Upcoming Space Shuttle Missions Updated January 30, 2003 (Replaces January 27) Compiled by Bruce Buckingham, KSC PA STS MISSION No

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Upcoming Space Shuttle Missions Updated January 30, 2003 (Replaces January 27) Compiled by Bruce Buckingham, KSC PA STS MISSION No Upcoming Space Shuttle Missions Updated January 30, 2003 (replaces January 27) Compiled by Bruce Buckingham, KSC PA STS MISSION No. STS-107 STS-114 STS-115 STS-116 (nth Shuttle flight) (113) (114) (115) (116) Orbiter Columbia/OV-102 Atlantis/OV-104 Endeavour/OV-105 Atlantis/OV-104 (nth flight of orbiter) (28) (27) (20) (28) Primary Mission SPACEHAB, FREESTAR 17th ISS flight (ULF1) -- 18th ISS flight (12A) -- 19th ISS flight (12A.1) -- ITS MPLM, crew rotation P3/P4 arrays P5, SPACEHAB, crew rotation **Target Launch Date Jan. 16, 2003, 10:39 a.m. March 1, 2003 May 23, 2003 July 24, 2003 (Pad) EST (39A) (39B) (39B) (39B) Estimated Launch Window 2 hours, 30 minutes 5-10 minutes 5-10 minutes 5-10 minutes KSC Landing Date Feb. 1, *9:16 a.m. EST March 13 June 3 Aug. 4 Mission Duration 16 days 12 days 10 days 10 days Inclination/Orbital Insertion 39 degrees 51.6 degrees 51.6 degrees 51.6 degrees Altitude 150 nautical miles 122 nautical miles 122 nautical miles 122 nautical miles Cdr: Rick Husband (2) Cdr: Eileen Collins (4) Cdr: Brent Jett (4) Cdr: Terrence Wilcutt (5) Plt: William “Willie” McCool (1) Plt: James Kelly (2) Plt: Christopher Ferguson (1) Plt: William Oefelein (1) PC: Michael Anderson (2) MS: Soichi Noguchi (NASDA) (1) MS: Joseph Tanner (4) MS: Robert Curbeam (3) Crew (Shuttle flight number) MS: Kalpana Chawla (2) MS: Stephen Robinson (3) MS: Daniel Burbank (2) MS: Christer Fuglesang (ESA) (1) (Size) MS: David Brown (1) MS: Steven MacLean (CSA) (2) MS: Laurel Clark (1) ISS-7: Cdr: Yuri Malenchenko MS: Heidemarie Stefanyshyn- ISS-8: Cdr: Michael Foale (5) PS: Ilan Ramon (ISA) (1) (up) (RSA) (2) Piper (1) (up) Valery Tokarev (RSA) (2) Alexander Kaleri (RSA) (1) William McArthur (4) Edward Lu (3) (6) ISS-7: Cdr: Yuri Malenchenko ISS-6: Cdr: Ken Bowersox (5) (down) (RSA) (2) (down) Nikolai Budarin (RSA) (2) Alexander Kaleri (RSA) (1) (7) Donald Pettit (1) Edward Lu (3) (7) (7) ** Target launch and landing dates are based on KSC assessments. Official launch dates are set at the Flight Readiness Review. * Change from earlier update All Times are Eastern ASI = Italian Space Agency Cdr = Commander CNES = French Space Agency CSA = Canadian Space Agency ESA = European Space Agency ISA = Israel Space Agency ISS = International Space Station ITS = Integrated Truss Structure segment MPLM = Multi-Purpose Logistics Module MS = Mission Specialist MT = Mobile Transporter NASDA = National Space Development Agency of Japan NET = no earlier than OV = Orbiter Vehicle PC = Payload Commander Plt = Pilot PS = Payload Specialist RSA = Russian Aviation and Space Agency TBD = to be determined UF = utility/utilization flight ULF = utilization and logistics flight U/R = under review Upcoming Space Shuttle Missions – page 2 Updated January 30, 2003 STS MISSION No. STS-117 STS-118 STS-119 STS-120 (nth Shuttle flight) (117) (118) (119) (120) Orbiter Endeavour/OV-105 Columbia/OV-102 Atlantis/OV-104 Endeavour/OV-105 (nth flight of orbiter) (21) (29) (29) (22) Primary Mission 20th ISS flight (13A) -- S3/S4 21st ISS flight (13A.1) -- ITS 22nd ISS flight (15A) -- ITS 23rd ISS flight (10A) -- U.S. arrays S5, SPACEHAB S6, fourth and final solar Node 2 arrays, crew rotation **Target Launch Date Oct. 2, 2003 Nov. 13, 2003 NET January 2004 February 2004 (Pad) (39A) (39B) (39A) (TBD) Estimated Launch Window 5-10 minutes 5-10 minutes 5-10 minutes 5-10 minutes KSC Landing Date Oct. 12 Nov. 24 TBD TBD Mission Duration 10 days 11 days 11 days 10 days Inclination/Orbital Insertion 51.6 degrees 51.6 degrees 51.6 degrees 51.6 degrees Altitude 122 nautical miles 122 nautical miles 122 nautical miles 122 nautical miles Cdr: Frederick Sturckow (3) Cdr: Scott Kelly (2) Cdr: Steven Lindsey (4) Cdr: James Halsell (6) Plt: Mark Polansky (2) Plt: Charles Hobaugh (2) Plt: Mark Kelly (2) Plt: Alan Poindexter (1) Crew (Shuttle flight number) MS: James Reilly (3) MS: Scott Parazynski (5) MS: Michael Gernhardt (5) MS: Wendy Lawrence (4) (Size) MS: Richard Mastracchio (2) MS: Dafydd Williams (CSA) (2) MS: Carlos Noriega (3) MS: Piers Sellers (2) MS: Joan Higginbotham (1) MS: Barbara Morgan (1) MS: Stephanie Wilson (1) MS: Patrick Forrester (2) MS: Lisa Nowak (1) ISS-9: Cdr: Gennady Padalka MS: Michael Foreman (1) (up) (RSA) (1) (6) (6) Michael Fincke (1) Oleg Kononenko (RSA) (1) (6) ISS-8: Cdr: Michael Foale (5) (down) Valery Tokarev (RSA) (2) William McArthur (4) (7) ** Target launch and landing dates are based on KSC assessments. Official launch dates are set at the Flight Readiness Review. * Change from earlier update All Times are Eastern ASI = Italian Space Agency Cdr = Commander CNES = French Space Agency CSA = Canadian Space Agency ESA = European Space Agency ISA = Israel Space Agency ISS = International Space Station ITS = Integrated Truss Structure segment MPLM = Multi-Purpose Logistics Module MS = Mission Specialist MT = Mobile Transporter NASDA = National Space Development Agency of Japan NET = no earlier than OV = Orbiter Vehicle PC = Payload Commander Plt = Pilot PS = Payload Specialist RSA = Russian Aviation and Space Agency TBD = to be determined UF = utility/utilization flight ULF = utilization and logistics flight U/R = under review.
Recommended publications
  • Human Research Program
    Human Research Program National Academies, Space Studies Board Committee on a Midterm Assessment of Implementation of the Decadal Survey on Life and Physical Sciences Research Steve Davison 7 February 2017 Human Research Program (HRP) HRP mission is to enable space exploration beyond Low Earth Orbit by reducing the risks to human health & performance through a focused program of: – Basic, applied, and operational research Leading to the development and delivery of the following: – Countermeasures and risk mitigation solutions – Advanced habitability and medical support technologies – Human health, performance, and habitability standards 2 ISS Research: Critical to Mitigating Mars Mission Human Health and Performance Risks Medical Imaging Cardiovascular Muscle Function Experiment Physiology Facility Bone Loss Fluid Shift Countermeasure Experiment Nutritional Requirements Ocular Surveillance Flight Study Physiological Changes/Exercise Countermeasures HRP is a high priority for NASA science payloads aboard ISS. Crew Sleep/ Immunological3 Each USOS crewmember participates in 10-15 separate experiments. Performance Changes Compare Going to Mars to Where We Are Today with ISS ~ 1 – 2 days transit time 390 kilometers Communications (near real-time) Crew exchanges Crew supplies and logistics Crew and atmosphere samples Modified hardware Emergency Crew Return “extreme car camping in space” Trash 228,000,000 kilometers ~1 – 1.5 years transit time, ~2 – 3 years mission time Communications (up to 42 minutes) “ recreate living on Earth 4 capability” Crew Stressors in Deep Space Missions Radiation Altered Gravity Fields Hostile Closed Environment Isolation/Confinement Distance from Earth Astronauts on a Mars mission will experience unprecedented physiological, environmental, and psychosocial challenges that could lead to significant health and performance decrements in the absence of effective mitigation strategies.
    [Show full text]
  • Space Reporter's Handbook Mission Supplement EMBARGO NOTICE
    CBS News Space Reporter's Handbook - Mission Supplement Page 1 The CBS News Space Reporter's Handbook Mission Supplement Shuttle Mission STS-112: Space Station Assembly Mission 9A EMBARGO NOTICE CBS News has agreed to a NASA request not to publish or broadcast the shuttle's launch time (or any countdown or time-specific flight plan details) until the agency officially announces the launch time 24 hours before liftoff. DO NOT publish or broadcast any times listed in this document until after the official launch time is released by NASA. Written and Edited By William G. Harwood Aerospace Writer/Consultant [email protected] CBS News 10/7/02 Page 2 CBS News Space Reporter's Handbook - Mission Supplement Revision History Editor's Note Mission-specific sections of the Space Reporter's Handbook are posted as flight data becomes available. Readers should check the CBS News "Space Place" web site in the weeks before a launch to download the latest edition: http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html DATE POSTED RELEASE NOTES 09/27/02 Initial release 11/07/02 Updating with actual launch time 10/7/02 CBS News CBS News Space Reporter's Handbook - Mission Supplement Page 3 Introduction This document is an outgrowth of my original UPI Space Reporter's Handbook, prepared prior to STS-26 for United Press International and updated for several flights thereafter due to popular demand. The current version is prepared for CBS News. As with the original, the goal here is to provide useful information on U.S. and Russian space flights so reporters and producers will not be forced to rely on government or industry public affairs officers at times when it might be difficult to get timely responses.
    [Show full text]
  • Ames Faces Great Challenges . . . and Great Opportunities
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA February 2005 Ames faces great challenges . and great opportunities As NASA undergoes a major trans- To assist this, Ames has established are astrobiology (the study of the origin, formation and field center budgets get a New Business Office headed by Wendy evolution and distribution of life in the tighter, Ames faces both “a great chal- Dolci. Hubbard said the New Business universe), integrated next generation Office will man- computing systems; intelligent/adap- age all potential tive systems; entry, descent and landing new business as systems (with the Jet Propulsion Labo- though it were a ratory and NASA Langley Research corporate sales Center); and air traffic management sys- portfolio, and tems. Four of the five core competencies will regularly are exclusive to Ames. track and report Hubbard said that the approval of on potential new Ames’ core competencies places the cen- business oppor- ter “in the critical path” for implement- NASA photo by Tom Trower tunities. In addi- ing the agency’s priorities, particularly tion, he said that The Vision for Space Exploration. Em- managers will be phasizing the importance of maintain- required to visit ing a strong, viable work environment, key customers at Hubbard said Ames will conduct a least once a “health assessment” of its core compe- month, and that tencies by the end of March. project principal To deal with a substantially reduced investigators, “core” center budget, Hubbard an- branch chiefs or nounced a “belt-tightening” action plan Ames Center Director G. Scott Hubbard “whoever has ac- for Ames to prevent the loss of as many countability for a as 400 civil servants and 400 contractor lenge and a great opportunity” as it given product” will also be responsible jobs in a worst-case scenario.
    [Show full text]
  • Russian Capsule Docks with International Space Station 23 July 2015, Bypavel Golovkin
    Russian capsule docks with International Space Station 23 July 2015, byPavel Golovkin Yui told a news conference that he was taking some sushi with him as a treat for the others. They join Gennady Padalka, Mikhail Kornienko and Scott Kelly. The latter two are more than four months into a nearly year-long mission on the space station. The launch was postponed by about two months after the April failure of an unmanned Russian cargo ship, which raised concerns about Russian rocketry. Another Russian cargo ship was successfully launched in early July. The Soyuz-FG booster rocket with the space capsule Soyuz TMA-14M launched to the International Space Station from the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, in Kazakhstan, early Thursday, July 23, 2015. The Russian rocket carries Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, U.S. astronaut Kjell Lindgen and Japan astronaut Kimiya Yui. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) A Soyuz space capsule carrying a Russian, an American and a Japanese docked smoothly Thursday with the International Space Station. The capsule connected to the orbiting laboratory about 250 miles (400 kilometers) above Earth at From left: U.S. astronaut Kjell Lindgen, Russian 0245 GMT. cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko and Japan astronaut Kimiya Yui, crew members of the next mission to the International Space Station, walk to report for Russian The rocket had lifted off from a Russian manned state commission prior to the launch of the Soyuz-FG launch facility in Kazakhstan about 5 hours and 45 booster rocket with the space capsule Soyuz TMA-14M minutes earlier at 2102 GMT Wednesday. at the Russian leased Baikonur Cosmodrome, in Kazakhstan, early Thursday, July 23, 2015.
    [Show full text]
  • Space Reporter's Handbook Mission Supplement
    CBS News Space Reporter's Handbook - Mission Supplement Page 1 The CBS News Space Reporter's Handbook Mission Supplement Shuttle Mission STS-125: Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission 4 Written and Produced By William G. Harwood CBS News Space Analyst [email protected] CBS News 5/10/09 Page 2 CBS News Space Reporter's Handbook - Mission Supplement Revision History Editor's Note Mission-specific sections of the Space Reporter's Handbook are posted as flight data becomes available. Readers should check the CBS News "Space Place" web site in the weeks before a launch to download the latest edition: http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html DATE RELEASE NOTES 08/03/08 Initial STS-125 release 04/11/09 Updating to reflect may 12 launch; revised flight plan 04/15/09 Adding EVA breakdown; walkthrough 04/23/09 Updating for 5/11 launch target date 04/30/09 Adding STS-400 details from FRR briefing 05/04/09 Adding trajectory data; abort boundaries; STS-400 launch windows Introduction This document is an outgrowth of my original UPI Space Reporter's Handbook, prepared prior to STS-26 for United Press International and updated for several flights thereafter due to popular demand. The current version is prepared for CBS News. As with the original, the goal here is to provide useful information on U.S. and Russian space flights so reporters and producers will not be forced to rely on government or industry public affairs officers at times when it might be difficult to get timely responses. All of these data are available elsewhere, of course, but not necessarily in one place.
    [Show full text]
  • International Space Medicine Summit 2018
    INTERNATIONAL SPACE MEDICINE SUMMIT 2018 October 25–28, 2018 • Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy • Houston, Texas INTERNATIONAL SPACE MEDICINE SUMMIT 2018 October 25–28, 2018 • Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy • Houston, Texas About the Event As we continue human space exploration, much more research is needed to prevent and/or mitigate the medical, psychological and biomedical challenges spacefarers face. The International Space Station provides an excellent laboratory in which to conduct such research. It is essential that the station be used to its fullest potential via cooperative studies and the sharing of equipment and instruments between the international partners. The application of the lessons learned from long-duration human spaceflight and analog research environments will not only lead to advances in technology and greater knowledge to protect future space travelers, but will also enhance life on Earth. The 12th annual International Space Medicine Summit on Oct. 25-28, 2018, brings together the leading physicians, space biomedical scientists, engineers, astronauts, cosmonauts and educators from the world’s spacefaring nations for high-level discussions to identify necessary space medicine research goals as well as ways to further enhance international cooperation and collaborative research. All ISS partners are represented at the summit. The summit is co-sponsored by the Baker Institute Space Policy Program, Texas A&M University College of Engineering and Baylor College of Medicine. Organizers Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy The mission of Rice University’s Baker Institute is to help bridge the gap between the theory and practice of public policy by drawing together experts from academia, government, media, business and nongovernmental organizations.
    [Show full text]
  • Entire Issue (PDF)
    E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 113 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION Vol. 159 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2013 No. 16 House of Representatives The House met at 2 p.m. and was lic for which it stands, one nation under God, The Navy has told us too it will can- called to order by the Speaker. indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. cel maintenance on 23 ships, reduce fly- f f ing hours on deployed aircraft carriers by 55 percent, cancel submarine deploy- TIME TO SUBMIT A CREDIBLE PRAYER ments, and reduce steaming days by 22 PLAN The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick percent. J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: (Ms. FOXX asked and was given per- The Bipartisan Policy Center has Eternal God, we give You thanks for mission to address the House for 1 warned us that 1 million jobs will be giving us another day. minute and to revise and extend her re- lost if sequester happens. We thank You that we are a Nation marks.) What is the response of the majority fashioned out of diverse peoples and Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, families party? The Budget chair, Mr. RYAN, cultures, brought forth on this con- budget, small businesses budget, cities simply said, ‘‘Sequester is going to tinent in a way not unlike the ancient budget, churches budget, schools budg- happen. We can’t afford to lose those people of Israel. As out of a desert, You et, my state of North Carolina budgets, cuts.’’ led our American ancestors to this but Washington does not.
    [Show full text]
  • Year in Review—2013
    MSM DEC 2013 cover SATCOM For Net-Centric Warfare December 2013 MilsatMagazine YEARYEAR ININ REVIEW—2013REVIEW—2013 MilsatMagazineDecember 2013 Publishing Operations Senior Contributors Silvano Payne, Publisher + Writer Mike Antonovich, ATEME Hartley G. Lesser, Editorial Director Bert Sadtler, Boxwood Executive Search Pattie Waldt, Executive Editor Richard Dutchik Jill Durfee, Sales Director, Editorial Assistant Tony Bardo, Hughes Simon Payne, Development Director Chris Forrester, Broadgate Publications Donald McGee, Production Manager Karl Fuchs, iDirect Government Services Dan Makinster, Technical Advisor Bob Gough, Carrick Communications Jos Heyman, TIROS Space Information David Leichner, Gilat Satellite Networks This Issue’s Authors Giles Peeters, Track24 Defence Mark A Baird, Colonel, USAF Ian Canning Hartley Lesser Jose Lujano, III, Corporal, USMC Michael Mantz Rafael Martie, Petty Officer, 1st Class, USN Susan Miller Elliot Holokauahi Pulham John Ratigan Scott Scheimreif Pattie Waldt Amy Walker Published 11 times a year by SatNews Publishers 800 Siesta Way Sonoma, CA 95476 USA Phone: (707) 939-9306 Fax: (707) 838-9235 © 2013 SatNews Publishers We reserve the right to edit all submitted materials to meet our content guidelines, as well as for grammar or to move articles to an alternative issue to accommodate publication space requirements, or Cover and Table of masthead Image... removed due to space restrictions. Submission of content does not Staff Sgt. Shelby Johnson, a squad leader with the 4th Brigade constitute acceptance of said material by SatNews Publishers. Edited Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), observes the materials may, or may not, be returned to author and/or company area around Forward Operating Base Torkham, Afghanistan, while for review prior to publication.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring 2011 Cover Thru Page 11.Indd
    ANGEL TALES MAGAZINE Spring/Summer 2011 Annual Report The Beck Family and the Launch of the GusMobile Spay/Neuter Van National Impact Rejuvenation Tips PAWS Chicago’s No Kill model spreading across for Older Pets the country www.pawschicago.org Spring 2011 cover thru page 11.indd 1 5/24/11 9:42:30 AM PAWS Chicago Dottie Cross Leaves a Legacy for Guardian ngel the Animals AProgram In 2004, Dottie Cross retired to pursue her dream of living on the road with her beloved rescue dogs – Biscuit, Jenny and Gus. Combining her interests as an adventurer and an animal lover, Dottie now spends her time rock climbing and educating people in Mexico on how to care for their pets in an effort to reduce the number of stray dogs living on the streets. However, while caring for other’s animals, a sudden accident put the future of her own dogs in perspective. “Knowing that my dogs will be loved and cared for after my death is a wonderful feeling.” Last year, Dottie fell while rock climbing and shattered her leg. As a single woman, she was concerned that, had she died, her dogs would be put down without having a plan in place for their care. Through the PAWS Chicago Guardian Angel program, Dottie has While in the process of updating her ensured the futures of Biscuit (5, Mix Breed), Jenny (3, Beagle Mix) trust, Dottie read about PAWS Chicago’s and Gus (3, Pit Bull Mix), should she be unable to care for them. Guardian Angel program and chose to make a planned gift that would enable her to provide shelter, food, veterinary care, medicines and loving new homes for countless animals long after she was gone.
    [Show full text]
  • Forever Remembered
    July 2015 Vol. 2 No. 7 National Aeronautics and Space Administration KENNEDY SPACE CENTER’S magazine FOREVER REMEMBERED Earth Solar Aeronautics Mars Technology Right ISS System & Research Now Beyond NASA’S National Aeronautics and Space Administration LAUNCH KENNEDY SPACE CENTER’S SCHEDULE SPACEPORT MAGAZINE Date: July 3, 12:55 a.m. EDT Mission: Progress 60P Cargo Craft CONTENTS Description: In early July, the Progress 60P resupply vehicle — 4 �������������������Solemn shuttle exhibit shares enduring lessons an automated, unpiloted version of the Soyuz spacecraft that is used to ����������������Flyby will provide best ever view of Pluto 10 bring supplies and fuel — launches 14 ����������������New Horizons spacecraft hones in on Pluto to the International Space Station. http://go.nasa.gov/1HUAYbO 24 ����������������Firing Room 4 used for RESOLVE mission simulation Date: July 22, 5:02 p.m. EDT 28 ����������������SpaceX, NASA will rebound from CRS-7 loss Mission: Expedition 44 Launch to 29 ����������������Backup docking adapter to replace lost IDA-1 the ISS Description: In late July, Kjell SHUN FUJIMURA 31 ����������������Thermal Protection System Facility keeping up Lindgren of NASA, Kimiya Yui of JAXA and Oleg Kononenko of am an education specialist in the Education Projects and 35 ����������������New crew access tower takes shape at Cape Roscosmos launch aboard a Soyuz I Youth Engagement Office. I work to inspire students to pursue science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or 36 ����������������Innovative thinking converts repair site into garden spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan to the STEM, careers and with teachers to better integrate STEM 38 ����������������Proposals in for new class of launch services space station.
    [Show full text]
  • Last Words of Space Shuttle Challenger Transcript
    Last Words Of Space Shuttle Challenger Transcript Troublesome Taite flaked askew and forbiddenly, she imagined her Rosicrucians cooings impartially. Peltate Tull coalescing diametrically. Masticatory Hurley nurses or regives some goalmouth fecklessly, however flaming Aleksandrs persuades therewithal or snagged. Having strong opinion team was that if foam had ejection seats of space and what i cannot bear Since then death Jonathan has focused his dress on crew. Challenger STS-51L NASASpaceFlightcom Forum. Activity and was are of the cane that investigated the Challenger disaster. Let me last words were over space. Commission on ddms coord, have lift increased this site, is widely reported as a stretcher and dark: words of last space shuttle challenger disaster and thought that it was in the frequency of. Speech on the Challenger Disaster Teaching American History. NASA Challenger Anniversary Transcript Business Insider. To him the clog of seven astronauts and the loss where the shuttle was. But order the disaster over the a different and more beautiful story took. SpaceTranscript X-Files Wiki Fandom. Direction of a transcript of information only a shooting, and transcripts of their lives on this work with blank sheets of. Our worst nightmare about the Challenger disaster may hold been true. An Astronaut's Husband leaving Behind senior Sex & Money. The space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after pay off. The Challenger Disaster Speech Ronald Wilson Reagan. The explosion of sidewalk space shuttle Challenger on January 2 196. For a disaster you could they been avoided and cruel which he blamed himself. Dreadful 51-L disaster and watch'm confident that the cuddle and women.
    [Show full text]
  • Space Shuttle Discovery Launched on the First Post-Columbia Mission on July 26, 2005, 905 Days After the Accident
    AFTERWORD Space shuttle Discovery launched on the first post-Columbia mission on July 26, 2005, 905 days after the accident. Coincidentally, the launch took place at 10:39 A.M. EDT, the same time as Columbia’s launch on its final flight. STS-114 was the culmination of a $1.4 billion effort to improve the shuttle, most notably the External Tank. The bipod foam was replaced with an electrical heater to prevent ice from forming. Marshall Space- flight Center External Tank manager Sandy Coleman promised that no foam larger than a marshmallow would fall off of the improved tank. In the 147-page press kit’s description of all of the improvements to the shuttle, KSC’s acceptance of the industry standard definition for FOD (Foreign Object Debris) is presented as a positive. In a spin doctor- ing attempt it’s described how new FOD procedures improve safety, and ignores that FOD rules existed until two years before the Columbia acci- dent when the rules were reduced in a conscious move to make more bonus money for the contractor. Over 100 tracking cameras viewed Discovery’s launch. The E208 camera in Cocoa Beach, the one that had been “soft focused” on STS- 107, was replaced with a state-of-the-art setup. Cameras were also mounted on Discovery’s External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, and The bipod fitting on STS-114, on the right, shows the most significant external change— there is no longer any foam on the bipod fitting. 428 AFTERWORD 429 two aircraft with high-definition cameras offered the unique perspective of a shuttle flying toward the viewer.
    [Show full text]