shuttle launch

[DESTRUCTION5]

Fraid Launch Cancel today..

[Frank2]

Still a go at this time, per NASA - did you hear that from a news report?

[O Town]

Far as I have heard its still a go and only 20% chance of weather inhibiting take off.

[JonathanBelles]

Thats hard to believe looking at the radar, and the radar will only get worse as the day goes on.

[Canelaw99]

There probably won't be anymore "night" launches, as in after dark launches. After the Columbia disaster they groundruled night launches out due to the need for the camera's on the orbiter to view the ET's for debris.

Not totally true. They did nix ground launches for a while, but the launch in Dec. was definitely a night launch. My parents and I were there, at the lagoon at KSC for the launch - it was dark, and cold! LOL Night launches are so incredible.

[chadtm80]

Thats hard to believe looking at the radar, and the radar will only get worse as the day goes on.

The storms should push far enough west by take off time

[Roxy]

There probably won't be anymore "night" launches, as in after dark launches. After the Columbia disaster they groundruled night launches out due to the need for the camera's on the orbiter to view the ET's for debris.

Not totally true. They did nix ground launches for a while, but the launch in Dec. was definitely a night launch. My parents and I were there, at the lagoon at KSC for the launch - it was dark, and cold! LOL Night launches are so incredible.

You are right. I vagely remember some discussion about waiving the requirement for the Dec. Launch since it was a launch that really had to happen...it launched at 7:38 which is nighttime and it was dark.

http://wohba.com/2006/12/high-definitio ... aunch.html

I don't think it'll happen again, just my educated oppinion though.

[Canelaw99]

It was a 9:30pm launch....trust me, we were there waiting for it forever it seemed LOL

There will be more night launches - there has to be. In order for NASA to complete all that they need to for the space station before they discontinue the shuttle program in 2010, they have to have early mornings, daytimes, and nights available for launching.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15958667/

That link will take you to an MSNBC story about the Dec. launch, and the fact that they were requiring 3 day launches before they'd open up the nights again....

[JonathanBelles]

Launch Preparations Continue

Launch Time: 7:38 p.m. EDT

Space Shuttle Atlantis sits poised for launch Image above: Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits launch atop the mobile launch platform at Launch Pad 39A. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley + View High-res Image

06.08.07 - 1:20 p.m. EDT
There is an 80 percent chance of favorable weather at launch time this evening.

The loading of Atlantis' external tank with 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen began at 9:55 a.m. The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until launch. All systems onboard the space shuttle are functioning normally and ready for liftoff.

NASA TV coverage of the launch and live launch countdown coverage from NASA's Launch Blog will begin at 1:30 p.m. EDT Friday.

[Frank2]

Wow - 80% sounds very optimistic to me - as we speak, the weather here in Broward County (well south of KSC) is not good at all (lots of cloud to ground lightning here in the local area at this time)...

Since numerous showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the area south of KSC this afternoon and evening (they're developing at this time), it's hard to imagine they would be saying that the launch is almost a sure thing, since they are very careful when it comes to lightning - it (the lightning) needs to be at least 20 miles away for them to launch, if I'm not mistaken...

[JonathanBelles]

06.08.07 - 1:45 p.m. EDT
The Final Inspection Team -- also known as the "Ice Team" -- is at the launch pad inspecting the space shuttle's exterior. The team will spend about two hours checking the external tank to make sure it is in good condition and free of ice and debris.

[JonathanBelles]

Just something I found in the Launch blog that I thought was neat:

Atlantis is carrying a metal cargo tag from the Jamestown colony in Virginia. The tag is about 400 years old and bears the words "Yames Towne." It is being taken into space in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown's settlement in 1607. After the flight, the tag will be returned to the Jamestown Historical Society to join other artifacts in a museum.

[chadtm80]

http://www.wftv.com/wxmap/1913039/detail.html

[JonathanBelles]

06.08.07 - 6:00 p.m. EDT
In the White Room, the closeout crew wished the STS-117 crew good luck and best wishes as they secured Atlantis' hatch for launch. The astronauts are now going through final checks inside the orbiter to prepare for their journey to the International Space Station.

When Atlantis lifts off from Launch Pad 39A, it will be the first launch from that launch pad in over 4 years.

[JonathanBelles]

t-20mins and holding

[JonathanBelles]

t-9 mins and holding
-46 min hold
-OK poll will take place

[JonathanBelles]

launch a no go due to weather in emergency landing sites, still holding

[southerngreen]

the nasa clock is still ticking!

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shutt ... index.html

[JonathanBelles]

7:03 p.m. - Istres, France, has been declared go as an emergency landing site -- the fog issue has cleared. That means NASA remains on schedule for an on-time launch at 7:38.

[brunota2003]

Come on weather, clear up!