Heat Shield Survey Complete

Tue, 12 May 2009 14:51:28 -0500

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.

Heat Shield Survey Continuing

Tue, 12 May 2009 13:19:51 -0500

The inspection of the shuttle's heat shield is continuing. Today's mission status briefing with Lead Flight Director Tony Ceccaci is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. EDT on NASA TV. Afterward, NASA TV will air the ISS Progress 33 docking to the International Space Station, expected at 3:23 p.m. The post-MMT briefing with MMT Chair Leroy Cain is set for 5 p.m.

Ground Crews Inspecting Flame Trench Damage

Tue, 12 May 2009 08:11:01 -0500

During preliminary inspections of launch pad 39A following yesterday's Atlantis launch, 25 square feet of Fondue Fyre from the North side of the solid rocket booster flame deflector was found to be liberated. The liberated Fondue Fyre appears to be next to a section of the of the solid rocket booster flame deflector that was repaired after STS-120. Some pneumatic lines (gaseous nitrogen, pressurized air) in the area were damaged and will need to be repaired. Preliminary indications are that there will not be an impact to Endeavour's June launch from pad 39A and this does not impact in any way our ability to launch Endeavour from Pad B should the need arise.

Atlantis Astronauts Begin Heat Shield Survey

Tue, 12 May 2009 08:27:29 -0500

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.

STS-125 Crew Begins First Full Day in Space

Tue, 12 May 2009 04:04:38 -0500

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.

STS-125 MCC Status Report #01

The Hubble Space Telescope’s final house call is on its way, as the space shuttle Atlantis roared into orbit through a clear blue Florida sky this afternoon.

The STS-125 crew – Commander Scott Altman, Pilot Gregory C. Johnson and mission specialists Michael Good, Megan McArthur, John Grunsfeld, Mike Massimino and Andrew Feustel – lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 1:01:56 p.m. Central time as Hubble flew directly overhead. Less than nine minutes later, the crew reached its preliminary orbit and began making its way toward the telescope. Atlantis is scheduled to rendezvous with the orbiting observatory on Wednesday.

Atlantis is carrying equipment that will extend Hubble’s lifetime and enhance its scientific capabilities. Grunsfeld, Massimino, Good and Feustel will install the new equipment during five spacewalks planned for the 11-day mission. Later today, the crew will check out the shuttle’s robotic arm and use it to survey the equipment in Atlantis’ payload bay. The arm will be used Wednesday to capture Hubble and secure it to the shuttle bay for servicing.

The STS-125 crew will begin its sleep period at 8:01 p.m. and awaken at 4:01 a.m. Tuesday. The next shuttle status report will be issued after crew wakeup, or earlier if events warrant.

Atlantis Begins Pursuit of Hubble Space Telescope

Mon, 11 May 2009 14:46:45 -0500

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.