Space Shuttle Discovery

Stratusxpeye · #101 Postby **Stratusxpeye** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:12 pm

My outlook says it will be a no go. Even though It would be great to have a 4th launch. Let's hope everything's good.

Website · #102 Postby **Brent** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:14 pm

I hope the weather cooperates.

JamesFromMaine2 · #103 Postby **JamesFromMaine2** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:21 pm

Frank P wrote:problem is... we're years away from a new crew vehicle as it has not even been fully designed yet... only in the conceptual stages... 8-10 years away at best....

should be less then 8 to 10 years according to the NASA site! I have been keeping up to date on this new vehicle and it says on the NASA site that it will be operational buy like 2010 I believe it says so thats 4 years might even be 2008 that it says but I am not sure.

#104 Postby **Frank P** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 12:58 am

JamesFromMaine2 wrote:
Frank P wrote:problem is... we're years away from a new crew vehicle as it has not even been fully designed yet... only in the conceptual stages... 8-10 years away at best....

should be less then 8 to 10 years according to the NASA site! I have been keeping up to date on this new vehicle and it says on the NASA site that it will be operational buy like 2010 I believe it says so thats 4 years might even be 2008 that it says but I am not sure.

I do believe you are getting confused between component testing dates and actual launch dates and need to get your facts correct.... and I know you have not worked in the space business or you would have never made that post.... there is NO way to design, build, test and launch a new manned space program in 2-4 years... that's NOT gonna happen... after the shuttle is retired in 2010-2011 we will NOT have manned access to space until 2014 at the earliest.....

from the following link
http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/ ... 0/850.aspx

""First testing of the Ares 1's launch abort system could begin in late 2008, with a step-by-step schedule for testing the full-scale vehicle beginning in 2009. Hanley said the launch abort system tests were likely to take place at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, while the full-fledged vehicle tests might be launched from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39B, the very pad where Discovery is sitting now.""

We don't even have a engine test facility capable of testing the new J-2x rocket engine, which will power the crew vehicle, so we are planning to start modifying the A1 test position at Stennis in Oct of 2006, but it will be a year or two before we even get the engine to test... not to mention we have to totally rebuild the B2 test position at Stennis to test the heavy lift vehicle and its 5 RS-68 engines... which is a big to do deal... then they have to modify the launch pads, which might be finished by 2008-2009, per the article... this is also quite aggressive

the article goes on to say, ""The shuttle team is intending to be finished with Pad B by that time," Hanley said.""

""The first crewed flights are now slated to begin in September 2014 - eventually leading to landings on the moon beginning in the 2018-2020 timeframe.""

Now all this is assuming we meet these schedules... and we NEVER meet our schedules..... you can take it to the bank we will NOT launch a new manned crew vehicle before 1014.... period... and I've been in the space business since 1984... so I think I have the credentials to know what I'm talking about... my best guess would be that we would NOT launch the new vehicle until mid to late 2015 at the earliest.... assuming the usual technical, weather and funding issues that always loom on the horizon

another reference link
http://www.space.com/news/060630_ares_rockets.html

""But after an in-house study, NASA officially settled on Ares based on the name’s Mars-related connotations, for the two rockets of its Project Constellation spacecraft. The first TEST flight an Ares booster could by 2009, with a PILOTED test to follow by 2014, NASA said. ""

JamesFromMaine2 · #105 Postby **JamesFromMaine2** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:40 am

"In just five years, the new ship will begin to ferry crew and supplies to the International Space Station. Plans call for as many as six trips to the outpost a year. In the meantime, robotic missions will lay the groundwork for lunar exploration. In 2018, humans will return to the moon. Here's how a mission would unfold: "

That was from the Nasa site
Link: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/explo ... t/cev.html

However your article is newer then this so maybe plans have changed since that was posted on the site.

#106 Postby **SeaBrz_FL** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 7:10 am

Our local newspaper is doing a great job keeping their website updated with the most up-to-date launch info, including a countdown clock. There's also a ton of info about the shuttle operations, traffic conditions, weather, etc.

Florida Today Newspaper

Recommend checking out the Interactives section, including the one called Lightning and the Shuttle

Weather looking great so far; currently 80% chance of no lightning within 10 nm.

#107 Postby **cycloneye** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 7:16 am

Countdown

Remember the hurricane season countdown? Here it is again counting towards launchtime at 2:38 PM EDT.

#108 Postby **Frank P** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 7:54 am

JamesFromMaine2 wrote:"In just five years, the new ship will begin to ferry crew and supplies to the International Space Station. Plans call for as many as six trips to the outpost a year. In the meantime, robotic missions will lay the groundwork for lunar exploration. In 2018, humans will return to the moon. Here's how a mission would unfold: "

That was from the Nasa site
Link: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/explo ... t/cev.html

However your article is newer then this so maybe plans have changed since that was posted on the site.

James, early on at one time that was the intent, in this business dates always change.. 6 months ago NASA had no intention of even using the RS-68 engine as the propulsion system for the new heavy lift vehicle.. they were going to use our Space Shuttle Main Engines, (SSME) and we were working towards that concept... but then they changed their mind and just a couple of months ago selected the RS-68, which was a major concept change ... this WAS a big change because the performance from a fuel stand point of the RS-68 engine is less than the SSME, and NASA had to change the size of the propellant tanks from 27 ft to 33 ft in diameter to be able to hold more fuel and oxidizer...which requires major modifications of the tooling and assembly capability of the Michoud plant in New Orleans, who will build the tanks... all of this is impacting the schedule...

I also read that the program is going to do everything possible to meet the 2014 target date.... but even without the shuttle we will still have access to space, it just won't be American... they will use the Russian rockets...

I attend meetings regularily that discuss schedules relative to the testing of the new engines and modifications of the facilities to test them at Stennis Space Center.... maybe everything will go to plan and we'll meet or exceed that 2014 first manned flight date... I hope so...

Now lets hope we get a SAFE launch today, weather and everything else permitting... enjoy the ride.... I will...

JamesFromMaine2 · #109 Postby **JamesFromMaine2** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 8:13 am

Frank P wrote:
JamesFromMaine2 wrote:"In just five years, the new ship will begin to ferry crew and supplies to the International Space Station. Plans call for as many as six trips to the outpost a year. In the meantime, robotic missions will lay the groundwork for lunar exploration. In 2018, humans will return to the moon. Here's how a mission would unfold: "

That was from the Nasa site
Link: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/explo ... t/cev.html

However your article is newer then this so maybe plans have changed since that was posted on the site.

James, early on at one time that was the intent, in this business dates always change.. 6 months ago NASA had no intention of even using the RS-68 engine as the propulsion system for the new heavy lift vehicle.. they were going to use our Space Shuttle Main Engines, (SSME) and we were working towards that concept... but then they changed their mind and just a couple of months ago selected the RS-68, which was a major concept change ... this WAS a big change because the performance from a fuel stand point of the RS-68 engine is less than the SSME, and NASA had to change the size of the propellant tanks from 27 ft to 33 ft in diameter to be able to hold more fuel and oxidizer...which requires major modifications of the tooling and assembly capability of the Michoud plant in New Orleans, who will build the tanks... all of this is impacting the schedule...

I also read that the program is going to do everything possible to meet the 2014 target date.... but even without the shuttle we will still have access to space, it just won't be American... they will use the Russian rockets...

I attend meetings regularily that discuss schedules relative to the testing of the new engines and modifications of the facilities to test them at Stennis Space Center.... maybe everything will go to plan and we'll meet or exceed that 2014 first manned flight date... I hope so...

Now lets hope we get a SAFE launch today, weather and everything else permitting... enjoy the ride.... I will...

Yes Hopefully everything goes smoothly and they get off the ground safely today. I will be watching the flight on TV!

#110 Postby **jlauderdal** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 8:15 am

Cape Weather and links from 45th Operations Group

https://www.patrick.af.mil/45og/45ws/launch.htm

Melbourne NWS

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/

NASA TV Channels

http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/cou ... video.html

Directv Channel 376 has NASA TV live, other goodies on link above.

KSC Shuttle Page with official clock

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

CHRISTY · #111 Postby **CHRISTY** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 8:16 am

iam be tuneing in also.....

#112 Postby **O Town** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:05 am

Great links jlauderdal. Thanks. Its aweful cloudy already here I really want to see it if it goes up. It will be a great addition to this holiday. 8-)

#113 Postby **Frank P** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:55 am

I have to admit, being a part of the shuttle program for a long time, I always get nervous during launch... my pucker pressure will be quite high around launch time for sure today...

Some have bashed the program in the forum and that's OK... that's what makes America so great, freedom of speech..... and its had its history of problems for sure....

But if you've ever been near the Shuttle, like when its on the pad, or being processed in the OPF (Obied Processing Facility), or on the transporter... its just an incredible vehicle to see... yeah its sorta old technology, but its still a most marvelous and complicated flying machine, the most complicated flying machine ever made by man still... every time I've been near the Shuttle I am just in total awe... its so impressive to see up close... even after all these years... so many people have to work so long and hard to get this thing to fly.... its incredible.... still

Godspeed Discovery.... may your launch be flawless today...

Stratusxpeye · #114 Postby **Stratusxpeye** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:14 am

I hope we get a launch today too, but I'm just no seeing it. Were in our summer pattern and come 1-3pm it will be cloudy and thunderstorm scattered throughout florida. Too bad the launch time wasnt early but than they wouldnt get where they needed to go

#115 Postby **jlauderdal** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:17 am

Frank P wrote:I have to admit, being a part of the shuttle program for a long time, I always get nervous during launch... my pucker pressure will be quite high around launch time for sure today...

Some have bashed the program in the forum and that's OK... that's what makes America so great, freedom of speech..... and its had its history of problems for sure....

But if you've ever been near the Shuttle, like when its on the pad, or being processed in the OPF (Obied Processing Facility), or on the transporter... its just an incredible vehicle to see... yeah its sorta old technology, but its still a most marvelous and complicated flying machine, the most complicated flying machine ever made by man still... every time I've been near the Shuttle I am just in total awe... its so impressive to see up close... even after all these years... so many people have to work so long and hard to get this thing to fly.... its incredible.... still

Godspeed Discovery.... may your launch be flawless today...

the armchair qb's can bash all they want, it falls on deaf ears as far as i am concerned. i think we have a better shot for a launch today then sunday. Dry air has moved in from the east and should keep tstorms to a minimum. lets keep our fingers crossed they can get it off the ground.

#116 Postby **Frank P** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:20 am

jlauderdal wrote:
Frank P wrote:I have to admit, being a part of the shuttle program for a long time, I always get nervous during launch... my pucker pressure will be quite high around launch time for sure today...

Some have bashed the program in the forum and that's OK... that's what makes America so great, freedom of speech..... and its had its history of problems for sure....

But if you've ever been near the Shuttle, like when its on the pad, or being processed in the OPF (Obied Processing Facility), or on the transporter... its just an incredible vehicle to see... yeah its sorta old technology, but its still a most marvelous and complicated flying machine, the most complicated flying machine ever made by man still... every time I've been near the Shuttle I am just in total awe... its so impressive to see up close... even after all these years... so many people have to work so long and hard to get this thing to fly.... its incredible.... still

Godspeed Discovery.... may your launch be flawless today...

the armchair qb's can bash all they want, it falls on deaf ears as far as i am concerned. i think we have a better shot for a launch today then sunday. Dry air has moved in from the east and should keep tstorms to a minimum. lets keep our fingers crossed they can get it off the ground.

I agree jlauderdal, I was just looking at the water vapor loop and going to post the link to show what you're talking about...you're right on about the dry air... hope it can last a couple more hours...

http://weather.cod.edu/analysis/loops/w ... an&type=wv

Ixolib · #117 Postby **Ixolib** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:31 am

Frank P wrote:oh, and how's the Florida living... you can come back home now, everything is back to normal again... YEAH RIGHT... funny thing, I get calls from my friends across the nation, and they always ask me if we are back to normal... its just easier for me to say,"yeah, we're all back to normal"... they always seem to like that answer... until they come for a visit to see our normal... their expressions are always... priceless

Well, I guess it may actually be normal considering that the definition of "normal" has changed in a big way!! FL living is great. It ain't home, but the water, the beach, and the fishing is OUTSTANDING!! What more does one need in life!!

#118 Postby **Frank P** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:31 am

Developing low SE of Miami is creating some cross wind problems at the KSC abort landing pad... if the cross winds exceed launch commit criteria then they will have to scrub...

#119 Postby **jlauderdal** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:34 am

Frank P wrote:
jlauderdal wrote:
Frank P wrote:I have to admit, being a part of the shuttle program for a long time, I always get nervous during launch... my pucker pressure will be quite high around launch time for sure today...

Some have bashed the program in the forum and that's OK... that's what makes America so great, freedom of speech..... and its had its history of problems for sure....

But if you've ever been near the Shuttle, like when its on the pad, or being processed in the OPF (Obied Processing Facility), or on the transporter... its just an incredible vehicle to see... yeah its sorta old technology, but its still a most marvelous and complicated flying machine, the most complicated flying machine ever made by man still... every time I've been near the Shuttle I am just in total awe... its so impressive to see up close... even after all these years... so many people have to work so long and hard to get this thing to fly.... its incredible.... still

Godspeed Discovery.... may your launch be flawless today...

the armchair qb's can bash all they want, it falls on deaf ears as far as i am concerned. i think we have a better shot for a launch today then sunday. Dry air has moved in from the east and should keep tstorms to a minimum. lets keep our fingers crossed they can get it off the ground.

I agree jlauderdal, I was just looking at the water vapor loop and going to post the link to show what you're talking about...you're right on about the dry air... hope it can last a couple more hours...

http://weather.cod.edu/analysis/loops/w ... an&type=wv

I hadnt even looked at the discos before my previous dry air post since we were across the bridge at the lauderdale by the sea parade. looks like we have consensus on the dry air. nws is smart to agree with me, lol.

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI FL
1000 AM EDT TUE JUL 4 2006

.UPDATE...UPPER LOW SPINNING OVER THE NORTHERN BAHAMAS HAS
ADVECTED MUCH DRIER AIR INTO SOUTH FLORIDA OVER THE PAST 24 HOURS.
PWAT AT MIAMI THIS MORNING REGISTERED ONLY 1.44 INCHES...WHILE
EAST OF THE LOW OVER NASSAU THE PWAT REGISTERED 1.91 INCHES.
WATER VAPOR IMAGERY SHOWS MOISTURE WRAPPING AROUND THE LOW AND
ALREADY MOVING ONTO THE ATLANTIC COAST THIS MORNING...SO TENDENCY
WILL BE FOR MOISTURE TO INCREASE THROUGH TONIGHT ACROSS THE AREA. CHANCE
POPS WILL BE MAINTAINED EVERYWHERE THIS AFTERNOON AND ATLANTIC
COAST TONIGHT. NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGES ARE PLANNED IN THE MORNING
UPDATE. /DG

EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL
907 AM EDT TUE JUL 4 2006

.DISCUSSION...
UPPER LOW EAST OF THE STATE CONTINUES TO SHOW A SWD COMPONENT TO
DRIFT. MUCH DRIER AIR AS EVIDENCED BY JAX MORNING SOUNDING WITH JUST
OVER AN INCH PWAT AND ADDITIONALLY DRY XMR SOUNDING ABV H85.
DRYING/SUBSIDENCE ASCD WITH CIRCULATION ON THE FRONT FLANK OF THE
SYSTEM EVIDENT WITH BACKED FLOW FROM SFC-ALOFT @915 AND 50 MHZ
PROFILERS AT THE CAPE. PCPN CHCS WILL REMAIN LIMITED ESPECIALLY OVER
THE NORTHERN SECTIONS WITH IMPINGING DRY AIR. DEVELOPMENT OF THE
EAST COAST BREEZE WILL ERODE MARINE SHOWERS AS THEY APCH THE COAST
AND THIS ACTIVITY WILL CONTINUE TO DECREASE BY MID DAY. HEATING
COMBINED WITH LL MOISTURE WILL PRODUCE LIMITED INTERIOR SHOWER
DEVELOPMENT WITH ISOLD THUNDER THIS AFTERNOON AND THIS ACTIVITY WILL
CONTINUE TO PRESS FURTHER INLAND DUE THE NE FLOW ALOFT. WITH
FORECAST UPDATE WILL BUMP PRECIP COVERAGE DOWNWARD AN AVG OF 10
PERCENT AREA WIDE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE AFTERNOON. ONLY TEMPORAL
ADJUSTMENTS OTHERWISE.

#120 Postby **Frank P** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:35 am

Ixolib wrote:
Frank P wrote:oh, and how's the Florida living... you can come back home now, everything is back to normal again... YEAH RIGHT... funny thing, I get calls from my friends across the nation, and they always ask me if we are back to normal... its just easier for me to say,"yeah, we're all back to normal"... they always seem to like that answer... until they come for a visit to see our normal... their expressions are always... priceless

Well, I guess it may actually be normal considering that the definition of "normal" has changed in a big way!! FL living is great. It ain't home, but the water, the beach, and the fishing is OUTSTANDING!! What more does one need in life!!

a house would be nice for me... glad you are enjoying yourself.... don't stay away too long...

Space Shuttle Discovery

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