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Atlantis Astronauts Ready to Go
by Arthur Rowe 08 Sep '06

08 Sep '06

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Atlantis Astronauts Ready to Go* / Sept. 8, 7:30 a.m. EDT (1130 UTC)/ Technicians helped the six STS-115 crew members get into the familiar orange launch and entry suits. The suits carry an oxygen supply, communications equipment and a temperature control system, and can provide protection in the event of an emergency. After suiting up, the astronauts will make their way out of the crew quarters to the waiting Astrovan that will take them to Launch Pad 39B, where Atlantis stands ready for launch. The launch team has reported that an ECO sensor on the hydrogen side of the external tank has failed. At this time the team is pressing forward with launch preparations. Mission Management Team members are meeting to determine if they will consider launching with three working sensors or if it will be necessary to de-tank and come back tomorrow. Launch weather remains at 70 percent "go" for launch, with the primary concern for rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility. No other issues are being addressed by the launch team at this time. Follow along with the countdown: + NASA's Launch Blog <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/sts-115/launch-vlcc.html> + NASA TV <http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html> *Mission Management Briefing* During a Thursday evening news conference Wayne Hale, Space Shuttle Program manager, said the decision to fly came about after a lively and inclusive meeting with space shuttle mission managers and engineers held in the early afternoon. "If you ever wanted to see the difference between the old NASA and the new NASA, you should've been over there today. There was a chance for everyone to participate." Hale continued to say that the Mission Management team's vote to fly on Friday was nearly unanimous. The decision to launch follows analysis of an issue found with one of Atlantis' three electricity-generating fuel cells, which was discovered during pre-launch preparations earlier this week. NASA engineers have determined that any failure of the suspect fuel cell during the mission poses no danger to Atlantis and its crew. They also believe two fuel cells alone would provide Atlantis with enough power to accomplish the major goals of the mission.

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Launch Day Arrives, Tanking Completed
by Arthur Rowe 08 Sep '06

08 Sep '06

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Launch Day Arrives, Tanking Completed* / Sept. 8, 6:15 a.m. EDT (1015 UTC)/ The launch team has reported that an ECO sensor on the hydrogen side of the external tank has failed. At this time the team is pressing forward with launch preparations. Mission Management Team members are meeting at this to determine if they will consider launching with three working sensors or if it will be necessary to de-tank and come back tomorrow. At Launch Pad 39B, the three-hour process for loading of Space Shuttle Atlantis' orange external tank with 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen was completed at 5:46 a.m EDT this morning. The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until liftoff. All systems onboard the space shuttle are functioning normally and we continue to press toward a scheduled launch time at 11:41 a.m. this morning. Throughout the morning, the STS-115 astronauts will prepare for launch in the Operations and Checkout Building's crew quarters before taking the 20-minute ride to the launch pad about 7:50 a.m. this morning aboard the Astrovan. Launch weather remains at 70 percent "go" for launch, with the primary concern for rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility. No other issues are being addressed by the launch team at this time. Follow along with the countdown: + NASA's Launch Blog <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/sts-115/launch-vlcc.html> + NASA TV <http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html>

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Launch Day Arrives, Tanking Begins
by Arthur Rowe 08 Sep '06

08 Sep '06

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Launch Day Arrives, Tanking Begins* / Sept. 8, 5:30 a.m. EDT (0930 utc)/ At Launch Pad 39B, the three-hour process for loading of Space Shuttle Atlantis' orange external tank with 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen began at 2:49 a.m EDT this morning. The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until liftoff. All systems onboard the space shuttle are functioning normally and are ready for launch at 11:41 a.m. (1541 UTC) Throughout the morning, the STS-115 astronauts will prepare for launch in the Operations and Checkout Building's crew quarters before taking the 20-minute ride to the launch pad about 7:50 a.m. this morning aboard the Astrovan. Launch weather remains at 70 percent "go" for launch, with the primary concern for rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility. No other issues are being addressed by the launch team at this time. Follow along with the countdown: + NASA's Launch Blog <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/sts-115/launch-vlcc.html> + NASA TV <http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html>

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Launch Day Arrives, Tanking Begins
by Arthur Rowe 08 Sep '06

08 Sep '06

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUIR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Launch Day Arrives, Tanking Begins* / Sept. 8, 4:20 a.m. EDT (0820 UTC)/ At Launch Pad 39B, the three-hour process for loading of Space Shuttle Atlantis' orange external tank with 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen began at 2:49 a.m EDT this morning. The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until liftoff. All systems onboard the space shuttle are functioning normally and are ready for launch at 11:41 a.m. (1541 UTC) Throughout the morning, the STS-115 astronauts will prepare for launch in the Operations and Checkout Building's crew quarters before taking the 20-minute ride to the launch pad about 7:50 a.m. this morning aboard the Astrovan. Launch weather remains at 70 percent "go" for launch, with the primary concern for rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility. No other issues are being addressed by the launch team at this time. *Mission Management Briefing* During a Thursday evening news conference Wayne Hale, Space Shuttle Program manager, said the decision to fly came about after a lively and inclusive meeting with space shuttle mission managers and engineers held in the early afternoon. "If you ever wanted to see the difference between the old NASA and the new NASA, you should've been over there today. There was a chance for everyone to participate." Hale continued to say that the Mission Management team's vote to fly on Friday was nearly unanimous. The decision to launch follows analysis of an issue found with one of Atlantis' three electricity-generating fuel cells, which was discovered during pre-launch preparations earlier this week. NASA engineers have determined that any failure of the suspect fuel cell during the mission poses no danger to Atlantis and its crew. They also believe two fuel cells alone would provide Atlantis with enough power to accomplish the major goals of the mission. *Atlantis' Crew and Mission * The STS-115 crew consists of Commander Brent W. Jett Jr., Pilot Christopher J. Ferguson and Mission Specialists Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joseph R. Tanner, Daniel C. Burbank and Steven G. MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space Agency. + Learn more about the crew <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts115/index.html> With this mission, NASA is ready to get back to building the International Space Station, marking the first time in almost four years that a space station component has been added to the orbiting outpost. That also means the shuttle program is coming up on some of the most challenging space missions ever. + Learn more about the mission <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts115/mission_ov…> During their three spacewalks, crew members of Atlantis will install the P3/P4 integrated truss and a second set of solar arrays on the space station, doubling the station’s current ability to generate power from sunlight and adding 17.5 tons to its mass. + Learn more about the truss <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/truss_segment.html>

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STS-115 TO LAUNCH FRIDAY
by Arthur Rowe 07 Sep '06

07 Sep '06

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 Sept. 7, 2006 Tracy Young/Katherine Trinidad Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-867-2468 NASA'S SHUTTLE ATLANTIS SET TO LIFT OFF FRIDAY NASA has set Space Shuttle Atlantis' launch for Friday, Sept. 8, at 11:41 a.m. EDT. Shuttle program managers made the lift-off decision after reviewing more detailed data on a problem associated with one of the spacecraft's electricity-producing fuel cells. Mission managers will review an additional piece of analysis before the shuttle's external fuel tank is loaded at 1:45 a.m. EDT. Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale said he was confident the results of the analysis would support the launch decision. Tuesday night as ground teams were preparing for a scheduled Wednesday launch attempt, a voltage spike in the motor of Atlantis' fuel cell #1 coolant pump was observed during the activation of the shuttle's three fuel cells. The coolant pump circulates Freon through the fuel cell to prevent it from overheating during flights. If Friday's launch is delayed, there could be another attempt Saturday at 11:15 a.m. EDT. During Atlantis' mission, STS-115, astronauts will deliver and install the P3/P4 truss, a girder-like structure, with solar arrays that will double the International Space Station's power capability. Atlantis' crew consists of Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson and mission specialists Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joe Tanner and Steve MacLean, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut. For the latest information about the STS-115 mission and its crew and more information about space shuttle fuel cells, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle -end-

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NASA Aims for Possible Shuttle Launch Attempt Friday
by Arthur Rowe 07 Sep '06

07 Sep '06

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 NASA Aims for Possible Shuttle Launch Attempt Friday NASA is targeting a possible launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on Friday, Sept. 8 because of a problem associated with one of the spacecraft's electricity-producing fuel cells. Shuttle program managers at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center decided Wednesday afternoon additional time was needed to evaluate fuel cell flight history and potential causes of the malfunction. Mission managers will hold another meeting Thursday at 1 p.m. EDT to assess the issue. There will be a news conference on NASA Television at the conclusion of that meeting. If the team decides to "go" for launch Friday, lift-off would be at 11:41 a.m. EDT. Tuesday night as ground teams were preparing for Atlantis’ scheduled launch Wednesday, a voltage spike in the motor of Atlantis’ fuel cell #1 coolant pump was observed during the activation of the shuttle's three fuel cells. The coolant pump flows Freon through the fuel cell to prevent it from overheating during flights. During Atlantis' mission, STS-115, astronauts will deliver and install a girder-like structure, known as the P3/P4 truss, aboard the station. The 35,000-pound piece includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics. The arrays eventually will double the station's power capability. Atlantis' crew, Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson and mission specialists Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joe Tanner and Steve MacLean, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut, will remain at Kennedy Space Center while the fuel cell evaluation continues. For the latest information about the STS-115 mission and its crew and more information about space shuttle fuel cells, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html>

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PCSAT2 Special FM voice operations on Tuesday 12th
by Robert Bruninga 06 Sep '06

06 Sep '06

SAREX: PCSAT2 on ISS continues to operate its FM voice downlink on 437.975 on most passes during waking hours. Since the Shuttle has been delayed for several days, and passes are 20+ minutes earlier each day, this results in passes during the Naval Academy's morning classroom hours in the USA area next week. For EASTERN USA stations, we want to make a special FM voice contact with other schools. The 0903 EDT and 1036 EDT passes on Tuesday the 12th will occur during our students satellite lab period and we hope to contact other schools or VIP ARISS stations. If you want to set up a special station during that class time, let us know so we can coordinate. Thanks, WB4APR, Bob USNA Satellite Lab

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STS-115 LAUNCH POSTPONED
by Arthur Rowe 06 Sep '06

06 Sep '06

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 Sept. 6, 2006 Tracy Young/Allard Beutel Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-867-2468 NASA POSTPONES SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS LAUNCH NASA has delayed Wednesday's launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on its STS-115 mission to the International Space Station. Shuttle Program managers made the decision early Wednesday morning due to a problem that occurred during the activation of one of the shuttle's three electricity-producing fuel cells. Teams are evaluating data on what might have caused a voltage spike in the fuel cell's coolant pump that cools the fuel cell system. Mission managers will hold a meeting at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday to assess the issue. There will be a news conference on NASA TV at the conclusion of the meeting. During STS-115, the astronauts will deliver and install a girder-like structure, known as the P3/P4 truss aboard the station. The 35,000-pound piece includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics. The arrays eventually will double the station's power capability. Atlantis' crew, Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson and mission specialists Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joe Tanner and Steve MacLean, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut, remains at Kennedy Space Center. For the latest information about the STS-115 mission and its crew, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle -end- To subscribe to the list, send a message to: hqnews-subscribe(a)mediaservices.nasa.gov To remove your address from the list, send a message to: hqnews-unsubscribe(a)mediaservices.nasa.gov

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Launch Delayed by Fuel Cell Problem
by Arthur Rowe 06 Sep '06

06 Sep '06

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Launch Delayed by Fuel Cell Problem * The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis was postponed today for at least 24 hours because of an issue with the shuttle's fuel cell number 1. A short (a spike and drop in voltage) in the fuel cell coolant motor was seen shortly after the cell was activated. The Mission Management Team is scheduled to meet at 1p.m. EDT (1700 UTC today, and a news conference will follow.

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STS-115 MISSION SCRUBBED
by Arthur Rowe 06 Sep '06

06 Sep '06

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 Due to an electrical problem the mission is scrubbed for today The next attempt will be Thursday at the earliest.

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