SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468
*Astronauts Go Spacewalking, P6 Arrays Continue to Fold*
Image above: Spacewalker Pat Forrester rides on the end of the station's
robotic arm to assist with the retraction of a solar array. Image
credit: NASA TV
TO VIEW IMAGE GO
TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
Astronauts Pat Forrester and Steve Swanson kicked off STS-117’s second
spacewalk at 1828 UTC today. The objectives of the excursion are to
continue preparing the newly installed Starboard 3 and 4 (S3/S4) truss
segment for operation and to assist with the retraction of the starboard
solar array on the Port 6 (P6) truss.
+ Watch the spacewalk live on NASA TV
<http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html>
They will spend most of the first hour of the 6½ hour spacewalk
monitoring the retraction of the P6 array and will assist if required.
Retraction of the array began at 6:47 a.m., and by 2:30 p.m., 7½ of the
31½ bays had been retracted. Once the P6 arrays are furled, the stage is
set for a future shuttle crew to relocate the P6 from atop the space
station to the end of the Port 5 truss.
After the orbital duo leaves the P6, their attention will turn to the
S3/S4 truss. Forrester and Swanson will prepare the Solar Alpha Rotary
Joint (SARJ) for operation by removing the remaining launch restraints.
The SARJ will allow the arrays to track the sun.
Mission Specialist Jim Reilly is coordinating the spacewalk, and Pilot
Lee Archambault is at the controls of the station’s robotic arm. Two
more spacewalks are scheduled for STS-117. Today’s excursion is slated
to wrap up about 0058 UTC.
In other activities, Expedition 15 Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and
Flight Engineers Oleg Kotov and Clayton Anderson continue to transfer
cargo between the station and Space Shuttle Atlantis.
*STS-117 Mission*
+ The Crew
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/index.html>
+ The Mission
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/mission_ov…>
+ The Integrated Truss Structure
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/its.html>
*Media Resources*
+ STS-117 TV Schedule
<http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/mission_schedule.html>
+ Certificate of Flight Readiness (3.7 Mb PDF)
<http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/178381main_readiness_%20certificate.pdf>
+ STS-117 Press Kit (5.9 Mb PDF)
<http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/169479main_PressKit_117.pdf>
+ RTF Final Implementation Plan -- May 2007 (19.8 Mb PDF)
<http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/178101main_rtfip_final_200705.pdf>
+ STS-117 Fact Sheet (1.8 Mb PDF)
<http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/178546main_STS117%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf>
*Visit the STS-117 Educator Resource Page*
+ Read more
<http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/k-4/features/STS117_index.html>
SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468
*STS-117 Crew to Conduct Second Spacewalk*
S117-E-06914 -- Astronaut Jim Reilly participates in the first spacewalk
of STS-117Image above: Astronaut Jim Reilly participates in the first
spacewalk
of STS-117 on Monday, June 11. Image credit: NASA
TO VIEW IMAGE GO
TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
Astronauts Pat Forrester and Steve Swanson will conduct STS-117’s second
spacewalk today. The objectives of the excursion are to continue
preparing the newly installed Starboard 3 and 4 (S3/S4) truss segment
for operation and to assist with the retraction of the starboard solar
array on the Port 6 (P6) truss.
The spacewalk is scheduled to begin at 1803 UTC and to last 6.5 hours.
Retraction of the P6 array began at 1047 UTC Once the P6 arrays are
furled, the stage is set for a future shuttle crew to relocate the P6
from atop the space station to the end of the Port 5 truss. Forrester
and Swanson will assist in the retraction if needed during the early
stages of the spacewalk.
The work with the S3/S4 will focus on preparing the Solar Alpha Rotary
Joint (SARJ) for operation by removing the remaining launch restraints.
The SARJ will allow the starboard arrays to track the sun.
Mission Specialist Jim Reilly will coordinate the spacewalk and Mission
Specialist Lee Archambault will operate the station’s robotic arm. Two
more spacewalks are scheduled for STS-117.
SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468
*Station Spreads New Wings; Crew to Prep for Spacewalk*
Image above: The rear-facing solar array on the space station's S3/S4
truss is fully deployed. Image credit: NASA TV
The International Space Station spread its new set of wings today,
and now the STS-117 crew members can turn their attention to the
mission’s next spacewalk.
TO VIEW THE IMAGE GO
TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
The solar arrays on the newly installed Starboard 3 and 4 (S3/S4) truss
segment deployed to their full length with the assistance of the STS-117
crew. The S3/S4 was installed onto the station Monday before the start
of STS-117’s first spacewalk, during which STS-117 astronauts began
activating the truss. The arrays will increase the station’s ability to
generate power when they go online.
Today’s deployment activities occurred in steps, beginning about 11:43
a.m. EDT. The forward-facing array on the S3/S4 was first deployed to
its length of 115 feet. The procedure was repeated for the rear-facing
array which was fully deployed about 1:58 p.m.
The STS-117 astronauts are scheduled to enjoy a few hours of off duty
time this afternoon before beginning preparations for the mission’s
second spacewalk on Wednesday. Mission Specialists Steve Swanson and Pat
Forrester will continue the activation of the S3/S4 and assist in the
retraction of the starboard solar array on the Port 6 (P6) truss during
the spacewalk. Wednesday’s excursion is scheduled to begin at 2:03 p.m.
The P6 will move from its location atop the station to the end of the
Port 5 truss during a future mission.
Tonight at 9:13, STS-117 crew members will participate in interviews
with CBS News and El Paso, Texas, TV stations KFOX-TV and KTSM-TV. The
interviews will be aired on NASA TV.
*Managers Add Spacewalk, 2 Days to Mission*
During a post-mission management briefing Monday, John Shannon, chair of
the Mission Management Team, announced NASA will extend the mission two
extra days and add a fourth spacewalk. The team extended the mission by
two days and added a fourth EVA to provide time to repair the raised
thermal blanket on the Orbital Maneuvering System pod. A decision about
whether that job will be done on EVA 3 or EVA 4 is expected today.
The next Mission Status Briefing is slated to take place at 6 p.m. today
and air on NASA TV.
*STS-117 Mission*
+ The Crew
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/index.html>
+ The Mission
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/mission_ov…>
+ The Integrated Truss Structure
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/its.html>
:SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468
> *P3/P4 Solar Arrays Deploying*
>
> Solar array wings Image above: The forward array of the space
> station's new solar array wings waits to be fully unfurled. Image
> credit: NASA TV
TO VIEW IMAGE GO
TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
>
> The International Space Station’s new solar arrays are stretching to
> their full length with the assistance of the STS-117 and Expedition 15
> crews. The array is on the Starboard 3 and 4 (S3/S4) truss segment
> that was attached to the station Monday.
>
> Today’s deployment activities began about 11:43 a.m. EDT. The first
> array that will be deployed to its length of 115 feet is on the
> forward-facing side of the S3/S4. After the forward array is deployed,
> the process will repeat for the rear-facing array.
>
> The STS-117 crew will get a few hours of off duty time this afternoon
> before they begin preparations for the mission’s second spacewalk on
> Wednesday. Mission Specialists Steve Swanson and Pat Forrester will
> continue the activation of the S3/S4 and assist in the retraction of
> the starboard solar array on the Port 6 (P6) truss. Wednesday’s
> spacewalk is scheduled to begin at 2:03 p.m.
>
> The P6 will move from its current location atop the station to the end
> of the Port 5 truss during a future mission.
>
> *Managers Add Spacewalk, 2 Days to Mission*
>
> During a post-mission management briefing Monday, John Shannon, chair
> of the Mission Management Team, announced NASA will extend the mission
> two extra days and add a fourth spacewalk. The team extended the
> mission by two days and added a fourth EVA to provide time to repair
> the raised thermal blanket on the Orbital Maneuvering System pod. A
> decision about whether that job will be done on EVA 3 or EVA 4 is
> expected today.
>
> *STS-117 Mission*
> + The Crew
> <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/index.html>
>
> + The Mission
> <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/mission_ov…>
>
> + The Integrated Truss Structure
> <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/its.html>
>
>
>
SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468
*Station Gets New Truss Segment*
Jim Reilly during the June 11, 2007 spacewalkImage above: STS-117
Mission Specialist Jim Reilly during the
mission's first spacewalk. Image credit: NASA TV
TO VIEW IMAGE GO
TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
The International Space Station grew today when STS-117 and Expedition
15 crew members attached the Starboard 3 and 4 truss (S3/S4) segment.
The new truss was attached at 2:28 p.m. EDT.
The S3/S4, which is 45 feet long and weighs 35,678 pounds, was attached
to the end of the Starboard 1 truss segment by crew members using the
station’s robotic arm. The S3/S4 contains a new set of solar arrays that
will increase the station’s power-generation capabilities.
The STS-117 crew will conduct three spacewalks to activate the S3/S4.
The first spacewalk began at 2002 UTC Monday and lasted until 0217 UTC
The new solar arrays are slated to be deployed Tuesday.
Late Sunday, NASA Astronaut Clayton Anderson joined the Expedition 15
crew, replacing Flight Engineer Suni Williams. Anderson arrived at the
station as a member of Space Shuttle Atlantis’ crew. Atlantis docked to
the station at 1936 UTC Sunday.
He and Williams officially changed crews when his custom-made seat liner
was swapped out in the Soyuz spacecraft docked to the station. Williams
is wrapping up a six-month stay aboard the station. She will return to
Earth on Atlantis, which is slated to undock June 19. Anderson is
scheduled to leave the station this fall.
+ Read more about Expedition 15
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition15/index.ht…>
+ View crew daily timelines
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/timelines/index.html>
SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468
>
>
>
> *NASA Adds Two Days and a Fourth Spacewalk to Mission*
>
> During a post-mission management briefing held at 8:00 PM EDT, John
> Shannon, chair of the Mission Management Team, announced NASA will
> extend the mission two extra days and add a fourth spacewalk to the
> mission.
>
> *Astronauts Finish First STS-117 Spacewalk*
>
> Jim Reilly (left) and John 'Danny' Olivas conclude the June 11, 2007
> spacewalkImage above: Jim Reilly (left) and John "Danny" Olivas
> conclude the June 11, 2007 spacewalk. Image credit: NASA TV
>
> TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO:
> http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
>
> Mission Specialists Jim Reilly and John “Danny” Olivas successfully
> completed tasks during STS-117’s first spacewalk to activate the
> International Space Station’s newest component.
>
> The 6-hour, 15-minute excursion concluded at 10:17 p.m. EDT..
>
> Reilly and Olivas went to work after the Starboard 3 and 4 (S3/S4)
> truss segment was installed onto the station. They made power, data
> and cooling connections between the station and the S3/S4. The
> spacewalkers also released locks and launch restraints on the
> segment’s solar arrays and prepared its radiator and rotary joint for
> operation.
>
> The radiator was deployed during the spacewalk. The solar arrays will
> be unfurled Tuesday.
>
> STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault and Expedition 15 Flight Engineer Oleg
> Kotov were at the controls of the station’s robotic arm during the
> spacewalk. STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester coordinated
> the spacewalk.
>
> The start of the spacewalk and the attachment of the truss were
> delayed due to the saturation of the control moment gyros that control
> the attitude of the station. Flight controllers performed standard
> procedures to bring the CMGs back to normal operations.
>
> S3/S4 activation activities will continue during STS-117’s second
> spacewalk, slated to take place Wednesday afternoon.
>
>
>
SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468
*STS-117 Spacewalkers Work to Activate Truss*
Spacewalk preparationsImage above: Mission Specialist Steve Swanson
(center) assists
Mission Specialists John "Danny" Olivas (left) and Jim Reilly
with spacewalk preparations. Image credit: NASA TV
TOVIEW IMAGE GO
TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
STS-117 Mission Specialists Jim Reilly and John “Danny” Olivas kicked
off the mission’s first spacewalk at 2002 UTC.
The duo is performing tasks necessary to activate the Starboard 3 and 4
(S3/S4) segment, which was attached to the station earlier today.
The spacewalkers' work includes making power, data and cooling
connections between the station and the S3/S4, which contains a new set
of solar arrays. The spacewalkers are also scheduled to release locks
and launch restraints on the segment’s solar arrays and prepare its
radiator and rotary joint for operation.
STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault and Expedition 15 Flight Engineer Oleg
Kotov are at the controls of the station’s robotic arm for the
excursion. STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester is coordinating
the spacewalk.
The orbital stroll is scheduled to last 6.5 hours.
The truss was attached to the station at 1828 UTC using the station’s
robotic arm. The S3/S4’s solar arrays will increase the station’s power
generation capabilities.
The start of the spacewalk and the attachment of the truss were delayed
due to the saturation of the control moment gyros that control the
attitude of the station. Flight controllers performed standard
procedures to bring the CMGs back to normal operations.
*STS-117 Mission*
+ The Crew
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/index.html>
+ The Mission
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/mission_ov…>
+ The Integrated Truss Structure
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/its.html>
SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468
*Crews to Add Truss to Station; Spacewalk Set for Afternoon*
Robotic arm moves trussImage above: This view shows the new truss
segment being maneuvered
by the space station robotic arm. Image credit: NASA TV
TO VIEW THE IMAGE GO
TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
+ View Launch Day Photo Gallery
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/multimedia…>
+ View Launch Day Video Gallery
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/launch/lau…>
The STS-117 and Expedition 15 crew members will put on their
construction hats today to continue the assembly of the International
Space Station. They will use the station’s robotic arm and conduct a
spacewalk to attach and activate a new truss segment.
Robot arm operators will begin moving the Starboard 3 and 4 (S3/S4)
truss segment into position shortly after 11 a.m. EDT for attachment
onto the end of the station’s Starboard 1 segment. Four bolts will be
commanded to secure the new truss.
Later in the day, STS-117 spacewalkers Jim Reilly and John “Danny”
Olivas will go to work outside of the space station to begin activation
of the S3/S4. The spacewalk, which is the first of three scheduled for
STS-117, will start at 2:53 p.m. and last 6.5 hours.
The spacewalking duo will make power, data and cooling connections
between the station and the S3/S4, which contains a new set of solar
arrays. Reilly and Olivas will also release locks and launch restraints
on the segment’s solar arrays and rotary joint.
*STS-117 Mission*
+ The Crew
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/index.html>
+ The Mission
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/mission_ov…>
+ The Integrated Truss Structure
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/its.html>
SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C#31468
*STS-117 Crew Inspected Shuttle Heat Shield*
View of Earth from shuttle payload bayImage above: A video camera aboard
Atlantis captured this view of the Earth and the shuttle's
payload bay. Image credit: NASA TV
TO VIEW IMAGE GO
TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
+ View Launch Day Photo Gallery
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/multimedia…>
+ View Launch Day Video Gallery
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/launch/lau…>
The STS-117 crew members completed the day's scheduled inspections of
Space Shuttle Atlantis’ heat shield. They used Atlantis’ robotic arm and
an attached boom extension to check the spacecraft’s underside, nose cap
and leading edges of the wings as well as hard to reach shuttle surfaces.
The inspections are performed to check if any damage occurred to the
heat shield during the climb to orbit that began when Atlantis lifted
off Friday from Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Over the next few days,
engineers and flight controllers will analyze the data collected by the
STS-117 crew.
Last night during the robot arm checkout, the robotic arm cameras were
used to take a closer look at an area of insulation blanket on the port
orbital maneuvering system pod that pulled away from adjacent thermal
tiles. Engineers are analyzing the imagery.
Throughout the day, the crew has been preparing for Sunday’s arrival at
the International Space Station. The day's activities include the
extension of the shuttle’s docking ring and the check out of tools they
will use to rendezvous and link up with the station. Docking is set for
3:38 p.m. Sunday.
Earlier today, the STS-117 crew checked out spacesuits to be used during
the mission’s three scheduled spacewalks at the space station. The major
objective of the spacewalks is to install and activate the station’s
newest component, the Starboard 3 and 4 (S3/S4) truss segments, and to
assist in the retraction of the starboard array on the Port 6 truss.
STS-117 is also delivering a new crew member to the station.
