceflight Meteorology Group (SMG), and Chief Astronaut Steve Lindsey will fly a T-38 jet on weather reconnaissance passes around Kennedy and Central Florida to assess current conditions.
Here is the latest SMG forecast for today's two landing opportunities. It currently is "no go" based on a prediction of broken clouds at 4000 feet, an exceedance of peak crosswinds (19 knots) and thunderstorms within 30 nautical miles of the shuttle runway.
Problematic Weather Conditions for Landing Day
Fri, 22 May 2009 02:49:10 AM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis' crew awoke at 2:01 a.m. EDT to "The Galaxy Song" from "Monty Python's The Meaning of Life." It was played for the entire crew.
It's landing day aboard Atlantis as the astronauts make final preparations for their planned deorbit burn and touchdown at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Weather conditions may be problematic for today's landing opportunities at 10 a.m. and 11:39 a.m. due to the forecast of a broken cloud layer at 4000 feet and a chance for thunderstorms within 30 nautical miles of the shuttle runway. STS-125 Entry Flight Director Norm Knight will lead his mission control team as it assesses the weather at Kennedy before giving Atlantis a "go."
Weather Forecast "No Go" for Friday Landing
Thu, 21 May 2009 04:38:58 PM EDT
Before going to sleep at 6:01 p.m. EDT, space shuttle Atlantis' astronauts were making final preparations for Friday's planned 10 a.m. landing at Kennedy Space Center. A second landing opportunity follows at 11:39 a.m.
Weather currently is forecast "no go" due to a prediction of broken clouds at 4000 feet and a chance of thunderstorms within 30 nautical miles of Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. STS-125 Entry Flight Director Norm Knight and his mission control team will assess the Kennedy weather Friday before giving a "go" for the deorbit burn.
Crew Conducts Tests for Friday Landing
Thu, 21 May 2009 07:29:09 AM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis' crew completed a test of the Reaction Control System steering thrusters that will help control Atlantis' attitude and speed after Friday's deorbit burn. They also tested the shuttle aerosurfaces and flight control systems that will be used once the shuttle enters the atmosphere.
Landing time has changed slightly to 10:00:31 a.m. EDT at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. A second landing opportunity is available at 11:39 a.m.
Crew Prepares for Return Home
Thu, 21 May 2009 03:15:09 AM EDT
The crew woke up this morning at 2:04 a.m. CDT to "Cantina Band," one of composer John Williams' songs from the soundtrack to "Star Wars." The song was played for the entire crew. The crew of Atlantis will spend the day preparing the shuttle for tomorrow's return home.
Home Stretch for STS-125 Crew
Wed, 20 May 2009 07:11:43 PM EDT
After five successful spacewalks at the Hubble Space Telescope, the STS-125 crew is in the home stretch of its mission.
Mission managers completed their review of the late inspection of the shuttle's wing leading edge and nosecap heat shield, and cleared the entire thermal protection system for safe entry. Landing is scheduled for 10:01 a.m. EDT Friday at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, weather permitting.
Crew Enjoying Off Duty Time
Wed, 20 May 2009 04:45:03 AM EDT
The STS-125 crew woke up at 4:03 a.m. EDT to the theme from the television series "Star Trek," which was composed by Alexander Courage. The song was played for the entire crew.
This morning the crew talked with members of the media at different NASA centers about the mission. Early in the afternoon the crew made a ship-to-ship call to Expedition 19 aboard the International Space Station.
The shuttle astronauts will spend the balance of the day enjoying some off duty time as they prepare for Friday's entry and landing.
OBSS Returned to Payload Bay
Tue, 19 May 2009 06:07:46 PM EDT
Atlantis' crew completed the late inspection of the shuttle's reinforced carbon carbon panels on Tuesday. The Orbiter Boom Sensor System was also placed in the payload bay sill about an hour after inspection instead of Wednesday morning as had been planned.
Shuttle Late Inspection Complete
Tue, 19 May 2009 05:14:10 PM EDT
Atlantis' crew has completed the late inspection of the shuttle's reinforced carbon carbon panels. The crew now will move the orbiter boom sensor system, in the payload bay tonight rather than tomorrow morning as had been planned. The operation is expected to take an hour. This won't affect the crew's plan to go to bed early tonight at 8:01 p.m. EDT.
Mission Status Briefing Scheduled for 2:30 p.m. EDT
Tue, 19 May 2009 02:07:14 PM EDT
Today's mission status briefing is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. EDT. The participants will be Tony Ceccacci, STS-125 lead flight director, Eric Smith, HST program scientist, NASA Headquarters, and Dave Leckrone, HST senior scientist.
Separation Burn Complete
Tue, 19 May 2009 09:37:22 AM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis fired its thrusters at 9:28 a.m. EDT to increase its distance from the Hubble Space Telescope. Now that the shuttle is at a safe distance from Hubble, the crew will stow the equipment system that provided interfaces between the telescope and Atlantis. The system also served as the maintenance platform that held Hubble in place while providing a means for rotation for correct positioning during deployment and in-orbit servicing.
Late inspection of Atlantis' heat shield is scheduled to begin at around 12:51 p.m. EDT.
Hubble Space Telescope Released
Tue, 19 May 2009 09:05:28 AM EDT
Using Atlantis' robotic arm, Mission Specialist Megan McArthur released NASA's Hubble Space Telescope at 8:57 a.m. EDT. With soft separation burn, Atlantis now is slowly backing away from the telescope. A jet firing will be performed in about a half-hour to increase Atlantis' separation rate from the telescope, as the seven crew members bid farewell to Hubble for the final time.
Hubble Grappled for Release
Tue, 19 May 2009 06:49:33 AM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis' robotic arm grappled the Hubble Space Telescope at 6:45 a.m. EDT in preparation for its release. Commander Scott Altman next will maneuver Atlantis to the correct orientation to release the observatory. The telescope's aperture door, which protects Hubble's ultra-sensitive optics, will be commanded open to allow starlight to fall upon its optical instruments. Working the arm, Mission Specialist Megan McArthur will maneuver Hubble to a point high above the shuttle bay before releasing the telescope from the shuttle.
Crew Bids Farewell to Hubble Today
Tue, 19 May 2009 04:33:20 AM EDT
Atlantis' crew woke up this morning at 4:31 a.m. EDT to "Lie in Our Graves" performed by the Dave Matthews Band. It was played for astronaut Megan McArthur.
The crew of Atlantis will bid farewell to the Hubble Space Telescope today. McArthur will operate the shuttle's robotic arm today as she reaches out and grapples onto the telescope. She will then lift Hubble out of Atlantis' payload bay and move it over the edge of the shuttle. Ground teams will command Hubble's aperture door to open, which is the large shutter that protects the telescope's primary and secondary mirrors. Final release of Hubble is scheduled for 8:53 a.m. Commander Scott Altman and Pilot Greg Johnson will guide Atlantis carefully away, before subtle thruster firings place the shuttle a safe distance from Hubble.
Later in the day, attention will turn to surveys of Atlantis' thermal protection system, including its wing leading edge panels, nose cap and underside tiles. Imagery experts will evaluate the data to determine the health of the thermal protection system.
Hubble Release Tomorrow at 8:45am EDT
Mon, 18 May 2009 06:15:00 PM EDT
The final task for the STS-125 crew will be to grapple and release the Hubble Space Telescope. The STOCC is currently preparing the telescope for its release. Should another spacewalk be necessary due to problems with the release it will be performed by Mike Massimino and Mike Good.
Final Spacewalk of STS-125 Mission Complete
Mon, 18 May 2009 03:27:13 PM EDT
The fifth and final STS-125 spacewalk concluded at 3:22 p.m. EDT. It was 7 hours, 2 minutes. During their walk in space, Grunsfeld and Feustel installed a battery group replacement, removed and replaced a Fine Guidance Sensor and three thermal blankets (NOBL) protecting Hubble's electronics.
Today's mission status briefing is scheduled to begin at 4:15 p.m. EDT. The participants will be Tony Ceccacci, STS-125 lead flight director, Tomas Gonzalez-Torres, STS-125 lead EVA officer, Jon Morse, Director, Astrophysics Division, and Preston Burch, HST Program manager.
A Few Words From John Grunsfeld About the STS-125 Mission
Mon, 18 May 2009 03:06:59 PM EDT
Outside the airlock hatch, John Grunsfeld said, "This is a really tremendous adventure that we've been on, a very challenging mission. Hubble isn't just a satellite- it's about humanity's quest for knowledge."
He also thanked several people who contributed to Hubble and the servicing mission, then went on to say, "A tour de force of tools and human ingenuity. On this mission in particular, the only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible. On this mission, we tried some things that some people said were impossible... We've achieved that, and we wish Hubble the very best. It's really a sign of the great country that we live in that we're able to do things like this on a marvelous spaceship, like space shuttle Atlantis. I'm convinced that if we can solve problems, like repairing Hubble, getting into space, doing the servicing we do, travelling 17,500 mph around the Earth, we can achieve other great things, like solving the energy problems and climate problems - all of the things that are in the middle of NASA's prime and core values. As Drew and I go into the airlock, I want to wish Hubble its own set of adventures and with the new instruments that we've installed that it may unlock further mysteries of the universe."
Spacewalkers Complete Installation of New Outer Blanket Layer
Mon, 18 May 2009 01:52:43 PM EDT
We now are 5 hours, 26 minutes into today's spacewalk. Grunsfeld and Feustel have successfully completed the New Outer Blanket Layer installation on the telescope's bay 5, bay 8 and bay 7 doors. The spacewalkers will do some clean up work before closing up the telescope for good.
Hubble' science observations are expected to resume approximately three weeks after the shuttle departs.
Crew Begins Final Spacewalk Task
Mon, 18 May 2009 12:13:22 PM EDT
We now are 2 hours, 48 minutes into today's spacewalk. The astronauts have successfully completed the Fine Guidance Sensor removal and replacement work.
For the final spacewalk task of the mission, Grunsfeld and Feustel install two, maybe three, new protective thermal insulation panels – New Outer Blanket Layers (NOBL) – on the telescope's bay 5 door, bay 8 door and, if time permits, to the bay 7 door.
They will start the work by first removing the existing insulation in that area. This task will involve removing seven clips and unhooking a wire loop holding the patch in place, and cutting two ground wires to release the original insulation. The new insulation will be installed using four latches and pressure-activated adhesive that the spacewalkers will activate by pressing a roller tool against its surface.
Spacewalkers Successfully Complete Battery Installation
Mon, 18 May 2009 09:50:40 AM EDT
We now are 1 hours, 27 minutes into today's spacewalk. Grunsfeld and Feustel have successfully completed the battery installation task. They next will remove and replace one of Hubble's three Fine Guidance Sensors, FGS-2.
To remove the old sensor, Grunsfeld and Feustel will work together to unhook nine connectors. Then Grunsfeld will release one latch and install a handle on the equipment that he’ll use to carefully lift the sensor out of the telescope. He’ll carry it to a protective enclosure inside the shuttle’s cargo bay, where Feustel will be waiting to assist him in storing it and removing the new sensor. Grunsfeld will carry the new sensor back to the worksite, slide it into place and engage its one latch. Then he’ll work with Feustel to hook up its nine connectors.
The sensors are used to provide pointing information for the spacecraft. The sensors also serve as a scientific instrument for determining the precise position and motion of stars, known as astrometry. The three Fine Guidance Sensors can hold the telescope steady for scientific observations over long periods of time. The system serves as the telescope’s pointing control system and has a precision comparable to being able to hold a laser beam focused on a dime 200 miles away, the distance from Washington D.C. to New York City.
Fifth STS-125 Spacewalk Under Way
Mon, 18 May 2009 08:30:47 AM EDT
Astronauts John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel began the fifth and final STS-125 spacewalk at 8:20 a.m. EDT. It is scheduled to last 5 hours, 45 minutes. Grunsfeld is wearing a spacesuit marked with solid red stripes. Feustel is wearing an all white spacesuit.
For this spacewalk, the astronauts will begin with some setup tasks and then move to install the second battery group replacement in an equipment bay above the Wide Field Camera 2 and next to the compartment where the first battery set was installed on the second spacewalk of the flight.
The two astronauts then will remove and replace one of the three Fine Guidance Sensors, FGS-2, used to provide pointing information for the spacecraft. Grunsfeld and Feustel’s last task before closing up the telescope for good will be to remove and replace thermal blankets (NOBL) protecting Hubble’s electronics.
Spacewalk Start Ahead of Schedule
Mon, 18 May 2009 07:37:31 AM EDT
The crew is ahead of its timeline. Today's spacewalk is now expected to begin about one-hour earlier at 8:16 a.m. EDT.
Atlantis Crew to Conduct Final Planned Spacewalk Today
Mon, 18 May 2009 05:36:27 AM EDT
The crew awoke today to "Sound of Your Voice" by Barenaked Ladies at 5:31 a.m. EDT. The song was played for Commander Scott Altman.
During the STS-125 mission's eighth day, astronauts John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel will make their third and the mission's fifth and final spacewalk. Scheduled to begin work at 9:16 a.m. EDT, the spacewalkers will replace the final set of batteries for Hubble, replace a sensor needed for precisely pointing the telescope to gaze at its celestial targets and replace blankets on its exterior.
Plan Update for Fifth Spacewalk
Sun, 17 May 2009 07:15:05 PM EDT
Our goal is to get the spacewalk done on time, which is scheduled to last 5 hours, 45 minutes. Batteries and the Fine Guidance Sensor tasks are our priorities for tomorrow's spacewalk. We will make a real time call where we are in the timeline after those tasks are complete on the go forward plan for the Bay 5 & 8 New Outer Blanket Layer installation tasks. For the baseline plan, we would do a partial Bay 8 and then go to the other side and do a full Bay 5.
Fourth Spacewalk of STS-125 Mission Complete
Sun, 17 May 2009 05:52:00 PM EDT
The fourth of five STS-125 spacewalks concluded at 5:47 p.m. EDT. It was 8 hours, 2 minutes, the sixth longest spacewalk in U.S. history. During their walk in space, Good and Massimino experienced trouble removing a bolt from the STIS handrail. Massimino eventually was able to manually remove the handrail by pulling it free. The spacewalkers were then able to finish the rest of the STIS repair work without issue. Due to the lost time spent on the handrail, the New Outer Blanket Layer work planned for installation did not happen. Mission timeliners will work various options for tomorrow's fifth and final spacewalk.
As of 7:00pm EDT today's mission status briefing is on hold pending a decision on the activities of the final spacewalk scheduled for tomorrow.
Spacewalkers Finalizing Fourth Spacewalk Activities
Sun, 17 May 2009 04:39:13 PM EDT
We now are 6 hours, 51 minutes into today's spacewalk. STIS' electronics card was successfully installed and the new cover mounted. Due to the length of today's spacewalk caused by the bolt removal issue, the New Outer Blanket Layer work planned for installation will not happen. Mission timeliners will work various options for tomorrow's fifth and final spacewalk.
The astronauts now are doing cleanup work before closing Hubble's door and returning to the airlock to conclude today's work outside the shuttle.
Spacewalkers Forge Ahead on Hubble Repairs
Sun, 17 May 2009 03:19:06 PM EDT
We now are 5 hours, 31 minutes into today's spacewalk. Massimino and Good have successfully removed the STIS cover plate, unscrewing 111 fasteners.
With the plate out of the way, Massimino will be able to finally access the electronics card that he and Good will replace. To actually remove the old card, Massimino will use a card extraction tool, just as Grunsfeld did during the third spacewalk. He'll then store it in a transport case, detach the extraction tool and use the tool to unpack and install the new card. He'll also install the new card's simpler cover, which only requires him to engage two locking pins.
The remaining STIS work is estimated to take about 2 hours, 40 minutes.
Fourth Spacewalk Continues
Sun, 17 May 2009 01:14:53 PM EDT
We now are 3 hours, 26 minutes into today's spacewalk.
Now that the clamp and handrail has been removed from STIS's cover plate, the crew is returning to their planned STIS tasks. The cover plate itself has 111 fasteners that need to be unscrewed. To ensure that none of those small pieces float away, another fastener capture plate will be installed. But to install the fastener capture plate, Massimino must first install guide studs that will be used to mount the plate onto the instrument. To install the guide studs, Massimino will have to release four fasteners without losing the fasteners or their bits. For that job, he’ll use the retainer installation bit caddy, which uses a retaining ring to go around the head of the fasteners and behind it to trap the washer. Then four fasteners can be removed with a fastener extraction bit, and their washers will stay in place to be removed by a washer extraction tool.
Astronauts Remove Handrail
Sun, 17 May 2009 01:03:48 PM EDT
We now are 3 hours, 15 minutes into today's spacewalk. Astronaut Massimino removed the handrail by manually pulling it out of place.
Spacewalkers Attempt to Remove Handrail
Sun, 17 May 2009 12:47:56 PM EDT
Astronauts Mike Massimino and Michael Good were unable to remove one of the four bolts on the handrail obstructing the path for the fastener capture plate, which is required for installation of a tool needed for screw removal.
Massimino now will attempt to remove the handrail by taking out all the other fasteners and bend the handrail to try and break it off.
STS-125 Crew Begins Fourth Spacewalk
Sun, 17 May 2009 09:50:30 AM EDT
Astronauts Mike Massimino and Michael Good began the fourth of five STS-125 spacewalks at 9:45 a.m. EDT. It is scheduled to last 6 hours, 30 minutes. Massimino is wearing a spacesuit marked with broken horizontal stripes. Good is wearing a spacesuit with barber pole red stripes.
The spacewalk will start with some setup tasks and the opening of the telescope's bay doors. Massimino and Good will spend the bulk of their spacewalk time repairing Hubble's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph – a task that has been compared to brain surgery. To access the electronics card the spacewalkers intend to replace, they’ll need to remove a cover plate. However, there are several obstacles to doing so. First, Massimino will need to remove a clamp from the upper left corner of the cover plate. Then he'll need to remove a handrail. Both of these tasks require special tools to catch the fasteners currently holding those pieces in place. The clamp removal tool fits over the fasteners of the clamp and catches them as they’re released; the handrail removal tool does the same over the fasteners of the handrail.
Preparations for Fourth Spacewalk Under Way
Sun, 17 May 2009 07:02:00 AM EDT
Mission specialists Mike Massimino and Mike Good have begun preparations for today's spacewalk, scheduled to begin at 9:16 a.m. EDT.
This is the fourth of five planned spacewalks of the STS-125 mission, and the second of the mission for Massimino and Good. Massimino will wear a spacesuit marked with broken horizontal red stripes. Good’s spacesuit is marked with barber pole red stripes.
ACS High Resolution Channel Not Recovered
Sun, 17 May 2009 06:18:52 AM EDT
Reported earlier this morning, one of Hubble's three photo channels failed to recover after yesterday's spacewalker repair work. The repair of the Advanced Camera for Surveys' high resolution channel was always considered a long shot. It is likely down for good.
Atlantis Crew Set for Fourth Spacewalk
Sun, 17 May 2009 05:38:48 AM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis' crew awoke today to "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel at 5:31 a.m. EDT. The song was played for Mission Specialist Mike Massimino.
During the STS-125 mission's seventh day, astronauts Massimino and Michael Good and are set to make their second and the mission's fourth spacewalk. Scheduled to begin work at 9:16 a.m. EDT, the spacewalkers will repair and upgrade the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph, which stopped working in 2004 due to power failures, and install a stainless steel blanket on Hubble's exterior. The blankets provide additional thermal protection for some equipment bays, replacing the existing multi-layer insulation that has degraded over time.
Third STS-125 Spacewalk Complete
Sat, 16 May 2009 04:17:07 PM EDT
The third of five STS-125 spacewalks concluded Saturday at 4:11 p.m. EDT. It lasted 6 hours, 36 minutes. During the endeavor outside the shuttle, Feustel and Grunsfeld removed the Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement and installed in its place the new Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. They also completed the Advanced Camera for Surveys electronic card replacement work. The spacewalkers were ahead of schedule and were able to complete part 2 of the ACS repair, installing a new electronics box and cable.
Third STS-125 Spacewalk Complete
Sat, 16 May 2009 04:14:00 PM EDT
The third of five STS-125 spacewalks concluded at 4:11 p.m. EDT. It was 6 hour, 36 minutes. During the endeavor outside the shuttle, Feustel and Grunsfeld removed the Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement and installed in its place the new Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. They also completed the Advance Camera for Surveys electronic card replacement work. The spacewalkers were ahead of schedule and were able to completed part 2 of the ACS repair, installing a new electronics box and cable.
Today's mission status briefing is scheduled to begin no earlier than 4:45 p.m. EDT. The participants will be Tony Ceccacci, STS-125 lead flight director, Tomas Gonzalez-Torres, STS-125 lead EVA officer, Jon Morse, director, Astrophysics Division, Preston Burch, HST Program manager, and Dave Leckrone, HST Senior Scientist.
Advanced Camera for Surveys Work Continuing
Sat, 16 May 2009 02:35:00 PM EDT
We now are 4 hours, 57 minutes into today's spacewalk. Grunsfeld has removed all four electronics cards. Part 1 of the Advanced Camera for Surveys repairs has been completed. The crew is almost an hour ahead of the timeline. As a result, they have been given a "go" to press on to the ACS electronics box replacement, which will be powered by a separate low-voltage power supply. The replacement power supply draws power from the ACS’ primary power connectors via an astronaut-installed splitter cable.
Spacewalkers Continue Work on Hubble
Sat, 16 May 2009 02:09:28 PM EDT
We now are 4 hours, 32 minutes into today's spacewalk. Grunsfeld and Feustel have removed the cover plate, unscrewing 32 fasteners. Grunsfeld now has access to the electronics cards. Feustel is retrieving and handing him a piece of equipment called a “wishbone” that will be used to mount the tool that will be used to extract the electronic cards from the camera. To actually remove the card, Grunsfeld will use a card extraction tool that has a jaw to grip the card, which Grunsfeld tightens by tightening bolts, and an elevator block that removes the card when Grunsfeld tightens a different bolt.
Spacewalkers Begin ACS Repair Work
Sat, 16 May 2009 01:03:34 PM EDT
We now are 3 hours, 19 minutes into today's spacewalk.
COSTAR was removed and stored for its return, and COS successfully installed on the telescope. Grunsfeld and Feustel now will begin work on the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) repair. The spacewalkers will spend about two hours and 10 minutes working on the camera and will remove two of the four electronics cards that need to be replaced. Grunsfeld’s first task will be to install four guide studs that will be used later to install tools. Feustel will assist him with that job, and then the two will work together to remove a grid. To do so, Grunsfeld will fit a grid cutter over the grid. Tightening the 12 bolts on the grid cutter will cause a blade to cut off the 12 legs of the grid. The grid cutter also will trap the pieces of the grid, so that the spacewalkers don’t have to handle the sharp edges created by cutting the grid off.
Spacewalkers Remove COSTAR
Sat, 16 May 2009 11:10:28 AM EDT
We are now one hour, 30 minutes into today's spacewalk. COSTAR has been removed from Hubble and now is temporarily stowed. COSTAR is the corrective optics package installed on the first Hubble servicing mission that enabled the scientific instruments to compensate for the telescope’s misshapen primary mirror.
Both crew members will next move to the protective enclosure that the new Cosmic Origins Spectrograph was launched in and work together to remove it. They will need to disconnect a ground strap, disengage locks and release latches before Feustel will be able to remove the equipment from the carrier and make his way via robotic arm back to the telescope for its installation. Feustel will maneuver the equipment into place and engage its two latches. Grunsfeld will then hook up four connectors and a ground strap. Following that installation, the only thing left to do on the task will be to store the COSTAR in the protective enclosure that previously housed the spectrograph.
Third STS-125 Spacewalk Underway
Sat, 16 May 2009 09:41:20 AM EDT
Astronauts John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel began the third of five STS-125 spacewalks at 9:35 a.m. EDT. Grunsfeld is wearing a spacesuit marked with solid red stripes. Feustel is wearing an all white spacesuit. For this spacewalk, the spacewalkers will focus on the installation of the telescope’s new Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, and the first part of the Advanced Camera for Surveys repair work. The spacewalk is scheduled to last 6.5 hours.
Grunsfeld will begin by preparing a temporary storage fixture in the shuttle’s cargo bay, while Feustel opens the doors of the telescope bay he and Grunsfeld will be working in. Grunsfeld then will get the Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement – or COSTAR – ready for removal by unhooking four connectors, disconnecting one ground strap and unscrewing two latches. Feustel, again on the shuttle’s robotic arm, will actually remove the equipment and attach it to the temporary storage fixture prepared by Grunsfeld.
Atlantis Crew Preparing for Third Spacewalk
Sat, 16 May 2009 05:41:29 AM EDT
The STS-125 crew awoke this morning at 5:31 a.m. EDT to "Hotel Cepollina" performed by Fuzzbox Piranha. The song was played for Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld.
Grunsfeld and Mission Specialist Drew Feustel are preparing for the third spacewalk of Atlantis’ mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. Today’s spacewalk, slated to begin at 9:16 a.m., will focus on the removal of the Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement, the installation of the new Cosmic Origins Spectrograph and the repair of the Advanced Camera for Surveys.
Second STS-125 Spacewalk Complete
Fri, 15 May 2009 04:53:19 PM EDT
The second of five STS-125 spacewalks concluded at 4:45 p.m. EDT. It was 7 hours, 56-minutes, making it the 8th longest spacewalk in history. During the walk outside the shuttle, Massimino and Good removed and replaced three rate sensor units. One of the new upgraded units could not be seated into place. As a result, the spacewalkers installed a refurbished spare unit. The spacewalkers also replaced a new battery module from the telescope's Bay 2.
Today's mission status briefing will begin at 6:00 p.m. EDT. The participants will be Tony Ceccacci, STS-125 lead flight director; Tomas Gonzalez-Torres, STS-125 lead EVA officer; Preston Burch, HST Program manager; and Dave Leckrone, HST Senior Scientist.
Spacewalkers Continue Battery Replacement Work
Fri, 15 May 2009 03:41:29 PM EDT
The battery replacement work is proceeding well. Massimino released the new battery module from its stowage location in the shuttle's payload bay, while Good did the same with the old ones on the telescope. The two swapped the batteries modules at the carrier. Good is maneuvering with the new module to the telescope for installation. Massimino is stowing the old.
The spacewalk is about 1 hour 50 minutes behind the timeline.
Spacewalkers Press Ahead With Battery Replacement
Fri, 15 May 2009 02:55:06 PM EDT
The spacewalkers are pressing ahead with the Bay 2 battery replacement work. CAPCOM informed the astronauts that there are about another two hours worth of tasks remaining. Massimino recharged his O2 levels on his suit. They have about three hours worth of battery power left in their suits. Ground teams determined that the spacewalk can continue if they slide their sleep time to the right one hour. This will allow the crew to get their rest and keep the mission on target.
Spacewalkers Install Final RSU
Fri, 15 May 2009 01:56:11 PM EDT
The final rate sensor unit was successfully seated and installed into place.
Massimino and Good are now working to perform the first half of the mission's battery replacement work. From the telescope's Bay 2, they'll replace the first of two batteries. Good will retrieve the old battery by disconnecting six electrical connectors and unscrewing 14 bolts, while Massimino retrieves the new battery from its stowage location inside the shuttle's super lightweight interchangeable carrier. He'll have to unscrew 12 bolts to remove it. The two astronauts will swap batteries at the carrier, and Good will transport the new battery to the telescope for installation, while Massimino stows the old.
Spacewalkers Work on Final RSU Replacement
Fri, 15 May 2009 01:13:36 PM EDT
When attempting to seat the final replacement rate sensor unit, the same issue occurred as before. Without being able to seat the replacement unit properly, they now will retrieve a spare unit and install it in the final slot.
Spacewalkers Replace Second RSU
Fri, 15 May 2009 12:38:47 PM EDT
The second rate sensor unit easily seated into place. The spacewalkers secured it with bolts and installed connectors. They now will replace the final unit by taking the one that would not go into place and try to seat it in the final slot. There is a contingency unit, if needed, but the goal is to use the one that's newly designed.
Spacewalkers Continue With RSU Replacement
Fri, 15 May 2009 12:11:13 PM EDT
The spacewalkers were not able to seat the second replacement rate sensor unit into place. They now are going to take the third RSU and try to seat it in that same slot to see if that works.
Spacewalkers Removing Rate Sensor Units
Fri, 15 May 2009 10:31:46 AM EDT
Massimino and Good are now removing the rate sensor units. To do this, Massimino is disconnecting two electrical connectors, while Good removes three bolts. The same connectors and bolts will need to be connected and tightened to install the replacement unit. The two spacewalkers will repeat this process two more times as they replace the remaining two units.
Shuttle Flash Evaporator Issue
Fri, 15 May 2009 09:34:40 AM EDT
The shuttle's flash evaporator system's primary A controller has shut down. They swapped to system B, which is working fine. They will likely ask the crew to go back and try A later. Signature readings indicate that it might be ice in the core. A core flush may alleviate the ice. The flash evaporators reject heat loads from cooling loops during ascent and reentry. They are located in the shuttle's aft fuselage. This issue is being worked by ground teams and does not pose an immediate concern. It also does not in any way impact today's spacewalk.
STS-125 Astronauts Begin Second Spacewalk
Fri, 15 May 2009 08:59:04 AM EDT
Astronauts Mike Massimino and Michael Good began the second of five STS-125 spacewalks at 8:49 a.m. EDT. Massimino is wearing a spacesuit marked with broken horizontal stripes. He has two previous spacewalks in support of Hubble during STS-109. This is Good's first spacewalk. He is wearing a spacesuit with barber pole red stripes. Massimino and Good will spend the bulk of their spacewalk time replacing three rate sensor units. Each unit is part of a rate gyro assembly, which sense vehicle motion and provide rate data for the telescope.
The replacement units are stored inside a protective enclosure inside the shuttle’s cargo bay. Massimino will open the lid of the enclosure to allow Good, who will be riding the space shuttle’s robotic arm, to retrieve the first unit and carry it to the telescope. Massimino also will retrieve a gripper tool that Good will use to maneuver the units into place.
Crew Completing Tile Survey
Fri, 15 May 2009 07:27:03 AM EDT
Astronaut Megan McArthur is powering up the shuttle's robotic arm to do a quick survey of some tiles on the shuttle's underbelly that were missed during the Flight Day 2 inspection. It's an exercise to just complete the imagery. There are no issues. The survey should last about 45 minutes.
Second Spacewalk on Tap for Crew
Fri, 15 May 2009 04:56:18 AM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis' crew awoke today to "God of Wonders" at 4:31 a.m. EDT. The song was played for Mission Specialist Michael Good.
During the STS-125 mission's fifth day, astronauts Good and Mike Massimino and are set to make the second of five Hubble servicing spacewalks. Scheduled to begin work at 8:16 a.m. EDT, the spacewalkers are set to replace three rate sensor units and the telescope’s Bay 2 batteries. The spacewalk is set to last six and a half hours.
Briefing Set for No Earlier Than 5:15 p.m. EDT
Thu, 14 May 2009 04:22:36 PM EDT
Today's mission status briefing now will begin no earlier than 5:15 p.m. EDT. The participants will be Tony Ceccacci, STS-125 lead flight director, Tomas Gonzalez-Torres, STS-125 lead EVA officer, Jon Morse, director, Astrophysics Division, NASA Headquarters, Preston Burch, HST Program manager, and Dave Leckrone, HST Senior Scientist, Goddard Spaceflight Center, Md.
First Spacewalk of STS-125 Mission Complete
Thu, 14 May 2009 04:17:11 PM EDT
The STS-125 mission's first spacewalk concluded at 4:12 p.m. EDT. During the 7 hour, 20-minute excursion, Grunsfeld and Feustel removed the Wide Field Planetary Camera 2, or WFPC 2, and installed the Wide Field Camera 3, or WFC 3. They also swapped out the Science Instrument Command and Data Handling Unit, installed a soft capture mechanism, lubricated three of the shroud doors, and one of the three latch-over center kits. They had some difficulty with the other two, installing a latch repair on one of the bolts, and partially installed a second Lock. That door is now secure for when it's revisited on the mission's third spacewalk.
Spacewalkers to Begin Final Task of First Spacewalk
Thu, 14 May 2009 02:07:00 PM EDT
The spacewalkers have successfully completed the installation of the new SIC&DH into the telescope and the old unit into its carrier in the space shuttle's payload bay. Grunsfeld also installed a soft capture mechanism (SCM), which will allow future vehicles to attach to the telescope. The mechanism was attached to the flight support system that connects the shuttle to the telescope.
Their final scheduled task for the day will be to install three latch-over-center kits that will allow for faster opening and closing of the telescope doors during the third spacewalk.
Spacewalkers Swapping Hubble Computers
Thu, 14 May 2009 12:51:23 PM EDT
Grunsfeld is removing the new Science Instrument Command and Data Handling Unit from its carrier by releasing eight bolts, while Feustel removes the old computer from the telescope by releasing 10 bolts. Feustel will carry the old computer to Grunsfeld at the carrier, where the two will swap. Feustel will then carry the new computer back to the telescope and install it, while Grunsfeld stores the old one inside the carrier.
Spacewalkers Install Wide Field Camera 3
Thu, 14 May 2009 12:26:40 PM EDT
The spacewalkers have successfully installed the Wide Field Camera 3 on Hubble and stowed the old camera, WFPC 2, inside its protective enclosure for the return trip home.
The spacewalkers' next major task will be the replacement of the Science Instrument Command and Data Handling (SIC&DH) Unit. The computer sends commands to Hubble's science instruments and formats science data for transmission to the ground.
The on-orbit unit experienced computer anomalies in September 2008. NASA decided that the prudent thing to do was to delay the planned October 2008 launch of Atlantis on the Hubble servicing mission until this ground spare was ready to fly.
WFPC 2 Removed and Temporarily Stowed
Thu, 14 May 2009 11:08:29 AM EDT
Spacewalkers Feustel and Grunsfeld have removed the WFPC 2. It is now being temporarily stowed. Next, they will install a handle on the new Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC 3) where it's stowed inside the Wide-field Scientific Instrument Protective Enclosure. Feustel will carry the new camera to the former location of the old camera on the telescope, and slide it into place.
A-Latch Bolt Update
Thu, 14 May 2009 10:54:51 AM EDT
The grounding strap bolt was previously removed. The bolt that the spacewalkers were having trouble removing is the A-latch bolt. It is a latching bolt to release the camera from the telescope. Feustel reconfigured the ratchet tool and the bolt turned.
Spacewalkers Work to Remove Camera
Thu, 14 May 2009 10:26:40 AM EDT
There is a grounding strap bolt on the telescope's WFPC 2 that the spacewalkers are having trouble removing. They tried to apply a little more force, but increasing the torque did not help. Grunsfeld is retrieving a short adjustable ratchet from the airlock to assist with the bolt.
Spacewalkers Complete Setup Tasks
Thu, 14 May 2009 09:42:11 AM EDT
Grunsfeld and Feustel have completed their setup tasks.
Inside the station, McArthur is maneuvering Feustel into position for the removal of the Wide Field Planetary Camera 2, or WFPC 2. They'll replace it with a new wide-field camera that will allow the telescope to take large-scale, clear and detailed photos over a wide range of colors. Grunsfeld is taking advantage of the time it takes Feustel to get into place by installing a protective cover on Hubble's low-gain antenna. Once that's done, he'll join Feustel at the WFPC 2.
To remove the camera, Feustel will simply release a blind-mate connector, a grounding strap and a latch, and allow the camera to slide out on some guide rails, while Grunsfeld monitors the camera's clearance. The camera will be temporarily stored on the fixture Grunsfeld deployed, while the astronauts move on to the installation of the new Wide Field Camera 3.
STS-125 Astronauts Conducting First Spacewalk
Thu, 14 May 2009 08:55:27 AM EDT
Astronauts John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel began the first of five STS-125 spacewalks at 8:52 a.m. EDT. Grunsfeld is wearing a spacesuit marked with solid red stripes. He has five previous spacewalks in support of Hubble during STS-103 and STS-109. This is Feustel's first spacewalk. He is wearing an all white spacesuit.
Mike Massimino and Michael Good will work inside the shuttle as the intravehicular officers, or spacewalk choreographers. Megan McArthur will work with the spacewalkers from the inside to operate the shuttle’s 50-foot-long robotic arm as needed.
Before proceeding to the task of removing the Wide Field Planetary Camera 2, or WFPC 2, and installing WFC III, the spacewalkers will do setup work. They will release latches, set up a foot restraint on the robotic arm, install a fixture to temporarily hold equipment and the berthing and positioning system post that will protect the telescope’s solar arrays from vibration while the spacewalkers are working.
Spacewalk Start Behind Schedule
Thu, 14 May 2009 08:30:54 AM EDT
Today's spacewalk is about 20 minutes behind its scheduled start time of 8:16 a.m. EDT. Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld is wearing the spacesuit with the solid red stripe. Mission Specialist Drew Feustel is wearing the solid white spacesuit.
Atlantis Crew Ready for First Spacewalk
Thu, 14 May 2009 04:38:21 AM EDT
Space shuttle Atlantis' crew awoke today to “Stick Shifts and Safety Belts” by Cake at 4:31 a.m. EDT. The song was played for Mission Specialist Drew Feustel.
During the STS-125 mission's fourth day, astronauts Grunsfeld and Feustel are set to make the first of five Hubble servicing spacewalks. Scheduled to begin work at 8:16 a.m. EDT, the spacewalkers will remove Hubble's Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 and replace it with the new Wide Field Camera 3, which will allow Hubble to capture a wide range of images from ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths. They also will replace a failed science data processing computer that delayed Atlantis' launch last October and install a mechanism for a spacecraft to capture Hubble for de-orbit at the end of its life. The spacewalk is set to last six and a half hours.
Hubble Lowered into Shuttle's Cargo Bay
Wed, 13 May 2009 02:29:15 PM EDT
With Hubble safely secured in Atlantis' grasp, McArthur successfully lowered it into the shuttle's cargo bay onto the Flight Support System, or FSS. During the five servicing spacewalks, the telescope's support structure can rotate and pivot as needed to provide the best available access to various worksites. Using cameras on the shuttle's robotic arm, the crew is doing a full inspection of the telescope's exterior to examine its condition since it was last serviced in March 2002.
The Mission Status Briefing with Tony Ceccacci, STS-125 Lead Flight Director, and John Morse, NASA's Astrophysics Division Director, is scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT. MMT Chairman LeRoy Cain may participate.
Atlantis Captures Hubble Space Telescope
Wed, 13 May 2009 01:18:05 PM EDT
The Hubble Space Telescope has been captured by space shuttle Atlantis' robotic arm. Using views from a camera centered in a structure where the telescope will be berthed, McArthur will lower Hubble into a special cradle, called the Flight Support System, or FSS, in Atlantis' payload bay. The telescope will be latched to the high-tech, lazy Susan-type device for the duration of the servicing work. An umbilical adjacent to the rotating FSS will be remotely connected to provide electrical power from Atlantis to the telescope. Then, Altman will position the shuttle to allow Hubble's solar arrays to gather energy from the sun to fully charge the telescope's batteries.
Terminal Initiation Burn Performed
Wed, 13 May 2009 10:48:56 AM EDT
Orbiting nearly 50,000 feet (9 1/2 statute miles) behind the telescope, Atlantis' crew performed a precisely-targeted thruster firing called the Terminal Initiation, or TI burn, setting the stage for the final phase of the rendezvous with the Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis will close the final miles to the telescope during the next orbit of Earth. During that time the shuttles rendezvous radar system will begin tracking Hubble by measuring the distance and rate of closure. Capture of Hubble will occur in a little over two hours.
STS-125 Crew Ready for Hubble
Wed, 13 May 2009 05:08:07 AM EDT
The crew of Atlantis is ready to meet up with the Hubble Space Telescope 350 miles above the Earth today. The crew awoke to "Upside Down" by Jack Johnson at 5:01 a.m. EDT. The song was played for Mission Specialist Megan McArthur.
Heat Shield Survey Complete
Tue, 12 May 2009 03:51:28 PM EDT
Atlantis' crew completed a planned survey of the shuttle heat shielding today, noting a few dings in tiles that experts will continue to analyze. Flight Director Tony Ceccacci said that upon an initial look, damage found during the inspection appeared to be minor and likely not a concern, but he said experts would analyze it as is normal to be certain the shuttle's heat shielding is in good shape. The damage included small dings along an area of about 21 inches spanning four of the shuttle's thermal tiles located on the starboard side of the spacecraft where the wing blends into the forward fuselage.
Atlantis Astronauts Begin Heat Shield Survey
Tue, 12 May 2009 09:27:29 AM EDT
Atlantis' astronauts have begun a survey of the space shuttle's heat shield, using the robotic arm and a sensor system that can detect damage to critical areas of the thermal protection system, including the nose and wing leading edges. This is a standard survey performed on every shuttle mission. Data from the survey is sent to shuttle imagery experts in Mission Control, Houston, for analysis.
Today's mission status briefing with Lead Flight Director Tony Ceccaci is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. EDT on NASA TV. The post-MMT briefing with Mission Management Team (MMT) Chair LeRoy Cain is set for 5 p.m. EDT.
STS-125 Crew Begins First Full Day in Space
Tue, 12 May 2009 05:04:38 AM EDT
A busy day is ahead for the crew of space shuttle Atlantis as they continue to close in on the Hubble Space Telescope. Today's wake-up music was "Kryptonite" performed by 3 Doors Down. It was played shortly after 5 a.m. EDT for STS-125 Pilot Greg Johnson.
Atlantis Begins Pursuit of Hubble Space Telescope
Mon, 11 May 2009 03:46:45 PM EDT
After a smooth countdown and picture-perfect liftoff, space shuttle Atlantis and a crew of seven astronauts are in space, beginning their 11-day mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis lifted off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today at 2:01 p.m. EDT.
Main Engine Cutoff: Atlantis Reaches Orbit
Mon, 11 May 2009 02:11:10 PM EDT
From the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the booster officer confirmed Atlantis' trio of main engines cut off on time at 2:10 p.m. With Atlantis safely in orbit, its giant external fuel tank was jettisoned. Onboard cameras recorded the tank's condition as it fell away from Atlantis and descends toward Earth.
Liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis!
Mon, 11 May 2009 02:02:11 PM EDT
With its main engines burning and solid rocket boosters roaring, space shuttle Atlantis is blazing a trail through cloudless afternoon skies over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, after an on-time liftoff at 2:01 p.m. EDT.
Atlantis and its crew of seven astronauts are picking up speed as they begin an 11-day mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope one last time. The climb to orbit takes about 8 1/2 minutes. Stand by for main engine cutoff at 2:10 p.m.
+ View Pre-Mission News Archive |
