July 22, 2005 Vol. 44, No. 16 Spaceport News John F. Kennedy Space Center - America’s gateway to the universe http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/snews/spnews_toc.html Explore. Discover. Understand. Discovery flies when it’s safe to fly Effort to find a fix continues between two and four days, around the clock to make although that study was in its preliminary stage. July launch window Following the first launch attempt, managers and engineers t press time, Space studied the problem with one of Shuttle Program manag- four liquid hydrogen low-level Aers have continued work fuel sensors inside the External to determine the failure of an Tank. The sensor protects the engine cut-off sensor problem Shuttle’s main engines by that delayed Discovery’s first triggering their shutdown in the launch attempt. At a July 18 event fuel runs unexpectedly news conference, Shuttle Pro- low. gram Manager Bill Parsons said The sensor failed a routine troubleshooting was continuing prelaunch check during the around the clock. launch countdown July 13, “This team is persistent and causing mission managers to energetic and we will conquer postpone Discovery’s first this problem, too,” explained launch attempt. A dozen teams, Program Deputy Manager Wayne with hundreds of engineers Hale. “Once the problem is across the country, are working resolved, the next opportunity to on the issue. tank the vehicle would be July Once the problem is resolved 26.” and the countdown can be He said the problem could restarted, it will take about four soon be identified, and NASA days to launch. A countdown will managers are still optimistic be a complete start over at T-43 about a launch within the current (time minus 43) hours. window, which ends July 31. Visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ DISCOVERY REMAINS on Launch Pad 39B at 3:51 p.m., the scheduled Parson noted that the launch returntoflight for information time of liftoff for mission STS-114. The launch was scrubbed due to a faulty window may be extended about the STS-114 mission. sensor reading in the External Tank during the July 13 countdown.
July 16, 2005 Space Shuttle Discovery’s STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins “My crew will maintain our proficiency for this mission. We are keeping in close touch with the troubleshooting plan; we have confidence that the best people are working it. In fact, the plan our engi- neers have put together is impressive, and we are very proud of the work they are doing! “While the launch delay is disappointing, we have strong confidence that the mission will launch safely and successfully, and we fully support our NASA leadership for taking the time required to understand AFTER THEIR July 9 arrival at Kennedy Space Center, the STS-114 crew talked briefly the problem. We thank all of you for hanging with to media. At the microphone is Mission Commander Eileen Collins. Behind her are (left us!” to right) Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Pilot James Kelly, and Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Charles Camarda, Wendy Lawrence and Stephen Robinson.
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discussed it at great length and I have the utmost confidence made the right call to scrub the that our team will figure out a launch until they figured out solution for the problem and we The what is taking place. will still launch Discovery and At a press conference imme- her crew during the July window. diately following the scrub, I ask everyone to hang in there senators Kay Bailey Hutchinson and keep the faith. We have the Awards Kennedy (R-Tex), Bill Nelson (D-Fla) and greatest space team in the world our own NASA legend John right here at KSC and we are in Glenn (D-OH) said they were good hands. Update impressed with the way the team I know along with the Shuttle Jim Kennedy handled the situation and threw team, many volunteers from the Center Director their full support behind NASA Center helped out with the many and the Vision for Space Explo- needs on launch day, ranging reetings. I know to wait problem was with the Engine ration. from escorting VIPs and working 29 months and to be three Cutoff (ECO) Sensor System that Two days later, the White at the Press Site, to augmenting Ghours from liftoff, then detects how much propellant is security and safety have the launch of STS-114 left in the External Tank. If not “The White House Chief of Staff, Andy details. It is much scrubbed was a disappointment, working properly, it could signal Card, phoned Mike Griffin to express the appreciated and we but certainly not a failure of the Shuttle’s engines to shut appreciation and support we have from simply couldn’t do it YOU, the team that got us there. down early and the orbiter the White House.” without you. The commitment that NASA wouldn’t be able to reach its Please get some vowed after the Columbia proper orbit after liftoff. House Chief of Staff, Andy Card, rest, as we will need you again accident to only launch when it’s The countdown’s launch phoned Mike Griffin to express on launch day. safe and to not take any unneces- commit criteria calls for all four the appreciation and support we Thanks everyone and please sary risks shined through in ECO sensors to be functioning at have from the White House. know you are appreciated. spades July 13. Hopefully, by the time of launch. With one not While the scrub may seem Once again, we are only days time you are reading this, our functioning properly, we odd since we haven’t launched in away from witnessing a great day Shuttle experts will have found scrubbed for the day. 29 months, scrubbing a launch for the Space Shuttle Program, the problem, fixed it and re- I was extremely proud of the for a mission is certainly not out KSC, NASA and the United turned to launch countdown entire team and its performance of the ordinary. Even the maiden States of America. mode. on launch day. Team members launch of Columbia for STS-1 GO DISCOVERY! If you hadn’t heard, the spotted the problem early, was scrubbed the first time.
AN ARTIST’S concept of the planned Shuttle Launch Experience Shuttle Launch Experience at the part of Visitor Complex plan KSC Visitor Complex. By Jeff Stuckey Visitor Complex. Three veteran Editor Shuttle astronauts, including Rick Searfoss, played a key role hen the Kennedy Space in designing the simulator and Center Visitor Com provided feedback to the rest of Wplex opens the 44,000- the design team. square-foot Shuttle Launch The new attraction will be Experience in early 2007, guests located in the northwest corner won’t have to battle silly looking of the main complex, where aliens. Instead, this simulator construction has already started. will take guests on an incredible The $60 million project is funded journey only astronauts have through revenue generated by experienced: launching into orbit visitor admission, food and retail replicating the sights, sounds, G- raised in Central Florida, who aboard a Space Shuttle. sales at no taxpayer expense. forces and rattle of liftoff. The watched many shots go up in the “It’s not a thrill ride,” said The journey will begin when sensations of launch continue as air,” said Jennings. “Florida has Dan LeBlanc, chief operating visitors enter a gantry-styled they experience Max Q, the zone earned its reputation as the place officer of the Visitor Complex. walkway into a building archi- where enormous forces squeeze for space and if you look at the “You won’t be dodging asteroids tecturally inspired by Space the Shuttle, Solid Rocket Booster back of a Florida quarter, you or battling any aliens. We have Shuttle processing facilities at separation, main engine cut-off will see it reads, ‘Gateway to worked hard to ensure that it is KSC. Dramatic sound and and the External Tank separa- Discovery.’ It wasn’t just those as close as you can be to simulat- lighting effects, rumbling floors tion. Spanish galleons; it was, in fact, ing the reality of a Space Shuttle and fog dramatize the moments Florida Lt. Gov. Toni those launches right down the launch within the confines of before launch. Guests will board Jennings discussed what the new road.” Earth’s gravity.” the mock-up Space Shuttle and attractions means to the state at The KSC Visitor Complex’s The Shuttle Launch Experi- strap in for launch in a unique the unveiling ceremony. decade-long, $160 million plan ence is the first project in a 10- motion simulator designed to “It’s a pleasure to be here for will usher in nine new exhibits, year development plan for the bring the mission alive by many reasons, but mostly as plus new and enhanced visitor someone who was born and amenities.
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CENTER DIRECTOR Jim Kennedy welcomes STS-114 Mission Commander Eileen Collins to the Center four days prior to launch.
THE RETURN to Flight STS-114 crew exits the Operations and Checkout AT THE Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-114 Pilot James Kelly and Mission Building for the ride to Launch Pad 39B. On the left column, front to back, are Commander Eileen Collins join support personnel after completing practice Pilot James Kelly and Mission Specialists Wendy Lawrence, Charles runs on the Shuttle Training Aircraft, which is a modified Grumman American Camarda and Andrew Thomas. On the right column are Mission Commander Aviation-built Gulf Stream II executive jet that was modified to simulate an Eileen Collins and Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi and Stephen Robinson. orbiter’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities.
THE STS-114 crew sits for the traditional launch day breakfast in the Operations and Checkout Building. Seated left to right are Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence, Pilot James Kelly, Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, Mission Commander Eileen Collins, and Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Stephen Robinson and Charles Camarda.
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DURING SUNRISE at Kennedy Space Center, Miles O’Brien (left), co-anchor on CNN’ American Morning, talks on air with NASA Administrator Mike Griffin about the pending launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on the historic Return to Flight mission. Above, O’Brien interviews Patrick Young, husband of STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins.
LLOYD PIERCE, MATT LAUER a NASA test (left), co-anchor of engineer, checks NBC News’ electronic Today, talks with components NASA astronaut related to the Pam Melroy about faulty sensor the scheduled readings in the launch of Space liquid hydrogen Shuttle Discovery. tank low-level The interview was fuel cut-off held on the set of sensor. The the NBC News sensor failed a Building located at routine prelaunch the KSC Press check during the Site. Melroy has launch attempt flown on two July 13. missions, STS-92 and STS-112.
NASA SPOKESMEN prepare to answer questions from news media gathered in the NASA Newsroom to cover the countdown for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. More than a thousand media representatives from 36 states, the District of Columbia and 32 GARY KING helps test electronic components countries related to the faulty sensor readings in the liquid converged on the hydrogen tank low-level fuel cut-off sensor. news center.
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SONIA TUBIOLO t), co-anchor on CNN’s (above right) and ffin about the pending Karen Symons stand t mission. Above, next to a small der Eileen Collins. memorial to fallen astronauts near the Operations and LOYD PIERCE, Support Building. The NASA test display was put ngineer, checks together by workers DON BROWN (left), brother of STS-107 member Dave Brown, and Jon ectronic from United Space Clark, husband of STS-107’s Laurel Clark, at the NASA News Center. omponents Alliance and InDyne lated to the after the Columbia s NASA prepares to launch the Shuttle Discovery, we, the ulty sensor disaster in 2003. A Columbia Families, would like to show our support for the adings in the new sign was also STS-114 crew and all the dedication and talent of those who quid hydrogen A erected (left) supported this Return to Flight effort. We have had two and one nk low-level supporting the half years to reflect daily on the loss of our loved ones as the el cut-off astronauts of the STS- Shuttle Columbia (STS 107) broke apart over Texas on February 1, ensor. The 114 mission. ensor failed a 2003. utine prelaunch In the aftermath of the Columbia tragedy, we saw our nation’s heck during the space program reinvent itself. The extraordinary efforts of local, unch attempt state and national organizations involved in the recovery effort, the uly 13. Columbia Accident Investigation Board, the Return to Flight Task Group and all the NASA and aerospace industry work force imple- menting the Return to Flight effort have clearly done an exemplary job in defining and reducing the technical risk as much as possible. As the families of Apollo 1 and Challenger before us, we grieve deeply but know the exploration of space must go on. We hope we have learned, and will continue to learn, from each of these acci- dents, so that we will be as safe as we can be in this high-risk endeavor. As important as solving the technical risk is, we must be vigilant to ensure the organizational and cultural issues that contributed to Apollo, Challenger, and Columbia are forever remembered. Under the leadership of the new NASA Administrator, we have every confidence that the sacrifice of our loved ones and those that preceded them will be realized for the benefit of all humankind. Godspeed Discovery.
THE ASTROVAN (on the road at the bottom center of photo), carrying the STS-114 crew, drives back from Launch Pad 39B after the scrub of the Return to Flight mission. The center of the photo shows the NASA News Center surrounded by trailers, satellite trucks and vehicles of the media.
jul22color.pmd 5 7/21/2005, 12:06 PM Page 6 SPACEPORT NEWS July 22, 2005 Higginbotham’s favorite memories happen after launch By Jeff Stuckey talented people, including his Editor wife, Bridgit. “I have two passions in my ne of Scott life,” he said. “One is my family, Higginbotham’s favorite and the second is my work. And Omoments takes place long so I’m really blessed in that after launch. regard, because I have the best of Sure, everybody loves the both worlds.” sights and sounds of a Space His first job at KSC was as an Shuttle launching from the pad, External Tank mechanical but Kennedy Space Center’s systems engineer. For several International Space Station missions, Higginbotham helped manager enjoys relaxing on his build, manage and operate a couch at home and watching the series of infrared cameras that payloads he processes as they were used to take measurements exit the payload bay doors. on the External Tank while it was “When I go home after fueled for launch. launch, and I’m exhausted and He also was part of the team drained, I sit down on the couch that analyzed all of the videos SCOTT HIGGINBOTHAM (third from left), the STS-114 payload manager, and turn on NASA Television,” and films taken during launch takes part in a Space Shuttle countdown status briefing along with, from left, Higginbotham said. “Usually the and landing. Bruce Buckingham, NASA news chief; Jeff Spaulding, NASA test director; and timing’s about right, when the Although each mission Kathy Winters, Space Shuttle weather officer. payload bay doors come open, contains special memories, two proud of that, because it will became pregnant with our twins. and there it is. There’s that moments stand out as touch lives now and in the I announced their pending spaceship I helped build, and it’s Higginbotham’s favorites. The future.” arrival for the first time as part of now circling the Earth - 17,500 first was the STS-99 mission, the But from a sentimental point my final readiness poll before miles an hour. You know, it just first Shuttle mission after the of view, his favorite was STS-90, launch over the headset. gives me goosebumps talking turn of the century. which was space life sciences “Getting to sit there in the about it.” That was the Shuttle Radar mission Neurolab. Higginbotham firing room with your best friend Higginbotham leads the team Topography mission which, in was the payload manager for the and hold her hand, and to watch of engineers and technicians that the span of 11 days, mapped the mission and Bridgit was the something that you’ve worked assembled and tested all of the majority of the Earth’s land launch site support manager. on together for so long rise into International Space Station mass. “The outcome from that “We worked side by side on space was a really special day.” hardware that Discovery will mission will be used by genera- that flight,” he said. “During the take to the Space Station. He tions and generations to come,” processing for that mission, she works with some interesting and Higginbotham said. “I feel so Closing the hatch: Arriëns one of last to see astronauts By Anna Heiney see before they leave Earth for Staff Writer the International Space Station. On launch day, the seven ené Arriëns knows the mix members of the Closeout Crew of excitement and tension help the astronauts strap into the Rthe STS-114 astronauts Space Shuttle’s crew module and will feel as they make their way take care of any other last- to the Space Shuttle Discovery minute needs that arise. Ulti- on launch day. mately, they close and seal the He’s stood at the base of the crew access hatch and leave the launch pad and looked up to see astronauts behind. the Shuttle looming above. He’s This elite team comprises two navigated through the shroud of USA suit technicians from cool mist hovering above the Johnson Space Center in Hous- “yellow brick road,” the egress ton, along with an astronaut route painted on the walkway support person, an active leading to the White Room, astronaut who is not on the flight where the astronauts board the IN THE White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-114 Mission Specialist crew. There are three additional Shuttle. He’s grown accustomed Stephen Robinson has completed adjustments to his launch suit with the USA employees from Kennedy, to the strange sound effects made help of the Closeout Crew around him, including from left, René Arriëns, as well as a NASA quality by the pad’s metal structure as it Dennis Sparks, Tim Seymour and Travis Thompson. inspector. comes into contact with chilled massive External Tank. member with United Space Along with his teammates, air, cooled by the super-cold Arriëns isn’t an astronaut. But Alliance (USA), he is one of the Arriëns begins work long before propellants within the Shuttle’s as a Shuttle Closeout Crew last people the STS-114 crew will (See CLOSEOUT, Page 7)
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By Charlie Plain manager for the launch viewing NANCY BRAY (left) and Vickie Hall are Staff Writer two members of the Kennedy Space sites, working at Banana Creek Center Public Affairs Tiger Team, who on launch day and at the orbiter hen Space Shuttle act as hosts to launch-viewing guests. runway during landings. She’s Discovery roars to life also a longtime veteran of the Wfor its Return to Flight group. “I’ve been doing this mission, more than 14,000 since Skylab in 1972. For Shuttle awestruck spectators are ex- missions, I think I’ve missed one pected to watch the launch from launch and one landing,” Hall within Kennedy Space Center. said. Feeling the ground shake with Bray joined the hosting team them will be members of the at Hall’s urging. “I’ve been Center’s specially trained doing this since 1999, when hosting group, the Public Affairs Vickie called me because they Tiger Team. It’s the job of the were short on people. I said, Tiger Team to offer help and ‘Sure, why not,’ ’’said Bray. hospitality to guests visiting the For Bray, mixing with guests Center to watch Space Shuttle makes her launch day. “I enjoy and rocket launches. watching others see a launch for “They act as hosts and the first time” she said. “I meet hostesses. In a lot of cases, they people from everywhere, and it are the first and only NASA reminds me that the Shuttle people that some of these and launch information for the about 100 employees willing to Program reaches out all over our spectators ever come in contact thousands of people who turn out chip in and offer their time for country and other countries.” with,” said Laurel Lichtenberger, on launch day. launches. As experienced as the Tiger launch viewing sites manager The team is made up of “More than half of my Team is, the group never seems and the team’s coordinator. employees from throughout the volunteers will be helping with to lose its enthusiasm for a Team members are easily Center. Lichtenberger said Return to Flight.” Two volun- launch. Perhaps it’s the continual recognized by their sunny smiles although their professional jobs teers welcoming spectators for thrill of witnessing America’s and patriotic red, white and blue differ, team members share a the historic flight are Vickie Hall bold reach into space. shirts. During launches, they common reason for volunteering. and Nancy Bray. Both women Whatever the reason, being assist guests watching from the “These folks love to do this work in the Center’s information there for liftoff always leaves Center’s Banana Creek, NASA because they love the space technology department - a virtual volunteers like Bray ready for Causeway and employee viewing program and, for some, it’s a world away from the Space more. “It doesn’t matter how sites. The volunteers provide change from their everyday job.” Shuttle launch pads. often you see a launch, it’s still safety oversight, crowd control Lichtenberger maintains a list of Hall serves as the backup exciting.”
CLOSEOUT ... They gather about three his colleagues that they make Arriëns looks forward to the hours before they’re due at the each astronaut as comfortable as emotional release of finally (Continued from Page 6) launch site to prepare their possible, from keeping them cool seeing the liftoff - especially the day of liftoff. As a space- emergency air rescue packs and inside their bulky suits to after two years of hard work craft technician and operator, make sure their communica- braiding their hair to keep it from and personal sacrifice on the the busiest time begins when tions equipment is working getting stuck in the suit collar. part of the entire Space Shuttle the orbiter is mated to the properly. During the T-3 hour Once the crew is safely team. External Tank and twin Solid built-in hold, they ride to the inside, the Launch Control “It’s one team and one Rocket Boosters, and the pace pad in a van specially equipped Center gives the Closeout Crew a mission, contractor and NASA picks up when the assembly to meet virtually any need. “go” to close the hatch. They’ll alike, and everybody’s focused reaches the launch pad. After the elevator ride up to check the hatch seal for leaks on getting it right and flying it “When there’s a Shuttle on the 195-foot level, they arrive and wait about 20 minutes to right and doing it right the first the pad, the orbiter forward in the White Room, an environ- ensure the pressure remains at time.” crew module is my work area,” mentally controlled chamber the proper level. Arriëns explains. that provides access to the crew Then it’s time to retract the View the color He and his colleagues spend module. White Room, leaving the astro- so much time at the pad that Due to the White Room’s nauts on their own as the count- edition of Spaceport they’ve become intimately small size, there’s only room down clock marches toward at http:// familiar with the pad’s struc- for one or two astronauts at a liftoff. The Closeout Crew News ture, the various pad facilities time. With assistance, each members depart the pad for a www.nasa.gov/ that support the orbiter, and member of the flight crew dons fallback area about three miles centers/kennedy/ even the orbiter itself. This a parachute pack and crawls away, where they listen in on the expert knowledge serves the through the open hatch and into countdown and watch the launch. news/snews/ Closeout Crew well when the Shuttle. As the launch of Space spnews_toc.html launch day arrives. It’s important to Arriëns and Shuttle Discovery draws near,
jul22color.pmd 7 7/21/2005, 12:06 PM Page 8 SPACEPORT NEWS July 22, 2005 New control tower ready for historic Space Shuttle landing By Jeff Stuckey safety, will be Editor enhanced by this facility and the ising 110 feet over the people who operate midpoint of the Shuttle it,” he said. “Next, RLanding Facility (SLF) the NASA Family runway, the new NASA control will operate this tower will be a focal point for the facility for us, and it world when Space Shuttle is a demonstration Discovery lands at the comple- of how to treat your tion of mission STS-114. people right by The new tower and SLF giving them a first- Media Operations Facility were class facility in formally unveiled in a ribbon- which to do their cutting ceremony July 8 by work.” members of NASA management The third value and contractors. being demonstrated The tower will manage all through the facility landings and departures from the is Excellence, SLF, including air traffic within Kennedy said. Kennedy Space Center and Cape “An awful lot of Canaveral Air Force Station excellence went into restricted air space. A 24-hour designing this THE NEW Air Traffic Control Tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility rises 110 feet over the weather observing facility at the facility and upgrad- midpoint of the runway. Below, dedicating the new NASA Air Traffic Control Tower at the tower provides official hourly ing to the latest Shuttle Landing Facility, from left, are: James Jones, Space Gateway Support President weather statistics for the SLF and state-of-the-art William Sample, Center Director Jim Kennedy, External Relations Director Lisa Malone, Cape Canaveral spaceport, technologies. What Center Operations Director Scott Kerr, and KSC Safety Aviation Officer Albert Taff. including special observations a great day it will be when we see for all launches and landings. the Space Shuttle land at this Tower personnel can also wonderful new facility.” control access to the SLF run- Also taking part in the ribbon way, ground traffic, runway cutting were: Albert Taff, KSC lighting, navigational aids and safety aviation officer; Lisa the gate. In addition, the Media Malone, director of External Operations Facility, complete Relations; Scott Kerr, director of with private conference rooms Center Operations; and Bill and offices, are located on the Sample, president of Space ground level of the new building. Gateway Support. “We’re here to celebrate the In addition to being the opening of this tower as we primary landing site for NASA’s prepare to utilize this facility for Space Transportation System, the the upcoming launch of STS- SLF serves as the focal point for 114,” Center Director Jim Shuttle Training Aircraft activi- Kennedy said. “This tower ties and is used by the astronauts represents a significant upgrade, when flying their T-38 jet not only for the airfield, but for trainers. It is also used for the airspace in which our people payload and flight hardware John F. Kennedy Space Center fly. I see three of our NASA core deliveries and by executive values at work today. aircraft for NASA management Spaceport News “Safety, particularly aviation and VIPs visiting KSC.
NASA solicits landing facility requests Spaceport News is an official publication of the Kennedy Space Center and ASA recently issued a formal request for expressions of is published on alternate Fridays by External Relations in the interest of KSC civil service and contractor employees. interest by non-NASA organizations, including commercial Contributions are welcome and should be submitted two weeks before Nspace companies, to use the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). publication to the Media Services Branch, IDI-011. E-mail submissions can be The announcement is the first step in considering how and when sent to [email protected] NASA can expand access to available capacity at the SLF by Managing editor...... Bruce Buckingham Editor...... Jeff Stuckey government, commercial and academic organizations. The request Copy editor ...... Corey Schubert is a part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to support the President’s Management Agenda and the U.S. Space Transportation Policy. Editorial support provided by InDyne, Inc. Writers Group. Organizations have until Aug. 30 to respond with detailed expres- NASA at KSC is located on the Internet at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy sions of interest. Visit http://prod.nais.nasa.gov for information. USGPO: 733-049/60086
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