STS-117 Mission Updates: Part 1
Shuttle Docking
Confirmed
10 June 2007 3:38 p.m. EDT
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s full story on today’s docking activities.
-Ker Than
Shuttle
Backflips for ISS
10 June 2007 2:37 p.m. EDT
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s full story on today’s docking activities.
-Ker Than
Shuttle Has Station in
its Crosshairs
10 June 2007 2:20 p.m. EDT
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s full story on today’s docking activities.
-Ker Than
Correction Burn Not Necessary
10 June 2007 1:28 p.m. EDT
HOUSTON -- Mission ground controllers have decided a manual correction burn for the shuttle is not necessary and that Atlantis is on course for its afternoon docking wih the ISS.
STS-117 commander Rick Sturckow has just checked in with ISS 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikin in the first shuttle to station call.
"Hello Fyodor, its really good to hear your voice," Sturckow said. "We'll be there shortly. Please tell Sunni we have Clay on board ready to relieve her."
"Thank you very much, and Sunni's smiling," Yurchikhin responded.
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s full story on today’s docking activities.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ mission to the ISS. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
-Ker Than
Engine Burn Puts Atlantis En Route to ISS
10 June 2007 1:07 p.m. EDT
HOUSTON -- Atlantis has performed the 12-second TI engine burn that puts it on course for an on-time docking with the International Space Station (ISS). Docking is set for 3:38 p.m. EDT (1938 GMT). About 1 hour before berthing, while Atlantis is about 600 feet below the station, the shuttle will perform a backflip called the Rendeavous Pitch Maneuver, or RPM, so that astronauts aboard the station can take digital pictures of heat resistant tiles on its underside. The images will be scanned by ground engineers to look for potential damage incurred during ascent.
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s full story on today’s docking activities.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ mission to the ISS. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
-Ker Than
Space Shuttle Atlantis Closes on ISS
9 June 2007 11:56 a.m. EDT
NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis is closing in on the International Space Station (ISS) in anticipation of today’s planned afternoon docking high above Earth.
Atlantis shuttle commander Rick Sturckow and pilot Lee Archambault have guided the spacecraft through a series of small engine firings to hone the orbiter’s trajectory towards the ISS.
At 1:00 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT), the two aft-mounted rocket engines of Atlantis’ Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) will again fire up for the Terminal Phase Initiation - or TI - engine burn, which will put the shuttle on final approach to the orbital laboratory.
Today’s ISS docking is set for 3:38 p.m. EDT (1938 GMT).
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s full story on today’s docking activities
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ mission to the ISS. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
- Tariq Malik
Atlantis Astronauts Prepare for Space Station Arrival
9 June 2007 9:20 a.m. EDT
The seven astronauts aboard NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis awoke Sunday on course to an afternoon docking at the International Space Station (ISS).
The STS-117 crew woke up at 9:08 a.m. EDT (1308 GMT) to the sound of “Riding the Sky,” a song written and performed by NASA workers at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The song was chosen for STS-117 mission specialist Clayton Anderson, who is spending his last day as a shuttle crew member and will join the space station’s Expedition 15 crew after docking.
“Good morning Houston, and thanks a lot for that music from my beautiful wife Sue and my children Sutton and Cole,” Anderson told Mission Control. “We’re looking forward to a great day and seeing our friends on the station.”
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s full story on today’s docking activities.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ mission to the ISS. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
- Tariq Malik
Shuttle Crew Takes Closer Look at Torn Blanket
9 June 2007 7:52 p.m. EDT
Astronauts aboard NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis took a closer look at a torn thermal blanket to the orbiter’s portside.
The added survey will be tacked onto the end of today’s Atlantis heat shield inspection, and is expected to take about 30 minutes, NASA officials said.
Atlantis astronaut Patrick Forrester and other crewmates will use the shuttle’s sensor mounted orbital boom to take detailed images of the torn blanket, the damaged area of which measures about four inches and sits on the shuttle’s portside Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod.
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s full story on today’s heat shield inspection.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ launch. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
- Tariq Malik
Atlantis' Portside Wing Inspected
9 June 2007 5:35 p.m. EDT
HOUSTON -- Atlantis' crew has finished inspecting the shuttle's nose cap. Next on tap for scrutiny by the orbiter boom sensor system, or OBSS, is heat shields along the leading edge of Atlantis' portside wing. That inspection will last approximately 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, on board the International Space Station, the Expedition 15 crew is preparing the orbital laboratory for the Atlantis astronauts' arrival Sunday afternoon.
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s full story on today’s planned heat shield inspection.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ mission to the ISS. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
-Ker Than
Atlantis Crew Completes Starboard Shuttle Wing Survey
9 June 2007 4:32 p.m. EDT
The astronaut crew of NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis has completed their survey of the orbiter’s starboard side heat shield.
Atlantis’ sensor-tipped 100-foot (30-meter) inspection arm (a combination of the orbiter’s 50-foot (15-meter) robotic arm and an equal length boom at its end) will now be swung over the shuttle’s nose cap to scan heat shielding there.
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s story on today’s heat shield inspection.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ mission to the ISS. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
- Tariq Malik
Shuttle Crew Scans Atlantis Heat Shield
9 June 2007 3:43 p.m. EDT
Astronauts aboard the space shuttle Atlantis are working through their inspection of their 100-ton spacecraft’s vital heat shield.
The crew is currently working through procedures to survey the heat-resistant panels along the leading edge of Atlantis’ starboard wing. The survey has reached the fourth of seven sections to inspect the reinforced carbon carbon (or RCC) panels the shield the wing edges from high temperatures during landing.
The inspection will move from starboard to Atlantis nosecap, before heading to the rest of the orbiter’s heat shield.
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s story on today’s heat shield inspection.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ mission to the ISS. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
- Tariq Malik
Heat Shield Inspections Begin
9 June 2007 2:15 p.m. EDT
HOUSTON -- The STS-117 crew have unberthed an orbital boom sensor system and are setting up to begin inspections of thermal protection tiles on the wings and nosecap of the shuttle, beginning with Atlantis' starboard side. The astronauts are also checking out systems in two spacesuits that will be used in the upcoming spacewalks.
The now standard heat shield inspections have been partly automated, and as a result the entire process is expected to take only about five hours instead of the usual seven or eight, NASA has said. Lead mission specialist at Forrester is commanding the robotic arm during the inspection.
Atlantis' launch from Kennedy Space Center Friday evening was praised by NASA officials as being one of the cleanest liftoffs in recent memory. Only small shedding of foam from the extensively repaired external fuel tank was observed, none of which seemed to strike the orbiter. However, the astronauts did spot a torn thermal blanket on one of the shuttle's two aft-mounted Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pods late Friday evening after Atlantis reached orbit.
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s full story on today’s planned heat shield inspection.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ mission to the ISS. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
-Ker Than
Atlantis Astronauts
Begin First Full Day in Space
9 June 2007 10:19 a.m. EDT
The STS-117 astronauts aboard NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis have begun their first full day in orbit, waking up at 10:08 a.m. EDT (1408 GMT) to the sound of country singer Aaron Tippin’s “Big Boy Toys.”
The song was chosen for shuttle commander Rick Sturckow by his family and relayed up by NASA’s Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
“Good Morning Houston, we hear you loud and clear,” Sturckow said after the wake-up call, a NASA spaceflight tradition. “Thanks to my wife Michelle and my kids for playing that song.”
Atlantis astronauts will scan their shuttle’s heat shield for damage, check out spacesuits that will be used during their mission and prepare for a planned Sunday afternoon docking at the International Space Station. The STS-117 crew is hauling new trusses, solar arrays and one new crewmember to the orbital laboratory during their 11-day mission.
Today is Flight Day 2 of Atlantis’ STS-117 mission, which began with a successful Friday launch.
Click HERE for SPACE.com’s full story on today’s planned heat shield inspection.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ mission to the ISS. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
- Tariq Malik
Atlantis Astronauts
Discard Shuttle Fuel Tank
8 June 2007 7:50 p.m. EDT
The STS-117 astronauts aboard the space shuttle Atlantis have discarded the 15-story external tank that fed the orbiter’s nearly nine-minute launch into space.
With that, Atlantis is now in orbit. The upcoming tasks for the shuttle's STS-117 crew include opening the orbiter's shell-like payload bay doors.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ launch. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
- Tariq Malik
Atlantis' Engines Shut
Down as Planned
8 June 2007 7:48 p.m. EDT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The rocket engines boosting Atlantis and its external tank towards orbit have shut down as planned about eight and a half minutes into flight.
The milestone, known as Main Engine Cut-Off (MECO) The spacecraft is flying towards its intended orbit, with the next major task aimed at discarding the shuttle’s external tank.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ launch. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
- Tariq Malik
Solid Rocket Boosters
Separate
8 June 2007 7:43 p.m. EDT
The twin solid rocket boosters assisting Atlantis’ launch into space have separated as planned from the shuttle’s external tank.
The reusable boosters separate at about two minutes and five seconds after liftoff and fall back toward the Atlantic Ocean, where they will splash down under parachutes and be retrieved by recovery ships. They are equipped with cameras to record the performance of Atlantis’ external tank and any foam loss seen during today’s ascent.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ launch. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
- Tariq Malik
Shuttle Atlantis Lifts
Off!
8 June 2007 7:38 p.m. EDT
The space shuttle Atlantis has cleared the launch tower and gaining altitude after lifting off at about 7:38 p.m. EDT (2338 GMT).
Riding aboard Atlantis are STS-117 commander Rick Sturckow, pilot Lee Archambault and mission specialists Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson, Danny Olivas, Jim Reilly II and Clayton Anderson.
It should take Atlantis about eight and one-half minutes to ferry its seven-astronaut crew into orbit.
NASA is providing live coverage of Atlantis’ launch. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.
- Tariq Malik
Shuttle Atlantis ‘Go’ for Launch
8 June 2007, 7:29 p.m. EDT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Shuttle Atlantis has been cleared for launch from Pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center on its 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The countdown has just picked up following the planned T-9 minute hold as final launch preparations are rushed to completion.
The mission management team has been polled and all have reported back ‘Go for launch.’ The seven STS-117 astronauts, led by mission commander Rick Sturckow, are strapped into their seats, running through their pre-launch checklists and are closely monitoring their spacecraft systems for their ascent to orbit. Commander Sturckow thanked the launch team for its “dedication and hard work.”
Atlantis' launch time is now set for 7:38:04 p.m. EDT (2338:04 GMT), with a 5-minute launch window. No technical or vehicle issues are being worked at this time.
Weather conditions are observed and forecast ‘Go’ on all fronts with no constraints to launch, conditions at the primary Transatlantic Abort Landing site remain within acceptable limits. The Eastern Range reports ‘Clear for launch.’
Over the next nine minutes, the Orbiter’s access arm will be retracted, the hydraulic power system (APU) started, the liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks pressurized, Discovery’s internal flight computers will take control of the countdown and a booster steering test will be conducted. The three space shuttle main engines will ignite at T-minus 6.6 seconds and the twin solid rockets boosters will light at T-minus zero resulting in liftoff.
At the time of Atlantis’ launch, the International Space Station will be orbiting at an altitude of 220 nautical miles above the southern Indian Ocean, southwest of Australia.
- Roger Guillemette
Overseas Weather Clears, Atlantis Ready for Launch
8 June 2007, 7:12 p.m. EDT
Weather conditions at the Transatlantic Abort Landing site in Istres, France are now both observed and forecast ‘Green’ or acceptable to support an emergency landing, allowing mission managers to proceed with tonight’s launch attempt of shuttle Atlantis.
Atlantis' launch time is now set for 7:38:04 p.m. EDT (2338:04 GMT), with a 5-minute launch window. No technical or vehicle issues are being worked at this time.
NASA is broadcasting today's launch activities LIVE on NASA TV. Click here to watch SPACE.com's video feed or click the button at the upper left of this page.
- Roger Guillemette
Weather 'No Go' at Emergency Shuttle Landing Sites
8 June 2007, 6:50 p.m. EDT
A weather concern has developed overseas for today's planned launch of NASA's space shuttle Atlantis.
Both of NASA's emergency landing strips -- one in Zargoza, Spain and the other in Istres, France - have poor weather conditions to support today's planned 7:38:04 p.m. EDT (2338:04 GMT) liftoff. Under NASA flight rules, at least one overseas landing site -- known as a Trans-Atlantic Abort Site -- must be available in order to proceed with launch.
NASA is broadcasting today's launch activities LIVE on NASA TV. Click here to watch SPACE.com's video feed or click the button at the upper left of this page.
- Tariq Malik
Shuttle Atlantis Ready for Launch
8 June 2007, 6:38 p.m. EDT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Shuttle Atlantis is just an hour away from liftoff on a planned 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The countdown clock is ticking down toward the T-9 minute mark – the final planned, built-in hold remaining in the countdown.
Atlantis' launch time has been adjusted slightly to 7:38:04 p.m. EDT (2338:04 GMT), with a 5-minute launch window – this final adjustment will more precisely align with the International Space Station's orbit.
The seven STS-117 astronauts, led by veteran mission commander Rick Sturckow, are strapped into their seats, running through their pre-launch checklists and are closely monitoring their spacecraft systems in preparation for their ascent to orbit. The close-out crew is now breaking down the ‘White Room’ surrounding the spacecraft hatch and will soon depart the launch pad.
No technical issues are being worked at this time. Mission managers are polling members of the launch team to ensure that all is in readiness with Atlantis and crew, poised for launch from the Kennedy Space Center’s Pad 39-A.
Astronauts Steve Lindsey and Mark Polansky are piloting the Shuttle Training Aircraft, flying practice approaches to the Shuttle Landing Facility to confirm visibility conditions as well observing cloud formations to the south and east of Cape Canaveral. Weather forecasts remain positive, with an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions predicted for launch time and generally favorable conditions at the primary and backup Transatlantic Abort Landing sites in Zaragoza, Spain and Istres, France.
Distinguished guests in attendance for today’s launch attempt include Florida Governor Charlie Crist, U.S. Senator (and space shuttle veteran) Bill Nelson and author Lucy Hawking – daughter of Stephen Hawking.
NASA is
broadcasting today's launch activities LIVE
on NASA TV. Click here to watch
SPACE.com's video feed or click the
button at the upper left of this page.
- Roger Guillemette
Atlantis’ Hatch Closed for Launch
8 June 2007, 5:43 p.m. EDT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Shuttle Atlantis’ hatch has been closed, the seven STS-117 astronauts are now strapped into their seats and final preparations are progressing for this evening’s launch attempt from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39-A.
Mission commander Rick Sturckow, pilot Lee Archambault and crew have just completed a series of communications checks to ensure that the astronauts can talk to flight controllers and each other during the spacecraft’s ascent to orbit.
Atlantis' launch time is set for 7:38:02 p.m. EDT (2338:02 GMT), with a 5-minute launch window – a final adjustment of the launch time may be made at the T-9 minute hold to more precisely align with the International Space Station's orbit.
Weather forecasts remain positive, with an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions predicted for launch time. Conditions are also favorable at the primary and backup Transatlantic Abort Landing sites in Zaragoza, Spain and Istres, France.
The shuttle’s external tank is filled with a half-million gallons of super-chilled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The vehicle is in "stable replenish" mode and its massive fuel tank will continue to be topped-off until launch time.
The launch team is not working any technical or vehicle issues at this time. The two Solid Rocket Booster recovery ships have reported on-station, about 140 miles off the Florida coast, and are reporting 2-3 foot seas in the recovery area.
Today’s launch attempt is the 65th in shuttle history from Pad 39-A – the last launch from this pad was Shuttle Columbia on Jan. 16, 2003.
NASA is
broadcasting today's launch activities LIVE
on NASA TV. Click here to watch
SPACE.com's video feed or click the
button at the upper left of this page.
- Roger Guillemette
Atlantis Crew Enters Spacecraft
8 June 2007, 4:33 p.m. EDT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The seven-astronaut crew of Shuttle Atlantis are boarding their spacecraft at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A.
Led by veteran shuttle commander Rick Sturckow, one-by-one the astronauts are being positioned in their seats on Atlantis’ flight and mid-decks in preparation for their ascent to orbit.
The launch team is not working any technical or vehicle issues at this time and weather forecasts are favorable, with an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions.
Atlantis' launch time is set for 7:38:02 p.m. EDT (2338:02 GMT), with a 5-minute launch window.
- Roger Guillemette
Atlantis
Astronauts Head to Launch Pad
8 June 2007, 3:47 p.m. EDT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.-- Clad in their orange launch and entry spacesuits, the seven Atlantis astronauts have begun a 20-minute ride in their silver 'Astro Van' toward Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39A where their spacecraft stands poised for launch. NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding has given his permission for the astronauts to enter the spacecraft, indicating that all switches and systems in the cockpit are properly configured for the crew.
STS-117 commander Rick Sturckow and pilot Lee Archambault have been briefed on the launch weather forecast; meteorologists are still predicting an 80 percent probability of acceptable conditions at launch time. Rain showers and low clouds that lingered over the Cape Canaveral area and just offshore over the Atlantic are now breaking up with the onset of the afternoon sea breeze.
The Final Inspection Team has departed the launch pad and will make their report to mission managers; however, the launch team is currently not working any vehicle or technical issues.
The countdown has just resumed at the T-minus 3 hour mark and Atlantis' external tank is now filled with a half-million gallons of super-chilled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The vehicle is in "stable replenish" mode and the massive fuel tank will continue to be topped-off until launch time.
Atlantis' launch time is set for 7:38:02 p.m. EDT (2338:02 GMT), with a 5-minute launch window.
- Roger Guillemette
Shuttle Crew Suiting Up
8 June 2007 3:20 p.m. EDT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The seven-member STS-117 crew is suiting up into their orange flightsuits and will shortly make their way to pad 39A, where they will strap into their seats aboard Atlantis.
Commander Rick Sturckow will sit in front left-seat of the shuttle cockpit. On his right will be pilot Lee Archambault. Behind them will be missions specialists Steve Swanson and Patrick Forrester. Seated in the shuttle mid-deck from left to right are mission specialists Danny Olivias, Clay Anderson, and James Reilly, respectively.
-Ker Than
Final Inspection Team at Shuttle Launch Pad
8 June 2007 2:13 p.m. EDT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The shuttle final inspection team is on Pad 39A and doing a walkthrough to check the integrity of the thermal insulation, look for possible ice or frost buildup on the external fuel tank, particularly around areas that were repaired after hail damage in late February. The team has been instructed to inspect a hanging bracket on the mobile launcher platform to see if it poses any threat of coming loose during launch.
The weather forecasts remains the same, with an 80 percent chance that launch will occur as scheduled.
-Ker Than
Astronauts Sit Down for Preflight Meal
8 June 2007 1:49 p.m. EDT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The seven STS-117 astronauts are sitting down for their traditional preflight meal. They will pose for photos and participate in launch related briefings before suiting up and heading out to the launch pad at 3:47 pm EDT.
The countdown for tonight’s planned launch of Atlantis has entered into a T-3 hour hold that is expected to last for three hours. Weather is still 80 percent ‘Go’ for a 7:38 pm EDT (2338 GMT) liftoff tonight. Storm clouds off the coast of Florida are heading towards Kennedy Space Center, but are expected to be blown inland before launch.
-Ker Than
Space Shuttle Atlantis Fueled for Launch
8 June 2007 1:04 p.m. EDT
The space shuttle Atlantis is fueled for launch as the countdown continues towards a planned 7:38 p.m. EDT (2338 GMT) liftoff today.
Shuttle workers completed fueling Atlantis' 15-story external tank with more than 500,000 gallons of propellant at 12:57 p.m. EDT (1657 GMT). Efforts to load the tank with its cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen fuel began at 9:55 a.m. EDT (1355 GMT) today.
Atlantis' seven-astronaut crew is set to haul a pair of massive trusses and two new solar arrays to the International Space Station on NASA's STS-117 mission. The spaceflight will also feature a one-astronaut crew swap for the station's Expedition 15 mission.
Click here for SPACE.com's preview of today's planned space shot.
-- Tariq Malik
Space Shuttle Fueling Underway
8 June 2007 11:27 a.m. EDT
NASA engineers are fueling the space shuttle Atlantis' 15-story external tank in preparation for today's 7:38 p.m. EDT (2338 GMT) launch to the International Space Station.
The three-hour fueling process began at about 9:55 a.m. EDT (1355 GMT).
Known as 'tanking,' the fueling activity will fill the shuttle's foam-covered external tank with the some 500,000 gallons of super-chilled liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen that will feed Atlantis' three main engines during the nearly nine-minute launch to orbit.
Atlantis' seven-astronaut crew is set to haul a pair of massive trusses and two new solar arrays to the International Space Station on NASA's STS-117 mission. The spaceflight will also feature a one-astronaut crew swap for the station's Expedition 15 mission.
Click here for SPACE.com's preview of today's planned space shot.
-- Tariq Malik
Atlantis to be Fueled for Launch
8 June 2007 9:26 a.m. EDT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Atlantis' external fuel tank is scheduled to be pumped with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant at 9:40 am EDT (1340 GMT) for tonight's planned launch. Weather forecasters still predict a favorable '80' percent chance for tonight's launch taking place on time.
Atlantis is set to lift off at 7:38 pm EDT (2338 GMT) tonight. The Rotation Service Structure (RSS) that protects Atlantis was retracted last night in preperation for launch.
-Ker Than
Launch-Day Weather Improves
7 June 2007 12:05 p.m. EDT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The weather forecast for Friday’s shuttle launch has been upgraded to 80 percent ‘Go.’ Forecasters predict thunderstorms around Kennedy Space Center in the hours leading up to launch, but expect the clouds to move inland by launch time at 7:38 pm EDT (2338 GMT). For the full story, click here.
The first of four scheduled countdown holds will begin at 1 pm EDT (1700 GMT) today, during which the orbiter’s fuel cell storage tanks will be loaded.
-Ker Than
Launch
Preparations on Track for Shuttle Atlantis
6 June
2007 10:56 a.m. EDT
"We are not tracking any significant issues at all in the launch countdown," NASA test director Jeff Spaulding said during a mission update at KSC in Cape Canaveral. "Our vehicle and systems are in great shape."
Shuttle workers are expected to begin loading Atlantis with the cryogenic liquid oxygen and hydrogen to power the shuttle's three fuel cells during its upcoming mission.
Commanded by veteran spaceflyer Rick Sturckow, Atlantis' seven-astronaut crew is gearing up for a planned 7:38 p.m. EDT (2338 GMT) launch on June 8. The shuttle's 11-day STS-117 mission will haul two new starboard solar arrays and a pair of 17.5-ton trusses to the International Space Station to continue assembly of the orbital laboratory.
There is a 30 percent chance that afternoon thunderstorms will prohibit Atlantis' launch, though conditions are expected to worsen over time. Weather conditions on Saturday and Sunday are expected to pose a 40 percent chance of unacceptable launch conditions, mission managers said.
"Our launch day weather actually looks like the best day," Kathy Winters, NASA's shuttle weather officer, said in the briefing.
Atlantis' STS-117 mission is the first of four NASA shuttle flights planned for 2007. NASA's flight window for the ISS-bound mission extends through mid-July.
-- Tariq Malik
Atlantis Launch Countdown Begins
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