STS-118

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Post by stargazer0105 »

I'm thinking about trying to get a car pass to get on the cause way for the 118 launch, but it's close to the end of my work term and I don't know if I can afford the time off. I was at the 116 launch last December and got to watch from Banana Creek. There's a video around here somewhere. I can link to it again if you want. Don't forget to enjoy the experience.

I've seen some of my co-workers pictures from the tours and would LOVE to go on them before they stop flying, but as a co-op the chances of that happening are slim to none unless I'm directly involved in something launch/mission related.
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Post by JennieM »

They just revised the launch time to 7:02 pm.
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Post by SpaceCanada »

Our latest and greatest tour schedule arrived today. We will be stopping at LC-34, the pad used for Apollo 1 and 7. We also visit launch pad LC-39A twice, once in the day and once at night after the rotating service structure has been removed.

Regardless, I am excited, and I have nearly every bit of camera equipment I own packed in my carry-on, so you will get plenty of photos, I promise!
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Post by rkolker »

If you have time, and it's still there, climb the blockhouse at LC-34. It gives you a great view of the Cape. The stairs were a little rickety, which is why I'm not sure they're still there.
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Post by JennieM »

NASA just can't catch a break lately. Now a cabin leak?! Uhhh...air in the crew cabin is kinda important. And then they have to play back seat to the Mars Lander "Phoenix" launch. Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer. :(
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Post by SpaceCanada »

I know. I read the news this morning and my stomach knotted up. But, the way I figure it, just being there and going on the tour is half the excitement. Launches are so unpredictable that I cannot get my hopes up too high on the best of days. My fingers and toes are crossed for luck.
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Post by JennieM »

How long will you be down there for? They said they moved it to Tuesday to give them more opportunities to launch during the week. Just keep wishing for the best.
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Post by SpaceCanada »

We only have one extra day. We leave the afternoon of the 9th.
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Post by SpaceCanada »

This just in:

Crew cabin leak confirmed

A second test confirmed that a persistent air leak is caused by a
faulty positive pressure relief valve behind the orbiter's toilet, said
NASA spokesman Bill Johnson at Kennedy Space Center. The valve is not
part of the toilet.

"They positively identified that it is a valve they refer to as valve
B," said Johnson.

Preliminary plans are to replace the valve with one now in shuttle
Atlantis. The move will be discussed at a Program Review Control Board
meeting at 2 p.m. EDT in Houston.

"Anything you do that changes the configuration has to be approved by
the board," said Johnson.

Cannibalization of parts between shuttles is common.

"It's not unusual," said Johnson. "They do this because it's faster
and you're getting something that's flight-tested."

The leak, first discovered during the weekend, was more than ten times
the allowable leak rate of .005 pounds per square inch (psi) per hour.
First thought to be a flexible hose connection, the leak remained after
a nut was tightened.

Johnson said that replacing the valve should not delay Endeavour's
scheduled launch at 7:02 p.m. on Aug. 7.

The launch schedule, however, became tighter Tuesday as the launch of
the NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander on a Delta II rocket slipped 24 hours to
Saturday, due to bad weather that slowed fueling Tuesday. If the Delta
launch slips further, it could delay the shuttle launch.

Why is it always the toilet? Maybe those Space Camp anomalies aren't so ridiculous after all. This time it really is the toilet!!
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Post by Mercergl »

We tried to depressurize the lower cabin in a camp sim to shut up one of our more talkative teammates, but alas, it was impossible, but this makes me think differently...
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Post by JennieM »

SpaceCanada wrote:Why is it always the toilet? Maybe those Space Camp anomalies aren't so ridiculous after all. This time it really is the toilet!!
LOL I just saw that!!! There's still hope yet!

The bathroom...

Why am I not surpised?!
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Post by rkolker »

The things you learn for Space Camp. I'm familiar with this valve from my studies of the ECLSS system. It is one of two valves designed to keep the cabin from overpressurizing. It is supposed to open when the delta pressure reaches 16 psi differential positive between the crew cabin and outside.

I know more if anyone cares.
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Post by JennieM »

Just saw this on the Kennedy Space Center News website:

08.02.07 - SHUTTLE: Endeavour has been cleared for flight on mission STS-118. Launch is set for 7:02 p.m. EDT Aug. 7.
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Post by monkeynautt »

Launch is now set for August 8th at 6:36pm.
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Post by SpaceCanada »

Yup, we have the new launch date.

I am in Florida now. We did the VIP KSC tour today. Words cannot describe the excitement of today! We went to the Apollo 1 launch pad, LC-39A to see endeavour, and so much more. I thought the STS-118 launch pad would be the best part but the SSPF was amazing! We were on the floor within reach of the ISS modules and parts. Then we went in the OPF and got within inches of Discovery. I walked under her wings and between the landing gear. I am still grinning! I will write more and post photos later, maybe tomorrow or maybe when I get home.

We have no plans for tomorrow. I hope to get to the KSC visitor center. The CSA has a reception in the evening and then the night viewing is just after midnight. I cannot wait!!

Take care everyone!
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SpaceCanada wrote:Yup, we have the new launch date.

I am in Florida now. We did the VIP KSC tour today. Words cannot describe the excitement of today! We went to the Apollo 1 launch pad, LC-39A to see endeavour, and so much more. I thought the STS-118 launch pad would be the best part but the SSPF was amazing! We were on the floor within reach of the ISS modules and parts. Then we went in the OPF and got within inches of Discovery. I walked under her wings and between the landing gear. I am still grinning! I will write more and post photos later, maybe tomorrow or maybe when I get home.

We have no plans for tomorrow. I hope to get to the KSC visitor center. The CSA has a reception in the evening and then the night viewing is just after midnight. I cannot wait!!

Take care everyone!
Hey Jennifer! It's Sarah from camp.

I'll be down there Wednesday for the launch....prolly won't run into you since it's so large a place, but ya never know!
-Sarah

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Post by JennieM »

SpaceCanada wrote:Yup, we have the new launch date.

I am in Florida now. We did the VIP KSC tour today. Words cannot describe the excitement of today! We went to the Apollo 1 launch pad, LC-39A to see endeavour, and so much more. I thought the STS-118 launch pad would be the best part but the SSPF was amazing! We were on the floor within reach of the ISS modules and parts. Then we went in the OPF and got within inches of Discovery. I walked under her wings and between the landing gear. I am still grinning! I will write more and post photos later, maybe tomorrow or maybe when I get home.

We have no plans for tomorrow. I hope to get to the KSC visitor center. The CSA has a reception in the evening and then the night viewing is just after midnight. I cannot wait!!

Take care everyone!
How exciting!!! I can't wait to see your pictures! Here's hoping everything goes well with the launch tomorrow. :D
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Post by JennieM »

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Post by JennieM »

God Speed, Endeavour!!! :D
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Post by monkeynautt »

We have liftoff.
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